Category: CARS

Thinking of a road trip? Try Mitsubishi’s top road trip tips

A Mitsubishi outlander drives away from the camera along a coastal road

Christmas holidays means lots of a few things: sun, beach and getting the heck outta town! So pack the life up into a car – rent one if you have to! – and hit the road, exploring some of your State’s, or further afield, hidden wonders and coastal gems. We spoke to Mitsubishi who gave us their top 10 tips for a road trip this summer that suits the newest to the most advanced drivers and their desire for a quality ride with a winning destination. Mitsubishi’s top ten festive road trip tips All I want for Christmas is less traffic Beat the rush and make an early start to avoid the highway traffic jam. Mitsubishi research indicates the busiest time on the roads this Christmas is likely to be between the 18th and 24th December, with half (48%) of Aussies planning on setting off for the Christmas holiday season between these dates and only one in ten planning to set off earlier than December 18th. Wrapping up insurance It’s important to protect the family from unexpected encounters with kangaroos on outback roads, or torrential downpours in the middle of rain forests, not to mention accidents and break-ins. As with every vehicle, make sure you have the insurance you need before travelling and purchase roadside assistance for additional support. Life cover never goes astray, either, while you’re at it. Be efficient with boot packing Much to the distress of parents Australia-wide, packing a boot is traditionally known as one of the most complicated and frustrating aspects of… Read More

Tips on the second-hand car inspection process and buying the right car for you

Honda-Insight-vti-car

Aussies’ love affair with second-hand cars has had a huge resurgence following the pandemic, but many still find the inspection process nerve-wracking and confusing. New research from mycar Tyre & Auto reveals nearly two-thirds (64%) of Australians are planning on buying a car in the next two years and, due to the financial constraints of the past year, over half (53%) are turning to second-hand options. When it comes to the purchasing process, Australians are feeling more overwhelmed than ever, with 83% of second-hand car buyers concerned the car will have a mechanical fault. To help prospective buyers along the way, mycar has developed the ‘Sense Check’ inspection guide, instructing Aussies on what to look for, feel for, listen out for and even what certain smells could indicate when buying second-hand. During the day, inspect the used cars in Georgetown SC panels to see that they are even and not painted, misaligned, damaged or rusty. Key tips include: For more tips on what to look out for when shopping for a second-hand car, visit the mycar ‘Sense Check’ inspection guide at www.mycar.com.au/sense-check or speak to a friendly technician at one of mycar’s 265+ stores.

The new Toyota Yaris test drive: compact in size but clean, green and huge on safety features

New Toyota Yaris Hybrid ZR

Good looks. Tick. Compact. Tick. Safety features. Tick. Hybrid option. Tick.  The latest Toyota Yaris is hard to go past if you’re in the market for a compact-sized vehicle. There are three grades available in the new Yaris range – Ascent Sport, the SX, and the top of the range, ZR. If cleaner and greener are high on your list of priorities, the hybrid version (available in the SX and ZR) delivers outstanding performance and efficiency by combining the benefits of an electric motor with a petrol engine. We test drove the ZR and the verdict is out – the 1.5L Toyota Hybrid System with auto CVT is big on safety features, technology, and fuel efficiency. Providing a smooth and comfortable ride, the Yaris is perfect for city driving and squeezing into those tight, awkward parking spots with the assistance of front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera (which is standard across the range).  But with cutting edge safety technology such as the head-up display, blind-spot monitor, lane trace assist (steering assistance when you’re out of line), and pre-collision safety system, this is also the perfect ride for those long, out-of-town road trips. There’s no danger of cramping your style as there’s ample space to throw in your luggage, plus extra space designed underneath the floor of the boot.  One of the first things you notice when you turn the engine on is how quiet the hybrid system is. You have to check twice to make sure the car is actually… Read More

