Honda CRV: Just the thing for contemplating charismatic cosy country cottages

Posted by gaycarboys on 04/19/2013

“Bigger on the inside, Smaller on the outside” is the claim made by Honda. Unlike some claims this one seems to be true. It’s been shrunk 20mm in height and 30mm in length. Of course length is usually where it counts but CRV feels as big inside as the previous model, if not a smidge bigger.

Up front there is a touch of “Dame Edna” happening, with the headlights tilting cheerfully at the edges like a pair of big sparkly glasses. The rear keeps the customary tall tail lights which may be common now but were on the very first CRV a decade and a half ago. I’m not usually one for Soft Roaders because they lack the gravitas of the fully caffeinated 4WD’s like Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser. CRV has had a following from the beginning because it feels much like a car to drive and at the time there wasn’t much of a choice those wanting a set of compact go-anywhere-weekend-wheels.

For those of us who contemplate charismatic cosy country cottages, there is 170mm of ground clearance, so as not to become bogged in the driveway. No weekend should be ruined by bad design and although I didn’t have such a cottage of my very own, there is one I can borrow. This means we did get the chance to make sure an average bloke won’t embarrass himself, by being blokey. There’s an appealing Tonka Toy look about the new CRV which will be exactly what the demographic will want and she looks good bumping down a mountain-top country lane.

There’s another thing too, the rear hatch opens wide and low. It’s a perfect place to perch yourself for a spot of afternoon tea. The reversing camera eliminates that sinking feeling every time you back up. While in the back I took the chance to see how comfy it was. I had the pillows so why not, but with the rear seats flat, there is a nasty rut through the middle of the floor which played havoc on my well-padded hips. Mental note to self: keep extra padding in SUV’s for such emergencies.

The exterior design is modern and pleasing. I’ve always thought the CRV was a quiet achiever because, as I’ve already said, it’s always driven like a car, but now it drives like a slightly better car. It looks smart from the outside, and dare I say looks more expensive than it actually is.

It’s the same story inside and in our top model where we didn’t need the key to enter or to start the engine. The first thing I noticed was the comfy ambience of the cabin. Leather has been thrown about with gay abandon but it is with a slight note of dismay that I spied the band of genuine fake marbleised plastic running across the dash. It’s nasty and would have been better off in the ubiquitous Piano Black. I’m told Honda put much thought into the “feeling” of the interior. It seems to have paid off not only for the extra technology but for the quality of the fittings. The plastic feels like it will last and looks good with the exception of the afore mentioned marbleised trim on the dash. The switch gear also has a reassuring chunkiness whose quality leaves the user with the sense that they will function as intended long into the future. The materials have been thoughtfully selected so as to provide the competition with a reason to worry. It’s essential for an auto-maker to innovate and improve so that each new model moves the company forward. The design of the cabin is thoughtful, considered and restrained.

I’d like to take a moment to mention an important fact which is that Honda had started to fall behind in market segment with a lack of visible technology. The cabins in all but the top model were looking decidedly bereft of gadgets. The blokes in Japan have been peeking over the back fence at what the others have been doing and Lo and Behold! The interior has the new Honda infotainment system which sounds rather good. The tone is quite decent and the controls could be easily manipulated with little or no reference to the user guide. Pairing the mobile was no fuss either. I like Honda’s Bluetooth very much. There is a reverse camera that displays a view out back right there in the middle of the dash and finally, a satnav system that is relatively easy to use with no sign of the psychosis that is so often present with built in navigation systems. This gets extra brownie points. Also getting extra marks are the electric leather seats and fully adjustable steering.

There are a few things I’d like to see in the midlife update shortlist such as self-parking and auto-folding mirrors. Both could be added with little cost. Memory control for the front seats would also be a good way of adding extra value because staying in front of the pack is what makes us notice a brand isn’t it?

It’s the drive which most people pay for and I’m happy to report the CRV is very comfy on the road. As you are whisked along at 110 the exterior noise is just a distant sound somewhere in the background. There are no unfortunate wind whistles which can ruin an otherwise pleasant trip. The steering has been tightened up and now feels rather like an Accord to drive. All models have electric power steering. It feels good to be sitting so high and there is a reassuring smoothness you experience from the time you press the start button. I was slightly disappointed with the fuel consumption because I’ve not been able to get it much under 10L/100k for most of the week, but then not many SUV’s can. But, it is worth paying a little extra for fuel if you have lots of space and in the CRV there is certainly that. The 140kw 2.4 L petrol power plant develops 222Nm of oomph and it certainly gets the old girl moving. I took the liberty of taking a trip into the Blue Mountains as well as my usual coastal thrash through the Royal National Park and I have to say I was impressed. The body-roll for such a tall vehicle was limited to a modest lean regardless of the amount of push. To make matters even more interesting, the grip was tenacious. Even in the tightest of corners I never felt as though I was in danger of slipping unceremoniously off the bitumen.

It’s unusual for me to take an SUV on the sports-run but it has been known to happen. With windows down, sunroof open, the music was blasting the occupants with carefully selected modern classics while gentle gusts of wind tussled the hair. It’s a good way to judge whether or not a car is both nice to drive, and comfortable on a trip. To my mind, this is something everyone should do on a test drive. How else would you know how it handles, and whether or not your bottom goes to sleep after a half hour? How many times have I insisted that everyone takes the time to properly familiarise themselves with the subtle nuances of a vehicle. To me, it is inexcusable that someone cares so little as to buy a car without driving it, or only driving it a kilometre or two round the block.

Normally I’d have the silky smooth 6 speed auto in Sports Mode however for what might be the first time in human history I chose “normal” over “sport”. I did this for several reasons: the first being the auto hangs onto the gears for way too long in sports mode making the engine scream for mercy. The engine at 6 thousand lacks the note to make the sound inviting. Finally the fuel consumption plummets which, and in this day and age that may be the point at which many will fall by the wayside.

Changing the gears yourself gets around this problem and keeps the silky motor on just the right amount of boil. There is a pleasing willingness at 4,000 that’s pulls you through a corner and out the other side with the gusto of over-enthusiastic schoolboy. The CRV switches directions easily with the steering feeling confident and direct. Once a hater of electric steering, I’m now a fan because weight has been added to illuminate the vague remoteness.

