What's the difference?
The large passenger car segment, meaning big sedans and wagons, has taken a huge nosedive in terms of sales and available models over the past decade or so.
The Holden Commodore, Chrysler 300, Kia Stinger and even the Volkswagen Passat? All axed locally.
The Toyota Camry remains a strong fleet and private buyer option (hello Uber). But it leans more towards medium than properly large car proportions, as confirmed by industry statistician, VFacts segmentation.
The only vehicle left now before you start considering premium players is the Skoda Superb. It has just launched locally in new, fourth-generation guise.
Sitting alongside the new Kodiaq as a flagship product for the Czech brand, the Superb continues to now only be offered in a single, fully-loaded Sportline trim level. Thankfully, you still get the option of either a liftback or wagon body style.
Skoda has made a wide array of changes to this new-generation Superb, including plenty of new ‘Simply Clever’ touches, but will Australians actually care about this new version of a dying breed?
@carsguide.com.au Simply Clever? The new 2025 Skoda Superb’s ‘Smart Dials’ are a set of three physical dials that are capable of altering the following: Climate control temperature Air direction Fan speed Seat heating, ventilation Drive mode Sat-nav map zoom Volume P.S. these Smart Dials also feature in the new 2025 Skoda Kodiaq SUV#skoda #superb #sedan #wagon #car #carsguide #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au
Read along to find out.
The Jaecoo J8 is an odd car.
It’s hard to place exactly where it sits in the market. It’s premium, but very affordable. It's very big but only has five seats. And it’s petrol only, at least for now, in a world that is obsessed with hybrid or electric power.
You’ve probably never heard of Jaecoo. That’s alright it’s only new, but it’s a fresh Chinese brand with big ambitions. A more accurate description is it’s Chery’s premium sub-brand.
And the J8 is its new flagship SUV that has found a little niche that's been left in Australia’s overflowing SUV segment.
It’s about the same size as the Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe family SUVs, but the J8 is five seats only and ditches the third row for a big boot.
The interior wouldn’t look out of place if it had a three-pointed star on the bonnet but the price tag will have you thinking you can buy two for the price of one.
It’s safe to say the Skoda Superb is well… superb.
This car has consistently been one of my favourites, and that’s not something I say lightly. It's a fantastic package that combines all the best parts of comfort, practicality and driving dynamics.
All of those points stand out as key reasons why, despite the fact Australians are no longer buying passenger cars in substantial numbers, you should consider this over a similarly-sized SUV.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.
It is hard to argue with the sheer amount of stuff you get in the J8 for the price. And that long warranty and capped price servicing program remove the stress of buying into a new brand.
The J8 might be more car than most people need due to its size and lack of third row seating.
It’s okay to drive but isn’t class leading and no hybrid option will count it out for the ever increasing number of Aussies looking to petrol-electric power.
The J8 is a solid machine and well worth a look if you are after glitz and glamour on a budget.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.