Articles by Emily Agar

Emily Agar
Contributing Journalist

Emily’s love of cars started early, thanks in part to a mum who was (and still is) determined to seek out and own some seriously cool cars. An S15 Nissan 200SX with a burgundy leather interior was enough to cement Emily’s quiet love affair with Japanese styling, rear-wheel drive and cars that make you turn around for a second look.

After a decade-long career in real estate, Emily followed her curiosity into the automotive world in 2022 when she joined CarsGuide, where a natural tendency to ask, “What’s that car?”, and, “Why don’t they do it this way?”, has become something of a professional skill.

With a background in sales, a love of a good chat and an eye for detail, Emily brings a curious and conversational approach to her reviews. Her philosophy is simple: no matter the car, there’s always something good to be found in it. She puts each vehicle through its paces with a particular focus on how it works in the real world, from family practicality and everyday usability to what makes it enjoyable to drive.

Emily’s automotive soft spots include Japanese sports cars, big-bruiser utes, rear-wheel drivetrains and the 1972 Chrysler Valiant Charger R/T E49. She also has a particular interest in the rapidly evolving EV market and helping families make sense of the ever-growing choice of new cars.

Away from cars, Emily is a published author. She holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Creative Writing, with a minor in English Literature, from the University of Wollongong. Her debut Young Adult fantasy novel, The Fray, was published in 2018, and she is currently working on the next three books in the series.

Expertise

  • New-car reviews
  • Electrified vehicles
  • Family cars
  • Car ownership
  • Automotive technology and features

Education

  • Bachelor of Creative Arts, Creative Writing | University of Wollongong | 2011–2013

Featured Publications

Skoda Kodiaq 2025 review: 140TSI Select
By Emily Agar · 23 Jun 2025
It's been eight years between generations, but does the all-new Skoda Kodiaq have what it takes to shake up the seven-seater segment?
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Audi S3 2025 review: Sportback
By Emily Agar · 21 Jun 2025
The updated Audi S3 Sportback delivers serious power, sharp handling, and premium technology but how does it stand up against its rivals?
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Volvo EX90 2025 review: Ultra Twin Motor Performance
By Emily Agar · 10 Jun 2025
The Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance is a sleek, seven-seat electric SUV that blends luxury and tech with everyday practicality. With up to 570km of range, a powerful twin-motor set-up and a cabin full of thoughtful family features, it's Volvo's boldest EV yet. Is this the electric SUV that finally makes seven seats feel premium and practical?
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What do seatbelt cameras look like?
By Emily Agar · 03 Jun 2025
What Do Seatbelt Cameras Look Like?Seatbelt detection cameras are advanced traffic enforcement tools that use high-resolution imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify drivers and front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts properly.These cameras capture images from elevated angles to monitor compliance with seatbelt laws. The AI system analyses these images to detect violations, such as not wearing a seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly. For example, under the arm rather than across the chest. If a potential offence is detected, the image is reviewed by a human before a fine is issued.What Are Seatbelt Detection Cameras and What Are They For?These cameras use AI to scan vehicles and spot anyone not wearing their seatbelt or wearing it incorrectly. Their job is simple: reduce injuries and deaths on the road by enforcing seatbelt laws. They also double as mobile phone detection units, picking up drivers using their phones illegally.If you’re caught, it’s not instant. A flagged image is reviewed by a human before a fine or demerit points are issued.That depends on the state. NSW keeps locations under wraps. Victoria is more transparent, with camera locations published monthly. Queensland gives updates via the Department of Transport. WA's system is newer, but info is starting to trickle out about where trailers are set up.If you’re asking because you want to dodge them, it’s smarter to assume they’re everywhere and just do the right thing.All states employ AI technology to analyse images for seatbelt compliance, but the specific systems and deployment of cameras may differ.What do mobile phone and seat belt detection camera look like in NSW? They’re mostly fixed installations on overpasses and poles.The detection technology has been integrated with mobile phone detection systems. They capture drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts correctly including if it’s slung under the arm.Fines and demerits began to apply from July 2024. In NSW, a driver or passenger not wearing a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt can face a $410 fine and three demerit points.If a driver is caught with two passengers not wearing a seatbelt, then the fine rises to $818 but the demerit points remain at three.Seatbelt camera locations are not publicly disclosed.Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in Vic are found on mobile trailers or roadside poles. They use AI to scan for phone use and seatbelt compliance. Unlike NSW, locations of these cameras are updated monthly on relevant government sites, like this one.There is a $395 fine for not wearing a seatbelt correctly, and three demerit points.In Qld what do phone and seatbelt cameras look like? They can be a fixed camera, where they are fitted to existing infrastructure and operate 24 hours, seven days a week. Or they can be portable cameras, which are used at random locations in both urban and regional areas for shorter periods.Their locations are based on where road crash injuries or fatalities have occurred where using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt were contributing factors.Phone and seatbelt cameras detect violations from 10 to 20 metres away.There is a steep fine of up to $1161 and four demerit points if you or your front passenger aren't wearing a seatbelt properly. Yikes. Queensland government wants you to know where the cameras are, to assist with awareness and, hopefully, prevention. You can find current locations here.Cameras are mounted on mobile trailers and typically parked by the roadside. They use the same infrared and AI tech as other states but cameras are newer and still rolling out. Camera locations are not always disclosed, but currently (in 2025) six mobile safety camera trailers have been deployed across the state.As a general summary, your seatbelt buckle must be clicked in and your top seatbelt sash has to be properly positioned across your body. You can't be wearing seatbelt under arm.Passenger not wearing seatbelt? You’re responsible too, and it will cost you a fine. Seatbelt demerit points add up fast, especially in Qld and NSW.Seatbelt detection cameras are here to stay, and they’re getting smarter. Despite motorists' grumbles, they're not just about fines - they're about saving lives.Wherever you are in Australia, the message is the same, buckle up properly, don’t touch your phone and you won’t need to worry about where the cameras are.
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Peugeot 3008 2025 review: GT Premium Hybrid
By Emily Agar · 01 Jun 2025
With a slick, new (mild) hybrid powertrain and a seriously premium cabin, the Peugeot 3008 GT Premium Hybrid looks the part, but how well does it drive, and is it worth the price?
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BYD Sealion 7 2025 review: Performance
By Emily Agar · 20 May 2025
The BYD Sealion 7 continues the brands aquatic naming theme and we see if this premium EV is going to make waves in its segment.
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What is the difference between a highway and a freeway?
By Emily Agar · 20 May 2025
Highway vs freeway Australia - is there a difference between a freeway and a highway?
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Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2025 review: GX
By Emily Agar · 18 May 2025
Australia has been waiting 15 years for a proper model update for the Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Is it worth the wait?
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GWM Haval H6 GT 2025 review: Ultra PHEV
By Emily Agar · 05 May 2025
The new H6 GT Ultra PHEV is the very first of its kind for the Australian market from GWM. Will the new venture prove to be successful?
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Lexus GX 2025 review: 550 Sports Luxury
By Emily Agar · 02 May 2025
Lexus has launched the GX 550, which is now in its third generation and showcases a brutish new design that looks capable and handsome but will it suit family life?
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