Articles by Chris Riley

It might look the same, but the new Suzuki Swift is in fact quite different. Not only does it feel different, it is actually different inside, with a classy new interior and instrument layout.Launched in 2005, Swift has been such a success for Suzuki, it is not surprising the company was reluctant to jeopardise this juggernaut, which is probably the main reason it looks so similar. Put the two cars side by side, however, and the differences become obvious immediately.The thing is new car buyers normally want others to recognise the fact they are driving a new car. And, if you happen to be the owner of the previous model, you might not be as inclined to update - not if you need to tell people its new. That'd be a shame, because you'd be missing out.Suzuki has invested quite a lot of time and effort into making the car better. Extensive use of higher-strength steel has made the body lighter and stiffer, which combined with a lower centre of gravity has smoothed out the ride without making the car feel insecure.Looks can be deceiving, because the new Swift is actually 90mm longer, 10mm taller and 45 kilos heavier than before, and the distance between the axles has grown by 50mm which translates to more interior space. The distance between opposing wheels has also increased, which together with larger diameter wheels and lower profile tyres contributes to better handling.The rear bumper also sits higher, which means it will absorb most of the impact in the event of a rear-ender, reducing the cost of repairs (and hopefully insurance). Instead of a 1.5 the new Swift is now powered by a smaller 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine.Initially, this might sound disappointing, but with an output of 70kW and 130Nm the smaller engine actually produces almost as much power as before but uses less fuel. Suffice to say that the performance is not disappointing.We were impressed with the changes that Suzuki had made when we drove the car at launch a couple of months back and we were just as impressed the second time around this week. Our test vehicle this time was the entry level GA model fitted with a five-speed manual transmission priced from $15,990 - the same price it was five years ago. Suzuki's engineers have paid particular attention to reducing noise and vibration and it shows.Getting into the car for the first time it feels more substantial and more refined, with a comforting clunk when the door is closed. It has a big car feel that belies it size, with a ride that is smooth and quiet and the manual shift is easy to use. The car accelerates confidently and is not phased by sudden changes in the road surface.A new variable steering ratio setup makes the car respond more quickly to driver input, while a relatively slow ratio near the turning limits reduces the effort required for bigger turns. A new black-and-silver theme has been adopted for the interior giving the car a sportier, more sophisticated feel.The central, smoked glass display is the same as in the pricier Kizashi. All important fuel consumption is down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km which means you'll be filling it up less often. Add to this electronic traction and stability control, seven airbags and a maximum, five-star safety rating and it makes the new Swift a tempting proposition.GA and GL models have drum brakes on the rear, while the GLX adds four-wheel discs. And the GLX gets reach as well as tilt adjustment for the steering wheel.

When you get right down it it's a still a big, square box on wheels with one real purpose in life and that's transporting people.But it's the technology that sets Volkswagen's Multivan apart from the rank and file. This one boasts VW's 4MOTION all wheel drive system, now available in conjunction with its most powerful twin turbo diesel and, for the first time - its the cutting edge 7-speed DSG double-clutch style gearbox.The two are a dynamite combination. Multivan is VW's top of the line passenger van derivative of its commercial Transporter range. But it's not cheap.Our test vehicle, the Multivan Highline 2.0TDI 132kW 7-speed DSG 4MOTION, is priced from a hefty $77,990. That's going to buy a lot of everything else, including one of Benz's Viano vans for around the same price.The Benz however won't have all wheel drive, but the rear drive van does produce more power and torque and boasts slightly better fuel consumption. 4Motion adds $4000 to the price of hte car.If you need to get in and out of some tough spots all wheel drive can be a god send. But bear in mind this is no offroader, not by any stretch of the imagination - although you can jack it up and fit all terrain tyres if required.4MOTION offers better traction in slippery environments like the snowfields and also adds an extra safety dimension to the equation, because a van equip[ed with all-wheel drive will go around corners a lot faster than you might think.Finished in metallic brown or bronze if you want to get technical and sitting on 17 inch alloys with low profile rubber, our shiny test vehicle certainly exuded a level of class that belies its modest origins.Inside, the feel is just as classy as Highline models get leather trim and three-zone climate controlled airconditioning. The 2.0-litre twin turbo four cylinder diesel produces 132kW of power at 4000 revs and 400Nm of torque from a low 1500 revs.Fuel consumption is rated at 8.8 litres/100km for the