Car Reviews

The Toyota Camry has just been redesigned for its ninth iteration since 1983 in Australia.

The Toyota Camry offers a flagship grade known as the SL – short for Sport Luxury.

The vast majority of Toyota Camry grades sold in Australia consist of the Ascent.

The entry-level Lexus GX, the 550 Luxury, lists at $116,000, before on-road costs. Now be warned, according to Toyota’s website, that translates to more like $128,000 drive-away (in NSW). It’s also a long way above the entry-level Toyota Prado, the GX, which lists at $72,500, before on-roads.But something, something, something, ‘premium’, I guess. And besides, you do get a whole lot of stuff — and a whole lot of engine — for your money. The entry-level GX nabs 20-inch alloys with a full-size spare, LED lighting all around (including DRLs and fog lights), front and rear scuff plates, roof rails and a powered tailgate hinged at the top, rather than the side.Inside, there’s seating for seven, all wrapped in synthetic leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated window seats in the second row. There's also three-zone climate, a 14-inch central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker stereo, a 12-3-inch driver screen, a head-up display and wireless device charging.You also get to choose from exactly one engine option. Every GX scores a very punchy 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, along with a 10-speed automatic that feeds the power to all four wheels.The engine produces 260kW and 650Nm, and it feels sprightly. I don’t have a zero to 100km/h time for you, but if you’re trying to break the land-speed record in a car this big, well, maybe don’t.

With many little tweaks and changes, the seventh-generation ‘S650’ Mustang is the most complete and refined ever. In GT guise, you get the 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 which remains the engine to take over the EcoBoost if you have the extra $13,000. 

Ford didn't clean-sheet the new Mustang, it shares a platform and many basic hard points with the previous model. But the EcoBoost's engine is allegedly 'all new' and, if you can get over the lack of V8, there’s plenty to like.

If there was any time Mustang should fall from relevance it's now. Yet Ford has invested in the seventh-generation car with more technology, more safety and fresh looks all without sacrificing the signature V8.

The Smart #3 Brabus isn’t just the fastest, most powerful model in the #3 range, it also makes the first time the German performance sub-brand has been in Australia in over a decade.

The Premium is the mid-level grade in the #3 family, above the Pro+ but below the Brabus.

The Pro+ is the entry to the Smart #3 family, listing at $57,900. Though to give credit to Smart, it definitely doesn’t feel like you’ve cut any corners.Even entry-level cars score 19-inch alloys, a panoramic roof, LED lighting, a powered tailgate and a 12.8-inch central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 9.2-inch digital dashboard.The Pro+ is a single-motor, rear-drive configuration, which isn't all that common in the EV world, where most position their electric motor on the front axle for front-wheel drive. That motor produces 200kW and 315Nm, meaning a sprint to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and a 180km/h top speed.It also nabs a 66kWh battery, delivering a WLTP driving range of 435km. And when it comes time to charge, you can choose between home AC charging (either power point or wall box), or 150kW DC fast charging, which should take around 30 minutes to go from empty to 80 per cent charged.