Articles by Dom Tripolone

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Aussies SUV shoppers will be spoiled for choice in 2026.Kia is the latest carmaker to confirm a new version of one its most popular models, with the new-generation Seltos breaking cover ahead of its Australian arrival late next year.The new Seltos ushers in a lot of changes to beef up its arsenal to battle newcomers such as the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 and old favourites including the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Kona from sister brand Hyundai.Kia’s compact SUV will come with hybrid power for the first time. The brand hasn’t revealed any details of the hybrid set-up, but it is believed to mirror the one found in the Kona.That likely means a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched with an electric motor and small battery. This set-up produces a combined 104kW and 265Nm in the Kona and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch auto that drives the front wheels. Fuel use should be sub-4.0L/100km, too.This will be joined by two petrol engines.The first is a familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder non-turbo motor found in the current Seltos (minus 1kW), which now makes 110kW and 179Nm. It will likely be matched to a CVT auto.Next up is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This is available in two tunes making either 132kW/265Nm or 142kW/265Nm. It is likely Australia will use the second option paired with an eight-speed auto, which is currently used in the Seltos albeit with 4kW more.Kia Australia hasn’t confirmed the Seltos line-up for Down Under yet, but it is likely to offer the two petrol options and hybrid from its Q4 launch.It will be available in front- or all-wheel drive layouts, with the AWD versions swapping out a rear torsion beam set-up for a more refined multi-link suspension at the back.Currently Kia fits the turbo motor to AWD versions and the non-turbo engine to FWD examples, this strategy is expected to carry-over to the new generation. No word yet on if the hybrid will be available in FWD or AWD layouts, but Hyundai only sells the Kona Hybrid in FWD.The Seltos will also benefit from a local ride and handling tune, which it said will take place at the start of next year.The company also claimed to have improved sound deadening to improve the driving experience.Kia has stretched the Seltos. It is now 45mm longer than before and with a 60mm longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase — or distance between front and rear axles — typically determines how much interior space a car has. The spacious cabin has also been enhanced with a column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector, which leaves the centre console free for other uses.The Seltos is also claimed to have class-leading boot space, with 536L of storage, according to Kia.A new design maintains the Seltos’ boxy physique but new lighting signatures front and back add some modern touches to its appeal. There is the option of 16-, 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.Kia has also confirmed a new X-Line trim, which will feature more rugged styling compared to the more glitzy GT-Line.High-end models will benefit from plenty of large screens inside and a head-up display that projects vital information, such as travelling speed and safety warnings, onto the windscreen in front of the driver.Kia has fitted plenty of advanced safety tech to the new Seltos, with all bases covered.Kia will produce the Seltos in China, India and South Korea, with Australian-delivered vehicles built in Korea.

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The past three months have turned my car world upside down. I lived with the Toyota Camry SL during that time, and now new and revolutionary thoughts are popping into my head.Have we all been hoodwinked by SUVs? Could a sedan be a truly great family car? Is the Toyota Camry no longer boring? And is it now, dare I say, a fun and comfortable car? Life changing queries, I know.The reality is after three months it's hard to find any meaningful flaws with the car, as much as I tried.The SL is the top of the range so it doesn’t want for much.You can expect desirable items such as synthetic leather-wrapped seats that are heated, ventilated and power adjustable in the front row. The driver’s seat also has a memory function to remember your ideal seating position. A heated and power adjustable steering wheel is standard. Lots of screens, smartphone mirroring and wireless phone charging.A monster panoramic sunroof lets the light pour in. Great in winter, not in summer, but Toyota has fitted a proper cover to completely block out the sun.That brings me to another point — the air con.Having suffered through lots of summers in an innumerable amount of cars that can’t get something as simple as air conditioning right — the Camry is a breath of fresh, and frigid, air.Every Camry comes with one year free access to Toyota’s connected servicing, which allows you to control a number of features via an app. You can turn the car and air con on before you plan to leave, which means you can cool the car down after it's been sitting in the sun. Take it from me, this is a game-changer with little kids, especially when heading back from the beach or park with the car parked in the sun for hours.You can also lock the car remotely and keep tabs on its vitals, as well as get access to a range of perks such as cheaper petrol.The Camry is also far roomier than any mid-size SUV. The back seat has acres of space. Anyone that’s been in the back seat of a ride share can probably relate. I regularly fitted two child seats, one forward-facing and one rear-facing. Both fit in with plenty of room to spare. The top tether anchor point is a bit of a pain to put in, but I was putting the seats in and out every other day, which is not a concern for most people.On the flip side it is almost five metres long, which is bigger than a comparable SUV. The Camry is also a fun car to drive. Shocking, I know.At its heart is Toyota’s hybrid set-up.Its 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor and a small battery. This combines to make 170kW, which is not far off a Volkswagen Golf GTI. Toyota doesn’t quote combined torque figures, but there is plenty.It makes light work of accelerating up steep hills and there is always plenty left in reserve when needing to overtake at speed.On the motorway the Camry is a quiet, comfortable and refined cruiser. The suspension does a quality job of soaking up bumps and lumps of all sizes, but it can get a little skittish over consistent small bumps.The steering is well weighted and direct, which delivers confidence on all types of roads.On a twisting country road is where the Camry sets itself apart from the SUV set. It’s lower ride height makes it intrinsically better to drive through the corners than its high-riding rivals.Shorts springs and tight body means it holds its weight through the bends better with no lean and it handles sudden change of direction far better, too.Another highlight is the safety tech. It actually works, which for anyone who has tested the new breed of cars arriving on our shores is a godsend.The auto emergency braking, lane keep assist and all the other safety acronyms work as they should. The car isn't beeping and bonging at you for every little thing. The tech is there and will only activate when it is needed. How refreshing to be treated as an adult.The few low lights I could find were mostly trivial.I don't like digital rear view mirrors. I never get the same depth of vision as from a mirror, but I will concede they provide better night and wet weather vision. Still a no from me, though.The long bonnet car can scrape on steep driveways or over speed bumps with large corrugations. So you'll need to be careful.A temporary spare tyre is par for the course these days, but still a poor result for owners as I found out when I got a puncture. Instead of switching out the spare and off I went, I had to put on the space saver and head to the nearest tyre store to get the puncture wheel repaired. A few hours I won’t get back.I also wasn’t able to get close to the official 4.0 litres per 100km claimed fuel use figure. I managed 5.1L/100km over my time. The fact it needs premium unleaded petrol is a bummer, too.I didn’t get to spend as much time behind the wheel the last month as planned due to time spent overseas and interstate, but it was unlikely I’d dip below the 5.0L/100km mark judging by the first 1000km.Toyota Camry SLAcquired: August, 2025Distance travelled this month: 195kmOdometer: 2849kmAverage fuel consumption this month: 5.1L/100km

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