Category: Road Test

Road Test Review

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NO STOPPING – THERE’S LIFE IN THE OLD FRIEND YET

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Despite its longevity, there is something of an enigma about the Nissan 370Z: is it a comfy Coupe with two seats; or an out-and-out sports car with performance paramount to the detriment of all else? I suggest it’s the former. Sophisticated is a way of putting it, something the car has exhibited since its inception almost a decade ago as the descendent, via the 350Z and others, of the legendary 240Z of the 1960s. And, for good or bad, not much has changed. With almost 4200 sales in Australia since… Read more

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SONATA: A MODEL CASE OF GIVE AND TAKE

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Out of Hyundai’s design centre in Irvine, California, a new shape is aimed at giving the sedan more street presence. It has the company’s signature cascading grille like that on the latest i30 and new Kona, with a chiselled air dam and sleek new headlights venturing into the front guards. Vertical daytime running lights add to a more dynamic appearance, while a more assertive side view and a completely re-worked tail end feature a clean boot design and slimmer rear lights. Chrome trim below the grille and on the lower… Read more

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2018 VOLVO XC60 T6 R-DESIGN

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The thing about being the favourite is that there are often people lining up waiting for you to slip. Volvo’s XC60 has been the manufacturer’s most popular model around the world since it was first launched a decade ago so it came as no surprise that the automotive world was watching keenly when the all-new second generation was unveiled. We put the new T6 R-Design to the family test to see how it stood up to the favourite tag. STYLING With its trademark sash grille, sleek body lines and Thor… Read more

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QASHQAI SETTLES IN TO KEEPING A GOOD NAME

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The Nissan Qashqai has led something of a double life since its birth a decade ago when it first came Down Under as the Nissan Dualis. Since then, as well as shedding diesel power and two seats, the Japanese crossover has played the name game, reverting to its original global moniker. Now, says Nissan, at the bidding of buyers, the Qashqai has been upgraded and the range simplified. Included are grades from the entry-level ST to mid-range ST-L and top-end Ti. However, because of manufacturing issues at the Nissan plant… Read more

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NEW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY IS THE BEST YET

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Almost 70 years ago the first ever Land Rover vehicle, the Series I, was launched at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show an event that the company will commemorate with what it has dubbed World Land Rover Day on the 30th of April. The original Land Rover was inspired by the iconic Willys Jeep that had proven itself during the Second World War and like it, was rugged and simple in both its appearance and performance. The first Land Rover Discovery was released in 1989 to occupy the very large gap… Read more

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2018 SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT TURBO

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Hot-car lovers on a limited budget will just love the new Suzuki Swift Sport Turbo, the subject of this week’s road test. With a price tag of just $25,490 for the six-speed manual, and $27,490 for a six-speed auto, you get a lot of bang for your bucks To add to the sporty feel of the hot little Suzy we had it during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. The 11-day period meant our bright yellow machine felt right at home, being eager, exciting and enjoyable for every minute. Best of… Read more

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2018 NISSAN NAVARA DUAL-CAB 4X4 ST

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We love having a big, sprawling four-wheel-drive at our house, swayed of course by its rugged nature, no-nonsense appearance and its innate ability to approach all challenges as adventures. What better way test it than the week you are moving house? The Nissan Navara ST made numerous trips to the dump and the Salvation Army, making hasty work of, “but it’s precious to me” mountain my girls have gathered over the last few years, and the “you can’t throw away a good shirt” pile my husband has accumulated over the… Read more

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GIULIA SET TO RESURRECT THE ALFA ROMEO BRAND

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Alfa Romeo Giulia arrived here in January 2017 with the arduous task of helping to resurrect the iconic Italian brand to the level that made it one of the world’s most respected carmakers. The Alfa Romeo 4C that went on sale in 2015 was certainly a positive sign but it was a small two-door coupe or convertible sportscar with limited impact on the general market. By contrast Giulia is a mid-sized family sedan albeit one with serious performance attributes. With SUVs dominating sales it’s getting harder and harder to find… Read more

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A ‘SPEC ‘N’ TECH’ SPRUCE-UP SPURS LUXE NX LEXUS

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“Not to be messed with”: that, we are told, is what the powers that be at Lexus wanted to get across with its upgrade to the NX line of luxury sports utility vehicles. Said one exec: “Improvements to the NX styling and dynamics will enhance its appeal by projecting a sportier character from what is already one of the sharpest luxury SUVs on the road.” And, like the genie in the bottle, the team tasked with the job, the boss’s wish was its command. Did it work? The ‘spec ‘n’… Read more

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LEXUS LX GETS TURBO-DIESEL OPTION

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Until now the large Lexus LX series SUVs have only been sold here with a 5.7-litre twin-cab petrol V8, if you wanted a turbo-diesel you had to opt for the LX’s close cousin, the Toyota LandCruiser 200. The reasoning being that diesels didn’t necessarily give the sort of near silence and refinement the upmarket Japanese marque has been renowned for. These days diesels are almost as refined as petrol units so Lexus has added a diesel LX, the 450d. With a capacity of 4.5 litres this twin-cam, twin-turbo V8 diesel… Read more