Passenger Cars

The third-generation Kia Optima that made its debut five years ago was a game changer for Kia. It proved the Korean company has come of age and is capable of producing world-class, not to mention stylish vehicles, at a reasonable price. It had good refinement, plenty of standard equipment and …

The current Audi A6 mid-size sedan has been on sale since 2012, and in a car’s life cycle, it’s time for a refresh to keep sales going until the next-generation model comes along. 2016 sees the A6 updated with a facelift, extra features and new powertrains. Kicking off the three-tier …

Lexus has finally cast away its long serving 2.5-litre V6 like a pair of worn out shoes, replacing it with the company’s first turbocharged petrol unit. First made its debut under the chiseled body of the popular NX 200t SUV, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the IS 200t has …

The Ford Focus is a car worthy of its accolades. Its 2015 debut brought all the best loved features to the table, while being wrapped up in a stylish new frame. Our Focus hatch came setup with the Sport package, this is Ford’s mid-level offering starting at a price of …

The Audi A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and only the second premium brand after BMW (with its i3) to introduce a PHEV model locally. Unlike the distinctive i3, the A3 e-tron is virtually indistinguishable from any other A3 – a deliberate attempt, according to …

When the Chrysler 300 first hit the market in 2005, there’s nothing quite like it in the segment. It’s big, brash and bold, with loads of space on offer and a powerful engine to boot. Its mix of gangster-inspired looks and splashes of chrome made it stood out from the …

Honda has introduced its first hybrid Accord in Australia, featuring the company’s all-new hybrid powertrain from Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology series, which is set to be rolled out across the majority of the company’s alternative fuel models. Available solely as a highly specified variant, the Accord Sport Hybrid is – …

Toyota Camry, we have all heard about it. Some say it’s the ultimate “white good on wheels”, others think it’s soulless and boring. If excitement and fun-to-drive is what you are looking for, Camry would be the last word in your dictionary. But yet, Toyota has managed to move over …

The resurgence of the hot hatch continues in earnest with a bewildering of models to choose from. Segment favourites include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Renaultsport Megane R.S. and our current top pick – the Ford Focus ST. Amongst others, all of the above are petrol powered, which means that if …

After a short hiatus, Holden has returned to the land of drop-top motoring with the new mid-sized Holden Cascada convertible. Priced from $41,990 plus on-road costs, the European sourced, four-seater is well-equipped, affordable and quietly handsome. But in the typically fashion-conscious convertible segment, brand allure counts for a lot, much …

Hyundai’s recent push to go upmarket saw the launch of the i40 sedan and wagon range in 2012. Designed for European markets, the well-built and classy i40 is the Korean car maker’s ambitious take on the midsize segment, which is brimmed full of accomplished rivals. Going against the Mazda6, Ford …

Toyota’s most popular car, and Australia’s number one selling vehicle – the Toyota Corolla hatch – has been given a nip-tuck for 2015. The mid life update not only brings revised styling but also a two-tiered model strategy to cater for all tastes. The entry-level Ascent and Ascent Sport variants …

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is the entry point to propeller-badged open top motoring. Replacing the 1 Series Convertible, the new drop-top sets out to continue the success of its predecessor, which had no real rivals during its time. The first generation established itself as the undisputed leader in its …

The Hyundai i30 is the showroom star of the fast growing Korean brand. Developed to take on segment favourites such as the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf, the i30 has built up a loyal following in the two generations it’s been on sale. In June, it was the best-selling …