Articles by Allison Garoza

Stunning . . .  one word says it all.  Not advised for the introvert, the Range Rover Evoque Coupe was made to turn heads. But with an obvious focus on style, could this beauty come with any brawn? The Evoque looks high maintenance, impractical, and a bit needy, but despite our best attempts at aversion, we became

At an isolated country pub, we felt right at home parking beside heavy duty, battle-scarred 4WDs. Sure, our Discovery 4 was new, it didn’t have a roo bar, or a snorkel to extend our 700mm wading depth -- but it could if we wanted it to. In fact, with great capability on road and off, plus a heap of optional extras, Land Rover’s Discovery 4 gave the impression it could probably do anything we wanted it to.Price and EquipmentRRP is $68,900, though with a smorgasbord of optional extras the price tag can soar with the whims of your desire. Coming standard with the TDV6 are 18-in alloy wheels, independent front and rear suspension, Terrain Response, eight speakers, front automatic climate control, wheel-mounted cruise, Bluetooth and audio, TFT display, CommandShift, EBA, HDC with GRC, DSC, ABS, RSC, ETC, active roll mitigation, rear park distance control, electronic park brake, trailer stability assist, push button start, iPod connectivity, electric heated and adjustable mirrors, and full size spare wheel.Our test vehicle came with extras such as a complicated rear seat entertainment and HDD navigation system, a console cooler box, and a wise addition for those wanting two extra seats - the $2,500 seven-seat pack.TechnologyThe 2.7-litre TDV6 engine, six-speed adaptive automatic transmission, permanent four-wheel-drive Discovery 4 brings 140kW/440Nm.The official fuel figure is 10.2L/100km and our trip on and off road found a comparable 11.9L/100km. With 0-100km in 12.7 seconds, pickup isn’t great pulling onto the motorway, but once you get going the Discovery 4 zips along, and with the comfort and off road abilities afforded in this size of vehicle, a slower take off speed is well worth it.DesignReliable enough for adventurers, stylish enough for cosmopolitan eyes, and practical for the entire family, the Discovery 4 TDV6 ticks a lot of boxes.The luxurious interior makes you doubt the Discovery will ever want to get its wheels dirty. A sophisticated console, leather steering wheel, and plenty of storage keep passengers in pure, refined comfort. Externally a tungsten finish air intake, two new exterior colour options, halogen front lighting, and colour coded front bumper, tailgate lift handle, and mirror caps, dress up the Disco.The tall profile gives plenty of headroom, while stadium seating in the back and command driving position up front gives great visibility, and iPod connectivity lets you repeatedly play Ride of the Valkyries as you shred trails.The seats in back fold flat, making 2,558 litres of storage – good room for transporting large items, or a decent bed if it’s pouring during your camping trip. If you decide to go on safari, the two-piece asymmetric tailgate drops down to provide a standing viewing platform that can take the weight of two adults.Though a bit big for crowded parking, the Discovery 4 TDV6 is capable on city streets, but that’s not where it belongs. In our opinion purchasing a Discovery for city life is akin to keeping a greyhound in an apartment. It can manage just fine, but you’re obliged to take it into the open so it can stretch out and do what it was born for.SafetyWith an Integrated Body-frame, ARM, HDC, RSC, ETC, DSC, EBA, four-channel all terrain ABS with all round ventilated disc brakes, as well as front and side airbags upfront, and curtain airbags in each row, the Discovery 4 TDV6 will protect you from your wild destinations. Incase the bright yellow diesel labeled fuel cap isn’t enough of a hint, the unnecessary diesel misfuelling device will prevent you from filling your diesel vehicle with petrol . . . in case you’re easily confused . . . in which case we suggest you take up cycling.DrivingWith Discovery 4’s five Terrain Response modes, and the electronic air suspension allowing you to raise the ride height up by 125mm or down by 50mm - all at the turn of a dial or touch of a button, the Discovery makes child’s play of finding the optimum settings.Over gravel and potholes it handled great, slipping only a little when we tackled a muddy field, but then picked right up when we drove through a creek and onto a rock trail and the independent front and rear suspension kept a steady cabin.There’s no hiding the fact that it’s a heavy vehicle, but for the size steering is light and the engine has very little NVH, giving the cabin a quite ride. A kerb to kerb turning radius of 11.45m makes hairpin turns on road a bit tough, but if you’re off road it’s not a problem as you can just drive off into the grass/gravel/sand/snow/rocks with hardly an extra bump.Compared with rougher off road vehicles, like Land Rover’s Defender, the Disco stands proud. Wider than the Defender, you may brush against a few branches on narrow tracks, but if you’re a true off roader you’re not going to cry over a few scratches.While the Defender wins extra notches in the bush, in unmodified vehicles the Discovery comes close in ground clearance (310mm with air suspension), it matches the Defender’s 3.5 tonne towing capacity, and surpasses its wading depth by sloughing through 700mm of water (with air suspension).Where the Defender and many other SUV’s can’t compare is in the Discovery 4’s versatility.  