Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Volkswagen Polo as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the VS, WH, WK, WL, WM and WN Holden Statesman and Caprice from 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the GQ, GU and Y62 Series Nissan Patrol from 1996,1997,1998,1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 as a used buy.

From time to time you may have read my mutterings that fashion takes precedence over function in cars far too often. Which is why I admire the Mercedes-Benz B-Class so much, it's a major case of function pushing fashion aside. It is immensely practical, with a spacious interior (you need a large Mercedes S-Class to get more rear legroom), a tall seating position that provides good visibility, and variable luggage space that can be tailored in many ways.Mercedes-Benz B-Class is smaller on the outside than most compact SUVs so easier and safer to drive, as well as being lighter and therefore more economical and cleaner.Access to the rear seats through wide opening doors is excellent. As befits any mover, the Merc has numerous stowage areas including a handy centre console and sensible door pockets.The B-Class was launched in Australia in May 2005. Some are getting on in years, but with good maintenance and sensible driving should still have plenty of life left in them. As befits such a sensible vehicle it remained on sale for almost seven years, albeit with upgrades and a mild facelift until April 2012 when an all-new model was launched.Petrol, turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines are on offer, with the turbo-petrol units providing performance that can almost be called sporting in the latest, 2012, generation.There's a solid, quiet, refined feel in the Benz B-Class that belies it size. It's not quite as quiet and smooth to ride in as the larger Merc sedans, but it comes impressively close.Handling is pretty good for a mid-sized front-wheel-drive car, with decent balance, and minimal understeer at normal speeds. Exceed sensible cornering efforts and it remains controllable, with electronic aids moving in to help when required.These small Benzes aren't cheap in absolute terms, but you do get some excellent engineering and good build quality. Many owners are happy to pay thousands extra so they can be seen sitting behind that famed three-pointed star.Mercedes-Benz is well represented in almost all areas of areas of Australia, even in the far outback as diesel Mercedes cars have been a favourite with Aussie farmers for decades.Many owners get all their work done at Mercedes-Benz dealerships. These cars generally fetch higher prices than ones serviced elsewhere. You may pay more in the first place, but recoup your cash when it comes time to trade-in time.This isn't really the sort of car you should attempt to work on yourself, though a good home handyperson can do some of the routine service work.A correctly driven and maintained Mercedes B-Class should have plenty of life left in it, but it's still best to have one inspected by a Mercedes mechanic.If you find what appears to have been major repairs to the body either pass it up altogether or book it in for an after-crash inspection at a reputable panel repairer.Check the interior, particularly the rear seats and the luggage area for signs of rough and ready use.Before going for your test drive try and arrange for the engine to be completely cold, after an overnight stop is ideal. Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly within a few seconds of kicking over.Check the engine never shows any signs of hesitation to your push on the throttle pedal. Also, that it pulls easily and strongly even on hills and with a load on board.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the first, second and third generation BMW X5 from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 as a used buy.

Mainstream sedans are traditionally on the sedate side in style and are aimed at sensible souls who don't want to stand out from the crowd. Not so the Chrysler 300C, this big American machine is aimed at grabbing attention from any angle and it comes as no surprise it's been labelled 'gangsta car'. Now approaching its

Lexus RX has been a huge success for the upmarket Japanese marque since its launch in Australia in April 2003. More a high riding station wagon than a 4WD it has mild to medium off-road ability in its AWD versions, though very few owners ever take advantage of it. The introduction of the fourth generation RX series in

The eighth generation of the Volkswagen Passat mid-sized sedan and wagon, coded as the B8 series, arrived in Australia late in 2015. We have just spent a couple of weeks living with a Passat 132TSI station wagon in Comfortline format, and have come away impressed with its practicality and ease of use. New Passat uses

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Skoda Fabia 66TSI wagon with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.