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Episodes
Monday Jan 11, 2021
Monday Jan 11, 2021
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Anthony Crawford and James Wong, with Mike Costello and Scott Collie chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about the next-generation Mazda 2 being rumoured for reveal later this year, Ferrari's plan for two electric crossovers to join its upcoming Purosangue 'SUV', the approval of FCA and PSA's 'Stellantis' merger, as well as the rally-inspired Singer ACS – a retro-modern safari Porsche 911.
Mike Costello talks through 2020's year-end VFACTS results, and Scott Collie reviews the all-new 2021 Kia Carnival Platinum.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Every day driving cars is a good day, but some good days are better than others.
Here are the cars that most excited the CarExpert team this year.
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William Stopford
Genesis GV80
Looking back at the cars I've driven this year, the top three contenders for this question were all Korean.
I finally got behind the wheel of a Kia Stinger, for example, which as a relatively affordable, large, rear-wheel drive, twin-turbo V6 hatchback seems like a car that was designed specifically for me; the nimbler Genesis G70 also delighted. But it was actually the new Genesis GV80 that impressed me the most.
As an SUV, it was never going to be as fun as those two but the level of attention to detail Genesis has put into it impressed me.
I love to see upstart brands challenge the established hegemony and Genesis is rolling out product after product that have the interior craftsmanship, mechanical refinement and feature content expected of a luxury brand, even if Genesis has one hand tied behind its back with its small retail network and fixed pricing.
And though I'm a sedan man, I found the GV80 as satisfying to drive as the new G80 – possibly more so – and it's competing in a much higher volume segment that'll be crucial to Genesis' success.
MORE: Genesis GV80 Review
MORE: More Genesis news and reviews
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Paul Maric
Toyota GR Yaris
It's the Toyota GR Yaris at $39,000 drive-away. At that price you can't match the fun factor behind the wheel and how punchy the engine is.
Toyota takes it one step further, given this car was designed as a rally homologation special... before cancelling the rally car it was meant to be based on.
We had great fun putting it up against my GR Supra to see how it stacked up, and it's surprisingly quick despite being less than half the price.
At $50,000 before on-road costs it begins to make less sense, but the $39,000 drive-away offer will leave a lot of punters happy and driving around in the bargain of the century.
MORE: Toyota GR Yaris review
MORE: More Toyota news and reviews
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James Wong
Jaguar F-Type R
Possibly my first proper taste of exotic motoring, the F-Type R made me feel like I was living out a childhood fantasy.
The facelifted model looks fantastic and I just could not get enough of that supercharged V8 soundtrack. I know it's getting on a bit, but it's still such a cool car and it's so beautiful it turns heads everywhere you go.
MORE: Jaguar news and reviews
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Scott Collie
Lexus LC500 Convertible
There were a few competitors for this title. The Ford Fiesta ST was a highlight from early in the year, and the Audi S6 was a seriously likeable quiet achiever. But it was impossible to go past the LC500.
It looks like a spaceship, rides like a dream, and sounds like no other car on sale in 2020. Even the interior is a winner, save for the Lexus trackpad.
What more could you want?
MORE: Lexus news and reviews
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Mike Costello
Audi RS7
Being based in locked-down Melbourne, I drove far fewer cars in 2020 than I have most other recent years. But that still leaves a reasonable field of contenders.
Probably the one that really sticks in my mind is the Audi RS7, with its biblical 441kW and 800Nm turbocharged V8 engine, quattro all-wheel drive, active dampers, and (in my test car's case) $20,000 ceramic brakes.
For a limo-length car to smash a 0-100km/h dash in 3.6 seconds, look as lithe as it does, yet also have a boot big enough for a family getaway, it has to be something special. And if you're an attention junkie, it causes more neck twisting from passersby than anything this side of a Ferrari.
MORE: Audi news and reviews
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Tony Crawford
Land Rover Defender 110S
Nobody knew what to expect with only the second-generation Defender ever. Mostly, there was a global trepidation. But when I drove it and realised it was so much more than anyone had anticipated I literally wanted to shout from the rafters to tell everyone.
I happen to love the styling but I get that some folks may think it’s too much of a modern take. That’s fine, because off-road there’s nothing I've ever experienced previously that makes it all so easy and with such a high degree of comfort thanks to the engineering and electronic wizardry.
On road is just as impressive. You can punt this beast into a series of corners as you would a hot hatch and drive the wheels off it with complete and utter confidence, the chassis is just that good.
Ride comfort is simply extraordinary. I’m gushing, but it’s that good – and I’m taking about one of the lower-spec versions.
MORE: Land Rover Defender review
MORE: Land Rover news and reviews
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Derek Fung
My own car
Since March I've not driven or hopped into any car that's not been my own.
In fact, I even had to spend a small wad of cash so I could have a car to drive. Thanks 45. Thanks COVID.