For those of us who need to, the rear seats fold down cleverly. Pulling the right tab pulls the seat squab forward, collapses the rear headrest and folds the seatback down almost flat. It is then that the rut appears where the seatbacks have folded but under normal circumstances it isn’t a concern. The cargo space isn’t the biggest in the class but the low loading lip means you can transport a couple of bikes inside rather than on the roof simply by removing its front wheel. The idea behind SUV’s is that they allow their owners a certain amount of leeway when it comes to that which you cram into the back. Honda has become very clever at solutions for making the cabin more flexible and the CRV has 1648 litres of cargo space with the seats down. That’s surely enough to be going on with. I’d love to have seen a button to make lowering the rear door easier. It’s something the smaller statured boy might have trouble with.

The mountain trip was far less taxing. The leaves had started to turn which means the lanes had a light dusting of red, orange and brown in the foliage which provides picture postcard moments. Swishing at just the right speed whips up the leaves into swirls of autumn hews leaving a trail of fleeting memories, and somehow you’re reminded that this is exactly what these cars are about. I’m reminded then of winter days with coats and scarves and gloves which lay tantalisingly out of sight just around the corner. Those are the times when the back of the CRV will be full of blankets and pillows and food to keep you warm. All of which have been carefully packed in to make sure the weekend away lacks none of the comforts of home. Why is this important? Try fitting all that stuff into another car! Arriving at a friend’s (cosy charismatic country) cottage means unloading the car as a comforting glass of champagne is pushed thoughtfully into your hand. The car is where it will stay for the night, so why not. We had negotiated a slightly suspect approach road with the aplomb of a nubile athlete, so proving the average owner is in safe hands.

The next day we are back in those narrow lanes with overhanging trees. We are heading out for a day’s antiquing. As if in a nod to the change of season, a brilliantly coloured red leaf dropped through the open sunroof to the squeals of excitement of those in the rear seat. We broke the day up by lunching at a smart café which has taken up residence in an old garage in Leura. As we sat down at our table a bloke sitting a metre away said “Hey mate, is that the new Honda? It’s not too shabby is it?” And with that my opinion was cemented.

At the end of the day all you really want from a car is that is looks good, is value for money and will last, the rest is icing on the cake. The CRV is a good package. Would I have one? Yes, if I was in the market for a compact SUV.

Price around $42,000

Interesting Facts-

Once upon a time 140KW was super-car territory, but not since the 70’s. The 3.3L straight 6 Kingswood developed a heady 81KW and drank fuel at the rate of 18L/100k and took 11.7 seconds to 100kph. The 2.4 straight 4 Honda develops 140KW and does under 10L/100k and does the 100 sprint in under 8 seconds. I say this to put things into perspective.

feature	Honda CRV 2013
Engine	8
Transmission	7
Ride	6
Cargo capacity	6
Handling	6
Looks	7
Versatility	7
Fuel consumption	5
Equipment	7
Interior feel	7
Exterior feel	8
How it makes you feel	7
TOTAL	81/120

All-New Ford Kuga a Smart SUV

Posted by gaycarboys on 03/21/2013

All-new Ford Kuga SUV delivers a range of smart technologies, fuel efficiency and safety

Segment-first hands-free tailgate and segment-first Emergency Assistance

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system and Torque Vectoring Control, help deliver refined and safe handling

The all-new Ford Kuga is set to shatter the myth that an SUV cannot be efficient, safe, high-tech and capable all at once.

Ford’s newest SUV arrival is the centrepiece of the company’s strategy to expand into one of the fastest-growing segments by offering high levels of fuel efficiency and safety, as well as segment-leading smart technologies and a surprising array of standard features.

These smart technologies, include:

Segment-first voice-activated Ford SYNC connectivity with segment-first Emergency Assistance

Ford’s ‘intelligent’ All-Wheel Drive system, including exclusive Torque Vectoring Control

Hands-free tailgate

Standard EcoBoost petrol engine and proven TDCi turbo-diesel

The all-new Ford Kuga also delivers smart pricing. The front-wheel drive Ford Kuga Ambiente six-speed manual comes to market with a price point below $28,000.

“We’re signalling to the medium SUV market that the all-new Ford Kuga is a serious contender with the front-wheel-drive Ambiente model from $27,990* (*Manufacturer’s List Price),” according to David Katic, General Manager, Marketing, Ford Australia.

“Customers today are chasing value-for-money and the Ford Kuga delivers,” he said.

“With three models to choose from – Ambiente, Trend and Titanium – and the availability of either the standard EcoBoost petrol engine or optional turbo-diesel engine on Trend and Titanium, customers now have an even better reason to put the Ford Kuga on their shopping lists.”

With the addition of the segment-first Emergency Assistance technology, the Ford Kuga brings some remarkable new features and capability to the crowded medium SUV market.

“The Ford Kuga is the first Ford vehicle in Australia to feature Emergency Assistance across the range,” Katic said. “This technology has already proven a life-saver in North America. It provides our Ford Kuga customers with peace of mind.”

The Ford SYNC-based Emergency Assistance system uses the driver’s own mobile phone and runs in the background once the phone is properly paired with SYNC.

Upon detecting airbag deployment or activation of the emergency fuel shut-off within the car, Emergency Assist uses the on-board GPS locator and Bluetooth-paired device to institute an emergency call and can provide GPS co-ordinates to the emergency services.

The Ford Kuga also introduces for the first time Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) radio on Trend and Titanium models. The Ford Kuga is the first Ford Australia vehicle to feature this as standard on its premium models.

Apart from a range of new features and enhanced driving ability, the Ford Kuga has much improved packaging and more interior space, which has been achieved with the same 2690mm wheelbase as the previous model.

The new SUV is:

81 mm longer              (4524 mm versus 4443 mm)
4 mm narrower           (1838 mm versus 1842 mm)
8 mm lower                 (1702 mm versus 1710 mm)

Much of the added space in the Ford Kuga has been devoted to the rear passenger compartment and luggage area to ensure the SUV is a complete family vehicle during the week and has room enough to be a spacious lifestyle getaway vehicle at weekends.

‘Intelligent’ All-Wheel Drive
In the all-new Ford Kuga, the ‘intelligent’ All-Wheel Drive system pre-emptively reassesses conditions 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the AWD power split to give the driver the best blend of handling and traction.

The primary goal of the AWD system at low speeds is traction; at speeds above 30 km/h the AWD system is tuned to improve driving feel, handling and responses. A unique cluster display shows drivers the torque demand of each wheel at any moment.

Dynamics and cornering control are improved by the introduction of the enhanced Torque Vectoring Control system developed with the Focus RS and launched in the Focus. This helps to deliver Ford’s fun-to-drive DNA by applying a small amount of braking to inside wheels to assist drivers through bends.

