The obligatory automotive recap.
Another year has come to an end; 2019 was another stellar year for the automotive industry with a slew of refreshes and all-new models. Here’s our top picks.
Best Affordable Car: Kia Picanto
With the SUV-like X-Line and sportier GT models arriving in 2019, the Kia Picanto continues to be the most affordable new car in Australia — especially given the Mitsubishi Mirage and Hyundai Accent have now been discontinued.
But, the entry-level $16K ’S’ already has enough kit and safety credentials to satisfy first drivers. This includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, city speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a reversing camera with parking sensors, and cruise control. Thankfully, both manual and automatic transmissions are available on most models.
Sharp drive-away offers, a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and a 5-star ANCAP safety rating from 2017 makes the Kia Picanto the perfect — and safe — city car for all new and experienced drivers.
Read the review of the Kia Picanto S at CarAdvice.
Best EV: Peugeot e-208
2019 was a stellar year for electric vehicles, including the Porsche Taycan, Audi e-Tron, Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3 (Australian) all hitting centre stage, just to name a few. But the all-new Peugeot e-208 is a standout.
Launching alongside the traditional petrol and diesel engines, the full EV model looks essentially the same on the surface. From the outset, the new 208’s platform is designed to fit the 50kw battery, returning a respectable 340km of range on strict WLTP testing.
The 208 range’s design is bold with Peugeot’s latest exterior and interior design cues, such as the tiger-tooth daytime running lights, from the larger 508 lift back and wagon.
While not confirmed for Australia yet, the Peugeot e-208 is commended in producing an EV that looks like a traditional ICE car a layman would drive. Sharing platforms under the PSA group, the Opel Corsa-e is also commended but the Peugeot e208 is more daring and exciting.
Read the initial drive of the Peugeot e-208 at Driving Electric.
Best Practical Car: Volkswagen T-Cross
Set to lob early next year, the Volkswagen T-Cross is the brand’s compact SUV using the Polo’s MQB A0 platform. While it’s positioned as an entry level city runabout, the T-Cross’ dimensions are quite the opposite.
With generous passenger head and leg space, the rear row can even be slid forward to enable a 455-litre boot that is in fact larger than its larger cousin, the Golf-based T-Roc crossover. With the rear seats folded, cargo capacity increases to 1281-litres. This is reinforced by its square, boxier dimensions, also giving better visibility as known from the German automaker.
While SUV’s are dominating the market, it’s nice that the Volkswagen T-Cross is practical for a family as well, without a large footprint.
Read the review of the Volkswagen T-Cross at Carwow.
Best Family SUV: Toyota RAV4
The numbers speak for themselves — Toyota is still filling orders for their latest generation RAV4 in Australia (and even making some mistakes).
We applaud the brand for giving the option for a hybrid powertrain on most variants, returning a claimed 4.7 to 4.8-litres per 100km, while eliminating diesel as well. Moreover, the Japanese giant has (finally) added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard for later models which is quite a milestone for the mainstream brand.
With all available safety technologies standard and thoughtful practicality touches, the Toyota RAV4 deserves to be on family’s shortlists.
Read the review of the Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid 2WD at CarsGuide.
Best Performance Car: BMW Z4
The convertible market is quite thin — think the Mazda MX-5 and there isn’t anything else. Enter the BMW Z4 — the Barvarian company’s return to sporty convertibles.
With an inline-six-litre engine producing a modest 250kW of power and 500Nm of torque on its hero M40i guise, the two-seater can sprint to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. The Z4 is so successful that the Toyota Supra uses its engine and platform for the returning nameplate (controversially).
No there is no three-pedal option and it is not the most powerful car released by far, but this is where driving enjoyment over power applies.
Read the review of the BMW Z4 M40i at Engadget.
Best Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Yes, the best luxury car is a small car. While SUVs come in droves, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class blends all technology and “premiumness” in the company’s entry level vehicle.
Available as a hatchback or sedan, the A-Class features the manufacture’s MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the annoying “Hey Mercedes” assistant, we commend the augmented reality feature which projects virtual arrows — much like Google Maps’ Live View — on the environment through the front-facing windshield camera to better guide drivers to their destination.
Notably, MBUX isn’t even available on the latest C and E-Class’s since their systems age just can’t handle it. So, the A-Class brings Mercs’ latest technology in the most affordable vehicle in the line-up. Rather ironic, I know, plus you also get other luxury touches from ambient lighting to metal air vents.
Read the review of the Mercedes-Benz A200 review at CarAdvice.
Best Niche Car: Suzuki Jimny
Put simply, you don’t need a gigantic Ford Raptor ute or rugged Jeep Wrangler get off road. The Suzuki Jimny proves this notion as the only affordable vehicle ready for rough terrain.
Starting at $23,990 (plus on-road costs) for a manual variant, the Jimny is a pint-sized off-roader with a brake limited-slip differential function and 210mm ground clearance. Sure, the ANCAP safety rating is deplorable and there is only two seats, but Suzuki’s return with the Jimny is a winning formula — and a great niche, unadulterated SUV.
Read the review of the Suzuki Jimny at Motoring.
The Connected by Henry Man 