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A select set of brands has again dominated the ABC Awards despite intense new competition and some fresh judging criteriaFor a remarkable fourth year in a row, the Honda Odyssey has won its category at Australia’s Best Cars awards. The Odyssey retained the Best People Mover crown by overcoming the challenge of all-new seven-seat wagons from Hyundai and Toyota. |
The Odyssey was designed from the ground up as a people mover and this year’s judges found its combination of space, comfort and excellent on-road behaviour continued to give it the edge over the competition.
“The Odyssey’s fourth consecutive win is testament to its inherent good design and car-like driving characteristics,” says Tim Pomroy, NRMA Research Officer and a judging panel member alongside NRMA colleague, Scott Nargar.
The Odyssey’s stablemate, the Honda Civic VTi, is another repeat winner from 2006, again taking out the Best Mid-size Car class for cars under $28,000. The Civic beat the Toyota Corolla, Subaru Impreza, a bigger and better Mitsubishi Lancer and Hyundai’s Euro-inspired i30 hatch to retain its title.
Honda’s consistency was mirrored by manufacturers Volkswagen and Lexus, which also took two repeat category wins apiece. Volkswagen retained the Best Small Car and Best Sports Car titles while Lexus again came out on top in both the Best Prestige Car and Best Luxury Car categories.
New BMW models emerged as contenders in the Best Luxury Four Wheel Drive and Best Luxury Sports Car categories and the Munich-based manufacturer won both, with its new-generation X5 and M3 models respectively. Another new car on the market, the Ford Mondeo, also proved a category winner first time out, being named Best Mid-sized Car over $28,000.
Of this year’s 12 category winners, seven also won in 2006, and this time the category winners were split evenly between Japanese and European models. Half the winners were powered by six-cylinder engines (compared with five in 2006) and four diesel-engined cars took category honours (three in 2006), along with one petrol-electric hybrid, the Lexus GS450h, itself a winner in 2006.
Tim Pomroy applauds a trend towards more safety features on cars, with electronic stability control now often fitted as a standard active safety system. “In terms of performance and economy,” he says, “it’s more of a gradual evolution, although diesel cars are now finalists across almost all categories, where once they only featured as 4WDs.”
As always, the 2007 Australia’s Best Cars awards remained strongly focused on everyday vehicle buyers with the 12 categories featuring more than 250 current mainstream models across a broad spectrum of prices. The judging panel, made up of road testers from motoring clubs throughout Australia, spent five days extensively testing three finalists in each category back-to-back before determining the winners.
Testing took place between October 29 and November 2 at the Australian Automotive Research Centre at Anglesea, Victoria.
A set of ratings was produced for every finalist in areas such as depreciation, running and repair costs, standard features, fuel consumption, security, space, practicality and safety.
Extensive test-driving generated scores for comfort, performance, handling, ride, braking, noise levels and, where applicable, off-road ability. Consumer feedback determined weightings for various criteria.
Chris Bishop, who represented the RACQ on the judging panel, endorsed the rigorous testing process, saying it is “still the only one in the country that listens to consumers’ feedback and uses those sentiments to weigh its scores accordingly.
“Aside from hours being spent behind the wheel in both city and country environs, anything that can be measured is measured to make the process as objective as possible,” adds Bishop.
Changes to the testing program for 2007 included greater emphasis on lap-sash seatbelts, head restraints, child seat fitment and spare tyres. The timeline on running and repair costs was extended from three years to five.
A critical point of difference with Best Cars is that the awards are open to all cars on the local market, not just models launched in the last 12 months. It means the best vehicles, not just the newest, can continue to stake class leadership claims, as illustrated by the success of the Honda Odyssey.
Best Small CarVolkswagen’s diesel Polo has picked up its second consecutive Best Small Car gong, beating off serious competition in the form of a revitalised Mazda2.
