Articles by Stephen Ottley

Stephen Ottley

Contributing Journalist

Steve has been obsessed with all things automotive for as long as he can remember. Literally, his earliest memory is of a car. Having amassed an enviable Hot Wheels and Matchbox collection as a kid he moved into the world of real cars with an Alfa Romeo Alfasud.

Despite that questionable history he carved a successful career for himself, firstly covering motorsport for Auto Action magazine before eventually moving into the automotive publishing world with CarsGuide in 2008. Since then he's worked for every major outlet, having work published in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Drive.com.au, Street Machine, V8X and F1 Racing.

These days he still loves cars as much as he did as a kid and has an Alfa Romeo Alfasud in the garage (but not the same one as before... that's a long story).

MG U9 Explore Pro 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 30 Sep 2025

The MG U9 Explore Pro is the hero model in the Chinese brand’s new ute line-up. Boasting a generous list of creature comforts and some clever features not available on the other variants, the Explore Pro is clearly targeting the premium ute buyer.

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Why this Chinese brand is not like the others

By Stephen Ottley · 30 Sep 2025

Why Geely isn't flooding the market with new models.

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Geely Starray EM-i Inspire 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 28 Sep 2025

Anyone looking for a roomy, frugal and good value mid-size SUV should have the Geely Starray EM-i Inspire on their consideration list.

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MG U9 Explore X 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 28 Sep 2025

If you’re looking for a ute that can serve in the role of family transport the MG U9 Explore X is that kind of machine.

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The one type of ute Australia doesn't want

By Stephen Ottley · 27 Sep 2025

Is the electric ute running out of charge already? Ram’s recent decision to scrap plans for an electric-powered version of its popular 1500 pickup may prove to be a turning point for the broader ute community.

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MG U9 Explore 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 26 Sep 2025

The MG U9 is the newest ute to hit the market and the U9 Explore is the entry-level model in the range.

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Geely Starray EM-i Complete 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 26 Sep 2025

Geely’s follow-up to its first Australian model follows a familiar pattern. The new Starry EM-i is a similar-sized SUV to the EX5, but instead of an all-electric powertrain this new model is a plug-in hybrid.

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Geely Starray EM-i 2026 review: Australian first drive

By Stephen Ottley · 24 Sep 2025

Geely's rapid expansion into Australia continues with its first plug-in hybrid. The memorably-named Starray EM-i will compete head-to-head with the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Chery Tiggo 7, MG HS Super Hybrid and Jaecoo J7. But does it have what it takes to leave an impression on the crowded mid-size SUV market?

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MG U9 2026 review: Australian first drive

By Stephen Ottley · 22 Sep 2025

MG wants to become one of the most popular brands in Australia - which means it needs a ute. The Chinese maker has taken assistance from its sister-brand, LDV, to rush the all-new U9 dual-cab ute into the market. But is it a case of too much too soon? Or is it the right ute at the right price? We drive it to find out if the U9 has what it takes to propel MG to the top.

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Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line 2026 review: snapshot

By Stephen Ottley · 17 Sep 2025

If you used to own a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Golf R but now need family transport, then the new Tayron 195TSI R-Line might be right up your street.

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