Motor Torque with David Berthon

Driving the recently upgraded Honda Civic e:HEV-LX five door hatch at $55,900 drive-away not inexpensive but this is one very impressive small hybrid hatchback, highly equipped, frugal and with very engaging dynamics. A 2-0 litre petrol engine with two motor hybrid assistance driving through an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid power train most impressive, prioritising electric power and the move to petrol power under a heavier throttle is seamless quiet and refined. As I said earlier this is one of the best new cars I’ve driven in the last 12 months. Economy, in mainly city driving an impressive 5.0L/100km on 91 grade petrol. Battery charging when coasting and braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel shift paddles. And on top of 11 airbags a full suite of active safety elements via Honda Sensing technology. The drive experience engaging – on 18- inch alloy wheels with premium Michelin Pilot Sport tyres the driving dynamics are first class. Yes, it’s a little pricey at $55,900 drive-away but the Honda Civic e- HEV-L is loaded with equipment apart from a tyre repair kit and no spare wheel. Warranty five-years unlimited km warranty, battery warranty 8 years with service costs class leading – Just $597 over three years.

Driving the latest Honda Civic hatchback – a model that has evolved since the first generation arrived in 1972 – a small car that established a very strong reputation - the current series refreshed for 2025, the entry petrol engine retired, now in two hybrid variants plus the potent turbo Type R for performance buffs. The entry Civic Hybrid e:HEV- L $49,990 drive-away and the better-equipped Civic e:HEV-LX $55,900 drive-away which I drove. These latest Civics getting small mid- life styling updates - a new grille and bumper, new alloy wheels and a revised range of colours. Inside connected services have been updated with a new Google-based infotainment system. Overall, a very compelling small car package with engaging driving dynamics with clever internal packaging – roomy and well equipped in the e:HEV-LX with full leather interior, power front seats, full panoramic sunroof with power blind, and wireless phone charging. The 2.0-litre petrol engine joined by a two-motor hybrid system driving the front wheels via an electric CVT transmission. The hybrid powertrain prioritises electric running, the petrol engine kicking in only under load, and the transition is seamless. This Honda Civic feels premium in look and feel – simply one of the more impressive hatchbacks I’ve tested in recent times.

Talking further on Ford Motor Company President and CEO Jim Farley and his comments on a recent podcast on Ford’s transformation to improve quality, get its electric vehicle business profitable and compete with Chinese car makers. Ford lost a staggering US $5 billion on EV sales last year and US$3.6 billon in the first three quarters this year. Farley however is determined to give Americans an EV they want, and which is affordable, adding “I was humbled when we took apart the first Tesla Model 3 and other Chinese vehicles – it was shocking what we found – the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E has 1.6 kilometres more electrical wiring to the Tesla, adding 70 pounds of unnecessary weight, requiring a more expensive and larger battery. His decision to create the separate division in the company, called Model e, was designed to address such issues.

The car industry here has long had a shortage of skilled mechanics, but it seems it also a problem in the US. Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley raised the issue last week saying he had 5,000 open mechanic positions available despite eye watering salaries of US$120,000, nearly double the American workers medium salary. And he suggested it’s not just Ford adding “we’re in trouble in this country and we are not talking about it enough - We have over a million openings in critical jobs, emergency services, trucking, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, and tradesmen. It’s a very serious thing.” He added, jobs in the trades made our country what it is, and allowed people like his grandfather, who worked on the Model T and was employee 389, to have good lives. Somehow, the story seems all too familiar.

In June Peugeot released the latest edition of its 5008 SUV – the seven-seat hybrid , a stretched version of the popular 3008 hybrid – now featuring a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and 0.9kWhour battery – self charging the electric mode can operated for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation – I like three cylinder engines, but given the 5008’s weight the performance is best described as adequate – a little underwhelming at times when called on to really perform. In the high grade 5008 Premium GT hybrid I tested a visually striking SUV, very well equipped with Nappa leather seats and with great comfort levels in the Peugeot tradition. Ride and handling fine, the latter, on the sporty side with nicely weighted steering. Economy wise, I managed 6.7L/100km with mainly city driving – on the downside it also needs 95 octane premium unleaded. At $67,990 plus on-road costs the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium SUV is not inexpensive and there are other more affordable seven seat SUVs but it deserves to be on your shopping list. It lacks a spare wheel, only a tyre repair kit but apart from that a highly equipped premium SUV.

