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Man of Many
a day ago
- Man of Many
Man of Many's Staff Favourites—19 July, 2025
By Dean Blake - News Published: 19 Jul 2025 |Last Updated: 17 Jul 2025 Share Copy Link Readtime: 5 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. The week is over, July is halfway done, and wouldn't you know it—it's time for another round of our Staff Favourites! Each week, we try to show off some things that have brought us some joy in the hopes it'll help you find your own, and this week we're showcasing some delicious Tasmanian whiskey, a pint-sized collectable car, an ape wearing a tie, and some custom Adidas. Hot Wheels 1990 Acura NSX Brick Set | Image: Mattel Hot Wheels 1990 Acura NSX Brick Set John Guanzon – Head of Creative & Production When we posted about the news of Mattel dropping collector-focused brick sets on Man of Many's Instagram, the response was huge, so I took it as my sign to grab a set for myself. I told myself it was for the kids over the school holidays, but let's be real: I'll be the one building it while they watch (and honestly, I'm not mad about it). The build quality is surprisingly impressive. This one features 876 pieces and pays tribute to the iconic '90s ride with incredible attention to detail, from its scissor doors to the classic wedge profile. It's part of Mattel's new Brick Shop range, which also includes the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and 1963 Corvette Grand Sport. All three are loaded with authentic touches and feel way more premium than you'd expect from a brick set. It's definitely got that collector energy, and now I'm tempted to grab the others and complete the set (or quietly drop hints between now and Father's Day wink). Favourite Article this Week: Our First Look at Link and Zelda in 2027's 'Legend of Zelda' Movie Donkey Kong Bonanza | Image: Nintendo Donkey Kong Goes Bananza Dean Blake – Entertainment & Tech Writer Donkey Kong has finally been let out of his cage, and he's literally tearing the scenery apart. In DK's big return to a starring role, he's diving deep into the bowels of the planet in Bananza, the first major single-player system-seller for Nintendo's new Switch 2 console. I got a chance to play a few hours of the game recently, and it was fantastic. DK feels great in the hands (which is no surprise if you've played this studio's prior game, Super Mario Odyssey), and has a number of new abilities in store: he can break the world apart around him, for one, but also climb most surfaces and, when the mood strikes just right, turn into an ostrich. No, I'm not kidding. He can also turn into a zebra and an even bigger ape with bananas in his hair, which is strange but you know, who cares? Doing so gives the big man access to some new abilities, like gliding, sprinting, and bashing things even harder. Oh, and he does it all with a human child on his shoulder. Confused yet? Well, that's just the beginning of where things get whacky with this one, but I don't think I want to spoil much else. Really, if you've already picked up a Switch 2 for Mario Kart you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to check out Bananza—and if you've been on the fence, this is a pretty damn good reason to make the jump to Nintendo's new system. Favourite Article this Week: Does the Nothing Phone (3) Justify its AUD$1,509 Price? Image: Scott Purcell / Man of Many Kicking It with the Three Stripes: Our Night with the adidas Superstar Scott Purcell – Co-Founder This week, Harry and I had the opportunity to head out to the adidas flagship store on Pitt St in Sydney to celebrate the return of a true icon: the adidas Superstar. The new 'Superstar: The Original' campaign is bringing back the legendary sneaker in two classic colourways, alongside the equally iconic Firebird Tracksuit. The global campaign features a star-studded cast including the likes of Missy Elliott, Jennie from BLACKPINK, and is narrated by the one and only Samuel L. Jackson. The event was a super fun getting to customise our own sneakers, and they even offered to embroider the back of our new jackets ahead of the night. In a moment of questionable genius, I opted for 'Man of Many' on mine, which made for some interesting conversations. Others were more clever, with one person getting 'It wasn't me' stitched on the back. While I'm not sure my attempt with a metallic scourer was a complete success as you can see in the photo, I can confirm these shoes are ridiculously comfortable. I've been wearing them all week since and this was my first proper foray into the world of adidas Superstars footwear. I think it's safe to say I'm a convert. Favourite Video this Week: DITL with the Dyson OnTrac Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey | Image: Rosevears Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey Alex Martinez – Media Sales & Brand Partnerships Tasmania's first crack at a bourbon-style whiskey is an ambitious and largely successful effort. Rosevears Batch 1 delivers a bold, grain-forward profile that proudly wears its local ingredients on its sleeve. The nose is rich with sweet corn and toasted cereal, backed by a punch of rye spice and oak. On the palate, it leans into classic bourbon notes – vanilla, caramel, and a touch of char. While it doesn't quite rival the depth of some seasoned Kentucky counterparts, Rosevears impresses with its authenticity and craftsmanship. As a debut, it sets a promising foundation for what's to come from this Tasmanian distillery. One for the curious bourbon enthusiast looking to explore Australian innovation – and why wouldn't you be? Favourite Article this Week: Ninja SLUSHi: The Uber-Cool Drink Maker You Need Right Now