Phenomenal guide to compare & evaluate car insurance policies

Man driving car in the sunset

Insurance is something that is mandatory so it makes sense to make sure that you are getting a good deal when you acquire it. There are a lot of different insurance companies around, but the smart shopper is going to compare rates and get the best savings. Price Comparison The first thing that people tend to look for when they are paying attention to insurance is the price comparison. It is good to look at a price with the quotes, and this is something that can usually be compared online. There are a lot of things that go into the price of the insurance, and things like credit score and your previous driving record will play a part of that. When you compare prices the rates may be similar for basic coverage, but the rates may increase based on the type of perks that you get as you move into premium coverage that gives you things like rental cars and other types of perks at no extra cost if an accident occurs. Type of Coverage It is a good idea to look at the coverage that you are trying to obtain for your policy. You may find that basic car insurance with one company will be the same as the cost of comprehensive coverage with another company. Keep these things in mind when you are searching for insurance. You may find that it is cheaper to use another insurance company just because they give you more coverage for less money. Your Location A large part… Read More

8 reasons you need car insurance

Four wheel drive car

With thousands of cars finding the way in and out of our busy highways, it is not a surprise that accidents do occur. The impact of accidents can be costly, more so when it involves bodily injuries. The best way to avoid all these unplanned expenses is by securing your car with insurance. Reliable car insurance will protect you from hefty fines and medical bills, aside from giving you peace of mind as a driver. In some cases, car owners may be aware of the need for purchasing car insurance along with their car, but they might not always aware of the following points: Insuring a vehicle is mandatory as per the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 It needs to renew before the expiry date You have the option of choosing the car insurance of choice, not what the car dealer suggests There two insurance policy; third party liability and comprehensive policy. Knowing the benefits of car insurance will help you to see the importance of insuring it, and help you leap maximum value from the insurance type and the coverage you opt for. While the main advantage of car insurance is the peace of mind it comes with, there are many other benefits for having you and your car protected. 1. Third-party liability cover In a comprehensive insurance cover, all the associated car insurance policies are required by law to be covered. Any loss or damage caused by the insured car to a third party is usually included in this comprehensive insurance. 2. Car Accident… Read More

Driving the east coast of Australia: Holden Equinox just makes road trips

James Banham standing in a Holden Equinox SUV car to take a picture of the ocean

It feels sturdy enough to take control of the road, its seats really hug you and make you feel secure, its acceleration and steering are super sensitive so you’re in control and it’s just damn nice to look at. This is the Holden Equinox SUV and it’s a dream to drive. It’s the kind of car you want your Mum to have, so you can steal it; it’s the kind of ride you want to make your friends jealous and it’s the kind of wheels you want for your life because it’s so damn practical. Here’s why. The size The Holden Equinox is chunky, yet funky, and sports all the perks of a regular inner city ride with more grunt to get you from A-to-B in the chassis of a car that’s build to carry a tonne. Think of it as your road suitcase. A spare wardrobe? Done. A kayak? Probably. A repository for everything you’re taking camping? Too easy. It’s got a seat-up and folded capacity of 846L and 1796L, so you know it’s built for loads. The tank Couple its hefty sizeable size, with a fuel tank capacity of 55L for the FWD and 59 for the AWD, it’ll get you there and back – and then some. This almost alone makes it the ideal SUV for coastal trips, weekends away and general city zipping for the times you need to just live. The look The Holden Equinox is a nice-looking ride. In addition to its size, the fuel economy and general usefulness… Read More

The return to recreation: The new Toyota RAV4 is the car for life

Toyota RAV4 2019 parked outside the d'Arenberg Cube in Adelaide

We’re in the age of the SUV! Literally every car manufacturer that matters is playing in the space and pumping out car-after-life-inspiring-car that makes you want to sell your current hunk, buy an SUV and a bike, throw it all in the boot and disappear for a while. That’s actually what Toyota is all about with its new RAV4, too. They’re all about turning up the ability for you to live life, away from the city BS we surround ourselves with all too much. What ever happened to weekend camping trips? Kayaking down the Murray River? A drive to the top of Mount Wellington in Hobart and riding the bike back down? The Toyota RAV4 is the type of car they’ve made to allow that to happen. It gives you the opportunity to check out of life for a little bit to actually go camping, actually try cruising up the coast to the beach and staying the night, or seriously giving that interstate road trip a go in style, comfort and practicality. It’s a car that is regarded as one of the original SUVs – back before everyone was doing ’em, 25 years ago – which has now reached its fifth generation and considered the safest, most capable, most refined and comfortable RAV4 ever. And what makes the new car that much more exciting is that Toyota is pumping them out in hybrid variants for the more ecologically and environmentally conscious. The hybrid type is best because it combines and ICE engine (internal combustion engine)… Read More

