Australians love their Shiraz. But there are two other red wine varietals we reckon you should give a shot this winter.

I’ve got to start this article with a disclaimer. I’m not a Grenache person. Never have been, probably never will be. I like Shiraz if I feel like something strong, and Merlot if I want something weak. As for Tempranillo – it’s nice, but I don’t often opt for it. Apparantly I’m behind the times though. Why’s that? Jody Liddle, Category Manager at Jimmy Brings, recently told DMARGE Grenache and Tempranillo are having a ~moment~ Down Under.

Before we get into that though: why is now the time to get your drink on? Isn’t it Dry July? Not here at DMARGE. In fact, we were pleased to learn the other day that red wine tends to have a higher alcohol content than white wine, which creates a natural thermogenic effect to warm you from the inside out. Not to mention: most red wine is usually consumed at room temperature (rather than recommended to be consumed chilled), which makes it a great winter companion.

RELATED: Which Red Wines You Should Be Cooling, According To A Sommelier

Back to why you should try Grenache and Tempranillo though, rather than sticking with your trusty old Shiraz. Here are a couple of reasons. One: you don’t want to get left behind. As Liddle told DMARGE: “Australians are starting to branch out from the standard wine varietals that we all know and love, and are eager to discover different styles.”

She adds: “In particular, we’re starting to see this mindset shift amongst younger generations, seeking more bold, compelling and ‘on trend; products.”

Speaking of which: “Tempranillo and Grenache are having a moment” Liddle said, explaining the attraction of each.

“Tempranillo is a full bodied dry red wine that is native to Spain, perfect for those who love a bold Shiraz but are looking for something more interesting.”

RELATED: Why Spaniards Will Never Understand Australia’s Obsession With Wellness

“Grenache, on the other hand, is a smooth and easy to drink red, similar to Pinot Noir but with more subtle flavours, it pairs well with roasts and is always the crowd pleaser at a dinner party.”

Across Jimmy Brings’ current range, Liddle recommends the El Sonodor Tempranillo ($24 RRP) and King Salvatoro Grenache ($24 RRP). There are, though, it should go without saying, a world of other Grenaches and Tempranillos out there just waiting to be explored.

RELATED: The ‘Naive’ Alcohol Myth Europeans Wish Australians Would Stop Spouting

There are also more ways to find (and buy) cool new wines than ever before with the Netlix model of wine consumption (read: direct to consumer) blowing up, and with many wine producers themselves also having made buying wine online much easier during the first couple of years of the pandemic.

We’ll drink to that.

• 14 Best Australian Red Wines To Drink In 2022
• The Best Australian Grenache, According To People Who Drink It For A Living

The post Two Quirky Red Wine Varietals You Need To Try This Winter appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Anxiety is one of the most common health conditions experienced by men in Australia. In fact, according to mental health charity Beyond Blue, 1 in 5 men will experience anxiety at some point in their life. This probability makes anxiety more common than depression, which is experienced by 1 in 8 men in Australia.

But, because some symptoms of anxiety can be mistaken for everyday, or regular occurrences, many men are unaware their conditions could actually be cause for concern. So, what is anxiety, what are the symptoms, what are the causes and most importantly, what help is there for men?

Read on to find out.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion that one usually experiences in response to the anticipation of an event. It brings with it feelings of uneasiness, turmoil and worry, which result in a change in physical and physiological behaviour.

Anxiety vs worry

Anxiety and worry are interrelated, but ultimately are two separate emotional responses to a situation. They can often get confused with one another but there are easy ways to separate the two. The easiest way to differentiate the two is to remember that feelings of worry often remain in the mind and are in response to a genuine threat.

With anxiety, it can often show itself in physical changes in your body. This doesn’t just mean you get sweaty palms, but you may hyperventilate or feel lightheaded. People who suffer from anxiety may also suffer from indigestion or nausea. Someone suffering from anxiety may also find it difficult to determine what it is that is causing the emotional and physical response. This can, in-turn, make someone more anxious, because they can’t understand what’s making them feel anxious in the first place.

Different types of anxiety men experience

Anxiety can occur in many different forms, and there is actually a difference between someone with anxiety and someone with an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety vs anxiety disorder

Anxiety is what you feel in reaction to a certain event or situation and, for the most part, doesn’t provide much cause for concern. This ‘normal anxiety’ will only last for as long as the event or situation and in most cases, should be expected.

An anxiety disorder, meanwhile, is a mental health issue that is diagnosed with if their feelings of anxiety either come on without being provoked, are much stronger in their effect on oneself than would be expected, or the feelings of anxiety last much longer than the event itself.

There are 5 identified major types of anxiety disorder that men can experience, they are:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Men who suffer from GAD will feel intense feelings of worry on a constant basis, and not just in response to a particular event like preparing for an exam or a job interview, for example. 
  
  These feelings of worry will be so strong that they will interfere with a man’s everyday life and can lead to feelings of anxiety over what would be considered minor events, such as performing household chores. You may have GAD if you feel worried about various events, and subsequently found it hard to stop worrying about them, for 6 months or more.
  
  Further symptoms of GAD include having trouble sleeping, feeling irritable, getting tired easily or experiencing muscle tension. 
  
  
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): SAD can also be known as social phobia, and refers to when someone experiences intense anxiety when faced with social situations, such as networking or public speaking. These feelings of anxiety are brought on in response to fearing being judged, criticised, laughed at or humiliated. SAD can also be experienced in more everyday settings, such as eating in front of someone else. 
  
