One-minute reviews (2019)

Mazda CX-3

Likes: It's the most fun to drive CUV money can buy. It's running costs are low and standard kit list is very generous. It's quite stylish to look at inside out.

Dislikes: The boot space and rear seat passenger space took the backseat for style.

Overall: A great CUV option for anyone that fears lack of driving dynamics.



Kia Sorento

Likes: A handsome three-row crossover with generous standard kit. A price tag that everyone can afford.

Dislikes: Third row seat is for kids. Kia promised a diesel engine but it's no longer going to be offered.

Overall: An impressive crossover that's even more impressive.



Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV

Likes: A plug-in hybrid that's still Range Rover capable and Range Rover luxurious. Running costs are somewhat improved over the diesel engine.

Dislikes: The diesel engine makes more sense. The complex hybrid setup and Land Rover's infamous reliability record doesn't mix well.

Overall: The Range Rover of hybrids.



Jaguar I-Pace

Likes: An all-electric SUV that rivals Tesla. It's spacious for five with a decently sized boot. It's quite futuristic looking and fun to drive.

Dislikes: The infotainment system is infuriating to use. Regenerative braking is aggressive. Complex battery design and Jaguar reliability record doesn't mix well.

Overall: It's the electric SUV for anyone who values style and performance above everything else.



Bentley Bentayga

Likes: It's the Bentley of SUVs. The cabin is luxuriously appointed with a roomy boot.

Dislikes: Big price tag that also comes with big running costs. It has the looks that only a mother can love.

Overall: It's the Bentley of SUVs.

We take a short-drive in a few cars

Jaguar E-Pace

Likes: Dynamically it's more engaging to drive than many of it's keen rivals. Both turbo engines offer decent flexibility and decent running costs.

Dislikes: This should've been called the 'I-Pace' instead of the 'E-Pace'.

Overall: We worry that the E-Pace will suffer the same reliability woes as the Evoque, seeing they share the same platform.



Audi A4 Allroad

Likes: It's the closest thing to an A4 Avant we can get. It's stylish inside out with running costs that are respectable. Dynamically this is generation A4 is the best of the best.

Dislikes: Audi infotainment screen looks stunning but it's quite confusing to navigate. Despite the raised ground clearance, it can't really handle go far off-road.

Overall: It looks more like a 'wagon' than crossover but we still love it.



Lincoln Navigator

Likes: This might be the most handsome Navigator we've seen so far. The interior is a major step forward for Lincoln. Proof that turbo six-cylinders can handle an eight-cylinder engine job.

Dislikes: It's cumbersome to drive around town. Running costs are as steep as the price of admission. Some trim levels the price becomes jaw dropping expensive.

Overall: It's got the 'bling-bling' appeal but the Mercedes GLS is so much better.



Nissan Kicks

Likes: Starting price is low. Running costs are low and standard kit is high. It's roomy for five and quite comfortable and easy to live with as a daily commuter car.

Dislikes: It neither 'kicks' in acceleration or handling. The Juke was more fun to drive and more distinctive in looks.

Overall: Proof that people prefer 'boring' crossovers over exciting and just as efficient hatchbacks and wagons.



Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Likes: It's a proper MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). It's not a sluggish hybrid, even though most will drive it for the intended purpose of saving an extra few bucks in ferrying the family around.

Dislikes: What's going on at Chrysler? It's a bit steep in the pricing compared to non-hybrid rivals.

Overall: The most proper MPV you can buy without having to choose Honda or Toyota.

We sit in (Mercedes) short-drive and of course critique

Mercedes S-class Coupe

Likes: It looks downright stunning inside out. Performance matches the looks. The interior is one of the quietest we've ever been in.

Dislikes: The sheer amount of electronic gadgets makes reliability short-term and long-term questionable.

Overall: We understand that majority will lease these and get rid of them once the warranty expires. It's a smart idea too considering how expensive it is to maintain them outside of the warranty.



Mercedes GLE 550e 4matic Plug-in hybrid

Likes: Running costs are idea considering the amount of power the system produces. It's comfortable to drive and easy to live with it compared to an X5 and Porsche Cayenne.

Dislikes: Starting price is nearly $70k and LED headlights are optional. It's not as engaging to drive as some of its keen rivals.

Overall: It's a great choice if you desire Mercedes but still want somewhat decent running costs.



Mercedes E class Estate

Likes: Mercedes has managed to keep it looking classy each generation. It can seat up to seven people, a rarity for a wagon these days. You can option for an AMG tuned version with all-wheel-drive.

Dislikes: It won't be mainstream like most luxury 4x4s. It's not cheap.

Overall: We wish we could afford one of these.