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

Lexus RX 2023 review: 500h F Sport Performance
By Emily Agar · 05 Jul 2023
The new RX has been revamped, restyled and retooled, so how does it compete in the luxury large SUV market?
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Nissan X-Trail 2023 review: ST-L 7-seat
By Emily Agar · 01 Jul 2023
The Nissan X-Trail has always been a popular family vehicle. It combines a decent size, engine and features but now it has seven-seats! Will this secure its popularity for the future?
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Audi SQ7 2023 review: Family test
By Emily Agar · 26 Jun 2023
The Audi SQ7 TFSI has seen the engine overhauled and a few little tweaks for the 2023 edition. But it has some heavy-hitting luxury competitors. Are its engine specs enough for it to hold it's own?
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 2023 review: Dynamiq 2WD
By Emily Agar · 09 Jun 2023
The EV frontier is broadening and peoples' expectations are changing - does the Hyundai Ioniq 5 still have what it takes to be competitive? In a word, yes.
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Volkswagen Passat 2023 review: 206TSI R-Line wagon
By Emily Agar · 07 Jun 2023
The Volkswagen Passat 206 TSI R-Line offers sporty performance while offering space for a family, but is the price point going to be the sticking point?
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Hyundai Venue 2023 review: Elite
By Emily Agar · 23 May 2023
Hyundai has released the updated Venue but have the upgrades been worth waiting for?
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Kia Niro 2023 review: EV S
By Emily Agar · 14 May 2023
Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to its popular, EV6. It has a great driving range and is well-specified but will the price hike prove to be decisive in a world where every family is tightening its budget?
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BMW 320i 2023 review
By Emily Agar · 06 May 2023
The 3 Series sedan was often the entry to the brand for first time BMW owners and for good reason. They offered practical interior space without compromising on engine performance. So, how does the 'entry' BMW 320i M Sport live up to its long-standing reputation?
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Hyundai Ioniq 6 2023 review: Dynamiq
By Emily Agar · 30 Apr 2023
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a futuristic EV sedan that combines a decently specced entry model with a great driving range but will the design prove to be too polarising?
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Lexus NX 2023 review: 350 AWD F Sport
By Emily Agar · 22 Apr 2023
In an age where families are becoming smaller and storage is at a premium, there's a market for SUVs that have just the right amount of space to warrant the SUV tag but don't compromise on power... enter the Lexus NX350 F Sport.
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