Articles by Stephen Ottley

Stephen Ottley

Contributing Journalist

Steve has been obsessed with all things automotive for as long as he can remember. Literally, his earliest memory is of a car. Having amassed an enviable Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection as a kid he moved into the world of real cars with an Alfa Romeo Alfasud.

Despite that questionable history he carved a successful career for himself, firstly covering motorsport for Auto Action magazine before eventually moving into the automotive publishing world with CarsGuide in 2008. Since then he's worked for every major outlet, having work published in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Drive.com.au, Street Machine, V8X and F1 Racing.

These days he still loves cars as much as he did as a kid and has an Alfa Romeo Alfasud in the garage (but not the same one as before... that's a long story).

FWD vs AWD: What's the difference?

By Stephen Ottley · 29 Jun 2023

In simple terms, the difference between all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD, FWD or 4x4) can be defined by the purpose of the vehicle, as both examples can drive all four wheels of any vehicle.

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Are new cars just too expensive these days?

By Stephen Ottley · 24 Jun 2023

It's not breaking news that Chinese brands such as MG, GWM Haval and BYD have made a big impact on the new car sales charts in Australia. But one of the main reasons why they've been so successful was highlighted this week - they're affordable.

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Subaru plots Toyota Kluger challenger

By Stephen Ottley · 22 Jun 2023

There's fresh hope that Subaru Australia could add the Ascent large SUV to its local line-up to take on the likes of the Toyota Kluger and Kia Sorento, despite years of rejection.

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Ford F-150 spotted in RHD

By Stephen Ottley · 18 Jun 2023

The countdown is on for the Ford F-150 to arrive in Australia. The first shipment of the US utes are on the water as testing of the converted vehicles enter the final phase of development. A prototype of the right-hand drive converted pickup was used by Ford Australia for its recent Finke Desert Race program, acting as a tow vehicle for the Ranger Raptor that competed.

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This Mazda is one of the oldest cars on sale

By Stephen Ottley · 17 Jun 2023

Mazda recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its 6 model, which arrived in 2002 as a replacement for the 626 - but how much longer will the party last?

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Can Toyota save the V8 engine as we know it?!

By Stephen Ottley · 17 Jun 2023

Toyota has emerged as an unlikely contender to save the internal combustion engine. The brand famous for hybrids has been working on a new hydrogen fuel that could replace petrol and has revealed an audacious plan to demonstrate its potential - racing at the famous Le Mans 24-hours.

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Why Mazdas are getting more expensive

By Stephen Ottley · 16 Jun 2023

Add the Mazda2 to the list of passenger cars facing an uncertain future. The Australian arm of the Japanese brand has refused to reveal any plans beyond the current model, which is due to introduce its second facelift by the end of the year. The fact that the 2 has been given a second major upgrade is unusual and doesn't bode well for the long-term future of the model.

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Ford Ranger v Toyota HiLux rivalry heats up

By Stephen Ottley · 14 Jun 2023

The showroom struggle between the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux is set to spill into the Saudi Arabian desert. Ford has confirmed that it will enter a Ranger ute in the famous Dakar Rally, a two-week torture test of man and machine.

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Toyota Corolla 2023 review: ZR Hatch

By Stephen Ottley · 13 Jun 2023

The Toyota Corolla has been one of Australia's most popular cars for decades. Why? Well, as this 2023 updated version demonstrates, it's because the Japanese giant never stops trying to improve it, to make it even more popular.

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Why Subaru's hybrids need to do better

By Stephen Ottley · 13 Jun 2023

Subaru is preparing to launch a new-generation hybrid system as it accelerates into an electric future. Speaking to CarsGuide.com.au, Blair Read, Subaru Australia's managing director, said the arrival of the all-electric Solterra would usher in a new era for the brand as it would be followed by a "development" of the hybrid powertrain.

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