The 2018 Ford Edge has an eager feel and crisp design; safety scores and Sport ride quality give pause.The Edge satisfies more than a few needs. It’s sleeker than the truck-infused Expedition, even the Explorer. It’s more spacious than the Escape. It’s also devoid of any off-road pretense, any faux-SUV ruggedness.
Pros Quick steering Cabin’s muted details Wide range of engines Composed ride on small-tire models Edge Sport lives up to name
Cons Seats are a big letdown Real-world fuel economy Stiff Sport ride
The Ford Endura is Ford Australia’s first large soft-road SUV since it stopped producing the Territory. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that’s both powerful and relatively economical. It is good to steer, with polished cornering manners for a large SUV. There are front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and auto-braking is standard.
Pros Punchy engine; roadholding, cabin space, standard features.
Cons Dated dashboard, no petrol option.
Many Australians sorely miss the locally built Ford Territory. We’ve had our first local drive of the imported Endura to discover whether that large-SUV product gap has been adequately filled…
Pros Spacious rear seat and big boot Good steering Ride comfort and secure handling on country roads Smooth and quiet turbo diesel Lots of technology/features from entry model upwards
Cons No third-row seating despite vehicle’s size Performance only adequate Urban ride quality still an unknown Cabin presentation a bit underwhelming $4000 charge for AWD
The 2019 Audi e-tron is the way for families to go fully electric in a familiar and very luxurious package.
Pros Nicely proportioned exterior A back seat large enough for adults Very quiet, comfortable ride Speedy 150-kw fast charging capability
Cons Range doesn’t measure up to Tesla 150-kw chargers still few and far between Too much left to touchscreens Climate controls too low in the line of sight
As the floodgates on our new EV future open, Audi presents its offer in the form of the new e-tron electric SUV. Expect it here in the third quarter of 2019.
Pros Quality Performance Space Comfort
Cons Price Infrastructure development Range fluctuations Door mirror cameras
The Audi e-tron is an all-new vehicle.Part of the first e-tron generation introduced for 2019.The 2019 Audi e-tron comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 1-speed direct drive.
Pros Smooth and decisive acceleration Spacious and comfortable interior Lots of standard and available safety and tech features
Cons Infotainment operation can be distracting Slower acceleration than some EV rivals
