The Motor Report’s Car Review Feed
80
Kia Australia benchmarked the new Sorento against Ford’s sterling Territory for cruising comfort, and the BMW X5 for handling. It’s not quite there - but with at least $12k between the Sorento and the Ford (and the BMW way off into the stratosphere), the Sorento is a very strong option. And if creature comforts are your main priority, Kia’s big high-riding family wagon is a proper value-for-money choice. Kia is up against it when it comes to the comparably featured and newly-styled Santa Fe - but even then, the diesel-powered Sorento Platinum is good buying....
Read more at The Motor Report
60
The Fiat 500 TwinAir dualogic is hit and miss. We like its retro styling, its characterful two-pot engine and its nimbleness around town. But we absolutely abhor the dualogic automated manual transmission, the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment and the limited seat adjustment. It’s also priced quite high considering its size and equipment level. However, we know that some will willingly overlook its foibles and price tag because - let’s face it - it’s a pretty funky looking thing. For the rest of us though, if the price of entry was just under the $20k barrier instead of a few grand above it, we’d find the TwinAir a more enticing proposition. But as it stands, the Fiat 500 TwinAir is more fashion accessory than practical city car....
Read more at The Motor Report
80
There are some let-downs in the 911, most notably the stereo and the price of the options. But the drive experience makes up for it. In spades. This Cabriolet loses nothing in driveability and handling. Some droptops might fit the label of “cruisers”, but the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet is all sports car with serious track ability. It’s not for everyone, but treat it with respect and the 911 shows how a superbly engineered sports car can really deliver. There is only one problem for the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet. And its sitting there in the Porsche stable. It might not be as quick, but it’s also a convertible and just as rewarding at the wheel – the Porsche Boxster S. And it’s half the price. The 911 may be the original, and the Carrera S Cabriolet a super drive, but when it comes to value for money, it looks a little full of itself next to its sharp little brother....
Read more at The Motor Report
60
If you’re in the market for a diesel dual-cab ute, there has never been more choice. But before buying, we’d advise that you decide where your priorities lie. The work-vehicle origins of some, like the Colorado and D-Max, are a little more evident, while others, like the Amarok, offer more on-road comfort and refinement. After a week of mixed duty, we’d have to say the Colorado probably fits the ‘work’ role a little better. If you’ve got a wider duty-roster in mind, with more family or lifestyle pursuits planned, we’d suggest Amarok or Ranger. Ford’s Ranger perhaps straddles both camps better than all. What does impress with the Colorado though is a diesel engine that offers stump-pulling torque, good fuel economy, and tractable on-road power and performance. And no complaints about a modern interior that has grown to fit a work crew, and protect them with 5-Star ANCAP safety - even with a bull-bar....
Read more at The Motor Report
80
At just $23,590, the Hyundai i30 Active diesel manual delivers up-to-the minute design, generous equipment levels, excellent fuel economy and an enjoyable drive experience. The i30 Active diesel’s asking price is only half the story though, it is a genuinely good all-round car in terms of interior and exterior design, and of quality feel. The turbodiesel option commands a $2600 premium over the 1.8 litre petrol version. We think this can be justified by the 2.0 l/100km economy advantage, and, perhaps more significantly, the added flexibility of the diesel’s torque curve. You’re spoiled for choice in this segment; the i30 Active diesel is another good one - and with a hefty price advantage to boot....
Read more at The Motor Report
70
It’s on-road where the Lexus GS 250 Sports Luxury slips behind its logical competitors. Its warmed-over IS 250 mechanicals can’t match the dynamism of the otherwise closely-matched BMW 528i and Audi A6 2.8 FSI. The engine is, despite its ho-hum power and torque stats, not a bad motor, but let down by a six-speed that doesn’t have the spread of ratios to do the engine justice....
Read more at The Motor Report
80
Not many family cars can go from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds and top out at 335km/h, yet here we have an entirely usable Ferrari that does just that. Sure, it’s a niche vehicle, and how many of us will be willing to fork over a pallet-load of cash for a Ferrari which isn’t a sports coupe or convertible? But the FF is a pleasure to drive, thunderously quick, and, with that ‘wagon’ back, you’ll never blend into the crowd. Plus the included servicing for seven years is a real bonus. And, with the Ferrari FF, the family doesn’t have to stay behind and miss out on all the fun....
Read more at The Motor Report
80
The new Santa Fe Highlander offers a smart interior, a huge inventory of standard features and a robust feeling of quality. Along with the sharply-styled i40 Tourer, it is among the best-looking of Hyundai’s current range. Initially the company expects its dealer network to find homes for around 550 Santa Fe units a month – supplies permitting. But based on our first-drive experience, this figure will likely be conservative. While not inexpensive, the Santa Fe Highlander is simply a quality car loaded with quality features. With seven seats as standard across the Santa Fe range, it offers value by the bucketful for family buyers....
Read more at The Motor Report
80
On its own merits, the Volkswagen Scirocco R stands tall. It’s got easily accessible performance, handsome good looks and handling that shames most other hot hatches. But there’s one problem - the Renault Megane RS 265. The Megane RS is a faster machine with better handling and a dramatically cheaper price-tag. It’s also more visually arresting both inside and out - albeit just as impractical as the Scirocco. Further complicating matters for VW is the impending arrival of the Ford Focus ST, which, with 20Nm more torque than the Scirocco for nearly $10k less, will surely set the hot hatch market ablaze. But, we accept that there will still be people enticed by the image and badge value of the Scirocco R. Our message to those people is simple: choose the manual. You’ll have more fun....
Read more at The Motor Report
90
Between a chassis that has been engineered to enjoy, an engine that rewards despite its thrift and seat space and ride-comfort that provide genuine usability, the 318d ticks plenty of boxes. For those who need added pace there’s the more costly 320d, but, cover the badge, and in most on-road situations you’d struggle to pick them apart. While you can play with the options list, we find little missing from the 318d’s spec sheet. At a mid-fifties price point, the 318d offers stirling value for a premium-sector car. If in the market for a compact executive saloon, we’d strongly recommend putting BMW’s enticing 318d on the shopping list....
Read more at The Motor Report
The Motor Report
260
Reviews
Reviews
4
Followers
Followers
9
Updates
Updates
Carmooch Professional User
Followers
4Myles Harris
Novated by Fleetcare
George Skentzos
Carmooch
Following
1
Carmooch
