Articles by Alistair Kennedy

The automobile industry doesn’t get anywhere near the credit it deserves for the advances in road safety over the last four decades. Although there have been some legislative requirements, the vast majority of innovations have been brought in voluntarily and with competition between carmakers driving the safety of motor vehicles to higher and higher levels. While many of the initiatives have originated in Europe it’s reassuring to see Holden taking the lead with an Australian-made car that’s at the leading edge of vehicle safety. The following features are available in the new high-tech VF Commodore: Blind Spot Alert Regular readers will be well aware of our views on the dangers of driver inattention and the fact that if a driver adjusts their mirrors correctly then there’s no such thing as a blind spot. Nevertheless the reality is that there are such drivers out there, so a system such as Blind Spot Alert that uses radar sensors mounted on each side of the rear fascia to alert them to a car coming alongside may well save the lives of the occupants of both vehicles. The VF Commodore’s Blind Spot Alert flashes an orange warning icon on one or other of the car’s two door mirrors. It is available as an option with the Commodore Evoke and is standard in all other models Lane Departure Warning Another system designed to avert possible crashes it uses a digital camera mounted at the top of the car’s front windscreen to ‘look at’ lane markings on either side of the car and to alert the driver both visually and audibly when the car moves out of the lane. It only operates at speeds in excess of 56 km/h when it has been activated through a steering wheel mounted button and only when the driver has not signalled a lane change. Lane Departure Warning is only available in the SS V Redline, Calais V and Caprice V models. Forward Collision Alert This system uses the same digital camera as that on the lane departure system to monitor vehicles immediately in front of the Commodore and warns the driver if they are approaching such a vehicle too quickly and that a collision is imminent. Unlike some other systems it will not apply the brakes. As with the Lane Departure Warning it’s only available in the SS V Redline, Calais V and Caprice V models. Head-Up Display Now for a feature that assists the alert, rather than the inattentive, driver. A Head-Up Display projects a variety of information onto the bottom of the windscreen immediately in front of the driver thus reducing the need for them to take their eyes off the road. We’ve seen quite a few of these systems in European and Japanese cars, but none with the choice of information in the VF Commodore. Displayed are vehicle speed, the current speed limit, audio functions, vehicle messages and phone information. Too much information? Yes, we think so. The position of the display and its brightness can be adjusted via a dashboard mounted control. Again, HUD only comes with the SS V Redline, Calais V and Caprice V models. Auto Park Assist Auto-park systems are now available in a number of imported cars, with Ford Australia pushing this feature strongly. These use sensors or cameras to detect a suitable parking space and combine with the driver to safely park the car. Most auto park systems are currently in small to medium sedans where the problem of parking is significantly less than it is for the driver of a large family car, so it’s great to see the Commodore using them. According to Holden, the Auto Park Assist fitted standard across the VF Commodore range including the Ute and WN Caprice, is the largest GM car to have such a system. It can be used to park in either parallel or right-angle parking spaces with the driver operating the throttle and brake and the car’s computer doing the steering. Reverse Traffic Alert One feature that will appeal to any every driver who’s ever been stuck, parked forward, between a couple of big SUVs in a supermarket car park. The Reverse Traffic Alert system uses the radar sensors in the rear fascia to send both a visual and audible alert if, when the Commodore is being reversed, it detects a vehicle approaching from either side of the car within a distance of 25m. It operates on angled parking as well as driveways. Love it! IsoFix Child Seat Mounting An advanced method of mounting child seats that locks the seats into a set of anchor points instead of through rear seat belts. Any parent who watches the Holden crash test video and sees how much more secure their children will be is likely to immediately change over. That is, if their car has IsoFix mountings, because the stupidity of regulators in Australia meant they were illegal here for many years. All VF Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and WN Caprice models have three IsoFix child seats anchors although at this stage they are awaiting ADR approval. MyLink Additional safety features such as Enhanced Voice Recognition, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and text messaging to voice operate in conjunction with a range of fascinating new features through Holden’s MyLink system which is standard in every VF Commodore and WN Caprice model. The large 8-inch colour touch screen is placed at the top-centre of the dashboard to minimise the amount of time diverted from the road. Included among the features it operates are satellite navigation with traffic management; Siri voice commands; Smart phone integration with embedded apps such as the Pandora music and Stitcher worldwide radio access.  

