Latest news with #Australasian
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
The judges have spoken: these country bakeries make Australia's best pies
For three days, judges of Australia's Best Pie and Pastie Competition tasted the flakiest and most inventive pastries from around the country, and now the results have been revealed. One regional bakery swept the competition, taking home the top award for the plain mince beef pie, as well as the judge's pick for the best vegetarian pie with its lentil dahl filling. Howlong Country Bakery, near the NSW and Victoria border, was awarded a medal for each of its 15 pies entered in the competition, as well as winning two categories. Bakery co-owner Catherine Fyffe said the Best Plain Mince Pie category was a hotly-contested and prestigious. "We're very conscious of using good quality, local ingredients and taking the time to cook the meat and rest the pastry," Mrs Fyffe said told ACM's The Border Mail. "It's quality control at every step of the way." While the best plain mince beef pie and best vegetarian pie awards went to Howlong Country Bakery, a number of other regional pie shops were honoured. A maple bacon creation from Orange Spot Bakery in Glenelg, South Australia, was awarded the best flavoured beef pie. Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, with stores along Victoria's coastline at Queenscliff, Barwon Heads and Geelong, won the award for best poultry pie for its chicken pesto pastry. Buddy Bakery Melton, on the outskirts of Melbourne, has Australia's best chunky plain beef pies, the judges decided in 2025. The PieFather, based in Rosebery, NSW, took home two category awards. The tom yum prawn pie won Australia's best seafood pie in 2025, while the best mushroom pie award went to the PieFather's vegan stroganoff. The competition was organised by the industry body, the Baking Association of Australia (BAA). BAA National President and Queensland Chair Amanda McDonald said the awards were "highly esteemed and recognised as one of the most prestigious food competitions in the Australasian region". "By offering genuine feedback and assistance through open judging and transparency, the competition has grown stronger each year," she said. A full list of medal winners is available on the Baking Association of Australia website. For three days, judges of Australia's Best Pie and Pastie Competition tasted the flakiest and most inventive pastries from around the country, and now the results have been revealed. One regional bakery swept the competition, taking home the top award for the plain mince beef pie, as well as the judge's pick for the best vegetarian pie with its lentil dahl filling. Howlong Country Bakery, near the NSW and Victoria border, was awarded a medal for each of its 15 pies entered in the competition, as well as winning two categories. Bakery co-owner Catherine Fyffe said the Best Plain Mince Pie category was a hotly-contested and prestigious. "We're very conscious of using good quality, local ingredients and taking the time to cook the meat and rest the pastry," Mrs Fyffe said told ACM's The Border Mail. "It's quality control at every step of the way." While the best plain mince beef pie and best vegetarian pie awards went to Howlong Country Bakery, a number of other regional pie shops were honoured. A maple bacon creation from Orange Spot Bakery in Glenelg, South Australia, was awarded the best flavoured beef pie. Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, with stores along Victoria's coastline at Queenscliff, Barwon Heads and Geelong, won the award for best poultry pie for its chicken pesto pastry. Buddy Bakery Melton, on the outskirts of Melbourne, has Australia's best chunky plain beef pies, the judges decided in 2025. The PieFather, based in Rosebery, NSW, took home two category awards. The tom yum prawn pie won Australia's best seafood pie in 2025, while the best mushroom pie award went to the PieFather's vegan stroganoff. The competition was organised by the industry body, the Baking Association of Australia (BAA). BAA National President and Queensland Chair Amanda McDonald said the awards were "highly esteemed and recognised as one of the most prestigious food competitions in the Australasian region". "By offering genuine feedback and assistance through open judging and transparency, the competition has grown stronger each year," she said. A full list of medal winners is available on the Baking Association of Australia website. For three days, judges of Australia's Best Pie and Pastie Competition tasted the flakiest and most inventive pastries from around the country, and now the results have been revealed. One regional bakery swept the competition, taking home the top award for the plain mince beef pie, as well as the judge's pick for the best vegetarian pie with its lentil dahl filling. Howlong Country Bakery, near the NSW and Victoria border, was awarded a medal for each of its 15 pies entered in the competition, as well as winning two categories. Bakery co-owner Catherine Fyffe said the Best Plain Mince Pie category was a hotly-contested and prestigious. "We're very conscious of using good quality, local ingredients and taking the time to cook the meat and rest the pastry," Mrs Fyffe said told ACM's The Border Mail. "It's quality control at every step of the way." While the best plain mince beef pie and best vegetarian pie awards went to Howlong Country Bakery, a number of other regional pie shops were honoured. A maple bacon creation from Orange Spot Bakery in Glenelg, South Australia, was awarded the best flavoured beef pie. Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, with stores along Victoria's coastline at Queenscliff, Barwon Heads and Geelong, won the award for best poultry pie for its chicken pesto pastry. Buddy Bakery Melton, on the outskirts of Melbourne, has Australia's best chunky plain beef pies, the judges decided in 2025. The PieFather, based in Rosebery, NSW, took home two category awards. The tom yum prawn pie won Australia's best seafood pie in 2025, while the best mushroom pie award went to the PieFather's vegan stroganoff. The competition was organised by the industry body, the Baking Association of Australia (BAA). BAA National President and Queensland Chair Amanda McDonald said the awards were "highly esteemed and recognised as one of the most prestigious food competitions in the Australasian region". "By offering genuine feedback and assistance through open judging and transparency, the competition has grown stronger each year," she said. A full list of medal winners is available on the Baking Association of Australia website. For three days, judges of Australia's Best Pie and Pastie Competition tasted the flakiest and most inventive pastries from around the country, and now the results have been revealed. One regional bakery swept the competition, taking home the top award for the plain mince beef pie, as well as the judge's pick for the best vegetarian pie with its lentil dahl filling. Howlong Country Bakery, near the NSW and Victoria border, was awarded a medal for each of its 15 pies entered in the competition, as well as winning two categories. Bakery co-owner Catherine Fyffe said the Best Plain Mince Pie category was a hotly-contested and prestigious. "We're very conscious of using good quality, local ingredients and taking the time to cook the meat and rest the pastry," Mrs Fyffe said told ACM's The Border Mail. "It's quality control at every step of the way." While the best plain mince beef pie and best vegetarian pie awards went to Howlong Country Bakery, a number of other regional pie shops were honoured. A maple bacon creation from Orange Spot Bakery in Glenelg, South Australia, was awarded the best flavoured beef pie. Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, with stores along Victoria's coastline at Queenscliff, Barwon Heads and Geelong, won the award for best poultry pie for its chicken pesto pastry. Buddy Bakery Melton, on the outskirts of Melbourne, has Australia's best chunky plain beef pies, the judges decided in 2025. The PieFather, based in Rosebery, NSW, took home two category awards. The tom yum prawn pie won Australia's best seafood pie in 2025, while the best mushroom pie award went to the PieFather's vegan stroganoff. The competition was organised by the industry body, the Baking Association of Australia (BAA). BAA National President and Queensland Chair Amanda McDonald said the awards were "highly esteemed and recognised as one of the most prestigious food competitions in the Australasian region". "By offering genuine feedback and assistance through open judging and transparency, the competition has grown stronger each year," she said. A full list of medal winners is available on the Baking Association of Australia website.
7NEWS
3 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Subaru Forester review
After months of drip-fed information and pre-production test drives, the sixth-generation Subaru Forester has finally landed in Australia. While Subaru's Australasian media launch took place in New Zealand last week, early-bird Aussies who pre-ordered the new Forester have already been taking delivery of their vehicles for the best part of a month. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today On sale in North America since mid-2024, the Mk6 Forester was launched in Europe in October last year. That should have given us plenty of time to wrap our heads around the new Forester, but Subaru Australia had been coy about local details until recently. Full Australian pricing and specifications were only released around two months ago, which provided a long-awaited insight into exactly what the new model would bring here – lifting the fog on its new 'Strong Hybrid' powertrain in particular. What's all the fuss about, then? Well, the Strong Hybrid system pairs a significantly more powerful hybrid system with Subaru's signature boxer engine, promising enhanced performance and efficiency compared to the mild-hybrid system offered with the outgoing generation. It's a much-needed upgrade for Subaru's top-selling nameplate, as it brings it into the modern age with a hybrid powertrain that, at least on paper, can contend with segment heavy-hitters like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson. The remainder of its changes are largely cosmetic, including the new body, while its interior has been brought up to speed with other current Subaru models like the Impreza, Outback, and WRX. That said, those cabin layouts have barely changed over the past three or four years, but there's also an impressive list of standard equipment in the Forester even at the bottom of the range. On the other hand, the Forester's petrol powertrain has received minimal tweaks bar a slight torque bump. Elsewhere, the suspension and steering have been retuned, noise and vibration levels have been refined, and the automatic transmission now offers broader gear ratios for a more versatile driving experience. It's worth noting that although we drove Kiwi-spec examples of the new Forester, specifications are practically identical to those in Australia. Are the changes enough to keep the Forester a favourite, or has Subaru left too much on the table? How much does the Subaru Forester cost? Prices are up by nearly $5000 across the range, with the new Forester now starting at $43,490 before on-road costs. Of course, all Foresters retain Subaru's trdemark all-wheel drive system as standard. But for context, the RAV4 range starts at $42,260 before on-roads for the entry-level front-wheel drive hybrid GX – $870 less than the base Forester. That said, the cheapest all-wheel drive RAV4 is the GX eFour, which costs $45,260 before on-roads – $1770 more than the base Forester but offers hybrid tech. The cheapest Forester Hybrid costs $1230 more than the GX eFour. For reference, the outgoing Forester was priced from $38,690 before on-road costs for the base 2.5i, and $50,140 before on-roads for the flagship Hybrid S. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Subaru Forester like on the inside? It's better to think of the interior as an evolution rather than a revolution, but even that's a stretch. Yes, it's a progression from the previous generation, featuring a larger infotainment screen and generally cleaner construction, but it's hardly groundbreaking. As mentioned previously, this fundamental layout is practically identical to that of every other current Subaru, which means it lags behind the competition. That said, some buyers may prefer a familiar interior, particularly those who have bought Subarus in recent years. It may not be as flashy as an equivalent Hyundai or a Kia, but not everyone wants a screen-heavy, all-touch interior, and they seem to be the buyers Subaru has targeted with this interior. Headlining the new cabin is the brand's monolithic 11.6-inch portrait-style multimedia touchscreen, but it somehow feels better integrated in the Forester than it does in the WRX, for example. The taller, boxier proportions of the Forester's cabin contribute to this, and everything feels quite natural from the driver's seat. The screen itself is easy enough to navigate, helped by a series of shortcuts always available above the climate section. There are driver-assist functions here, but the main buttons are for vehicle settings and connectivity options, including wireless smartphone mirroring for the latter. ABOVE: Australian Forester Touring (left), overseas instrument cluster identical to Australian models (right). The design of the infotainment screen's graphics leaves a little to be desired, as it looks like a slight reskin of what featured on the previous generation. Its glassy bubble icons (which could be confused for an early prototype of Apple's Liquid Glass UI) and starry background aren't new, and they're a big part of why the cabin looks a little dated. The icons are large though, which means they're easy to see and prod when on the move. You also have two physical knobs on either side, as well as glossy black buttons for basic climate functions including temperature and demisters. We don't like that the rest of the climate system is embedded at the bottom of the screen's display. The 'buttons' here also look out of place compared to the design of everything above, and it's still as fiddly as ever – this is a departure from the physical unit of the previous Forester. The older-school setup of the Forester's cabin lends itself well to a physical system anyway, so something bespoke here would go a long way. Still, the whole unit and its integration into the dashboard look good in the car, though we could do with a less piano black plastic. It's also worth noting that every Forester comes with the same screen, regardless of trim level. While buyers of top-shelf variants may feel short-changed by that, it's good for entry-level shoppers who will also enjoy the luxury of amenities like heated seats and a wireless phone charger. One thing that does change across the range is the instrument cluster. All petrol variants and the base Hybrid feature a standard two-gauge setup, with Subaru's old digital screen taking up the small area between them. Functional and clean, no problems here. The Hybrid Sport and Touring grades at the top of the range are the only two to get Subaru's new 12.3-inch instrument display. This is a nice-to-have rather than a necessity, but it's graphically sharp and improves the cabin environment of these higher-spec trims. Its UI matches that of the infotainment screen, yet it looks crisper thanks to its high resolution. Both clusters can be navigated using the robust physical buttons and switches located on the left side of the steering wheel, and Hybrid variants replace the tachometer with a Toyota-esque power meter. Once again the theme here is functionality, and there are a handful of displays to select from in vehicles with the digital cluster. These include standard gauges, a stripped-back minimalist layout and a map, all of which serve a purpose and look good while doing it. Upholstery also changes between trim levels. Base and Premium grades are identifiable by their cloth upholstery, while Sport grades feature a durable-looking grey synthetic leather that's supposedly water-repellent for those extended fishing weekends. The finest synthetic leather and suede mix is reserved for the Hybrid Touring, but the seats in all Foresters are comfortable and offer ample adjustment, including lumbar support in some trims. A Harman Kardon sound system is also reserved for bigger spenders, but the standard system in base variants sounds surprisingly good, too. Other items up front include two central cupholders finished in scratchy black plastic, as well as AUX, USB-A, and USB-C outlets, a sunglasses holder, and a black headliner across the range. Finally! Moving to the second row reveals loads of space. The fishbowl cabin creates a spacious atmosphere back here, which is enhanced if you happen to be in one of the trim levels that has a sunroof, even if it isn't panoramic. We didn't find the bench seat to be all that comfortable, as it's flat and firm. This at least makes the middle seat more comfortable for its unlucky occupant, but they'll still have to deal with a driveline tunnel on the floor. There are some creature comforts, like a USB-A port, USB-C port, and rear-facing air vents on back of the centre console. There's also a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, but the space is still a little bland. You'll also find more scratchy plastic on the door cards, but there's at least some personality across the range, with different-coloured accents and stitching depending on which trim you choose, the most luxe of which are found in the Hybrid Touring, naturally. The boot is where you'll find the most significant compromise for the new Forester. For petrol variants, hardly anything has changed; there's still plenty of space, a couple of cargo hooks on either side, and a neat cut-out for smaller items on the left. Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare wheel, which isn't ideal but better than nothing… we're looking at you, Forester Hybrid. Under the floor in Hybrid models is only a tyre repair kit, which is a serious omission in a car with some off-road credentials. This is undoubtedly due to the packaging of the battery. It's unfortunate because punctures can occur on even the simplest trails you might come across when going fishing or camping, as evidenced by the flat tyre suffered by one of the cars on our launch drive. You can opt for a clunky towbar-mounted spare wheel carrier at purchase, but that's hardly a glamorous workaround. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? At the heart of all new Foresters is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated boxer engine, in classic Subaru fashion. This is mated with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard in petrol vehicles, but things get more complicated in Hybrids. For an idea of the upgrade the Forester Hybrid has received, the outgoing model – referred to as a mild-hybrid – employed an electric motor producing just 12kW of power and 66Nm of torque to supplement its smaller 2.0-litre boxer four, which produced 100kW and 196Nm on its own. Apart from its higher engine, motor and total outputs, the new Forester Hybrid also upgrades from a 48-litre fuel tank to a 63L one, while combined-cycle fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.5L/100km compared with the outgoing hybrid, resulting in a longer range between refills. But it's still thirstier than the related RAV4 Hybrid, which consumes just 4.8L/100km, even though its engine pperates on the more efficient Atkinson combustion cycle. The Forester Hybrid features Subaru's TH2B hybrid transaxle, which differs from a CVT by incorporating a planetary gearset and two electric motors – one to drive the car and a secondary motor/generator to handle engine starts and battery recharging. The electric motor and gear set manage power delivery, replacing the traditional torque converter with a transaxle damper. This means that unlike the petrol Forester's CVT, the Hybrid's transmission uses no pulleys or chains. Crucially, the Forester Hybrid maintains a physical connection between the front and rear axles through a prop shaft and rear differential. On paper, this should make it more capable off-road than an AWD RAV4, which splits its hybrid system with the petrol engine powering the front wheels and the electric motor powering the rear-end. But Subaru's 'Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive' system does come at the cost of fuel economy, and our non-representative fuel figures at the launch were at least 1.0L/100km higher than Subaru's claim for both powertrains. The petrol Forester has the same power output as its predecessor, though torque is up by 8Nm and the CVT has broader gear ratios. This provides shorter first and reverse gears to aid in hill climbing and low-speed acceleration, as well as a longer top gear to reduce highway RPMs. Subaru also claims to have reduced noise, vibration and harshness levels, while improving the engine's reliability and responsiveness. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Subaru Forester drive? This is where the Forester has received the most significant upgrades, so bear with us as we lay it all out. Improving the ride was a focus, but we received little information about specific chassis changes to achieve that. We know that there was an intention to improve the car's stability both at speed and through turns, which was achieved by stiffening both the suspension and body. This ties into its steering. Subaru claims that the new Forester features 'steering technology' derived from the current WRX, resulting in a more direct feel. That should mean the car requires less steering lock in bends, as well as fewer corrections when travelling in a straight line. That all sounds like splitting hairs, and it is. Even Subaru's demonstration video revealed only slight visual differences between the new and old Forester, but what matters is how that translates to the average driver. Fortunately, the new Forester is a joy to pilot on the open road. Powertrains aside for now, there's something quite satisfying about the car's steering. It still doesn't offer class-leading feedback, but it's well-weighted, responsive and accurate, diligently going anywhere you point it, which inspires confidence and makes for an easy drive. It'll take a lot to properly unsettle the car, and mid-corner bumps are transmitted to the driver's hands with enough feedback to know what's happening beneath you, while dialling out unnecessary kick and feedback. Subaru says the electric power steering has been tuned to be more responsive, and that's something we could also feel. Equally, there's also just enough body roll to remind you this isn't a sports car, but the speed at which you can take turns is more impressive. On quick changes of direction, the Forester responds without hesitation. Then there's the ride, which is also a substantial improvement. The outgoing Forester tended to feel unsettled on its springs, making it feel a little wobbly at freeway speeds – especially compared to some other mid-size SUVs. This iteration feels much more planted despite maintaining a relatively high ground clearance. The suspension setup is firmer, but by no means uncomfortable – it reminds me of the special-edition Forester STI Sport from 2024, which featured sportier suspension tuned by Subaru's in-house performance division. Its suspension tune wasn't geared explicitly for New Zealand