The BYD Atto 3 SUV was one of the fastest growing electric models here last
year, sales growing by 422 percent to 11,042 units. However, sales have slowed
this year, down 39 percent in the first half. The BYD Atto 3 has just been updated
with new features and technology, gaining a larger touchscreen, higher quality
Continental tyres replacing the sub-standard Atlas Batman tyres, new BYD
badging instead of the “Build your Dreams” script on the rear, a new Cosmos
Black exterior colour and new Blue/black interior trim. The good news, price
drops of $3,512, the standard range model, rated to deliver 345kms, now starts at
$44,449 plus on-road costs, the Atto 3 extended range variant with 420km on offer
from $47,449. Both models feature synthetic leather trim, heated power front
seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. I’m David Berthon

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Driving Honda’s new hybrid sedan, the 11 th generation e-HEV RS at $64,900 drive-
away. A premium sedan with an interesting hybrid system that it is very fuel
efficient – combining a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle petrol engine
with two electric motors mounted side-by-side – the electric motors do most of
the work while the petrol engine constantly charges the battery but under heavier
driving load can also power the front wheels. It’s a clever hybrid system that
works just so well, switching between electric, hybrid or petrol engine mode
seamlessly while there are six levels of deacceleration available, activated by
steering wheel mounted paddles, which dictate different levels of regenerative
charging. In my week of driving the new Honda Accord hybrid never looked like
running out of electric charge. With the RS tag suggesting a sportier image it
handles sharply and has four available drive modes. It can feel a little harsh on a
rough surface but as a rule is comfortable aided by very well-padded seats.
Sedans may not be in vogue these days, but the Accord is still a big seller in the
U.S. and as such its styling and features are very much skewed that way. Overall,
though, a very interesting and efficient hybrid addition. I’m David Berthon

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Go back 30 years and the Honda Accord was a very popular model on the
Australian market – it first arrived here in 1977 and was a very popular upmarket
sedan. Of course, SUVs have since taken over the world and in recent years
Accord sales slowed to a trickle. However, the 11 th generation Accord sedan has
arrived – the Accord e-HEV RS – just one hybrid variant at a national $64,900
drive-away price. A much more technically advanced sedan to the previous model
that finished here last year – the hybrid sitting on the same wheelbase but now
75mm longer overall, 2mm wider and 1mm lower. The fourth generation Honda
hybrid system in the Accord is interesting – a front wheel driver with a 2.0-litre
naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors
mounted side by side – the combined output 152kW. The electric motors do most
of the work, the internal combustion engine charging the battery almost
constantly although when the going gets a little tough the petrol motor can also
power the front wheels. Built in Thailand this new Accord is roomy with leather
seats, well equipped and nicely finished as a premium sedan but misses out on
some touches like an electric boot release. Drive details next segment. I’m David
Berthon

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Later this year Kia will premiere its much-awaited Tasman dual cab ute to the
world, with its arrival here mid next year taking the South Korean manufacturer
into new territory and an opportunity for it to gain a larger share of the Australia
vehicle market. The Tasman ute has been undergoing significant on and off-road
testing here ready for its market debut. On Monday the company showcased the
Tasman’s testing regime via a teaser video series on YouTube providing an
inside look at the ute’s development, the company stating it has conducted “1777
specific tests and 18,000 plus rounds of evaluation”, testing the vehicle
extensively in “the Australian wilderness.” Australia is expected to be a key
market for the diesel-powered Kia Tasman, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota
Hilux currently our two top selling vehicles. I’m David Berthon

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Behind the wheel of Lexus’ new compact and very attractive LBX SUV today – I
drove the LBX Sports Luxury all-wheel drive at $56,990 combining a 1.5-litre
three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors with a combined
output of 100kW driving through a continuously variable transmission. The all-
wheel-drive combination knocks the weight up to 1415kgs. A classy small SUV
which Lexus Australia Chief John Pappas says, breaks new ground for Lexus and
is proof luxury is not dictated by vehicle size. It is however tight in the rear, best
viewed as a personalised compact luxury two-seater. It’s no fire breather in this
heavier all-wheel drive Sports Luxury variant however with parent company
Toyota’s enormous success with hybrid technology it offers a very satisfying and
practical hybrid performance with frugal economy – I managed a best of 4.6L/100
with 91 grade petrol in mainly city driving. Few gripes, I don’t like Lexus interior
door latches, their awkward at best and should be on a horizontal plane rather
than vertical and there’s no aircon vents in the rear. But the Lexus LBX really is a
classy compact SUV with five-year/unlimited km warranty, battery warranty up to
10 years with annual hybrid dealer checks. I’m David Berthon

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Driving the small Lexus LBX SUV today, an attractive small hybrid luxury five
door SUV – three variants, the LBX Luxury front wheel drive at $47,550 and the
LBX Sports Luxury, both front and all-wheel-drive, priced at $52,990 and $56,990
respectively. The Lexus LBX a compact luxury cross-over SUV, a personalized
compact SUV that’s rather tight in the rear, but with emphasis on luxury and
finishes that Toyota’s luxury brand always does well and it stands out on the road
especially in the sonic copper colour as per the TV commercial. I drove the
Sports Luxury AWD with 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual
electric motors, a fuel sipping assembly with a combined output of 100kW driving
through a CVT transmission. The interior with pseudo leather and suede
accentuated trim looks classy, the dash with a well-designed and functional
touch screen. Nice front seat comfort with roomy, comfortable eight-way power
seats not so in the rear which is best for kids. The Lexus LBX best perhaps as a
classy compact luxury SUV for the lady in the house. No spare wheel just a tyre
repair kit but it’s got all the active and passive safety gear and a 360-degree
camera. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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Hyundai’s Tucson is one of our most popular mid-size SUV’s and a facelifted
model has just arrived bringing with it the option of hybrid power for the first
time, a revised interior and larger 12.3-inch dual infotainment screens integrated
into one large, curved panel. The introduction of new styling and technology will
however see price increases in the seventeen model 2025 model year range of up
to $3,950. The entry 2.0-litre petrol front-wheel drive now starting at $39,100 while
the 1.6-litre turbo Tuscon Premium N-line all-wheel drive Hybrid tops out the
range at $61,100. The updated Hyundai Tucson SUV drops the 2.0-litre diesel
engine option, replaced by a 1.6-liltre turbo-petrol hybrid available in front and all-
wheel drive variants. The top of the range Tucson’s, now called Premium instead
of Highlander, also gain a welcome head up instrument display. I’m David
Berthon

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After failing to get support for his motor museum on the Sunshine Coast Clive
Palmer has finally managed to gain approval for his dream project on a site
around one hour west of Brisbane. The mining Billionaire and former Politician’s
dream to build a world class museum has been welcomed by Somerset Regional
Council at the Patrick Estate near Lake Wivenhoe. The museum will consist of
eleven large buildings able to display 923 cars and 278 motorcycles and include
10 short stay accommodation cabins, a food kiosk, café, gift shop, caretakers’
cottage and a workshop. It is projected to generate around $9 million dollars in
annual revenues from around 100,000 visitors a year. Parking for 360 cars is
planned along with tourist bus parking. Clive Palmer has been collecting special
interest cars for some years now both here and overseas including a large
collection in Denmark. I’m David Berthon

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