all-wheel drive model, compared to 8.1 for the front driver, so you pay a penalty for the four-law grip. With an 80-litre fuel tank it has a theoretical range of just over 900km.There's also a more modestly equipped Comfortline model with the same engine priced from $56,990, or a 103kW diesel priced from $49,990. The choice is yours.Multivan seats seven people in a 2 + 2 + 3 arrangement, with a second row of seats that can face backward if required and a third row that slides forward to provide more luggage space. There's also a sliding console box.Access to the rear is via twin sliding doors either side and the doors on our test vehicle were electrically operated and could be opened or closed using the remote control. The Highline model also comes with satellite navigation and an eight speaker sound system as standard.About the only thing missing is Bluetooth for mobile phone connection. On the road it is necessary to be mindful of the Multivan's size and length when negotiating carparks, especially being careful not to turn too sharply or the rear wheels are likely to collect the gutter.As a one-time van driver, it soon becomes second nature. At 4892mm in length it's not as long as you might think, but standing at 1970mm in height, some carparks could well be an issue  but for the most part it should be okay.Our test vehicle had front and rear parking sensor as well as a reversing camera - all of which make parking a vehicle of this size much easier. The rapid fire DSG transmission gets you off the line quickly, with a sport setting as well as the option of changing gears manually.With lots of lovely torque it flies up hills, but a leisurely approach to driving is recommended and produces a better result. The van scores a five-star safety rating, with six airbags and a raft of electronic aids to keep you on the road including electronic stability control.Towing capacity is 2000kg and the boot hides a full size spare.

Toyota's perennial Camry has been the best selling medium sized car for 18 straight years in Australia.But like other Toyotas it has come under increasing pressure from other car makers, particularly the Koreans who have delivered some outstanding competition in the past year or so.Lampooned in some quarters as the proverbial white-goods on wheels, Toyota has tried to get back to basics with the new, seventh generation Camry. The emphasis is on quality, reliability and durability, not to mention an effort to make the car more fun to drive.We've got to say is better than ever, with more power, better economy and a roomier interior. But fun? We'll let you decide . . .  The new Camry goes on sale this month but you'll have to wait until early next year for a new hybrid, petrol/electric version.ENGINEThe switch to a larger engine flies in the face of the current trend to smaller, force-fed units to achieve the same result. The 2.4 has been replaced by a larger, more powerful 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol engine with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 9.3 seconds.It's technically more advanced with dual VVTi and an acoustic control induction system (ACIS), but still misses out on the benefits of direct injection. Power is up 13 per cent to 133kW and torque has increased by six per cent to 231Nm in the Altise, with slightly more output in Atara models which feature a free-flowing dual exhaust system.ECONOMYDespite the power increase new Camry uses less fuel, down 11 per cent to from 8.9 to 7.8 litres/100km. In real life however the car is bound to use more fuel than this. We saw between 9.1 and 10.8 litres/100km during the launch program. Engine emissions meanwhile have been reduced 25g to 183g/km.CHANGESIt's the same physical size but weighs 35kg less than the car it replaces. The line up consists of four models starting with the Altise followed by the Atara S, Atara SX and Atara SL. The Altise looks different from the other three, with a different front radiator grille and apron and is targeted at the price conscious fleet market.The more expensive, twin-exhaust Atara models feature a three piece grille and twin exhausts and are aimed at the private buyer. S replaces the Ateva, SX replaces the Sportivo and SL replaces top of the line Grande. There's no manual and the five-speed auto has been replaced by a six-speed with steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles in the higher grade models. You can use the paddles at any time and in sport mode it blips the throttle on downshifts.The hydraulic steering has been surplanted by an all electric system, with a firmer, heavier feel (but not too heavy) that stays centred without the need for constant driver input. It also adds some weight in corners to help prevent over correction. The traditional handbrake has been replaced with a foot operated brake. Not a biggy but some people don't seem to like them and as one card suggested it means no handbrake turns. Really though it's just a matter of getting used to it.NEW STUFFThe top of the line model comes with auto high beam that dips the lights automatically when its senses on-coming traffic. It is also equipped with a blind spot warning system that flashes a warning in the mirrors when there is car beside you that you can't see with your exterior mirrors. It also adds a DAB+ digital radio system, complete with traffic updates.THE DRIVEIt has a solid, big car feel. Nice and smooth and quiet. Sits nicely on the road and