or Australia, which means there could be room for further refinement if Subaru were to follow the route Mitsubishi took with its updated Outlander. Interestingly, we didn't notice any meaningful difference between the ride/handling of petrol and hybrid vehicles, despite the latter being slightly heavier. Naturally, the ride becomes more uncomfortable once the tarmac ends and the rough stuff begins, when the shudder of bumps and rocks can become tiring after prolonged travel. To its credit, we didn't notice any major interior creaks or rattles, which suggests sturdy build quality. This means the car should be able to withstand rough trails, where it showcases the benefits of its relatively generous ground clearance and all-wheel drive traction, which we could feel working to find grip on uneven and loose ground. In terms of noise, the difference between old and new is hard to notice, although Subaru demonstrated minuscule improvements of no more than four decibels depending on seating position and vehicle speed, the scale of which is reinforced once you hit coarser roads. There's still a fair bit of tyre noise, albeit slightly less on the thicker sidewalls of the Forester's cheaper variants. It's not unbearable, but there is a minor improvement from additional floor insulation, thicker windows, and extra damping material in the roof and body. Now for the powertrains. The new Hybrid features some technology derived from Toyota but maintains a distinctly Subaru construction, with its all-wheel drive and traditional mechanical driveline. It also has a larger a 2.5-litre boxer engine than before, albeit detuned and on a more efficient combustion cycle. The result is a competent hybrid system that performs seamlessly in almost all conditions, even if EV Mode deactivates itself above 40km/h. Opening the power flow monitor also reveals that the car is constantly switching between engine and battery energy sources, and between charging using the engine or wheels, which seems bizarre. The Hybrid provides a nice push from a standstill, but the engine and transmission become quite loud under hard acceleration. It all works as intended, but it's just not the most inspiring combination, and it's not particularly quick as the revs climb. There's at least a difference between the I and S drive modes, as the latter provides snappier throttle response. The transition from electric to petrol power is seamless, but switching back to a petrol-only Forester is refreshing. The engine is easier on the ears under load, and it feels like it keeps pulling as it rises through the rev range – settling on a remarkably low 1500rpm at 100km/h. This more traditional powertrain suits the Forester well, especially now that it has received a slight torque increase. It just feels more conventional and predictable, which could well be the more palatable option for many Subaru buyers. Still, we want to emphasise that it's great to have two competent powertrains to choose from. Early demand reflects this, as Subaru Australia says the buyer split is currently around 60 per cent towards hybrid variants. Subaru's X-Mode is also a good feature for light off-roading and has a noticeable effect on power delivery. It's always visible at the top of the infotainment screen, making it easy to access, and it becomes more versatile as you move up the Forester range with additional off-road modes. Unfortunately, we had issues with the Forester's new driver distraction monitor. As in some other Subaru models, it's far too sensitive in normal driving and pings you at every opportunity, even if you're paying attention to the road, but it can be disabled and even disables itself automatically if the driver is wearing sunglasses. We didn't get the chance to test its highway cruise control behaviour. Visibility out of the cabin is also good, and there's a healthy array of cameras to rely on, but the omission of front parking sensors makes the car more challenging to park, although Subaru's clever EyeSight driver assistance suite should make up for this somewhat. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? Three of the Forester's trim levels are available with either petrol or hybrid power, but standard equipment differs for each. 2025 Subaru Forester AWD equipment highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels Space-saver spare tyre Automatic, steering-responsive LED headlights Power-folding exterior mirrors LED front fog lights Front cornering lights Ladder-style roof rails 'X-Mode' with one drive mode Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) with two modes Hill descent control Proximity entry with push-button start 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto Wireless phone charger USB-A and USB-C outlets 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen 6-speaker sound system Heated front seats Cloth upholstery Dual-zone climate control with rear vents Leather-wrapped steering wheel Silver interior stitching One-touch power-folding rear seats 60:40 split/fold rear seats Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Forester AWD Premium adds: Power tailgate with kick sensor 8-way power driver's seat with lumbar 8-way power passenger seat Satellite navigation Auto-dipping passenger-side mirror Power-folding exterior mirrors with memory Forester AWD Sport adds: Dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels Power sunroof 'X-Mode' with two drive modes Black front grille with green insert Green badging Water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery Leather-wrapped steering wheel Green interior stitching Forester AWD Touring adds: Gloss black front grille, front and rear bumper accents, side mirrors Low-profile roof rails Leather and suede upholstery in black or brown Brown interior stitching Ventilated front seats 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer ABOVE: Forester Hybrid Touring Forester AWD