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

Mercedes-Benz EQE 2024 review: Sedan 350 4Matic
By Emily Agar · 07 Nov 2023
Mercedes-Benz has released an all-electric 'saloon' which is the equivalent of its iconic E-Class sedan. It has the looks and technology to rival any EV on the market but what about the practicality for a family? Will this be the luxury electric sedan families have been hoping for?
Read the article
Genesis Electrified G80 2024 review
By Emily Agar · 02 Nov 2023
The Genesis Electrified G80 is a large electric sedan with firm competition in the luxury market. How does this dark horse compete?
Read the article
Is the RAV4 still the top family SUV pick?
By Emily Agar · 28 Oct 2023
Before you read any further, I must confess that my first ever car was a three-door 2003 Toyota RAV4 CV in Galaxy Blue. It was a second-generation model and that means it remains the cutest and most stylish RAV4 to have hit the roads thus far (I will die on this hill).
Read the article
Peugeot e-2008 GT 2024 review: family test
By Emily Agar · 25 Oct 2023
Peugeot has released its first electric car in Australia - the e-2008 GT has landed in style, but does this little SUV have the goods to back up its sweet looks?
Read the article
Should you buy an EV if you have a family?
By Emily Agar · 21 Oct 2023
Buying an EV for the first time is a big deal and can be pricey. If you have a family and are considering swapping out an ICE car for an EV, you might want to ask yourself these questions first.
Read the article
Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2024 review: Veloce
By Emily Agar · 17 Oct 2023
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce has a performance factor that can't be ignored but while it has seen a minor facelift, is that enough to make it a contender against its tough competition?
Read the article
Mazda CX-90 2024 review: Azami G50e
By Emily Agar · 14 Oct 2023
The CX-90 G50e Azami is a new top-spec model being offered by Mazda. Not to be confused with the similarly named and sized, CX-9, this large SUV features a gutsier mild-hybrid engine and premium price tag to match.This positions it firmly in the luxury SUV category but does it earn its position?
Read the article
Mazda CX-60 2024 review: GT P50e
By Emily Agar · 26 Sep 2023
The CX-60 is the latest offering from Mazda's stable and it sits nestled next to its (slightly) smaller sibling, the CX-5. It's quite similar to look at but the P50e variant is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The size, power and efficiency should be a winning combo on paper but how does it fair in reality?
Read the article
Hyundai Kona 2024 review: 2.0 Premium
By Emily Agar · 24 Sep 2023
The small SUV market is fiercely defended by some strong competition but the new design of the Hyundai Kona may be what gives it a podium finish.
Read the article
Genesis G70 2024 review: Shooting Brake
By Emily Agar · 10 Sep 2023
Genesis has released the wagon version of the G70, named the Shooting Brake, but are its sexy good looks enough to entice the modern day family?
Read the article