CAR RESEARCH

There’s one thing that springs to mind when we think of the New Year – resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are promises we make to ourselves to start afresh with good habits, leaving our bad ones behind with the past 12 months. Among the most common resolutions are drinking less, giving up smoking, joining a gym or starting a savings fund. More often than not, we tend to come up a little short of our expectations. But it doesn’t stop us writing our list every December – there’s always next year, right?

Welcome to the latest edition of our 2021 car preview series in the lead up to next year’s most highly anticipated releases. For newcomers, Motor Matcher has been casting a weekly spotlight on cars set to hit Australian roads in the New Year.

With the new year just around the corner, we are eagerly anticipating 2021’s hottest car releases. Though car sales experienced a slump this year due to the impact of the coronavirus, they are predicted to bounce back after Christmas. We’ve already given you a sneak peek at the Hyundai Tucson, and this week the spotlight is on another SUV set to hit Australian roads in the next couple of months – the Nissan Navara PRO-4X.

Like many industries, cinemas have taken a big hit since the outbreak of COVID-19. Large crowds in close proximity within a closed space? It will be a long time before that’s commonplace again. Many countries have shut their cinemas and theatres altogether, while others are operating under limited capacities.

With the new year on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about upgrading your wheels. There are lots of hot new releases and upgrades scheduled for 2021, so it’s a good year to be in the market. One car that we’re especially excited about is the highly-anticipated Hyundai Tucson 2021. Cutting-edge technology. Fully loaded features. Comfortable interior. Engine efficiency. High-grade performance. You name it, the Tucson’s got it. Here’s what to expect.

As we edge closer towards the end of 2020, it’s time to start thinking about what cars will hit the market in the New Year. Many motor enthusiasts upgrade annually and will likely already have their eye on an upcoming model. SUVs remain a firm favourite among Australians, and their high sales are forecasted to continue for years to come. Not only are they ultra-spacious, but they are also built to withstand Australia’s rugged road conditions making them a solid choice for car buyers.

Nobody anticipates that their car will be stolen. Nonetheless, car theft is rampant in Australia. In fact, nationwide statistics show that around 58,295 registered cars were reported stolen in 2019 alone. These scary numbers are only predicted to rise amid the pandemic.

But what makes your car vulnerable to thieves? Here are the biggest risk factors.

Owning a car is a huge expense. The initial payment you make at the dealership is nothing compared to the fuel, insurance and maintenance costs down the line. So before you purchase a car, make sure you’re committed to the regular charges that come with it.

Most people will let their driving slip after sitting their test. Over time, we tend to develop our own style, which can include bad driving habits. Although we may think we’re superior drivers to our fellow road users, we’re not always conscious of our own behaviour. Nobody is expected to drive with the same rigid caution as they did during their driving test. However, it’s important not to become too liberal either.

If you were to think of your dream present, a car might come to mind. And with the holidays just around the corner, you might just get lucky. However, this gift isn’t quite as straightforward as a piece of jewelry or a humble pair of socks. There are many things to consider before splurging on a new set of wheels for your loved one, especially if you want to surprise them. Here are some key points to keep in mind along the way.