In the quest for alternative power sources Toyota and Lexus have been at the forefront of the development of petrol/electric hybrid technology for many years.While Toyota concentrated on conservative models such as the Prius, Lexus took it a step further by using electric power to add sporting performance.At first glance this approach may have seemed odd but in fact hybrids actually make more sense in large cars than in small ones because a fuel saving of around 25 per cent in a large engine will benefit the environment far more than trimming the same percentage from a small one.Though people who can afford expensive vehicles don’t have the same fuel cost concerns than buyers of cheaper ones, more and more of them are starting to see CO2 emission reductions as a more significant issue. Interestingly, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are now also producing luxury sports hybrids.STYLINGThe Lexus LS range was given an upgrade in early 2013 with a more adventurous look to it, extra power to all models as well as the option of F-Sport styling and performance enhancement features with both the LS 460 and the new, standard wheelbase, LS 600h. The LS 600hL remained on sale with, as before, the choice of two rear bucket seats or a traditional three-seat bench.Premium luxury cars such as the big Germans and the Lexus LS have traditionally come with quite conservative styling as befits their buyer’s status so the new angular wide-mouth treatment is quite an exciting change and one that we loved.ENGINESPower and torque are the same in all four LS models with power increased from 290 kW to 327 kW and torque unchanged at 520 Nm. Their inclusion of the F-Sport package adds a second dimension to the hybrid nature of the LS 600h because it allows the car to be driven in five different modes: Normal, Eco, Comfort, Sport S and Sport S+.The last two modes are an interesting move because, as with the styling changes, they direct the LS more in the direction of the driver than the chauffeur and his executive passenger(s). Less likely to be an issue in egalitarian Australia than in more status-conscious overseas countries. Indeed, many Asian owners of the Lexus hybrids will never drive their own cars.DRIVINGThe Lexus LS models consummate cruising vehicles with an almost floating feeling such is the level of comfort and noise suppression. Twiddle to knob to the Sport S or Sport S+ settings and you feel noticeable changes in the driving dynamics with firmer suspension through the Active Stabiliser System, tighter steering and drivetrain.While these enhancements do improve driving enjoyment the big Lexuses are a long way from being sporty – they’re far too large and heavy for that. Nevertheless the gap between the superior performance of cars the BMW 7 Series has been closed and the dynamics of the new LS models largely through a stiffer chassis than before.Interior space in the standard wheelbase F-Sport is acceptable for a pair of adults in the rear seat but with boot space restricted by the batteries to just 370 litres. Fuel consumption during our test of the LS 600h sat just over 10 litres per 100 kilometres during freeway segments and around 12 overall, quite impressive numbers for such a large vehicle.TECHNOLOGYWe could fill several more pages describing the equipment and technology within the Lexus LS but rather than do so, we’ll pick out a few highlights and let your local dealer walk you through the rest. Rear-seat passengers get access to most of the car’s infotainment features from the console located on the armrest between the rear seats, no doubt designed for the Chairman of the Board en route between business meetings and listening in to stock market reports.The front seat console employs a rectangular floating ‘mouse’ which we found much more difficult to use than the typical round one. It doesn’t come easily to hand and is so twitchy that it’s necessary to take your eyes of the road to use it.VERDICTWith on-road prices starting above a quarter of a million dollars the Lexus LS 600h is obviously aimed at an elite category of buyer for whom only the best will do. Those who appreciate technology will love it.MODEL RANGELS 600h F-Sport 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-door sedan: $217,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid five-seat four-door sedan: $249,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-seat four-door sedan: $259,900 (automatic)Lexus LS 600h F SportPrice: from $217,900Engine: 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid V8 290 kW (327 kW combined)/520 NmBody: four-door sedanTransmission: CVT, RWDTurning Circle: 11.6 metresKerb Mass: 2270-2340 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 84 litres0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.7 secondsThirst: 8.6 L/100 km 95RONStandard warranty: four years/100,000 km

