Wagon

Skoda’s a bit like that brooding, low-key actor you know but sometimes struggle to recall. Like Jacqueline McKenzie or Ben Mendelsohn. Considered and respected but far from a preening red carpet showboat.And the mid-size Octavia is the quintessential Skoda… for people seeking quality engineering and tech without feeling the need to make a boastful badge statement.The fourth-gen Octavia has been in market here for three years and on the back of a recent safety upgrade this new SportLine model, offered in five-door Liftback and traditional Wagon form, adds extra design and specification spice for the same money as the existing entry-level Style.[read-more-default-title]Smooth operator! 2025 Skoda Superb breaks cover to keep the large sedan flame aliveBig bear: 2024 Skoda Kodiaq revealed with new hybrid powertrain, but will it come to Australia?Let's see how Tesla go with some real competition: Skoda takes the gloves off in EV fightIt lines up against traditional sedans and wagons like Toyota’s all-conquering Camry, established players like the Mazda6 and in-demand newcomers like the BYD Seal EV, not to mention the usual medium SUV suspects.Stay with us on this first drive to see if this SportLine has what it takes to steer you towards the Skoda Octavia.

The humble station wagon has fallen by the wayside in favour of the ever-popular SUV, however, it was once more common for a very good reason.It offers the space many families crave without having to upsize into a vehicle that can feel big and bulky.A lot of drivers enjoy the sportier on-road feel and the good-looking styling that often accompanies a wagon. Enter the Peugeot 508 Sportswagon. A model that proves wagons can be hot.[read-more-default-title]Peugeot 508 2022 review: GT Fastback PHEVPeugeot 508 2020 review: SportswagonPeugeot's 2024 launch calendar: More hybrids, EVs and commercial vehicles on the wayI’m family-testing the top GT plug-in hybrid model this week but there’s not a lot to compare it to because of the interesting engine specs.So, we’re being a bit cheeky and doing an ‘apples with oranges’ comparo instead.Being on the premium end, the 508 Sportswagon faces competition from the Audi A4 Allroad 45 TFSI, Genesis G70 Shooting Brake and Volvo V60 Cross Country Ultimate.It certainly has the looks to turn heads but we’re sussing out whether it’s a practical alternative for families, too.

Are you familiar with the expression: Be careful what you wish for? It’s an all-purpose warning against confusing what you think you want with what you really need. And it often applies to car design.See, ever since the first soft-roader ditched its low-ratio gear-set and ladder chassis, and the first LandCruiser and Patrol swapped solid axles for an independent front suspension, hard-core bush-bashers have been crying foul.Don’t dilute the formula, has been the outcry. Don’t bother with Bluetooth and leather trim, give us a hard-as-nails vehicle that keeps it rugged and simple. But are they right?[read-more-default-title]Ready to take on Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series? First 2024 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster utes roll off production as spiritual successor to original Land Rover DefenderThe world's toughest electric vehicle? New Ineos EV to target Toyota LandCruiser and Ford Everest with 400km driving range and "extreme off-road capability"Will Ineos be a hit in Australia? | AnalysisWell, here’s our big chance to find out, because the people at Ineos Automotive clearly hold the same values dear. And, as a result, the much-hyped Ineos Grenadier is finally here, complete with its hose-out cabin, tilt-slab styling and live axles front and rear.Which is fine, but now, having rubbed the lamp and uncorked the genie, is the hard-headed Grenadier really what we wanted after all? Does this degree of single-mindedness have a place in modern life? Or is the Ineos the victim of its own sense of purpose?