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid review finds a serene and thrifty luxe SUV
Toyota and Lexus can lay claim to being the pioneers of hybrid technology. Remember when the Toyota Prius was blazing its own trail and even Hollywood A-listers were making a green statement by having one in the driveway? Hybrid popularity has exploded in recent years, especially post-Covid. More than 70 per cent of Lexus vehicles sold here have hybrid technology beneath the skin, and by 2030 the brand forecasts its entire Australian fleet will be full electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrids. Which explains the arrival of a new iteration of the RX, the large Lexus SUV, which has been pivotal over the past 20 years in luring luxury buyers away from the big German brands. The RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid, which can run on pure electric power for about 65km but then also has the backup of a petrol engine with a 55L tank. Priced from about $135k in your driveway, the new offering sits between two hybrid siblings – the base 350h at $105,300 and the turbocharged 500h F Performance that remains atop the RX heap at $142,670. The plug-in hybrid realm is rapidly moving, while the nation's top three overall vehicles sellers last month were the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max, coming in fourth was the BYD Shark 6, which is indeed a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 80km. Having recently driven the Haval H6 GT PHEV and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the RX 450h+ is more likely to be shopped against the BMW X5 xDrive50e that has a range of about 100km ($170,500 drive-away) or the Volvo XC90 Recharge which is good for 77km ($148,320 drive-away). What do you get? Lexus typically excels in the standard features realm and the RX is no exception. Riding on 21-inch alloys, the cabin feels and looks high-end with curved surfaces and leather trim. The plug-in hybrid is only available in Sports Luxury specification, which includes an electric boot door with kick sensor, 14-inch central touchscreen, wireless phone charger, 21-speaker stereo system, panoramic sunroof, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ample room is available in the back for adults, with other luxuries including three-zone aircon, heated and ventilated front and rear outboard seats, heated steering wheel, sunshades in rear doors, along with power reclining and folding back seats. The seats can also be dropped via buttons in the boot – brilliant when loading sporting equipment or awkward-size items. Colour options include white, black, titanium, grey, silver, red, copper, khaki and blue. Six interior combinations to choose from, with browns combining with bamboo and black shades, plus white with bamboo or black. Charging takes about 7.5 hours to completely replenish using a standard home power point and a 10-amp charger that comes with the car, or 2.5 hours using a 32 amp public charging system. Capped price servicing is available for the first five, costing $695 each. Lexus buyers are also given access to the Encore program, which entitles members to a variety of special events, as well as free loan cars during servicing and when travelling interstate. How was the drive? Shifting between electric and petrol power is done seamlessly, similar to what we've experienced with all Lexus hybrids. The key differential with the plug-in version is the ability to lock the RX into pure electric drive and our test saw it travel 55km before the engine needed to supplement the power. Typically Lexus-silent in operation, there is a gentle hum when the four-cylinder engine kicks into gear yet remains serene in just about all circumstances. Despite its electric power the SUV isn't remarkably quick, with a respectable 0-100kmh time of 6.5 seconds. Cornering is best undertaken with conservatism to avoid body roll, but the RX has always been a vehicle of luxury and comfort – and the plug-in version doesn't deviate from the remit. Those wanting extra punch and cornering ability would need to look at the F Performance derivative. Buyers of the plug-in are no doubt chasing efficiency and that is best achieved by replenishing the battery. Many people aren't travelling more than 60km a day in their commute so using electric power primarily is conceivable. The petrol engine does push power back into the battery while the electric motors can also chime in for extra acceleration prowess. With a full battery you could get close to achieving the official fuel consumption figure of 1.3L/100km, but after depleting its reserves we saw 6.1L/100km on one highway journey. That's still pretty thrifty for a big SUV. The plug-in does have the smallest fuel tank of the RX range at 55L, but the battery ensures it's the heaviest of the four-model line-up at 2200kg. Would you buy one? Kel: While I loved the quiet and serene ride, I felt like it was an old man's car. That's being stereotypical, but it was sensible and luxurious without much excitement factor. The luxury plug-in hybrid space isn't super-popular yet, and I would probably side with a full electric model for some extra pizzazz. Grant: The RX 450h+ does what it says on the tin. Buyers wanting an efficient SUV and don't undertake long daily travels will love the thrifty operating costs. Lexus has an excellent reputation for longevity and reliability so it's a safe option for those shopping for a luxurious plug-in.