Innovation inside and out
The stylish new Ford Kuga offers space for more luggage and a luggage compartment that can be accessed more easily.

Ford’s hands-free tailgate can be opened or closed simply by a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper to either open or close the powered tailgate; and all-new Ford Kuga offers 46-litres more luggage compartment-space than the current model, while the rear seats fold flat in one movement.

The rear seat backs also recline over a 10-degree range, allowing rear seat passengers to set their seatback to the exact position they want.

The volume of road noise and wind noise audible has been significantly reduced compared with the current Ford Kuga to help deliver one of the quietest cabins in the segment. Improvements were delivered following the innovative use of elliptical acoustic mirrors to measure exterior elements that can influence the noise and vibration inside the car.

From the initial design, the new Ford Kuga was engineered to be as visually appealing up close as it is from a distance with spaces between panels no wider than 0.5mm. The craftsmanship inside emphasises touch and feel through use of a soft instrument panel and soft upper door panels.

Particular attention was paid to deleting exposed fasteners on moving parts like the tailgate, sun visors and glove box. The Ford Kuga also features an opening, electric panoramic glass roof on the Titanium model.

“The Ford Kuga’s styling and purpose has evolved to incorporate more space, a more precise execution and a higher quality feel,” Katic said.

All-new Ford Kuga will launch with a global colour called Ginger Ale, a subtle green hue to reflect its active outdoor capabilities, with rich, sophisticated tones to harmonise with the slick urban environment where many models will find a home.

Engineered for outstanding safety
To ensure the highest safety levels, Ford conducted more than 5,000 virtual and real-world crash tests on the new Ford Kuga, which has helped deliver a maximum 5-star crash test rating by both EuroNCAP and the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

The Ford Kuga is immensely strong, with more than 30 per cent of the body structure made up of high and ultra-high strength steels.

Ford engineers made extensive use of these ultra-high strength steels in the body structure and a specially-designed ring reinforcement around the panoramic glass roof on the Titanium to ensure rigidity and strength.

“This helps the Ford Kuga become an even safer car for families – it’s the smart choice,” Katic said.

EuroNCAP, an independent vehicle safety organisation, has also awarded the Ford Kuga an Advanced reward for Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance.

Apart from a rigid safety cell, the Ford Kuga a comprehensive list of active and passive safety features are available, including seven airbags (including driver’s knee airbag), Dynamic Stability Control with ABS, Trailer Stability Function and Hill Launch Assist, Brake Assist and rear parking sensors.

Further driver-assistance technologies are available in the Ford Kuga as part of an optional $2,650 Technology Pack on the Trend and Titanium models. The Technology Pack includes:

Active City Stop

Adaptive Cruise Control

Blind Spot Information System

Lane Keeping Aid

Lane Departure Warning

Auto High Beam Control

Driver Impairment Monitor

The Ford Kuga Titanium also comes with standard Active Park Assist.

Fuel efficiency
The new Ford Kuga will deliver exceptional fuel economy through significantly improved fuel efficiency from a powertrain line-up that, for the first time in Australia, includes a 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine as standard.

The powertrain choices are:

1.6-litre EcoBoost engine

2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel

In the Ford Kuga, petrol engine fuel consumption has been reduced by 25 per cent and diesel engine fuel consumption by 10 per cent, compared to the previous-generation Ford Kuga.

The new 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is available in two states of tune – 110 kW / 240 Nm and 134 kW / 240 Nm. All petrol-engine Ford Kugas also have Active Grille Shutters to aide fuel efficiency at highway speeds.

The Ford Kuga also introduces fuel efficient Stop / Start technology. This smart technology is available in the six-speed manual-only Ambiente model, with the 110 kW 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine.

A more powerful version of this engine, developing 134 kW, is available in all-wheel drive Ambiente, Trend and Titanium models.

The 110 kW EcoBoost engine is a true fuel miser, achieving a combined fuel efficiency figure of 6.7 litres / 100km (ADR 81/021).

The higher output 134 kW EcoBoost engine achieves a combined fuel economy figure of 7.7 litres / 100km (Ambiente AWD) and 8.0 litres / 100km (Trend and Titanium AWD).

To assist fuel efficiency on the petrol models, Ford’s Active Grille Shutter is employed on the 1.6-litre petrol models to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.

Apart from the 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, customers will also be able to specify Ford’s proven 2.0-litre Duratorq turbo-diesel, which develops 120 kW and 340 Nm.

The 2.0-litre TDCi engine delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 6.3 litres / 100km (Trend) and 6.4 litres / 100km (Titanium) and a CO2 figure of 166 g/km (Trend) and 168 g/km (Titanium).

With the arrival of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine, Ford’s proven EcoBoost technology is now available not only in the Ford Kuga, but Focus ST, Mondeo and Falcon.

Engine	1.6L GTDi (EcoBoost petrol)	2.0L TDCi (Turbo Diesel)
Transmission	6-speed manual (Ambiente FWD only) Or 6-speed automatic with Sport Mode	6-speed PowerShift automatic With Sport Mode
Maximum Power	110 kW (FWD manual) 134 kW (AWD automatic)	120 kW (AWD auto)
Maximum Torque	240 Nm	340 Nm
Recommended fuel	95-98 RON* *91 RON compatible but for optimal performance 95-98 RON unleaded petrol is recommended	Diesel
Emissions	Euro V	Euro V
Auto Stop-Start	Only with FWD Manual	N/A
Driven Wheels	FWD (Ambiente manual only) Or AWD	AWD

Fuel consumption	1.6 L GTDi		2.0L TDCi
Fuel consumption	Ambiente	Trend/Titanium	Trend	Titanium
Urban (L/100km)	8.4 (MT) 10.2 (AT)	10.7	7.5	7.7
Extra Urban (L/100km)	5.7 (MT) 6.3 (AT)	6.5	5.6	5.7
Combined (L/100km)	6.7 (MT) 7.7 (AT)	8.0	6.3	6.4
CO2 (gm/100km)	157 (MT) 179 (AT)	186	166	168

Clever spaces
The all-new Ford Kuga features several places to store specific items in the interior including umbrellas, bottles and cell phones.

Unique storage spots include:

Overhead visors with ticket holders for parking or toll tickets

Hidden storage bin under the second-row floor

Small umbrella holders on both driver and passenger seat trim panels

A card holder below and a stowage bin above the centre of the instrument panel

Centre console space to hold a one-litre bottle, MP3 player or CDs

Convenient USB ports in the centre console and 3 x 12-volt power outlets (front and back of centre console and rear luggage area)

Design
The all-new Ford Kuga first surfaced as the Vertrek concept car, a showcase SUV that offered a dynamic, all-inclusive solution to what customers around the globe were demanding in a medium-size SUV.