  Symptoms of SAD can include feeling nervous or embarrassed in social situations, such as meeting new people, being observed or performing in front of others. If you then find you want to avoid these social situations because of the feelings of nervousness or embarrassment, then you may have social anxiety disorder.
  
  
• Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is what someone who experiences regular and severe panic attacks would be diagnosed as suffering from. Panic attacks need to occur out of the blue and on a regular basis, and cause you to feel worried for extended periods of time following a sudden panic attack, that you are going to have another. 
  
  RELATED: Australian Weatherman’s On-Air Panic Attack Shows Men Suffering From Anxiety Are Not Alone
  
  While panic attacks can be incredibly common for people to experience, people with a panic disorder will experience them suddenly and will experience several symptoms in one hit. Beyond Blue outlines the most common symptoms someone with a panic disorder may experience. 
  
  If you experience four or more of the symptoms during a panic attack episode and then feel constantly worried for at least a month following your panic attack, you may have a panic disorder.
   
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD occurs following an especially traumatic event in one’s life, such as a serious accident, physical or sexual assault, war, torture or natural disasters. PTSD doesn’t have to occur immediately following the traumatic event, it can come on years later. 
  
  Symptoms of PTSD can include re-living the traumatic event, which results in emotional and/or physical reactions, or deliberately avoiding anything associated with the traumatic event, such as people involved, places or activities. 
  
  
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is a well-known disorder that is identified by someone having constant intrusive thoughts relating to the need to perform certain routines. The main symptoms of OCD are obsessions and compulsions (hence its name). Obsessions are defined are constant unwanted thoughts or urges that result in one feeling anxious, disgust or discomfort, such as fear of contamination. 
  
  Compulsions are defined as being the repeated actions or routines in response to the obsessions. Someone who fears contamination will feel they need to wash their hands on a constant basis, or to wash them a certain way every single time.
  
  OCD becomes a problem when the compulsions affect one’s everyday life, even though they’re performed to alleviate the discomfort brought on by the obsession. 

Symptoms of anxiety

Someone experiencing anxiety should be able to determine that the responses they’re having are more severe compared to simply worrying about something. If, however, the feelings of worry are ongoing and affect your ability to go about daily tasks or to work, then there is a good chance you are experiencing anxiety.

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A post shared by Beyond Blue (@beyondblueofficial)

According to the Better Health Channel, the most common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Racing heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Feelings of dread
• Avoidance
• Catastrophic thinking
• Absentmindedness
• Fear of losing control

RELATED: Signs You Have High Functioning Anxiety – & How To Cope With It

Treatment for anxiety in men

The good news is that anxiety is treatable by way of therapy, medication or lifestyle changes. In some instances, a combination of some or all of the treatment options may be required.

Therapy

Different types of therapy will be recommended depending on the type of anxiety a man experiences. However, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are the most common and have been deemed to be the most effective in treating anxiety in men.

Medication

Only a doctor can prescribe medication to help treat male anxiety, with antidepressants, benzodiazepines and buspirone being the most common medications used. However, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to help treat anxiety in men too.

TRT will only be carried out if it’s determined that the cause of a man’s anxiety is a result of low testosterone levels. If low testosterone is the cause of a man’s anxiety, then only TRT can help. Prescribing antidepressants or benzodiazepines won’t help to cure the problem.

Lifestyle Changes

Some men experiencing anxiety may find making some lifestyle changes can help to cure their symptoms. Introducing practices such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, or even a healthier diet, have all shown to make a positive impact on men who experience anxiety.

Resources for men with anxiety

• Beyond Blue is one of Australia’s leading mental health charities. It provides information, advice and support to anyone experiencing anxiety and/or depression, and anyone thinking about suicide.  
• MensLine Australia: MensLine Australia is a telephone and online support service that offers men a safe and private place to talk about any concerns they have. Staff and counsellors are trained to deal with a variety of men’s mental health conditions.
• Lifeline: Lifeline is a national charity that offers 24-hour support for all Australians experiencing emotional distress. Support is available via telephone, online or text, with all staff trained to listen and not pass judgement. 
  
  If you or someone you know needs urgent emergency attention, then call 000.

The post Anxiety In Men: Signs, Symptoms, Causes & Solutions appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If you’re a sports enthusiast, you have to get a Kayo Sports subscription. If you’re unsure about why let us enlighten you… Here’s everything you need to know about Kayo.

What is Kayo?

Kayo is an Australian streaming service but unlike the vast selection of other video streaming services, such as Netflix or Stan, Kayo Sports, as its name suggests, is dedicated solely to streaming sports content. With a Kayo subscription, you’ll be able to watch a huge range of different sports live and on-demand.

Kayo Sports is owned by Streamotion (which itself is a wholly owned subsidiary of Foxtel) which is also responsible for the Binge streaming service. Kayo Sports is the result of an idea dreamt up in 2018 when Foxtel was considering launching an over-the-top sports streaming service. By the end of 2018, Foxtel had green-lit the idea and the quest to secure exclusive rights to sporting content began.

Initially known as Project Martian internally, the name Kayo Sports was decided upon on the 5th of November 2018, and at the same time, the sports streaming service launched in beta format. Kayo was officially launched to the Australian public though on the 28th of November 2018.

As of May 2021, Kayo Sports has in excess of 1 million total subscribers in Australia (a combination of free trial users and paying subscribers).

