Articles by Dan Pugh

Dan Pugh

Contributor

Dan is CarsGuide’s marketing director by day, with a long-standing passion for anything on four wheels. Like many of us, though, he spends his weekends as taxi driver for his three kids and their friends.

So, if you’re wondering how cars tackle Woolies carparks, battle weekend traffic, ferry the kids to soccer, or act as transport for birthday parties, to local parks, and friends’ houses (all to the tune of a Top 40 hits soundtrack), Dan’s your guy.

Attributes such as boot space, seat folding mechanisms, ISOFIX mounts, USB points and cup holders are more important than the sheer pleasure of driving, but he doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to ride, handling and performance. Dan’s dream garage is vast, but he likes his chances of parking an XP Falcon wagon in his actual driveway, one day.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2020 review: family test

By Dan Pugh · 01 Sep 2020

The AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is known for lots of things - like being ludicrously powerful, blisteringly fast, and utterly smile-inducing every time you so much look at the accelerator, to name but a few. But known as a family car? Not so much. At least, until now...

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SsangYong Korando 2020 review: Ultimate

By Dan Pugh · 14 Aug 2020

SsangYong might not be the first brand you think of when it comes to Korean SUVs, but its Aussie executives are hoping the Korando Ultimate will change that. We put it to the family test to find out if they're right.

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Audi Q7 2020 review: 45 TDI

By Dan Pugh · 03 Aug 2020

Audi's Q7 might be dripping in premium features, but is it too posh to cut it as a hard-working family hauler? We put the Q7 45 TDI to the family test to find out.

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Lexus NX 2020 review: 300 F Sport

By Dan Pugh · 01 Jul 2020

The Lexus NX looks a perfect proposition on paper. Premium materials, plenty of safety equipment, and a stylish look, all at competitive price point compared to its German rivals. But how does that on-paper resume translate to the road? We put the NX 300 F Sport AWD to the family test to find out.

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Audi Q8 2020 review: 50 TDI

By Dan Pugh · 01 Jun 2020

The Audi Q8 50 TDI is that most rare of beasts. Stylish and spacious. Powerful and practical. It appears to cover all bases and then some. So is there a downside? We put it to the family test to find out.

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Mini 2020 review: Clubman JCW

By Dan Pugh · 25 May 2020

The Clubman JCW is the most powerful Mini offered in Australia, promising to blend practicality with performance. But does it succeed? We put this manic Mini to the family test to find out.

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Mercedes-Benz CLA 2020 review: 200

By Dan Pugh · 04 May 2020

That the Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 is a sleek and stylish vehicle is obvious to anyone who's seen one. But looks will only get you so far when it comes to family transport duties - so does it have the substance to match the style?

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Alpina B5 2020 review: Touring

By Dan Pugh · 27 Apr 2020

Take a BMW 5 Series, sprinkle a little madness over it, and you're left with what might just be the ultimate performance wagon. But can the Alpina B5 Touring handle family duties as well as it handles the fast stuff?

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Ford Transit Custom 2020 review: Sport 320L LWB

By Dan Pugh · 18 Mar 2020

When it comes to serving up acres of space for passengers and stuff, there isn't an SUV on the planet that can keep up with a van. But is Ford's Transit Custom too work focused to really cut is as a people mover? We put it to the family test to find out.

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Audi A6 2020 review: 45 TFSI S line

By Dan Pugh · 05 Mar 2020

Is Audi's A6 45 TFSI S line good enough to tempt families out of their beloved SUVs and back into a sedan? We put it to the family test to find out.

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