There were several key elements that customers in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific expected of a medium SUV. They include engaging design, outstanding fuel efficiency and smart technologies wrapped in a right-sized package that supports an active lifestyle.

Overwhelmingly, consumers were very clear about what they wanted – strong design, great driving quality, smart technology and the capability to get to their favourite weekend recreation areas.

Importantly, the Vertrek concept showcased the cargo-carrying capability that customers now expect, but added a level of craftsmanship and quality often lost in medium SUVs.

The Vertrek concept blended capability, great design and craftsmanship and this has carried over to the production version of the Ford Kuga.

Importantly too, the Vertrek showcased a broad suite of customer-focused Ford technologies, many of which have migrated across to the Ford Kuga. Among these are SYNC connectivity, Active Park Assist, Blind Spot Information System and Keyless Entry with push-button start.

New Colours

In Australia, the new Ford Kuga will be available in seven colours, including a new hero colour, Ginger Ale. The colour palette is:

Frozen White

Panther Black

Ink Blue

Moondust Silver

Burnished Glow

Ginger Ale

Sterling Grey

myFord Capped Price Servicing
Like all new Fords, the Ford Kuga will be available with myFord Capped Price Servicing, offering customers the security of knowing how much their vehicle will cost to service.

Ford Kuga Manufacturer’s List Pricing*

Model	Drivetrain	Engine	MLP*
Ambiente	FWD manual	1.6-litre EcoBoost	$27,990
Ambiente	AWD automatic	1.6-litre EcoBoost	$31,490
2Trend	AWD automatic	1.6-litre EcoBoost	$36,240
2Trend	AWD automatic	2.0-litre TDCi	$39,240
2Titanium	AWD automatic	1.6-litre EcoBoost	$44,740
2Titanium	AWD automatic	2.0-litre TDCi	$47,740

Options – Trend and Titanium

2TechnologyPack $2,650

Active City Stop

Adaptive Cruise Control

Blind Spot Information System

Lane Keeping Aid

Lane Departure Warning

Auto High Beam Control

Driver Impairment Monitor

Prestige Paint $385

* This is the manufacturer’s list price for the vehicle only. A number of other components, including a dealer delivery fee, stamp duty, registration, compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and other statutory charges may be payable by a customer in relation to the purchase of this vehicle. As a manufacturer, Ford is not able to quantify the amount of these charges as they vary depending on a range of factors and individual circumstances, including the Ford Dealer the customer purchases the vehicle from, the State or Territory where that customer purchases the vehicle and the customer’s age, driving record and other personal factors. The final transaction price for the vehicle will be as negotiated by the customer with their chosen Ford Dealer.

1All fuel consumption figures are from officially approved tests in accordance with ADR81/02. Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the combined cycle according to ADR81/02 and might differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.
2Technology Pack available on Trend and Titanium
3Fleet less than 5 vehicles
4Further details of myFord Capped Price Servicing are available at www.ford.com.au

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products in Australia, please visit www.ford.com.au

ASX: Mitsubishi’s snappy city SUV

Posted by gaycarboys on 12/01/2012

ASX: A Cute Pint Sized SUV From Mistsubishi

We tested the Peugeot 4008, the stable mate of the ASX earlier in the year and liked it very much. We thought it perfectly suited the active lifestyle with a rear cargo area is lined with material that laughs off wet clothes and leather-clad seating that wipes over after the weekend’s frivolity and is all shiny and new again.

The ASX is essentially the same car and as such, it has the same feel. The range tops out at a smidgin under $40,000 in a CVT auto 2.0L petrol or a manual 1.9L diesel. You can go all out and pay an extra 3 grand for the impressively named audio unit upgrade with gives a huge 710Watts of power through extra speakers including the subwoofer. It’s an expensive upgrade and is worth almost 1/10 the total value of the car. There are other gadgets as well but the top model is quite well appointed so buy it, and spend the difference on a long romantic getaway for two. That will score no end of brownie points with your better half.

OUTSIDE:

Similar, but not identical to the Peugeot 4008, the ASX shares doors but the front, rear and rear side windows are unique. The lines are simple but pleasing, with a wedge finishing high in the rear end as the waist line sweeps around and on to the tailgate. The height means the reversing camera comes in very handy. You would stand no chance of seeing behind you without it. As with most SUV’s the rear end is high enough to hide even large object from view but importantly allows you go gain valuable extra space when backing into a tight parking spot. Although the ASX is the smallest of Mitsubishi’s SUV’s it’s still a reasonably large car, don’t mistake compact for small. You sit high up so the tall doors give you good access to the seats without having to fold yourself in un-natural ways to get comfy.

There is a comforting solid quality feel to most Japanese cars now, and the ASX feels grounded and well built. Some models get side skits but it ruins your ground clearance and completely un-needed. Side steps do the same thing but at least they are useful. The rear hatch swings quite high but it’s perfect for picnics if you’re the kind of person who likes to sling a basket of goodies in the back on a Sunday arvo. Rather than sitting on the damp ground you can perch on the rear deck because there is a spot to rest your champers and nibbles.

The Front door handles also have small rubber pad which are used with the smart key system. Simply keep the key secreted about your person allows you to press the button to lock or unlocks the doors. With the key still secreted, you reach for where the ignition and turn it as normal and as if by magic the car fires up. The ignition key cover can easily be removed to start the car if your key battery fails. Most car makers have a button on the dashboard or centre console to start up.

INSIDE:

The interior feels like the Lancer which is well designed and functional. The quality is perfectly adequate for a car in this price especially when compared to offerings from other brands. Everything is where you’d expect it to be. The general feel of the cabin lends itself to weekends at the beach or at the cabin by the lake. There even neoprene options for seat coverings. It’s like sitting in a big wet suit, which I have to say, sounds rather sexy, but that’s enough about my weekend fantasies.

