Hit the holiday road
WHETHER BUYING OR RENTING, HAVING THE RIGHT CAR CAN MAKE OR BREAK A VACATION
Summer road trips are just around the corner. Made even more tantalising by the end of coronavirus travel restrictions, the potential of country getaways, family holidays and Christmas catch-ups has millions of Aussies itching to hit the road.
These are our top pics for fresh getaway cars if your wheels are looking tired.
FAMILY 4WD: HYUNDAI PALISADE
Joseph Randazzo snapped up a new Hyundai Palisade to replace the family car in time for summer.
The eight-seater is packed with features including the latest safety elements, along with seven USB charging points and 16 cup holders to keep the kids happy.
“It’s fantastic, I love the size and the spaciousness of it, being able to accommodate the kids and their friends too,” Joe said.
“There are so many cupholders – the kids are still discovering places they can put water bottles.
“The plan is to pack the kids up and go away for a few weekend trips and my littlest one is obsessed with going camping, so we’re going to have to do that.”
Priced from about $60,000 to $83,000 drive-away new, the Palisade is available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, and all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive traction. First introduced in 2020, the Palisade is hard to find second-hand, but used examples of Hyundai’s similar sevenseat Tucson start at about $35,000 for the latest generation.
DUAL-CAB UTE: ISUZU D-MAX
Four-wheel-drive utes combine the promise of go-anywhere off-road adventure with the ability to tow a boat or caravan, move the family, carry heavy goods and look tough while doing so. The latest models come loaded with luxury and convenience features to rival premium cars. Our pick is the Isuzu D-Max XTerrain, a machine blending proper fourwheel-drive hardware and 3.5 tonne towing with leather seats, dual-zone climate control and wireless smartphone mirroring.
It’s loaded with safety gear such as auto emergency braking, active cruise control, and even a front centre airbag to prevent the driver and front passenger colliding. Priced from about $62,990 driveaway new, the D-Max X-Terrain is a fresh machine that won’t be much cheaper in the current second-hand market.
STATION WAGON: SUBARU OUTBACK
Sweeter to drive than top-heavy SUVs, the latest Subaru Outback offers Mercedes-rivalling ride quality, plus class leading safety features and impressive off-road ability. The practical wagon body makes for a spacious cabin, and an 11.6-inch iPad-style touchscreen brings Subaru into the digital age.
Priced from about $48,000 new, the previous model can be found with low mileage for $30,000 or so.
GREEN ESCAPE: TESLA MODEL 3
Australia’s most popular electric car is a winner for road trips, as it offers access to Tesla’s peerless Supercharger network. Fun to drive and loaded with family-friendly features such as in-car karaoke and Nintendo-like games, the Model 3 starts at about $65,000 drive-away new, or about $55,000 used.
SOMETHING SPORTY: MAZDA MX-5
There are few driving experiences sweeter than cruising with the top down in a lightweight sports car on a beautiful day. Easily grasped by beginners and properly engaging for expert drivers, the Mazda MX-5 is a firm favourite with car lovers everywhere.
Priced from about $40,000 driveaway new, the current-shape roadster starts at about $25,000 second-hand.
TWO WHEELS: HONDA AFRICA TWIN
Honda’s Africa Twin is the tonic for restless riders, combining off-road prowess with a powerful engine and the rare choice of auto and manual transmissions.
Priced from about $26,500 ride-away, the Honda’s long-travel suspension makes it a winner off-road, while luxuries such as heated hand grips, cruise control and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity are handy on the highway.