Tag: Car blog

She’s sophisticated, stylish & sassy: meet the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is due to hit Mitsubishi dealerships in Australia from 15th August 2022, offering a new-generation PHEV system for Aussies with up to 84km of pure electric driving – up from 54km in the previous model. For consumers looking for a sophisticated and fun PHEV without the high-end price tag, your time has come.  Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia says with the release of the new Outlander PHEV, the company is targeting a more premium market than before. “Our core target market is primarily middle-class Australians and we haven’t shifted from that, but what we have picked up from our market research is feedback from customers looking for a more premium offering. So, what we’ve done is move this car up in terms of quality finish, sophistication, and style. Every attribute of the vehicle has improved. And that is to give our customers a better value for money product at the more premium end of the market.”  MORE: We took one for a spin around all Victoria and here’s how it went The competitors versus the Outlander PHEV So, what makes the Outlander PHEV stand out from the competitors, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or the Kia Sorrento PHEV? If environmental considerations are high on your list of priorities, Mr Westcott says driving a PHEV versus a hybrid is the better option. Mitsubishi market research from the previous Outlander PHEV model has revealed drivers tend to use electric mode 84 per cent of the… Read More

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

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

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