I rather like the utilitarian vibe throughout. There is no need of the flashy additions of the expensive offerings. We all have friends who paid lots of money for a top Jeep, Range Rover, Audi Q7 or BMW X5 and never take them off the road. They say they want the space for action stuff but what they are really doing is buying the lifestyle. In other words they pay the big bucks to feel outdoorsy but that’s as far as it goes. The car only leaves the bitumen to enter a gravel drive that’s been lovingly weeded by the gardener to press a button to enter the garage cleaned by a cleaner. Paying a bit less means you can afford to be a bit less precious, not that 40k (for the top model) is a small amount of money. You’re in the same ball park as the Rav 4 by Toyota and Xtrail from Nissan. It means you can go to the beach and kick sand about the place without being terrified your plush expensive carpet will be ruined. Can you imagine the average person throwing diving tanks into the back of a $140,000 X5? The most you’ll do is tow your horse float to the polo match in your Rangie. You’ll meet a couple of chums and have a quick sniff of brandy before your main course of champagne and canapés. The little AWD SUV’s will more likely be used to carry stuff about, and quite right too.

The new Mitsubishi infotainment unit has a nice quality screen and an easy to use menu. It’s big enough so as you don’t ruin your eyes while using it. You need the upgraded system if you want Satnav though. I used the old one on the Evo X but I’ve no experience it in Lancer or ASX but one can assume it’s the same unit. It certainly looks the same. The air conditioning is good too. It’s fully automatic so set and forget and you’ll stay cucumber-cool. We didn’t have any really hot days to test it but it coped with 28c days easily. As with all climate control systems you can operate this one in manual mode. Air conditioning systems can be a bit dickie in the summer sun, the very time you want super cold air. The first thing you should check is how efficient the climate system is. If it is no good on the test drive, it isn’t going to magically improve.

A subject worth mentioning again if the smart entry and start. It means you can leave the key in your pocket. There have a couple of times where the fob was getting low in the battery. It makes the system a bit cantankerous and it doesn’t want to unlock or demands you present your key mid trip. It’s not a problem unless your key is in your pants pocket and your round a tight bend at a set of traffic lights. Then it’s frightfully annoying.

All in all it’s not a bad package at all.

THE DRIVE:

2.0L 4cyl DOHC 16 valve MIVEC engine

5 speed manual transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with INVECS III

Smart Logic and 6 step Sports Mode (optional)

Electric power steering

It’s a fun car to drive. It’s not quite the car-like experience that an X3 is but then the ASX is half the price. I drove both the CVT and Manual but for me the 5 sp manual was the best. The CVT sounds odd and feels even stranger. You never quite feel like you have full control over your vehicle as it continually hunts up and down before settling into cruise mode. There is no doubt in my mind that there are too many fully automatic transmissions that can do a better job. CVT seems a particular favourite of Japanese car makers for fuel economy.

The manual allows a competent driver to increase the revs before releasing the clutch to move off the mark quickly. The engine is a proven one and has long been used across the range. I’d like to see a low-blow turbo as an option on the top model tho. I know I say that about almost every naturally aspirated engine but these days that’s how a car maker gets more power without adding cylinders. A little extra oomph would make such a difference. The engine is willing and able and even when given a good workout returns respectable fuel use figures around 8l/100k.

The ride is softer than you might expect but this also means rough road conditions are ironed out. As in most SUV’s, even the small ones, the high driving position means a birds-eye view. Many prefer to sit above other vehicles which may also account for the ever increasing height of the vehicles on the road. Of course those drivers around you won’t be able to see in, through, or past you for that matter.

Handling is as you would expect from a tall vehicle. It’s meant to be driven leisurely so there is not point expecting to be an MX5 or 86.

THE CONCLUSION:

The ASX is well made and fairly well appointed with a look that is slightly funky. I’m suitably impressed with its handling to suggest it would suit most folk. If you like to sit high up and you need the space an SUV offers, then the price should be tempting. My only real gripe apart from the CVT auto was that the Hill Hold can be a bit savage when it lets go, but it’s something you can easily manage once you’re used to it. It’s attractive and roomy with enough gadgets to

In short it does what it says on the box.

 013 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD 5MT – $25,990

 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD CVT – $28,240

 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD Aspire 5MT – $28,990

 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD Aspire CVT – $31,240

 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 4WD Aspire 6MT – $34,990

 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 4WD Aspire CVT – $34,990

Honda Announces Revolutionary Next-generation “Earth Dreams Technology”

Posted by gaycarboys on 11/30/2011

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the outline for a revolutionary next-generation technology for automobiles called “Earth Dreams Technology.”

“Earth Dreams Technology” is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved.

Through its implementation first in the mini-vehicle N BOX and gradually onto other vehicle models, Honda aims to achieve top-of-industry fuel efficiency for every category within three years, while simultaneously setting a timeline of 2020 to reduce by 30% CO2 emissions for all products sold worldwide, relative to emission figures for 2000.

Inspiration of the “Earth Dreams Technology” name: “Earth Dreams Technology” is an expression for a set of technologies which takes into account both our need to protect the environment and our desire to provide a joy of driving.

Key features of “Earth Dreams Technology”

1.	A gasoline engine which realizes top level driving performance and fuel efficiency.
2.	A compact diesel engine which realizes the world’s lightest body, top-of-class acceleration performance and fuel efficiency.
3.	CVT which combines at a high level the fun of driving and fuel efficiency.
4.	A two-motor hybrid system which realizes top-of-industry efficiency*.
5.	A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system which combines superior driving and environmental performance.
6.	A compact, high efficiency electric powertrain for EVs.

* Honda internal research (as of November 30, 2011)

Peugeot 4007: Just right for hunks in wet-suits, but there’s an elephant in the room

Posted by gaycarboys on 11/28/2011

The Good:

Great engine, Snappy gearbox (DSG auto), switchable 2wd/4wd/lock, neat interior good fuel figures, drives like a car

The Bad:

The looks, front air vents easy to shut by accident, can’t hear the blinker,

Outside:

OK let’s deal with the elephant in the room, the 4007 is not very attractive. It’s just a bit wrong from every angle. There I’ve said it. You might or might not know that the 4007 is a slightly revised Mitsubishi Outlander. Sure the front and rear have been tweaked and the engine is Peugeot’s excellent 2.2 turbo but at some stage you have to look at it!

Now the hard bit is out of the way the rest is all too easy.

This is the mid-range mid-size SUV and is Peugeot’s first attempt in the mega-competitive softroader market. Rather than do all the work themselves Peugeot got a partner for the project. It saves a lot in expensive R and D so all they had to do was shove one of the own engines into it. You can have any engine you like as long as it’s the 2.2 turbo diesel. The gearbox situation offers a little more choice with 6 speeds in either a full manual or a dual clutch auto which was developed by Getrag. The dual clutch was the one fitted to our test car and actually wasn’t too bad. It’s easy to use and very smooth to boot.