corners flat with plenty of grip. Local suspension tuning and the recalibrated steering have been designed to produce a more engaging drive. Drop a wheel in the dirt and the stability system quickly sorts it out. Conversation is easy even on coarse bitumen and the car we drove had adjustable lumbar support.Both the i45/Optima and Accord Euro however still deliver more power, but 135kW is more than adequate for the job, especially in combo with the smooth-changing six-speed tranny. There's a 15mm bigger gap between seats and rear passengers benefit from 46mm more legroom.SAFETYHasn't been crashed tested yet but has been designed and is expected to receive five stars. Comes with seven airbags including a driver knee bag and full complement of safety aids. A reversing camera remains a $500 option on the entry level Altise. It's standard with the rest.GOODIESAltise is with 16-inch alloys, trip computer and an upgraded sound system with six speakers and controls on the steering wheel. Atara S also features foglamps, 17-inch alloys, smart entry and smart start, reversing camera, dual-zone air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, premium steering wheel and gearshift knob and an electric drivers seat with lumbar support.Atara SX is distinguished by unique rear bumper, rear lip spoiler, sports pedals, sports suspension, black-tinted headlamps and sports leather-accented interior. Top of the range Atara SL features JBL premium audio with 10 speakers, a 7-inch touch-screen display with satellite navigation, digital radio, RDS live traffic updates, reversing camera with back-guide monitor, blind-spot monitor, automatic high beam, electric front seats and rain-sensing wipers.HOW MUCHYou get all this for the same starting price of $30,490, with a four year-warranty that includes fixed price servicing at $130 a pop for five services. Atara S is $33,490, Atara SX is $35,990 and Atara SL is $39,990.

It's only when you put the new Swift side by side with the old one that the differences become apparent. For that reason, we were surprised Suzuki did not have the previous model on hand at the Aussie launch of the all new Swift this week in Victoria. We reckon a casual observer would have difficulty telling the two cars apart and this is probably no accident. Launched in 2004, the Swift has been a phenomenal success for the Japanese company and no one wanted to derail that train. In this respect, execs explained the company took a leaf out of BMW's book, opting for a minor, evolutionary changes in appearance, rather than a dramatic one. Looking at the figures, the new Swift is actually significantly bigger - 90mm longer to be exact - and stands 10mm taller too. The distance between the axles has also grown by 50mm which means more room inside. Bigger usually means heavier too and the new Swift tips the scales at 1025kg, about 45kg heavier despite a weight saving regime. But, while the Swift has grown in physical dimensions, it's engine has shrunk - from 1.5 to 1.4 litres. The good news is that it produces almost the same amount of power and torque as the unit it replaces, but uses less fuel in the process - a fact that will endear the car to many new drivers. There's three models - GA, GL and top of the line GLX, with prices starting from $16,990 plus on roads. Standard equipment includes seven airbags which no doubt contribute to Swift's maximum five-star safety rating. Electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake forced distribution and brake assist are also standard. The 1.4-litre engine delivers 70kW of power and 130Nm of torque, compared to 74kW and 133Nm previously. A longer engine stroke and electronic throttle control contribute to better throttle response. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. We drove the mid-spec' GL with the five-speed auto and top of the line GLX with a five-speed manual. Enthusiasts will no doubt be drawn to the manual, but the auto while nothing flash makes a pretty good fist of it. GA and GL models have drum brakes on the rear, while the GLX adds four-wheel discs. And the GLX gets reach as well as tilt adjustment for the steering wheel. Getting behind the wheel of the car for the first time, we were impressed with its big car feel. It's all hard plastics inside, but they are disguised well with changes in texture and colour. A chunky leather clad steering wheel in the cars we drove sits nicely in the hands. Rear legroom is still tight. Cleverly, the height of the boot lip has been raised which means the bumper will absorb most if not all of the impact in a rear ender making the car cheaper to repair. A space saver spare wheel is standard, hidden beneath a second false floor in the smallish boot. We gave the new Swift a good workout and can see why it is so popular. The busy four cylinder engine lends a sporty note and it feels quieter in the cabin at highway speeds. Confident handling is supplemented by a stability system that will keep the car pointing in the right direction, even at over enthusiastic speeds. Suzuki is claiming a 13 per cent improvement in fuel consumption, down from 6.3 to 5.5 litres/100km for the manual, and from 6.6 to 6.2 litres/100km for the auto.We got 6.5 from the manual and 7.8 from the auto in the course of the launch program. As good as it is, the Swift's tidy chassis deserves and could easily take more power, much more than offered by the current Sport edition (new one under development).

