Australian 4WD & SUV Buyer's Guide May Issue #35 2020

Holden is now in its death throes, with dealers clearing the last of their stock prior to closing the doors and taking their Holden signs to the tip. We’ve left Holden in this issue, as some dealers still have a few vehicles left. You’ll pick one up for a lot less than the offical price, but be aware that when you trade it in on your next ute, SUV or 4WD in a few years time, it will be worth two fifths of not very much. That’s what happens when a brand goes out of business. Parts and servicing commitments will still be honoured, as will warranty claims. I hope you enjoy the magazine and that it helps you choose the 4WD, SUV or ute that works best for you.…

JOSHUA DOWLING Joshua Dowling is the National Motoring Editor at caradvice.com.au and a World Car of the Year judge. Joshua is renowned for his consumer-first approach and you can also read his regular rants on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling. In this issue, he tests the Mercedes GLS, Nissan Navara N-Trek Warrior and VW T-Cross. JOHN CAREY John is a previous editor of Overlander, a contributor to Wheels magazine where he is a Car of the Year judge, and publications in the USA and UK. He lives in Bergamo, Italy. In this issue, John tests the Audi Q7 and Mercedes EQC. BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS Byron is a car tragic. He claims that a dream as a toddler of driving an Austin A35 sealed his fate. Byron writes for goauto.com.au and Wheels, where he is…

Our piggybank indicates a vehicle that we think represents good value for money against the others in its class. It may not necessarily be the cheapest, but taking into account factors such as standard equipment, safety, the way it drives, resale values and quality, it shapes up as a good deal. A capital S indicates a vehicle that scores five stars out of five for occupant protection in ANCAP crash tests. Go to www.ancap.com.au. for more information If you’re after a safe, practical vehicle to carry the kids, look for this symbol. We’ve limited its use to vehicles that have an ANCAP score of at least four stars out of five and have six airbags plus stability control as standard or as affordable options. We’ve also taken into account the…

• Prices are supplied by manufacturers and do not include on-road charges, which vary from state to state. Note that advertised prices must now include all on-road costs. • The best way to get a good deal on a new car is to do your research, test drive each of your shortlisted cars, then decide exactly the make, model, specification, colour and any options you require. Then you simply get a price from a few dealers on that car. If you have a trade in, you want what is called a changeover price. • Manufacturers change prices regularly and in some cases this will have occurred after our publication deadline. Check current prices and deals at carsales.com.au. Redbook future values in each test are average wholesale prices after three years/60,000km…

It’s been one of the most drawn-out, over-hyped new model launches in history, but after all the PR smoke and spin, Land Rover’s 21st century Defender is now arriving in Australian showrooms. The new Defender retains the squared off, boxy shape of its legendary predecessor, and Land Rover seems to have ensured that its go anywhere off road ability has also been maintained. That’s why people bought the old one, and it’s also why many people will buy this one. A lightweight aluminium monocoque body, with Defender’s signature short overhangs, is used for both models. The 110 wagon is available now as a five, six or seven seater. The short wheelbase 90 is due in October. Commercial variants, probably including long and short wheelbase pickups, will follow. The 110 wagon…

Aston Martin’s first SUV, the DBX, is now available priced at $357,000, but you’ll probably have to wait a while for delivery as there’s a sizeable queue of buyers. A bonded aluminium monocoque body houses a power unit from Mercedes-Benz AMG: a twin-turbo 4.0-litre petrol V8/nine speed automatic/all-wheel drive, with a variable torque split centre differential and electronic rear limited slip diff than can shift torque across the rear axle. Maximum power is 404kW and peak torque is 700Nm. Aston claims it will fling the DBX from rest to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Air suspension, adaptive dampers and active anti-roll hardware are included, so the ride height can be adjusted to suit the speed, terrain and ride preferences. There’s a big (632 litres) boot and the back seat is split…