Category: Road Test

Road Test Review

No comments

LEXUS LUXURY ON A NUMBER OF LEVELS

  By ,

The Lexus IS 200t is a success on many levels. Pricewise it’s positioned between the upper medium passenger sedan and lower premium car market; and it performs like a luxury sedan or a spritely sports coupe depending on how the driver sets up the controls. Finally, the IS 200t offers a level of comfort and convenience normally found in vehicles positioned well into the luxury car market. Which is aimed at further broadening its appeal. A replacement for the IS 250, sharp prices characterise the IS 200t range which consists… Read more

No comments

JAGUAR F-TYPE COUPE IS A STUNNER

  By ,

Almost three years ago Jaguar took the unusual step of introducing the F-Type convertible before the coupe version, it’s usually done the other way around. Now an F-Type coupe has spent a week in our possession and we have enjoyed every minute in it. As is normal the coupe is lighter than the convertible because the open body needs additional strengthening to make up for the loss of a fixed roof. Meaning there’s a bit more bang for your buck. Jaguar arranged for us to review an F-Type S coupe… Read more

No comments

MINI CLUBMAN IS SPORTY, VERSATILE MINI WAGON

  By ,

While the latest Mini Cooper Clubman station wagon, released here in November 2015, is larger and more conventional in styling than before it remains unmistakably a Mini with its squat shape and distinctive grille. The most significant change is in its length, up by 292 mm to 4253 mm while it is now 117 mm wider (1800 mm) with the wheelbase extended by 123 mm. Height remains at 1441 mm. Gone, thankfully, is the small rear-mounted passenger door which was a talking point with the old Clubman and, because it… Read more

No comments

NEW PAJERO IS A REAL ‘SPORT’

  By ,

At last: after living with the lumpen lines of previous Pajeros, the latest iteration of the large wagon from Mitsubishi has taken up looks more in character with that of a true sports utility vehicle. While Mitsubishi says the Pajero Sport is the most technically advanced off-roader it has produced, it is the all-round look of the company’s new Dynamic Shield styling theme that is the most striking feature. The Pajero Sport comes in three highly-specified versions – GLX, GLS and Exceed – starting at a competitive entry-level price of… Read more

No comments

2016 MASERATI QUATTROPORTE GTS REVIEW

  By ,

Maserati has always been about sight and sound, favouring the sensual over the technical. There are plenty of reasons for this as over time the Italian company has battled its demons through a series of owners, living on its brand appeal and Italian feel. The sixth-generation Quattroporte has consolidated on the successes of the fifth while adding plenty of new goodies. It’s no technological match for the Germans, so it needs to deliver on the Modenese company’s best traits. VALUE The headline figure of $331,000 is extraordinarily difficult to ignore,… Read more

No comments

2016 PEUGEOT 208 GT LINE REVIEW

  By ,

The Peugeot 208 range hasn’t exactly set Australian sales charts on fire, but has been a fine return to form for the French manufacturer after a couple of duffers. Its top-of-the-range 208 GTi has received plenty of attention for the most convincing attempt to reboot the beloved 205 GTi. However not every wants, or can afford, that range-topper. So Peugeot has sent the 208 Allure to finishing school to create a more affordable model called the GT Line. VALUE While the Peugeot 208 range starts at $15,990 with a five-speed… Read more

No comments

FIAT 500X EXPANDS THE RANGE

  By ,

At the end of 2015 Fiat expanded its 500 range with the introduction of a crossover called the 500X. Significantly bigger than the standard Fiat 500 it has more interior space, utilised through the convenience of rear doors. The Fiat 500X was designed in conjunction with the new Jeep Renegade. Italian Fiat now controls Jeep after American company got into financial trouble during the GFC. There’s a nice combination of Italian style and American 4WD knowhow in this partnership. Fiat 500X as tested this week is an all-wheel-drive (AWD) Cross… Read more

No comments

FORTUNER BRINGS HOME THE AUSSIE BACON

  By ,

Toyota may be parking its vehicle manufacturing in Australia but that does not mean Aussie input into the Japanese automotive industry is winding down. Take the new Fortuner seven-seat family SUV, for example. The wagon’s new body, wiring and key underpinnings were designed and developed by Australians, while the rugged frame, engine, all-coil suspension and strong upper body were proven Down Under in some of the world’s toughest testing. Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb says Foruner is the biggest single development program undertaken by the company’s… Read more

No comments

BMW X4 35D ADDED TO THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE RANGE

  By ,

The days when diesel engines were dismissed as being slow, noisy and not particularly pleasant to sit behind have long since vanished. There’s no more proof than the introduction of what BMW Australia describes as its new X4 ‘halo’ car, the xDrive35d – the ‘d’ indicating its powered by a turbo-diesel engine – which uses variable vanes to minimise lag and increase overall power and fuel efficiency. BMW Australia’s product chief, Shawn Ticehurst, says the X4 xDrive35d will assume status as the flagship model in the X4 range, “Since its… Read more

No comments

PEUGEOT 208 GT-LINE IS HEAPS OF FUN

  By ,

The 208 range hasn’t exactly set Australian sales charts on fire, but has been a fine return to form for the French manufacturer after a couple of duffers. Its top-of-the-range GTi has, however, got plenty of attention for the most convincing attempt to reboot the beloved 205 GTi. Not every wants or can afford that range-topper, however, but with its excellent ride and handling on offer, Peugeot has sent the 208 Allure to finishing school to create the GT Line. VALUE While the 208 range starts at $15,990 with a… Read more