Zeekr X SUV – premium compact SUV with a difference
Further on the Zeekr X SUV – a compact Chinese electric SUV released lastOctober and like many Chinese EVs already price reduced. Two models,the rear wheel drive now $56,900 and the AWD $64,900 which I’m drivingwith dual electric motors fed by a 66kWhour battery. The performanceexhilarating - 0 to 100km/hour in just 3.8 seconds – that performance isvery polished, and the Zeekr X feels premium in all it does – from myperspective a cut above most similar priced SUV’s that I’ve driven. Thestyling sharp, distinctive and different, a body with great interior room for acompact SUV. Fit and finishes are quality. Range 400kms which aroundtown I found accurate but on the open road the brisk performance eats upthe battery much quicker – I averaged 16kW/h/100km consumption aroundtown but on a hard throttle it rose to 20kWh/100km fairly quickly. Chargingon my 11kW AC wall charger took 5 ½ hours from 20 to 80 percent ofcharge. A supremely comfortable small SUV apart from some pitch on arough surface accentuated obviously by the additional battery weight butmore than acceptable. Active safety elements however too intrusiveparticularly the driver distraction alert. Warranty underdone too at 5 years/unlimited km. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Zeekr X SUV – Chinese compact SUV with a European twist
Driving the Zeekr X SUV – a small premium electrified SUV, a relativelynew Chinese brand released last October. Part of the Geely group that alsoowns Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus. Zeekr a rather unusual Chinese brandwith its global design operations based in Gothenburg Sweden. As suchthe European design influence on the Zeekr X is immediately apparent –this is a compact SUV with a premium feel in fit and finishes - theintegration of the lights into the front of car individual and distinctive – Twomodels RWD and AWD, I drove the latter at $64,900 plus on-road costs.Step inside and you’re met with exceptional quality and an ambience that’swarm, inviting and different. Seat comfort immediately noticeable, poweradjustment on both front seats – event the synthetic leather trim looksquality and authentic. The AWD comes with dual electric motors fed by a66kWh battery producing a lightning quick 0 to 100km in just 3.8 secondsHighly equipped with wireless phone charging, power heated and cooledfront seats and a panoramic glass roof. Worst feature, a large centraltouchscreen, and no operational buttons for aircon or radio. But certainly,the most impressive Chinese electric SUV I’ve driven to date. Drive detailnext. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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The ninth edition of the Peking to Paris Motor Rally gets under way
The 9 th . Peking to Paris Motor challenge got under way last Saturday, theevent covering 14,500 kilometres over 37 days across twelve countries. 80entries started at the Great Wall of China including five from Australia, withthis year’s challenge taking crews across China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan,across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan continuing into the tough tracks ofGeorgia and Turkey, followed with a sting in the tail across Bulgaria,Romania, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland before finishing in France. A truehistoric vehicle and human endurance challenge that follows in the tracksof the original 1907 pioneers. The entry fee per vehicle to participate with acrew of two 69,000 pounds. Entries include vehicles up to 1985 – theoldest vehicle this year from Melbourne’s Alan Madan – a 14.5 litre 1917American La France, formerly a fire truck. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Toyota reveals next generation of our top-selling vehicle – the RAV4 SUV
Toyota this week revealed its sixth generation RAV4 SUV due in the firsthalf of 2026. The hybrid only RAV 4 range will introduce Toyota’s first plug-in PHEV powertrain offering a choice of 2WD or 4WD and targeting up to100km of electric-only driving range. The current model with huge pent updemand during the pandemic has been our top-seller in recent years, alsoToyota’s top seller, the company selling more than 500,000 since its arrivalin 1994. Underpinning the new plug-in hybrid system is a 2.5-litre petrolengine combined with a new 22.7kWh high-capacity lithium-ion battery thatwill provide an electric only driving range of up to 100km. Along with theplug-in options, the RAV4 will also come with Toyota’s efficient series-parallel hybrid system in AWD and 2WD configurations. both of whichproduce 143kW combined with excellent fuel economy. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Renault Megane E-Tech – charming French SUV with a difference
Driving Renault’s Megane E-Tech SUV – a small French SUV with adifference, setting it apart from the look alike new breed of Chinese electriccars. At $54,990 plus on-road costs more than competitive, cheaper thanVolvo’s EX30 and in a way more charming. The styling impressive, hatchlike with large 20-inch wheels tucked into the corners. Step inside and itbreathes clever design, quality materials and individuality. With alightweight 60kWh battery feeding a single electric motor driving the frontwheels it offers a driving range of 454Km which I found accurate. Relativelylight for an electric car with a slim lightweight battery under the floor Ifound the energy consumption excellent at 14.1 kWh/100km. Electric carstend to ride harder` due to battery weight – not so for the Megane E-Tech,extremely comfortable helped by great seats although disappointing onlywith manual adjustment. Welcome five-star safety plus four available drivemodes that noticeably change the complexion of the drive, while steeringfeel is a high point. As I said earlier, it feels more premium in all it doesapart from some tyre roar on courser road surfaces. I came away veryimpressed with this electric Renault Megane – appealingly different and aclassy small French SUV. I’m David BerthonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.
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