Car Reviews

Available in two grades from launch, the intriguing Cupra Tavascan comes in base Endurance and a sporty VZ flagship.

The Plus Twin Motor is the entry point to the two-model Volvo EX90 range - and we reckon it’s the pick of the bunch. After all, both models are twin-motor, AWD affairs, with the Plus delivering a total 300kW and 700Nm, while the Ultra dials it up to 380kW and 910Nm. The sprint to 100km/h times for each are 5.9s and 4.9s respectively.I don’t know about you, but the Plus offers all the performance that I’m looking for in a three-row SUV.The Plus Twin Motor starts at $124,990 plus on-road costs and rides on 20-inch alloys. There is a fixed panoramic glass roof with an optional sun shade, and there’s LED lighting outside.Inside, there are leather-like seats made from mostly recycled plastic, which are heated in the first two rows. Then there's four-zone climate control, a 14-speaker Bose stereo that pairs with a 14.5-inch central screen (vertical) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also Google built-in, giving you access to native maps and apps. There’s also wireless phone charging and a heated leather steering wheel. The driver’s binnacle has been replaced by a 9.0-inch horizontal screen above the steering wheel.Interestingly, both EX90 models share the same 111kWh lithium-ion battery, and both promise the same WLTP driving range of 570km, because both claim the same efficiency of 16.9kWh/100km. Weird, because more power usually means less efficiency and a smaller driving range.When it comes time to charge, the EX90 is set up for 250kW DC fast charging, meaning 10-80 percent charged in 35mins. At home, a three-phase wallbox will take more like 10 hours. But if yours is only a 7kW connection, it will be slower still.

The Cupra Tavascan is available in two grades for Australia – the aptly named Endurance and racier VZ flagship.

Yes, this new 911 is technically a midlife update, but the changes here go beyond skin deep. Leading the charge, so to speak, is the introduction of a hybrid option for first time, with the 911 Carrera GTS debuting a new t-hybrid powertrain that dials up the performance. But it also fundamentally alters everything we’ve come to know, and love, about the 911. But is it a change for the better?

Porsche is set to introduce an all-electric 718 Boxster soon, but before it does it had one last petrol-powered version to build. The 718 Spyder RS is the ultimate iteration of the mid-engine sports convertible, taking every element and winding it up to 11. We get behind the wheel to find out if this is a worthy swansong for the petrol-powered 718 - and if it can compare to Porsche's own 911.

The John Cooper Works version of the Mini Aceman is the flagship model in equipment and performance terms.

Until the JCW version arrives, the SE is the top-rung Mini Aceman model. It's a range that is an EV-dedicated, SUV line-up that trades partly on its retro looks and charm.

The M badge here tells you that this is the high-performance member of the new X3 family.

Mini's Aceman E kicks off the new range that effectively replaced the Mini Clubman line-up at $51,990. Roughly the same size as the Cooper five-door, the Aceman's distinguishing feature is its all-electric driveline.

The 30e version of the BMW X3 family SUV doesn’t just fill a medium price-point (in this case $104,100) it’s the model that most fully adopts the mantra of electrification for this model. Instead of a mild hybrid, the 30e goes all the way with a plug-in hybrid driveline based on a 2.0-litre petrol engine, an electric motor and a 19.7kWh battery pack.