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

Toyota RAV4 2023 review: GXL 2WD Hybrid
By Emily Agar · 15 Apr 2023
The Toyota RAV4 has been upgraded to a hybrid powertrain, which is perfect for those wanting to go a little greener but don't want to have the range anxiety of owning a full EV. In a growing hybrid market, will Australia's most popular SUV hold its title?
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Kia Carnival 2023 review: Platinum diesel
By Emily Agar · 13 Apr 2023
People movers have a bad rap, and some deservedly so, for being a bit ugly and unwieldly to handle, but if you're thinking that about the new Kia Carnival Platinum... think again. Welcome to a new age in family and gear stowage!
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Kia Sorento 2023 review: HEV GT-Line AWD
By Emily Agar · 03 Apr 2023
The new Kia Sorento HEV GT-Line AWD is another entry to the growing hybrid market and competes against heavy hitters like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota Kluger, but what makes it different from the competitors?
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Isuzu MU-X 2023 review: LS-T
By Emily Agar · 01 Apr 2023
The Isuzu MU-X LS-T has some firm competition but the four-wheel-drive capability and family friendly interior means it more than holds its own. But does its ute sibling have all the fun?
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Subaru Outback 2023 review: Sport XT
By Emily Agar · 26 Mar 2023
Subaru has finally released a turbo-petrol engine for two of its Outback models and the Sport XT sits second from the top in the line-up. Are the new engine specs enough to satisfy those wanting the grunt or will the thirst be its downfall in a market that is slowly being dominated by more fuel-efficient options?
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Toyota Fortuner 2023 review: Crusade
By Emily Agar · 21 Mar 2023
The Toyota Fortuner Crusade sits awkwardly in Toyota's SUV line-up - it's not as family-oriented as the Kluger and not as refined as the Prado. It's like that cousin you only see once a year and don't know well - you're not quite sure what to do with them. Based on the HiLux ute, does it offer the market more than just two extra seats?
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Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2023 review: C200
By Emily Agar · 10 Mar 2023
When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins. Is the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class' C200 the start of a four-door comeback?
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Jeep Gladiator 2023 review: Rubicon
By Emily Agar · 25 Feb 2023
The new Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is the only 'Trail-Rated' ute on the market and that means its been tested against the toughest terrain and survived! There's no doubt about it's off-road capabilities but can it survive against the one of the toughest critics; a modern family?
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Kia Seltos 2023 review: Sport+ FWD
By Emily Agar · 22 Feb 2023
The Kia Seltos Sport+ is as good-looking as ever and offers families who might be tight on space, an affordable small SUV. The features list has been expanded to keep up with the market, but is it enough to satisfy?
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Nissan Pathfinder 2023 review: Ti
By Emily Agar · 18 Feb 2023
The Nissan Pathfinder has been begging to be revamped and reshaped for years. The marshmellowy plumpness of the previous model has been replaced by sharper lines and a squarer shape. It carries the same engine across but are the new features and looks enough to set the performance above the market?
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