Sitting side by side with the Toyota Prius in the carpark, it's easy to see where Honda got the idea for the Insight. Both white, apart from the fact the Insight is a little smaller, the two hybrids look like they've been cast from the same mould. Insight is the third hybrid, petrol-electric model that Honda has launched in Australia and the second to carry the Insight name. The first, a rather odd looking two-seater with enclosed rear wheels,arrived here in 2001 and was the first hybrid to be offered by any car maker in this country. It was pretty rough and ready and not very practical, but serves to demonstrate just how far the hybrid concept has come in the past 10 years. Although its a completely new design, a closer inspection reveals the Insight does in fact sit on the same platform as the Jazz hatch and its sedan counterpart the City. The five-door hatch offers seating for five people, with a large glass topped liftback just like Prius that covers a reasonably sized luggage area and space save spare. The good news is that this hybrid is not going to cost you an arm and a leg. VALUEAt a starting price of $29,990, or $33,490 for the upmarket better equipped VTi-L, it's a very affordable alternative to a traditional hatch or even fuel efficient diesel. Honda has given us one of these cars for a few weeks and we're looking forward to learning how it works and seeing how it fits in as part of the family. TECHNOLOGYInsight is powered by a 1.3-litre petrol engine together with an electric motor that provides assistance during acceleration. The combined output of the 65kW petrol engine and 10kW electric motor is 72kW. The electric motor contributes up to 10kW at 1500 revs and 78Nm of torque at 1000 revs, assisting in acceleration and cruising at low-to-mid vehicle speeds. Maximum torque of 167Nm is delivered at a very low 1000 revs thanks to the instant-on power delivery of the electric motor, giving the car good off the mark acceleration. With a 40-litre tank, all important fuel consumption is rated at just 4.6 litres/100km, giving the car a theoretical range of about 870km. DRIVINGUnlike diesels, which are renowned for their long distance economy, hybrids perform best in city driving because the power train is designed to capture and store the energy normally lost through braking which it reuses later.The hybrid powertrain in the Insight is teamed with a CVT style, continuously variable automatic transmission, designed to optimise power and economy. With no discernible gear changes it has a zoom like quality, but there's a sport setting for better performance and greater engine braking on downhill runs. The first time we drove one of these cars we weren't thrilled by the performance. But we have to admit taking an instant liking to the VTi-L which seems to perform better, with ride and handling that is better than the Prius. SAFETYInsight comes comes with a five-star safety rating and full complement of safety equipment including six airbags. Standard equipment in the VTi-L includes satellite navigation and a reversing camera as well as Bluetooth for mobile phones.Honda Insight VTi-LPrice: $33,490Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000kmService Interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety: Vehicle Stability Assist, ABS, EBD, 6 Airbags, Active Head Rests.Engine: Inline 4 Cylinder SOHC i-VTEC and integrated Motor Assist.Body: 5-door HatchbackWeight: 1215kgTransmission: Automatic, CVi with Grade Logic Control.Thirst: 4.6L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 109g/km

You've got to hand it to Kia because it has done an outstanding job with the new Optima.The car looks simply stunning. It was only a few years ago that we used to draw straws to see who'd have to drive the latest Kia. Apart from being cheap and reasonably well made, there wasn't much to say about them.My how times change . . . With this latest offering, Kia has managed to pull off the trick of building a car that looks more expensive than it is - a car that you'd like to own and drive.With its sleek European lines, full length sunroof, flashy 18 inch wheels and LEDs up front, the new Optima is a real head turner. Priced from $36,990 plus on-roads for the top of the line Platinum model with everything that opens and shuts - it's an extremely attractive proposition.But, as much as we love the Optima's looks, we have to admit to being a trifle disappointed. It took a while to pinpoint the source of these misgivings, but we finally narrowed it down to the four cylinder petrol engine.Basically, it lacks the refinement of a six that the