Driving Toyota first all-electric SUV – the BZ4X you would have seen the
advertising for the BZ4X with owner Barry asked what made him finally go
electric which he proudly proclaims because it’s a Toyota. I look forward to
spending more time behind the wheel but on first impression I found this new
electric Toyota to have some rather strange design elements. Step behind the
wheel and you’re met by a high mounted instrument cluster and a steering wheel
position that completely blocks the instrumentation – the only way to sight the
instrumentation is to put the steering wheel down into your lap which is
downright uncomfortable. A head up display on the windscreen would have been
far superior. I’m glad Barry really likes the BZ4X, because this along with an
awkward gear selector dial, would have to be some of the worst automotive
design features I’ve come across. I’m David Berthon

Driving Toyota first all-electric SUV – the BZ4X you would have seen the advertising for the BZ4X with owner Barry asked what made him finally go electric which he proudly proclaims because it’s a Toyota. I look forward to spending more time behind the wheel but on first impression I found this new electric Toyota to have some rather strange design elements. Step behind the wheel and you’re met by a high mounted instrument cluster and a steering wheel position that completely blocks the instrumentation – the only way to sight the instrumentation is to put the steering wheel down into your lap which is downright uncomfortable. A head up display on the windscreen would have been far superior. I’m glad Barry really likes the BZ4X, because this along with an awkward gear selector dial, would have to be some of the worst automotive design features I’ve come across. I’m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;

Toyota’s first electric vehicle, the BZ4X has some unusual design elements

The tough new vehicle market at present has seen the introduction of some
sharp discounts and improved owner benefits. Honda Australia with sales
dipping nearly 30 percent in the first half of the year has introduced a new loyalty
program. Called Honda Extend the program provides new and existing customers
who service their vehicles at registered service centres with up to eight years
warranty and roadside assistance. To qualify a vehicle must be within its original
warranty period as of June 3, 2024 and must be serviced at a registered Honda
Service Centre in accordance with the vehicle service schedule. The warranty
period will extend each year at the time of service until the vehicle reaches a total
of eight years. Importantly, customers who use their Honda for commercial
purposes are excluded from the program. I’m David Berthon

The tough new vehicle market at present has seen the introduction of some sharp discounts and improved owner benefits. Honda Australia with sales dipping nearly 30 percent in the first half of the year has introduced a new loyalty program. Called Honda Extend the program provides new and existing customers who service their vehicles at registered service centres with up to eight years warranty and roadside assistance. To qualify a vehicle must be within its original warranty period as of June 3, 2024 and must be serviced at a registered Honda Service Centre in accordance with the vehicle service schedule. The warranty period will extend each year at the time of service until the vehicle reaches a total of eight years. Importantly, customers who use their Honda for commercial purposes are excluded from the program. I’m David Berthon

Honda’s new loyalty program with extended warranty and roadside assist up to 8 years

Lexus LC500 Coupe -seven years on still looks fresh and inspiring

Driving the Lexus LC500 Coupe today – it first arrived in 2017 and has had a few
minor tweaks along the way - from any angle the Lexus LC500 is a stunning
design. Its styling deserves close scrutiny, perhaps the finest application of
Lexus’s edgy design and its low form and striking lines are simply a standout.
Yes, it features the makers prominent spindle grille but in a less divisive form to
some of its more affordable siblings. At $204,635, an upper luxury coupe with
exquisite features. The craftsmanship of the body, paint and interior trim
absolutely top class. The cabin soundproofing top notch in a body that is no
lightweight at 1970 kilos and it feels very strong with excellent rigidity. A 5-0-litre
351 kW V8 drives the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic with four drive
modes Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. It’s a 2 plus 2, too small in the rear to
be practical even for kids but driver and passenger comfort absolutely first class.
The Lexus LC500 has gained improved safety and connectivity - its pre-collision
system now able to detect bicycles in the daytime and pedestrians at night. One
gripe, the overly sensitive and too fiddly touch pad for the infotainment screen.
I’m David Berthon

Driving the Lexus LC500 Coupe today – it first arrived in 2017 and has had a few minor tweaks along the way - from any angle the Lexus LC500 is a stunning design. Its styling deserves close scrutiny, perhaps the finest application of Lexus’s edgy design and its low form and striking lines are simply a standout. Yes, it features the makers prominent spindle grille but in a less divisive form to some of its more affordable siblings. At $204,635, an upper luxury coupe with exquisite features. The craftsmanship of the body, paint and interior trim absolutely top class. The cabin soundproofing top notch in a body that is no lightweight at 1970 kilos and it feels very strong with excellent rigidity. A 5-0-litre 351 kW V8 drives the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic with four drive modes Eco, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. It’s a 2 plus 2, too small in the rear to be practical even for kids but driver and passenger comfort absolutely first class. The Lexus LC500 has gained improved safety and connectivity - its pre-collision system now able to detect bicycles in the daytime and pedestrians at night. One gripe, the overly sensitive and too fiddly touch pad for the infotainment screen. I’m David Berthon

Toyota’s first electric vehicle, the BZ4X has some unusual design elements

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