‘Ridiculous': Annoying petrol station act shocks Aussies
Actually, scratch that - there is something worse: when the pump won't start.
A post on Reddit's r/CarsAustralia forum this week attracted lively discussion after one driver described a recent incident at the petrol station that left them 'annoyed'.
The post read, 'I don't know if it's just me or maybe the fact that it's coming into winter but I feel like this is a very uniquely Australian problem.'
'I hate standing at the station making eye contact with the person behind the counter to hit the button to switch the pump on. The other night it felt like 0 degrees and I just got a blank stare by the person working behind the counter for like five minutes before they finally activated the pump.
'Any petrol station workers in here to explain why? Or is it to just watch and laugh?'
The post struck a nerve with many, with comments flooding in from fellow drivers who shared the same frustration.
'Yes. It's ridiculous,' one person agreed.
'It's under-staffed petrol stations. I've just started leaving, I'm not waiting,' another said.
'It will be raining sideways and I'm getting soaked, and the attendant is still stacking shelves or sweeping the floor after they watched me drive up to the pump,' another person complained.
But while it might be common knowledge to some that petrol station attendents need to unlock the bowsers, many Aussies were shocked to learn that pressing the pump handle doesn't automatically start the flow of petrol.
Instead, it sends a signal to the attendant inside, who then manually approves the release.
'Are you telling me that all this time, I've just been waiting for the attendant overlords to just turn the freaking thing on?!?!?' one user exclaimed.
'I have always wondered why sometimes the pump doesn't seem to work when I am standing there flipping the trigger like an idiot,' said another.
'Once I waited so long that I thought they'd ran out and so I just drove off... the attendant must have been laughing his a** off,' another admitted.
A former service attendant explained that the system was designed this way so staff could assess customers and decide whether or not to request pre-payment, a safeguard against 'drive offs', an industry term for fuel theft.
This method is also put in place so service attendants can check that the person is of age, that the fuel is being used for appropriate reasons, and that the person is unlikely to behave in an unsafe manner.
During quieter periods such as late in the evening, when there may only be one staff member on deck, customers may face longer waits if that person is occupied with other tasks.
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2025 Mahindra XUV700 AX7L vs Nissan X-Trail ST-L comparison: Spec battle
The typical Australian family car is evolving all the time. Nothing signifies the changing demands better than these two models, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 and 2025 Nissan X-Trail – a pair of high-riding, seven-seat mid-size SUVs, a vehicle type that has essentially replaced the station wagon as the default choice for suburban runabouts. Both cost just over $40k and offer spacious, flexible cabins that feature modern tech, and are fitted with the latest in automated safety systems. But which is best? Let's find out… There's only a handful of mid-size SUVs that offer a third-row option, which puts this pair among a select group for Australian families that need space for seven – especially if they're on a tighter budget. The Mahindra is the most accessible of these two, with a starting price of just $39,990 drive-away for the entry-level AX7, while the flagship AX7L we're testing here costs an additional $3000. Nissan offers a wider variety of models across its X-Trail range, with the choice of both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, as well as the groundbreaking e-Power hybrid powertrain. But even the most affordable – the entry-level five-seat, front-drive ST – will cost around the same as the range-topping XUV700 on the road, with a starting price of $38,025 plus on-roads. If you're after the seven-seat option, it is exclusively available with all-wheel drive in the two mid-level model grades, including the ST-L we're comparing here and the N-Trek, which cost $47,565 and $52,160 plus on-roads respectively. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Standard equipment common to both vehicles includes: However, the Mahindra extends its value for money philosophy even further with with a few more features, such as a panoramic glass sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker premium audio system compared to the X-Trail's six-speaker unit. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Mahindra hasn't been tested by ANCAP, and therefore does not have an independent safety rating to match the X-Trail's five-star result from 2021, when this current generation first arrived in Australian showrooms. Standard safety features in both vehicles include: Both also feature seven airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, with the Nissan having an extra airbag between the front seat passengers while the Mahindra has a knee airbag for the driver. They each also have a reversing camera, but the Mahindra offers a wider perspective with a 360-degree view. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The XUV700 and X-Trail plant an almost identical footprint on the road with roughly the same dimensions. The Mahindra is a fraction longer and taller with more space between the axles, but not by much. What that translates to inside the cabin is generous space for five with decent cargo storage for everyday family duties in both vehicles. But they also have the added flexibility of a third row, which is best suited to small kids or occasional use only. The Mahindra fuses its modern tech, with twin 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen, into a more conservative dashboard design with a dark colour palette and piano black highlights with chrome trim elements. The X-Trail, on the other hand, has more conventional tech – a larger 12.3-inch tablet-style touchscreen and analogue gauges with a 7.0-inch display between the tacho and speedo – incorporated into a modern dashboard design with a high-set, floating centre console, stubby gear lever and two-tone colour scheme. Both cars offer plenty of headroom for front seat occupants and an array of convenient storage solutions with twin cupholders and bottle holders in the door pockets. While the X-Trail has a handy hidden tray under the console that keeps the overall aesthetic a bit cleaner, the lidded bin between the front seats in the XUV700 is ventilated, which is a cool feature (literally). The glovebox is also massive. 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The Nissan has a larger-capacity engine and it isn't turbocharged: a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 135kW and 244Nm to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable 91-octane standard unleaded, but the Mahindra uses slightly more with a combined average of 8.3L/100km compared to Nissan's 7.8L/100km claim. If you're towing a small trailer or caravan, the X-Trail has a little extra headroom in terms of its maximum braked towing capacity (2000kg versus 1500kg) and also includes specific safety features such as Trailer Sway Control. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both Mahindra and Nissan provide excellent long-term ownership benefits with these cars. At face value, the XUV700 comes out on top with a seven-year factory warranty that includes roadside assistance (the first year is free and renewed each time you visit an authorised service dealer for scheduled maintenance) with longer service intervals in terms of mileage. But it limits the coverage to 150,000km and its capped price servicing scheme is more expensive and is only offered for the first four years. Nissan's standard five-year/unlimited-km warranty is on par with most other mainstream brands, and it has more affordable service pricing. But the Japanese brand goes further by adding an extra year of warranty coverage – and roadside assistance – for every scheduled service within its dealer network, providing up to an unrivalled 10 years and 300,000km of coverage. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool It's a tight race between these two, as both the Mahindra XUV700 and Nissan X-Trail deliver where it counts. Both have spacious and flexible cabins, and the latest in safety tech and digital conveniences, and both are affordable to run. The Nissan has a slight advantage if you're more adventurous, with better light-duty off-road potential and a higher towing capacity thanks to its AWD configuration. But for growing Aussie families on a shrinking budget, the Mahindra offers more features for less. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV700? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV700 showroomMORE: Explore the Nissan X-Trail showroom Content originally sourced from: The typical Australian family car is evolving all the time. Nothing signifies the changing demands better than these two models, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 and 2025 Nissan X-Trail – a pair of high-riding, seven-seat mid-size SUVs, a vehicle type that has essentially replaced the station wagon as the default choice for suburban runabouts. Both cost just over $40k and offer spacious, flexible cabins that feature modern tech, and are fitted with the latest in automated safety systems. But which is best? Let's find out… There's only a handful of mid-size SUVs that offer a third-row option, which puts this pair among a select group for Australian families that need space for seven – especially if they're on a tighter budget. The Mahindra is the most accessible of these two, with a starting price of just $39,990 drive-away for the entry-level AX7, while the flagship AX7L we're testing here costs an additional $3000. Nissan offers a wider variety of models across its X-Trail range, with the choice of both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, as well as the groundbreaking e-Power hybrid powertrain. But even the most affordable – the entry-level five-seat, front-drive ST – will cost around the same as the range-topping XUV700 on the road, with a starting price of $38,025 plus on-roads. If you're after the seven-seat option, it is exclusively available with all-wheel drive in the two mid-level model grades, including the ST-L we're comparing here and the N-Trek, which cost $47,565 and $52,160 plus on-roads respectively. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Standard equipment common to both vehicles includes: However, the Mahindra extends its value for money philosophy even further with with a few more features, such as a panoramic glass sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker premium audio system compared to the X-Trail's six-speaker unit. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Mahindra hasn't been tested by ANCAP, and therefore does not have an independent safety rating to match the X-Trail's five-star result from 2021, when this current generation first arrived in Australian showrooms. Standard safety features in both vehicles include: Both also feature seven airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, with the Nissan having an extra airbag between the front seat passengers while the Mahindra has a knee airbag for the driver. They each also have a reversing camera, but the Mahindra offers a wider perspective with a 360-degree view. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The XUV700 and X-Trail plant an almost identical footprint on the road with roughly the same dimensions. The Mahindra is a fraction longer and taller with more space between the axles, but not by much. What that translates to inside the cabin is generous space for five with decent cargo storage for everyday family duties in both vehicles. But they also have the added flexibility of a third row, which is best suited to small kids or occasional use only. The Mahindra fuses its modern tech, with twin 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen, into a more conservative dashboard design with a dark colour palette and piano black highlights with chrome trim elements. The X-Trail, on the other hand, has more conventional tech – a larger 12.3-inch tablet-style touchscreen and analogue gauges with a 7.0-inch display between the tacho and speedo – incorporated into a modern dashboard design with a high-set, floating centre console, stubby gear lever and two-tone colour scheme. Both cars offer plenty of headroom for front seat occupants and an array of convenient storage solutions with twin cupholders and bottle holders in the door pockets. While the X-Trail has a handy hidden tray under the console that keeps the overall aesthetic a bit cleaner, the lidded bin between the front seats in the XUV700 is ventilated, which is a cool feature (literally). The glovebox is also massive. For those in the middle row, both cars boast rear vents and USB power outlets, as well as enough space for three across the rear bench with decent legroom. Access to the third row in either isn't as easy as it is in larger, dedicated seven-seaters, and the space is best left to small children. Both have cupholders, but the Mahindra makes it more bearable with additional air vents. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Here's where these two cars diverge the most. First of all, the XUV700 is only available as a front-driver, while the seven-seat option in the X-Trail is exclusive to AWD variants – if that matters to you. The Mahindra produces significantly higher outputs too, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 150kW of power and 380Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan has a larger-capacity engine and it isn't turbocharged: a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 135kW and 244Nm to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable 91-octane standard unleaded, but the Mahindra uses slightly more with a combined average of 8.3L/100km compared to Nissan's 7.8L/100km claim. If you're towing a small trailer or caravan, the X-Trail has a little extra headroom in terms of its maximum braked towing capacity (2000kg versus 1500kg) and also includes specific safety features such as Trailer Sway Control. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both Mahindra and Nissan provide excellent long-term ownership benefits with these cars. At face value, the XUV700 comes out on top with a seven-year factory warranty that includes roadside assistance (the first year is free and renewed each time you visit an authorised service dealer for scheduled maintenance) with longer service intervals in terms of mileage. But it limits the coverage to 150,000km and its capped price servicing scheme is more expensive and is only offered for the first four years. Nissan's standard five-year/unlimited-km warranty is on par with most other mainstream brands, and it has more affordable service pricing. But the Japanese brand goes further by adding an extra year of warranty coverage – and roadside assistance – for every scheduled service within its dealer network, providing up to an unrivalled 10 years and 300,000km of coverage. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool It's a tight race between these two, as both the Mahindra XUV700 and Nissan X-Trail deliver where it counts. Both have spacious and flexible cabins, and the latest in safety tech and digital conveniences, and both are affordable to run. The Nissan has a slight advantage if you're more adventurous, with better light-duty off-road potential and a higher towing capacity thanks to its AWD configuration. But for growing Aussie families on a shrinking budget, the Mahindra offers more features for less. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV700? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV700 showroomMORE: Explore the Nissan X-Trail showroom Content originally sourced from: The typical Australian family car is evolving all the time. Nothing signifies the changing demands better than these two models, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 and 2025 Nissan X-Trail – a pair of high-riding, seven-seat mid-size SUVs, a vehicle type that has essentially replaced the station wagon as the default choice for suburban runabouts. Both cost just over $40k and offer spacious, flexible cabins that feature modern tech, and are fitted with the latest in automated safety systems. But which is best? Let's find out… There's only a handful of mid-size SUVs that offer a third-row option, which puts this pair among a select group for Australian families that need space for seven – especially if they're on a tighter budget. The Mahindra is the most accessible of these two, with a starting price of just $39,990 drive-away for the entry-level AX7, while the flagship AX7L we're testing here costs an additional $3000. Nissan offers a wider variety of models across its X-Trail range, with the choice of both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, as well as the groundbreaking e-Power hybrid powertrain. But even the most affordable – the entry-level five-seat, front-drive ST – will cost around the same as the range-topping XUV700 on the road, with a starting price of $38,025 plus on-roads. If you're after the seven-seat option, it is exclusively available with all-wheel drive in the two mid-level model grades, including the ST-L we're comparing here and the N-Trek, which cost $47,565 and $52,160 plus on-roads respectively. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Standard equipment common to both vehicles includes: However, the Mahindra extends its value for money philosophy even further with with a few more features, such as a panoramic glass sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker premium audio system compared to the X-Trail's six-speaker unit. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Mahindra hasn't been tested by ANCAP, and therefore does not have an independent safety rating to match the X-Trail's five-star result from 2021, when this current generation first arrived in Australian showrooms. Standard safety features in both vehicles include: Both also feature seven airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, with the Nissan having an extra airbag between the front seat passengers while the Mahindra has a knee airbag for the driver. They each also have a reversing camera, but the Mahindra offers a wider perspective with a 360-degree view. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The XUV700 and X-Trail plant an almost identical footprint on the road with roughly the same dimensions. The Mahindra is a fraction longer and taller with more space between the axles, but not by much. What that translates to inside the cabin is generous space for five with decent cargo storage for everyday family duties in both vehicles. But they also have the added flexibility of a third row, which is best suited to small kids or occasional use only. The Mahindra fuses its modern tech, with twin 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen, into a more conservative dashboard design with a dark colour palette and piano black highlights with chrome trim elements. The X-Trail, on the other hand, has more conventional tech – a larger 12.3-inch tablet-style touchscreen and analogue gauges with a 7.0-inch display between the tacho and speedo – incorporated into a modern dashboard design with a high-set, floating centre console, stubby gear lever and two-tone colour scheme. Both cars offer plenty of headroom for front seat occupants and an array of convenient storage solutions with twin cupholders and bottle holders in the door pockets. While the X-Trail has a handy hidden tray under the console that keeps the overall aesthetic a bit cleaner, the lidded bin between the front seats in the XUV700 is ventilated, which is a cool feature (literally). The glovebox is also massive. For those in the middle row, both cars boast rear vents and USB power outlets, as well as enough space for three across the rear bench with decent legroom. Access to the third row in either isn't as easy as it is in larger, dedicated seven-seaters, and the space is best left to small children. Both have cupholders, but the Mahindra makes it more bearable with additional air vents. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Here's where these two cars diverge the most. First of all, the XUV700 is only available as a front-driver, while the seven-seat option in the X-Trail is exclusive to AWD variants – if that matters to you. The Mahindra produces significantly higher outputs too, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 150kW of power and 380Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan has a larger-capacity engine and it isn't turbocharged: a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 135kW and 244Nm to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable 91-octane standard unleaded, but the Mahindra uses slightly more with a combined average of 8.3L/100km compared to Nissan's 7.8L/100km claim. If you're towing a small trailer or caravan, the X-Trail has a little extra headroom in terms of its maximum braked towing capacity (2000kg versus 1500kg) and also includes specific safety features such as Trailer Sway Control. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both Mahindra and Nissan provide excellent long-term ownership benefits with these cars. At face value, the XUV700 comes out on top with a seven-year factory warranty that includes roadside assistance (the first year is free and renewed each time you visit an authorised service dealer for scheduled maintenance) with longer service intervals in terms of mileage. But it limits the coverage to 150,000km and its capped price servicing scheme is more expensive and is only offered for the first four years. Nissan's standard five-year/unlimited-km warranty is on par with most other mainstream brands, and it has more affordable service pricing. But the Japanese brand goes further by adding an extra year of warranty coverage – and roadside assistance – for every scheduled service within its dealer network, providing up to an unrivalled 10 years and 300,000km of coverage. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool It's a tight race between these two, as both the Mahindra XUV700 and Nissan X-Trail deliver where it counts. Both have spacious and flexible cabins, and the latest in safety tech and digital conveniences, and both are affordable to run. The Nissan has a slight advantage if you're more adventurous, with better light-duty off-road potential and a higher towing capacity thanks to its AWD configuration. But for growing Aussie families on a shrinking budget, the Mahindra offers more features for less. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV700? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV700 showroomMORE: Explore the Nissan X-Trail showroom Content originally sourced from: The typical Australian family car is evolving all the time. Nothing signifies the changing demands better than these two models, the 2025 Mahindra XUV700 and 2025 Nissan X-Trail – a pair of high-riding, seven-seat mid-size SUVs, a vehicle type that has essentially replaced the station wagon as the default choice for suburban runabouts. Both cost just over $40k and offer spacious, flexible cabins that feature modern tech, and are fitted with the latest in automated safety systems. But which is best? Let's find out… There's only a handful of mid-size SUVs that offer a third-row option, which puts this pair among a select group for Australian families that need space for seven – especially if they're on a tighter budget. The Mahindra is the most accessible of these two, with a starting price of just $39,990 drive-away for the entry-level AX7, while the flagship AX7L we're testing here costs an additional $3000. Nissan offers a wider variety of models across its X-Trail range, with the choice of both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, as well as the groundbreaking e-Power hybrid powertrain. But even the most affordable – the entry-level five-seat, front-drive ST – will cost around the same as the range-topping XUV700 on the road, with a starting price of $38,025 plus on-roads. If you're after the seven-seat option, it is exclusively available with all-wheel drive in the two mid-level model grades, including the ST-L we're comparing here and the N-Trek, which cost $47,565 and $52,160 plus on-roads respectively. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Standard equipment common to both vehicles includes: However, the Mahindra extends its value for money philosophy even further with with a few more features, such as a panoramic glass sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker premium audio system compared to the X-Trail's six-speaker unit. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Mahindra hasn't been tested by ANCAP, and therefore does not have an independent safety rating to match the X-Trail's five-star result from 2021, when this current generation first arrived in Australian showrooms. Standard safety features in both vehicles include: Both also feature seven airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags that cover all three rows, with the Nissan having an extra airbag between the front seat passengers while the Mahindra has a knee airbag for the driver. They each also have a reversing camera, but the Mahindra offers a wider perspective with a 360-degree view. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool The XUV700 and X-Trail plant an almost identical footprint on the road with roughly the same dimensions. The Mahindra is a fraction longer and taller with more space between the axles, but not by much. What that translates to inside the cabin is generous space for five with decent cargo storage for everyday family duties in both vehicles. But they also have the added flexibility of a third row, which is best suited to small kids or occasional use only. The Mahindra fuses its modern tech, with twin 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment touch screen, into a more conservative dashboard design with a dark colour palette and piano black highlights with chrome trim elements. The X-Trail, on the other hand, has more conventional tech – a larger 12.3-inch tablet-style touchscreen and analogue gauges with a 7.0-inch display between the tacho and speedo – incorporated into a modern dashboard design with a high-set, floating centre console, stubby gear lever and two-tone colour scheme. Both cars offer plenty of headroom for front seat occupants and an array of convenient storage solutions with twin cupholders and bottle holders in the door pockets. While the X-Trail has a handy hidden tray under the console that keeps the overall aesthetic a bit cleaner, the lidded bin between the front seats in the XUV700 is ventilated, which is a cool feature (literally). The glovebox is also massive. For those in the middle row, both cars boast rear vents and USB power outlets, as well as enough space for three across the rear bench with decent legroom. Access to the third row in either isn't as easy as it is in larger, dedicated seven-seaters, and the space is best left to small children. Both have cupholders, but the Mahindra makes it more bearable with additional air vents. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Here's where these two cars diverge the most. First of all, the XUV700 is only available as a front-driver, while the seven-seat option in the X-Trail is exclusive to AWD variants – if that matters to you. The Mahindra produces significantly higher outputs too, thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 150kW of power and 380Nm of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The Nissan has a larger-capacity engine and it isn't turbocharged: a 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder delivering 135kW and 244Nm to all four wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Both engines are optimised to run on the most affordable 91-octane standard unleaded, but the Mahindra uses slightly more with a combined average of 8.3L/100km compared to Nissan's 7.8L/100km claim. If you're towing a small trailer or caravan, the X-Trail has a little extra headroom in terms of its maximum braked towing capacity (2000kg versus 1500kg) and also includes specific safety features such as Trailer Sway Control. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool Both Mahindra and Nissan provide excellent long-term ownership benefits with these cars. At face value, the XUV700 comes out on top with a seven-year factory warranty that includes roadside assistance (the first year is free and renewed each time you visit an authorised service dealer for scheduled maintenance) with longer service intervals in terms of mileage. But it limits the coverage to 150,000km and its capped price servicing scheme is more expensive and is only offered for the first four years. Nissan's standard five-year/unlimited-km warranty is on par with most other mainstream brands, and it has more affordable service pricing. But the Japanese brand goes further by adding an extra year of warranty coverage – and roadside assistance – for every scheduled service within its dealer network, providing up to an unrivalled 10 years and 300,000km of coverage. To see how the Mahindra XUV700 stacks up against its rivals, check out our comparison tool It's a tight race between these two, as both the Mahindra XUV700 and Nissan X-Trail deliver where it counts. Both have spacious and flexible cabins, and the latest in safety tech and digital conveniences, and both are affordable to run. The Nissan has a slight advantage if you're more adventurous, with better light-duty off-road potential and a higher towing capacity thanks to its AWD configuration. But for growing Aussie families on a shrinking budget, the Mahindra offers more features for less. Interested in buying a Mahindra XUV700? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here Interested in buying a Nissan X-Trail? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mahindra XUV700 showroomMORE: Explore the Nissan X-Trail showroom Content originally sourced from:
