Category: Road Test

Road Test Review

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2017 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SRT REVIEW

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The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is a bit of a conundrum. A thundering V8 in a hulk of a 4WD designed with who knows what in mind, offering a thrill in a straight line and some competence off the tarmac – it is head shaking stuff. Yet because of all this, rather than in spite of it, the SRT is also decidedly likeable. I’m partial to a V8 despite its impracticality, and the Grand Cherokee SRT offers the sort of value for money and stirring drive that deserves a second… Read more

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RENAULT CLIO IS AFFORDABLE AND FUN

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Although the streets of Australia’s major cities are becoming increasingly congested the demand for small cars such as this week’s review, Renault Clio, has steadily declined, a victim mainly of the growth in sales of compact SUVs. Despite this there is serious competition within the market segment led by Hyundai Accent, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. High comparative pricing meant that Renault Clio has barely registered on the sales radar in recent years. This is a great pity because this stylish little French car has plenty to offer. The current, fourth… Read more

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2017 NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-L REVIEW

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The X-Trail is a more than able soldier for Nissan accounting for most of the manufacturer’s sales in this country last year and the latest nip and tuck is likely to keep that momentum going. The updated model is offered with two petrol engines, with a diesel on its way, in manual or automatic, five or seven seats and two-wheel or four-wheel drive. You clearly won’t be short on choice then. Nissan X-Trail now also boasts a raft of new features without Nissan tinkering with the price. The ST-L we… Read more

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NEW SUV HAS SUBARU RACING INTO THE LEAD

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It appears Subaru has backed a winner with the new XV, with sales of the small sports utility vehicle up 139.0 per cent for August, pushing the maker to becoming the fastest growing top 10 brand in the automotive industry, according to official VFACTS figures. Subaru took a gamble with the XV, stepping out of the square with its sharper looks over the soft-skinned majority of the segment and augmenting this with technology designed to take on conditions other soft-roaders could only dream about tackling. The second-generation XV comes in… Read more

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SUZUKI SWIFT’S SMOOTH TRANSITION TO MODERN MOTORING

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The latest Suzuki Swift displays the Japanese company’s history of engineering excellence with a particularly well-sorted drivetrain. Its 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, mated with an excellent CVT, is a real delight to sit behind. Our test car, the Suzuki Swift GL Navigator with Safety Pack, provided seamless and seemingly effortless operation in almost all circumstances. STYLING The new Swift has taken on a more assertive look, especially up front, with a wide open radiator and lower bumper grille making a positive statement. Fenders add more muscle to a lower and wider… Read more

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2017 HYUNDAI i30 SPORT REVIEW

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The new Hyundai i30 has already been ruffling a few feathers. The South Korean giant has positioned the small hatch as a premium offering that is stylish, better equipped and the most technologically savvy i30 yet. Hyundai i30 is already a firm favourite in Australia with 30 per cent of all i30s manufactured globally being sold here. It fights well alongside the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf and other, smaller, players. Potential buyers will be spoilt for choice. The new i30 is offered in four variants, with two transmissions… Read more

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2017 HOLDEN ASTRA LTZ SEDAN REVIEW

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Holden is very serious about its small-to-medium Astra range. In December 2016 it launched a five-door hatch; a four-door sedan – the subject of this test in topline LTZ format – came out in June this year, and a station wagon will be added to before the end of the year. Sales of the hatch weren’t as high as GM-Holden anticipated and weren’t helped by the traditionally slow January / February holiday AND back-to-school periods. So recommended prices were dropped a few months after the launch to try and kick… Read more

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2017 SUBARU XV 2.0i-S REVIEW

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The Subaru XV has been a surprising charmer for the Japanese manufacturer, its distinctive looks and inherent sense of fun creating interest in whole new demographic. The latest version of the compact Subaru SUV aligns closely under the skin to the Subaru Impreza hatch and is looking to further improve Subaru’s growing market share in this segment. Offered in four variants with price-drops across the range, the XV starts at $27,990, and boasts a handy list of standard features. It challenges the Mazda CX-3, Nissan Qashqai, Honda HR-V and Toyota… Read more

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FORD EVEREST IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF AUSSIE KNOW-HOW

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Ford Everest is a big, rugged 4WD / SUV that’s been around in other countries since 2003 but didn’t arrive in Australia until the release of the third generation model in late 2015. Although it’s fully imported from Thailand it is an important model for Ford Australia as the company moves away from vehicle production while retaining local employment by providing technical input through its research and development investment. Although the arrival of Ford Everest almost dove-tailed with the departure of the popular Territory the two vehicles are quite different…. Read more

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2017 BMW 430i COUPE REVIEW

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Two-door coupes have a certain allure that seem to transcend the tricky access to the back seat. They feel sporty and fun and suggest a freedom that many of us crave. BMW’s 430i Coupe is no different. A spin-off from the 3-Series as the Bavarian manufacturer looked to capture a market that was looking for more lifestyle options than the everyday 3-Series, it has the luxury and performance to add credence to the deal. Now it has been updated with new lights, infotainment unit and adjusted suspension making for an… Read more