Motor Torque with David Berthon

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Driving Mazda’s CX-70 all-wheel-drive SUV – a five seat version of the large
seven-seat CX-90. I tested the 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo diesel CX-70 GT
at $77,970 with mild hybrid assistance driving all the wheels through an 8-speed
automatic. The engine gutsy and powerful as well as economical and I managed
5.7L/100 with mainly city driving. The engine performance strong in the mid-range
where you do most of your motoring and with peak torque at just 2400 revs this
diesel engine is very impressive. The Mazda CX-70 is a large SUV and the laid-
back performance of this gutsy six-cylinder engine makes it very appealing. As is
said earlier the ride quality on the CX-90 when it arrived late in 2023 was far from
polished, Mazda Australia has retuned it since, the CX-70 also displays these
improvements although it can still feel a little firm depending on the road surface.
The CX-70 a large SUV, tipping the scales at 2216kgs, yet it handles well with a
good degree of steering sharpness. What stands out in this large Mazda SUV is
the quality nature of the interior in terms of space, choice of materials and fit and
finish which to some extent justifies its higher price point. I’m David Berthon

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Mazda CX-70 five-seat all-wheel-drive SUV - impressive interior quality.
Mazda now has a very comprehensive range of large SUV’s – I’m driving the CX-
70 introduced late last year, and basically, a five-seat version of the large seven-
seat CX-90, it comes in six-cylinder turbo petrol or turbo diesel with mild hybrid
assistance, in two all-wheel drive grades, the GT or the Azami. The 3.3-litre
turbodiesel CX-70 D50E GT at $77,970 plus on-road costs really impressed me
somewhat of a surprise given I didn’t like the CX-90 model I drove early last year
with its underdone and somewhat hard riding suspension. Mazda Australia
subsequently retuned the suspension and the CX-70 also reflects that update.
The ride perhaps still a little hard however the GT model is a rather sporty large
SUV fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels and is very competent in the way it handles.
Not inexpensive like all the large Mazda SUV’s and their latest pricing has pushed
well into prestige territory. Having said that they are very highly equipped. The
CX-70 GT gaining dual 12.3-inch interior screens, heated leather seats, adaptive
LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a full suite of advanced safety
technology. The interior very well sorted with a quality feel with seat comfort very
much a high point. Warranty, five years/unlimited km. I’m David Berthon

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Mercedes-Benz Australia this week re-introduced the entry GLC200 SUV,
in the process reducing the entry price of its most popular model by
$14,400. The Mercedes-Benz GLC200 now $95,500 drive-away joins the
more powerful GLC300, and despite being $8,000 dearer than the final
shipments of the previous GLC200 back in 2022, now features all-wheel
drive and is far better equipped. With a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
engine aided by a 48-volt mild hybrid system and nine-speed automatic.
The hybrid system can turn off the engine at speed to let the car coast and
save fuel whilst also boost power under hard acceleration. Mercedes sold
554 examples of its GLC300 in the first two months of this year, a 75 per
cent increase on the same time last year and the more affordable GLC200
will no doubt boost sales further. I’m David Berthon

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Strap yourself in for a great Australian Formula One Grand Prix this
Sunday with our own Melbourne born driver Oscar Piastri well positioned
for the first Grand Prix of the year. The 23-year-old driving for McLaren
finished fourth in the driver’s standings last season with the first two
Grand Prix wins of his career, in Hungary and Azerbaijan, and with
teammate Lando Norris combined to see McLaren win the 2024 Formula
One Constructors Championship. Earlier this week McLaren extended the
young Melbournian’s contract with a multi-year deal, team CEO Zak Brown
commenting that “not only is he an incredibly talented driver but his work
ethic and cultural fit within the team made it a no brainer to extend his time
with the team.” Pre-season testing has also shown the McLaren MCL39
producing the fastest race pace to be a firm favourite for Sunday’s 58-lap
race at Albert Park. I’m David Berthon

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Driving Kia’s Carnival people-mover – the high-grade 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-
speed automatic GT-Line at $73,060 plus on-road costs. A spacious three-row 8-
seater, and as a large family carrier nothing comes close. Kia Australia has
tweaked the suspension on the latest series, with modified front springs,
upgraded shock absorbers and recalibrated power steering, and it makes the
Carnival shrink around you, behind the wheel feeling much smaller than it really
is aided by an excellent 360-degree camera and front, side and rear sensors.
148kW of power, 440Nm of torque gives it gutsy low down pulling power although
as a front driver it can get some torque steer pull through the steering wheel
under heavy acceleration. And it’s a shame in some ways it doesn’t have all-
wheel drive. Economy, Kia claims 6.5L/100km which I got close too and with a 72-
litre fuel tank the range it offers is impressive. Whether full laden or just with a
driver the suspension tune is compliant with great ride on any surface. With three
available drive modes a really pleasant vehicle behind the wheel apart from the
overzealous lane keep assist, driver attention monitor and speed sign recognition
which is simply over-reactive. Warranty 7-years unlimited km. Servicing $1,519
over three years. I’m David Berthon

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When it comes to moving a large family around nothing else comes close to the 8-seat Kia Carnival - it dominates the people mover segment with around 80 percent of the sales – there’s now 11 variants including a petrol/electric hybrid although diesel represents around 90 per cent of the volume. I drove the 2.2-litre turbo diesel 8-speed automatic Carnival GT-Line at $73,060 updated mid last year and gaining a $5,400 price lift. This is a big people mover – 5.15 metres long and spacious with three rows of seats and if you have a large family, it’s the bees’ knees. You may shun a people mover over an SUV however the Kia Carnival will change your perceptions. With rear power sliding doors its just so safe and practical – the flexibility of the interior a high point with the ability to turn the second row into individual outboard seats, the centre seat can be removed, making a walkthrough to the third row. The prestige GT-line has no options apart from paint and is loaded with features. Yes, it lacks a full-size spare wheel, just a space saver, however the deep luggage compartment is the bonus. The Carnival GT-line simply the burger with the works. Drive details next. I’m David Berthon

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