Although its considerable price premium (at $22,990, some $6000 over the other finalists) lost it points in the pricing and depreciation criteria, the smallest VW scored well in critical areas such as running and repair costs, fuel consumption and environmental impact to land it a comfortable victory.
Not surprisingly, frugal fuel use is a strong point thanks to its relatively light weight and an impressive 1.9-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.
The Polo’s powerplant delivers a modest 74kW but it’s the meaty 240Nm of torque, spread between 1800rpm and 2400rpm, that impressed the most and helped the little Polo match the performance score of the excellent Mazda2 engine.
Being a modern engine using the latest computerised engine-management technology, there is little evidence of the dreaded turbo lag. In fact, the little VW can wheel-spin away from the lights if you’re not careful with the right foot.
In design and function criteria, the Polo scored well for its practicality and was unmatched for its ergonomics. It has a comparatively spacious interior and the wide-opening rear hatch allows easy access to the luggage area.
The Polo is also nimble and easy to manoeuvre and there is no compromise in ride quality – in fact, the Volkswagen outscored all other category finalists in this criteria.
Speaking of quality, the Polo has it in spades. It’s evident from the moment you close your door with a reassuring ‘clunk’. The safety and luxury equipment are impressive for a car in this class, and added features like the reach and height- adjustable steering help to justify the price premium.
While the diesel Polo triumphed in 2007, its petrol-engined sibling also performed strongly – it even outpointed the diesel in a couple of areas.
It would take a long while to even get close to recouping the extra outlay over its competitors, or even over the petrol Polo, but the Polo TDI is a better drive and a class act. And what price do you put on that?
| price $22,990 |
| 1.9-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-diesel; 5-speed manual; 5-door hatch |
| best features Performance Build quality Diesel economy Equipment |
| second place Mazda2 Neo 1.5 third place Toyota Yaris YRS 1.5 |
Best Mid-Size Car under $28,000Sometimes it pays not to be the best at any one thing but to score well across most criteria. So the Honda Civic VTi has proved by taking out this year’s Best Mid-size Car under $28,000 category, ahead of Hyundai’s all-new i30 and Toyota’s latest incarnation of the Corolla.
Buyers looking for a moderately priced mid-size car have never had it so good, with such a wide range of excellent vehicles to choose from, and all having individual strengths and appealing features. In fact, any one of the top half dozen or so cars in this class could have been a winner and separating them was a tough job for the judges.
When all the scores were in and the class weightings added, it was the Civic that beat the two recent releases by a nose. It’s a consummate all-rounder.
The Honda’s open cabin design with well laid-out controls and comfortable front seats provides a pleasant driving experience. And the unique two-tier dash features a clever forward-mounted speedo with a prominent digital display.
The Civic looks and feels like a more expensive car. And by building it in Thailand, Honda has managed to keep the price competitive while maintaining the company’s customary high quality.
Mechanically, it’s a refined package that’s smooth, quiet and easy to drive. The 1.8-litre four is a free-revving, sophisticated unit that delivers energetic and economical performance.
Its on-road ability suits daily commuting; commuting; the ride is comfortable and well controlled over almost any road surface, while the handling is surefooted on the highway.
Trying to identify a significant weakness is hard. As the entry-level model in the Civic range, however, the VTi does take a few short cuts, including a single-piece folding bench seat and the absence of electronic stability control.
The level of standard equipment in the VTi also falls short of other contenders in this class, but it still has most of the big ticket items. Minor equipment updates for this year’s model include a fully lined boot and auxiliary MP3 input for the audio.
In such a competitive category, where an affordable price is crucial yet buyers still demand high quality, the Honda Civic has both sides of the equation covered and is a worthy winner.
| price $21,490 |
| 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder; 5-speed manual; sedan |
| best features Efficient engine Cabin quality On-road refinement Competitive pricing |
| second place Hyundai i30 CRDi 1.6 third place Toyota Corolla Ascent 1.8 |
Best Mid-Size Car over $28,000In the closest-fought battle and in the most hotly contested Best Cars category, the all-new Ford Mondeo has scored a narrow victory over the impressive Volkswagen Jetta.
