hatchback

2018 Renault Megane RS review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 30 May 2025
The multimedia system is a little complicated to navigate at first, but after some time it becomes easier and has everything you could possibly need. I absolutely love the alcantara interior. Every time you jump in, it makes you feel like you are in something different and special. Never had it before and love it. The way the car handles has been second to none on anything else in this price bracket or that I have driven previously. It can take corners a lot quicker than normal and it just grips through it all. The four-wheel steering aids but does take some time to get used to. Overall the running costs, including fuel, servicing and insurance, have been very similar to my previous 2009 Mazda6 Luxury Sports, which I found quite surprising as I do enjoy a spirited drive in the vehicle. I have had some warranty issues and some that are known to the factory and not vehicle-specific. My main concern with this has been the inability of my local service centre to complete the work and I would not recommend taking the vehicle to them the again.
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The Chinese car brands in Australia and their models
By Jack Quick · 27 May 2025
There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day.
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Mercedes-Benz classes explained
By Stephen Corby · 26 May 2025
The difference between Mercedes classes is methodical and distinctly German, devised to distinguish Mercedes car models by size and purpose.
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2006 Mazda3 Maxx Sport hatchback review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 22 May 2025
Great tech for a car from 2006, including powered windows, a great radio and speakers (stock) etc. All round great tech for its age. The space I can get out of this hatchback amazes me! I've fit so much stuff that many people wouldn't think is possible! The best feature about this model for me is the handling! The suspension system is really nice for stock! Fuel consumption does use a little more than I first thought, but other running costs are fairly cheap. Very reliable car! Owned it from 190xxxkm to now 290xxx without any major issues!
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2023 MG MG4 Essence 64 review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 20 May 2025
The infotainment screen has a lot of different driving options, from the lane-keeping assist function, active cruise adjustment and MG Pilot. FM and digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car will not drive unless the driver seat belt is fastened. The driver is able to adjust most driving functions to suit their driving needs through the infotainment touchscreen, which needs to be a bit more reactive.The cars interior is minimalist as most of the controls has to be accessed through the touchscreen. There are a control buttons for the radio volume, air-conditioning on/off only, front and rear window demister. and home screen reset. The front seats are comfortable in this model. In the Essence, the drivers seat has electric adjustment, which in our case is very handy. There are two cup holders and ample storage. The rear seat has 60/40 split rear and the cargo has ample area for storage but no spare wheel.Driving the MG Essence puts a smile on your face. With rear-wheel drive, 150kW and 250Nm, the MG is very responsive from the start, and to have to change lanes there is always enough response.One pedal driving is a great option as it saves the wear and tear on the brakes and can add charge back to the main battery.The running costs of the MG compared to our last car is like chalk and cheese. I charge the MG on average once a month from home. I run the battery 80% to 20%. The charging takes about 20 hours from a normal domestic power outlet. I get approximately 250km between charging at a cost of approximately $10.The servicing is every two years at approximately $1200 over a four-year period.Insurance for the MG was a bit of a challenge to start with as when I bought the car in September not all insurance companies had this model on their books, but it finished ok.I have had quite a few new cars over my driving years. Comparing the MG EV to the ICE-powered cars is probably not fair as there is a lot less to have problems with on EVs as they are more electronic than mechanical. But I have been driving this car now for five months and the only complaint I have is the infotainment touchscreen is a bit slow to react.
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2017 Nissan Pulsar ST review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 19 May 2025
The multimedia technology is great, once you get an understanding how to use it. Younger generation would have no problems. I'm not tech savvy, so it took a little longer to figure out. The car as a whole is very practical, easy to drive, smooth and tidy interior, which makes easy access to all car necessities. Smooth, quick, quiet easy to drive. Bought only few days ago, so $40 on fuel. Reliable. Gets me and my children to A and B.
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2017 Renault Clio GT review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 19 May 2025
The car has good technical features, such as navigation/GPS screen, multimedia capabilities, alarms and showing odometer readings in digits on the screen. Practically the interior of the car is not bad, but rear seats are small and tight. The rear cargo can be too tight sometimes and difficult to be used for large objects. The car drives really well, with an engine of 1.2-litre four-cylinder, and the sport option drives very well and fast. The car is very fuel efficient, but the service and insurance costs are slightly higher than other cars in this range. The car is reliable. since I have purchased it had no running issues. Starts well and drives well.
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Volkswagen Golf GTI 2025 review: snapshot
By David Morley · 16 May 2025
The GTI is the Golf line-up’s fastest, most sporty variant to use front-wheel drive. It also builds on a rich tradition as the make and model that arguably invented the whole hot-hatch genre decades ago.
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Volkswagen Golf R-Line 2025 review: snapshot
By David Morley · 14 May 2025
At the very top of the 1.4-litre Golf line-up sits the R-Line.
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All the new cars coming to Oz next year
By Byron Mathioudakis · 14 May 2025
The entire world might still be completely in love with SUVs and utes, but the traditional passenger car is far from over, be it sedans, wagons, coupes or convertibles. Here is a list of 2025's more-promising newcomers, and all without a hint of crossover or truck between them!
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