How much is Kayo Sports?

Kayo Sports has three monthly subscription plans to choose from: One, Basic and Premium.

• One costs $25 a month and lets you watch Kayo content on 1 screen at a time.
• Basic costs $27.50 a month and allows users to watch Kayo content on up to 2 screens at a time.
• Premium costs $35 a month but lets users watch Kayo content on up to three screens at a time.

All Kayo Sports subscription plans, One, Basic and Premium, give users the option to stream in either High Definition or Standard Definition.

Kayo Sports free trial

Kayo Sports offers all new users the chance to try the service for free, with a 14-day free trial. You will automatically be charged for an ongoing subscription to Kayo Sports if you don’t cancel during the 14-day free trial period.

What sports are on Kayo?

Kayo provides its users with access to over 50 sports that can be streamed live and/or on-demand.

Popular sporting events include AFL, Cricket, Motorsport, Basketball, Boxing, MMA, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, US Football and more.

What devices can I watch Kayo on?

Kayo can be accessed on a wide range of devices, including:

• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Web browser
• PlayStation
• Smart TVs
• Apple TV
• Chromecast

A full list of supported devices can be found on the Kayo website.

All sports available on Kayo:

AFL

• AFL Premiership Season
• AFLX
• JLT Series
• Grand Final
• Under 18s
• NAB Rising Star Award Ceremony
• Brownlow Medal
• AFLW

Air Sports

• Red Bull Air Race
• Drone Racing

Athletics

• Marathon

Baseball

• Major League Baseball (MLB)
• Australian Baseball League (ABL)

Basketball

• NBA
• NBA All-Star
• NBL
• FIBA: Boomers
• FIBA: Women’s
• EuroLeague
• NCAA College Basketball
• WNBA
• WNBL

Boxing

• All main event Pay Per Views – available to purchase

Cricket

• Big Bash League (BBL)
• Rebel Women’s Big Bash League
• Marsh Test Series
• CommBank Series – Women’s
• Marsh One Day Cup
• One Day International (ODI)
• Overseas Cricket With Australia
• Overseas Cricket Without Australia
• T20 Internationals
• Test Matches
• Women’s ODI
• Women’s T20
• Alan Border/Belinder Clark Medal
• International Premier League
• Caribbean Premier Leage
• Bangladesh Premier League
• ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020
• ICC T20 World Cup 2020

Cycling

• 2019 UCI Cycling Track World Cup
• 2019 UCI Track World Championship
• UCI World Tour
• UCI Asia Tour
• UCI Europe Tour
• UCI Criterium

Darts

• Premier League Darts
• World Darts Championship
• World Matchplay
• World Cup of Darts
• The Masters
• World Grand Prix Darts

E-Sports

• E-League Football
• BLAST Pro Series
• Supercars E-Series

Extreme Sports

• X Games

Golf

• The Masters
• US Open
• The Open
• USPGA Championships
• USPGA Tour/FedEx Cup
• USLPGA
• European PGA Tour
• Ladies European Tour
• Asian Tour Golf
• PGA Tour Champions
• British Senior Open
• Ryder Cup
• Solheim Cup

Gridiron

• NCAA College Football
• National Football League (NFL)

Gymnastics

• Acrobatics World Cup
• Aerobics World Championships
• Apparatus World Cups
• Australian Gymnastics Championships
• World Gymnaestrada
• Rhythmic World Championships
• World Artistic Championships

Horse Racing

• All content from the Racing.com channel

Hockey

• FIH Pro League
• Hockey One

Hurling

Ice Hockey

• NHL
• Australian Ice Hockey League

Kickboxing

Lawn Bowls

• Australian Open
• Australian Premier League

MMA

• UFC
• UFC Fight Night

Motorsport

• Formula 1
• Formula E
• Virgin Australia Supercars Championship
• IndyCar
• Toyota 86 Championship
• Toyota Racing Series
• MotoGP
• AMA Supercross
• FIM Speedway
• World Superbike Championship

Poker

• World Series of Poker

Rodeo

• Pro Bull Riding

Rowing

• World Rowing Cup
• World Rowing Championships

Rugby League

• NRL Premiership
• NRL Grand Final
• NRL All-Stars
• State of Origin
• Charity Shield
• Challenge Cup
• International Tests
• Intrust Super Cup
• Canterbury Super Cup
• Super League
• Women’s NRL
• Women’s Tests
• World Club Challenge
• NRL 9’s
• NRL Touch Premiership

Rugby Union

• Six Nations
• Bledisloe Cup
• Currie Cup
• Gallagher Premiership Rugby
• Mitre 10 Cup
• National Rugby Championship
• The Rugby Championship
• World Rugby Sevens Series Men’s
• World Rugby Sevens Series Women’s
• Global Rapid Rugby
• Shute Shield
• Buildcorp Super W

Sailing

• Sail GP
• Superfoilers GP

Soccer

Kayo Sports doesn’t have access to the English Premier League (those rights belong with Optus Sport) or the UEFA Champions League (you can find that on Stan Sport), but Kayo Sports has pretty much every other soccer league you could hope to watch.