There are some clever features like the 2 part rear hatch which is slightly reminiscent the Range Rover tailgate. When you open the main hatch there is a further section that can be folded down. It’s just the thing for a day of huntin or shootin or fishin and quite handy on a picnic too. You could also sit a well-muscled hunk on it while he takes off that nasty old wet suit. You don’t want water on your expensive new upholstery do you? Sorry, did I digress? To move on, the flat rear area has a smallish hatch into which the 3^rdrow of seats fit. If you don’t have the 7 seat option then you can stash your secret men’s business safe and sound. You know the kind of thing, stuff you don’t want your other half to find.

Inside:

I admit to slight disappointment at the interior which lacked the Peugeot je ne sais quoi. The knobs aren’t quite nice and the surfaces don’t feel quite the same quality as the current Peugeot range (207 aside). But apart from that it’s all there. The base model still has bluetooth and the audio system is OK but for nearly 40k I’d like something with more oomph. If you’ve been in a Lancer recently you’ll recognise the switchgear as it remains unchanged in the 4007. You don’t need to read the user guide to work the controls either. There are no surprises because what you see is what you get. Some auto makers think it amusing to insist that their buyers have a degree in advanced electronics just to turn the radio on but none of that here. It’s a simple flick of the wrist to do most of the important functions.

The centre console has the auto selector with sports button and a neat little lift out ashtray. As you know no one smokes any more. It took a little while to figure the gear selector out tho. The damned thing wouldn’t shift which could have been from a variety of causes, but in this case it was because the shifter needs to have the brushed aluminium collar lifted to unlock mechanism. The women out there will no doubt be asking why the manual wasn’t consulted, they should ask a man!

My only real criticism, and it is being pernickety, the same sensor used to turn on the head lights is used to tell the air con when the car is in the sunlight. If in auto mode the air cond gets a turbo boost which nearly takes your toupee clean off its tape. After a few days of this you get the pips and switch to manual instead which keeps the fan and temp at whatever you decide it’s going to be. Having said that, the air cond is super-efficient and even on a warmish day pumps out air of a chill sufficient to keep you high beaming all day. You have to watch the vents though because you might find you have shut the vent instead of directing the air away from your face which can be a trifle annoying. It might have been handier to have a knob to turn off the air flow instead of just moving

The (real aluminium) paddles shift the auto fairly quickly and the seats are fairly comfy. There’s nothing to offend in the inside and although I’ve already said the quality isn’t typical Peugeot it’s still ok. It’s neat and tidy and all laid out well. Everything falls to hand nicely and I like that.

The drive:

Surprisingly, the drive is good. It’s fairer to compare it to a another Mitsubishi 4WD than something form the Peugeot. Remember this partnership is designed to deliver a product that would otherwise not be available so snaps to the French car maker for being a bit daring. It sits on the road fairly well but like most SUV’s there is that slightly floaty feeling. In some of the serious off-roaders this feeling is so pronounced as to be decidedly uncomfortable and is like steering a bus.

I’ve already mentioned my blonde moment trying to find the release lever but once that was sorted out the DSG shifted smoothly. The steering was nicely weighted so that, at least on the road, there is lots of feel. It’s not a sports car but it isn’t meant to be, there is the delicious RCZ for that. Now, once you favourite hunk has his wetsuit stowed round back, he’ll appreciate grip (of the tyres on the road) especially in 4WD. Sure he’ll find the cornering in 2WD a bit lively, but he’ll to switch to 4WD while on the move to drive straight off the road and onto a grassy slope yesserreebob. Although there is also a lock, it would be churlish of me to suggest your recently wet-suited hunk could climb the side of Mt Everest. He might instead have more luck managing a small trailer for the Sea-Doo or a couple or dirt bikes. He would no doubt like the roomy boot for a shedload of camping gear. However this camping of which we speak is something he would be doing with someone else. My idea of camping is 3 to a bathroom at the Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas not a 2 man tent in the middle of a forest with a bog roll and shovel passing for a convenience.

It’s worth noting the road was a bit greasy during out week with the 4007, and in 2WD the tyres frequently scrambled for grip. Switching to 4WD made the electronic nannies cut in less frequently but all in all it was still a very smooth experience.

The diesel can be a bit raucous especially under hard acceleration but mostly it’s very well behaved. I like this engine quite a lot. I mention this every time I drive a Peugeot diesel so bear with me, but I have quite a bit of experience personally with Pug diesels of old. I’m not mentioning names but Ryan X owned a 505 GTd that wouldn’t pull the skin of a custard which certainly isn’t the case with the 2.2

At cruise, unless you give that little “go” pedal a shove, there is scarcely a peep from up front. It’s quite eerie considering as are at the bottom of the SUV market.

At parking speed the 4007 is amazingly easy to manoeuvre. The driving position is high so the parking is a simple affair, unless you are one of those Paris-Hilton-Sunglass wearing soccer-mums enormous Paris-Hilton-Sunglasses. I’ll admit I probably wouldn’t have had such an easy time without the reverse sensors and were I to buy a 4007, I’d ask Messrs’ Peugeot, Peugeot and Peugeot to shove a camera in the package gratis. As my old dad says, if you don’t ask you don’t get.

Verdict:

Looks aside, it’s a good package for someone in the market for a compact to midsized SUV. The drive is fairly comfy and the economy is reasonably good so what’s not to like, especially if your wet-suited hunk says the 4007 is butch and sexy. It takes all kinds….

ST 5 Door Manual 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel	ST 5 Door Automatic 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel	ST 5 Door Automatic 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel 7 Seat	SV 5 Door Automatic 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel 7 Seat
5-Door SUV	5-Door SUV	5-Door SUV	5-Door SUV
2.2L 4-cyl	2.2L 4-cyl	2.2L 4-cyl	2.2L 4-cyl
Euro 5	Euro 5	Euro 5	Euro 5
D	D	D	D
7.0	7.2	7.2	7.2
185	189	189	189
4-Stars*	4-Stars*	4-Stars*	4-Stars*
115 @ 4000	115 @ 4000	115 @ 4000	115 @ 4000
380 @ 2000	380 @ 2000	380 @ 2000	380 @ 2000
M6	A6 DCS	A6 DCS	A6 DCS
1790kgs	1805kgs	1805kgs	1840kgs
AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
3-years/100,000kms	3-years/100,000kms	3-years/100,000kms	3-years/100,000kms
un-tested	un-tested	un-tested	un-tested
ST 5 Door Manual 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel	ST 5 Door Automatic 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel	ST 5 Door Automatic 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel 7 Seat	SV 5 Door Automatic 2.2L HDi Turbo Diesel 7 Seat
5-Door SUV	5-Door SUV	5-Door SUV	5-Door SUV
2.2L 4-cyl	2.2L 4-cyl	2.2L 4-cyl	2.2L 4-cyl
Euro 5	Euro 5	Euro 5	Euro 5
D	D	D	D
7.0	7.2	7.2	7.2
185	189	189	189
4-Stars*	4-Stars*	4-Stars*	4-Stars*
115 @ 4000	115 @ 4000	115 @ 4000	115 @ 4000
380 @ 2000	380 @ 2000	380 @ 2000	380 @ 2000
M6	A6 DCS	A6 DCS	A6 DCS
1790kgs	1805kgs	1805kgs	1840kgs
AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
3-years/100,000kms	3-years/100,000kms	3-years/100,000kms	3-years/100,000kms
un-tested	un-tested	un-tested	un-tested