Cementing its place as the family vehicle with style, space and comfort, the five-door Mondeo TDCI offers a sizeable cabin with a cavernous boot and an abundance of load space versatility.
Seat support and comfort were considered best in class, while sharp exterior styling will bring its own level of ownership pride.
The model range starts at $29,990 for the LX, although the Zetec petrol and turbo-diesel TDCI models (from $34,990 and $37,990) are better equipped and will prove more popular.
Safety is a hallmark of the new model which features seven airbags, including the all-important curtain head protection. The TDCI is also equipped with active head restraints, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution.
The Mondeo’s controls, switchgear and instrumentation are all up there with the best. There are also many subtle but useful accessories like rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors on the standard specification list.
The 2.0-litre diesel mated to a six-speed automatic is the standout engine option for performance, smoothness and driveline refinement. Engine noise inside the cabin is almost imperceptible.
We found this Belgian-built Ford to be well finished, and it clearly benefits from the European approach to suspension settings with sharp, dynamic handling.
Progressive brakes, crisp steering response and good suspension control give balance and predictability over less-than-perfect roads.
The Mondeo TDCI is not without some minor quibbles, though. With the six-speed automatic fitted, fuel consumption falls just short of the benchmark Jetta but, fortunately, without detriment to exhaust emissions. The warranty offers no more than the standard cover and a space-saver spare wheel has found its way into the boot.
In the final wash-up, however, the Mondeo’s pluses were enough for it to pip its competitors to the post.
| price $37,990 |
| 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo-diesel; 6-speed auto |
| best features Fine turbo-diesel Spacious interior Safety features Style and refinement |
| second place Volkswagen Jetta TDI third place Honda Accord Euro Luxury 2.4 |
Best Large CarFor the second year in a row, Toyota’s Aurion AT-X reigns supreme in this class. Launched in 2006 to critical acclaim, and triumphing in the large car class at its first attempt, the Aurion showcases the strength of Toyota’s resolve to produce world-class vehicles.
The maker’s previous attempts to field a competitive large car alternative to Ford, Holden and Mitsubishi had been a bit hit and miss. Enter the Aurion, Toyota’s large car that shares much in common with the four-cylinder Toyota Camry but is powered by a sophisticated drivetrain package pulled from Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus.
It’s a standout with 200kW of power (comfortably more than its rivals) yet class-leading fuel consumption figures.
Power is delivered through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic that combines crisp, precise shifting with a seamlessness often associated with vehicles twice the price.
It’s not just the engine that makes the Aurion such an enviable choice. The car also boasts a healthy armoury of safety features including standard electronic stability control (ESC), six airbags (front, side and side curtain), plus anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
There has been a school of thought that a large car had to be rear-wheel-drive to suit ‘Aussie driving conditions’. But while the Aurion does not have the towing capacity of a Commodore or Falcon, for a front-wheel-drive, it gives little away in terms of chassis dynamics.
The Aurion chassis is underpinned by Toyota’s latest thinking in suspension design. It’s a capable handler in all driving situations, and has nicely weighted steering. Body roll is minimal and fine ride quality puts it at the top of the class for occupant comfort.
Inside, Toyota’s simple yet effective design takes the guesswork out of the operation of major controls. Everything is clear and precise and Toyota’s much-vaunted high standards of build quality show even in the base AT-X.
Some may find the foot-operated park brake a step backwards ergonomically, but it really is a minor criticism.
Looking at the Aurion, it’s easy to be dazzled by the numbers: 200kW of power, a six-speed automatic, six air bags, impressive fuel consumption, plus electronic stability. Priced competitively and backed by Toyota’s reputation, it’s a worthy second-time winner.
| price $34,990 |
| 3.5-litre V6; 6-speed auto; sedan |
| best features Advanced drivetrain Powerful yet frugal V6 On-road refinement Safety features |
| second place Mitsubishi 380 ES 3.8 third place Holden Commodore Omega 3.6 |
Best People MoverBuyers now have a lot of choices in the People Mover class, but it’s still hard to go past the Honda Odyssey.