Peugeot has given its head-turning RCZ coupe a facelift, an equipment upgrade and, purely from a selfish point of view, the opportunity for us to take this delightful little car for a drive on both the open road and the racetrack.STYLINGAdopting the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy, changes to the styling of the 2013 RCZ are minor. The grille, while retaining the distinctive Peugeot wide mouth look, has been toned down a little with a wide lower intake that extends to the edges of the car and finishes with an upward kink fringed by daytime running lights that gives it a smile-like look. And why shouldn’t the car smile ... its drivers surely will.While the RCZ looks great from any angle it really comes into its own when seen in profile and from the rear. The roof slopes back to the rear almost from the time it leaves the top of the windscreen giving it a shape like no other coupe on the road especially with its distinctive ‘double bubble’ that runs from the back of roof through the rear window is an outstanding feature.The unusual shape of the Peugeot coupe does mean that there’s more front headroom than we’ve come to expect from sporting coupes. The back seat in the RCZ is an occasional seat that can be used by children, or very tolerant adults for short distances.The Peugeot RCZ is a wide car, and looks even wider thanks to the lowset rear styling. There’s a two-stage rear spoiler that raises automatically at pre-set speeds to provide added downforce. It can also be operated manually.The extra width of the RCZ also assists in providing 384 litres of boot space which can be expanded to 760 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The new RCZ now gets xenon headlights with titanium surrounds and 19-inch alloy wheels which were previously optional.VALUETalking of options – there aren’t any. In a move that will appeal to those potential buyers who would otherwise have to bring a calculator to the showroom to try and work out what they did and didn’t want, the Peugeot RCZ comes with one specification level and one price.But with the high value of the Australian dollar we’re becoming used to the prices of imported cars remaining the same or even dropping, so it’s a bit of a surprise to see the price of the RCZ increasing by $4000 to $58,990.However Peugeot has valued the additional, previously optional, equipment now standard at $5800. In addition to the xenon lights and 19-inch alloy wheels this includes satellite navigation which is displayed on a pop-up screen from within the dashboard.Unusually, that price of $58,990 is the same regardless of which of the three powertrain alternatives you choose: 1.6-litre turbo petrol, six-speed manual; 1.6-litre turbo petrol, six-speed automatic; or 2.0-litre turbo diesel, six-speed manual.ENGINESThe engines are unchanged from before with the petrol automatic having peak power and torque of 115kW and 240Nm and the petrol manual 147kW and 275Nm. The diesel version wasn’t available at the time of the RCZ’s Australian launch but we’ll report on it when we carry out our extended road test in the coming months.DRIVEThe Peugeot’s launch was based at Melbourne’s Sandown Park racetrack, with a 120-kilometre morning drive around the Dandenong Ranges in the automatic and then two hours of track driving with the manual in the afternoon.We have to admit returning from the road section of the drive program a little disappointed with the performance from the lower-powered engine and its automatic partner. As regular readers will know we are biased in favour of doing our own gear changing in sporty cars and while there is a tiptronic manual override with the auto RCZ it doesn’t come with the paddle shifts that we’ve come to expect in cars of this type.On the positive side this is a beautifully balanced car and there is plenty of grip and very little body roll even when pushing hard through corners. Although relatively firm the ride is still quiet and relaxing enough for long trips albeit with the usual problem of tyre/road noise on the typical coarse chip surfaces found on many Australian rural roads.Any lingering doubts about our preference for the manual RCZ were quickly dispelled when we hit the racetrack. As any driving enthusiast will confirm there’s a real buzz in getting the maximum from a small engine and doing so by working the gears to their optimum level. The sharp turns combined with the long straights at Sandown allowed us to let the little Pug show what it was capable of doing.There’s enough torque to go through the tight Sandown bends in third gear and we were able to hit 175km/h in the long straights. The buzzy engine note adds to the enjoyment.