• EFL Championship
• FA Cup
• EFL Carabao Cup
• French Ligue 1
• German Bundesliga
• Indian Super League
• Italian Serie A
• Spanish La Liga
• Major League Soccer (MLS)
• Matildas International Matches
• Socceroos International Matches
• Scottish Premiership
• AFC Asian Cup
• AFC Champions League
• Brazilian Serie A
• South American Copa Libertadores
• South American Copa Sudamericana
• W-League
• International Champions Cup

Softball

• Softball International Cup

Squash

• PSA Squash Tournament of Champions
• PSA World Championships
• PSA Squash Canary Wharf Classic
• PSA Squash El-Gouna International
• PSA British Open
• PSA World Tour Finals Final

Surfing

• World Surf League

Swimming

Table Tennis

• ITTF Table Tennis

Tennis

Kayo Sports gives subscribers access to all the major Grand Slams, except for the Australian Open, which can be found on Stan Sport.

• Roland Garros
• Wimbledon
• US Open Tennis
• ATP Tour
• Davis Cup
• Fed Cup
• Laver Cup
• WTA Tour

Triathlon

• Super League Triatholon

Weightlifting

• IWF World Weightlifting Championships

Wrestling

• WWE Smackdown
• WWE Raw
• WWE NXT

Read Next

• Stan Sport: Everything You Need To Know About The Stan Sport Add-On

The post Kayo Sports: Price, Features & What To Watch appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Forget the SUV, a station wagon is, in our opinion, the most practical car body style for Australians to buy.

The reality is that most SUVs rarely see a hint of dirt or mud in their life – instead, being consigned to a life of school runs and weekly grocery shops. It certainly begs the question, why isn’t the station wagon just as, if not more popular? A favourite of Europeans, station wagons can often provide just as much (if not more) practicality in a body style that is easier to maneuver, is more stable in corners and often more economical.

If anything, they tick more boxes than most other cars, yet rarely see the light of day on Australia’s roads, largely due to their lower-down driving position. We here at DMARGE are big fans of the station wagon (three of the team own one) and would hate for it to become extinct in Australia.

We, therefore, felt it time to put together a list of the best station wagons currently available to buy Down Under, many of which combine looks, power, practicality and, ultimately, a fun driving experience.

Audi RS 6 Avant

Fuel Economy: 11.7 L/100km
Cargo Space: 565 – 1,680 litres
Price: From AU $245,183 Drive Away

We’re sure many of you will recognise the Audi RS 6 Avant (station wagon). The fierce, angry-looking machine is one of the leading figures in Audi’s RS line-up and boasts a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine under the hood – delivering 441 kW of power, a top speed of 305km/h and a 0-100km/h time of 3.6-seconds – and some of the largest fenders we’ve ever seen on a car, making it one of the best station wagons to grace Australia’s road.

Inside, however, the experience is a lot more refined. Audi is known for its high-quality interiors that are both luxurious and user-friendly, and the RS 6 Avant is no exception. Fine leather at the touch of all surfaces, bucket seats that hold you tight, and lashings of the latest technologies make for an incredibly pleasant place to sit.

With 565-litres of space in the back, expandable to 1,680-litres when you’re able to get rid of the kids and put the rear seats down, the Audi RS6 makes for a powerful workhorse. To top it off, you get Audi’s sublime Quattro four-wheel drive technology, meaning you can use the RS 6 all year round, with rain and snow (if you head to the mountains) being no challenge for this impressive German monster.

Pros

• Not as big as it looks.
• Still has the beefy V8 engine.

Cons

• Price… Very punchy.
• RS4 is just as good for a lot less.

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

Fuel Economy: 9.0 L/100km
Cargo Space: 465 – 1200 litres
Price: $79,000 before on-road costs

Genesis is on a mission to offer Australian carbuyers an alternative when looking for something luxurious and practical. The South Korean manufacturer already has the wonderfully-equipped GV80 SUV and, while it doesn’t necessarily best its rivals when it comes to price, it at least justifies it much easier.

The same can be said of the Genesis GV70 Shooting Brake. To be honest, we’d pay whatever the asking price if our decision was based purely on looks, this is an incredibly attractive car. Genesis has taken the GV70 sedan and elongated it at the back to offer that little bit extra in terms of practicality, yet still keeping the overall profile one that is easy to manouvere around town.

The one main downside to the GV70 shooting brake is that, for some reason, Genesis has decided to not offer the rather potent twin-turbo V6 from its sedan sibling, as an engine option. The GV70 shooting brake will only be offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit producing 179kW. And, with regards to price, it’s on par with its German equivalents, but Genesis does give you a much longer list of included equipment in return.

While space may be a little limited for those in the back due to the sloping roofline, the driver and passenger are enveloped in pure luxury. As for the drive, it probably won’t rival the likes of Audi or BMW, and is geared more towards comfort than outright fun. If the main bulk of your driving is spent on motorways, the Genesis GV70 shooting brake is a perfect car for you.

BMW M3 Competition Touring

Fuel Economy: 10.3 L/100km
Cargo Space: 500 – 1,510 litres
Price: TBC

It feels like a long time coming, but we can finally say the BMW M3 Touring is on its way to Australia, and we couldn’t be more excited. A superfast BMW wagon is something many motorists have been pining for and finally the Munich-based manufacturer has answered our prayers.

While actual driving performance has yet to be formally tested, the numbers of the BMW M3 Competition Touring make for impressive reading. The 3.0-litre turbocharged flat six produces 375kW/650Nm of power, enough to propel it to 100km/h from a standstill in 3.6-seconds, just 0.1-seconds longer than the M3 sedan.

