Best Best Cars

  • 8.6 9.8

    Honda Jazz VTi-S (2008)

    14 Jan 2009 4:16 PM

    Way more rational than its namesake musical style, the Jazz impresses with its abundance of space, cheery outlook on life and clever engineering.

    Specs: petrol , standard , optional

  • 8.6

    BMW 320i Executive Touring (2009)

    05 May 2009 4:45 PM

    It may be slow and the options pricey, but with the new iDrive system the updated 3-Series will sate your tech and luxury urges.

    Specs: petrol , No , standard , standard

  • 8.4

    Mercedes-Benz E280 CDI Sport Edition

    09 Jan 2009 12:11 PM

    It may be showing its age in parts but this luxury sedan is so capable of conquering cities and subduing the highways with its supple yet firm ride that we're willing to forgive it its many foibles.

  • 8.3

    Lexus IS250 Sports Luxury (2009)

    01 Jul 2009 4:26 PM

    What the IS250 lacks in badge snobbery, it makes up for in good looks, rock-solid quality, neat handling and serenity enough to becalm a frazzled monk. While stuffed with tech, it isn't quite as up-to-date as we'd have liked.

    Specs: petrol , standard , standard , 6

  • 8.0 7.8

    Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury (2009)

    21 Jul 2009 4:13 PM

    Quiet, plush and with enough gadgets on-board — Remote Touch is nice, but where's the hard disk nav and USB folks? — the RX should please most drivers, but it's more of a passenger's car.

    Specs: petrol , No , standard , standard

  • Lexus RX450h (2009)

    28 Jan 2009 9:37 AM

    Coming here in the middle of 2009, the new RX hybrid boasts a larger engine, tighter handling, more up-to-date cabin tech and an iDrive-style controller.

    Specs: petrol , No

  • Skoda Superb Ambition 1.8 TSI (2009)

    03 Mar 2009 6:28 PM

    Skoda's new Superb may not be a beauty queen, but its Twin Door system allows you to have a sedan-style boot for most occasions and a large hatchback for whenever you're hauling large objects.

  • 8

    Honda Insight (2010)

    24 Mar 2009 3:10 PM

    It looks like a Prius, but Honda's hybrid Prius fighter is cheaper, simpler and winning plaudits around the world. Shame it won't be here until late this year, at the earliest.

  • 9.5

    Honda Civic Si hatchback (2009)

    09 Mar 2009 3:34 PM

    Easily this year's craziest (affordable) addition to Australia's new car ranks, the Civic Si five-door is also practical thanks to its trick Magic Seats set-up.

    Specs: petrol , No

  • 8.3

    Tata Nano

    25 Mar 2009 3:46 PM

    One windscreen wiper, one rear-view mirror, self-levelling headlights, and no rear hatch are part of the final Indian specs of the world's cheapest car.

The Explain Series

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Articles

  • Carbon fibre explained

    Hot cars often sprout bits of carbon fibre on their bonnets, wings and dashboards, but what is this enchanting material? How is it made? And is it all it's cracked up to be?

  • Aussie Tesla breaks electric car distance world record

    A Tesla Roadster run in this year's Global Green Challenge between Darwin and Adelaide has smashed the record for the longest distance travelled by an electric car on a full charge, but it had to be driven at an excruciatingly slow pace.

  • Honda U3-X: A noughties easy rider

    At this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Honda unveiled its U3-X personal mobility device that may save some of us from the nasty habit of walking in the future.