It can happily accommodate the brazen bushranger or a suburban-tied parent. Push the Discovery 4 down trails, pull it onto the bitumen, brush off the accumulated dirt for the city, and regardless of the situation this SUV takes charge.VerdictTougher than the Freelander and cushier than the Defender, Land Rover’s Discovery 4, 2.7-litre TDV6 is perfect for the adventurer seeking a beast born from the mating of oomph and awe.Land Rover Discovery 4 TDV6Price: $68,900Warranty: 3 years/100,000km roadsideSafety Equipment: EBA, HDC with GRC, DSC, ABS, RSC, ETC, active roll mitigation, rear park distance control, electronic park brake, trailer stability assistCrash rating: N/AEngine: 6 Cylinder, 2.7 Litre Diesel, 140kW/440NmBody: 4 Door SUVDimensions: 4838mm (L); 2176m (W); 1837mm (H); 2885mm (WB)Kerb Weight: 2486kgTransmission: Sports Automatic, 4X4 ConstantEconomy: 10.2 / 100Km; 270g/km CO2

Mud drips from the roof of our Freelander.  A passerby points it out to his wife: ‘They’ve been somewhere fun.’ Indeed we have. When taking Land Rover’s new Freelander off road there is little to limit your journey (except for a stubborn horse that wouldn’t get out of our way).TheFreelander may be a compact SUV, but it will do its best to keep up with the big boys. Dressed enough for the city streets, it truly comes alive in the bush. Through various terrain testing over the week we came to one conclusion: when you climb in a Freelander and turn off-road - adventure will follow.Land Rover’s Freelander 2 SD4 SE, priced from $56,810 comes with 18-in alloy wheels, Intelligent Power System Management for more economic battery charging, full size spare wheel, parking aids, Bluetooth, audio input socket, rain sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors, bright finish twin bar grille, adjustable wheel mounted audio and cruise, electronic folding side mirrors when the vehicle is parked, six-way adjustable driver seat, push button start/stop, trip computer, and perimetric security system.With 140kW/420Nm the 2.2-litre SD4 diesel engine has plenty of oomph off-road and on. The six-speed automatic transmission is seamless, but if you think you can do better, engage CommandShift and have a go at beating Freelander’s take off of 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds.When you’re not tackling trails, the official fuel figure is an impressive 7.0L/100km, though our scoot off road and through the mountains found 9.5L/100km, not bad considering the terrain.Smaller than its Land Rover brothers, this compact SUV can still push through water at depths up to 500mm, tow up to twotonnes, and clear obstacles with axel clearance up to 210mm in front and 265mm in back.And with the assistance of Terrain Response’s four modes, and front and rear independent suspension, you’ll find a surprisingly stable ride. After dusting off on your way home, the Freelander’s smaller dimensions make it very capable in busy city driving, and hunting for the elusive parking spot, all while having enough room to accommodate five adults and gear.The exterior of the Freelander has the classic Land Rover look. True to its strong lineage, it’s stylish, but not flashy. Internally however, this 4x4 has a soft side.The interior design is clean and gives the cabin an open feeling. Keeping with this, the back seats are 50mm higher than in front. The stadium seating lets those in back enjoy a clearer view, and the middle seat converts to an armrest with cup holders. With a choice of interior colors, wheel design, and a score of available accessories you can tailor the Freelander to match your taste.Heated front seats, a six-way adjustable driver seat, and an adjustable steering wheel and armrest will make anyone feel at home behind the wheel. Wheel mounted cruise, audio, and Bluetooth add to the driver’s control, though the spacing of the buttons are a bit awkward.You can plug in an iPhone or MP3 player, but without an accessory cord you can’t use the vehicle’s controls to skip tracks, and it’s a shame in this high a model that the Bluetooth connectivity only works for calls.The back seats fold to a 60:40 split, transforming the 755L of storage into 1, 670L of room for larger items, and the 12V power socket in back can keep an esky full of food ready for a picnic.The dash display is more uniform in design than user friendly, but once you puzzle out the numerous functions you’ll feel like a tech expert. Our test vehicle included the touchscreen satellite navigation system. At extra cost it’s a steep addition, but handy if you’re going to be driving beyond the familiar horizon.The Freelander gets a five-star ANCAP safety rating, with seven