Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 Lexus NX300h with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

The very French Peugeot 307 is stylish machine, though it retains a fair touch of conservatism in its shape to try and make it a timeless design. That has succeeded, the 307 reached us downunder way back in December 2001 and still looks fashionable enough today. The Europeans frequently use Peugeot 307s as family

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Renault Twizy in Australia.

Thanks to its very Italian styling the Alfa Romeo 147 five-door hatch is often mistaken for a two-door sports coupe, but is actually a reasonably practical family car, if the kids are pre-teen, that is. The Alfa 147 is also sold as a three-door hatch – with an even sportier look.While interior room is fine in the front. Rear seat access in the three-door is about average for its class, meaning it's easy for the kids, but anyone older may find it a pain.On the road the little Alfa 147 offers a huge amount of dynamic driving pleasure. If you enjoy driving and are tired of boringly sensible Japanese and Korean cars then an Alfa Romeo 147 should be high on your list of potential buys.The Alfa 147 is powered by a 2.0-litre Twin Spark (two spark plugs per cylinder) four-cylinder engine. It's beautifully responsive and sounds very purposeful. In a really Italian manner, the Twin Spark is more than happy to rev to the heavens, however it's a little weak at lower revs and you really need to have a minimum of 3000 rpm on the tacho to keep life interesting.True Alfa lovers can't resist the temptation to stay in lower gears just to listen and feel their engines so the 147 suits them fine.The five-speed manual's gear changes feel good for a front-drive car. But if you are accustomed to a rear-driver you may find it less appealing, try for yourself before falling in love with the shape of the little European hatch.Alfa's Selespeed sequential-manual gearbox also has five forward ratios. Like all of its type it's rather harsh in its gear changes during upshifts in its lower ratios, but better once you get to third and beyond.We do love the way the Selespeed blips the throttle on the downshifts.A 1.9-litre turbo-diesel arrived in Australian Alfa Romeo 147s in January 2006. It has considerably more power and torque than the four-cylinder petrol, and once it has passed through its irritating turbo lag period is a reasonably responsive unit. However, the low redline is a bit of a letdown to those who love their sporting Italian machines. The only transmission sold with the 147 diesel is a six-speed manual.Those who want a really hot little Alfa Romeo can go for the hyper-hatch 147 GTA with its huge 3.2-litre V6 engine, bold body kit, taut suspension and upgraded brakes. The GTA is offered with a conventional six-speed manual or six-speed Selespeed - forget the Selespeed...These days Alfa Romeo is pretty well represented in Australia as the factory has taken over Australian distribution. For obvious reasons most of the dealerships are concentrated in major metropolitan areas. If you live the country it might be an idea to look for a local Alfa specialist before getting too deeply into the purchase stage.New-generation Alfas are better built than the earlier ones. However, we still see the occasional rough one and hear of some complaints from owners.Spare parts and servicing aren't overly expensive for a thoroughbred Italian car.The home mechanic may care to try some of their own servicing and smaller repairs, but we really do suggest its best left to the professionals. Having a workshop manual for reference is a must.Insurance costs can be high, especially on the GTA. If you're under 25 and/or have a poor driving record get a quote or two on a GTA before committing yourself to the car.WHAT TO LOOK FORBy all means do your own inspection of an Alfa 147 to the best of your ability, but we highly recommend that you call a professional before committing.Look for body repairs, most easily spotted by mismatched paint on adjacent body panels, uneven gaps between panels, paint overspray on non-painted parts and ripples in what should be smooth metal.A lot of brake dust on the wheels can indicate hard driving. Check the insides of the front wheels as it's likely the outsides of the wheels will have been cleaned by a smart seller.Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly from the moment it gets going. Naturally the V6 will be smoother than the four.A manual gearbox that isn't light in its action could be due for repairs. Do some fast changes from third down to second and feel for a reluctance to shift, or for funny noises.During the road test look for steering that wanders and feel for brakes that don't pull the car up evenly.CAR BUYING TIPInteresting cars attract interesting people, who often get together to form a club for their favourite machines. Try contacting club member for advice on buying. They may even know the actual car you're considering.