In a sure sign of its dominance in this class, the Odyssey Luxury model has retained its Best People Mover title for the fourth year in a row, despite stiff competition from the Toyota Kluger, Mitsubishi Grandis, Hyundai Santa Fe and Citroen Picasso.
The Odyssey was designed from the ground up as a people mover, and it shows in the spacious, seven-seat accommodation and car-like handling. Don’t be fooled by the Honda’s low-riding, compact appearance as it has more usable cabin space than many of the larger-looking vehicles in the class.
The Odyssey also uses its cabin space very effectively and adults are able to sit comfortably in any of the seven seats.
Luggage space is tight when all seats are occupied, but clever folding of the rear and centre seat rows provides plenty of load and passenger-carrying options.
For the driver, all the controls fall easily to hand and their operation has a quality feel. Standard equipment includes dual front, side and curtain airbags, full leather trim, heated front seats and power operation for folding the third-row seat. A lap-only seatbelt for the centre mid-row seat and the poor positioning of child seat mounting points are let-downs. Also, traction and stability control are not available.
However Odyssey’s car-like driving characteristics stand out. It is just as much at home on the open road as it is negotiating peak hour city traffic.
The four-cylinder, 2.4-litre, double overhead cam, i-VTEC engine is a willing performer that combines well with the smooth, five-speed sequential shift automatic, fitted as standard.
Fuel economy is generally good, but the Odyssey can get a little thirsty when pushed. Even on challenging roads, it’s surefooted and quiet and the low centre of gravity and suitably tuned double wishbone suspension take good care of the handling and ride.
Running and repair costs tend to be a little more expensive than the class average and the Odyssey’s theft security could be better. But otherwise, there’s no doubting that the Odyssey is a class act.
| price $45,790 |
| 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder; 5-speed auto |
| best features Efficient design Clever packaging Driver appeal Quality of finish |
| second place Toyota Kluger KX-R 3.5 third place Mitsubishi Grandis VRX 2.4 |
Best Sports CarWith its all-wheel-drive and 3.2-litre V6 engine, the new-generation R32 hatch is a sufficiently different performance Golf that commands attention in the sports car class. Its depth of ability saw it unseat its stablemate, the Golf GTI, from the class winner’s podium – no easy task.
With its genetic link to the Golf GTI, plus a sophisticated powertrain and engine, the R32 has the vital ingredients to be a superb driver’s car.
The 24-valve, double overhead cam-per-bank V6 delivers 184kW at 6300rpm and peak torque of 320Nm from 2500rpm. With that rich vein of mid-range torque, the R32 is easy to drive and, ultimately, it’s a quick car. But what the numbers alone can’t convey is how smooth and responsive this V6 is.
Drive is delivered via a worthy, standard six-speed manual gearbox or buyers can opt for the six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. The DSG offers the best of both worlds courtesy of blindingly quick automated shifts, or the sportiness of manual shifts via the lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system ensures the R32 gets its power to the road without fuss, in any conditions.
The R32 also shines with its excellent roadholding, delivering well-balanced, responsive handling with lashings of grip. Ride comfort, especially over rougher road surfaces, is noticeably less pleasing though.
The large vented front and rear disc brakes offer plenty of bite and the brake pedal always feel reassuring.
As befits a car of this calibre and price, such safety features as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, multiple airbags, traction and stability control and bi-xenon headlamps are standard.
Those looking for creature comforts are well catered for too, with standard offerings such as leather trim and climate control.
The Volkswagen’s materials and assembly quality are right up there with the best in this category. Seating that is firm, well-shaped and supportive, along with a user-friendly cabin layout, mean the R32 scores highly for both comfort and ergonomics.