This is a fast wagon, make no mistake. So fast, in fact, that is now holds the record for the fastest lap time around the notorious Nürburgring by a whopping 10-seconds. This has been helped by the number of ‘M’ branded packages installed, including M suspension, M servotronic steering and M compound brakes. Whilen this may be technical jargon to most, what it means in the real world is that the M3 Touring isn’t just fast in a straight line, but it can more than hold its own in the corners.

And of course, being a wagon, it’s practical too. So you can easily chuck the kids and some luggage in the back and speed off to your holiday destination in record time. We’ll have to wait until it finally arrive on Australian shores to be sure, but we’re pretty confident the BMW M3 Competition Touring could be the perfect car.

Pros

• Finally, the M car we’ve been waiting for.
• Good looking, stonker of an engine, practical.

Cons

• Divisive front grille design.
• The Competition-only spec means you’ll need to bring your driving A-game.

Volkswagen Golf R Wagon

Fuel Economy: 7.4 L/100km
Cargo Space: 611 – 1,642 litres
Price: From AU $75,753 Drive Away

Coming in at a considerably more affordable price-point than other models on this list, yet still offering plenty of practicality and performance for Australians, is the Volkswagen Golf R Wagon. From the outside, the Golf R Wagon is certainly more unassuming than its compatriots, especially those of a ‘hotter’ nature, with the only real discernible giveaway as to this station wagon’s speedy credentials is the R designation on the boot lid.

The 2.0l engine gives out 235kW of power, which sure, is far less than the likes of the Audi and BMW, but at around a quarter of the cost, we’re not complaining. You’ll still be pushed back into your seat when you press your foot down to the floor even when the rear is full of kids a week’s worth of luggage. Of course, take the Golf R Wagon out for a spin by yourself, and you’ll be rewarded with a thoroughly engaging driving experience. A full suite of driver safety features is available alongside a pumping sound system, making the Volkswagen Golf R Wagon the only car you need on your drive.

Pros

• Euro performance station wagon fun on the cheap.
• Cheaper to run than its rivals.

Cons

• A bit ‘cheap’ feeling inside.
• Might be a bit too small for some.

Porsche Taycan 4 CrossTurismo

Range: Up to 479km/291 miles
Cargo Space: 446 – 1,212 litres
Price: From AU $198,330 Drive Away

The Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo could also feature on our list of best electric cars, being a fully battery-powered wagon, but as it makes as much of a case for being a practical daily driver, it earns a spot on this list instead.

As with other Porsche models, the Taycan CrossTurismo is available in multiple trim levels: 4, 4S and Turbo (which doesn’t actually have a turbocharger) and for the purposes of this summary, we’re looking at the Base model.

Make no mistake, the base model is hardly a slouch. The 280kW max power (350 with overboost) will send you to 100km/h in a smidge over 5-seconds which we appreciate isn’t exactly supercar speed by today’s standards, but we can’t imagine many people will be complaining. Of course, anyone buying an electric car will be mostly interested in the range, and Porsche’s claim of 291 miles/469km is pretty competitive. The best part about the Taycan is that it offers up to 270kW DC superfast charging, if you can find a station that supports it, of course. Do so though, and you can recharge your Taycan CrossTurismo in around 25-minutes.

You do get a generous amount of equipment as standard, but it wouldn’t be Porsche without an extensive and expensive list of optional extras. But, if you’ve got the money to buy a Porsche in the first place, we don’t think this will be a concern.

As for the drive, the Taycan 4 CrossTurismo is almost identical to the Panamera (which is essentially a ICE-powered CrossTurismo). It’s an incredible experience and one that really does make a strong case for electric vehicles being just as good as, if not better than their combustion engine counterparts. It’s quick (very quick), handles well into corners and is also comfortable around town. The perfect daily driver? It’s definitely up there.

Pros

• One of the best-handling large cars on the market.
• Porsche reliability and refinement is second to none.

Cons

• Rear space is limited.
• Superfast charging infrastructure still not quite good enough.

Škoda Octavia RS Wagon

Fuel Economy: 6.8 L/100km
Cargo Space: 600 – 1,555 litres
Price: From AU $57,790 Drive Away

Škoda, while being part of the Volkswagen Group, used to be seen as the runt of the pack. That is certainly no longer the case, as the Czech carmaker is now easily on par with its German cousins (along with Spanish brand SEAT), offering quality builds, plentiful features and technologies and great styling to boot. It also has a very hot station wagon up its sleeves: the Octavia RS.

Škoda’s RS cars are revered for their outright performance, especially when you consider the low price you pay for the car itself. It’s very much an ‘if you know, you know’ vibe. The Octavia RS’ 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is the same unit that’s found in the Golf R, albeit slightly less powerful (the Octavia station wagon is also longer, heavier and wider than the Golf R wagon).

In recent years, Škoda has shown more of a tendency to diverge from the Volkswagen Group’s cookie-cutter approach and step out on its own a bit more. This is evident in the Octavia’s interior design, which is far more tech and feature-heavy than its siblings. Oh yeah, and you get an umbrella in the door as you do with a Rolls-Royce. Neat, hey?

Pros

• A cheaper, practical Golf R Wagon.
• Looks awesome, especially with those five-spoke rims.

Cons

• Where’s the manual?
• Škoda brand doesn’t have the same cache as VW… Depreciation will probably sting.