airbags, a monocoque body, front and rear crumple zones, a large battery of braking, stability and traction aids -- HDC, ABS, EBD, CBC, EBA, ETC, RSC, DSC and so on -- plus two child seat anchor points.To be honest there wasn’t much about this SUV we didn’t like. Descending a steep gravel road did little to disturb the twenty roos grazing at the road’s edge, as the Freelander’s hill descent control kept us from sliding.The HDC is handy on difficult terrain and it can be engaged at speeds up to 50km/h, using the cruise + and – to set the speed, though on anything short of moderate difficulty the HDC is almost too grabby. Still, we’d rather have the HDC overprotective than too carefree on tough descents.Terrain Response allows you to easily pick the right setting for current conditions. We played around with the grass/gravel/snow, and the mud and ruts settings and weren’t disappointed (there’s also a sand setting if you want to brave the beach in winter, or if you’re smarter this time of year and want to trek across the desert instead). The vehicle’s traction quickly adjusts to the road -- or lack thereof -- and you can drive on in confidence.The Freelander 2 is at home on the motorway as well as off, roll stability control compensates for any smidgen of body roll, and the compact size makes parking easy. While you wouldn’t use this in any stealth operation due to the external noise from the engine, internally it’s a quiet ride.Follow your friends on a 4x4 adventure and once you reach your destination, turn off the Freelander’s engine, step from your heated seats, pull a cool beverage from the esky in back, and try to pretend it was a rough drive in a compact SUV, so your mates aren’t disappointed.An impressive compact SUV, the comfortable and versatile Land Rover can handle just about anything. 

My friends had spent barely minutes inspecting the massive Hyundai iMax before one decided “Now this is what you take when you go camping.” “No,” another disagreed. ”This is what you camp in when you go camping”.While that may be a bit of a stretch, the eight seater iMax’s carrying capacity certainly makes up for any of its other drawbacks. This barge-like beast isn’t the vehicle in which to nip down to the café strip for lunch, but if you want to transport large – or extended -- families, the iMax can accommodate without a whimper.The girth of this landbound passenger ship may seem intimidating – especially when you think about having to dock it. But if you need to cart extra people around, the iMax has the space and seats. Externally the van looks massive and there’s no disguising that, though the chrome radiator grille and tinted glass are a nice touch at dressing up the large body.Internally passengers in back are well cared for. Access to the back via two sliding doors and a sliding second row, sufficient legroom, cup holders, and roof-mounted adjustable air vents keep everyone happy. The second row seats are reversed, with the single seat on the driver side instead of the passenger, but with two doors, you can still get passengers in from the safety of the curb. A well-appointed dash, and wheel mounted volume controls lets the driver man the helm of cabin comfort. While the iMax is smooth sailing for transporting people, if you’re looking for a van to move precious cargo, you may want to look elsewhere. The seats don’t fold flat, and we couldn’t figure out why, as allowing them to would open the iMax to those seeking a van to move larger freight.The eight-seater could suit a large family on tour, but the height, width and bulk would keep this from being a practical, every day family van. The iMax leans more toward the commercial and small business buyer, rather than the family.The eight seater, automatic iMax diesel we tested is priced from $42,490 (a diesel, six-speed manual, and a petrol four-speed automatic are also available). That price tag gives you dual sliding doors, 16-in alloy wheels, USB audio input with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth, reverse sensing warning system, wheel mounted audio controls, dual zone air conditioning with pollen filter, roof-mounted air vents for passengers in back, and a boatload of luggage space with a cargo capacity of 842L.The four cylinder, five-speed automatic, 2.5-litre CRDi diesel iMax, has 125kW/441Nm, strong enough torque to cart around eight people and their luggage without much whingeing. Our drive around greater Sydney, including a couple heavy trips to the airport, found 13.0L/100km, though the official figure is 9.0L/100km.The iMax’s semi-bonnet design aids in crash protection and the four-channel, four-sensor ABS tries to keep you from needing it. The iMax gets a four-star ANCAP safety rating, with dual front SRS airbags, four-ring body structure with reinforced cross members and floor panels, and impact intrusion bars built into the front doors. Anti-lock brakes with electronic aids, stability and traction plus child safety door locks on sliding doors and child seat anchor points on second row seats all lend a hand in keeping you from harm.You don’t