Category: Used Car Review

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LEXUS CT200h 2011 – 2017

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2014 Lexus CT200h

Lexus is getting increasingly serious about its emission-reducing hybrid cars. The Lexus CT200 was the first model to be sold in Australia only as a hybrid, there was no pure-petrol option. But in 2018 it was joined by the all-new Lexus ES. Lexus’ parent company Toyota is also pushing hard on its hybrids, with the new Corolla hybrid being launched late in 2017 to join the recently updated Toyota Camry hybrid. Meaning that hybrids are becoming increasingly considered in by Australian buyers. So might be a time to get into… Read more

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ASTON MARTIN LE MANS

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1932 Aston Martin Le Mans

When Sir Arthur Sutherland took control of Aston Martin in 1932 he introduced a new range of cars using proprietary components. These were built around a new chassis frame, a modified version of the 1.5-litre single overhead camshaft engine used in earlier models and a bought-in Moss transmission. The chassis frame came in different lengths so a choice of wheelbase lengths – 2591 mm or 3048 mm – and a choice of two-seater and four-seater body styles were offered. This engine was extremely efficient for its time developing 62 kW…. Read more

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JEEP COMPASS 2007 – 2017

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2007 Jeep Compass

The first Jeep Compass has had a mixed career – starting off as what we would now probably call a competent crossover, moving on to being a pretty good SUV, and these days is offered as a full-on rugged 4WD that is Trail rated to extra tough Jeep standards. Compass was launched in Australia in September 2007 after Jeep finally realised that 4WD lookalikes were becoming increasing popular and often being bought in place of conventional passenger cars. It was rather odd in its appearance, though it did have the… Read more

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SKODA OCTAVIA 2007 – 2017

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2007 Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia can be described as a Volkswagen Jetta (Golf sedan) with a different body. German Volkswagen has controlled Czech Skoda since the fall of communion in the early 1990s. Therefore the Octavia’s mechanicals are from the VW, but the Czechs designed a body around the skeleton of the Jetta. The Czechs like to have room to move in their cars and the Octavia is larger inside than its Volkswagen cousins. In fact it’s more VW Passat than Jetta in its spacious cabin and boot. Octavia became slightly larger with… Read more

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HYUNDAI ACCENT 2006 – 2017

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2011 Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Accent has been on sale in Australia since June 2000 and has been a steady seller due to continuous improvements in build quality and, just as importantly, Australia developed suspension tuning. In this review we will look at Accents sold here from the new model of June 2006. By this time the localisation of the Accent was under way; it reached full strength with the next series that first arrived arrived here in July 2011. Accent is solidly built and older ones that have been looked after properly are… Read more

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FORD TERRITORY 2004 – 2016

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2011 Ford Territory

Ford Territory is a large SUV designed and built in Australia. Launched in May 2004 It was based on the Ford Falcon and shares some of its mechanical components however, many parts are unique to the big wagon. Time was against it as Ford Oz was struggling in the sales race and didn’t have the budget to design an all-new Territory. Seven years after its introduction it did receive a major makeover in May 2011. As well as styling enhancements significant changes were made to rides and handling, with less… Read more

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HOLDEN / OPEL ASTRA 2004 – 2017

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2004 Holden Astra CD

From 1996 the Astra was imported from the Opel in Europe but rebadged as a Holden. Holden Astra was sold as the AH Series from November 2004 until 2009. However, Holden chose to sell low-cost models of the otherwise-superseded TS series when the AH series was introduced. These had the title of Astra Classic. A major makeover of the AH in March 2007 saw a facelift and improved engine performance. Then came the start of some marketing mistakes. The Astra AH models discontinued in 2010 to be replaced by cheaper… Read more

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MAZDA CX-7 2006 – 2012

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2006 Mazda CX-7

Mazda CX-7 entered new territory when it was launched downunder in November 2006. It was a cross between a hot-hatch and an SUV rather than a toned-down 4WD as was the norm back then. Powered by a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 175 kW and a hefty 350Nm it really gets up and boogies when you hit that pedal on the right. Not surprisingly it likes a drink. Despite its sort-of SUV shape Mazda CX-7 in AWD format really isn’t intended to do any more than mild off-road running. You… Read more

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HYUNDAI i45 AND SONATA 2010 – 2017

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2015 Hyundai Sonata

Hyundai Sonata has been sold in Australia since 1993. It was temporarily renamed the Hyundai i45 from May 2010 till mid 2013. The name change was due to an upmarket sales push created by its almost futuristic shape and significantly improved build quality. Another factor was probably the rapidly growing movement from cars to SUVs Australian-wide. Anyhow, after a hiatus of two years the Sonata title was brought back to Australia in February 2015. By this time the Hyundai importers had become very serious about the needs and desires of… Read more

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TOYOTA PRADO 2009 – 2017

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2016 Toyota Prado

Though it has ‘proper 4WD’ body-on-chassis construction the Toyota Prado is aimed at buyers who will do most of their driving on-road, but who do want to get serious at times in moderate to harsh off-road conditions. Prado has been sold in Australia since 1996, but in this feature we will start with the November 2009 introduction of the fourth-generation. Australia is an extremely important market for the Toyota Prado, ours being the second largest in the world in sales. So Prado’s chief engineer, Makoto Arimoto, came to Australia for… Read more