Articles by Byron Mathioudakis

Byron Mathioudakis
Contributing Journalist

Byron started his motoring journalism career when he joined John Mellor in 1997 before becoming a freelance motoring writer two years later.

He wrote for several motoring publications and was ABC Youth radio Triple J's "all things automotive" correspondent from 2001 to 2003.

He rejoined John Mellor in early 2003 and has been with GoAutoMedia as a senior product and industry journalist ever since.

With an eye for detail and a vast knowledge base of both new and used cars Byron lives and breathes motoring.

His encyclopedic knowledge of cars was acquired from childhood by reading just about every issue of every car magazine ever to hit a newsstand in Australia.

The child Byron was the consummate car spotter, devoured and collected anything written about cars that he could lay his hands on and by nine had driven more imaginary miles at the wheel of the family Ford Falcon in the driveway at home than many people drive in a lifetime.

The teenage Byron filled in the agonising years leading up to getting his driver's license by reading the words of the leading motoring editors of the country and learning what they look for in a car and how to write it.

In short, Byron loves cars and knows pretty much all there is to know about every vehicle released during his lifetime as well as most of the ones that were around before then.

The cheap European EVs challenging China
By Byron Mathioudakis · 02 Mar 2024
Right now, battlelines are being drawn at the lower end of the electric vehicle (EV) market around the world, as carmakers reeling from China’s allegedly State-backed global EV push go on the offensive. With double and triple-digit volume growth from low-priced brands such as BYD, Wuling, MG, GWM and Chery, Europe is now on the offensive in a massive way – especially France.
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Hyundai i30 N 2024 review: Sedan
By Byron Mathioudakis · 01 Mar 2024
For sheer, track-tuned hot-hatch excitement in a sedan suit, nothing tastes quite as sweet as the Hyundai i30 Sedan N. As sharply-priced as it is styled, the Subaru WRX pocket-rocket alternative has undergone a substantial facelift for 2024, gaining myriad chassis upgrades to make it even more of a hoot. That something that grew from the dull old Elantra can be so feisty and fun is quite amazing.
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Mazda6 demise means end of an era for Aussies
By Byron Mathioudakis · 25 Feb 2024
This is nothing less than an end of an era. Australian consumers are set to lose the traditional, affordable family station wagon this year with the anticipated demise of the Mazda6 range.
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Hyundai i30 2024 review: Sedan Hybrid
By Byron Mathioudakis · 23 Feb 2024
Actually the seventh-gen Elantra, Hyundai's futuristic i30 Sedan has gained a strong following thanks to big space and keen pricing. Now, with the 2024 facelift, comes a Hybrid version, ushering in a strikingly stylish and accommodating eco alternative to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. And thanks to strong performance, solid handling and a comfy ride, there's something here for keen drivers, too.
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Honda CR-V 2024 review: e:HEV RS
By Byron Mathioudakis · 22 Feb 2024
The likeable Honda CR-V has long traded on good looks, impressive engineering, family-friendly practicality and value to lure buyers in.Now, the all-new sixth-gen version adds the e:HEV hybrid flagship to the mix, combining excellent economy and electrified performance to a substantially improved package.Is that enough to tempt buyers away from the evergreen Toyota RAV4 hybrid? We think so.
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The cheapest new non-ute Ford will cost $55K!
By Byron Mathioudakis · 17 Feb 2024
What is the cheapest new Ford passenger car you can buy in Australia today? Easy. It's the Puma, from $30,840 (all prices are before on-road costs). But, by mid-year, when the five-seater European small SUV range is discontinued as we know it, that figure will likely nearly double for prospective Blue Oval owners.
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Not goo enough! Hybrid SUVs with no spare
By Byron Mathioudakis · 11 Feb 2024
Most hybrid SUVs in Australia don't have a spare wheel. Here is a list of the small number that do, and the much-larger number that do not. Is your hybrid SUV on the right list?
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Why Holden/Falcon utes are better than HiLux
By Byron Mathioudakis · 26 Jan 2024
If you have around $20,000 to spend on a used ute, it makes more sense to consider the Australian-made later-model Holden VE and VF utes made up to 2017, along with the Ford FG and FGX Super Cab and Cab Chassis utes through to 2016, rather than imported truck-based alternatives like a 2019 LDV T60, 2014 Ford Ranger or 2011 Toyota HiLux, and here's why.
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The discontinued cars that crept into 2023
By Byron Mathioudakis · 21 Jan 2024
Here is a list of several discontinued models that have actually been registered as new vehicles in Australia during 2023. Some were pulled from the market just the year prior, while others were deleted long before that. Spooky!
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The hot cars not in Australia until 2025
By Byron Mathioudakis · 14 Jan 2024
Here is our list of the top SUVs, utes and EVs that people expect to see in Australia in 2024, but in fact won't be here until 2025!
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