What's the difference?
This might be Kia's best defence yet against the wave of cheap Chinese SUVs currently crashing against our shores.
It's the Kia Stonic, and this update brings mild hybrid technology, which lowers your fuel bill while upping your power. There's also some new tech stuff and some new safety stuff, as well as a refreshed front-end look.
Critically, though, it's not actually new. The Stonic launched globally back in 2017, before an updated version arrived in Australia around 2021. This is yet another update, albeit a significant one, which means the Stonic has been given dual-cab ute levels of longevity in the market.
All of that should be helping Kia to keep the pencil sharp, with the new range kicking off at $28,180, plus on-road costs.
Not quite China cheap, but not too far off it.
The Toyota Camry is one of the few cars that really needs no introduction. It's been on our shores for 41 years and has proven itself to be steadfastly popular, enough for Toyota to launch a ninth-generation version.
The entry grade Ascent is one of the few 'base-models' still available for the mid-sized sedan segment and offers an upgraded hybrid powertrain and transmission, new tech and a fresh take on its design.
Old fans will love it and in this review we discover if there's something for families to get excited about.
Unlike a lot of rivals in this segment, the Stonic's actually quite a bit of fun to drive, and that alone earns it a tick from me.
Yes, it can feel underpowered in places, especially when you're trying to do high-speed overtakes or if you're on a really engaging road and on and off the accelerator. But just cruising around, the little powertrain gives you plenty to get around the city.
And I guess that is the point. This does feel like a very city-friendly vehicle, even if it is undeniably showing its age in places.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with meals provided.
Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics (https://www.carsguide.com.au/ethics), and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
Ah, gotta love a sedan that knows its audience and the ninth-gen Toyota Camry Ascent proves once again why it’s a popular choice.
On top of the space and practicality, you get a shiny new design and technology. Overall the Camry Ascent is a well-rounded base-model - what’s not to love?