Hybrid adds (over base Forester): Tyre repair kit (instead of space-saver) Paddle shifters for regenerative braking Forester AWD Hybrid Sport adds (over Forester Sport): Bronze 19-inch alloy wheels Bronze exterior accents Low-profile roof rails Brown interior stitching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with subwoofer Forester AWD Hybrid Touring adds (over Forester Touring): Dark grey machined gloss finish 19-inch alloy wheels Leather and suede upholstery To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Subaru Forester safe? The Subaru Forester has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2024. This applies to both powertrains. Standard safety equipment includes: 9 airbags, including: Active torque vectoring Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse) Autonomous emergency steering Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver monitoring system Emergency driving stop system Emergency lane-keep assist Front side radar Lane centring Lane change assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Rear parking sensors Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Tyre pressure monitoring Wide-angle monocular camera To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Subaru Forester cost to run? Subaru Australia backs its Forester with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with an eight-year, 160,000km warranty for the Hybrid's battery. Subaru's capped-price service costs are outlined below. They're the same for petrol and Hybrid variants. To see how the Subaru Forester stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Subaru Forester The Forester has received a healthy upgrade, even if a lot of what's changed appears relatively minor on the surface. Its new exterior design looks smart to our eyes, and grows on you as you spend time with it in the metal. The interior isn't revolutionary, but it all works as it should and has a clean look. And it's been improved with quality items like the non-essential digital instrument display if that's what you're into. Most of the Forester's on-road characteristics have also been upgraded, and we thoroughly enjoyed driving the Forester on New Zealand roads. More direct steering and a more confident ride are just what the doctor ordered, and we could spend hours behind the wheel of this new model quite easily. The hybrid powertrain is good, but not outstanding. It has many Toyota traits, with its loud engine and dreary CVT-like transmission detracting a little from the experience. Still, the fact that it now behaves like a fully fledged hybrid is a significant advance over the mild-hybrid mill it replaces. It's easy to drive in built-up areas too, and you'll be spending more time in EV mode in such settings. This will improve fuel economy, potentially getting closer to Subaru's claim than we were able to. But I still preferred driving the petrol Forester, as it feels more traditional and easier to live with. The fuel economy trade-off is nothing new for Subaru, and the combination of the boxer engine, CVT and improved ride and handling makes for a dependable and predictable drive that's never going to throw up any drastic surprises. It's disappointing there are no front parking sensors and that the driver attention monitor is actually distracting. It's the same in the Solterra (even glancing through the instrument cluster menu sets it off) and it isn't something buyers expect from a Subaru. Those two blights aside, the new Forester is a complete package that now offers more choice than ever before. Despite the higher price tags, it should remain Subaru's sales leader, even if it's unlikely to become the new RAV4. Yes, it's higher-tech and higher-priced, but the latest Forester remains true to its roots, and it should be high on the consideration list for traditionally minded mid-size SUV buyers. Interested in buying a Subaru Forester? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Subaru Forester showroom Pros Lovely ride and steering Commendable hybrid chops Interior is unintimidating, albeit dated Cons Much more expensive Overbearing driver monitor No spare wheel in Hybrid models This article was originally published from CarExpert and appears with permission.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lizzo Performs Live Debut of ‘IRL' With SZA in Paris: ‘Thanks for Letting Me Throw It Byke on Ur Stage'
SZA brought out Lizzo to perform 'IRL' IRL during the second Paris stop of the former's Grand National Tour with Kendrick Lamar Wednesday night (July 16). 'BAD B—H… in REAL LIFEEEE @sza !!!!! Thanks for letting me throw it byke on ur stage #stadiumstatus,' Lizzo captioned an Instagram clip of their performance. More from Billboard All the Guest Stars on Kendrick Lamar & SZA's Grand National Tour So Far Fred again.., Skepta & Denzel Curry Welcome Hanumankind to 'Victory Lap Three' Lorde Expands 2026 Australasian Tour With Extra Arena Dates It's not the first time SZA surprised stadium audiences with a Lizzo appearance during this tour. On the first of three L.A. stops, she brought out her 'best friend' 'for energy and positivity' as the two performed their remix of Lizzo's 'Special' from her 2022 Grammy-nominated album of the same name. 'IRL' was featured on Lizzo's recent rap mixtape MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING, which she dropped on June 27 via Nice Life and Atlantic Records. During Lizzo's interview with Billboard about her latest project, she gushed about how the 'Nobody Gets Me' singer does get her. 'She's one of the only people that I can text at 3 in the morning when I'm crashing out. She'll just get this one dark-ass text and she's like, 'Oh my gosh. Are you OK?'' said Lizzo. 'But I really appreciate her, because she understands — and I think it's really hard for you to have someone in your life who actually f–ks with you and who's known you for a long time who also understand the world that you're in. I think that's what I cherish the most about her. She gets me.' Watch a clip of Lizzo and SZA's first live performance of 'IRL' below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lady Gaga's The Mayhem Ball Unleashes Upon Las Vegas: 7 Best Moments From Opening Night
