Motor Torque with David Berthon

Subaru’s sixth generation Forester SUV – now with a new strong hybrid option

Driving the new six-generation Subaru Forester SUV – now in seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester hybrid – a new strong hybrid system has made a big difference to this popular constant all- wheel drive SUV – the previous Hybrid Forester was old generation technology and not very fuel efficient - the new system blending the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine with a 90kW electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission allowing you to also motor off-road on electric power for short distances at speeds up to 30km/hour . The CVT automatic has 8 selectable manual modes. This all-new Subaru Forester Hybrid has an all-up range of over 1,000kms and I managed 7.1L/100km in a range of on-road around town driving. Ride and handling has benefited from a torsionally stiffer body, also a new electric power steering system makes for a far more engaging drive. The entry Subaru Forester Hybrid at $46,490 offers a huge improvement – little to criticise apart from a tyre repair kit due to the rear mounted battery pack which on a capable 4WD is a disappointment. Subaru’s top seller just gets better with each generation – a firm family favourite with a great track record.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subaru’s new Forester SUV – vastly improved range including new hybrid

Driving the new Subaru Forester SUV – there’s now seven AWD models – four pure petrol and three petrol/hybrids. I drove the entry Forester Hybrid at $46,490, this latest Hybrid a big step up, far more refined, more equipment, more fuel efficient and with sharper ride and handling. Off-road ability a high point. The Forester remains Subaru’s best-seller, highly popular since its first arrived in 1997. The Hybrid’s petrol engine the trusty 2.5-litre boxer or flat four engine aided by a 90kW single electric motor located at the rear inside the transmission, an 8-speed CVT automatic transmission driving the Foresters symmetrical all- wheel drive system. The hybrid system vastly improved. The styling’s also been freshened and it needed to be – smoother, with more defined wheel arches, slim line running lights, a larger grille and LED headlights. Not too different inside with a new 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen that can show a thing or two to the Chinese newcomers on useability – very intuitive and user friendly with nice clear instrumentation. The cabin hasn’t varied much but it’s very comfortable, with good room for four with handy storage, the hybrid losing some luggage space due to the rear electric motor, and it disappointingly lacks a spare wheel, just a tyre repair kit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Popular small Volkswagen Polo hatch to get new mid-spec model

Volkswagen’s Polo has long been a firm favourite – the European five door hatch will gain a new model come November, a step-up model from the entry Life called the CityLife – this takes to four the number of models in the Polo range. It retains the frugal 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine linked to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. Priced at $32,790 plus on-road costs the Polo CityLife borrows some of the features of the more expensive Style grade such as keyless entry, park assist, 16-inch alloy wheels and a wireless phone charger. The Volkswagen Polo hatch comes with a high level of safety – seven airbags, a rear-view camera, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Five-star ANCAP safety with 96 per cent adult occupant protection and 85 percent child occupant protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Performance skewed Skoda Kodiaq RS around the corner

Czech brand Skoda is adding to its latest Kodiaq SUV range with the arrival next month of the popular flagship Kodiaq RS. This performance skewed favourite representing up to 50 percent of Kodiaq sales promises much for $69,990, some $600 cheaper to the 2024 model. The latest Skoda Kodiaq seven-seat range starts with the entry Select at $54,990, the mid- range Sportline $58,990. The Kodiaq RS’s 2.0-litre turbo engine gets a power and torque boost and like the rest of the range a larger body with more room in the third row and more luggage space. Special RS features include retuned adaptive dampers and a progressive steering rack, larger 20-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, LED fog lights and taillights and a flat bottom steering wheel. But it’s the drivability of this Skoda favourite that makes it so appealing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD, nothing else comes close in a luxury 4WD

Driving the latest top end Range Rover P530 Autobiography 4WD – a simply stunning vehicle, the build quality on the test vehicle exceptional and one could argue at $349,000 it should be. However, keep in mind some upper luxury 4WD’s are twice this price yet the Range Rover Autobiography sets a benchmark. Once its won you over on fit, finish, comfort and materials its ability for a large 4WD on and off the road is simply astonishing. Powered by a BMW sourced 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 with an 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and all wheel steering this 2585kg 4WD is breathtaking in the way in provides ride, handling, and comfort. Land Rover have now set a benchmark with the Range Rover that few have come close to. Given its bulk and weight its handling response on a winding road on 23-inch alloy wheels is very reassuring – a fully adaptive electronic suspension and all wheel steering makes it shrink around you, but we shouldn’t forget that Range Rover pioneered electronic air suspension back in 1992. I managed 14.4L/100km without driving for economy. This is one vehicle it is very easy to rave about, yes the price is eye watering but in upper luxury 4WD’s its simply the best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.