Having wrapped this hot hatch in subtly aggressive, stylish bodywork, with several distinctive features to delineate it from other Golf variants, VW is clearly on to a winner with the R32.
| price $58,790 |
| 3.2-litre V6; AWD; 6-speed auto; 3-door hatch |
| best features Responsive engine Great roadholding DSG automatic Quality and equipment |
| second place Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0 (manual) third place Subaru Impreza WRX 2.5 (manual) |
Best Luxury Sports CarIt was always going to be an interesting stoush this year in the battle of the affordable supercars. Audi’s superb all-wheel-drive V8 RS4 sedan met a much-revised BMW M3 coupé, with a raft of electronic driving aids and a high-revving, lightweight V8 replacing its venerable straight-six engine.
Both cars won the hearts of the judging team for their competence and sheer driving pleasure but when the numbers were crunched, the M3 took the top spot.
Its 4.0-litre V8 makes a meaty 309kW at a heady 8300rpm. It features eight individually-controlled throttle butterflies as well as BMW’s double VANOS camshaft control, which helps the engine get a ‘second wind’ and sing sweetly beyond 8000 revs.
The 400Nm of torque is also impressive but, importantly, 85% of the pulling power is available through a 6500rpm rev range, which means that constant gear swapping is unnecessary.
The new M3 coupé is equally adroit on the road as it is on the racetrack, with amazing grip, poise, suspension control and balance. Its tarmac-tearing brakes are also devastatingly effective, even after sustained heavy braking.
We were unfazed by all the new technological items, and came away mightily impressed by the new ‘M-Drive’ feature which allows the ‘pilot’ to select various combinations and thresholds of steering force, throttle sensitivity, traction control and stability control.
Overall the new M3 is an amazingly competent, comfortable and rewarding car that happily ‘tootles’ around town and offers supercar performance and thrills when given its head.
| price $157,000 |
| 4.0-litre V8; 6-speed manual; coupé |
| best features Driver appeal V8 performance Chassis control Safety features |
| second place Audi RS4 quattro 4.2 third place BMW 335i coupé 3.0 |
Best Prestige CarLast year, Subaru’s Liberty had to play second fiddle to the new Lexus IS250 in this class. After the scores in the 19 criteria were totalled this year, it was a case of déjà vu: the Lexus got the Subaru Liberty again, but only just.
A glance down the score sheet sees honours almost evenly divided between these two but the Lexus equalled or bettered the Liberty in the critically weighted criteria that give full value points – build and finish quality, ride comfort, and smoothness and quietness. All are traits nominated by luxury car buyers as being of prime importance in their purchasing decisions.
‘Package’ is the operative word when it comes to the IS250 Prestige. Unlike some of its competitors, which have the luxury goodies but as significant ‘extra cost’ options, the Lexus is impressively equipped. Standout features include eight airbags, traction/stability control, keyless ignition, electric fold-away mirrors, and a 13-speaker sound system.
The 2.5-litre, six-cylinder engine is not big but is wonderfully smooth and quiet and combines well with the excellent six-speed automatic. It easily beats the others in terms of fuel consumption and environment scores.
Good grip, communicative steering and balanced, predictable handling give the Lexus another high score, on a par with the all-wheel-drive Liberty.
Rear passenger space is the IS250’s worst feature, resulting in an equal lowest score on the chart (along with running and repair costs).
But the IS250’s consistency across the criteria – especially the critical ones – enable it to retain its coveted title.
| price $56,990 |
| 2.5-litre V6; 6-speed auto; sedan |
| best features Chassis balance Engine refinement Standard equipment All-round quality |
| second place Subaru Liberty 3.0R third place Honda Legend 3.5 |
Best Luxury CarLexus was looking like it would pull off the trifecta in the luxury car category this year until the Audi A6 quattro diesel elbowed the Lexus LS460 and the GS300 into third and fourth spots respectively. The Lexus GS450 hybrid withstood the challenge, however, and took out the prize for the second consecutive year.