car deserves. Although the 2.4-litre direct injection four produces class leading power and torque, with 148kW and 250Nm of torque from 4250 revs - it's too harsh and this spoils the otherwise classy feel.Paired with a six-speed auto, the Theta II GDI engine generates too much noise and vibration, especially under load. The six-speed auto feels too busy at times too as it searches for the optimal gear. Low profile 45 series Kumho tyres also generate quite a bit of road noise, especially on coarse bitumen.We clocked up more than 600km this week behind the wheel the new Optima. With 148kW on tap the big four produces plenty of oomph, rivalling Honda's Accord Euro for honours - but with more torque. The car rides and handles extremely well, with plenty of grip and quick, responsive steering - maybe too sensitive.There's also minimal kick back through the wheel when the front wheels encounter a bump mid-corner. Having said that, the ride is not as good as Kia's own Sportage. It's ironic given the amount of time and money Kia spent tuning the ride for Australian conditions.Don't get me wrong, because none of these criticisms are deal breakers - they just detract from the overall effect. At this stage Kia is offering just the one model with the one engine/transmission combination, the latter complete with gear change paddles.Fuel consumption for the petrol engine is officially rated at 7.9 litres/100km. But we achieved 8.8 over a distance of 638km, with about 80km to go according to the computer. The Optima looks just as good inside, with a well laid out easy to use instrumentation with orange backlighting giving it a European feel.You get leather upholstery and climate airconditioning, with a driver's seat that can be heated or cooled. The 7-speaker Infinity sound system is also a cracker. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth, iPod connection, six airbags, LCD reversing camera, automatic lights - about the only things missing are automatic wipers and satellite navigation.With a full complement of safety equipment, the Optima achieves a full five-star safety rating. We were reluctant to hand back the car because the more we drove the Optima the more we liked it.We'd love to see it with one of Kia's excellent diesel engines - now that really would be something.

If you like your gadgets, you're going to love the new baby Lexus. As well as a hybrid powertain, comprising petrol and electric motors, the CT200 has a dazzling array of lights and plenty of buttons to push.We especially like the way the color of the back lighting changes when you switch from economy to performance settings, with a dial that morphs from an Eco meter into a conventional tachometer.  How cool's that?The CT represents a bold attempt to spice up the some might say boring Prius concept on which it is based (there's a Prius under there), with more of everything including power, a brash exterior.Not surprisingly, it's targeted at younger buyers. The car comes in four grades and a total of 80 combinations of colours and trim, including 10 exterior colours with either fabric or genuine leather seat facings. Ours is the F Sport with sports suspension and a body kit, finished in eye-catching blue with smoke-coloured alloys.It certainly attracts plenty of questions. All four grades are powered by a 100kW hybrid powerplant, combined with a continuously variable style auto and the aforementioned drive mode select, with EV, ECO, NORMAL and SPORT modes.All four also have eight airbags and a full active safety package. With fuel economy officiallty rated at 4.1, we have been consistently getting 5.9 litres/100km over the past few weeks.Advanced features include proactive seat heaters, intelligent climate control, LED lighting, smart audio systems and bio-sourced materials. CT's front-seat heaters have been designed to operate in concert with the air-conditioning system, reducing the workload of the air-conditioning heater to aid fuel economy.And then there's the sound system.LED headlamps, combined with the 89 LED bulbs throughout the interior, significantly reduce power consumption and engine loadings. And then there's the computer/sound system - we could devote an entire editon to this one feature.The system won the Technical Innovation Award from Popular Mechanics. It is used to remotely control navigation, audio and telephone via a computer-like mouse controller.It features a digital amplifier and 10 speakers with diaphragms made a charcoal and bamboo fibre compound to make the speaker diaphragms strong and light. Let's just say there's no shortage of things to play with.