4007 ST M	4WD ST 2.2L HDi Manual	$34,990.00
4007 ST A	4WD ST 2.2l HDi Automatic	$37,490.00
4007 ST A 7	4WD ST 2.2L HDi Automatic (seven seats)	$38,690.00
4007 SV A 7	4WD SV 2.2L HDi Automatic (seven seats)	$43,690.00

4007 Options	Metallic Paint	$800.00
	Premium Paint	$1,300.00
	18″ Alloy Wheels (All models except 4007SVA)	$500.00

Subaru XV Scores Top SUPER SAFE Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating

Posted by gaycarboys on 11/25/2011

It’s rather handsome isn’t it? It hasn’t suffered the styling bypass of many of the other Subaru models.

The newest addition to Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive line-up, the XV compact Sports Utility Vehicle, has achieved the highest possible five-star crashworthiness rating in testing by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

Testing was conducted on a left-hand drive European specification XV 2.0i.

NCAP evaluates:

Adult occupant protection
Child occupant protection
Pedestrian protection, and
Safety assist.

The previous Subaru tested by Euro NCAP was the Legacy, which also achieved a five-star rating.

Euro NCAP is an independent agency composed of European governments and motoring organizations. It has been assessing new car safety performance since 1997.

Subaru has further advanced its unique “ring-shaped reinforcement” safety cell around XV’s passenger cabin. This comprises a series of steel frames around the cabin – optimizing impact energy absorption by the structure.

Use of high tensile steel is also increased on new XV, while also allowing weight reduction. This improves impact performance from all directions, again enhancing passenger safety. In addition, a driver’s knee airbag is installed, besides a suite of dual front, side and curtain airbags. XV also features Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on all models.

Subaru views all-around safety as a major priority, continuing to develop active, passive and pre-crash technologies.

Local crashworthiness results from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) are yet to be announced.

Australian specification XV is due on sale in January.

SUV’s: Soccer mums and their cars that we love to hate

Posted by gaycarboys on 04/16/2011

SUV’s: love them or not, they are here to stay

Loved or loathed, SUV’s are here to stay. SUV is the term Americans gave to a broad range of utility vehicles in different body styles but most of which should be more accurately described as All Wheel Drive rather than 4 Wheel Drive. Is there any real difference? Yes there is. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is what you find in Subarus, Audis and Volvos whereas 4 Wheel Drive (4WD) is a proper off road vehicle with extra high ground clearance, locking hubs and high/low range gears. Such systems are used in the Land Rovers, Toyota Landcruisers and Range Rovers. The actual technical workings are beyond me and frankly all most of us care about it whether it works or not. Judging by comments on some of the previous stories, the gay driving fraternity are not much more enamoured with SUVs than the rest of the non-SUV owning public. SUV’s range from the smaller models like Toyota RAV 4 and Subaru Forester to full sized 4 wheel drives like the Range Rover and Hummer. Do vehicles such as these deserve a place on city roads chockers with big trucks, limos and tiny city cars not to mention those nuisance pedestrians and bicycles? Only kidding…..

Toyota Kluger Grande $72,000 drive away: 3.5 V6, 11.6L/100k

11.9l/100k, 201kw 337nm torque, 0/100kph 8,2 secs

The 7 seater is a favourite among the soccer-mum set. It is vast inside with the 2^nd and third rows of seats folding flat in an easy 1 minute process. If you invited every friend you have, you could play twister in the back and still have room to park a small aircraft. It is truly huge. There are lashings of leather on the seats and doors along with touches of genuine fake wood on the dash and console for an extra touch of luxury. The appointments are simply too numerous to name but the electric rear door will keep you amused for hours. If you don’t want to lift the whole hatch, the glass window opens far enough to throw in a couple of David Jones bags.

On the road it is supremely smooth with oodles of power and great visibility for such a huge hunk of metal. It has a few off roader extras like hill decent and a snow setting which we were did not get a chance to try out but with no locking diff. True 4WDs have locking diffs and high/low gears. You’ll still mange muddy roads but if you try much more than this you are bound to be up to your ball joints in trouble before you can say “Toorak Tractor”. There are reverse sensors and a camera to make sure you don’t hit anything you don’t mean to. It goes without saying that there are plenty of airbags and electronic safety gadgets. You cannot drive any vehicle this size as if it was a sports car. You have to consider the size when changing lanes or parking and the high centre of gravity means you do feel it in the corners. It’s also worth noting that we didn’t quite manage the claimed fuel figures even when driving like a nana but again you can’t expect Corolla fuel consumption from something twice the size.

The Grande is the top-of-the-line and apart from being very quiet, has a load of extras. I love the keyless entry and start and am a sucker for a sunroof. There is a feeling of space, luxury and quality and I have to admit to be pleasantly surprised by the way it drove.

So f you find one parked over the lines in the local car park, be in no doubt that it was not the size of the car, but the knob behind the wheel at fault.

Volvo XC60 the Tech pack $70,000 on the road: 3.2v6, 11.2l/100k

0/100kph 9.4 secs, 179kw, 320nm torque

Once upon a time, only baggy arsed old men and women in silly hats drove Volvos. They all had a personality bypass and without exception were hopeless drivers. But something happened while we had our backs turned and Volvo transformed from the ugly duckling into a sleek modern luxury brand with a model to satisfy almost every taste. I’ve become a bit of a fan.

The most technologically advanced of our cars, the XC60 is a medium sized SUV. It drives like car and is more like the Commodore wagon than the Kluger in that respect.

