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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Manage series 2343685
Kandungan disediakan oleh Nine Radio and Radio 2GB. Semua kandungan podcast termasuk episod, grafik dan perihalan podcast dimuat naik dan disediakan terus oleh Nine Radio and Radio 2GB atau rakan kongsi platform podcast mereka. Jika anda percaya seseorang menggunakan karya berhak cipta anda tanpa kebenaran anda, anda boleh mengikuti proses yang digariskan di sini https://ms.player.fm/legal.
A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.
103 episod
Tandakan semua sebagai (belum) dimainkan
Manage series 2343685
Kandungan disediakan oleh Nine Radio and Radio 2GB. Semua kandungan podcast termasuk episod, grafik dan perihalan podcast dimuat naik dan disediakan terus oleh Nine Radio and Radio 2GB atau rakan kongsi platform podcast mereka. Jika anda percaya seseorang menggunakan karya berhak cipta anda tanpa kebenaran anda, anda boleh mengikuti proses yang digariskan di sini https://ms.player.fm/legal.
A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.
103 episod
Semua episod
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving the relatively new Mazda CX-80 all-wheel drive SUV, the seven-seat version of Mazda’s five-seat CX-60, I’m driving the entry CX-80 Pure, the most affordable of the 10-model range at $54,950 plus on-road costs – the Pure has one engine choice a 3.3-litre turbo petrol six-cylinder with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance linked to an 8-speed automatic. The CX-80 replaces the long standing CX-8 and CX-9 models. Certainly, its seven-passenger versatility is excellent, a great family vehicle, nicely specified, spacious in the second row with five adults, the turbo-petrol engine impressive with strong mid-range performance, but as a rather heavy all-wheel drive a little thirsty on a strong throttle, I managed 11.8 L/100km, and thankfully it runs on 91 grade petrol. Suspension tune streets ahead of the CX-60 I drove early last year which, after much criticism, Mazda Australia did a re-work on later and the ride quality and handling on this new CX-80 is vastly better. Gear shift quality on the early CX-60 has also been addressed and obviously has carried over to the CX-80. A few gripes, Mazda prices have crept up, while all models only get a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare wheel. Warranty; five-years/unlimited km. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Mazda now has a very comprehensive range of SUV’s – in addition to its best- selling mid-sized CX-5 it now offers four large SUV’s, the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 – and one wonders if the four large SUV’s are overkill, the company first to admit there is some overlap with buyers – The CX-80 IS basically a three-row version of the CX-60, available with three engine choices - an in-line six-cylinder petrol or diesel or a four-cylinder plug in hybrid. There’s four available grades, Pure, Touring, GT and Azami, the entry Pure only gets the six-cylinder petrol engine while all models feature all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic with manual shift paddles. Importantly, the six-cylinder versions also include a 48-volt mild hybrid system. I drove the entry Mazda CX-80 Pure starting at $54,950 plus on-roads which gets 18-inch alloys, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head up display, black cloth trim, manual seat adjustment, three-zone climate control air, a semi-digital instrument cluster, three drive modes and a full suite of safety equipment. Disappointingly, it lacks a wireless phone charger, a power tailgate, and a spare wheel – just a tyre repair kit inadequate in my view for a family carrier with all-wheel-drive. Drive detail next. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
The NSW Government will shortly consider a report from a parliamentary inquiry into e-scooters including a recommendation to legalise both private and shared hire e-scooters and allowing them to be used on footpaths. At present, children under the age of 16 are prohibited from riding e-scooters on the footpath. The head of trauma at the Westmead Children’s Hospital Dr Soundappen said this week he was shocked at the number of children being admitted for injuries from e-scooters and e-bikes, up 400 percent in just 12 months. Dr Soundappen said most of the injuries came from e- scooters and nearly two thirds of the children were not wearing a helmet. There is now considerable concern in the community, especially from the elderly, at the prospect of being hit by an e-scooter and I hope the Government gives it plenty of thought when the parliamentary inquiry is handed down in May. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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For some time now I’ve raised concern regarding the poor resale values of electric vehicles and that it would cost early adopters at trade-in time. Recent data supplied by the Australian Automobile Dealer Association, Automotive Insights Report, which studies used car sales, has found that electric vehicles lose 25 percent of their value in the first 12 months, depreciating at more than twice the rate of petrol-powered vehicles. A one-year-old EV loses a quarter of its purchase price compared to around 11.5 percent for petrol models. Diesel models were found to depreciate just five per cent in 12 months while Hybrids dropped just 1.7 per-cent in the same period. The AADA wisely attributed the strong EV depreciation to the aggressive discounting particularly from new Chinese brands entering the market while our best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, was slashed by $9500 during last year. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving Hyundai’s latest Sante Fe Hybrid – behind the wheel noticeably larger to its predecessor, now squarer edged, a very roomy seven-seater with exceptional cargo space but if anything it looks a little tail heavy due to an enlarged tailgate. This latest Hyundai Sante Fe initially available as a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid six speed automatic in a base model, mid-spec Elite and top-grade Calligraphy - and depending on model, front or all-wheel drive. A 2.5-litre pure petrol 8-speed automatic arrives late this year. I tested the Elite all-wheel drive, now $2,000 dearer at $65,000 plus on-road costs. The hybrid power trains 172kW of power, 367Nm of torque more than adequate – providing excellent fuel economy – I managed 7.7L./100km around town and on 91 grade petrol. Economy aided by three levels of regenerative braking and in its highest level you hardly need to touch the brakes. Biggest annoyance the speed limit warning and driver attention monitor – both features need more development and refinement and are just plain annoying and of no real driver benefit. They can be switched off but every time you start the car they renew. Like a lot of the new Chinese SUV’s these warning chimes are distractive, and a turn off to most drivers. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving the latest fifth generation Hyundai Sante Fe hybrid seven-seat SUV – a totally different SUV to its predecessor – firstly in appearance and on first impression its very much in the mould of a Land Rover, somewhat square edged with a stronger presence and more interior room. This last aspect with an enlarged tailgate gives it a rather tail happy appearance which drew some negativity. As a family mover it offers generous interior room with ten airbags over three seat rows and increased cargo space. Available initially as a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid six-speed automatic, three grades, Base, Elite and Calligraphy and depending on model, front or all-wheel-drive. I drove the well specified Elite all-wheel drive now $2,000 dearer at $65,000 plus on-road costs. The hybrid power train impressive, offering three levels of regenerative braking, and there’s a number of drive modes available including terrain modes like snow, mud and sand. The dash most impressive with a combined information display and instrument cluster that’s first class. The cabin ambience most impressive. There’s a big lift in technology, Hyundai adding over the air software capability to keep you up with driver assist systems remotely without the need to visit a dealer. Warranty five year/unlimited km. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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The seventh edition of the Sydney Harbour Concours d’ Elegance at the end of this month will see possibly the most diverse and exotic range of collector cars in the history of the event. To be staged again on historic Cockatoo Island over the three days from Friday Feb 28 to Sunday March 2 this classic event just gets better year on year. The range of entries this year span from 1905 to 2021 - many extremely rare including a 1930 Bugatti Type 46, 1936 Delahaye Type 135CS and a 1973 Porsche 917. Now internationally recognised as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading concours event it has also drawn a truly international judging jury of seven from all corners of the globe including ex Formula One driver Thierry Boutsen from Belgium. As the Australian judge I very much look forward to this annual event. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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It seems the possibility of the Federal Government introducing a road user charge is very much on the cards as revenues decline from the fuel excise, the tax on the sale of petrol and diesel fuel to fund road maintenance, as more and more drivers switch to zero and low emission cars. The current fuel excise of 50.8 cents per litre of petrol and diesel fuel would be replaced by a road user charge that will bill all drivers per kilometre travelled. Fuel excise revenue has been falling for some years with Treasury predicting it will account for 3.9 per cent of the total tax take in the 2024/25 financial year, down from 7.4 per cent in 1999- 2000. At last week’s Business Council of Australia dinner in Canberra, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers reportedly suggested an EV road user charge was very much on the agenda. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving the updated small Honda HR-V SUV which now comes in three models, the entry pure petrol plus two hybrids – I tested the top spec HR-V hybrid E-HEV L at $42,990 drive-away which combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors producing combined outputs of 96kW and 253 Nm of torque – smooth, quiet and refined, the hybrid system generally prioritising electric power, the petrol engine kicking in to act as a generator to charge the battery, the electric motor in turn drawing on that charge to power the front wheels. The drive is very linear and polished, as I said quiet, and the only time the petrol engine is noticeable is under a heavy throttle where the continuously variable transmission lets the petrol engine surge a little and make its presence felt. On 91 grade petrol I managed 4.9L/100km making the HR-V a very frugal driver with an impressive range. The drive experience with great seats, nimble steering and a nicely balanced ride/handling combination gives this compact Honda HR-V hybrid SUV a very polished feel. It’s not the most affordable compact SUV in its class but overall, a very nice allrounder with servicing capped for each of the first five years at a sharp $199. I’m David Berthon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving Honda’s recently upgraded small HR-V SUV – for 2025 now available in three models – an entry petrol and two hybrid variants. I drove the top spec HR-V hybrid E-HEV L now $4,100 more affordable at $42,990 drive-away. This third generation Honda HR-V has now been refreshed with a minor facelift and a few interior updates but basically, it’s all about being more affordable although it still sits at the higher end of small SUV pricing. This HR-V Hybrid is technically innovative in the old Honda tradition, nicely built, refreshingly different and stylish to look at including a painted grille with a very practical and nicely appointed interior for four adults rather than five. Combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two compact electric motors it delivers a nice balance of power and torque and the hybrid system is technically impressive. This is a small SUV with a quality feel with little to grumble about, the lack of a wireless phone charger and only a tyre repair kit, but it does come with a full suite of active safety elements, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated front seats with fabric and leatherette trim. Warranty five years/unlimited km with 8-year battery warranty. Drive details next segment. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Chinese EV manufacturer Nio has achieved 136,748 battery swaps in its home country over the Chinese New Year between January 22 and February 3 – the Nio Group offered owners of its new Onvo EV unlimited access to its 3106 battery swap stations on China’s highway system. On February 3 alone it swapped 8,000 batteries over a 24-hour period, said to take less than 3 minutes a car and the company last week performed its 65th million battery swap. The Chinese EV maker intends to launch its Onvo L60 EV here late in the year, but it is not known whether it will roll out battery swap stations. Since launching in Europe in 2021 with a limited electric car line-up it has produced 59 battery swapping stations. The Nio Onvo L60 features 900 Volt electrical architecture and offer class leading ultra-fast charging. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Nissan Australia has joined the likes of Mitsubishi and MG by offering a 10-year new car warranty, however the warranty extends to 300,000 kilometres, exceeding the 200,000km and 250,000km offerings of Mitsubishi and MG respectively. The new Nissan warranty like Mitsubishi’s is conditional on servicing with the brand and is applicable for all new purchases from January 1 this year. However, in another industry first, Nissan will also backdate the warranty for all new purchases from January 1, 2021, on the proviso that all scheduled servicing has been carried out by its dealer network since that time. Despite its parent in Japan declaring it is in emergency mode following slow sales and a huge loss last year that saw it announce 9000 job cuts worldwide and lower production levels Nissan Australia says it is fully committed to the Australian market. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio QV SUV, the Stelvio performance flagship at $162,700. The styling striking with sculptured V-shaped Alfa grille has real appeal, so too the interior, a combination of leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre, beautifully executed together with great instrumentation. And it has the best- looking automotive badge in the car business. But it’s the underpinnings of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio that are standout. A Ferrari-developed 2.9- litre twin turbo V6 driving all four-wheels through an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles. The drivetrain a high point – with four drive settings, Dynamic, Normal, Adaptive and Race, changing steering weight, gear shift speed, suspension firmness, stability control and exhaust volume – in Race mode all hell breaks loose with an aggressive performance that as the name implies, is best for a racetrack. Weighing 1830kilos it literally jumps to 100km/hour in just 3.8 seconds. A stunning performance SUV and so it should be with such an exalted price tag. But to me this is a collector model – an Italian masterpiece – but it’s not perfect – I’d like a spare wheel while the ride quality on very low-profile tyres can be tiresome, and servicing is quite expensive, $3,210 over three years but oh what a drive. Warranty: five-years/unlimited km. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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Driving Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio QV SUV, the performance flagship at $162,700. This is a performance SUV that’s not for the faint hearted. Alfa Romeo enlisting help from Ferrari to ensure the Stelvio SUV was at the top of its game and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine is in reality a Ferrari engine, that influence also extending to suspension tune and overall dynamics. In fact, this SUV is so good I’d buy one in preference to a Ferrari sports model and save my back in the process. Updated last year the Stelvio Quadrifoglio gained some small styling updates inside and out and a new mechanical self-locking differential. Styling wise with its V shaped grille its individual and has real presence. Just 125 Stelvio’s sold last year so it offers real exclusivity. There’s an aura about Alfa Romeo, I remember when I first starting testing cars in 1981. In the foyer of Alfa’s head office in Banksmeadow was a photo of Henry Ford with the caption “Every time I see an Alfa Romeo pass, I tip my hat.” Henry Ford fully aware of the brands sports image from its numerous race victories especially in the 1930’s. Drive details of the Stelvio Quadrifoglio in my next segment. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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Motor Torque with David Berthon
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The official road toll of 1300 deaths in Australia last year was the highest since 2012, up 3.3 per cent on the previous 12 months with 42 more fatalities. The figures mean the National Road Safety Strategy’s goal of reducing road deaths on Australian roads by half, compared to 2018-2020 levels, by the year 2030 is simply not achievable. The Australian Automobile Association has been quick to call for the Federal government road funding to be more carefully allocated, its recent report calling for the introduction of a compulsory safety assessment of roads applying for federal funding - helping to determine where the funding should go and showing Australians whether politicians are spending their taxes to save lives rather than winning votes in marginal electorates. Interestingly, no mention of better driving standards – from my perspective, the huge number of migrants in recent years has seen a big drop in driving standards. I’m David Berthon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
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