My favourite compact ute is back with some new tweaks for 2021, as well as a couple of new editions, one of which is a celebration of Mazda’s centennial.
It’s the CX-5, which started life a bit underpowered but was still lots of fun to drive, and Mazda has wisely upped the oomph ante over the years, a tad at least. But with the introduction of the company’s lovely optional 2.5 litre turbo four a while back, acceleration angst is now a thing of the past. And that’s wonderful!
It’s also a pretty luxurious vehicle in the upper trim levels. A Signature trim was introduced for 2019, which also included that turbo four (which Mazda also makes available nearly right across its line). That version didn’t come with paddle shifters, though Mazda has now corrected that oversight with the 2021 CX-5. And the paddles work well, though if you don’t shift it into sport mode the transmission will go back to sleep again if you aren’t prodding it enough to satisfy it. And that’s fin
GENESIS MIDSIZE URBAN SUV ‘GENESIS GV70’ DEBUTS +VIDEO
The brand-new Genesis GV70 is the first athletic urban midsize SUV to feature a uniquely athletic exterior design and a powerful stance while also meeting the practical needs of an SUV
The GV70 also features a driver-oriented interior that is inspired ‘Beauty of White Space’, with careful consideration to balancing state of the art technology and personal space.
Customers have a wide selection of interior/exterior colors to choose from, while the Sport Package enhances the SUV’s sporty sensibility
The first Genesis SUV to apply a Launch Control System for dynamic driving and offer a new level of driving safety with state-of-the-art technologies such as Highway Driving Assist II
Hyundai Palisade prices revealed
All-new large SUV nudges Toyota Prado on price but gets high-level luxury and tech as standard
The 2021 Hyundai Palisade has started rolling into Aussie showrooms priced from $60,000 plus on-road costs and featuring with high-level equipment such as full leather upholstery, a large 10.2-inch central touch-screen, three-zone air-conditioning and semi-autonomous steering, braking and acceleration tech.
As previously reported via leaked pricing, Hyundai’s new flagship SUV almost matches the entry-level Toyota Prado GX’s $59,840 marker, but comes with higher levels of equipment and luxury than Toyota’s family favourite.
Standard features on Palisade at the entry level include 18-inch alloy wheels, smart key with push-button start, a 12-speaker Infinity audio system, sat-nav, an intercom system, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and lane following assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection.