Category: Road Test

Road Test Review

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OUTLANDER IN PUSH FOR HIGH GROUND

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They say a characteristic of a generation Y person is that he or she wants everything; and they want it now. Sounds like perfect candidates for the upgraded Mitsubishi Outlander sports utility vehicle. While already well specified, the MY17 medium-size SUV has shifted up a notch or two, adding a new mid-range LS Safety Pack model with forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam feature. Top model Exceed also adopts these features as standard, as well as advanced safety systems such as 360 degree… Read more

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SKODA WAGON ADDS UP TO A LOAD OF SENSE

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If today’s sports utility vehicles are the winkle-pickers (Google it) of the automotive world, all-wheel drive wagons are the lace-up brogues; what your mother might call ‘sensible shoes’. For those with little history, think Sean Connery, rather than Johnny Depp; ruggedly handsome, against off-beat and quirky. The Skoda Octavia Scout is a perfect example of the former; always has been. STYLING Octavia Scout maintains the robust character of its predecessor. There’s no missing the bold Scout-only bumpers and added body protection. The radiator grille now carries the Scout badge The… Read more

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2017 AUDI A3 CABRIOLET

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There is something about being able to lower the roof of a car and have the wind in your hair and sun on your face that speaks to the pure enjoyment of life. Sure, you probably won’t be enjoying life that much when you are trying to remove the knots from your hair but that’s a mood spoiler you can leave for later. Audi’s immensely popular A3 range, one that basically defined the luxury small car segment, also boasts a beautiful Cabriolet which we were happy to put to the… Read more

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2017 SUBARU IMPREZA 2.0I-S REVIEW

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Subaru expects big things of the new Impreza. The Japanese manufacturer has spent more than a billion dollars in the development of the new platform and it is an investment it hopes to collect on – with this small car line-up and the other Subaru products that will use it as their foundations. This new Impreza, available in both sedan and hatch, is almost entirely new from the ground up with only the odd bolt and window lever borrowed from the outgoing edition. The range offers three choices starting with… Read more

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2017 RANGE ROVER SPORT SVR REVIEW

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Range Rover Sport SVR is one of hardest accelerating 4WDs on the planet. Its 405 kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8 has it screaming from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds. Note the term ‘4WD’ in this opening par, because this isn’t an SUV, it is a genuine off-road vehicle that can handle harsh conditions that would have many so-called competitors stuck within the first few metres. For example, wheel travel remains identical to the standard Sport, with 260 mm at the front and 272 mm at the rear. Wading… Read more

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NISSAN X-TRAIL MAKEOVER

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Nissan has given its midsize X-Trail SUV a big performance boost, a solid makeover in appearance both inside and out, added significant technology and improved its overall refinement. Now in its 17th year, over four generations, with total sales downunder approaching 200,000, the X-Trail is an important vehicle in the sales armament of the Australian arm of the Japanese giant that has operated in Australia since the mid 1960s (beginning as Datsun). Though the appearance changes to the body are restricted to the ‘soft’ areas, that is plastic and glass… Read more

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2017 AUDI Q2 REVIEW

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Sales of small and midsize SUVs are booming worldwide, not just in Australia. Many are being bought by people with no desire to go off-road, but who want something that’s easy to get in and out. Station wagons are considered boring whereas SUVs like the Audi Q2 are highly favoured . Enter the all-new Audi Q2, a stylish machine that is spacious for its class, easy to drive and park and a good midsize load hauler. STYLING At the front the Audi Q2 follows its own distinct direction when compared… Read more

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2017 MAZDA6 REVIEW

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Who can pass on value for money? The idea that we are getting a bargain is what makes us drive ten extra kilometres for cheaper fuel, or add yet another two-for-one item to the shopping trolley. It is also how I justify that new shoe purchase to my husband. And the dress and the bag… That’s what Mazda is hoping will boost sales of its mid-sized sedan – presenting buyers with a premium proposition for an affordable outlay. To that end, the new Mazda6 has been packed with more technology,… Read more

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2017 RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE REVIEW

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Based on the three-door hardtop version of the Evoque, the convertible has had its entire upper body deleted and replaced by a fabric top. It’s gained a lot of weight – about 275 kilograms depending on the model to add the strength that used to be provided by the sold roof. For comments on the performance see Driving later in this road test. STYLING The Evoque is visually attractive in open-top fashion, though the sides are very tall, reminding us it’s an SUV, not a sportscar. Roof up, it can… Read more

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S4 SEDAN STILL THE STUFF OF AUDI LEGEND

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For those who crave performance with panache at a not-so-prohibitive price, form a line here. The Audi S4 has arrived Taking its place at the head of the new A4 range, together with the iconic S4 Avant station wagon, the sedan continues five generations of high-performance sports cars with a stylish sophistication that’s understated. Audi maintains refinement is the S4 keyword, with advanced technology, intelligent infotainment and connectivity systems, as well as highly developed chassis concept that reduces weight by 75kg, while improving handling and ride comfort. With its 3.0-litre… Read more