Well known as a safe buy, Toyota Corolla has been a major player in Australia since the mid 1960s. The Corolla was built in Melbourne until 1999 and fully imported from Japan since then, probably to the regret of the Australian branch of Toyota in recent years. Having been pulled from our market to make place in the factory for the not very successful Toyota Avalon, Corolla has recently become the biggest selling vehicle in Australia. And it's made overseas... Ah, well, hindsight is wonderful!Corollas made in Australia had improvements made by local engineers to suit them to our conditions. To this day Toyota Australia provides feedback and engineering information to Japan and there's little doubt Corollas worldwide are all the better for this.Suspension dynamics used to lean strongly towards comfort rather than sportiness, but that equation has moved more in the direction of satisfying handling. Indeed, the latest Corolla, introduced in November 2012, should be somewhere on the short list of keen drivers.The great majority of Corollas are four-door sedans and five-door hatchbacks. A station wagon was sold until the model change of April 2007. While the wagon is a practical machine and has a good load area it was never particularly popular as buyers preferred larger wagons or SUVs.Toyota Corolla has reasonable rear-seat room and a good-sized boot so is large enough to be considered as a family car if the children haven't reached their mid-teen years.Engines are all four-cylinder units with a capacity of 1.8 litres. Manual gearboxes were five-speed units until the all-new model of 2007 when a six-speed was installed. An exception to this is the Celica-engined Sportivo which has a close-ratio six-speed unit.The automatic transmissions are lagging behind many competitors in still being four-speed units. Performance from an automatic can be marginal in a car of this size so take it for a good test drive to check that it suits your needs.Anxious to get away from the Corolla's reputation for being a sensible but boring car, Toyota has had a stab at a couple of sporting variants. These Sportivo models didn't have a lot of success having rather half-hearted styling-and-suspension jobs without any more engine performance than the standard cars.Spare parts and servicing for these Toyotas are available through one of the biggest, most widely spread dealer networks in the AustraliaThe 2001 Corolla Sport model did have a turbo engine with plenty of grunt, but it was expensive and didn't sell well. This can be an interesting car if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, but talk to your insurance company first as insurers often take a dislike to turbocharged engines.From May 2003 until 2006, Toyota imported the Corolla Sportivo with what was virtually a hot Celica 1.8-litre engine. There's plenty of power high up the scale, up to 141 kW at the peak, but down-low torque is noticeably lacking so driving can be irritating unless you are a full-on sports enthusiast.The Corolla has a simple layout and is easy for the good amateur mechanic to work on. But please stick to non-safety work unless you are a professional. Workshop manuals are readily available at specialist motoring bookshops as well as some general suppliers. We recommend you have one at your side before commencing work.Spare parts and servicing for these Toyotas are available through one of the biggest, most widely spread dealer networks in the Australia. Some outlets in the outback may not stock less common components for the Corolla but can have them shipped in promptly.Insurance premiums are usually low on all but the turbocharged and full-house Sportivo models. If looking at the latter make enquiries in advance, particularly if you are a young and/or inexperienced driver as the premiums can be budget breakers.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck for signs of panel damage or previous crash repairs. Easiest to spot are ripples in the body, best seen by looking at the car end on in good light; watch for paint colours that don't match correctly; look for tiny spots of paint on areas like glass, badges and rubbing strips that should be paint free.Look carefully at the interior for signs of damage or excessive wear.Drying out and cracking of the dashboard top or rear shelf probably means the car has seldom, or never, been garaged.The engine should start within a couple of seconds and settle into a smooth idle within seconds. Listen for a rattle from it when it does start and check the oil light goes out quickly.Look for smoke from the exhaust pipe when the engine is accelerated hard after having been idling for a minute or so.Make sure the brakes don't pull the car to one side when they are applied hard and that ABS, if fitted, works correctly. A pulsation through the brake pedal under hard braking will tell you all is OK.Rust is not common in later-model Corollas, but can sometimes be found around the fuel filler cap and the hinges of the rear hatch. Check the bottom corners of the doors and mudguards, the door sill panels and in the lower edges of the bootlid or tailgate.CAR BUYING TIPStart shopping around for a used car several weeks before you intend to buy. This gives you a solid feel about the market before stepping into the home territory of used-car sales people.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 Bentley Mulsanne.

