Hybrids We’re Excited About For 2024

The pool of new hybrid vehicles from which a new car buyer can buy from has grown considerably over the last couple of years.  The mainstay of hybrid manufacturers (e.g., Honda and Toyota) that have been in the hybrid game for over two decades are still providing us with some great vehicles; however, we have plenty of new hybrid options to choose from now. 

Hybrids vehicles are vehicles that are powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) but also have one or more electric motors to enhance a vehicle’s fuel economy, lower its overall emissions (gCO₂/km), and add to the car’s performance.  Hybrids also have a battery pack to source electricity for powering the electric motors.  The battery is usually charged through regenerative braking and by the internal combustion engine, though some cars, like the Mitsubishi Outlander, are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), meaning that their battery packs can also be charged up when not being driven, like a full electric vehicle (EV). 

At the moment, hybrid vehicles are fantastic and make a lot of sense.  For much of the time, they happily pootle about town on electricity alone (no emissions and no fuel usage).  Then, when longer journeys are necessary (out of town) or if you need to tow something, a hybrid vehicle can make use of its ICE power and the country’s fuel network for taking you places far beyond the infrastructure for battery recharge. 

So, what new hybrid vehicles can we buy in 2024?  I’ve endeavoured to break down the new hybrid vehicles according to their price bracket.  There are actually over 70 new hybrid vehicles available today.  See our review pages for more details on most of these, and we’re adding to our list of reviews all the time.

Up to $50,000

• GWM Haval Jolion SUV
• Hyundai Kona SUV
• Hyundai i30 Sedan
• GWM Haval H6 SUV
• Kia Niro SUV
• MG HS Plus SUV
• Subaru Forester SUV
• Toyota RAV4 SUV
• Toyota Yaris Cross Small SUV
• Toyota Camry Sedan
• Toyota Corolla Hatch
• Subaru Crosstrek SUV
• Toyota C-HR Small SUV
• Toyota Yaris Hatch
• Toyota Corolla Sedan
• Honda HR-V Small SUV
• Toyota Corolla Cross SUV

$50,000 to $75,000

• Peugeot 408 SUV
• Honda Civic Hatch
• Honda ZR-V SUV
• Honda CR-V SUV
• Mini Countryman SUV/Hatch
• Lexus NX SUV
• Toyota Corolla Cross SUV
• Subaru Forester SUV
• Toyota RAV4 SUV
• Honda Accord Sedan
• Nissan Qashqai SUV
• Toyota Camry Sedan
• Toyota Kluger SUV
• Cupra Leon Hatch
• Cupra Formentor SUV
• Lexus ES Sedan
• Lexus UX SUV
• Mitsubishi Outlander SUV
• Kia Sorento SUV
• Nissan X-Trail SUV
• GWM Tank 300 SUV
• Hyundai Santa Fe SUV
• Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV
• Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SUV
• Kia Niro SUV
• MG HS Plus SUV
• Peugeot 308 Hatch
• Ford Escape SUV

$75,000 to 100,000

• Kia Sorento SUV
• Mazda CX-60 SUV
• Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV
• Peugeot 3008 SUV
• Volvo XC60 SUV
• Toyota Kluger SUV
• Peugeot 508 Wagon
• Lexus ES Sedan
• BMW 3 Series Sedan
• Peugeot 508 Hatch
• Mini Countryman SUV
• Lexus NX SUV
• Lexus RX SUV

$100,000 to $125,000

• Mercedes Benz GLC-Class SUV
• Lexus RX SUV
• Volvo XC60 SUV
• Audi Q5 SUV
• BMW X3 SUV
• Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV
• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SUV

$125,000 to $150,000

• Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV
• Land Rover Defender SUV
• Land Rover Range Rover Velar SUV
• Volvo XC90 SUV
• Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan
• Lexus RX SUV

$150,000 to $200,000

• Lexus LM People Mover
• Audi Q8 SUV
• Porsche Cayenne SUV
• BMW X5 SUV
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport SUV

$200,000 and Beyond

• Lexus LS Sedan
• Lexus LC Coupe
• Mercedes Benz AMG GT Coupe
• Bently Bentayga SUV
• McLaren Artura Coupe
• Bentley Flying Spur Sedan
• Ferrari SF90 Stradale Coupe
• Ferrari 296 GTB Coupe
• Ferrari SF90 Spider Convertible

What Makes the Perfect Car for a Daily Commute?

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the significance of a reliable and comfortable vehicle for your daily commute should not be downplayed. As commuters spend a substantial amount of time on the road, the perfect car should seamlessly blend efficiency, comfort, and safety to transform the daily journey into a stress-free experience.

Efficiency

At the heart of the perfect daily commute vehicle is efficiency. A fuel-efficient engine is not only economical but also contributes to a greener environment. Cars with advanced hybrid or electric technology are gaining popularity as they provide an eco-friendly option while reducing fuel costs.

