Articles by Emily Agar

Emily Agar
Contributing Journalist

Emily’s love of cars started early, thanks in part to a mum who was (and still is) determined to seek out and own some seriously cool cars. An S15 Nissan 200SX with a burgundy leather interior was enough to cement Emily’s quiet love affair with Japanese styling, rear-wheel drive and cars that make you turn around for a second look.

After a decade-long career in real estate, Emily followed her curiosity into the automotive world in 2022 when she joined CarsGuide, where a natural tendency to ask, “What’s that car?”, and, “Why don’t they do it this way?”, has become something of a professional skill.

With a background in sales, a love of a good chat and an eye for detail, Emily brings a curious and conversational approach to her reviews. Her philosophy is simple: no matter the car, there’s always something good to be found in it. She puts each vehicle through its paces with a particular focus on how it works in the real world, from family practicality and everyday usability to what makes it enjoyable to drive.

Emily’s automotive soft spots include Japanese sports cars, big-bruiser utes, rear-wheel drivetrains and the 1972 Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T E49. She also has a particular interest in the rapidly evolving EV market and helping families make sense of the ever-growing choice of new cars.

Away from cars, Emily is a published author. She holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Creative Writing, with a minor in English Literature, from the University of Wollongong. Her debut Young Adult fantasy novel, The Fray, was published in 2018, and she is currently working on the next three books in the series.

Expertise

  • New-car reviews
  • Electrified vehicles
  • Family cars
  • Car ownership
  • Automotive technology and features

Education

  • Bachelor of Creative Arts, Creative Writing | University of Wollongong | 2011–2013

Featured Publications

Subaru Trailseeker 2026 review: AWD | Zeekr 7GT rival tested
By Emily Agar · 15 Sep 2026
Subaru has launched an Outback... as an EV. The Trailseeker combines the Subaru adventuring spirit with electric capability. Is it a combo that will work? Time will tell.
Read the article
Renault Arkana 2026 review: Esprit Alpine Hybrid | Toyota C-HR rival tested
By Emily Agar · 06 Sep 2026
Renault has updated the Arkana, introducing a mild-hybrid set up for its small SUV. With a lot of its rivals now sporting full hybrid systems, is this a case of 'too little, too late'?
Read the article
Mazda CX-5 2026 review: Evolve | Hyundai Tucson rival tested
By Emily Agar · 25 Aug 2026
The new-generation Mazda CX-5 is here but with rivals like the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 offering hybrid power, is the CX-5 missing a trick?
Read the article
MG MG4 EV 2026 review: Essence 64 | BYD Dolphin rival tested
By Emily Agar · 22 Aug 2026
As more manufacturers chase buyers looking for an accessible entry into EV ownership, the challenge is no longer simply getting the price down. It's finding an electric car that doesn't make too many compromises along the way. That's what the updated MG4 Essence 64 is promising. But does it deliver?
Read the article
Denza B8 2026 review: 6S
By Emily Agar · 07 Jul 2026
The Denza B8 introduces a luxury plug-in hybrid to the upper-large SUV segment but does it make enough of a splash to stand out against its heavy-hitting rivals?
Read the article
MG HS Super Hybrid 2026 review: Essence
By Emily Agar · 05 Jul 2026
Being a mid-size SUV means the MG HS Super Hybrid is placed in one of Australia’s most competitive segments. But does it do enough to earn a spot on your shortlist?
Read the article
Honda CR-V 2026 review: e:HEV RS
By Emily Agar · 15 Jun 2026
Honda has launched the refreshed CR-V with more than half of its line-up sporting a hybrid powertrain. Is it a step in the right direction for Honda to keep up with its hybrid-focused competitors?
Read the article
Toyota RAV4 2026 review: Cruiser Hybrid
By Emily Agar · 10 Jun 2026
The Toyota RAV4 has revamped itself and the biggest changes come in the way of its technology but does it do everything else the way we want it to?
Read the article
Hyundai Palisade 2026 review: Elite
By Emily Agar · 10 May 2026
Hyundai has taken its well-established three-row large SUV and given it a hybrid powertrain. Is it the winning combo?
Read the article
GAC Emzoom 2026 review: Luxury
By Emily Agar · 20 Apr 2026
GAC may not be a brand many Aussies are familiar with yet but its newest small SUV, the Emzoom Luxury, might be set to change that.
Read the article