This is the one. If you're thinking of buying a Commodore then you need look no further than the SV6. It looks the goods, offers sporty ride and handling and won't chew through the juice the way a V8 will. The SV6 is priced from $42,790 plus on-road costs. Rated at 9.8 litres/100km, we were getting 10.1 from the SV6 with the six-speed auto in a mix of city and freeway driving. That's a three per cent improvement we're told over the Series One's 10.1 litres/100km. The auto is just $1000 more and definitely the way to go if your day involves plenty of city driving.With 210kW of power and 350Nm of torque, the 3.6-litre V6 responds sharply to the throttle, markedly more so than the entry level Omega's 3.0-litre six. By the same token it would be nice if Holden threw the 3.0-litre six into the mix for those who want the SV6's sporty good looks, but the best econonmy possible. The 3.0-litre six certainly delivers on that front, after we got 750km a single tank of fuel recently.For the VE Series II, designers executed a series of subtle but minor changes, including new front fascia, grille and headlamp treatments across the range. This model gets a new, larger front grille with a bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake The lights are shaped differently with new black bezel detail. There's also new 18inch twin spoke alloys and an integrated aero decklid lip detailing designed to complement the sports rear spoiler. Interior design work focused on high standards of perceived quality, and creating a more `pilot oriented' cabin integrating new features and accessories. Readily apparent is a higher-mounted, more prominent placement of the Holden-iQ system display screen, controls and air vents. Inside, SV6 also gets new SS-style sports front seats with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours. The dash features new white on grey instrement to make them easier to read along wth gloss black instrument cluster surround. Slipping into the car for the first time, we were immediatelty impressed with comfortable form fitting seats. It feels right and not too narrow like many sports seats, designed to accommodate the bums of the mostly larger Aussies who are going to occupy them. Bluetooth is now standard across the range and it took no time to pair our moible phone, but call quality is not as good as some. Placing the 12 volt outlet inside the centre console box also has its drawbacks - good for hiding iPods but not so good for powering phones. A highlights of the Series II is the introduction of the new iQ info and entertainment system which brings music, telephone and satellite navigation features in one clear, user-friendly arrangement. The focus of the system is a fully integrated, 6.5-inch full colour multifunction LCD touch screen. Music can be played via an iPod, memory stick, CD or wirelessly transferred from a paired mobile phone. USB devices and iPods plug into dedicated sockets located inside the centre console, and all music file playback from compatible devices is controlled via the touch screen. The new system also introduces virtual changer CD storage which replaces the mechanical stacker system from previous models with the capacity to rip and store up to 15 CDs on an internal flash drive. The system supports CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA playback. DVD systems, where fitted, also display on the Holden-iQ touch screen.

One of the reasons that utes are so popular is that they are the cheapest entry point to a V8 for many young blokes.

Despite the protests we hear some punters are waiting up to nine months to take delivery of Kia's new diesel Sportage.Launched in August last year, it says something about the regard this vehicle and the brand are now held. We were fortunate to get our hands on a diesel before the big 'dry' which we have been driving for the past three months. Unfortunately, it's almost time for our Sportage to go back. In this time, we've covered just over 7,000km and I've got to say, if I retired tommorrow, I could quite happily live with one of these cars on a full time basis.The compact all roader ticks all the boxes, with its dramatic styling, all-wheel drive, a powerful but economical diesel engine and a slick six-speed automatic, together with a five-star safety rating and long list of standard equipment.Priced from $39,490 plus on-roads, it's a lot of car for the money.It's easy to understand why the demand for the diesel Sportage is so great.In combination with the six-speed auto, the diesel engine offers an almost perfect combination of economy and performance, in a package that is super smooth to drive. It will change the way you think about diesels forever.Over the course of the last three months, the Sportage hasn't missed a beat.The fit and finish is first rate and the ride quality is superb thanks to the time and effort that Kia has put into local tuning for Australian conditions. Close your eyes and you'd be forgiven for thinking you were driving a BMW ... it's that good.With fuel economy rated at 7.5 litres/100km, we have been regularly seeing between 7.1 and 9.8 litres/100km, although the latter figure seems to have been a one-off. Our overall the average consumption has been 8.2 litres/100km.With a smallish 55-litre tank, the Sportage has a theretical range of 743km. The most we got was 646km, which is not that different to many petrol vehicles these days. In this regard, a slightly large tank would be handy.The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is smaller version of the 2.2-litre unit in the larger Sorento. It packs a wallop with 135kW of power and, more importantly, 392Nm of torque from a low 1800 revs. Weighing in at 1705kg the all-wheel drive diesel model can tow a 1600kg load. The diesel is hooked up to a six-speed automatic that's tailor-made for the job and that allows you to change gears manually if desired.With seating for five people, it's quiet and comfortable inside, with a height and reach adjustbale steering wheel and a driver's seat that has eight way power adjustment, that can be either heated or cooled. Leather upholstery and dual zone climate control are standard in this model, along with a LCD reversing camera and six-stack CD changer and high end sound system with separate subwoofer, as well as two power outlets in the centre console with AUX and USB inputs.Standard equipment includes six airbags, rollover sensor, hill start assist, electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, active front headrests and 18-inch alloys, with a full size spare.What's not to like?