Holden Special Vehicles range gets power boost plus several detail changes for 2015.HSV has upgraded its Gen-F range of performance cars for 2015, with most models gaining power along with several detail changes for the V8 performance lineup. Upgrades to the Gen-F include the extraction of even power and torque from the big V8s, a facelift to give an even more positive stance on the road, additional colour choice and new personalisation items.The upgrades start with an increase in power and torque, to 340kW and 570Nm, on HSV's three R8 models, the ClubSport R8, ClubSport R8 Tourer and Maloo R8. Power increases on the HSV ClubSport and Maloo models see them lifted to 325kW, which is the same power output as the previous E Series 3 GTS. This gain is due to the fitment of a high-flow exhaust system with an X-pipe intermediate. The standardisation of a bi-modal muffler is part of the package.Changes to the electronics on the exhaust system will now be fitted to all HSV models with the exception of Grange. It's aimed at giving you an even throatier engine note. Sounds good to us, however we haven't yet had a chance to get behind the wheel of one of the new HSVs, as soon as we do we will report back in detail.Many HSV buyers still like the added control given by a six-speed manual gearbox. If you do opt for an six-speed automatic all models now come with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters. The HSV GTS now has a distinctive Dark Stainless finish on its 20-inch Blade forged alloy wheels. The 20-inchers on the HSV R8 models are finished with Tornado Grey accents.Two new colours have been added: some Like It Hot, a rich bronze/red and Jungle Green, an iridescent olive green, will be introduced to the range (these supersede Karma and Fantale).Vehicle personalisation items include the availability of a new high-mounted Hyperflow Performance rear spoiler for the ClubSport, ClubSport R8 and GTS. A Pitch Black Style option will be available on the three R8 models. Pitch Black sees black accenting on the side vents and mirror housings, together with the low-line spoiler on the ClubSport R8 sedan and the tailgate on the ClubSport R8 Tourer wagon.Obviously very proud of his new range, HSV's managing director, Tim Jackson says, "It's fair to say that the market acceptance of the GEN-F range since its launch last year has exceeded all our expectations. "We're confident the enhancements we're making to power, styling and vehicle personalisation will further embed HSV as the first choice for performance vehicle enthusiasts".

Commodore was the best selling car in Australia for many years so there are hundreds of used family Holdens on sale at any one time, meaning that smart buyers can take their time and find exactly what they want.Australian designed and built Holden Commodore are very well suited to local driving conditions and have exactly the kind of feel that keen Aussie drivers demand. This is a genuine five-seater, though the person in the centre-rear seat may find foot space compromised by the bulky transmission tunnel. Boot space is good in the sedan and excellent in the wagon due to the latter's longer wheelbase. However, the wagons in the VE range, sold from September 2009, have the same wheelbase as the sedan, so they miss out on the huge load volume that was a feature of previous Commodore wagons with their stretched wheelbases.Aussie family cars are big easy going machines that can handle a lot of hard workThe introduction of the virtually all-new VE series Commodore sedans in August 2006 saw a touch of European class in the styling and real enhancements to the ride and handling qualities. VE Series II was introduced in September 2010 and had minor external changes. Inside it was a different story, the GM i-Q multimedia system saw an entirely new look for the centre stack with the new touch screen. The system controls full Bluetooth, USB, iPod and MP3 player integration.Powertrains didn't always coincide with the major body changes. Most Commodores prior to the VZ range have a pushrod V6 engine of 3.8 litres. There's also a supercharged variant of this 3.8-litre, but it was never a real success so was discontinued in 2004.The VZ saw the introduction of an all-new V6 engine. A forerunner to the unit fitted to the VE Commodore, it was a twin-cam unit of 3.6-litres. As fitted to the VZ it wasn't particularly smooth or quiet. There were some improvements in feel when the engine was installed in the VE, but the engine still disappoints in this area despite several attempts to improve it over the years.A smaller V6, this time of 3.0-litres and aimed at lower fuel consumption and emissions, was introduced in September 2009. It hasn't proven all that popular but is a sophisticated unit and worth considering.There were two V8s in the pre-VZ Commodores; one an old Australian design of 5.0-litres, the other a Chevrolet unit adapted to Holden specifications with 5.7-litres. This Generation III Chev V8 is much better than the old Holden engine. The 5.7-litre Gen III was replaced by a Gen IV with 6.0-litres in January 2006, again as a teaser to the upcoming VE Series.Prior to the VE series, almost all Commodores came with four-speed automatic transmissions. Five-speed manual gearboxes are on the crude side and very few were sold. Six-speed manuals were offered in the SS range and are relatively common.The VE transmission lineup was a big improvement; with six-speed automatic transmissions and six-speed manuals. On the sporting side are the Commodore S and SS with firmer suspension, tauter steering, revamped seats and body kits. The most expensive model in the range isn't called a Commodore, but the Holden Calais. Holden frequently introduced special editions, the best value of these are arguably the oft-recurring Equipe and Lumina series.Commodores are easy cars to work on with plenty of access to most mechanical components. The good amateur mechanic can do most of their own repairs although it's best to leave safety related items to professional mechanics. Spare parts prices are generally reasonably priced and Holden's widespread dealer network is as strong in the bush as the ‘burbs.Insurance is very reasonable for a car of this size and performance, though there can be a big increase for the sportier models, especially with supercharged or V8 engines.WHAT TO LOOK FORRust is seldom a problem in later model Commodores, but can be caused by poor quality panel repairs. Check for these by running your eye over the panels, looking for a slightly uneven finish. Paint that doesn't match exactly from one panel to another is another clue a car has spent time in a panel beater's. Squeaks and rattles, most easily found when driving on a rough road, may indicate a Commodore has spent a lot of its time in the bush on dirt roads.Severe wear in the cabin and boot may be an indication the Commodore is an ex-taxi; or could have been a hard-working commercial vehicle, perhaps driven by a hard charging sales rep or the like.Check for brake fade on models before the VE Commodore by doing a succession of hard stops.Look for oil leaks at the rear of the engine sump and check the dipstick level as some units had high oil consumption problems. Automatic transmissions are generally OK, but one that is slow to go into gear and/or noisy and harsh in its operation should be treated with caution.CAR BUYING TIPAussie family cars are big easy going machines that can handle a lot of hard work. But it's better still if you don't buy one that's been given a beating.

