Under the hood lies a perky 1.2-litre turbo petrol paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 107 kilowatts, 230 newton-metres, and a 4.1 litres per hundred k fuel average makes this remarkable for a non-plug-in hybrid.

But here’s the thing — it drives like an Alfa. Weighted steering, an alert chassis, and three DNA drive modes that actually change how the car feels. Running in Dynamic mode makes the junior come alive.

Five-year unlimited warranty. Wireless CarPlay. Hands-free tailgate. From around $51,000 drive-away.

The Junior Ibrida isn’t just a light SUV. It’s a unique car feel with a distinct feel in an increasing bland market.

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Im Zac Hough

Readers can find all the specifications for the Alfa Romeo Junior HERE

Readers can find more details about the Junior Ibrida – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Junior Ibrida – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Junior Ibrida are looking in the micro car segment. It’s an odd place with a true mix of engine choices. Petrol hybrid and BEV.

Potential choices for buyers could be Jeep Avenger, Kia Stonic, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Venue, MG S5, BYD Atto 2, Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, VW T-Cross, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke

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 As one of Audi’s bestselling models it’s easy to see why.

Visually the updated model is more muscular, with prominent wheel arches. At the rear there is a full width light strip and illuminated Audi rings.

Inside the base model you will find  Audi’s latest interior design language. With

• leather-appointed upholstery,
• electrically adjustable front seats with memory for the driver,
• heated front seats and three-zone climate control all fitted as standard.

The digital experience is led by the new curved display incorporating the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus and a 12.8-inch central MMI touchscreen.

This is supported by Audi smartphone interface, digital radio and wireless phone charging with cooling functionality.

Audi Q3 features  the most comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance systems ever offered on an Audi in this segment.

The latest models come with a choice of two body shapes. The SUV and Sportback. There is a choice of three different engines as well across the models. All up there are nine different versions to choose from.

Pricing is from $61,600 dollars through to $84,400 dollars plus the usual costs.

We will have  more details when we have a chance to drive the latest models as unfortunately, we couldn’t attend the recent launch.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Audi Q3 – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi Q3 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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I had this compact hybrid SUV over the Christmas break.

Not only does it have stylish design, but its elegant interior is class leading.

I particularly liked the configurable 3D I-cockpit design. This raised digital dash and unique steering wheel suits my driving position perfectly.

There is a panoramic opening glass roof, 360 degree camera and classy 18 inch black alloy wheels.

Both front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat has an electric lumbar support and relaxing massage function.

Powering the 2008 GT is a 1.2L turbo petrol engine paired with a 48V hybrid system. It’s zippy around town and engaging to drive. I didn’t take it on a longer drive this time. That’s because the Air Conditioning wasn’t working and driving longer distances on 40 plus degree days didn’t seem like fun.

It is however economical and we got around 5.0l/100k over the time we had it.

The Peugeot 2008 GT Hybrid has an almost perfect blend of size, performance, and economy. It also brings an element of style and sophistication and has a premium ambience. At around $49,500 plus the usual costs its great value compared to its European rivals.

The Peugeot 2008 GT Hybrid is ideal for buyers that want something just a little bit different.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the 2008 GT Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE 2008 GT Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Peugeot 2008 GT Hybrid – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the 2008 GT Hybrid could also look at the following: Audi Q3, BMW X2, Cupra Formentor, Lexus UX, Mercedes Benz GLA, MINI Countryman,

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The latest QASHQAI is a stylish urban based SUV.

N-Design comes with a list of bling,  luxury and comfort features like:

• 20” N-DESIGN Alloys
• Body Coloured Bumpers & Over Fenders
• Gloss Black Waist Moulding
• Gloss Black Mirror Covers
• Black Headliner
• Two-Tone Black Roof
• Black Roof Rails
• Power Tailgate
• Panoramic glass roof with electric sunshade
• New grille design (clear-coated gunmetal foil stamp)

Interior:

• HUD
• Black Alcantara® /leather^< accented seat trim
• Alcantara® IP/door/knee pad finishers

Other features I liked are the front massage seats, with quilted leather, 10 speaker BOSE audio system and glass sunroof.