Driving a relative newcomer from Peugeot – the seven-seat 5008 GT premium hybrid SUV – a very stylish SUV from the French manufacturer – a stretched version of the latest 3008-model. The Peugeot 5008 utilises a relatively small 1.2- litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, aided by 48V mild hybrid assistance from a 15.6kW electric motor and a 0.9kWhour battery – the combination producing 107kW of power. Self-charging the electric mode operates for short periods at low speeds and is seamless in operation. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The GT Premium is the better equipped of the two 5008 hybrid models priced at $67,990 – a rather handsome 7- seater with Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, no less than six drive modes, massaging and ventilated 10-way power front seats, a swag of driver assist features, climate control aircon to all three seat rows and 19-inch alloy wheels. The interior practical and well thought out with good access to the third row and very comfortable seats. A great 21-inch curved digital instrument display but its sometimes slow to react while the odd shaped steering wheel is hard to position without blocking a lot of the instrumentation. Warranty five- years/unlimited km. Drive details next.

In recent times we’ve seen an onslaught of new Chinese models and what seems like a continuing reduction in prices as the competition becomes more intense. By comparison the Korean brands, once cheap and cheerful have climbed up the pricing ladder – Hyundai has just launched a new generation 8-seat Palisade family SUV in one hybrid Calligraphy grade for $89,900 – a $14,000 leap in price over the previous Calligraphy Palisade – highly equipped and finished but one wonders how much the family vehicle market will accept such massive leaps in price. I’m also driving the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 an electric seven-seat luxury SUV, also in one high spec Calligraphy grade – beautifully finished but at $119,750 one wonders if a Hyundai can carry such an exalted price – time will tell I guess but it’s not expected to be a big seller.

Another new Chinese car brand is about to hit the market – GAC Australia has confirmed its launching here with its Enzoom SUV – just one highly equipped model to start, the GAC Enzoom GL will compete with the likes of the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion in the small/medium SUV market – price around $30,000, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four cylinder with 125kW and 270Nm of torque driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch automatic – said to return 6.6/100km economy on the combined city/cycle. Equipment: a panoramic sunroof, faux leather trim, dual zone climate control, a powered and ventilated driver’s seat, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless phone charging. I’ve been testing cars for 45 years and have never seen the car market more competitive with a swag of new models – but is it sustainable – only time will tell.

Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s small electric SUV – the Inster, this captivating light five-door SUV is quick to win you over – funky appealing looks, great colours, for both paint and trim, an incredibly spacious cabin for four adults and a great drive experience to boot. Three models, standard range 327km, extended range 360km while an extended Inster Cross version gaining some extra features. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery which took 41/2 hours to charge on my 11kW home charger, on a 120kW fast charger just 30 minutes. Prices run from $39,000 to $45,000 so this is a small car with a big car price. Having said that the Hyundai Inster wins you over the more you drive it – the ladies in the house fell in love with its funkiness, its appealing interior and trim and its ease of driving and parking in a city environment. Its feels strong and solid despite its small dimensions and its extremely comfortable in both seat rows. Its appeal saw it win the 2025 World Electric Vehicle award in April, and it was a Gold winner in the 2025 Australian Good Design Awards – A very appealing light SUV – just a shame about the price.

Driving an interesting small SUV from Hyundai – the Hyundai Inster, an all- electric light five-door SUV – an interesting small package from the Korean manufacturer, a little funky inside and out, even futuristic. A city focused car, a model designed to give Hyundai a leg up in the battle with the sharply priced Chinese electric cars flooding the market. However, whilst it’s there most affordable model, from $39,000 plus on-road costs it will be a hard sell at that price for a very small SUV. Having said that its appeal, both visually and behind the wheel is captivating – its captures the imagination – ladies especially find it enormously appealing, as I said its funky with some great paint and trim colours, and for a small car it has amazing space for four adults. Three models, standard and extended range and an even funkier extended range Cross model. I drove the standard range Hyundai Inster with 42kWh battery providing a range of 327Kms – charge time on my 11kW home charger 41/2 hours from 10 percent. 30 minutes on a fast charger. With its compact dimensions and versatility, a perfect city car, so easy to drive and manoevre. Hyundai warranty five years/unlimited km, battery warranty 8 years.