feel the size or weight of the vehicle through the steering wheel, and the turning circle is surprisingly smaller than you expect. The iMax has rear-wheel drive and though there is significant body roll on turns, it’s less noticeable when you have a full load, and the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension keep guests from getting jostled. The driver’s seat is comfortable and the height of the vehicle (1925mm) will give you a clear view over traffic, but good luck trying to fit inside low parking garages.When you do find a good spot, the reverse sensing warning system is indispensible, as without it, the length of the vehicle would require a telescope – possible the deep space Hubble -- to help you park. The iMax is a limited function van; but as long as you’re not moving large cargo that’s okay. Externally and internally, the iMax stays true to its calling – it’s a people mover that’s great for moving people - go figure.Hyundai’s diesel, automatic iMax shies from carrying large cargo, but for transporting people and luggage the iMax ticks all the boxes.

A wallaby jumps in front of us on a dirt road, but the Santa Fe Trail comes to a controlled stop, keeping Skippy from ending up a horrid memory in the kids’ minds. That is, if the kids weren’t too engrossed in their Nintendo game on the rear entertainment screen to notice. And if the kids were actually children instead of my husband and his immature mates.For parents with a yen for adventure and an equal love of in-car peace, the Hyundai Santa Fe Trail may be the handiest new addition to the household. An affordable SUV that can handle city and off road driving, the Santa Fe Trail comes with extra perks to please the entire family.The automatic Santa Fe Trail diesel is priced at $41, 590 (the manual version is $2000 less) and shares many specs with the SLX spec – including front and rear fog lamps, and USB audio input with iPod compatibility. But the Trail comes with $4000 worth of extras, sporting an upgrade to 18-in alloy wheels, rear-view camera with electrochromatic mirror display, leather/leatherette seats, privacy glass, and roof-mounted entertainment system with DVD, Sony and Nintendo compatibility.145kW/436Nm gives this four cylinder, direct injection 2.2-litre CRDi diesel plenty of power and torque, delivered to the on-demand all-wheel drive system via a six-speed sports automatic. The Trail has a surprising amount of pick-up, so much you’ll forget you’re driving a seven-seater. The official fuel figure is 7.5L/100km, though our drive on bitumen and dirt roads found a surprisingly thirsty 10.6.From a distance the Santa Fe looks like your average family SUV, but it’s the little touches that move the Trail up a class. Chrome tailgate garnish and streamlined front and rear skid plates add a dash of glamour to the exterior, and internally you’ll find several up market features.The leather/leatherette seats are stylish, the dash is solid, and wheel mounted audio and cruise keep the driver at the control centre, though we were surprised Bluetooth didn’t come standard.The third row is similar to other seven-seaters: okay for short adults on a quick trip, but only kids could endure a long one. Take the Santa Fe off road with adults in back and they’re going to have some rather harsh headaches from the low ceiling.   Boot space is sacrificed when all seats are up, but it does let you take your extended family out on the town.The roof-mounted entertainment system in back is a glowing deity of sanity for parents taking the kids on a long trip. Cordless headsets let the kids enjoy Dora while you’re the explorer, tackling off road tracks with the confidence afforded by AWD. Those without kids will enjoy the Trail’s storage space, enough to swallow two surfboards or a bike with ease.Anti-lock brakes with electronic aids, stability and traction control systems and an array of airbags -- driver and front passenger, dual side front, and front and rear passenger side curtain SRS airbags that extend to the third row -- give the Santa Fe Trail ANCAP’s highest five-star  rating. Roll over sensors, child safety rear door locks, and side impact intrusion bars bring additional peace of mind.The best thing about the Santa Fe Trail is it’s fun to drive. Sure you get a bit of body roll and feel back heavy on braking, but it’s not much considering the size of the vehicle. There was a slight spin on the front right wheel when we were going up a rough patch in the bush, but the Trail quickly corrected itself and gave an otherwise sturdy ride.With large windows you get great visibility, and the rear-view camera makes sure you don’t miss anything when parking, while privacy glass in back keeps you from feeling exposed.Off road the MacPherson strut and multi-link suspension keeps you from getting rattled and the 18-in alloy wheels give good clearance and grip. The six-speed sports automatic transmission is smooth and swift-changing, and the engine gives decent acceleration response.Hyundai’s Santa Fe Trail is a package of attractive features in an affordable diesel SUV.