Subaru Liberty has been a popular seller in Australia for more than 20 years and has attracted loyal buyers partly because it’s just that little bit different from the mainstream. Not only with its boxer engine and all-wheel drive but also because of its well-earned reputation for toughness and reliability.The latest, fifth generation, Liberty was launched in 2010 with annual tweaks to keep it up to date ahead of the next generation model which is still a couple of years away. The model year 2013 Liberty arrived here late last year with some minor styling changes, handling improvements and extra equipment.TECHNOLOGYAs before Subaru Liberty comes with a large choice of variants in either sedan or wagon bodies starting with the 2.5i then 2.5i Premium and 2.5i GT Premium. For 2013 there’s a new model called Liberty X with extra ground clearance which sits in between the standard Liberty and the more rugged Outback. There’s also a seven-seat people mover called Liberty Exiga.As before, two petrol engines are offered with capacities of 2.5 and 3.6 litres although the latter, a six-cylinder unit, is now only available in the Liberty X. The upgraded four-cylinder 2.5-litre has managed the now-common combination of increased power and torque with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.Each of the changes is marginal, power up 4 kW, torque up 6 Nm, fuel consumption down 0.4 L/100 km and CO2 emissions down 11 g/km to make for more efficient vehicles.The Liberty 2.5i GT Premium gets a turbocharged version of the 2.5-litre engine with 195 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque between 2400 and 5200 rpm.Manual transmission (six-speed) is now only available with the 2.5 GT Premium which also has the option of five-speed automatic. The 3.6X only gets the five-speed auto while the lower-specced models all have CVT with paddle shifts.VALUEAnother big selling point for the 2013 Liberty is its price. With help from the high value of the Australian dollar against the drop in the cost of the Japanese yen, Subaru has been able to trim prices with the new entry-level Liberty 2.5i automatic sedan $1000 cheaper than its previous manual equivalent and so $3000 cheaper than the comparable automatic.DESIGNExternally the new Liberty gets a new grille, front fog light surrounds and re-designed alloy wheels. Inside there is a revised steering wheel design, one-touch lane-change indicator and electro-luminescent gauges with an integrated 3.5-inch colour monitor.SAFETYSubaru's EyeSight safety system has now been extended further into the Liberty range. Originally only available in the flagship Liberty 3.6R Premium it now comes as standard in the Premium, GT Premium and Liberty X models.Using stereo cameras mounted inside the windscreen on either side of the interior rear vision mirror EyeSight scans the road ahead and uses triangulation to estimate distances and angles of objects in front of the car. This information is sent to a computer that calculates which objects merely have to be monitored in case things change and those that require immediate action.Where EyeSight anticipates a potential collision with an object in front of the car the computer can activate the brakes. If the speed difference between your car and the one it's approaching is less than 30 km/h it can prevent a collision, above that speed a collision will take place, but the consequences will be less severe.Other standard safety features include seven airbags and Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control system incorporating ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, stability and traction control, hill hold and reversing camera.Also standard are alloy wheels, leather-trimmed steering wheel, Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, auxiliary and USB jacks, and voice activiation. All models above the entry level 2.5i and the manual GT Premium get Eyesight and satellite navigation.DRIVINGOn the road Subaru Liberty has a real luxury feel to it enhanced by improvements in Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels. Even in the standard 2.5i it really does feel like the kind of car that you could cruise in all day with confidence and emerge fresh and comfortable at journey’s end.VERDICTWhile it’s not what you call a driving enthusiast’s car (have a look around the Subaru showroom and check out the WRX and BRZ if that’s what you want) but nevertheless the underlying driving experience is one of confidence in the key areas of handling and safety.

Kia has launched the third generation of its Cerato sedan. As with the previous model, the sedan variant has been released in advance of the bigger-selling hatch. However, this time the delay will be minimal with the five-door due within the next two or three months. The upgraded two-door coupe version, sold as the Kia Koup, will be released late in the year.Ironically the Cerato launch came on the same day that GM-Holden announced significant job cuts at its Adelaide factory, primarily because its locally-made Cruze is struggling to compete against imported cars such as the Cerato because of the high value of the Australian dollar. Despite recent price cuts the entry-level Cruze is still $1500 dearer than the comparable Cerato in what is a very price-sensitive and intensely competitive market.As we’ve come to expect from South Korea the third-generation Kia Cerato ($19,990 plus on-road costs) is well-equipped. Standard on all models are cruise control, Bluetooth; Auxiliary and USB sockets; and steering wheel mounted control.The first thing that we do when testing cars nowadays is to pair our smartphone to the car’s Bluetooth connection. It’s often a frustrating experience with every manufacturer using a different method so we were delighted to be able to get both the telephone and audio streaming off and running in less than a minute.A satellite navigation package including traffic information and DVD player displaying on a 7-inch LCD screen, will be added to the options list for the SLi with the next production run, starting this month.The Si gets the bigger engine; 16-inch alloy wheels; reversing camera; smart key with push-button start/stop; chrome highlights; premier interior trim; 4.3-inch LCD computer screen; and automatic headlights.The range-topping SLi gets larger (17-inch) alloys; LED rear combination lights; LED daytime running lights; leather trimmed seats; powered driver’s seat; paddle-shifters with the automatic; dual-zone climate control air conditioning; and heated front seats.The last feature, and it may just clinch the deal for some buyers is, that like all Kia models, the new Cerato comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre standard