7NEWS
4 days ago
- 7NEWS
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA250e: Brand's cheapest PHEV priced for Australia
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA250e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has been launched in Australia as brand's smallest, most affordable PHEV offering locally. Online order books opened today, July 17, 2025, with the GLA250e 'with EQ hybrid technology' – as the automaker refers to it – priced from $78,000 including metallic paint, before on-road costs. That sees the GLA250e undercut the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV by $500 but sit a little over $10k above the Cupra Formentor VZe PHEV's $64,990 (before on-roads) showroom sticker. It also gives the German brand a smaller, more affordable SUV in local showrooms to battle a potential PHEV version of the new 2026 Audi Q3, which is due here mid-next year. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. A new-generation GLA is also expected to be launched overseas next year ahead of an Australian on-sale in 2027. The current GLA is the brand's second most-popular model here, behind only the larger GLC SUV. For now, the GLA250e arrives at $2500 less than the more powerful 165kW/350Nm petrol-powered GLA250 but is priced significantly higher than the $63,600 entry-level GLA200 it shares its petrol engine with. For the extra ask, the GLA250e takes the 1.3-litre petrol four-cylinder – with the same 120kW/270Nm – from the GLA200 and adds an extra gear, with an electric motor build into the eight-speed automatic transmission for a combined 160kW/450Nm. An 11.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides up to 65km (WLTP) of electric-only driving range, with charging speeds of up to 11kW from the standard 3.7kW AC charger. Two charge cables are included as standard. Mercedes-Benz Australia hasn't included fuel consumption figures with its announcement, with the non-hybrid GLA200 offering a claimed 7.4L/100km combined figure. In Germany, Mercedes-Benz claims a figure of 2.9L/100km for the GLA250e under WLTP testing. Standard equipment on the GLA250e includes: 18-inch alloy wheels 'Progressive Line' exterior styling LED headlights with adaptive high-beam Metallic paint Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate Heat-insulating dark-tinted glass Rain-sensing wipers Proximity entry with push-button start Black Artico leatherette upholstery 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system Satellite navigation Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Heated, power-adjustable front seats with memory Semi-autonomous parking assist Automatic climate control with rear air vents Wireless phone charger Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera There are a couple of option packages available on the GLA250e. The AMG Line package costs $2500 and adds: Lowered 'comfort' suspension Sports braking system Nappa leather-wrapped sports steering wheel Galvanised shift paddles Upgraded air-conditioning The Plus package costs $3847 and adds all the features from the AMG Line package, plus: Burmester sound system Head-up display Multibeam LED headlights Augmented reality satellite navigation Illuminated door sills Active Steering Assist Mercedes-Benz Australia had been moving away from mainstream PHEVs over the past few years, axing the A250e and launching new generations of the C-Class and GLC without replacements for their C300e and GLC300e PHEVs. Instead, the brand reserved PHEV powertrains for high-performance models like the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance. However, this year it introduced the C350e, heralding a return to 'regular' PHEVs.
