Holden SportwagonStaid goes Sporty
It’s many years since station wagons were cool, and even then only surfers really coveted them. They’ve survived as an unsexy staple for business (fleets, company cars) and large families. Holden has set out to change this dowdy perception with its super-sleek new Sportwagon.
In short, Holden has sacrificed space for sexiness. The previous VZ wagon was built on a long-wheelbase Statesman platform, but the Sportwagon uses the same platform as the VE Commodore. This translates to a 136mm reduction in length and some major shrinkage in the cargo bay – 1402 litres down to 895 litres (the difference is greater still with the back seats folded down). Some storage space has been redistributed to the rear leg room, which is upped from 986mm to 1001mm.
The Sportwagon boasts sedan-like handling and you’ll need it to fully appreciate the performance engine.
The 6.0-litre V8 engine, available in every model from SS up, pumps out an impressive 270kW of power and 530Nm of torque. The base model Omega features the standard four-speed auto Alloytec V6.
Holden has set a precedent here. It will be interesting to see how its competitors react – and if the Sportwagon can claim back some of the market share that SUVs have stolen away.
Click here for the report.
A mid-life facelift
Tinkering with a popular but aging model to revive public interest is nothing new – and while this might appear to be the case with Mazda’s updated RX-8, its many small adjustments start to add up.
Its external modifications are the most notable. These include a more open grille and chin spoiler at the front and a redesigned rear valance and boot spoiler at the back.
Mechanical changes are minimal and designed to improve efficiency, with the engine offering the same power and torque as the previous model. The gearboxes are another matter – the six-speed manual is essentially the same unit used in Mazda’s MX-5, while the old four-speed auto transmission has been replaced with a six-speed ‘Activematic auto’. Both are significant improvements, although the auto costs $1645 extra. Fuel consumption overall is slightly worse, returning an average of 12.9L/100km.
As well as the Luxury model, there’s also a new variant, the GT, which sports 19-inch alloys and leather Recaro seats. But what’s most likely to catch car buyers’ attention is the base price. The entry-level RX-8 retails for $49,720 – the first time it has come in under $50,000 and almost $5000 less than it cost in 2005.
While sales might not double overnight, with this revitalised range, Mazda’s RX-8 is sure to be with us for some time yet.
Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionEvolution of the species
The Evolution is the long-awaited addition to Mitsubishi’s Lancer range, which it launched with much fanfare back in October 2007. It replaces the out-going EVO 9, stocks of which ran out late last year. Some canny buyers have waited ever since to get their hands on this new model.
With the launch of the Lancer range came a more contemporary vehicle: better safety, a much stiffer body structure and an updated interior design are all new features. The improvements to the range have set the Evolution on an upward path and it is now better equipped to take on some of its rivals.
There is a suppleness in ride quality that earlier incarnations lacked and it is still blisteringly fast. This, combined with a higher level of standard features and creature comforts, makes it a better all-round sports sedan.
For the first time, Evolution buyers can opt for an automatic transmission, which Mitsubishi calls TC-SST or Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission. It’s a bit of a mouthful, but this twin clutch technology offers the driver lightning-fast gear changes. It’s available on both variants – as a $5000 option on the base-spec model, and as standard on the top-level Evolution MR.
The Evolution’s engine remains the same at 2.0 litres but has been replaced with a slightly lighter alloy unit that produces 217kW at 6500rpm (11kW more than the old unit). Getting this power to the tarmac is Mitsubishi’s hi-tech AWD system, which allows the driver to fine-tune the chassis to suit driving styles and conditions.
This new Evolution builds on the reputations of its predecessors but it now lends itself better to day-to-day use.
Click here for the full report.
SUV with a sting
Toyota has listened to its customers and introduced a powerful V6 engine into its popular RAV range of SUVs. Offering 200kW, this new powerplant (referred to in TV ads as the ‘killer wasps’ engine) gives the RAV all the power you could ever want in an SUV of this size.
It gets up to speed in an eye-blink and it provides excellent power throughout the rev range. The suspension and steering also deliver good stability and occupant ride comfort. Just don’t get too carried away with the engine’s power. Turning or stopping at speed in a car this shape and size can land you in trouble.
