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

Isuzu D-Max 2023 review: X-Terrain
By Emily Agar · 15 Feb 2023
The new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is a bear of a unit to look at but it handles like a much smaller car. For families with young kids, it combines some great features, plus all the things you want and expect from a workhorse. This might just be the combo that a lot of families are looking for - and not just as a second family car.
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Genesis Electrified GV70 2023 review: family test
By Emily Agar · 02 Jan 2023
The Genesis Electrified GV70 is an SUV that has AWD capability but feels like you're stepping into the limo of the elite. Is this the answer for families who don't want to compromise on comfort and style but still need that much-sought-after practicality?
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Volkswagen Tiguan 2023 review: 162TSI R-Line
By Emily Agar · 17 Dec 2022
The Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line is a sporty-looking package that combines space, easy-to-use tech and a smooth drive experience. Add the all-wheel drive and we might have ourselves the combo that a lot of families are looking for! Is it perfect? Well, no (what car is), but it has some great features that are sure to make a family car enthusiast happy.
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Toyota Corolla Cross 2023 review: Atmos Hybrid 2WD
By Emily Agar · 12 Dec 2022
It's not just the fuel economy that's good on the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2WD! It has the luxury features you often find on more expensive SUVs, combined with a no-fuss drive experience. While it is an SUV, it still manages to handle more like a hatch. Combined with fantastic fuel economy, this car ticks a lot of boxes.
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Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2023 review: Q
By Emily Agar · 10 Dec 2022
The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio or 'Q' has an engine that's been designed with performance in mind, but surprisingly, it's still a practical family car.That's despite the overall impression that it's the sort of car you gravitate towards when you're hitting mid-life, and (maybe) going through a crisis. And does its eye-watering price tag add up?
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SsangYong Rexton 2023 review: ELX
By Emily Agar · 28 Nov 2022
What the hell is a SsangYong Rexton ELX? Sort of sounds like a new kind of dinosaur, doesn't it? Well, no, it's a recently facelifted (proper) four-wheel drive, with seven seats and a decent diesel engine. It hails from a car company that isn't usually known for it's stylish line-up but the Rexton is putting some serious moves on in the design department. But is it style as well as substance?
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Kia Sportage 2023 review: SX petrol
By Emily Agar · 18 Nov 2022
It's easy to see why the newly facelifted Kia Sportage SX petrol is a serious competitor for the medium SUV market. The biggest pull factor is the (very healthy) price tag. However, its restyle has pushed it from being 'just okay' in the looks department to downright stylish. Add the practicality of a spacious cabin and, while it might not take the win, it certainly gets on the podium.
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Suzuki S-Cross 2023 review: Allgrip Prestige
By Emily Agar · 07 Nov 2022
Is it a wagon or an SUV? Technically, it's an SUV but despite the new rugged facelift, the S-Cross doesn't seem 100 per cent convinced which category it fits into, either. After a week driving it with my family of three, I found that it's a neat little package but it doesn't always deliver.
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Nissan Leaf 2023 review: e+
By Emily Agar · 02 Nov 2022
It's small, it's electric and it handles and drives a bit like a golf cart - not overly fast and not as fun as you might think. However, the Nissan Leaf e+ does offer a driving range that makes it a little more competitive with what's on the EV market but is it enough to make this hatch suitable for everyday family life?
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Hyundai Palisade 2023 review: Elite 7-seat diesel
By Emily Agar · 30 Oct 2022
The newly facelifted Hyundai Palisade Elite 7-seater hasn't had many massive design changes - it's still a chonk on wheels, but the luxury features remain, securing the Palisade's position as a family favourite.
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