Latest news with #MartonPettendy
7NEWS
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Why the Nissan X-Trail is a CarExpert choice winner
The mid-size SUV segment is teeming with compelling options, so why did we choose the Nissan X-Trail as the best in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards? Simple: it's an extremely capable all-rounder with all of the latest safety and tech features, and offers not only benchmark refinement and ride/handling but a wide range of configurations. You can get it with front- or all-wheel drive, five- or seven-seat configurations, petrol or hybrid power, and in multiple model grades. In short, there's something for everyone. 'The Nissan X-Trail stands out from the plethora of mid-size SUVs on the market with top-class refinement, safety and multimedia, plus great packaging, competitive pricing, a very long warranty and a unique range-extender hybrid powertrain that none of its many rivals can match,' explained managing editor Marton Pettendy. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Here's what other members of the CarExpert team had to say about our pick for Best Affordable Mid-Size SUV: 'The latest Nissan X-Trail is a world away from its predecessor, and the new e-Power hybrid is my personal pick of the bunch,' said marketplace editor James Wong. 'Punchy yet refined performance from its electric motors, and improved fuel-efficiency bolster the X-Trail's strong suits which include a premium and practical cabin. 'In what is the most competitive new vehicle segment in Australia, the X-Trail e-Power stands out as a front-runner, and an easy recommendation to buyers.' 'The X-Trail is kind of at 'ol' faithful' status – it's been around a long time, it does the job well and you know what to expect with it,' said video producer Sean Lander. 'With this latest iteration, Nissan injected a lot of 'premium' into its trusty SUV, with even the lower-spec models getting nice exterior styling and a much-needed interior upgrade. 'Then there's the introduction of e-Power, Nissan's answer to Toyota's ever popular hybrids. e-Power is closer to an EV than a traditional hybrid, but it's a technology with a lot of promise – the smooth driveability of an EV with the range and ease of use of an internal combustion car. 'I spent six months behind the wheel of a Ti-L e-Power and I thoroughly enjoyed it (full story and video coming to CarExpert soon). Whilst there is some room for improvement with the system that will come with time and development, it's a good middle ground between what you're used to, and where cars are going. 'There may be vehicles in the segment with nicer interiors or more powerful drivetrains or more fuel-efficient engines, but the X-Trail does the best good job combining all three and, in doing so, deserves the award bestowed upon it.' 'In a segment full of unproven challengers, the X-Trail is a trustworthy mainstay that remains highly relevant thanks to recent upgrades,' said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett. 'The cabin is user-friendly and well-appointed, there's plenty of room for a growing family, and the e-Power hybrid system combines the quiet refinement of electric mobility with the flexibility of internal combustion power. 'Unlike many rivals, the X-Trail is a proper all-rounder that doesn't force buyers to compromise, and that counts for a lot when you're shopping for a vehicle that'll likely be exposed to the daily commute, school run, and weekend road trips.' 'The X-Trail formula is hard to argue against. It's one of the Japanese brand's best-known nameplates, and is still high on buyers' wish lists despite a flood of new competition and stubborn stalwarts,' said marketplace journalist Max Davies. 'It may not be as modern as some of the others, but that means you get simpler tech that's easier to live with. There's a certain rugged dependability to the X-Trail too, a characteristic Nissan played into with the reintroduction of the rugged-looking N-Trek in recent years. 'The SUV received some minor updates heading into 2025, namely a larger touchscreen infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These elevated the cabin, which was already a nice place to spend time thanks to strong build quality and top-notch materials. 'Better yet, there's Nissan's clever e-Power powertrain available at the top of the range, which is a thoroughly competent system bringing fuel economy and driveability benefits. If that's too much to spend, there's plenty of value to be found across the range, which has a whopping 10 variants to choose from. 'There's a lot to like about the X-Trail, and it's undoubtedly capable of standing the test of time well into the later years of ownership.'