warranty.The price of the entry-level Cerato S is only $600 more than the outgoing model but that’s not an apples-for-apples comparison because it now comes with a smaller engine with a new 1.8-litre (110kW/178Nm) replacing the previous 2.0-litre (115kW / 194Nm) unit.The higher specced Si and SLi models each get an upgraded direct-injection 2.0-litre engine with 129kW and 209Nm.Although a diesel engine is available in some countries Kia Australia has no immediate plans to bring it here. All three variants come with the choice of manual or automatic transmission, both six-speed.New Kia Cerato sedan is longer, wider and lower than the outgoing model with shorter overhangs. All of which make for a sleeker styling aimed at the 20-something buyer.It’s also lighter by an average of 50 kilograms for reduced fuel consumption. Inside the dashboard is simple, well-designed and functional.Although it’s classified as a small passenger car – along with 44 other models in what is a very crowded and competitive market segment – the Cerato is a genuine mid-sized family sedan. At 4.56 metres long it has enough legroom for four adults to sit comfortably, although it’ best if the rear occupants aren’t particularly tall because Cerato’s coupe-like styling does seriously reduce rear headroom.Standard safety features include Electronic Stability Control with traction control, ABS brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Emergency Stop Signal which activated the hazard lights on emergency braking; front and rear parking sensors; and six airbags.We were able to test the third-gen Cerato during its launch in the NSW Hunter Valley. Our first impression was how solid a feel there was to the car, almost up there with the best of its European rivals ... but at a lower price.Surprisingly for such a major tourist region the Hunter Valley has some awful roads, just the thing for testing ride and handling. The new Cerato, like all Australian Kia models, had a considerable amount of local input and it shows with an impressively smooth ride over some badly corrugated roads. Handling is safe rather than exciting as expected from a car of its type.The Cerato’s safe handling, simple yet functional design, range of features and warranty may just clinch the deal for some buyers.

The Citroen C4 Aircross is one of three compact SUVs produced from a joint venture between the French PSA Peugeot Citroen group and the Japanese giant Mitsubishi. It sells alongside the Peugeot 4008 and Mitsubishi ASX.The sales figures for the three vehicles make an interesting example of the value of brand marketing. All three are built in the same Mitsubishi factory albeit with some styling differences and, allowing for variations in equipment levels, are priced within the same ballpark.Despite this, during the nine-month period that all three have been on sale, nearly 90 per cent of total sales have been of the ASX. The Peugeot 4008 and Citroen Aircross each arrived in Australia in mid-2012, nearly two years after the ASX, and so were at a significant disadvantage.The Aircross was further hampered because its arrival coincided with the imminent switch in Citroen’s local importer/distributor which meant that it received virtually no marketing or advertising support.The new importer, Sime Darby Motors Group, has now re-launched the Aircross and we’ve now been able to spend a day with this cute-looking small SUV, Citroen’s first venture into this booming market.Prices are straightforward: $31,990 for the 2WD and $33,990 for the 4WD. While these prices are the same as when the Aircross was launched by the previous importer in June 2012 they are now national driveaway prices and include a reversing camera as standard and so making it significantly cheaper – Citroen claims nearly $4000 – than previously.Also standard are 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed steering wheel, cruise control, Bluetooth phone and audio steaming, steering wheel mounted audio controls and voice activation.While the Aircross and the ASX share most of their mechanical components and underbody parts and have a similar styling theme, all external panels, with the exception of its doors and roof are different.The Aircross also takes a different approach to the all-important frontal styling. While its two siblings have gone for the trendy wide-mouthed grille Citroen has adopted a wide two-bar arrangement with the familiar Citroen double chevron built into the centre.Daytime running lights are growing in popularity and the Aircross again takes a different tack by having them on the extreme edges of the grille and vertically mounted rather than the normal horizontal line fringing the headlights.Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder but we do prefer the look of the Allcross to that of the 4008 and ASX. Interior space is good at the front and acceptable for adults but fine for children in the rear. Boot space ranges from 442 litres with the rear seatbacks in place (384 litres below the parcel shelf) to 1193 litres with the seatbacks folded.The model range for the Citroen C4 Aircross is nice and simple. There’s one engine (2.0-litre petrol), one transmission (CVT automatic), one specification level (Exclusive) and two drive options (2WD and 4WD).The Aircross engine generates up to 110 kilowatts of power and 199 Newton metres of torque. It’s capable enough in normal city and motorway driving but does struggle a bit on hilly terrain although once we started using the paddle shift manual override feature we were able to enjoy the test drive a lot more.It’s not a sporty vehicle but neither are the majority of its competitors in what is very much a small family focussed market segment. Other engines, including diesel, are available but are not in Citroen’s Australian importers sights at this time of low local petrol prices.Fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway test is listed at 7.9 litre per 100 kilometres for the 2WD model and 8.1 L/100 km with 4WD.Safety equipment levels are good with seven airbags, ABS brakes with emergency brakeforce distribution and brake assist, ESP, hill-start assist, reversing camera with rear mirror display, rear park assist and auto hazard light activation under rapid deceleration.Our 250 kilometre media test route included around 30 km of moderately rugged dirt roads to display the off-road credentials that Citroen saw as distinguishing the Aircross from its softer competitors.Although we were in the 4WD model during this stage we switched between modes and apart from the occasional rut that sent shudders through the car, it handled the conditions without any real problems. There’s also a 4WD Lock option for more demanding terrain.

Kia Sorento is the larger of two SUVs from the ambitious Korean importer. The smaller Sportage is aimed more at the youth and small family market while the seven-seat Sorento is effectively a crossover people mover with some off-road ability in the AWD variants. The latest version of the Sorento was launched here in September 2012.The choice of two- or four-wheel-drive is rapidly becoming the norm in the latest breed of SUVs, something that makes lots of sense because the majority of buyers neither want nor need drive to all four wheels, a feature that not only adds to the vehicle’s purchase price but also, because of the extra weight, to its fuel consumption and emissions.While two of the models that Kia views as Sorento’s main competitors, Ford Territory and Toyota Kluger, do have 2WD variants, its Hyundai sibling – and so realistically its closest competitor – the Santa Fe, only comes with 4WD despite the two vehicles sharing the same platform.The 2.2-litre AWD Sorento Platinum we tested will set you back $50,390.Standard equipment in all models includes stability control and traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and downhill brake control, hill-start assist and parking sensors at both front and rear. The mid-spec SLi adds a parking sensor dash display, reversing camera, leather trim seats and roof rails. Platinum models also gain satellite navigation, active high-intensity discharge Xenon headlights, push button ignition start and panoramic sunroof.Other features across the range include cruise control, mp3-compatible audio system, AUX/USB and iPod sockets and Bluetooth for both phone and audio streaming.Kia Sorento comes with a choice of two engines, 3.5-litre V6 petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. The standard transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission. A six-speed manual is available but only with the diesel engine and only in the entry level Sorento Si.The V6 petrol has maximum power of 204 kW at 6300 rpm and torque of 335 Nm at 5000 rpm with combined fuel consumption listed at 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbo-diesel engine peaks at 145 kW of power at 3800 rpm and 421 Nm of torque (manual) and 436 Nm (automatic) between 1800 and 2500 rpm.There are three equipment levels. Both the entry level Si and mid-spec SLi come with the choice of the two engines, while the flagship Platinum model, rather unusually, is only offered with the diesel engine.Although there were a number of external changes they didn’t change the overall look of the vehicle to any significant extent. There was a redesigned grille, new LED headlights and taillights with daytime running lights at the front as well new bumpers and wheels and a different tailgate.In people mover mode the management of Sorento’s interior space is critical and the Kia designers have managed to juggle the various passenger/luggage permutations nicely. As is invariably the case with mid-sized seven-seaters the third row is best left to pre-teen children even with a marginal improvement in legroom from the previous model.The third row of seats do fold flat to provide up to 1047 litres of luggage space with the centre seats in place but drops to 285 litres with all seats occupied. The back row seats are split 50/50 to allow some extra seating flexibility. Adding another dimension to the Sorento, folding both rows of rear seats opens the rear up to a van-like capacity of 2052 litres.Previous criticisms of the Sorento’s ride and handling have been addressed with the use of ultra high-tensile steel contributing to an 18 per cent increase in torsional rigidity improving ride comfort, handling and crash protection.Reduction of noise, vibration and harshness levels was another of the tasks allotted to Kia engineers for the 2013 Sorento and they’ve done an excellent job with the interior noticeable quieter in both the petrol and diesel powered models.The seats are comfortable and the ergonomics for the driver are very good. The steering has reach and height adjustment and the driver’s seat also has height adjust. The controls are large and easy to use and the steering wheel has remote controls for audio and cruise control.On the road both the petrol and diesel versions are surprisingly spirited vehicles and hills and rapid overtaking are dispatched with ease. Sorento’s handling and cornering isn’t as sharp as the smaller, sportier Sportage but that’s not unexpected given the differing requirements of the two vehicles.Kia Sorento is a neat and attractive SUV that offers plenty of options for a large family looking for a single vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks. Factor in Kia’s five year, unlimited kilometre warranty and it’s certainly worth adding to your shopping list.