We're lucky Lady Gaga changed her mind about touring in 2025. More from Billboard Lorde Expands 2026 Australasian Tour With Extra Arena Dates Grammy Museum in L.A. Presents '& Juliet: The Music of Max Martin and Friends' Tomorrowland Mainstage Fire Eyewitness Describes 'Disbelief' as Blaze Erupted Her headlining (and headline-making) Coachella performance and Singapore dates were initially intended as her only touring dates for 2025. But after the wild response to her new album Mayhem — which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200; earned Gaga her biggest-ever streaming week; and housed 'Die With a Smile,' her Bruno Mars duet which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and is still in the top 10 — Gaga reconsidered. Thank Gaga. The Mayhem Ball – which kicked off Wednesday (July 16) at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada (basically Las Vegas) — is a theatrical, electric and delicious live affair, offering fans charged performances of Mayhem's best songs (some of which are among her all-time best) and previous dance classics that inhabit the same sonic and thematic universe. The tour's opening night was for a sold-out crowd, and despite the 99-degree heat outside the arena walls, everyone was ready to thrown down the moment Mother Monster took the stage. 'This is my first arena tour since 2018,' said Gaga in a statement when she announced the tour in March. 'There's something electric about a stadium, and I love every moment of those shows. But with The MAYHEM Ball, I wanted to create a different kind of experience — something more intimate — closer, more connected — that lends itself to the live theatrical art I love to create.' Below, check out the seven best moments from the opening night of Lady Gaga's The Mayhem Ball. (And if you want to eyeball the setlist, head here.) The Opening Rush After a pre-show that found opera arias soundtracking texted-in testimonials from fans about their love for Mother Monster, Gaga hit the stage for the same awe-inspiring sequencing of songs that opened Coachella: 'Bloody Mary' atop a gigantic red dress hoop that opened to reveal caged dancers; an unhinged 'Abracadabra'; a jolt of 'Judas'; and the sexy kitschy of 'Scheiße.' Throughout it all, Gaga demonstrates how her legit acting chops enhance a pop performance, with her body language effortlessly transitioning from imperious formality to controlled chaos to slinky vamping. Dealt a Good Hand Although she stepped away from it for a minute in the late 2010s, Gaga is blessedly back to bringing the arthouse theatricality to pop culture. 'Welcome to Mayhem,' she intoned in a German-accented voice early in the show. 'Welcome to the opera house. This is my house.' Craning her head, Gaga sized up a dancer next to her wearing an outfit that called to mind a Gaga of yesteryear: 'What are you doing in my house?!' Amid a thrilling 'Poker Face' performance that mined the vibes of the Queen of Hearts' chess game, Gaga faux executed the dancer ('off with her head!'). After the song, you could actually hear her breathing — a nice reminder that when Gaga sings on stage, she genuinely sings live. Sandy 'Celebrity' For Mayhem standout 'Perfect Celebrity,' Gaga brought back the inventive, creepy staging from Coachella. Situated in a giant sandbox full of skeletons, Gaga, in a wispy white dress, opens the song with her arm draped casually around the human remains. One song later ('Disease'), the skeletons around her have come to life, emerging from the desert sands as bone-encased backup dancers. Hey, it worked the first time: as long as the cats haven't found that supersized litter box, why change anything? Paparazzi, Can You Hear Me? While much of the Mayhem Ball is boosted by her crackling live band and energetic coterie of dancers, 'Paparazzi' demonstrates how well Gaga can turn the simplest of stage movements into an engrossing visual story. Inching her way down the runway on platinum clutches (the same silvery look she rocked in the iconic video), Gaga croons and belts the ode to toxic media-celebrity symbiosis while a gauzy white train billows behind her (it's all very evocative of Cyd Charisse in the famous Singin' In the Rain fantasy sequence), eventually exploding into a rainbow glow. As the crowd-pleasing classic comes to a close, Gaga strikes a muscular pose, looking every bit the pop music Valkyrie as she descends into the stage. The Horror, The Horror Equal parts Alice Cooper and Hammer Horror, 'Killah' sees Gaga wearing regal Gothic opulence while letting loose in front of a ridiculously large spinning skull. That song is one of the album's most durable highlights, and the Mayhem Ball staging gives Gaga the chance to get funky and freaky, spinning down the runway before unleashing a hellish, prolonged scream into the rafters. When the banshee wail was over, Gaga let her stage character crack – for a moment, you could see how much fun she was having, and it was a beautiful thing to behold. Setlist Expansion Of the numerous Mayhem Ball songs Coachella viewers didn't experience, it's hard to pick a favorite. But, to name a few: 'Applause' was greeted with a thunderous peal of exactly that (fans were clearly thrilled to hear ARTPOP represented), and 'Summerboy,' which saw Gaga jamming on guitar while surrounded by a sweaty, tangled mess of gyrating bodies, was an unexpected treat. But 'Million Reasons' might have been the most revelatory, with Gaga turning the rather stately ballad into a confrontational showdown between herself and an avatar of her past self. Cramping Her Style For the encore, Gaga stripped it down, wiping away the makeup, hanging up the high-fashion costumes and returning to the stage in nothing but shades, a black beanie and a Cramps t-shirt to sing 'How Bad Do You Want Me.' It was clearly a victory lap for Mother Monster, who dropped the dramatic pretenses and simply allowed herself to exist as a human on a stage, running around with casual glee and beaming massive smiles to the folks in the back rows. 'Before I came on stage tonight, I couldn't even believe you were here for me,' Gaga admitted earlier that evening of some pre-show nerves. By the encore, those doubts were clearly banished, with Gaga rightfully relishing the joy she brought to her throngs of devotees. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