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Why the Nissan X-Trail is a CarExpert choice winner
The mid-size SUV segment is teeming with compelling options, so why did we choose the Nissan X-Trail as the best in our inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice awards? Simple: it's an extremely capable all-rounder with all of the latest safety and tech features, and offers not only benchmark refinement and ride/handling but a wide range of configurations. You can get it with front- or all-wheel drive, five- or seven-seat configurations, petrol or hybrid power, and in multiple model grades. In short, there's something for everyone. 'The Nissan X-Trail stands out from the plethora of mid-size SUVs on the market with top-class refinement, safety and multimedia, plus great packaging, competitive pricing, a very long warranty and a unique range-extender hybrid powertrain that none of its many rivals can match,' explained managing editor Marton Pettendy. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Here's what other members of the CarExpert team had to say about our pick for Best Affordable Mid-Size SUV: 'The latest Nissan X-Trail is a world away from its predecessor, and the new e-Power hybrid is my personal pick of the bunch,' said marketplace editor James Wong. 'Punchy yet refined performance from its electric motors, and improved fuel-efficiency bolster the X-Trail's strong suits which include a premium and practical cabin. 'In what is the most competitive new vehicle segment in Australia, the X-Trail e-Power stands out as a front-runner, and an easy recommendation to buyers.' 'The X-Trail is kind of at 'ol' faithful' status – it's been around a long time, it does the job well and you know what to expect with it,' said video producer Sean Lander. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'With this latest iteration, Nissan injected a lot of 'premium' into its trusty SUV, with even the lower-spec models getting nice exterior styling and a much-needed interior upgrade. 'Then there's the introduction of e-Power, Nissan's answer to Toyota's ever popular hybrids. e-Power is closer to an EV than a traditional hybrid, but it's a technology with a lot of promise – the smooth driveability of an EV with the range and ease of use of an internal combustion car. 'I spent six months behind the wheel of a Ti-L e-Power and I thoroughly enjoyed it (full story and video coming to CarExpert soon). Whilst there is some room for improvement with the system that will come with time and development, it's a good middle ground between what you're used to, and where cars are going. 'There may be vehicles in the segment with nicer interiors or more powerful drivetrains or more fuel-efficient engines, but the X-Trail does the best good job combining all three and, in doing so, deserves the award bestowed upon it.' 'In a segment full of unproven challengers, the X-Trail is a trustworthy mainstay that remains highly relevant thanks to recent upgrades,' said deputy marketplace editor Josh Nevett. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'The cabin is user-friendly and well-appointed, there's plenty of room for a growing family, and the e-Power hybrid system combines the quiet refinement of electric mobility with the flexibility of internal combustion power. 'Unlike many rivals, the X-Trail is a proper all-rounder that doesn't force buyers to compromise, and that counts for a lot when you're shopping for a vehicle that'll likely be exposed to the daily commute, school run, and weekend road trips.' 'The X-Trail formula is hard to argue against. It's one of the Japanese brand's best-known nameplates, and is still high on buyers' wish lists despite a flood of new competition and stubborn stalwarts,' said marketplace journalist Max Davies. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'It may not be as modern as some of the others, but that means you get simpler tech that's easier to live with. There's a certain rugged dependability to the X-Trail too, a characteristic Nissan played into with the reintroduction of the rugged-looking N-Trek in recent years. 'The SUV received some minor updates heading into 2025, namely a larger touchscreen infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These elevated the cabin, which was already a nice place to spend time thanks to strong build quality and top-notch materials. 'Better yet, there's Nissan's clever e-Power powertrain available at the top of the range, which is a thoroughly competent system bringing fuel economy and driveability benefits. If that's too much to spend, there's plenty of value to be found across the range, which has a whopping 10 variants to choose from. 'There's a lot to like about the X-Trail, and it's undoubtedly capable of standing the test of time well into the later years of ownership.' To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here. MORE: Explore the Nissan X-Trail showroom
7NEWS
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Which luxury electric SUV should you buy in 2025?
