Press Release from Kia In a worldwide market that is skewed to SUV’s, it’s pleasing for me at least to see this teaser image from Kia that illustrates a new passenger sedan to be released at the 2024 New York Auto Show later this month. So, the Kia K4 is argubaly an electric vehicle, but that isn’t a major concern. That Kia is still focussed on playing in the broader car market than just SUV’s is proof of their broader focus on markets other than North America and Europe Kia releases teaser images providing first glimpse of the Kia K4 next-generation compact sedan Image alludes to exceptional ..read more

If you’re not badge conscious, the MY24 Kia Sorento GT-Line stands out as proof to Kia’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and performance. The Sorento has always been a popular choice among large SUV buyers, and the MY24 model elevates this legacy to new heights. With its refined aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced performance capabilities, the Sorento GT-Line is designed to impress. This review delves into the myriad of features that make the 2024 Kia Sorento GT-Line a compelling option for anyone in the market for a largish SUV. To me there’s no other brand under $100,000 that ..read more

NVES or New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. So this is one acronym that will frighten a whole lot of Aussies over the next couple of years And particularly if you’re a SUV or Ute buyer…or seller. I was one of the first Isuzu Ute dealers in Australia with Northstar Isuzu Ute. Back when the brand launched in 2008 Isuzu Ute had only one model / the D-Max. Later, the MU-X was launched, a people mover (suv) based on the D-Max. Since then and some will say miraculously Isuze Ute had finished in the top 10 of sales in Australia. So what happens to Isuzu D-Max and MU-X when NVES hits in 2025? This is a ..read more

Does the average new car buyer really pay much attention to ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) or not? Do buyers of the hundreds of models offered from fifty-something brands available in our country really care that much? My experience with the answer to that question is not very much. Ford Ranger continued to sell very well when their ANCAP rating of 5-stars was some 8 years old . Volkswagen Amarok was tested in 2011  yet still marketed it as a 5 star vehicle until recently. This MG5 didn’t even get a star rating, so it’s pretty tough on MG. The same organisation that refus ..read more

As a young Ford salesman and then manager in the late 70’s through the 1980’s, 90’s and noughties I was quietly jealous of Ford supplier, Mazda. We had Laser, they had Mazda 323 We had Telstar, they had Mazda 626. Always that little bit better than our Fords. Ours were built in the same factory as theirs (Mazda 626 and Telstar) but they were a bit better equipped, better built and just, well a bit better. And here I am driving a Mazda2 in a market where Ford is just a bit lost Mazda 323 was built in Japan where our Laser was built at the Ford factory in Sydney Things haven’t changed for Mazda ..read more

Suzuki Jimny has a heritage that other manufacturers envy. Since 1970 Jimny has provided a legendary reputaion for go anywhere motoring at an affordable price. Ok, so it’s not the largest vehicle on the road, but it will take almost everything in its stride. If you’re an off road driver, or beach traveller, there aren’t many places that Suzuki Jimny is afraid to go. Jimny has captured the attention of off-roaders What Suzuki Has to Say Tough As Jimny “Goes places only Jimny can take you”. “It’s the original, rugged 4×4. A heritage that began with the LJ10 back in 1970. Whether it’s road, track ..read more

First impressions are important for any purchase. Mrs Aldons looked at the new Suzuki Ignis and said “Isn’t that cute!” I’m afraid that my opinion was less flattering at least from a first impression. The exterior just doesn’t do it for me, but it is typical of small Japanese designed cars. The 2023 Ignis carries forward Suzuki’s tradition of crafting uniquely styled vehicles. Its compact dimensions are wrapped in a playful yet modern design. The front fascia features a distinctive grille and LED headlights, giving it a distinctive presence on the road. The two-tone color options and bold char ..read more

I’ve been in a few limosines in my time. In the motor industry, when you’re attending meetings for a manufacturer or importer, they’ll arrange a car to collect you from the airport to go to the meeting location. Mercedes S Class, Chrysler 300, even Kia Carnivals are the vehicles of choice for the limo drivers. Fast forward a few years and I’d certainly be happy to be collected in a Genesis G80 Electrified. So comparing the Genesis G80 to some of Europe’s better cars I find it be luxurious, elegant and certainly on par or better than what you’d be paying a lot more for from the Germans. What G ..read more

Is there a really bad vehicle on the Australian market in 2023? I think not. From those built in Korea, the quality and reliability has improved measurably since the first one was launched here in the early 1990’s Since then the Korean twins, Hyundai and Kia, have kicked a lot of goals – prices have risen as the technology has improved, but i think that they are the best value for money brands on the Aussie market What Hyundai Has to Say Meet the family flagship: the 2023 Palisade. Our largest and most spacious SUV ever, the Palisade is more than just a getaway vehicle for you and your family ..read more

Is there a really bad vehicle on the Australian market in 2023? I think not. For those built in Korea, the quality and reliability has improved measurably since the first one was launched here in the early 1990’s Since then the Korean twins, Hyundai and Kia, have kicked a lot of goals – prices have risen as the technology has improved, but I think that they are the best value for money brands on the Aussie market I’ve driven quite a lot of alternative energy vehicle Hybrids, PHEV and BEV’s from the original hybrid seller, Toyota to the latest from Kia and Hyundai. So like a lot of auto comment ..read more