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7 days ago
- Entertainment
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Unleashing Aotearoa's Monster: NZ Opera's Groundbreaking Premiere Of The Monster In The Maze
New Zealand Opera is proud to announce details around the highly anticipated Australasian premiere of the powerful community opera, The Monster in the Maze. Written by acclaimed British composer Jonathan Dove (Mansfield Park, Flight, Marx in London) with libretto by Alasdair Middleton, The Monster in the Maze is a unique community opera that earned a British Composer Award in 2016. Celebrated as one of the most successful contemporary operas of its kind globally, it was originally commissioned by prestigious institutions the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Festival d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence. Since its premiere in 2015, the opera has garnered widespread acclaim and has been performed to great success around the world, in multiple languages. Led by the creative powerhouse duo of Director Anapela Polata'ivao ONZM (Tīnā, Red White and Brass, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt) and Creative Producer Stacey Leilua (The Savage Coloniser Show, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, Young Rock), NZ Opera's The Monster in the Maze will be performed in English across Aotearoa New Zealand this September, offering a profound exploration of identity and cultural resonance. The production brings together professional singers, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia and the Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus with large numbers of amateur, youth, and children's choirs and musicians, in a groundbreaking operatic collaboration with communities in each location. The production marks the significant NZ Opera directorial debut for Anapela Polata'ivao. Reflecting on what drew her to The Monster in the Maze she explains: 'What attracted me was the community aspect. This is an incredible opportunity for our local choirs and community members to participate in a high-level, professional performance. This collaborative involvement not only enriches the storytelling but also fosters a sense of connection to the production's cultural themes and to each other, making it an inclusive and empowering experience for all participants and audiences.' The Monster in the Maze opera reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, exploring themes such as resistance, justice, and the power of collectivism in a dramatic, Hunger Games-style, one-hour opera. The narrative follows the aftermath of King Minos's victory over the Athenians, as he demands their youth as tribute to be fed to the terrifying Minotaur beast at the heart of his maze. Despite this, the tyrannical king soon discovers these youth are far from passive. Crucially, this new production pays homage to the rich Pasifika heritage that profoundly shapes New Zealand's cultural tapestry, highlighting themes of displacement and resilience. The Athenian youth's journey from a warmer homeland to the cold, unforgiving land of Crete powerfully echoes the migration experiences of many Pacific peoples. In this Aotearoa-specific interpretation, Athens symbolises the warmth and familiarity of the islands, while Crete metaphorically becomes contemporary urban New Zealand, embodying the challenges and opportunities of arriving in a new land. An exceptional, all-New Zealand cast star in the principal roles. Acclaimed UK-based mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle (Andrea Chénier, Semele, La Cenerentola) brings her powerful presence to the role of Mother. Popular baritone and 2018 Lexus Song Quest winner Joel Amosa (La Traviata, Mansfield Park, Rigoletto) steps into the role of maze architect Daedalus. Rising operatic talent Ipu Laga'aia, recently named NZ Opera Freemasons Foundation Company Artist for 2025, makes his professional operatic role debut as the hero Theseus. Completing the principal cast, versatile entertainer and actor Maaka Pohatu (Ngai Tāmanihiri, Tūwharetoa), known for The Modern Māori Quartet and screen roles in Happiness, Far North, and Wellington Paranormal, makes his NZ Opera debut as the vindictive King Minos. Joining Anapela Polata'ivao and Stacey Leilua in the creative team, conductor Brad Cohen leads the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, and Brent Stewart conducts the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland respectively. The Freemasons Foundation NZ Opera Chorus, child, youth and adult community performers join the production in each city. A highly innovative set, costume, and lighting design by Filament Eleven 11 (Rachel Marlow and Brad Gledhill) vividly transforms the worlds of Athens and Crete into a compelling contemporary setting. The design skillfully weaves local narratives into the production elements, showcasing Aotearoa's unique identity and its ongoing dialogue between traditional heritage and contemporary realities. The Monster in the Maze begins its national tour in Christchurch at the start of September, before travelling to Wellington and Auckland for strictly limited seasons.