Volvo V60 Cross Country

Fuel Economy: 7.3 L/100km
Cargo Space: 529 litres+ (TBC)
Price: From AU $71,525 Drive Away

Volvo and station wagons go together like two peas in a pod, with the Swedish carmaker’s late-90s V70 wagon being an icon among people-moving workhorses. Today, the company is at the top of its game when it comes to design and safety features, and these are both evident in the Volvo V60 Cross Country.

The V60 Cross Country features all-wheel drive and a high-riding stance, perfect for off-road station wagon action. Power will come from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, paired to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for a combined total of 184kW, in line with Volvo’s plans to quickly electrify their fleet.

And, as expected, hailing from Scandinavia, the Volvo is a thoroughly good-looking car, exhibiting clean lines and minimalist design. We can’t wait for it to arrive Down Under.

Pros

• Safe as houses for the family. It’s a Volvo.
• Impressive all-terrain capability.

Cons

• Volvos will never be sexy.
• Hybrid powertrain might be offputting for some.

Mazda 6 Atenza Wagon

Fuel Economy: 7.6 L/100km
Cargo Space: 506 – 1,648 litres
Price: From AU $56,827 Drive Away

Finally, a non-Euro entry! Like most other Japanese car marques in Australia, Mazda’s primary source of revenue comes from its SUV range. The Mazda6 is the sole station wagon in its repertoire and can be had in one of four variants. We’ve gone for the range-topping Atenza variant, which gains all the specs and features of the three models beneath it but adds a larger 7-inch digital driver display, ventilated front seats (to keep your rear-end cool in summer) and Nappa leather upholstery at every turn.

Elsewhere you get a loud and proud Bose sound system and a shed load of safety technologies. All that in a package that costs less than $60,000. A bargain if you ask us. As for performance, you’ll hardly be left wanting. It obviously won’t rival the performance station wagons for outright speed, but for refinement, it’s up there with the very best. You’ll appreciate the handling in corners all without the distraction of wind and tyre noise, which are kept to a mind-boggling minimum.

The Mazda brand may not win you as many cool points as some others either, but if you’re on a budget yet need something practical, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity.

Pros

• Luxury and refinement that rivals (or betters) Euro options for a fraction of the price.
• Incredibly reliable and cheap to service.

Cons

• Not Euro, and not really a luxury marque… It’s a hard sell.
• No manual option, and the automatic gearbox + engine management is rather sedate.

Peugeot 508 Sportswagon

Fuel Economy: 6.3 L/100km
Cargo Space: 530 – 1,780 litres
Price: From AU $71,004 Drive Away

French automaker Peugeot is one that has undergone a dramatic image shift in recent years. What was once seen as perhaps more of a budget brand now comfortably holds its own against the biggest names in the game. With improvements in all areas including design, ride quality and features offered as standard, Peugeot is not one to be overlooked anymore.

The 508 Sportswagon is a prime example of why. If it’s cargo space you’re after, it’s virtually unchallenged, with nearly 1,800-litres of space on offer when the rear seats are folded. A 165kW engine provides enough power to get up to – and cruise at – highway speeds (this isn’t a performance station wagon, remember) and with Nappa leather, roof bars and an impressive sound system from fellow French brand Focal to pump tunes around the cabin, you definitely get your money’s worth.

Make no mistake, this is a good looking and cool car, too. Frameless doors mean the roofline can be lowered to give it a much sportier guise, and mean it won’t look out of place when pulling up outside the fanciest of inner-city hotspots.

• Zippy and full of flair.
• More reliable than the Gallic reputation might suggest.

Cons

• Hard to justify the price.
• Limited dealer/service network can be a hassle.

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The post Best Station Wagons Australia 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

With all this airport chaos, travellers are losing bags faster than you can say, “where’s my suitcase?” Though there is no technology that can completely rescue you when an airline decides to send your suitcase (but not you) to the other side of the world (or vice versa), there is one piece of technology that can help you get your bag back.

With all the mayhem impacting the travel industry right now (from staff shortages and flight cancellations to frustrated passengers punching staff), anything which makes your travel experience a bit easier (and which gives you more peace of mind) is a win in our book.

Speaking of which: one piece of technology recently helped a Singapore Airlines passenger track his lost luggage (a common problem for a lot of people travelling right now). That piece of tech? An Apple Airtag GPS. The passenger, one Shane Miller, allegedly tried to contact customer service 16 times but to no avail. After a week of being unable to get through, he tracked his bag using GPS, and visited the office at Melbourne airport where his bag was being held (a room which was reportedly full of lost bags).

As Daily Mail Australia reports: “Shane Miller, a cyclist and I.T. professional from Ballarat, landed at Melbourne Airport with Singapore Airlines in early-June after a week-long trip to Europe.”

“When he failed to find his suitcase on the baggage carousel, Mr Miller was told his bag hadn’t made the connecting flight and was still somewhere in transit.”

“The location of my bag wasn’t visible until it arrived at Melbourne about 8.30pm after I was back home in Ballarat,” Mr Miller told Daily Mail Australia.

Mr Miller was relieved to know his bag, which contained 6 and a half thousand dollars of cycling gear (he said in a Youtube video), was close by, and as it wasn’t far, expected the airline to get it back to him within a couple of days. That didn’t happen. After a week of frustration, he drove to the airport, followed his phone tracker, and – after showing office employees his ticket and ID matched the bag’s tag – got his bag back.