A smooth and responsive transmission system adds to the efficiency, ensuring a seamless transition through traffic without unnecessary fuel consumption.

Comfort

Comfort is a non-negotiable factor for a daily commuter. From the plushness of the seats to the interior space, the perfect car should cocoon its occupants in comfort. Ergonomically designed seats with ample lumbar support reduce fatigue during long drives.

A well-insulated cabin shields passengers from external noise, creating a serene environment.

Climate control systems that efficiently maintain a comfortable temperature, regardless of weather conditions, add an extra layer of convenience.

Connectivity and Infotainment

Modern life is intertwined with technology, and the ideal daily commute car should reflect this reality. Seamless connectivity features such as Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto allow drivers to stay connected while keeping their focus on the road.

An intuitive infotainment system with a user-friendly interface ensures that controlling navigation, music, and other functions is a breeze. USB ports and wireless charging options enhance the convenience of keeping devices powered up during the commute.

Safety

Safety is paramount, and the perfect daily commute car should be equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Advanced driver-assistance systems, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, enhance overall safety.

A solid, well-built structure and multiple airbags provide an added layer of protection in the event of an accident. Additionally, features like blind-spot monitoring and rearview cameras contribute to a safer driving experience, especially in crowded urban environments.

Practicality and Storage

A commuter’s life often involves carrying various items, from work essentials to groceries. The perfect daily commute car should offer practical storage solutions. Ample cargo space, cleverly designed compartments, and foldable rear seats contribute to a versatile interior. A compact yet spacious design allows for easy maneuverability in city traffic while ensuring there is enough room for passengers and belongings.

Cost of Ownership

The ideal daily commute car extends its appeal beyond the initial purchase price. A low cost of ownership, including maintenance and insurance, makes it a practical choice for long-term use.

Fuel efficiency, durability, and the availability of affordable replacement parts all contribute to minimising the overall cost of owning and operating the vehicle.

Crafting the perfect car for a daily commute involves a delicate balance of efficiency, comfort, safety, and practicality. As technology continues to evolve, the ideal daily commute companion should adapt to the changing needs of modern life.

5 Exciting New Cars Coming in 2024 To Watch

The beginning of a new year is always such an exciting time. 

It’s a chance for us to think about all the wonderful things that the next 12 months will bring. 

For us, that means checking out all the new cars coming to Australia in 2024.

Of course, with the rise of hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles as well, there are now a plethora of options available or coming to the market soon to suit everyone’s tastes. 

So, it’s only right that we kick this year off by bringing you a list of 5 exciting new cars coming in 2024 that we think you should be keeping your eye out for. 

Who knows – maybe your next car will be one of these! 

1. Ford Mustang – 2024 Sports Car to look out for 

If you’re a sports car lover, then you’re going to love the new Ford Mustang arriving on Australian shores in early 2024. 

We’ve waited a long time for this one to arrive, but it looks like it’s going to be worth the wait. 

As part of the release, Ford will also be bringing a limited-edition Mustang to the market known as the Dark Horse. This top-of-the-line model has proven popular in the US, but with only 1000 of these cars being produced, you’ll have to be quick to get your hands on this beauty. 

2. Mazda CX-80 – 2024 SUV to look out for 

The Mazda CX-80 will be coming to market sometime in 2024 in a bid to provide a more affordable SUV option for Mazda enthusiasts. 

It’s expected that the CX-80 will look and feel quite similar to its already available sister models in the CX-60 and CX-90 – and should prove strong competition for other reasonably priced SUVs that we’ve already seen from brands like Toyota. 

If you’re looking for a reliable SUV in 2024, make sure you consider the new Mazda CX-80. 

3. Audi Q4 e-tron – 2024 Electric Vehicle to look out for 

Customers looking for an alternative to larger electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y will be pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the Audi Q4 e-tron in Australia in 2024. 

This sleek new SUV has been available in Europe for a couple of years now and boasts a driving range of up to 560km, which is quite impressive for an electric vehicle – and something that will definitely appeal to Australian audiences who enjoy the open road. 

Perhaps the new Audi Q4 e-tron will become your new car in 2024. 

4. Kia Sportage Hybrid – 2024 Hybrid Vehicle to look out for 

Hybrid vehicles are gaining more and more traction with each passing year here in Australia, and Kia will be looking to capitalise on that when they release the new hybrid version of their popular Sportage model early in 2024. 

Boasting many of the same features as the petrol and diesel variants already available here, the Kia Sportage Hybrid will offer a more eco-friendly alternative to their mid-sized line-up without compromising on the key details many Australians already love about the car. 

This is definitely one hybrid to keep in mind if you’re looking to buy a new car in 2024. 

5. Mitsubishi Triton – 2024 Ute to look out for 

If you’re looking for all the grunt you can get from your new car in 2024, then it’s going to be hard to go past the new Mitsubishi Triton ute. 

