Diesel

The LS-M is the entry-grade into the Isuzu MU-X range with a list price of $48,900 for the two-wheel drive version and $54,900 for the four-wheel drive.

The D-Max X-Terrain is Isuzu's flagship Crew Cab Ute with a list price of $67,500.

The Isuzu D-Max hates the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton, so like any competitor up against fierce rivals its returned to the fight in this new update with more features to try to beat the best utes in Australia

Nissan's push into semi-premium territory with its new-generation Qashqai won’t negatively impact sales numbers, despite the sizeable price increase, according to Nissan’s local boss.

Volkswagen expects the petrol-powered version of its new Amarok will lure buyers out of SUVs and traditional passenger cars like its Golf and Tiguan.

The formidable and affordable Isuzu MU-X has been updated for 2023. Fortunately the 3500kg towing capacity, off-road ability and price have stayed the same, but there have been some changes.

Ford has announced that it has plenty of Everest stock for immediate delivery in Australia – but only for some grades.

As mentioned in last month's report, we wanted to see how the BT-50 performs as a heavy-duty tow vehicle, so as part of our Mazda Genuine Accessories (MGA) installation program we returned to Ringwood Mazda to get the BT-50 kitted out for towing.

Q: One of the hot-button topics right now with rising fuel prices is how to improve fuel economy?A: Believe it or not, there are plenty of things you can do or change that can have a noticeable effect on your car’s fuel economy. Most of them are simple, most of them cost nothing, and they can all stretch each precious litre of fuel a little farther.1. Probably the most effective way to save fuel is to modify the way you drive. How fast you accelerate and how suddenly you brake are doubtless the biggest factors in how much fuel you’ll use.Drive smoothly, anticipate red lights and traffic snarls and you’ll not only save fuel, you’ll also have happier, more comfortable passengers, not to mention less wear and tear on your vehicle.2. Where and when you drive can also have a huge effect. Conventional cars (hybrids and EVs are a different matter) are at their least fuel efficient in stop-start traffic.So, by avoiding peak-hour traffic, you can make a difference at the pump over time. Cars also use more fuel when their engines are cold, so making one longer journey with just one cold start rather than two or three short trips, each one with a cold start, will also save you fuel.3. If you do get stuck in traffic and it looks like you’ll be there a while, think about switching the engine off. An idling engine can easily use a litre per hour without moving you a single metre, and that’s terrible for fuel economy.This is also the reason there’s no gain to be had in letting a modern car warm up for five minutes in the driveway before you set off. You’re far better off driving away as soon as the engine is idling smoothly and getting some distance out of the fuel you’re burning.Just remember to take it easy until the engine has reached operating temperature. And then continue to take it easy in the name of fuel conservation.4. How your car is maintained can also make a big difference to fuel use. An engine that is tuned correctly will burn cleaner and use less fuel, and even details like a dirty air-filter can make the engine run less efficiently and will be picked up during a regular service.Don’t forget to have the whole car serviced, too, because dragging brakes or a poorly adjusted transmission can also add to fuel use.5. A lot of people never bother to check their tyre pressures, but these can make a bigger difference than you might think. Keep tyres inflated (for most cars) to around the 34psi mark (235 kPa) for a decent combination of ride quality and fuel economy.As well as saving fuel, your car will steer and brake better with 34psi in the tyres and the tyres themselves will last longer. Tyres can lose about 1psi per month just sitting around, so it’s a crucial regular check.6. Do you drive around with your air-conditioning running all the time? The air-con compressor causes drag on the engine which uses more fuel. In traffic and at urban speeds, you’re probably better off with the window open if it’s not too hot outside.That will flip at a certain road speed (depending on the aerodynamics of your car) and at higher speed, you might be better off running with the air-con on and the windows up to reduce aerodynamic drag (through the open window) that will cause the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.7. The same goes for roof-racks you’re not actually using at the moment. These contribute an enormous amount of aero drag and that means the engine works harder to pull it all through the air, especially at 110km/h.8. What’s in the boot of your car? If there’s a whole bunch of stuff you don’t need on a day-to-day basis (spare tyre, jack and tools aside) then leave it at home and reduce the weight you’re lugging around. A lighter car uses less fuel.There are no real trade secrets on how to get better fuel economy, neither does it matter if your car is powered by petrol, gas (LPG) or is a diesel engine.Nor does engine efficiency make any of these grass-roots measures redundant; even high-efficiency engines can be made to use less fuel.Clearly, buying a modern, high-tech car is the quick but expensive path on how to increase fuel efficiency, but stick with these tips and any car can go farther on less.

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?