Urban Reviews

Kia Carnival 2021 review: SLi petrol

By Byron Mathioudakis · 14 Jul 2021

Big families and hotel shuttles have never had it so good. Recently launched, the fourth-gen eight-seater Kia Carnival is already something of a style icon; in up-spec SLi guise, the cabin presentation is elevated, backed up by an equally refined V6; space, comfort and convenience are there to be enjoyed; and it's actually fun to drive. Even if you don't have kids, why not? Life enhancing stuff.

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BMW 4 Series 2022 review: 420i

By Peter Anderson · 07 Jul 2021

BMW's new 4 Series, launched late in 2020, has been unfairly treated by people who've never even clapped eyes on one in the metal. The big nose was all anyone could see, or even think about, which is a shame because a car of great substance lies beneath.

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Hyundai Kona 2021 review: Highlander

By Byron Mathioudakis · 11 Jun 2021

Have the changes to the 2021 Hyundai Kona gone far enough? Is the Highlander now worth saving up for? We reckon that's a qualified yes, thanks to palpably improved petrol engine economy, reduced noise and higher-quality interior trim, rounding out a small SUV that remains frisky and fun to drive. But prices are steep, cabin space is tight, the dash now seems dated and the ride's still too firm.

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Nissan Juke 2021 review: Ti

By Tom White · 11 Jun 2021

Nissan's Juke continues to offer a style-focused alternative to the small SUV crowd, but in one of Australia's most competitive and rapidly growing segments, is that enough to give it an advantage?

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Mazda CX-3 2021 review: Maxx Sport FWD

By Laura Berry · 10 Jun 2021

Small car, big city - seems like a perfect match right? It could be, as long as you don't bring your parents.

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Skoda Scala 2021 review: Monte Carlo

By Byron Mathioudakis · 03 Jun 2021

The Skoda Scala is a spacious alternative to popular small hatchbacks like the Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and Hyundai i30. Leveraging VW Group components, the up-spec Monte Carlo grade as tested is also a rival to premium offerings such as the Mercedes-Benz A180 and BMW 118i, thanks to sophisticated engineering technologies. But the sporty Czech five-door isn't cheap and suffers from a choppy ride.

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Ford Focus 2021 review: Active

By Peter Anderson · 02 Jun 2021

Ford's Focus redefined how good a hatchback could be over 20 years ago. It's still doing it, too. The Focus Active is an attempt to cash in on the ongoing sales dominance of SUVs without having to go full SUV. It probably shouldn't work, but Ford is good at this sort of thing.

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Mazda MX-30 2021 review: G20E Astina

By Peter Anderson · 27 May 2021

Mazda is offering the MX-30 coupe as an internal-combustion car before the EV arrives later in the year. Dripping with unique style, a terrific interior and a sadly underpowered engine, it's probably not as sporty as it thinks it is.

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Suzuki Ignis 2021 review: GLX

By Byron Mathioudakis · 25 May 2021

The striking Suzuki Ignis remains one of Australia's cheapest new cars, thanks to sub-$20,000 pricing, while tall styling, lofty seating positions and (some) ground clearance also put it firmly into compact crossover territory. Updated in 2020, the Series II model scores a few visual updates, but the basic, cheap and cheerful recipe remains the same. However, AEB isn't yet available on any grade.

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Ford Puma 2021 review: ST-Line V

By Byron Mathioudakis · 18 May 2021

The Puma ST-Line V is Ford's cheekiest tilt yet at the Mazda CX-3 class, combining striking design with a sporty chassis, to make it a keen driving proposition. That said, thoughtful packaging, a gutsy yet efficient powertrain and a high level of standard safety features reveal other sides to this compact Euro crossover. Prices are a bit on the high side, but there's also plenty to like here too.

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