Audi has returned the potent 2.0-litre turbo all-wheel drive edition of its A3 hatchback and sedan to its 2026 line-up. Not offered with the release of the 2025 A3 line-up earlier this year and previously known as the 40 TFSI, the A3 TFSI quattro 150kW S line will sell for $62,800 plus on-road costs. Available in Sportback or Sedan this all-wheel drive A3 matches a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Power output has increased by 10kW – Audi quoting a 0-100km/hour time of 6.3 seconds. All A3 grades now gain traffic sign recognition, an updated emergency braking system with intersection detection, and an improved automated parking system. The Audi A3 remains our best selling premium small car, selling 1547 examples to the end of September, outselling the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series.

Subaru will shortly update their Solterra EV SUV and have heralded a $7,000 price cut on the more powerful model. The 2026 Solterrra now starts from $63,990 plus on road costs, down $6,000 while the top-spec AWD Touring model gets a $7,000 reduction to $69,990. The Solterra also gains a new dual motor all-wheel drive arrangement rated at 252kW, up from 160kW making it the most powerful production Subaru to offered to date. The 2026 models gain new front styling, a restyled rear bumper, revised 18 and 20- inch alloy wheels and new rear badging. Inside, a larger 14-inch touchscreen, dual 15-watt smartphone chargers and acoustic glass plus a driver’s knee airbag. The top grade also gains ventilated front seats and vehicle to load functionality. All models get faster AC home charging up to 22kW, up from the current 11.

Driving the GWM Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV – this newcomer takes to nine models from GWM, now our best-selling Chinese brand. Its had enormous success with its Haval Jolion and H6 SUV and rightly so but the H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV seems a misfit – a rugged looking medium SUV, that visually gives the impression of being a tough off-roader – however with the same excellent underpinnings of Haval H6 Ultra hybrid it’s a city slicker – sharply priced at $46,990 drive-away with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine mated to a 130kW electric motor – it’s loaded with safety, comfort and convenience features, the drive experience excellent with really good economy. Apart from rather annoying indicators there’s little to criticise but the big downside is the driver attention monitor that at the end of even a short drive nearly sends you crazy – its overdone and is simply a buyer turnoff. Momentarily look at the centrally located touchscreen and you’re meet by warning chimes that are just so annoying. How GWM could release a vehicle with this much intrusion to the driver beggar’s belief - at the end of just a short trip its tiring and counterproductive. It’s a shame and a total buyer turnoff to what is otherwise a nice SUV.

Today, a new model from GWM – the Chinese brand now our seventh best seller and the best performing Chinese brand. With nine models on the market its Haval sub-brand has done well – the Haval Jolion and H6 SUVs both excellent its best performing models – its latest model, the Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid however is somewhat of a quandy – frankly one gets the impression that the Chinese brands are more intent on quickly gaining market share than providing product that suits our market – the Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid is one such SUV – A rugged looking medium SUV with the excellent H6 Ultra hybrids underpinnings – a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor –. Price: $46,990 drive- away well undercutting excellent medium hybrid SUVs like Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Mitsubishi Outlander. The Haval H7 has been given rugged styling elements – bolt on wheel arch flares, black alloy wheels and grille while inside the macho look continues –. Equipment and safety features are high, but the downside, the incessant and intrusive driving attention monitor – so much so its counter productive and a buyer turnoff – the Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV a really nice driver spoilt by a totally unnecessary warning message

I spoke earlier of Hyundai’s micro wagon the electric Inster currently on the market. Now from Honda we hear that next year they are launching their first electric vehicle, called the Super-One – revealed at Thursday’s Tokyo Motor Show it’s a sporty micro hatchback even smaller than the Hyundai Inster – just 1.6 metres wide and 3.6 metres long , the aptly named Honda Super-One is promised by its maker to be fun and playful with a boost mode to maximise outputs, along with taught handling as well as fake engine and transmission sounds. Honda is also set to offer more petrol/electric hybrid grades on its popular CR-V and ZR-V mid-sized SUV’s – currently only the top spec flagship grades of both models offer hybrid power but it will now flow down to more affordable grades offering a total seven new hybrid variants for 2026.

I’ve been driving Hyundai’s small city slicker – the electric Inster, a funky small five door mini wagon – a really interesting design with a surprising amount of interior room. I had trouble getting my wife out of this small Hyundai – it’s just so comfortable, great seats and despite its small wheelbase offering a really nice ride. Two models, standard range of 327Kms and Extended Range at 360kms – I drove the former with single electric motor and 42kWhour battery pack – a fun car to drive offering a very assured feel – the price the only negative $40,000 plus on-road costs. But a surprisingly nice driver given its size – quiet, solid and well thought out, with rapid charging ability – the Hyundai Inster was also honoured with the title 2025 World Electric Vehicle earlier this year. A fabulous small car with amazing interior room – just a pity its priced so high.