Buyers flock to the RAV because it is roomy and offers plenty of practical options for storage. Abundant head and leg room, nicely padded seats and quality trim make this a comfortable car to drive. An impressive safety package includes six airbags (including full-length curtain airbags) and the usual technology such as stability control. The vehicle, however, is yet to be crash tested by ANCAP. A fuel consumption figure of 10.6L/110km during testing proved average.
With prices starting at $31,990 for the existing four-cylinder RAV all the way up to the top-of-range 3.5-litre ZR6, Toyota offers RAV buyers six different models to choose from.
Click here for full report.
Lotus Elise SCPocket rocket
Tall drivers need not consider the Lotus Elise SC. Getting in and out of this tiny two-seater will test even the most limber bodies. And forget throwing luggage into the back for a weekend away – with luck, you might fit a couple of gym bags in the boot behind the engine compartment.
But then the Elise SC is not about space – it’s been purpose-built as a performance car. On the track, the Elise’s high-revving super-charged four-cylinder engine pushes it along at blistering speeds and its super rigid frame and performance suspension allow it to hug corners like few other cars.
Take it onto most Australian roads, however, and the stiff suspension and body are a liability. The uncomfortable ride was especially evident driving along the bumps and cracks in Sydney’s Parramatta Road. Engine noise also intrudes into the driver’s cabin due to a lack of insulation throughout.
Comfort and practicalities aside, this car will attract attention wherever it goes, thanks to its low stance, sleek styling and purposeful performance.
Pricing starts at $104,990 with the option of purchasing one (or both) of two trim packages. The Touring Pack, which adds an extra $8000, comes with full leather or micro-fibre suede- effect interior, iPod connectivity and handbrake gaiter. $7000 will get you the Sports Pack, which includes Bilstein sports dampers, ProBax sports seats and light-weight forged wheels.
Click here for the full report.
An invisible helping hand
Electronic stability control (ESC) is like an invisible hand that helps your car when things start to go horribly wrong. In fact, you may not know your car has ESC until you’re about to lose control.
ESC is a proven life saver. It detects when your vehicle is starting to skid or slide and assists in recovering control. How? It compares the car’s intended direction (judged by the angle of the steering wheel) with the vehicle’s actual direction by taking information about the car’s speed, braking and its yaw, which is the movement of the car around its vertical axis. ESC then varies the braking pressure on individual front and rear tyres to help ‘steer’ the car in the intended direction.
Because it’s ‘invisible’, it’s important drivers know how ESC works in their own cars. The best way to do that, says NRMA vehicle policy specialist Jack Haley, is to test how your car handles under extreme turning and braking conditions by trialling ESC on an empty road. Better still, sign up for a driver training course and find out under controlled conditions.
It’s also essential to remember your car can’t defy the laws of physics. Push a vehicle’s traction beyond its limits and you will lose control of your car, with or without ESC. It pays to drive safely and defensively no matter what.
If ‘bling’ is your thing, get an eyeful of the Harley Davidson CVO Screamin’ Eagle Dyna – but put on some sunglasses first so you aren’t blinded by all the chrome.
Featuring a tyre-frying 1800cc engine, this bike gives the usual throb expected from a big V-Twin Harley-Davidson. With only 2600 worldwide, this Harley is a rare sight on our roads.
Click here for the full report.
Following the lines of its big brother, the Speed Triple, the Triumph Street Triple 675 has the sort of looks that can’t help but attract attention.
Sporting a slightly re-tuned Daytona 675 engine and a similar chassis, this mid-size bike offers something different with plenty of power and torque, and excellent handling ability.
Click here for the full report.
The 2008 Yamaha YZF-R1 packs some serious punch behind its throttle.
New in the 2008 model is a slipper clutch, which offers much more control deep into corners. Matched with the hugely powerful six-piston radial mounted front calipers, the R1 is a bike you can ride hard – just ask Jamie Stauffer, who has dominated the last two Australian Superbike Championships.
Click here for the full report.
Parents concerned about their children buying a motorcycle should consider this one. From the way it responds through corners, to the way the ABS brakes work, it is almost fool-proof. If the mirrors were a touch wider and the price a little less steep, this would be close to the perfect beginner’s bike.
Click here for the full report.
Open Road September/October 2008
Car reviews