There you have it: if you’re travelling in these turbulent times, slipping an Airtag into your suitcase might be something to consider (also: it doesn’t have to be an Apple one; various companies make basically the same thing). Either that or stick with the “pray and hope” or the “carry on only” approaches, both of which have their benefits too…

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The post The Piece Of Technology You Need If You’re Travelling Right Now appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

The TAG Heuer Monaco is easily one of the most iconic watches ever made thanks to its bold square case and celebrity co-signs… But its latest incarnation takes boldness to a whole new level, with a rather inspired colour choice.

The racy chronograph, which has been worn by everyone from Mick Jagger and Max Verstappen to Chris Hemsworth and Will Smith, is prototypically endowed with a blue dial. That’s the version Steve McQueen wore in Le Mans, and that’s what people think about when they think of the watch.

Blue dials have been in vogue for ages, and now it seems like green dials are the next big thing. But purple dials? They’re as rare as hen’s teeth… Which is why it’s so out of left field that TAG Heuer has come out with the Monaco Purple Dial Limited Edition.

The unexpected colour is actually a subtle nod to the very early Heuer Monaco ref. 1113B and ref. 1533 Calibre 15 of the late ’60s and early 70s. As TAG Heuer explains, these Monacos used a metallic blue dial finish which, over time, has demonstrated a tendency to patinate from blue to a dégradé purple colour, sometimes slightly faded in the centre and darker around the edges.

I had the chance to see the watch in person at Watches & Wonders in Geneva earlier this year, and pictures don’t really do it justice. The dial finish is both brilliant and rather smoky all at once. It’s kind of stealthy – until the light hits the dial in just the right way, and the juicy purple is revealed.

RELATED: The Best Chronograph Watches To Stop The Clock For

Mounted on a black alligator strap, it’s beautifully retro and eclectic in all the right ways. Big 70s vibes. It’s also one of an increasingly rare breed – how many other luxury watchmakers are coming out with purple watches right now?

A limited-edition of only 500 pieces, it retails for AU$10,400 and can be found at TAG Heuer’s online boutique here. Anyone got a Deep Purple record I can spin?

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The post TAG Heuer’s Latest Watch Comes In A Totally Unexpected Colour appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Rafael Nadal has won his quarter final match up against Taylor Fritz, despite being advised by his father and sister to quit during the second set, as he was suffering from an abdominal injury that he has carried for days. He is now scheduled to face Nick Kygrios in the semi final.

As if you needed any further proof Rafael Nadal is an honorific hombre (you know, after he went one better than both Federer and Djokovic in terms of career Grand Slam wins), and after ploughing through injuries and still winning various times in his career, he last night did the same again, winning his quarter-final against Taylor Fritz despite being in such pain his dad told him to retire from the match.

Nadal looked screwed in every sense as he left the court for a medical time out half way through the match, as he fought abdominal pain, with his dad and sister gesticulating for him to stop playing.

But he, just as he did in the Australian Open (where many people wrote him off after he started poorly), showed his iconic never say die attitude, and came back from two sets to one down in a 3-6 7-5 3-6 7-5 7-6 showdown.

“For a lot of moments I was thinking I would not be able to finish the match but the crowd, the energy, thanks for that,” Nadal said after the game.

“I can’t thank you enough for the support.”

Nadal is now scheduled to play Kyrgios tomorrow night. In a press conference after the match, Nadal said: “For me it was tough to retire. In the middle of the match, not easy, even if I had that idea for such a long time but on the other hand I did it a couple of times in my tennis career.”

“It’s something that I hate to do it, so I just keep trying and that’s it.”

Rafael Nadal

He added: “Tomorrow I’m going to have some more tests but difficult to know… I’m not the kind of player that I didn’t have a lot of things in my tennis career, so I am used to have things and I am used to hold pain and to play with problems.”

“I had these feelings for a couple of days but without a doubt today was the worst day – has been an important increase in pain and limitation.”

When asked about what the doctor did during the medical time out, he said: “They can’t do much. The doctor came and gave me some anti-inflammatories, analgesics, I don’t know, and that’s it. The physio tried to relax a little bit the muscle there.”

“I fighted – I’m proud about the fighting spirit and I managed to be competitive under that conditions.”

“I can’t give you a clear answer [on whether he will play against Kygrios as scheduled] because if I give you a clear answer and tomorrow another thing happens I will be a liar so I can’t.”

“At the end all decisions are player decisions, but at the same time I need to know different opinions and I need to check everything the proper way. There is something even more important than winning Wimbledon that is the health and let’s see how this is going.”

Is not human @RafaelNadal

— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 6, 2022

On social media, Nadal was congratulated for his never give up attitude (and his astonishing ability to back it up). Fellow Spaniard and Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea wrote: “Is not human.” Wimbledon’s official account called him a warrior, and Patrick McEnroe said: “I said it before… I’ll say it again… @RafaelNadal everyone….”

Comments on Youtube were split, with some expressing their admiration and awe, and others expressing their concern. One wrote: “‘I hate to do it’. Long live this great champion.”

Rafa Nadal has to be the most insane competitor in any sport … ever. From a cracked rib to playing with a numb foot to his fight today, it's absolutely ridiculous. Can't think of anyone else doing what he does time and time again #Tennis #Wimbledon #VamosRafa #Nadal

— Kiran Gupta (@kirangupta_) July 6, 2022

Another commented: “I don’t mind if he plays or not but he needs to look after himself. Forgoing Wimbledon is difficult but the amount of injuries he has had lately he needs to think about the body. He can still go for grandslams in future but if he pushes it too much and gets a serious injury which forces him off the tour for another 6-8 months then the whole process of coming back to the top is really tough and at his age seems like mission impossible.”