Buyers in this category are looking for the best of everything, including engine technologies, but not at the expense of quietness and refinement.
In many ways, the Lexus GS450h represents the future: a high-performance luxury car whose green credentials are second to none. It has set a benchmark for other manufacturers.
This Lexus may be a hybrid vehicle but it performs like a V8 and has the ride and handling qualities to match. Its petrol/electric powertrain is a 3.5-litre, quad-cam, aluminium V6 which, in its own right, develops 218kW of power and 368Nm of torque.
Most of that torque is developed across an impressively broad range, between 2000 and 6000rpm. Its performance with this engine alone would eclipse most in the luxury class.
Importantly, though, the GS450h delivers four-cylinder economy and low emissions, with whisper-quiet efficiency that is best in class.
Build quality is of the highest standard, although the GS450h lacks some of the style and finesse inherent in many of its competitors, and there are some better in this class for seat comfort. Driver aids like stability control and a full complement of airbags give the GS450h top marks for safety.
The regenerative braking system doesn’t provide the best brake-pedal feel to the driver, but this clever technology converts kinetic energy from the vehicle’s forward motion, with the conventional braking system used to slow the hybrid and also recharge the battery. As a result, the brakes initially have a peculiar feel to them.
The high-tech nature of this model may deter some buyers, although the fact that it is built by Lexus (and the technology has been successfully used for many years) should allay concerns.
The term ‘social responsibility’ is used increasingly in these times of higher-than-ever fuel prices, diminishing fuel reserves and global warming.
The GS450h admirably fits the bill.
| price $121,964 |
| 3.5-litre, petrol/electric hybrid, V6; sedan |
| best features Hybrid engine economy Effortless performance Overall refinement Green credentials |
| second place Audi A6 TDI quattro 3.0 third place Lexus LS460 4.6 auto |
Best Recreational 4WDNissan’s new X-Trail strikes that often difficult-to-achieve balance between on-road driveability and off-road performance, while offering a high degree of refinement, comfort, safety and quality in a very practical package.
This new X-Trail, while slightly larger, doesn’t look much different from the model it replaced. It’s under the skin and inside that Nissan has made the most important improvements.
The 125kW, 2.5-litre, all-aluminium engine is now slightly more powerful, but it’s the revised torque curve that really improves mid-range response.
X-Trail also now comes with the option of a stepless CVT automatic, which replaces the old four-speed auto, while the new manual transmission has six speeds instead of the previous five.
Inside, the generally good ergonomics are let down to some degree by the lack of reach-adjustable steering. Nice touches abound, however, including heated and cooled cup holders and the use of higher-quality trim materials.
The cargo space has been substantially increased and a practical slide-out storage tray added under a lift-out double floor. Removing the false floor boosts storage space by up to 50%.
X-Trail’s safety score has also improved dramatically over the previous model with electronic stability program, traction control, electronic brake distribution, anti-lock brakes and brake assist now standard. Passive safety is enhanced by dual front, front-side and full-length curtain airbags, in addition to active head restraints.
On the road, its passenger car lineage is evidenced by a comfortable ride, and handling is reasonable for an SUV. Off-road, the X-Trail shows why it rated near the front of the recreational 4WD pack.
Nissan’s ‘intelligent’ All Mode 4x4-i system allows the driver to choose between front-wheel drive or fully automatic four-wheel drive. This ensures optimum distribution of engine torque between front and rear axles.
A centre differential lock is also provided for improved off-road performance. Two new and worthwhile standard features are hill descent control and hill start assist.
The X-Trail is a vehicle that feels equally at home on suburban roads and nature’s tracks, and is a worthy winner.
| price $33,990 |
| 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder; CVT auto; wagon |
| best features Versatile design New transmissions Off-road ability Safety features |
| second place Honda CR-V 2.4 third place Toyota Kluger KX-R 3.5 |
Best Luxury 4WDOne of the longest winning streaks in Australia’s Best Cars history ended this year with the four-time-winning Lexus RX-series knocked off its perch by the BMW X5 diesel.