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- News.com.au
Ford at risk of $200m ‘lemon' payout in Australia
Thousands of Aussies who purchased Ford vehicles with faulty PowerShift transmissions could be entitled to tens of thousands of dollars in compensation, following a landmark ruling in the Federal Court. The judgement is part of a decade-long class against Ford motor Company of Australia, with lead plaintiff Biljana Capic awarded just over $22,000 in damages after Justice Nye Perram found her 2012 Ford Focus to be defective. 'As many judges have remarked in the course of this litigation, her Ford Focus is a lemon,' Justice Perram wrote in his 69-page judgment, handed down on June 20. While the court has so far only awarded damages to the lead plaintiff, Biljana Capic, further hearings are scheduled to determine whether other group members will also be entitled to compensation. The payout is forecast to exceed $200 million to current and former owners of Ford Fiesta, Focus and EcoSport models fitted with the PowerShift transmission and sold between 1 January 2011 and 20 December 2024. Justice Perram said Ms Capic's vehicles, and others like it, were not of acceptable quality under Australian Consumer Law. 'It is clear in the case of Ms Capic's vehicle that the many risks to which it was prone became manifest,' he said. 'Consequently, she presented the vehicle for servicing on 15 occasions between 14 April 2013 and 11 June 2019. Many of these were pointless since Ford had not solved the underlying problems.' Despite years of court battles and appeals, Ford failed to overturn the original 2021 ruling that the cars were defective. Last year, the High Court referred the case back to the Federal Court for a reassessment of damages. 'Yank tank' giant makes huge backflip Ford has previously argued that the issues were minimal and at times, blamed drivers - particularly women. Class action spokesperson and CEO of Handle My Complaint Jo Ucukalo said this is a turning point for Aussies who had been let down by Ford. 'These are people who bought a Focus, Fiesta or EcoSport in good faith, found their car to be defective, and then were rebuffed or ignored by Ford when they sought to have the problems fixed,' she said. Ucukalo said the vehicles should 'never have been sold in the first place'. 'The problem was fundamentally defective design,' she said. Ucukalo added that Ford repeatedly tried to delay or derail the legal process. 'It is all the more sweet for car owners given that Ford used every trick in the book to delay, stymie or block fair compensation during the Court process,' she said. Ucukalo is urging all affected vehicle owners to come forward and register via the Ford Class action website. A Ford Spokesperson told News Corp Australia it was still reviewing the court's judgement 'to understand its full effect,' and encouraged any concerned customers to contact them directly. 'As always, we encourage any customers with concerns about a vehicle they own to contact us on 13FORD,' a spokesperson said. 'For some time, we have been focused on improving the experience customers have with us and our dealers. This includes continuing to ensure we manage any vehicle issues in a swift and fair manner so that our customers get back on the road quickly.'
9 News
5 hours ago
- 9 News
A quarter of drivers admit to microsleep behind the wheel
Almost one in four Australians have succumbed to a microsleep while driving, new research from the NRMA has revealed. The nationwide index survey of more than 2000 Australians showed that, of the 23 per cent of respondents who had fallen asleep behind the wheel, almost two-thirds said it occurred during the day. The shocking figure comes as the national road toll for the past 12 months to May sits at 1337 deaths. LIVE UPDATES: Thousands without power and some residents told to stay indoors as wild weather hits NSW coast Fatigue is a factor in one in five crashes on Australian roads, the NRMA says. (iStock) This is a 4.8 per cent increase from the same time last year, figures from the federal government's National Road Safety Data Hub show. The NRMA survey results also found that nearly 40 per cent of drivers are not taking a break at least every two hours when driving longer distances of three hours or more. When planning a road trip, 61 per cent were most concerned about beating the traffic and almost one-quarter left before sunrise, the research showed. NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said too many Australians were losing their lives because they were driving exhausted. "Fatigue is a factor in one in five crashes on Australian roads, the road toll this year is already far too high and this unnecessary risk can be removed by taking a break," Khoury said. The survey results come as many Australians prepare to hit the road for their winter break. Almost 70 per cent of Australians planned to stay within the country for their next holiday, and, for those who would be travelling interstate, 45 per cent planned to drive. Khoury said as more Australians chose to travel domestically for their holidays due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it was vital drivers prioritised safety on our roads.
