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TOYOTA PRADO 2003 – 2016

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2003 Toyota Prado GXL

Toyota imports a large number of 4WD, SUV and crossover vehicles to Australia and dominates our market here. Indeed, it can trace its first efforts back to the days of the original Snowy Mountain Scheme in the 1950s. The Toyota Prado sits a couple of steps down in the range, beneath the tough LandCruiser 70 Series light truck and the rugged LandCruiser station wagon. To further complicate irefully things the full title of the Prado is LandCruiser Prado. Beneath the Prado comes the Toyota Kluger, then the Toyota RAV4. Do… Read more

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VALUE-ADDED FORD EVERESTS

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Keen to cash in on the current craze for buying SUVs rather than cars Ford Australia has added extra models to its Everest Ambiente range, fitted extra equipment to other models and, in many cases, reduced prices. Everest range now include a new Ambiente two-wheel-drive (the rear wheels) with five-seats and a suggested list price of $47,990. Adding a third row of seats only puts another $1000 to the price. Ford Everest Ambiente models now have standard Sync3 including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This is operated through an… Read more

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THAT’S NOT AN SUV …

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To paraphrase old mate Crocodile Dundee, “That’s not an SUV … this is an SUV!” Early in 2017 SUV sales in Australia overtook those of passenger cars. This doesn’t make sense to me because it’s blindingly obvious that many so-called SUVs are nothing but tall hatchbacks. I decided to research the origin of SUVs in Australia and was stunned and delighted to find that the first ever Australian designed and built SUV was … wait for it … the FJ Holden. Yep, the good old FJ panel van can be… Read more

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2017 SUZUKI IGNIS GLX REVIEW

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One of my frequently voiced gripes about design is that fashion too often is allowed to override function. We get cars that look stunning, but have cramped interiors, or too little ground clearance, or silly little boots. How a car as cute and fascinating in its style as the Suzuki Ignis can be both fashionable and functional brings a big smile to my face. Just look at that pert nose, fascinating tail with the stylised Suzuki badge in the C-pillars and interesting interior. Then jump inside one at your local… Read more

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2017 VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK TDV6 ULTIMATE REVIEW

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It is no secret that dual-cab utes have quickly become an Australian favourite, their capability and practicality a real drawcard for drivers looking for a vehicle suitable for both work and play. The Volkswagen Amarok has been one of the players since its arrival on these shores in 2011, offering almost car-like comfort seldom seen in a rugged utility. Now, six years later, the Amarok has added that seemingly elusive power factor to an already impressive vehicle. STYLING You want a pickup that looks like a pickup, one who’s chiselled… Read more

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PEUGEOT 508 2011 – 2015

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Peugeot 508 arrived in Australia in July 2011 and replaced two cars, the Peugeot 407 and 607. Clever engineering means the 508 has less mass than the significantly smaller Peugeot 407 and is well under the weight of the 607. Not all 508 models arrived simultaneously, rather they dribbled in over the next 12 months or so. Sitting between 407 and 607, with a leaning to the 607 in size, the Peugeot 508 was sold a a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon. The sedan’s boot is one of the… Read more

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TOUGH TRITON BUILT TO BEAT OFF PRISSY PRETENDERS

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As we speak, waves of SUVs are breaking on shores around the globe, swamping passenger car segments. These sports utility vehicles play in the long shadows of the traditional four-wheel drive vehicle, borrowing bits and pieces from them here and there. But what of the genuine off-roader, used on the land and by tradesmen and women around town? Look no further than the Mitsubishi Triton ute, which has been significantly upgraded for 2017. GLX and GLX+ fit the workhorse bill, while GLS and Exceed add the perfect playground. Two new… Read more

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MAJOR REVISIONS FOR MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV

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Mitsubishi has been at the forefront of pure electric and hybrid vehicles for many years, both in Australia and globally. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV took its place in Australian automotive history as it was the first ever pure electric production car to go on sale in this country. The Japanese giant is now starting to push hard in Australia on the PHEV (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) front. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was launched downunder in 2014 and has just received a series of major revisions. These are far reaching, not… Read more

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SAAB 99

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  The Saab 99 became available to the public at the beginning of the European autumn in 1968, being introduced as the 1969 model. By then front-wheel drive was no longer as unique as it had been on the 92 in the late 1940s. Whereas only about 5 per cent of all cars in the world boasted the feature at that time, the figure had reached 20 per cent in 1969 and was rising steadily. Although compelled to abandon the two-stroke engine, Saab had never entertained any thought of forsaking… Read more

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AUDI A3 2.0 TFSI QUATTRO

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The thing about being at the front of the pack is that you are always looking over your shoulder. It is a far easier ride for those competitors in your slipstream, biding their time, waiting for the slightest stumble so they can make their move. To stop that crick in the neck, it makes sense to step up the pace and try to widen the gap. Not so much that you run out of puff mind you, but enough so that you give yourself a chance to breathe. That’s what… Read more