The next generation of Triton has been heavily redesigned in just about every way, with a fresh new body, a powerful new engine and a completely revamped 4WD system and features to make this the ideal choice for ute enthusiasts around the country. 

Whether you’re towing the boat, pulling the caravan, or looking to head off-road for a bit of fun on the weekend, the new Mitsubishi Triton will have you covered. 

Find the right new vehicle in 2024 at the right price with Private Fleet 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase but as a private buyer. 

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying your next vehicle in 2024 will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Shopping for a car is an enjoyable process – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and simple car-buying experience. 

5 Questions You Need To Ask When Financing a Car

So, you’ve decided it’s time to purchase a new car and you’re thinking about taking out a loan – congratulations! 

Embarking on the journey of car ownership is an exciting prospect, and car loans are a great way to turn that dream into reality as they enable you to secure a vehicle today, while managing your budget effectively over the long term. 

However, to truly unlock the full spectrum of rewards that the right car loan can offer, it’s important to navigate the complexities of car financing wisely.  

The most important rule to remember is that when it comes to car financing your car, there is no such thing as a bad question.

In fact, the key to making informed car loan decisions lies in asking several simple yet important questions.  

To guide you, we’ve put together a list of the 5 crucial questions you must ask when beginning your car financing journey. By following this guide you’ll be able to drive away confident that you secured the best possible deal. 

1. “What are my fees on my loan?” 

Most people understand the initial value of their loan, but did you know that your finance arrangement may come with other hidden fees and charges?  

Considering these fees aren’t included in the principal or the interest of the initial loan, they can significantly impact the affordability of your finance arrangement. As such, it’s crucial to ask your financial provider if any fees exist and try to minimise them where possible. 

Whether it’s origination fees, service charges, or other miscellaneous costs, a comprehensive understanding of these additional costs empowers you to make informed decisions and prevent unexpected financial burdens. 

2. “What does it cost to get out of my loan early?” 

A car loan may be a fantastic idea today, but unfortunately, it’s impossible to know what the future holds. 

To ensure you are not caught off guard in the case of unforeseen circumstances, it’s a good idea to ask your financial provider how much it may cost you to terminate a loan early or even how paying out the loan early may impact the terms of the agreement. 

This question, although simple offers flexibility and opens many doors to potential exit strategies. 

3. “What Are My Monthly Payments?” 

Determining your monthly payment obligations is the most important step toward accurate financial planning and budgeting when purchasing a car through finance. 

With so much financial jargon surrounding your car loan, it is best to get a transparent understanding of what is expected from you each month. To do this, ask in no uncertain terms “What are my monthly payments?” and more importantly “How will they change in the future?” 

Knowing the exact figure you’ll be allocating each month to repay your loan now and in the future is key to a smoother financial journey allowing you to truly enjoy that new car smell with peace of mind and clarity about what’s expected. 

4. “Is My Interest Rate Fixed or Variable?” 

That’s right. It isn’t only important to decide between a loan and other payment alternatives, but it’s also vital to consider the types of car loans you have available to you. Asking whether your rate is fixed or variable in nature will help you secure stability or flexibility, depending on what you would prefer from your car loan.  

On one hand, a fixed interest rate provides a steady course of action moving forward, offering predictable monthly commitments. 

By contrast, a variable interest rate opens the door to rate adjustments and allows you to respond to market fluctuations.  

In the end, asking this question is about ensuring that your loan resonates with both your temperament and financial objectives. 

5. “What Happens in Case of Late Payments?”  

Of course, everybody intends to repay their loan according to the terms of the agreement, but sometimes, life gets in the way so it’s important to understand the consequences of failing to make a payment. 

While the chances that you will ever need to make a late payment are unlikely, it is still ideal to take a proactive approach so that you aren’t caught off guard and so you can navigate your financial obligations with foresight and clarity. 

Now you know the questions to ask when financing a car! 

These are some of the most important questions to ask during the car financing process to ensure you avoid common mistakes and get the best possible deal.  

However, this is general information only. The right finance option for you must take into account your unique circumstances and your goals for your car purchase – so always check with your trusted financial professional. 

If you find that you still have some questions of your own about car financing, our team at Private Fleet will be happy to answer your concerns and help you find the best deals for your car purchase. 

Simply reach out to us and we can have a chat about your options. 

Find the right (and affordable) vehicle for you with Private Fleet. 

Private Fleet empowers you to gain all the benefits of a fleet purchase but as a private buyer. 

Backed by decades of vehicle industry experience, fleet buying power and a network of car dealers across Australia, we are here to ensure that buying your next vehicle will be as straightforward as possible for you. 

Shopping for a car is an enjoyable process – let us make it hassle-free, too. 

Reach out to us today for a seamless and simple car-buying experience.