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.

Mazda CX-90 2024 review
By Byron Mathioudakis · 14 Aug 2023
Few models are as highly anticipated as the Mazda CX-90 - an expensively engineered seven-seater SUV with premium aspirations against Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Boasting an all-new architecture, in-line six-cylinder mild-hybrid engines and rear-drive-biased AWD, the newcomer promises to sweep away the beloved CX-9 it indirectly replaces. But has Mazda fully grasped the scale of its ambitions?
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Is it time for a Hyundai or Kia sub-brand?
By Byron Mathioudakis · 06 Aug 2023
Remember when Hyundai and Kia were all about low prices (and immediate delivery)? Today, the closely-related Korean brands are riding higher than ever, with strong demand reflecting their massive strides in quality, technology and design. But their prices are rising in response. Is there a solution? We think so.
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EV best range-for-your-buck buys revealed!
By Byron Mathioudakis · 30 Jul 2023
Thanks to BYD, MG and Tesla, electric vehicles (EVs) are more affordable than ever, aided by greater choice, freer production and ever-improving battery technology. There’s never been a better time to buy an EV. Don’t you just love a bit of healthy competition! But which budget electric car provides the most range for the least bucks? Does a lower price mean increased range anxiety?
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Toyota hybrids we'd love to see in Australia
By Byron Mathioudakis · 29 Jul 2023
As rival carmakers know all too well, Australia is not short of a Toyota hybrid. So, why are we denied some of the brand's most intriguing models with petrol-electric motivation then? Here’s a list of our Toyota hybrids we’d love to see in Australia – along with the reasons we believe would make them a smash hit.
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A cheaper BMW iX1 EV SUV is expected shortly
By Byron Mathioudakis · 25 Jul 2023
Look out, Tesla Model Y, Volvo XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2, because the Germans are coming after you in the shape of an even more-sharply priced version of the BMW iX1.
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Jaguar I-Pace 2023 review
By Byron Mathioudakis · 23 Jul 2023
Jaguar was first on the luxury EV SUV scene back in 2018, but recent improvements have kept it fresh against newer rivals. The twin electric-motor EV400 AWD is the sole model, and remains a thrillingly quick, dynamically athletic and - with optional air suspension and adaptive dampers - a wonderfully comfortable grand tourer, complete with a roomy, high-quality cabin. There's much to enjoy here.
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Why are some carmakers slow with EV uptake?
By Byron Mathioudakis · 23 Jul 2023
It seems that, whether you’re a new car buyer or a carmaker, this decade’s must-have accessory is an electric vehicle (EV). Brands like BYD, MG, Kia, Hyundai and – of course – Tesla are setting the pace in 2023… which begs the question: where are the other mainstream players and why are they lagging so far behind?
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Aussie flops that keep worthy successors away
By Byron Mathioudakis · 23 Jul 2023
All were meant to be sure-fire hits. A roll-of-the-dice gamble, some involving extensive and hugely expensive re-engineering for our right-hand-drive (RHD) requirements, in return for the promise of strong sales and a healthy return on investment. Especially when most were fundamentally good cars.
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GWM Tank 300 2023 review: Ultra petrol
By Byron Mathioudakis · 20 Jul 2023
Cleverly, the GWM Tank 300 slots into a gap in the booming 4WD wagon market, above the popular Suzuki Jimny but below Nissan's Patrol, while infusing more than a hint of classic Toyota LandCruiser and Mercedes G-Class in its size and presentation. But retro-pastiche styling isn't the only drawcard, thanks to keen pricing, an alluring interior and a smooth ride. All the 300 needs is more polish.
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The 2023 utes totally worth holding out for!
By Byron Mathioudakis · 20 Jul 2023
There's no denying that Australians are in a seemingly never-ending love affair with the ute - just a glance at the top-10 best-selling models here and you will see no less than four different pick-ups.In 2022 we saw the launch of the new-geneation Ford Ranger, while the Toyota HiLux was also updated, but that doesn't mean there aren't more exciting utes on the way for 2023.From big units like the Ford F-150 to Volkswagen's take on the Ford Ranger formula, here are the utes to look foward to in 2023.
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