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2022 Mercedes Benz EQB price and specifications

2022 Mercedes Benz EQB price and specifications

This could be the best electric car option for Australian families.

Based on the Mercedes-Benz GLB, the new Mercedes EQB crossover combines green credentials with seven-seat versatility.

It’s the only seven seat electric car on sale, as Tesla is not currently accepting orders for its Model X, and Korea’s Hyundai Ioniq 7 and Kia EV9 duo are not available yet.

Which means the electric Mercedes-Benz EQB is the only option for electric car customers who need more than five seats.

Priced from $87,800 plus on-road costs as a five-seater, the new Mercedes EQB 250 is available with an extra for of seats for a further $2900.

The EQB 250 drives the front wheels with a 140kW/385Nm electric motor linked to a 66.5kWh battery delivering 371 kilometers of range.

That’s the same hardware found in the slightly smaller EQA, which costs $11,000 less. The electric EQB costs $27,900 more than a petrol-powered two-wheel-drive GLB 200, or $13,900 more than all-wheel-drive GLB 250.

Customers who want more power can pick the all-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz EQB that uses two motors to deliver a combined 215kW and 520Nm, which delivers a 6.2-second dash to 100km/h at the cost of a slightly reduced 360 kilometers of range.

The all-wheel-drive model costs $106,700 plus on-roads and is not available with seven seats.

Both variants have twin 10.25-inch displays, artificial leather, multi-colour ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control.

A comprehensive array of driver aids includes active cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and a 360-degree camera.

The EQB accepts charge at a maximum rate of 100kW, which is a little slower than rival machines sold by Tesla, Kia and Hyundai.

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Volkswagen Caddy California camper van review

Volkswagen Caddy California camper van review

Sleeping in your car is rarely a comfortable proposition.

Seats designed for driving don’t work well for much more than a short nap and the average set of wheels offers little in the way of privacy or amenities.

That’s why Volkswagen’s Caddy California has a loyal following.

Built for folks who want to take their bed on the road, the Caddy California is a compact, car-like alternative to bulky caravans and camper vans.

Based on the VW Caddy van – a model with close ties to Volkswagen’s Golf – the California is much nimbler than caravan combinations.

Rear sliding doors open to reveal a back seat that folds flat in a similar fashion to many popular wagons. But Caddy’s party piece is a flip-over double bed and mattress that unfolds forward from the parcel shelf.

The arrangement locks into place on each side of the car, providing a sturdy and flat (if not exactly decadent) space to sleep.

Like a fold-down bed mounted to the wall of a cramped apartment, this solution makes the most of a fairly small space.

Clever covers for the windows offer a degree of privacy, though there is no bathroom or sink arrangement. Local red tape prevents VW from selling the Caddy with a gas cooktop found overseas, but third party companies can sort you out. There’s space (and a power outlet) in the boot for a fridge, you can remove the rear seats to free up storage room and aftermarket providers can furnish you with impressive tents that extend the Caddy’s living space.

Priced from $54,990 plus on-road costs (about $65,500 drive-away), the California costs about $10,000 more than an equivalent Caddy Maxi people mover.

Customers used to VW’s passenger cars will find harder cabin plastics and a shorter features list than an average Golf or Tiguan.

Standard equipment includes halogen headlights, two-zone airconditioning, a digital dash and an 8.25-inch infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring.

The California has an impressive array of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go traffic jam assistance, lane keeping assistance, auto emergency braking and a reversing camera with parking sensors.

Those who want more can pick from a long list of extras including metallic paint ($1115), LED headlights ($2000), a 10-inch touchscreen with sat nav ($1625), a panoramic sunroof ($1425), heated seats ($810) and a powered tailgate ($415).

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine sending 90kW and 320Nm to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. While Volkswagen’s passenger cars are largely divorced from diesel, the fuel type remains popular with VW’s commercial arm. Impressive 4.9L/100km economy works in the Caddy’s favour, as does a theoretical cruising range of more than 1000 kilometers between fuel stops.

Compact for a campervan, the Caddy’s dimensions limit its utility as a mobile home, but make it much easier to live with on the road. Accurate steering and powerful brakes work in its favour, the little van feeling more like a fleet-footed hatchback than a lumbering truck on the road.

That said, the Caddy California lacks the refinement of VW’s Golf – a benchmark in the hatchback class. The practical, tall-roofed cabin translates to more noise than you might expect at highway speeds and the combination of a slightly sluggish diesel engine with an occasionally hesitant dual-clutch automatic won’t win universal praise.

Firmer-than-expected suspension is occasionally bouncy at low speed, but as with most commercial vehicles, we suspect it would settle down with passengers or cargo in the back.

Even if it isn’t as plush as a Tiguan or Golf on the road, the California will prove far more comfortable when you arrive at a destination.

VERDICT

An intriguing option for folks who want to hit the road, the Caddy California is a flexible – if expensive – starting point for overnight travel.

3.5 stars

volkswagen caddy california

PRICE About $65,500 drive away

ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo diesel, 90kW/320Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING 5-year unlimited km, $2731 for 5 years

SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, driver fatigue monitoring

THIRST 4.9L/100km

POSITION 1720 liters

SPARE full size

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2023 Volkswagen Amarok details revealed

2023 Volkswagen Amarok details revealed

Volkswagen has drawn up battle plans to make the new Amarok the must-have ute of 2023.

Based on the new Ford Ranger, the new Amarok represents a significant leap beyond the previous model.

