The QX80 is a brutish thug in an Armani suit. It is the Bouncer of the auto world. It is big and butch but impeccably dressed. You stand next to it and realise the top of the bonnet comes up to the chest of a 6 foot tall bloke, then you see that a badge proudly proclaiming a thumping 5.6 [...]
We normally drive a car for a full week, but offered a chance for a spin in a couple of updated BMW SUVs we thought a couple of mini-reviews would be in order. That is, mini-reviews of BMWs not mini reviews of Minis. Hope that’s as clear as mud. First, the updated X3 28i. Remember when 28i meant 2.8litre injected [...]
YES YES YES: sexy exterior, roomy interior, feels solid Oh Dear Me No: interior from another era, gadgets falls short of market expectations When I say cheap, I mean the fuel goes a long way but at $73,990 plus on-roads it will cost a bit to own one. The Pajero is a proper 4WD not just a mere soft roader [...]
Regular campers and four wheel drivers know that space is at premium when going away for a week or two. Pack the essential supplies, throw in some kids’ gear, and the roof rack and boot quickly fills leaving little room for awkwardly-sized (but important) items such as solar panels. With the new lightweight and compact Projecta folding [...]
ABOVE:note the tiny screen. Above: centre driver info LCD. Scroll by pressing the small stalk near the “6” in the tacho on the left Above: bins under the rear seats. Above:Rear Tray without the optional roller shutter fitted NOTE rear cowling shown here in grey Ford Wild Track Ranger Big, bold, butch and Brash. It is an impressive [...]
Our next review is Ford’s fabulous Ranger. Tow this behind for a perfect weekend in the wilderness.
Folding the rear seats Above left: The hatchback-tent (on a Ford) Above Right: Crawl Control Toyota gave me a chance to take a LandCruiser 200 GXL for a week. I was interested to if the bad driving associated with large SUV drivers is the fault of the car or not. OUTSIDE: The receptionist at [...]
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 [...]