What mum wants is a magic car. A car that will do everything that mums need to do. And that means some features that car designers haven’t really tackled yet.How about a cone of silence built into the driver’s seat so she could set up a buffer zone from arguing kids?Perhaps automatic pilot, so between work, picking up kids from school, preparing for that 5pm meeting and getting dinner together, she could take a five minute snooze?For the young mother, perhaps a nappy change station in back. And the mum with teenagers would applaud a passenger ejector seat – for the next time her ‘too cool for school’ teen begs to be dropped off around the corner to spare them the, ‘embarrassment,’ mum can fulfil the demand at the touch of a launch button.For the multiple roles in every mum’s life, maybe an interchangeable boot would suit best.  Your standard Mum Boot would carry all the essentials for carting kids about. With kids dropped at their respective destinations, mum can swap out for the Sports Boot, for those rare moments when she gets enough time to hit the gym, take the bike on the trails or splash in the surf.For those almost mythical free evenings, the Glamour Boot is perfect for a night on the town, complete with a cleaning service that will remove all traces of kids (i.e. scattered cheerios, toys, and wrappers) before mum leaves to pick up her friends.Or maybe the Dream On Boot. A wonderful, magic boot that takes care of all the chores, organising, cooking, cleaning -- and allows mum to do what her family thinks she does all day, sit around watching TV and eating those chocolates. 

Having been cramped into several test car third rows, we approached the seven-seater Kia Rondo with fear for our legs. The Rondo doesn’t look any bigger than a normal wagon from the outside, so it couldn’t possibly fit seven people in comfort, right?So after (easily) flipping down the middle row, sliding it forward on (smooth) tracks, and climbing in back, we flinched - waiting for that painful moment when the second row is smashed back into our knees.It didn’t come. We blinked in surprise, happily moved our legs, and decided the Rondo deserves recognition as a roomy people mover.VALUEThe Kia Rondo 7 SLi sports a $31,390 price tag, bringing ABS, ESC, climate control air-conditioning, 17 inch alloy wheels, 6 way driver’s seat with lumbar support, iPod compatibility, active front headrests, leather seats, muti-function steering wheel with volume control and Bluetooth, heated electric outside mirrors, anti-theft immobiliser, battery saver, and roof rails.TECHNOLOGYOnce it gets in gear, the 2.0 L petrol engine Rondo has enough strength to take a full load uphill with 106kW of power and 189Nm of torque.Unfortunately getting the right gear takes a while as the transmission lets you down and leaves you wondering why there isn’t a fifth gear in this automatic, front-wheel drive wagon.  However it can carry a lot of stuff without fuel penalty. A weekend trip loaded with three adults, two surfboards, snorkel gear, luggage, and food delivered 9.1L/100km – not far off the official figure of 8.6L/10km.DESIGNIt’s not the belle of the ball but the Rondo still tries. While wagons aren’t known for their good looks, the chrome trim, ‘Schreyer’ grille, and the happy avoidance of the back-heavy look of other wagons makes the Rondo a belle in its own right. Internally it steps it up a notch as the leather interior gives you a suave welcome - unexpected in typically drab people movers. Large windows give plenty of visibility; making parking a breeze and give the wagon an airy feel.Storage is accessible and even the third row hasn’t been forgotten with cupholders and side storage conveniently located. The glove box and two air vents give the front passenger dash area the face of a depressed robot, but the vents in back keep the kids cool and content.As we found, the third row is roomier than you’d expect, since the second row seats can be locked forward or back, giving more legroom to either row as required. This flexibility lends the Rondo to the needs and growth spurts of an increasing family, or the variable leg lengths of a group of friends.It is easier to get to the third row via the driver side with only one seat needing to be flipped down for access. However, if you’re stuck on a busy road and need to get the kids in you can still slide up and get over the two seats on the passenger side with little extra effort.With the third row stored there is plenty of space in the boot, but when the seats are up luggage space is a problem. So a full load of both people and cargo is going to be tricky.SAFETYDriver and front passenger, curtain, and front side SRS airbags help the Rondo reach its four-star ANCAP rating. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, front and rear side door impact beams, active front headrests, and child-proof rear door locks keep you and your six passengers feeling secure on the road.DRIVING“No, no, little Rondo… try again. Yes, that’s right. When we’re on the motorway we should be in fourth gear - not second.” The automatic hunts for the right gear like a teenager learning manual. Our ride was constantly interrupted as we felt required to encourage the Rondo to find the correct gear. Seeing as it only has four, it shouldn’t be that hard.If you’re looking for a vehicle that gives you plenty of pep on the motorway the Rondo will leave you disappointed. But if you’re driving family around city streets, the Rondo is great.Aside from the gearchanges, in nearly every other respect - steering, road grip and braking – the Rondo stepped up to the plate just fine. We just couldn’t get over the transmission. With flawless gearshifts in Kia’s Sportage, we know Kia can make a smooth automatic. It’d just be great to see it in the Rondo.VERDICTIf you’re looking for a people mover and don’t mind a rough transmission, the seven-seater Rondo SLi will get you around in surprising comfort.Kia Rondo 7 SLIPrice: from $31,390Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kmsEconomy: 8.6l/100km; 206g/km CO2Safety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBDCrash rating: four starsEngine: 4 cylinder, 2.0 litreOutputs: 106kW/189NmTransmission: four-speed Sports AutomaticDimensions: 4545mm (L); 1800mm (W); 1650mm (H); 2700mm (WB)Weight: 1598kgTyre: Size 225/50 R17. Alloy

A muscular man in a low-rider looked our car up and down, gave a quick nod of his head, then revved his engine and sped off.We weren’t sure how to take that at first, but then realised that apparently the Kia Cerato Koup has street cred.Kia might not be the first manufacture you turn to when looking for a sports car, but if you’re craving good looks and a bit of speed to get you noticed on the road the Koup may be worth a test drive.Suitable for those longing for a sports car as well as a larger budget, the Cerato Koup has a lot to offer price conscious buyers.Price and EquipmentFor $29,190 the automatic Kia Cerato Koup SLS gives you plenty of perks. ABS, ESC, leather trim, rear parking sensors with dash display, powered sunroof, paddle shifter, active front headrests, 17 inch dual tone alloy wheels, anti-theft immobiliser, battery saver, wheel mounted Bluetooth, cruise, and volume control, 6 function trip computer, MP3 compatible CD Player, iPod compatibility, 6-speakers, Speed Dependent Volume Control, climate control air-conditioning, and for those daredevils with allergies, a pollen and dust filter. TechnologyThe 2.0L petrol engine brings 115kW of power and 194Nm of torque to zip you around the motorways. The six speed automatic transmission is smooth, accurate, and ready to run. 7.7L/100km is the official fuel figure though our fun little rev around Sydney and the Blue Mountains found 9.8.DesignThe Cerato Koup SLS is a neat little bundle dressed to impress. Externally, sharp lines, tinted glass and the dual chrome tip rear muffler makes even the toughest driver stop and take note. While parked on the street, an elderly man walking a cavoodle stopped and remarked, ‘That’s one good looking car.’ He may not be the toughest bloke on the block, but his sentiment was shared by everyone we met.Internally, with black leather seats and red stitching, leather wrapped steering wheel and alloy sports pedals, this car is ready to race. The styled dash gets you in the mood to cruise and the 6-way driver’s seat with height adjustment lets you do that in supreme comfort.The Koup is a smart choice for those seeking the status of a sports car, but still wanting storage and the option of carrying more than two passengers.Sentencing friends to the backseats of a two door is usually a cruel punishment, but the Koup’s seats are well designed. Passengers in back can enjoy sufficient legroom for short jaunts and even little touches like a spot to place their flat whites in the two rear cup holders. The boot has a lot of room, enough to fit boxes when a friend asked us to help them move, so using the excuse, ‘Sorry I can’t help you move, I only have a two door,’ won’t cut it. SafetySafety features include driver and front passenger, front side, and curtain SRS airbags. Impact sensing auto door unlocking, side door impact beams, and active front headrests come standard in this four-star ANCAP rated car.DrivingFast acceleration and responsive