Further on the large seven-seat MG QS SUV – available in two models – I’m driving the MG QS Essence all-wheel-drive, $50,990 drive-away with electronic adaptive suspension, nine-speed automatic, six drive modes, powered by a 2.0- litre turbo pure petrol 153kW engine with excellent torque. Engine performance is average with noticeable lag from rest although the strong torque makes up for its initial hesitancy. However, the nine-speed automatic can become lazy on a light throttle. The high point, the adaptive suspension, well-tuned and damped with a superb ride, polished in cornering however the steering is over assisted, and lacks feel but grows on you with time. The MG QS needs a diet of 95 RON premium petrol, economy is quoted at 8.8L/100km, the best I could muster was 9.7. But importantly as a value package the MG QS offers much – for a large family three accommodating rows for seven passengers, many comfort and convenience features, quality perforated leather trim and a nice interface of central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. However, some aspects of the touchscreen menu can be frustrating. MG provide a 10-year/unlimited km warranty, conditional on regular servicing through their dealer network, but its expensive - $3,618 over the first five years.

Driving MG’s large 7-seat SUV today – the QS arrived in July in a segment where there’s some good choices like the Hyundai Sante Fe. Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-80. The Chinese built MG QS in two models both powered by a pure petrol 2.0- litre turbo 153kW engine with 360Nm of torque. The QS front drive Excite at $46,990 drive-away, the all-wheel drive Essence at $50,990 drive-away, both with nine-speed automatic. I drove the latter which gains fully adaptive suspension, larger 21-inch alloys, quality Michelin tyres, leather trim, six drive modes, a power tailgate and sunroof, a 10-year conditional warranty and a huge amount of comfort and convenience features. MG want to be a major player here and the QS takes to 12 its model count. On first impression this large family SUV offers much, surprisingly good build quality and a very comfortable interior with 7 large seats across three rows. The touch screen can be frustrating although you do get a row of touch buttons under for various functions and on face value the MG QS offers a lot for the money.

The somewhat ageing but still impressive Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV will remain in production for several more years. The company confirming that the slower than expected uptake of electric models was behind the production extension. Speaking to U.K. publication Autocar, the managing director of Stellantis Premium brands Jules Tilestone said that with 80 per cent of the U.K market still internal combustion engines, people are looking for fun-to-drive performance cars and the Giulia and Stelvio still offer that in spades. Alfa Romeo has pushed back replacements for its performance duo originally due for 2026. A new generation Stelvio SUV originally planned as an electric-only model, designed to compete with the all-electric Porsche Macan has been paused. In Australia, the performance Veloce models of both the Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV are still highly regarded by those seeking a higher driving experience.

The once popular Renault Scenic nameplate is to return to Australia by year end – the fifth generation of a model that was popular here as a people mover will arrive as a medium-sized electric SUV. The Scenic the first of a new model onslaught from Renault Australia that will see up to six new and updated models arrive in the next 15 months. The front-wheel drive five- seat Scenic features a single electric motor with two battery size options – long range versions with an 87kWh battery have a range of 625km while the standard ranges 60kWhour battery is good for 430Km. The Scenic E-Tech arrives in a medium battery electric SUV segment that now has a huge range of sharply priced choices so pricing will be critical to its success. Renault remains our largest French car import however sales are currently 16.6 percent behind last year.

Nissan freshened its small Qashqai SUV range this year adding a new e-Power hybrid N-Design flagship at $58,990 drive-away – hybrid power now available on the two top spec Qashqai’s, petrol power on the lower grades. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol power on the four lower grades replaced on the hybrids by a variable compression 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels. The drive experience is much like a pure electric SUV although at times you hear the petrol motor fire up to charge the battery. I’ve always highly regarded the Qashqai and this new e- Power N-Design further impressed with over a 900km range and a nice drive experience although the larger 20-inch alloy wheels and quality Michelin tyres can display a firmer ride. The Qashqai e-Power N-Design price is high, but this is a very well sorted small SUV with premium features and well sorted active safety prompts. Nissan making it more attractive by trimming previous high service costs and adding a 10-year/300,000km warranty including the battery provided its serviced by a Nissan dealer.