Toyota adds style for special HiLux Black Edition range-topper.A huge, ultra-conservative car maker like Toyota never does anything in a hurry. Yet, even by Toyota standards the length of time taken for it to move into the sports ute market segment could be considered excessive. However, the giant has finally stirred - and come up with a HiLux sports ute that has been worth the wait. Toyota HiLux Black is based on the SR5 4WD double-cab pickup. Toyota tells us that fewer than 1000 Blacks are being produced, but doesn't nominate an exact number. Strange, but it would be worth your while to visit your local Toyota dealer asap as sales are likely to be fast and furious. Toyota's performance division, TRD, aided the design of the cosmetic enhancements, so a TRD logo appears on the wheel caps and the front bumper extension. Toyota HiLux Black is on sale now in a range of exterior and interior designs, all presented in bold black to match the famed toughness of the vehicle. Black side steps and sports bar are immediate standouts; as are the 17-inch alloy wheels painted black behind brightly machined six-spoke faces.The large black lower front grille features a red stripe along the bottom edge. LED daylight running lamps are specified for the first time on a HiLux in Australia. Black extensions below the foglight surrounds also make a statement.Prominent new front and rear bumpers, never previously offered in Australia, give the HiLux Black a planted stance. Special-edition badges located discreetly on the front and rear bumpers further distinguish the HiLux Black.Leather-accented black interior trim is part of the package as is a six-way power-operated driver's seat. The Black has a reversing camera and a satellite navigation system with Suna Live Traffic updates. A handy sized 6.1-inch screen is used for these, as well making it simple to navigate the audio system.Despite this long awaited foray into the special edition pickups, Toyota says it hasn't forgotten HiLux's day-to-day strengths. Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb says, "People buy HiLux as a tough workhorse, a family vehicle, or as a mixture of both, which means they are attracted by its renowned ruggedness and also its car-like comfort. HiLux Black delivers the best of both worlds. Its aggressive black features build on the unbreakable image of HiLux while exuding a premium appearance because black is always in style." The colour choice is black and white - literally. Toyota Australia has specified Eclipse Black and Glacier White as the only exterior paint options for the special-edition model.The HiLux Black is powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, mated to either a five-speed manual or the five-speed automatic transmission.HiLux Black is priced from $53,240 for the manual version in white. The optional black paint is $550 extra.Automatic transmission adds a hefty $2750.Like all Toyota HiLuxes, the Black is covered by Toyota Service Advantage at a maximum of $170 per service.