The term shooting brake isn’t a common one here, but it’s a more common term in Europe for a prestige wagon.

Opel Corsa. To the average person in the street it’s just another new brand and model adding to the vast choice of cars available to Aussie car buyers.But, as car enthusiasts will already know, Opel is not only one of the world’s oldest carmakers, but has effectively been sold in Australia for more than 30 years disguised behind our best know brand, Holden. Corsa was sold between 1994 and 2005 as the Holden Barina, arguably our best-known small car nameplate.Holden’s decision to source most of its small to medium vehicles from GM Korea (formerly Daewoo) has opened up the opportunity for Opel to sell cars here in its own right. As well as the Corsa it released the small-medium Astra and the medium Insignia sedan.Though Opel’s corporate headquarters is located within Holden’s Melbourne head office, Opel is keen to sell itself as a semi-prestige Euro brand. To this end it has adopted a similar approach to Audi and Volkswagen by using a German slogan, “Wir Leben Autos” (We Love Cars).VALUEThe current Opel Corsa is the next generation on from the Corsa / Barina that was removed from the Australian market in 2005. It’s been around since 2006 albeit with regular facelifts to keep it up to date, with the next generation model not due until 2014.Price and looks are the two biggest factors in the youth-dominated small hatch market and Corsa’s styling is neat and contemporary with wide headlamps and grille, dipping roofline and a wide, square stance.While it doesn’t stand out from its crowd of competitors in appearance it does stand out in terms of price, but for the wrong reasons - it’s between $2000 and $3000 dearer than its main rivals.Opel has targeted Volkswagen as its main competitor and the 1.4-litre Polo sells for $2000 less than the Corsa.Although Opel Corsa is available as a three-door hatch ($16,990 with manual transmission) most buyers are now looking for the convenience of rear doors. The manual Opel Enjoy 1.4-litre five-door is priced at $18,990, three grand more than the South Korean sourced 1.6-litre Barina CD manual.There are three variants, the entry-level three-door model just called Corsa, three-door Corsa Colour Edition and the five-door Corsa Enjoy.Corsa comes well-equipped with all models getting six airbags, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, rear foglamp, Bluetooth connectivity (phone only, but with voice control), USB and auxiliary sockets and steering wheel mounted audio controls.There’s a $750 Sport Pack that increases the alloy wheels to 17 inches and in gloss black and lowered suspension.The dressed-up Colour Edition variant adds front foglamps, body-coloured door handles, gloss black painted roof and exterior mirror housing, sports alloy pedals, an extended colour range together with 16-inch alloy wheels (the standard Corsa has 15-inch steels). As well as the extra two doors the Corsa Enjoy gets leather-bound steering wheel, front foglamps, FlexFloor removable boot floor that provides secure storage below the floor.The latter test car was an automatic five-door Corsa Enjoy, likely to be the biggest seller although with the optional $1250 Technology Package included it’s going to cost around $25,000 to drive it away from the showroom.TECHNOLOGYAll are powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.4-litre 74 kW / 130 Nm petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual, with four-speed automatic transmission in the Colour Edition and Enjoy only.DESIGNThere’s good interior space with no headroom problems and a pair of adults can fit with reasonable comfort in the rear seats. The seats are firm and supportive with side bolsters that were a bit too tight for the wider buttocked road tester, but will be ideal for its typical (20-something) buyer.The boot takes up to 285 litres with the rear seatbacks (split 60/40) upright, extending to 700 litres when they’re folded.DRIVINGWe’ve been able to test drive Corsa on a variety of conditions, initially on the rural-based press launch program and more recently in more relevant urban conditions during our week-long extended test.Corsa is nicely balanced with safe and predictable handling. There’s a semi-sporting feel to the steering and the ride is surprisingly comfortable for such a small car. We were impressed by how well the suspension reacted to several unexpected potholes reflecting the car’s European background.The 1.4-litre engine is capable enough in the suburban environment and on the freeway but struggled in hilly conditions where we often had to use the manual override to drop down to lower gears. We’d certainly recommend a manual gearbox if you live in hilly terrain as this will overcome the inherent power losses of an automatic.VERDICTIt’s too early to tell if GM’s Australian Opel experiment, especially its pricing structure, will be successful but sales in the first three months have been modest to say the least. This could be from the normal hesitancy of buyers in accepting a ‘new’ brand or it could be because of that ‘Euro surcharge’.Opel CorsaPrice: from $18,990 (manual) and $20,990 (auto)Warranty: Three years/100,000kmResale: N/AEngine: 1.4-litre four cylinder, 74kW/130NmTransmission: Five-speed manual, four-speed auto; FWDSafety: Six airbags, ABS, ESC, TCCrash rating: Five starsBody: 3999mm (L), 1944mm (W), 1488mm (H)Weight: 1092kg (manual) 1077kg (auto)Thirst: 5.8L/100km, 136g/km CO2 (manual; 6.3L/100m 145g/km CO2 (auto)