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Alborz Fallah
Genesis G80
It’s weird to say, but I was genuinely really impressed by the Genesis G80.
I was expecting a half-baked half-Hyundai product that made me think of Infiniti, but instead I drove a really well packaged and super luxurious vehicle that made me think, yes, Genesis does indeed have a bright future.
MORE: Genesis G80 review
MORE: Genesis news and reviews
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
Thursday Dec 31, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Scott Collie and Anthony Crawford, with James Wong, Will Stopford, and Mike Costello chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about Subaru's problems with the Liberty Final Edition, huge demand for the Hummer EV, Mazda reproducing parts for the RX-7, and leaked details for the Ioniq 5.
Mike Costello talks through a comparison between the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mazda CX-5, and James Wong discusses his time behind the wheel of the Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR.
Finally, William Stopford dials in to discuss the cars we'll be farewelling in 2021.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
- CarExpert Podcast RSS Feed
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Monday Dec 21, 2020
Monday Dec 21, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Mike Costello and James Wong, with Scott Collie chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about preliminary specifications for the facelifted Hyundai i30 N hot hatch, Porsche returning to Le Mans with a hybrid prototype race car, Hyundai Australia ruling out the Santa Fe plug-in hybrid, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric flagship entering production.
Scott Collie joins the panel to discuss his Australian launch drive of the all-new Hyundai Palisade, and Mike Costello compares the new Toyota Yaris SX against the refreshed Kia Rio GT-Line.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Monday Dec 14, 2020
Monday Dec 14, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Scott Collie and William Stopford, with James Wong chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about Toyota's upcoming all-electric SUV, launch plans for the next-generation Ram 1500 and new Mazda MX-30, plus Nismo's R32 GT-R restoration program.
James Wong joins the panel to discuss his first Australian drive of the all-new BMW 4 Series.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Monday Dec 07, 2020
Monday Dec 07, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Alborz Fallah and Mike Costello, with James Wong chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about Hyundai's new all-electric E-GMP platform with over 500km of range, Victoria's fines for motorists who block EV chargers, Isuzu's ongoing supply delays, as well as November's VFACTS results – and they're positive for the first time in a while.
James Wong joins the panel to discuss his first Australian drive of the updated Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport, and Mike speaks to Volkswagen Australia boss, Michael Bartsch, about the company's plans moving forward.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Monday Nov 30, 2020
Monday Nov 30, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by James Wong and Will Stopford, with Paul Maric chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA still being on the radar for Australia, Hyundai and Ineos teaming up on hydrogen mobility, Victoria's proposed road tax on electric and plug-in hybrid cars, as well as Great Wall and Haval's ambitious expansion plan.
Paul Maric joins the panel to discuss his early drive of the hotly anticipated 2021 Toyota GR Yaris, and James talks about the impressive new Ford Escape.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Monday Nov 23, 2020
Monday Nov 23, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Mike Costello and Scott Collie, with Anthony Crawford and William Stopford chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about the 2022 Subaru BRZ reveal, the reveal of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, Honda ruling out the 2022 Civic sedan for Australia, and the sold-out Toyota GR Yaris.
William Stopford joins the panel to discuss his launch review of the 2021 Genesis G80 sedan, and Anthony talks about the technical marvel that is the Rolls-Royce Ghost.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Monday Nov 16, 2020
Monday Nov 16, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Anthony Crawford and William Stopford to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about the 2021 BMW iX, MG ZS EV and Lexus UX300e, plus South Australia's proposed electric vehicle levy.
Chris Atkinson dials in to give his tips for your first day at the track, while Anthony Crawford shares his thoughts about his time with the Peugeot 2008.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
Monday Nov 09, 2020
Monday Nov 09, 2020
In this episode, Mandy is joined by Paul Maric and Scott Collie, with James Wong chiming in to run through the latest in automotive news and what’s happening at the CarExpert offices around Australia.
This week in car news, the team talks about the 2021 Nissan Navara, the chance Peugeot is bringing the e-208 to Australia, Genesis pushing to overtake Lexus in the sales race, and the 2021 Volkswagen Golf R reveal.
Mike Costello joins the team to talk about new mandatory data sharing laws, and the positive signs from October VFACTS sales results.
William Stopford dials in to discuss his launch review of the Genesis GV80 SUV.
Where to find the CarExpert Podcast
You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe.
- CarExpert Podcast RSS Feed
- CarExpert Podcast on Apple Podcasts
- CarExpert Podcast on Google Podcasts
- CarExpert Podcast on Spotify
- CarExpert Podcast on Podbean
As always, we'd love to hear your feedback, so if there's anything you'd like to hear on the podcast in the future, shoot us an email to podcast@carexpert.com.au – or touch base with us on social media using the details below:
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