It shares core underpinnings and diesel engines with the Ranger, as well as new safety features including auto emergency braking, active cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

Volkswagen’s best-selling model is also likely to share the Ford’s 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine, a motor that sends 184kW and 600Nm to all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

But it won’t get the 292kW/283Nm petrol V6 exclusively offered in Ford’s Ranger Raptor.

Ford elected not to offer the Australian Ranger with a 2.3-litre turbo petrol engine found in some Amarok models, one that delivers 222kW and 452Nm of performance.

But the cars are not identical.

VW’s machine wears butch styling shaped by a Melbourne-based design team.

It has the same core interior as the Ranger, though high-end Amarok models have fancier 10-way electric seat adjustment than the Ranger’s eight-way chairs.

And Volkswagen’s 12-inch digital dashboard display is larger than the 8-inch readouts fitted as standard to the Ranger.

Top-grade Amarok variants ride on 21-inch wheels that are significantly larger than the 18-inch rims of a Ranger Wildtrak, which could return more car-like precision from a steering wheel shared with VW’s passenger cars.

VW says the new machine, built in South Africa as opposed to the Thailand-sourced Ranger, benefits from shorter and more frequent shipping routes than the older model, which came from Argentina.

That “ensures steadier supply”, according to Volkswagen.

But it will also mean the Amarok is subject to a 5 per cent vehicle import tariff that does not apply to the Thai-built Ranger, a factor likely to make the VW more expensive than its Blue Oval cousin.

VW will reveal prices for the Amarok closer to its official debut in the first quarter of 2023.

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2022 Mazda CX-5 GT SP new car review

2022 Mazda CX-5 GT SP new car review

The Mazda CX-5 is an Aussie favorite – even if it isn’t the newest kid on the block. We tested the mildly updated model to see how it stacks up.

VALUE

The Mazda CX-5 range kicks off at about $36,000 drive-away and rises to close to $60,000.

Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and there are three engines available: two petrol – one turbocharged and one not – and a diesel unit.

We are testing the GT SP grade, the second rung from the top of the CX-5 ladder, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive priced at about $56,000 drive-away.

It’s an expensive ride, costing about the same as a top-shelf Toyota RAV4 Hybrid but cheaper than a turbo petrol Volkswagen Tiguan.

What you get is one of the best looking family SUVs on the road with LED head and tail lights, a rear spoiler and a sunroof.

A 10.25-inch digital screen is controlled via a rotary dial and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Bose stereo, wireless device charging pad, Bluetooth connectivity and in-built sat-nav enhance the experience.

Mazda covers its vehicles with an industry standard five-year/unlimited km warranty and its capped price servicing program is reasonable at $1875 over five years.

COMFORT

The CX-5 Akera’s interior is a lush space with supple leather upholstery and soft touch surfaces throughout.

Heated supportive seats are electronically adjustable providing stellar forward vision, plus an adjustable steering wheel means there is a comfortable set-up for all shapes and sizes.

There are easy to use aircon controls in the center dash and other vital infotainment and safety features have steering wheel mounted buttons.

The rotary dial controls for the infotainment screen allows you to keep your eyes focused on the road compared to a touchscreen but it’s more time consuming and fiddly to use.

The dash is a mix of analog dials and a small low-res digital information screen, which feels subpar compared to full digital instrument displays found in rivals.

There’s a lack of usb points, only two in the front and none in the second row, but a wireless device charging pad wins back some points.

The boot is small compared to rivals, but more than enough to fit the weekly shop or several overnight bags. A hands-free powered tailgate makes for easy access.

Well sorted suspension irons out road imperfections and it’s extremely quiet on the road compared to Mazdas of the past.

SAFETY

Mazda doesn’t skimp on safety.

The CX-5 will automatically brake if it detects a potential collision with a car.

An array of sensors will let you know if a car is in your blind spot and sound the alarm if a vehicle approaches from the side as you reverse.

Multiple safety systems work in unison to make sure you stay centered in your lane, even automatically tugging the steering wheel to direct you back into place if it catches you wandering.

DRIVING

The turbo petrol engine is a cracker.

It delivers smooth acceleration with ample grunt for effortless overtaking and bounding up steep hills.

This is matched to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive grip that provides confidence in the wet and gets the power to ground with no wheel slip.

Soft suspension makes for a comfortable ride, but the trade-off is a little bit of lean through corners.

The CX-5 is a great highway cruiser, providing a comfortable oasis on longer drives.

Fuel use is a concern.

Mazda quotes 8.2L/100km but you’ll most likely see a number north of 10 if you spend most of your time around town. Luckily the CX-5 only requires cheaper unleaded petrol.

ALTERNATIVES

Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI Elegance, from $60,500 drive-away

Cracking engine with plenty of tech features, but expensive.

Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid, about $57,500 drive away

Not as sporty but hybrid power brings super low fuel use. Cheaper, too.

Kia Sportage GT-Line petrol, about $54,000 drive-away

Well equipped and cheaper than rivals, dual clutch auto would be tough to live with.

VERDICT

Good looking, great driving SUV with a premium feel that shows why it’s been a top seller for years, but thirsty and needs a tech infusion.

four stars

MAZDA CX-5 GT SP AWD VITALS

PRICE About $56,000 drive away

ENGINE 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol, 170kW/420Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING five year/unlimited km, $1875 over five yearsrs

SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention warning

THIRST 8.2L/100km

SPARE space saver

LUGGAGE 438L

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