They're still the epitome of British pace, space and grace. Although Jaguar is now owned by the Indian company, Tata Motors, the change of ownership hasn’t affected the very Britishness of its vehicles. Back in the 50s and 60s Jaguar used the slogan “Grace, Space and Pace” and while there may be question marks around the rear seat space in the XF there’s no argument about the other two.Jaguar XF 2.0 comes in two variants, Luxury and Premium Luxury. As well as the standard safety features (multiple airbags, enhanced ABS brakes package and electronic stability program) the XF Luxury comes with front and rear parking sensors, brake pad wear indicator, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers and semi-adjustable power front seats.For an extra $6510 the Premium Luxury adds 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch in the Luxury), reversing camera, folding side mirrors, full leather trim and fully-adjustable powered front seats. Both models come with an alloy space saver spare wheel.And then there’s the pricing. When the first models in the XF range arrived here in 2008 every one had a six-figure price tag. At $68,900 the new XF 2.0 is not only around one-third cheaper than that, it’s also about $10,000 below the corresponding entry-level models from Audi (A6), BMW (5-Series) and Mercedes-Benz (E-Class).Jaguar’s 2013 model year upgrade also included the option of a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine meaning that all five Jaguar XF engines now have some type of forced induction. Completing the ticking of boxes the price of the XF 2.0 Luxury, at $68,900, is just over $20,000 below that of the equivalent 3.0.Such have been the advances in engine technology in recent years that, despite having a capacity around one-third smaller, the new XF 2.0 produces both higher power (177 kW compared to 172 kW) and torque (340 Nm versus 284 Nm) outputs than the outgoing naturally-aspirated V6.At the same time fuel consumption drops from 10.5 litres per 100 km to 8.9 L/100 km, and emissions from 249 to 207 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.Although it’s tuned differently, the engine is the same as that in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost that recently took out the Australia’s Best Car award for Large Cars Under $60,000. It’s also used in the Ford Mondeo, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander. In the Jaguar, it gets the added advantage of being mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, now standard across the XF range.There’s certainly a gracefulness about the XF that sets it apart from its German competitors, both on the outside and inside. Its renowned designer, Ian Callum, has managed to combine a contemporary appearance without losing the traditional Jaguar looks demanded by potential buyers.So there’s a large radiator grille, circular headlights that are faired into the bonnet, swooping lines and a cat-like rear end. We just love the elegant simplicity of the XF’s interior that includes air vents and a mouse-like gear selector that retract when the engine is turned off.There’s plenty of space for front seat occupants, including a surprising amount of headroom. Things aren’t so good for those in the rear seats with minimal legroom when the front seats are at their limit. Headroom does decrease but wasn’t as restricted as we expected.We were able to drive both the Luxury and Premium Luxury versions of the Jaguar XF 2.0 from Sydney to the Central Coast on a mix of motorway, urban and rural conditions. Such was the smoothness and refinement from the new engine that it was easy to forget that it only had four cylinders. There is just a touch of turbo lag but no more than in its competitors.We love the firmer ride of the latest XF and the extra feel for the road that it provided once we hit the back roads, yet it’s had little or no affect on comfort and absorbed the occasional pothole without causing any wincing from the occupants. Even with the four-cylinder engine this very affordable Jaguar has all the hallmarks of an excellent long-distance cruiser.While the route chosen for the test was fairly benign there were enough hills and bends to show that the big Jag to be nicely balanced with responsive steering.The new Jaguar XF 2.0 ticks all the right boxes.