Category: Used Car Review

No comments

SUZUKI SX4 2007 – 2013

  By ,
2013 Suzuki SX4

Though relatively small in Australia Suzuki is a major player in the small vehicle market globally. It is best known Downunder for 4WDs and SUVs but also makes cars and wagons. This week’s used car feature, the Suzuki SX4 is part hatchback and part station wagon. Some models have all-wheel-drive so can venture off-road and onto beaches. But don’t attempt too much or you might have to wait for a Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki Vitara or even an old Suzuki Sierra, to happen along and tow you out. Ride comfort in… Read more

No comments

PEUGEOT 4008 2012 – 2017

  By ,
2012 Peugeot 4008

The Peugeot 4008 was the French carmaker’s first entry into the booming SUV market when it was launched here in June 2012 . As a toe-in-the-water exercise the 4008 is a joint venture between Peugeot and Mitsubishi. It comes off the same Japanese factory as the Mitsubishi ASX. Japanese quality and French styling flair – hmm, that’s a nice combination. Though it hasn’t exactly set the sales charts on fire the 4008 has done moderately well. Although the two vehicles are pretty much the same under the skin, Peugeot 4008… Read more

No comments

HOLDEN STATESMAN AND CAPRICE 2003 – 2015

  By ,
2003 Holden Caprice

With Holden about to pull out of local manufacturing and start importing the next generation Commodore from Germany other car companies are rushing to try and fill the gap. But none of them can offer a large spacious sedan like the Holden Statesman or Caprice. These long wheelbase versions of the standard Commodore sedan offer stretch out comfort in the rear seats. Though not as refined as the large, upmarket European sedans these big Holdens are better suited to local road conditions than the Germans, Brits and Japanese. Will the… Read more

No comments

FORD ECOSPORT 2013 – 2017

  By ,

Ford EcoSport is a small SUV built on the underpinnings of the Fiesta, but with a taller body, significantly more ground clearance and fascinating styling. Unlike some in this ever-expanding class no EcoSports are offered with all-wheel drive. EcoSport features bold wheelarches, 4WD-type sill protection and a high window line. Interestingly, there are traces of the Australian-designed Ford Territory in the shape of the wraparound rear window styling. Bold styling continues inside the cabin, with clever shapes for the centre console area and the binnacle of the instrument panel. Cost… Read more

No comments

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 2009 – 2017

  By ,
2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD

In Europe, the Golf is often seen as a full-sized car and it’s not unusual to see them with four adults inside. Aussies tend to regard them more as transport for a family with pre-teen children, but if you live in an inner city area in Melbourne of Sydney a Golf may fill all your motoring needs. Still regarded as a benchmark car in its class if you’re a keen driver, the Volkswagen Golf has had its ups and downs in recent years. Once famed for German build quality and… Read more

No comments

HYUNDAI i45 2010 – 2013

  By ,

The i45 moved the image of Hyundai as a maker of small, low-cost, sensible cars to largish sedans with style – lots of style. Its swooping curves and brave style lines were at the outer edge of automotive thinking when it was launched in 2010 – and still look stunning to this day. It was brought to Australia in three models, in increasing level of equipment these are i45 Active, i45 Elite and i45 Premium. Quality of build was eons ahead of that in the original rather crude 1980s Hyundais…. Read more

No comments

HOLDEN CRUZE 2011 – 2016

  By ,
2009 Holden Cruze

For what’s classified as a small car the Holden Cruze is quite large and has good leg and shoulder room for four adults. Three children in the back and parents in the front all have room to move. You get a lot for your money if you’re mainly seeking comfortable travel, but if you’re looking for a smaller sportier Commodore you won’t find it here Comfort is generally good and noise, vibration and harshness are well suppressed. Rough roads do challenge the suspension at times, but for its class Cruze… Read more

No comments

TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2011 – 2016

  By ,

Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tribute to the legendary Toyota FJ 40 LandCruiser first seen in Australia almost 60 years back. The original was a rough ’n’ tough old-style 4WD whereas the new one was launched here in March 2011 is much easier to live with, though still a lot more capable off-road than most people realise. Our launch took place five years after the FJ Cruiser had been introduced in the US of A. Many Aussies had seen it over there, or in many pics in local 4WD magazines,… Read more

No comments

SUBARU BRZ 2012 – 2016

  By ,
2012 Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ is a small rear-drive Japanese sports coupe selling for a pretty reasonable price, particularly when compared with the cost of the typical European equivalents. The Subaru’s closest competitor is the Mazda MX-5. The BRZ is a full-on sportscar that’s simply delightful to drive, with true RWD handling, excellent throttle control and steering that talks to you. Just perfect for early morning Sunday drives on your favourite bits of road. It’s even fine as a daily commuter thanks to the precise gearshift and light clutch. The Subaru is offered… Read more

No comments

HOLDEN BARINA 2005 – 2016

  By ,
2005 Holden Barina

Holden Barina is a small car that’s generally tough in its build and put together to a good standard. It has a good reputation for being simple to drive and park and long lasting if driven and serviced correctly. It was the smallest car sold in Australia by Holden for many years, an even smaller model, called Barina Spark and later just plain Spark was sold from 2010, but isn’t the model being surveyed here. The first Barinas were made by Japanese Suzuki and introduced here in 1989, then from… Read more