Test driving Toyota Fortuner GXL: Going bush the right way

James Banham playing with a dog next to the Toyota Fortuner

Sometimes you just need some ‘you’ time. And what’s the best way to get it? Getting the hell outta Dodge and heading for the sticks, of course. Sure, throw a bath in there, some bottles of red and cheese and you’ve got a top-notch weekend away to soak up that R&R, but it’s how you get there that really sets the pace for the final destination. Enter the Toyota Fortuner GXL. It’s an SUV with enough go under the hood to make the journey pretty effortless – and fuel efficient – enough comfort and suspension to give you the allusion of cloud-like driving and enough space for you to basically live in, if you forgot to finalise your payment for that AirBnB in the mountains you loved. MORE: What the Toyota Koba mini SUV is like to drive We’re going to take a look at how the Fortuner tops off a trip up to terrain that your little city buzzbox might have a meltdown over. The look At first glance, the Toyota Fortuner is big. Very big. But, with size comes safety and with safety comes a stress-free drive, which is what you want when tackling anything from winding mountain roads, to tight inner-city corners. It’s a complete 7-seater with two retractable rear seats to stick any additional kids you might wind-up with, friends on a night out, bags or pets. They even fold up conveniently for the times you don’t want to feel quite like you’re at the head of a people mover while… Read More

Ferrari f1 red: Ferrari does Formula 1, Ferrari Red Lounge

Screenshot 20190316 2330182

Ferrari Australasia are proud to announce the launch of ‘The Ferrari Red Lounge’, a venue just for the Grand Prix in Melbourne like they’ve never done before. Just metres from the F1 track, the Ferrari space will be celebrated with a special unveiling of the limited series Icona car, the Monza SP1. It’s a space of 240 square meters, immersing anyone lucky enough to head in, into the world of Ferrari over the four-day schedule, that’ll continually evolve into the night, hosting VIP guests and private entertainment, to showcase two of the brand’s most iconic models, the Ferrari Portofino and Monza SP1. The car they’re unveiling, the Ferrari Monza SP1, is inspired by barchettas of the 1950’s aesthetic, which is futuristic, but at the same time an homage to the past. The Monza SP1 is equipped with the most powerful naturally-aspirated V12 ever produced by Ferrari. The power of the 812 Superfast’s 6.5 litre engine has been increased by 10 cv to 810 cv at 8500 rpm with a slight increase in torque to 719 Nm at 7000 rpm. See more at Ferrari.

Holden Suv: Holden does 5 SUVs: Here’s why they’re awesome

holden suv

When it comes to buying or talking about cars, you don’t need to be an car-nut to make a good decision. Though, if you’re in the market for an SUV – as so many of us are – looking anywhere but the Australian car brand Holden mightn’t do you any favours. The Lion brand has long been known on Australian roads and has a soft spot in Aussie’s hearts, which is why they’re now – much like as they’ve always done – giving the people what they want and catering to the ever-lucrative and teemingly busy SUV market, which has in 2018/9 capitalised majority of the market’s demand. And it’s not going anywhere. Holden does five kinds of SUV vehicles; each one different than the last, and for good reason. Catering to the busy suburban Mum of three who’s constantly running errands, to the yuppie Surry Hills resident who needs something more compact to get from A-to-B while still packing a punch; the Holden name has fast become one to consider when it comes to SUVs and excitingly – and more temptingly – away from the tired old names in the category we see all too many of on the roads. We got to experience the Holden Proving Grounds in Victoria, Australia, where all the testing, perfecting and tuning of all Holden vehicles takes places – and what an experience it was. Here are the 5 Holden SUVs and the best bits about them, absolutely in order of preference! Holden Trax It’s compact, zippy, drives… Read More