All we can say, is let the greatness roll. Bring on Kyrgios – Nadal 10.0 (they’ve played 9 times before, with Nadal winning 6 of those matchups). Let’s hope those scans (and the doctor’s advice) go well.

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The post Rafael Nadal Is The Competitive Ideal We Should All Aspire To appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Ah, Wimbledon. Steeped in tradition, it’s one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world – and both competitors and spectators alike bring their sartorial A-game to the tennis tournament. But the title of ‘best dressed’ this year looks like it’s already been taken out by none other than David Beckham.

The perennially stylish football legend was in attendance for the quarter-finals match between Spain’s Rafael Nadal of Spain and the US’ Taylor Fritz on day ten of The Championships and chose to wear a full Ralph Lauren outfit for the occasion.

Becks paired a dapper brown double-breasted jacket with a tasteful striped shirt, square-patterned tie, white trousers and suede loafers. Classic British sporting style, and easily the best outfit we’ve seen at Wimbledon this year.

It’s a bit Ron Burgundy, but we kind of back it. He also brought his mum along with him to the match – what a legend.

He also strapped on his newest watch: a Tudor Black Bay Pro. A new model unveiled at Watches & Wonders earlier this year it’s arguably the best travel watch the cult Swiss brand has ever produced. Wimbledon’s a famously good place for Rolex spotting – check out the rare Daytona that Roger Federer was spotted with earlier – so it sort of makes sense we’d see a few cool Tudors, too.

A 39mm GMT watch and a new model within Tudor’s popular Black Bay range, the Black Pay Pro is in many ways a revival of the original Rolex Explorer II (ref. 1655), which was produced from 1971 to 1985. It combines design codes from the ref. 1655 with Tudor aesthetic: namely the use of ‘snowflake’ hands for the hour, seconds and GMT hands.

RELATED: Tudor, ‘The People’s Rolex’, Revives A Very Underrated Watch

A GMT watch is a watch that can tell the time in two different time zones, which is the perfect complication for a jet-setter like Golden Balls, who splits his time between his native Britain and Miami, where he owns an MLS football team, Inter Miami FC.

Beckham’s been a busy boy lately: celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, running football coaching classes in Singapore, swanning about at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and promoting the eSports team he’s invested in… He must be racking up some tasty frequent flyer miles.

RELATED: David Beckham Defies Ageing Process With Scorching Ab Workout

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The post David Beckham Wins Best Outfit Of Wimbledon 2022 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We’d all like to put on muscle mass as easily as our favourite actors. But it’s not easy for them, either. They just have access to killer trainers. We spoke to one such trainer – Jono Castano – to ask him how we too, can bulk like a pro. Plus: his top tip for breaking through a plateau.

Have you ever wondered why celebrities hit their body transformation goals, and you don’t? You’re not alone. Between writing articles about fitness motivation gurus coming to Australia, heart rate specific training and why there’s never an excuse, really, to skip a workout, we tend to spend the rest of our time crying in a corner, wondering why we don’t look like Chris Hemsworth or Chris Pratt (or trying to grow our beards and hair like them).

So for that reason, we jumped at the chance to interview Jono Castano, the founder or Acero, prior to a training session where we were made to work out (somewhat) like Navy SEALS (spoiler: I didn’t look much like a Navy SEAL). When I asked him what the main difference was between training celebrities and ‘normal’ people, his answer went a way to explaining why they hit their goals more often than us.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JONO CASTANO (@jonocastanoacero)

Mr Castano said it’s not that celebrities are built different to everyday folks, they just do things differently. Very differently. He said: “I think training celebrities, for example, something like this – The Terminal List – and things that Chris Pratt had to train for, he had an insane training regime so I think a lot of these celebrities, they have a goal in mind, whether they want to get fit for a role or doing these crazy stunts or whatever it is, and they come with those serious goals.”

The general population tend to be less specific in their goals, which often means they are harder to aim at, Mr Castano says: “In terms of the general population we focus more on weight loss or aesthetics or even just moving more.”

He added: “In terms of, say, a celebrity trying to put on muscle for a role, they’ve got exact calories – you have to be at a surplus – a strong training regime, recovery; a whole program built. At Acero they [Mr Castano’s clients] do the same, but we work 9-5 as well; we can’t dedicate as much time as a movie star.”

“They wake up, they train, they eat they recover. Us: we wake up, we go to work, we train; it takes a toll.”

Jono Castano

If you’re stuck for putting on muscle mass, Mr Castano says his best advice for breaking through a plateau is “be open to new training – a lot of us focus on the same program for a whole year, with no new load that you’re adapting to your workout.”

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“If I do want to break through a plateau, I’m going to slow the motions down, I’m going to increase the weight, I’m going to add quarter reps and add new exercises. Try new things; yoga, whatever it is.”

Jono Castano

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A post shared by Chris Pratt (@prattprattpratt)

How slow should you go? Jono calls it “time under tension,” and advocated “a nice 4-2-2. Four down, two hold, two up. If you’re doing that with a good amount of volume, the burn is going to be insane.”

There you have it. Now get burning.

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The post Celebrity Trainer Jono Castano Reveals How To Bulk Like A Pro appeared first on DMARGE Australia.