handling gives you plenty of excitement on the motorway. Handling curves is no problem and though the Koup is a little bumpy on uneven roads, it’s not a worry as you won’t take this baby off-road.Sharp brakes will stop you on a dime and wheel mounted controls give you Bluetooth, cruise, and volume control at your fingertips.Visibility out the back isn’t great but the rear parking sensors with dash display will beep at you if you get too close to anything. You may park too far away from the curb at the start, thinking the hood is longer than it actually is but once you get your bearings it’s easy to fit into a tight spot.For an affordable sporty two door, you get a lot cabin space, style, and street cred. For speedsters looking for a pleasing fast car, with the practicality of a smaller price tag - you’ve met your mate.VerdictThe automatic Kia Cerato Koup SLS will fill your need for speed without emptying your bank account.Kia CeratoPrice: $29,190Warranty: 5 yearsEconomy: 7.7l/100 kmSafety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD.Crash rating: 4 star ANCAPEngine: 4 Cylinder, 2.0 LitreTransmission: Sports Automatic, Front Wheel DriveBody: 2 Door CoupeDimensions: 4480mm (L); 1765mm (W); 1400mm (H); 2650mm (WB)Weight: 1740

No longer do passengers sweetly inquire, “What radio station would you like?” “Do you need anything to drink?” “May I entertain you with a delightful and hilarious tale to keep you in a good mood -- since the fate of my life is clearly in your hands?”Nope. More often than not, passengers are too busy on their iPhones and laptops to ask any courtesy of the driver. Parked on the inaccurately named Great Western Highway – okay, at least the Western part is right -- while playing tourist guide to my visiting brother, I wondered about the changed role of the driver.Taking 20 minutes to crawl 1.2 km, it seemed my role as a road trip companion had dwindled to that of an ignored bus driver -- where everyone expects you to do the work, while they keep themselves happily entertained.In this modern infotainment-everywhere world, are road trips as much fun as they used to be? Are they still a shared experience, a time to swap stories and play silly road games? Or has it turned into a chore, where whoever drives gets the short straw?Should we enforce a cabin rule where all iPhones, iPads and laptops must be stowed while the vehicle is in motion? I’m still pondering that question this morning as I sit in city traffic. But at least I can enjoy a silent version of The Lion King as it’s playing in the back seat of the van in front of me.  

You inhale that beautiful scent and drive off the lot with eyes of caution. Nothing will touch your new car.You park away from dodgy looking vehicles, require all passengers to clean their shoes before entry, and ban all food and liquids from your precious new wheels. Your car is perfect and you’re damn sure it’s going to stay that way.A cautious driver, you’ve never had an accident - there will never be an accident. This flawless beauty is yours, and you will protect her to your dying day. Then, it happens.Returning to your parked car you reach to open the boot, and there-oh good God-there is your car’s first scratch! Your heart races, you look side to side to arrest the assailant, but no one is near. Someone defaced your pride and joy and left without even a note of apology.Your breath quickens, you feel victim to a crime. You even, surprisingly, wish you were at fault. You could hate yourself if you had carelessly backed into a post or scraped something across the side. Then at least every time you saw that shameful scratch you’d know who was to blame.But no, no, this was not your fault. The first scar of imperfection fell across your beauty by a stranger’s careless and cruel hand. Did the assailant have any thought to the anguish their mistake would cause you, leaving you in the dark without a shred of relief from vengeance?You wish desperately for at least the consolation of a note, even if it only utters, “Sorry I scratched your car, I know it’s unfair, but life happens -- so buckle up.” However there is no note, just an empty sense of blame. How can you find peace of mind?You glare at the woman coming out of the shop with a full trolley, your suspicion flicks to the teenager passing by on a skateboard, then your eyes shamefully narrow on the toddler flinging about a toy truck.You want to shout, “Which one of you inconsiderate bastards hurt my car?” But you don’t. Taking a deep breath, you get in your car and hang your head in shame. With all your rules and precautions, you forgot you couldn’t protect your beloved from the world’s cruelty.