The BMW X5 was a solid performer across the board. Its Lexus nemesis shone in areas like standard features, warranty and environment. It also scored better in build/finish, ride and smoothness/quietness, but Munich’s big, self-proclaimed ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ still prevailed.
The X5 did the job with consistently high scores and sealed the win with a couple of knockout punches in security, braking and handling and, most tellingly, 4WD ability, where it almost tripled the Lexus’s score.
It’s a big call to award a perfect 10 in any category, but it’s particularly notable when it’s for handling. The new X5’s chief engineer said their aim was to make the X5 a great drive and any other benefits that flowed would be a bonus. According to the ABC judges, BMW succeeded admirably, not just with handling, but with off-road ability too.
Even on its controversial run-flat tyres, the X5’s ride score was only one point behind the class-leading Lexus.
Like many modern diesel engines, the 3.0-litre oil-burner is powerful (160kW), flexible and frugal (potentially under 9L/100 km) and offers a gigantic 500Nm of torque from a low 1750rpm.
Diesels are always great off-road but, in the X5’s more likely habitat – the suburbs – the 3.0D is also an easy, comfortable drive. The flexible engine works beautifully with the smooth, six-speed auto, now operated by an electronic, one-movement gearshift.
BMW’s controversial i-Drive was as polarising as ever among the judging team, but consensus was eventually reached that it is now more user-friendly due to the provision of ‘favourites’ buttons. That’s just as well, because ergonomics is weighted ‘high’ and there were only three points in the contest at its conclusion.
The X5 impresses as a comfortable, practical and spacious machine which is well equipped and comes with all the expected safety devices. However it still scores comparatively lowly in standard features because, like most Beemers, the goodies are available but they are ‘extra cost’ options (up to $5000 for the third row seats, for example).
Ultimately it was going to take a particularly good thing to topple the Lexus RX in this category, with its particular buyer priorities, but we found it with the new BMW X5.
| price $86,600 |
| 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbo-diesel; 6-speed auto |
| best features Performance Build quality Diesel economy Equipment |
| second place Lexus RX400h 3.3 CVT third place Lexus RX350 Sports 3.5 auto |
Best All-Terrain 4WDAs the engineering and design of 4WDs has improved, buyers no longer need to accept a compromise between off-road capability and on-road comfort and performance. Accordingly, the judges were again won over by the well-rounded performance of Land Rover’s ‘Disco’ 3 diesel in the most rugged class.
One of the best-engineered 4WD vehicles, Discovery 3 gives buyers the best list of standard features along with class-leading safety and security.
While that means some additional dollars lost to depreciation, it is not the most expensive vehicle in this class.
The Discovery has gained ground on its competitors in recent years with better on-road handling and driving feel. This is not just the result of good suspension geometry, but good wheel control through the full range of travel, more accurate steering than expected in this group, and adjustable air springs.
The V6 diesel engine offers both good performance and fuel economy, but it comes at a hefty $11,000 premium over its petrol sibling. The strong pulling power of the diesel is complemented by the refined six-speed automatic and the driveline always feels smooth.
A feature of the Discovery’s 4WD system is the ability to adjust the suspension via a selector dial on the centre console to cope with all kinds of road and off-road conditions.
Clever interior design work abounds in the spacious cabin. Seating comfort is great throughout, and the rear seat folding mechanism is a work of art.
Discovery has grown in girth over the years and it now weighs 2.4 tonnes. But if a full-size 4WD is the only thing on your shopping list, or towing is a prime requirement, this is one of the very best vehicles for the job.
| price $74,990 |
| 2.7-litre V6, turbo-diesel; 6-speed auto; wagon |
| best features Go anywhere ability Drivetrain refinement Adjustable suspension Cabin space |
| second place Mitsubishi Pajero VRX CDI 3.2 third place Toyota Prado GXL 3.0 diesel |
Open Road January/February 2008
Car reviews