The QASHQAI e-POWER combines a 1.5L turbo-petrol, three-cylinder engine with a power generator, inverter, and electric motor, with a combined system output of 140kW and 330Nm.

It works slightly differently to other hybrid in that the advanced turbocharged engine generates the electricity, which is transferred via the inverter to either the 140kW electric motor or the 1.8kWh battery (or both, according to the driving scenario).

The result is that it feels more like an EV rather than a petrol hybrid.

Economy is around 5.0l/100k. Its smooth, quiet, and comfortable to drive.

Priced from around $54,500 plus the usual costs. Nissan QASHQAI is an ideal urban runabout that is large enough for weekend away and longer drives.

Definitely worth a test drive

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Qashqai e-power  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Qashqai e-power – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Qashqai e-power – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at:  Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Honda HRV, Mazda CX-30, Haval Jolion, Peugeot 2008, Toyota Corolla Cross

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There are four main models with the petrol engine. Nissan has introduced their version of a hybrid motor – the e-power, to the two top spec models., The TI-L and N- Design.

I drove the T-i version last week. This sits almost in the middle of the range yet comes with many unexpected standard features that were appreciated.

Overall, the upgrades are aimed at making the QASHQAI more comfortable and keeping the styling fresh.

One thing that the new model has is a longer wheelbase. This allows more room all around, though being a smaller SUV rear leg room is still a touch restricted for taller passengers. Likewise, a baby seat will be cramped. Boot space is reasonable for two larger style bags.

Inside, the TI comes with wireless smart phone mirroring as well as charging, and heated front seats and steering wheel, which have been needed. The new larger central screen makes a big difference to the overall feel, as does the ambient lighting at nighttime.

The T-I comes with a smaller turbocharged petrol engine with a CVT. It works well around town. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to head out of town this time.

The Nissan QASHQAI Ti is priced from around $43,000 dollars plus the usual costs.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Nissan QASHQAI Ti     – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan QASHQAI Ti – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Stylish facelift
• Internal layout is comfortable.
• Level of standard features

What is not so good?

• No AWD capability
• Prefer the e-power version.
• No full size spare tyre

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Nissan QASHQAI Ti could also look at the following: Subaru Crosstrek, Haval Jolion, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, Toyota Corolla Cross

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In a world that seems focussed on SUVs and Utes, these smaller cars  can sometimes get missed. They are ideal urban runaround vehicles.

The latest-generation safety technology upgrade is complemented by a number of other small equipment upgrades to provide added comfort and convenience for owners.

All models now use hybrid power. The same hybrid system powers the Yaris and Yaris Cross 2WD, combining a 67kW/120Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 59kW/141Nm front motor generator to produce a combined maximum power of 85kW.

All-wheel drive (AWD) versions of the Yaris Cross feature an additional 3.9kW/52Nm rear electric motor generator to provide additional traction in slippery conditions.

All three Yaris models gain a low-speed acoustic vehicle alert system that warns other road users and pedestrians when the vehicle might be moving using electric power.

The entry-level Ascent Sport grade now also features a parking support brake that automatically applies braking when reversing if it detects a crossing vehicle, object, or pedestrian and there is a risk of a collision.

The Yaris Cross SUV also receives updated driver assistance safety technology with all models having top safety features as standard.

Pricing for the Yaris ranges from $28,990 through to $34,590 plus the usual costs

Pricing for the Yaris Cross SUV ranges from $31,790 through to $39,930. All plus the usual costs.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Yaris Cross – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Yaris Cross – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Subaru builds good cars and the Crosstrek, released earlier this year is excellent.

The latest model is well styled with good street appeal.