The entire range consists of a single model to which you add whatever packs you want (or can afford). The tech pack includes sat nav and blue tooth with reverse camera and in this case was dealer fitted rather than factory ordered. You get a different screen on the dash which is arguably better than the Volvo model. The inside is trimmed in quality leather and of the 4 test cars seemed to have the nicest quality. Bluetooth is easy to use as are the rest of the instruments. The Satnav screen doubles as a DVD player and displays the view as you reverse. It’s worth noting we had crappy reception until the aerial was moved to where it should have been installed in the first place. Should you have rubbish reception on your satnav, question where the installers put your antenna? It should be in line-of-site with the satellite.

We drove the XC60 for 800 km in a single trip and found it very cosy and the easiest of the test cars to drive as it drove like a car but had a high driving position. This is possibly the most quoted reason for soccer mums choosing SUV’s as their mode of transport. Like the Kluger, the XC60 also had an electric tailgate to make loading easier. There are settings for different conditions such as snow and steep hills. We managed very muddy tracks easily when perhaps a two wheel drive car might have up to its hubcaps going nowhere.

Since Volvo is obsessed with safety, there is a vast array of electronic safety gizmos in addition to those found in our other test cars. There is a clever system that can see someone carelessly stepping into your path. It will hit the anchors and prepare the car for impact by making sure you are pulled back in your seat. Should the object not be a pedestrian and the Volvo thinks you are about to have a crash, it will tighten the seatbelts, close the sunroof and windows and make sure you are not locked in when the car comes to a halt. It also knows who is sitting where and only sets off those airbags. Of course some of these systems can be de-activated if you are off super smooth tarmac. You will thank the fact that you can turn off the sensors if you have to pull in to long grass. This is very handy should you run out of petrol and there is no space at the edge of the road. While on that subject there are not a whole lot of petrol stops late at night for a few hundred kilometres below Ballina on the Pacific Hwy so when the Swedes tell you that you need fuel, you really need fuel.

If you have lots of people to cart round, you can order the extra row of seats in the back (as per the Kluger). Volvos have shrugged their dowdy frocks to become a real alternative for those wanting a classy all purpose mode of transport.

Honda CRV Sports Auto 10l/100k$39,546

125kw, 218nm torque, 1/100kph N/A

The CRV has just had a midlife facelift. The small SUV segment has exploded over the last few years and new models are coming thick and fast so Honda gave one of us their latest CRV soft-roaders. The 3^rd generation model has a rear hatch instead of the earlier models side opening rear door. The facelift bought a new fresh front end and interior tweaks. It has the 2.4L engine and auto trannie from the gorgeous Accord Euro which along with the AWD system gives a nice bit of grip off the mark. I wouldn’t call the performance stunning by any means but those who buy AWD wagons are not buying sports cars to be thrown around corners at speed while riding like a Ferrari. In fact you get a comfortable high driving position with plenty of room for 5 adults. The boot space isn’t huge but is about what you would expect from a wagon with relatively short overhang at the rear. I’ve always thought the front was a bit odd and the side view didn’t quite work for me.

The drive is pleasant enough and the fuel average is about the 10L/100K mark which is OK. Although the CR-V is among the smallest of the AWD wagons, it feels quite big to drive. Reversing would have been helped no end by reverse sensors or a camera. I personally think no one should buy an SUV without them. They are all very tall and the tailgate very high and you stand no chance of seeing behind you when backing up. It is little wonder people run over their kids in them while trying to reverse out of their garages.

The interior is simple and basic. There is the usual Honda quality with the bits fitting properly and no squeaks. The audio system lacks the built in Bluetooth hands free you would expect. Although hands free is an available option, it comes as an aftermarket Blue Ant add on which is wired through your speakers but is not inbuilt as with most other makes. The unit sits on the A pillar at about eye height and sticks out about 2 cms. Being 2cms by 2 cms by 10 cms, it is one of the least attractive Bluetooth options I have seen. Honda have fixed this in their up and coming models but that is no help if buying a car now. The new Legend (which we will be driving in a few weeks) is the first to have the swanky new built in system.

Honda is currently having a clearance so it is worth nothing that the CR-V is similarly priced to the Accord Euro. Our Honda comparison tests will appear in the next instalment and will feature the Accord, Accord Euro and the new Insight hybrid.

Wrap-up

Here are 3 different vehicles. 2 were around the $70k and one at half the price. The 2 big cars have V6 engines while the Honda has a 2.4L 4 pot. The CR-V was a good entry level SUV with a ton of space and is really quite a decent drive for a very tall vehicle. It is the same price as the drop-dead-fabulous Accord Euro, but horses for courses. The Kluger was very luxurious and drove like a very big car and with 7 seats could transport a whole bunch of friends. The Volvo drove most like a car and was very solid on the road. The handling was more like a large sports wagon than a smallish SUV. Volvos have been leaders in safety for decades and the XC60 continues that trend. I thought the Volvo was the best looking but the CR-V shouldn’t be overlooked at the price. All cars had electronics for safety and loads of airbags for crash protection. There was ABS and cornering control just like in regular cars. The full range of gear is on the manufacturers websites.

Of course most of us don’t have kids to cart around, but some of us like a bit of sport or want to tow a jet ski. Perhaps we’d like to chuck some camping gear in and head into the great outdoors. Most of us however do not follow sport, nor do we go camping, well not in that way at least. Most of us are horrified at the thought of being more than a few kilometres from a David Jones and to us, roughing it is 3 people to a room at Sheraton Mirage sharing a single bathroom.

By now you might have guessed my I quite like the Volvo as it has the right balance between SUV and car. If I bought the CR-v I would always be kicking myself for not buying the Euro. The Kluger, though nice to drive, is simply too big to handle tight inner city streets and park in CBD parking stations. You might say “But that isn’t what they were designed for” and you would be right. But let’s face it, that is what we are all going to do with them. The vast majority of SUV’s will never see more than a slightly wonky unsealed road, and even they will be few and far between.

So, you want an opinion as to what car is best? They are all good in their own way. You simply can’t drive any big cars with any degree of enthusiasm or you will finish up in the Kitty Litter. Another interesting facts is that as you look at the power and performance figures, remember that a Ferrari 308GT of the ’70s had a 3.0l v8 that produced about 190kw of power so the two 6 cylinder SUV’s have better than 70’s super-car performance!

After driving these cars for nearly a month I am left with a few impressions but the main one is this: when you see a school zone packed with Paris-Hilton-sunglass wearing soccer mums, you’ll know the bad driving has nothing whatever to do with the cars!!!!!!

Gay carboys

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