Nissan’s small Qashqai SUV was freshened earlier this year in a re-aligned model range with a new N-Design grade flagship with hybrid power standard – the Qashqai e-Power hybrid N-Design $58,990 drive-away. Nissan have added new technology and equipment, freshened the styling, at the same time cutting the previous rather high servicing costs and providing a longer warranty – but hybrid pricing remains high compared to petrol Qashqai models. However, the e-Power N-Design is packed with premium features – leather seats with massage function, a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, a power tailgate and a most impressive digital dash and touchscreen, thankfully with a mix of buttons The 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo in the petrol models replaced by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo – and here the e-Power works differently to a conventional hybrid – the petrol engine purely powers a generator connected to a 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack – only the e-motor drives the front wheels – this hybrid system adds around 200 kilos over a conventional petrol Qashqai but it offers over a 900km driving range. Despite the e-Power hybrids exalted price tag the drive experience is very rewarding. Warranty including battery five-years unlimited km or an impressive 10-years/300,000km if serviced by a Nissan dealer.

In the last few years new car prices have scaled upwards perhaps most noticeable at the lower end of the market – if we go back to 2019 before the pandemic there were 52 model variants under the $20,000 barrier – today there is just one – the Kia Picanto hatch sport manual at $18,690. Manufacturers facing stringent new emission and safety regulations, higher costs and shifting exchange rates have not been able to maintain prices at the budget end of the new car market. Take Toyota for example – in 2019 its small Yaris hatchback retailed between $15,390 and $22,690 - today, it spans from $28,990 to $34,590. To counter its small car price rises Toyota is now concentrating on its Toyota Certified Pre-owned strategy, placing emphasis on certain warranties and certain conditions of quality with its dealers.

The Chinese government is set to tighten controls on electric vehicles bound for export markets. In a mover similar to that applied to combustion- powered and hybrid vehicles the Chinese will introduce conditional export approval measures on EV’s from the start of next year. The idea being to improve the perception of its low-cost EV’s, the export controls designed to lift the quality of vehicles leaving China. In doing so the move could end the price wars at the most affordable end of the market here which has seen a number of the new Chinese entries this year heavily discounted. The rapid growth of Chinese car exports has raised concerns within China’s Ministry of Commerce with the goal of lifting the countries reputation in emerging markets where low-cost vehicles are often rushed to market without proper support for owners.

Driving Renault’s Megane E-Tech SUV – a small French SUV with a difference, setting it apart from the look alike new breed of Chinese electric cars. At $54,990 plus on-road costs more than competitive, cheaper than Volvo’s EX30 and in a way more charming. The styling impressive, hatch like with large 20-inch wheels tucked into the corners. Step inside and it breathes clever design, quality materials and individuality. With a lightweight 60kWh battery feeding a single electric motor driving the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km which I found accurate. Relatively light for an electric car with a slim lightweight battery under the floor I found the energy consumption excellent at 14.1 kWh/100km. Electric cars tend to ride harder` due to battery weight – not so for the Megane E-Tech, extremely comfortable helped by great seats although disappointing only with manual adjustment. Welcome five-star safety plus four available drive modes that noticeably change the complexion of the drive, while steering feel is a high point. As I said earlier, it feels more premium in all it does apart from some tyre roar on courser road surfaces. I came away very impressed with this electric Renault Megane – appealingly different and a classy small French SUV.

At last, a French car this week – I was really looking forward to driving the Renault Megane E-Tech SUV. Visually, this electric Megane has a great silhouette more like a hatchback with large 20-inch alloys tucked right into the corners, the styling impressive and giving it a more premium feel although the resultant high tail tends to limit rear visibility. With a 60kWh battery pack feeding a single electric motor with 160kW and 320Nm of torque driving through the front wheels it offers a driving range of 454Km. Step in and your immediately impressed with a quality and functional interior with great finishes. A wide 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and interconnected 9-inch multimedia touchscreen thankfully combine with switchgear to make it all very user friendly, something the Chinese newcomers could well learn from. There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual zone climate control, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. At $54,990 plus on-road costs the Megane E-Tech is well priced, with combination cloth and leather seats that offer great comfort but lack power adjustment while the interior is a standout in design. Warranty underdone at five-years/100,000km, battery warranty 8- years/160,000km.