Inside its comfortable for taller drivers. Front seats are heated with enough leg room for my taller frame. One standout feature is the tall central screen that mirrors a smart phone. Its informative and functional.

Powered by a 2.0L boxer engine that has reasonable power and torque and a CVT. Its adequate, but the platform could easily cope with much more. I would love to see the 2.5L engine that other markets get.

Where the Crosstrek has an advantage over every other SUV in its segment is the symmetrical AWD with X Mode functionality.

This allows for class leading on road dynamics. As well as the ability to drive straight from the road to forest trails, beach tracks or to the snow without fuss.

Crosstrek is stylish, comfortable, and safe. It’s the thinking persons SUV for adventurous buyers.

I drove the top spec model the 2.0S which is priced from around $41,500 plus the usual costs and considering the practicality and versatility, that’s awesome value

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details on Subaru Crosstrek HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Crosstrek RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Subaru Crosstrek, buyers could also look at.

Serious adventure AWD SUVs or even 4WD SUVs in the smaller size are few and far between.

Buyers could look at the Jeep Compass, Suzuki Jimny,  Toyota RAV4 Edge,

Other SUVs that aren’t quite as adventure focused but worth a look at include: Nissan QASHQAI, Kia Seltos, Mazda MX-30, Audi Q2, Toyota Corolla Cross, Peugeot 2008 GT, Citroen C4, Haval Jolion HEV.

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It’s priced from around fifty-one and a half thousand dollars, which is a premium of a bit over four thousand dollars over the next petrol-based model.

Like its bigger brother the X-Trail e-power, the QASHQAI is a hybrid with a difference. It drives more like an EV with the 1.5 litre petrol engine used to charge the on-board battery first and provide a backup.

Economy is rated at around 5.2L litre per 100 kilometres and we got a touch over that on our test. It’s also relatively quiet and smooth to drive with reasonable performance.

The QASHQAI Ti is quite comfortable inside, with lots of added comfort features. One thing I did like are the heated front seats with a gentle massage function. Also, there is a huge central touch screen, equally large drivers instrument cluster and a clear head up display.

Overall the Nissan QASHQAI hybrid is a welcome addition to the range of smaller Hybrid SUVs.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the QASHQAI e-POWER Ti HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE QASHQAI e-POWER RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the QASHQAI e-POWER buyers could also look at:

Smaller hybrid SUVs are becoming more popular.

Buyers could look at the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Haval Jolion Hybrid,  Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Kia Niro HEV, MG HS, Hyundai Kona HEV., Honda HRV e-HEV, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid,  

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It also shows a return to better design from Honda, something that has been absent in recent years.

The ZR-V comes in three different models with a petrol engine and one model with a hybrid engine.

This little SUV manages to look both stylish and muscular with a longer sloping bonnet and full wheel arches. I like the design and it looks bigger than it is. Think of a Civic on high heels.

Inside the ZR-V is well laid out with plenty of room for taller front occupants. The seats are comfortable, the steering wheel feels good in the hands and the overall visibility is open.

Like a lot of SUVs this size the rear seats are cramped, and the boot is small.

Standing out is the 9-inch central touch screen that has good user response and clarity. Another example of Honda finding its way again.

The normal models come with a 1.5L turbocharged petrol engine that drives the front wheels through a one speed CVT. The Hybrid version comes with a 2.0L petrol hybrid engine and the same CVT.

I drove the petrol version and found it to be responsive and easy to drive. It was smooth, quiet, and reasonably economical.

Pricing for the ZR-V ranges from $40,200 through to $54,900 for the Hybrid version. These are driveaway prices.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE HONDA ZR-V RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Instead of a Honda ZR-V buyers could also look at:

The Honda ZR-V sits in a competitive segment.

Buyers could also look at the Toyota RAV 4, Subaru Forester, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Haval H6,  Peugeot 3008 GT, Citroen C5 Aircross  and Mazda CX-5. 

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