These cars may be especially niche in the Australian market, but we've had luxury electric SUVs on the mind as of late. CarExpert last week picked up the keys to its specially built Porsche Macan EV long-term loan car (more on that soon), and we've had several relevant reviews go live, including those for the Cadillac Lyriq and Polestar 3. We've therefore decided to expand on that idea and ask the members of the CarExpert team which luxury electric SUV they'd buy, provided everyone had the money. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. There's quite a variety of luxury electric SUVs on offer in Australia. Luxury electric SUVs currently on sale in Australia: Audi Q4 e-tron Audi Q6 e-tron Audi Q8 e-tron BMW iX1 BMW iX2 BMW iX3 Cadillac Lyriq Genesis Electrified GV70 Genesis GV60 Lexus UX Lexus RZ Lotus Eletre Maserati Grecale Folgore Mercedes-Benz G580 Mercedes-Benz EQA Mercedes-Benz EQB Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Polestar 3 Polestar 4 Porsche Macan Volvo EX40 Volvo EX30 Volvo EX90 Let us know which you'd pick in the comments below! Alborz Fallah: Lotus Eletre This is a hard one! On the one hand, I couldn't go past a Genesis GV70 as either an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an EV. It's my favourite luxury SUV in the segment, but it makes more sense as an ICE than an EV. With that in mind, the one non-supercar that impressed me the most last year was the Lotus Eletre, the most ridiculous super SUV I have driven in some time. Quicker than most V10 and V12 supercars and actually fun to drive. Most interestingly, though, it was the best in-car technology I – still – have ever seen. A videogame engine and graphics card run the best in-car tech stack currently on sale. And since Lotus Australia continues to drop the price, and you can definitely find yourself in one for well under 200k with some haggling, it starts to make more sense (kind of). The main issue with these expensive EV SUVs is the resale. Have a look at the bargains you can get on a two-year-old BMW iX (which is a terrific car) and just know that you want to make sure you get a hefty discount on purchase so you don't take a bath or six when it comes to sell. Interested in buying a Lotus Eletre? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Marton Pettendy: None To be honest, I couldn't justify spending $80,000-plus on any EV, let alone a small European electric SUV that will depreciate even more quickly than a mainstream one. But the question here is what constitutes a luxury brand. We don't deem Mini, Smart, Renault, Xpeng or Zeekr to be premium auto brands, but the latter is arguable and MG's upcoming IM brand will be even more so, regardless of price positioning. However, all of the brands I've listed above (bar IM) also offer a small electric SUV priced over $45k, the threshold defined by VFACTS as separating mainstream and premium vehicles. So if I had to choose one of them I'd go for the Mini Countryman E, which starts from under $65k. But if Tesla also qualifies as a luxury marque, then the larger Model Y delivers undeniable value and proven technology for less than $59k, making it almost certain to remain Australia's favourite EV in 2025. Interested in buying a Mini Countryman? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here James Wong: Volvo EX90 I find that a lot of early luxury electric SUVs were experimental exercises, often severely compromised by their driving range and/or polarising designs that took a hit on general attractiveness as well as practicality. Personally, I prefer my EVs to look and drive like a normal car, and that's why I think the new Volvo EX90 is my top pick. The XC90 was a trailblazer in the modern luxury SUV space, offering a premium cabin and drive experience, as well as seating for seven adults. Fast forward two decades later, and the EX90 adapts that formula to the electric age. It's comfortable, quiet, luxurious and has some presence about it. Both versions offer plenty of performance balanced with long range, and in typical Volvo fashion there's just about every safety feature you can think of. Interested in buying a Volvo EX90? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here William Stopford: BMW iX and Cadillac Lyriq Among the smaller electric luxury SUVs on our market, my vote goes to the BMW iX1. It's handsomely styled inside and out, the tech is slick, and it's comfortable to drive while having plenty of power and a chuckable feel to it. Moving up to the medium-to-large electric luxury SUV space, there are more options but a lot of them aren't exactly pretty – and if you're spending this much money, don't you want something that looks good? So that rules out the BMW iX for me, no matter how good it may be in other areas. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is nice and plush but to my eyes even uglier than the iX, while the Audi Q8 e-tron is genuinely handsome but it's pricey and on its way out. I can't comment on some other tempting EVs that I've not yet driven, such as the Volvo EX90, but I can comment on something more attractive than any of these: the Cadillac Lyriq. It's missing some features and the attractive interior has some questionable materials in places, while Cadillac's retail network is tiny for now, but it undercuts key luxury rivals and has a stately look and driving feel. As somebody who has been keen to see Cadillac enter the Australian market for a long time, the Lyriq had the potential to be a massive letdown. Fortunately it's not, and while there are some areas for improvement it's an intriguing alternative to the Germans. There's some tempting metal coming down the line, not just from Cadillac (Optiq, Vistiq) and BMW (the Neue Klasse-based iX3) but also players like Genesis (GV90). So while EV sales growth isn't rising as sharply as it was, there's more and more variety each year. Bring it on. Interested in buying a BMW iX1 or Cadillac Lyriq? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the BMW, and here for the Cadillac Damion Smy: Porsche Macan This isn't like asking what you want for dessert, but more which dentist would you like to visit. If you put a gun to my head and said I had to own something from this list, I'd buy the Porsche Macan. I may be one of only a few buyers in the country, which would make me an authority on them, and I'd always be able to find it in the charging bay (also a colloquialism for 'Porsche dealer'). The iX BMWs have some great things going for them, but I'm not as convinced by Munich's dynamic delivery against those from Stuttgart. The Genesis looks a bit Porsche-like and would be a serious consideration here, and – while I haven't had new glasses for several years – the Lexus RZ appeals to me for offering a distinctive wrapping but a familiar flavour of dependability and quality engineering. Yet I can't pass by the (relatively) safe bet of the Macan, which brings a well-proportioned package inside and out, at least some level of street cred, drivability and a slightly higher chance of decent resale when I really do make up my mind… Interested in buying a Porsche Macan? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here Josh Nevett: Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron There's a decent variety of electric vehicles in this list, from compact city runabouts to full-size family SUVs. But in choosing to prioritise all-round capability, I'm left with two standouts – the Polestar 3 and Audi Q6 e-tron. Both exist in a similar corner of the market, priced from around $120,000, and both make the most of their electric underpinnings. For the Polestar 3, that means clever cabin packaging, industry-leading driving range (706km claimed), and affordable running costs – the big three for growing families that like to get out and about. On the other hand, the Q6 e-tron blends exterior style, plenty of powertrain substance, and an interior bursting with technology that's both flashy and functional. But if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd take the Polestar. In base Long Range Single Motor specification, it'll get you further on a charge than any other EV in market, and the second row is hilariously spacious. Sure it doesn't pack the punch of dual-motor alternatives, but it's enjoyable to drive regardless, and comfortable too. I'm not going to pretend any of the vehicles in this category are great value, but I can confidently say that the 3 and Q6 e-tron are at least fit for purpose. Interested in buying a Polestar 3 or Audi Q6 e-tron? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here for the Polestar, and here for the Audi Max Davies: Lexus UX300e I've only driven a handful of cars on this list, but those few span quite the price range and have given me a taste of the general ins and outs of a lot of these luxury brands. With that in mind, I'd go for the Lexus UX300e. At as much as just $88,190 before on-roads, it could actually be considered cheap among the other cars that have appeared so far. It's a small SUV, which means it does better to manage its EV-induced weight than some of the larger alternatives, and avoids feeling unwieldy. The interior is well-presented and comfortable, and while there's plenty of tech, it's all still quite accessible. This is an advantage considering the painfully screen-dependent setups seen the further you climb up the price tree. To top it off, it's quiet and smooth. That's not to say it's perfect, because it does have some fairly significant flaws. The UX platform wasn't built to be electric. While that means it's no more confronting inside than a hybrid UX, the limitations are evident in the 300e's front-wheel drive setup – and that's where the larger and pricier Lexus RZ would make more sense. It makes far too much power to only be front-wheel drive, and against its direct rivals it is quite expensive. After all, it's intended to be a rival to something like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Kona Electric rather than a Porsche Macan. I still enjoyed the UX300e during my time with it, and it had me thinking about whether I could stomach an electric Lexus for myself; 'maybe' was the conclusion I came to, though I'd prefer a sedan like the upcoming electric ES. A close second here was the sharp-looking Polestar 4, a much more modern EV that also has fairly compact dimensions. It's just a touch too screen-heavy for my liking.
7NEWS
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
The CarExpert team's favourite reveals from the Shanghai motor show
Auto Shanghai 2025, also known as the Shanghai International Automobile Exhibition, kicked off earlier this week and we've already been treated to a raft of exciting new model reveals! From rough-and-tough off-road SUVs to plug-in hybrid (PHEV) utes and electric sports cars, the 21st running of the biennial Chinese motor show since 1985 has had it all and there's still plenty to come. Fans of the Toyota Prado will be keeping an eye on the Geely Galaxy Cruiser, an electrified 4×4 that could be among the six 'new energy' models Geely has promised for Australia in the next three years. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Then there's the Nissan Frontier Pro, an all-new PHEV ute to take on the likes of the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV. Zeekr continues to wow crowds, this time with the 9X large SUV. It looks like a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, but the bones are undeniably Zeekr – a plug-in hybrid powertrain, air suspension, more than 380km of electric range, and a 0-100km/h time of three seconds. We could go on, but you get the picture. There's a lot going on in Shanghai this week, and here are our favourite reveals so far. Let us know your pick in the comments below! Marton Pettendy: Nissan Frontier Pro Nissan's new Mitsubishi Triton-based Navara is still at least a year away from Australian showrooms, but this all-new plug-in hybrid dual-cab revealed in China this week could complement it nicely. With a plug-in hybrid powertrain that slams out 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque, and offers 135km of electric-only driving range, it could become Nissan's Australia's answer to the popular BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. Armed with an all-new look and advanced powertrain tech, it could not only provide Nissan with a two-pronged attack in the booming local ute market, but become an invaluable asset to help it meet the federal government's ambitious new emissions targets – whether or not the next Navara brings hybrid as well as diesel power. James Wong: Lexus ES Get lost haters – I reckon the new-generation Lexus ES is a vibe, and a welcome departure from the frumpy design of the current mid-size luxury sedan. The side profile and the rear-end in particular are to die for. The silvery colour of the original launch images didn't do the new ES justice; check out the ES500e in bronze, which is much nicer and with sportier wheels it looks quite mean. I think the 2026 Lexus ES is a big signal from the Toyota and Lexus brands too, given the TNGA-K architecture has basically been re-engineered to accommodate both hybrid and electric powertrains. Also props to Lexus Australia for putting its hand up for both of them from launch. Though the all-wheel drive versions are yet to be confirmed for local release, there should be an ES for everyone – provided you want a hybrid or EV luxury sedan. Interested in buying a Lexus ES? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Lexus ES William Stopford: Zeekr 9X In China, the domestic brands have significantly upped their game over the past several years, to the point where buyers there are abandoning American, European, Japanese and Korean brands in significant numbers. It was great, then, to see the likes of Lexus, Mazda and Nissan fight to remain relevant in China, with each revealing impressive new vehicles – some of these not possible without the extensive assistance of Chinese joint-venture partners. My colleagues have all praised these new Japanese-brand vehicles already, so given I'm among the last to supply my answer I'm going to go with something from a Chinese brand. We haven't seen the interior yet, but the Zeekr 9X is glitzy, gaudy, gauche and yet surprisingly charming. Beneath the slab-sided bodywork is an intriguing powertrain, the first hybrid from what has always been an EV brand. It features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 205kW of power, mated with a 290kW front electric motor and a 370kW rear electric motor, with a claimed electric range of more than 380km and a 0-100km/h time of three seconds. It rides on air suspension, too, and features five LiDAR units. The Chinese brands have not only matured, they've flourished. It's remarkable how not too long ago, Chinese brands were selling blandly styled, cheaply constructed vehicles with old tech either licensed or reverse-engineered from foreign brands. Now, the likes of Audi and Mazda are leaning heavily on Chinese carmakers to develop and produce new models, and the foreign brands that were once able to take the Chinese market for granted are struggling to keep their heads above water. This sea change is exemplified by vehicles like, among others, the Zeekr 9X. Josh Nevett: GWM V8 Engine downsizing is rife across the industry as manufacturers race to meet tightening emissions standards, threatening the very existence of the mighty eight-cylinder. So it came as a surprise when GWM ripped the covers off a new V8 in Shanghai this week, and it seems like an epic feat of engineering. Supported by twin turbochargers and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology, the box-fresh V8 powertrain will offer multiple selectable personalities, from silent electric city driving to exhilarating highway performance. And after more than three years of development, the new V8 is now under consideration for a variety of models to be sold in China and export markets including Australia. Among those touted for production is a V8 version of the Tank 300, a possibility that has me uncharacteristically excited for a new SUV. The Tank 300 has made its name as a cut-price alternative to our favourite off-roaders, and I think it has a lot more charm than many of the SUVs hitting our market at present. Add a powerful and efficient V8 to the mix and GWM would be onto a winner. Let's just hope the decision-makers in China agree. Interested in buying a GWM Tank 300? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything GWM Tank 300 Max Davies: Lexus ES I reviewed the Lexus UX300e around six months back, and though it has flaws I thoroughly enjoyed the small electric SUV. It was my first prolonged experience in any Lexus vehicle, and something about its fit, finish and the way it drove absolutely sold me on the idea of Japanese luxury motoring. There are three main issues though, starting with the ridiculous price tag. The second is the fact it's a fairly unassuming SUV that wasn't built to be electric, and the last is that it has far too much power to put through only the front wheels. It got me thinking though – a fully electric, rear-wheel drive, ES-size Lexus sedan would surely be glorious. Why don't they just build one? Well, it seems they now have. The new ES looks like it ticks all those boxes except being rear-drive, which I'm willing to forgive because Lexus will also make the car available with all-wheel drive for the first time ever, hopefully in Australia too. Specifically, the ES500e is the one I'm most excited for. It will offer loads of power and – hopefully – a decent real-world driving range. And although it's also likely to cost a bomb, it has the design to match – both inside and out.
