Articles by Graham Smith

Lexus has won a place alongside the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the minds of prestige car buyers who believe it to be a worthy alternative to the European establishment.The RX was an important plank in the Lexus platform given the growing popularity of crossover wagons in this country. It began with the five-seater RX330 in 2003, and stepped up with the RX350 in 2006.The changes made to the RX in 2006 made it better placed to attack the Mercedes-Benz ML and the BMW X5, regarded as its main rivals. For starters the V6 engine was increased in capacity from 3.3 to 3.5 litres, the outcome being 18 percent more power and four percent more torque. In a nutshell, that means more get up and go when needed, and better towing performance.Backing up to the V6 was a five-speed auto with touch-change manual shifting feeding into the permanent all-wheel drive system. Underneath it had full independent suspension and disc brakes all round. Even in base form the RX350 had a swag of standard gear, pretty much everything could want or expect in a car of its standing.Inside there was leather trim, heated front seats, auto climate controlled air-con, cruise, power windows and mirrors, a six-speaker CD sound system, and blue-tooth phone connection. Outside it had alloy wheels, fog lights, roof racks, and a rear spoiler.The RX350 is not the vehicle you'd choose if you wanted to go bush in a big way, but it is the sort of wagon you'd be happy to drive around town and on the odd excursion beyond the city limits.Its uprated engine gave it noticeably better performance without sacrificing any of the smoothness for which it had been renowned.Some thought the suspension too soft and less responsive than its rivals, but its ride was comfortable and it handled well enough.IN THE SHOPReliability in service is largely determined by the initial design work and the build precision, and in those areas Toyota has excelled. There's no question that the RX350 is well designed and put together, and as a result, little appears to go wrong with them. The most important thing is to ensure any prospective purchase has been serviced correctly, so check for a service record. Make the usual visual checks for crash repairs and walk away if it's suspected a car has been in a crash.IN A CRASHANCAP doesn't have a rating for the RX350, but its almost identical predecessor was rated at four stars out of five. There was a comprehensive array of safety gear in the RX350. It began with front, head and side airbags, and continued with ABS braking, and electronic stability and traction control systems.UNDER THE PUMPBig, heavy, all-wheel drive; they're not the ingredients to deliver fuel economy. Toyota claimed the RX350 would do 10.8 L/100 km, meanwhile CarsGuide's road tester returned 11.1 L/100 km.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $74,800 to $84,100Engine: 3.5-litre V6; 203 kW/342 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, AWDEconomy: 10.8 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: Sports, LuxurySafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTA great choice when you want a wagon that looks down on its neighbours.

Being green is easier than you might think; you don't have to buy an expensive hybrid or oil-burner as some people would have you believe.A smaller car, one with a smaller petrol engine, will do the trick for most folks. While hybrids are still expensive and diesel fuel is dear small cars like Honda's Jazz are economical and affordable.Often, when you think about it, they will get the job done for most people as well. Why carry around all that sheetmetal and cast iron when you don't have to?Besides, small cars are easy to drive, easy to park, and easy on the pocket. There's plenty of choice when it comes to small cars and prices vary wildly from brand to brand.The Jazz, like Hondas tend to be, is one  of the premium models in its class, but that didn't hold it back when it came to popularity. The second generation GE arrived in 2008 and built on the first generation and the success it enjoyed.There was a new body, although it looked much like the old one that had proved popular, particularly with women buyers who were taken with the styling. The same two engines continued to be offered, but they were revised.The 1.3-litre entry-level engine in the GLi was given four valves per cylinder, which made it rev easier and more smoothly. Its output also went up substantially. The VTi and VTi-S were both powered by the larger 1.5-litre engine and its output was also boosted by a healthy amount. Gone was the quirky CVT transmission of old that had been some what troublesome, and in its place was a regular five-speed auto. For those happy to shift themselves there was also a five-speed manual on offer.The Jazz, with its upright peoplemover type body, is a practical little car offering good interior room, flexible seating and clear   visibility. On the road it steers well, handles with assurance, is comfortable and is easy to park.IN THE SHOPHondas generally have a good reputation for being reliable, although parts and servicing can be more expensive than some other brands. Good independent service agents specialising in Hondas are a good alternative to dealers if you want to save a few bucks. It's important, however, that the Jazz is well serviced and has the recommended oil changes.Fresh oil and clean filters keep modern engines alive longer, so check for a service record for any potential purchase. The switch from the CVT transmission in the older model to a regular  auto is good news; the CVT suffered a number of problems that caused buyers headaches, none of which will bother buyers of the auto in the GE model.IN A CRASHANCAP judged the Jazz as a four-star performer when it came to safety, it would have probably got an extra star had Honda made electronic stability control available. It didn't, but the Jazz did have ABS braking across the board, and traction control on the VTi and VTi-S. Dual airbags were standard on the base GLi, while the VTi and VTi- S also had head and side airbags for added protection.UNDER THE PUMPFuel economy is one of the most important considerations when most of us sit down to select the next car we will buy. Hybrids and diesels have been the flavours of the month in the last few years, but both come at a hefty cost that most people refuse to pay.Small petrol-engined cars, like the Jazz, are a viable alternative, especially when they return fuel consumption figures of 5.8 L/100 km (1.3) and 6.4 L/100 km (1.5) as the Jazz does.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $17,990 to $23,920 Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 73 kW/127 Nm; 1.5-litre 4-  cylinder petrol, 88 kW/145 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, 5-speed manualBody: 5-door hatchVariants: GLi, VTi, VTi-SSafety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICT:Practical, roomy, economical, it's hard to beat. 

...squeeze the trigger as hard as we can, and get back on the road as fast as we can. We all know life is busy and getting busier by the day, but we could be losing out by being in such a hurry when we fill up. Here are a few tips to help us get more for the bucks we spend on fuel: Fuel is stored in underground tanks at service stations, and the colder the ground the more dense is the fuel, so filling up earlier in the day means you're getting more for your dollar than you are later in the day when the ground is warmer and the fuel has had a chance to expand. Buying fuel in the afternoon or early evening will leave you short changed on every litre of fuel you buy. Use the lowest, or slowest, setting on the pump nozzle. Using the slowest rate minimizes the vapours created during filling and that means there's more fuel going into your tank. Fill your tank when it's half full - When you do the air space above the petrol in the tank is less and there is less loss through evaporation. Don't fill up if you see a petrol tanker delivering fuel at a service station. The petrol in the underground tank is probably being stirred up as the fresh fuel is being pumped in, and that can mean the muck on the bottom ofthe tank could be stirred up, and possibly pumped into your tank.

As much as they've tried, and tried they have, French cars haven't made much progress in this market, which must be galling to them given that their German rivals are going gangbusters.The Peugeot 308, for instance, was launched with the claim that it was as well built as its cross-border rivals, and drove as well as they did too. The company was trying to make up for the shortcomings of the 307, which had been slammed for its looks and lack of dynamics. To start with the 308 was aligned with the more attractive 207 and 407 models, given the same dynamic styling that made the other models their appeal.The 308 was marginally larger than the 307, being longer and wider, with a wider track for a bigger footprint to aid the on-road stability. It was also heavier, which didn't help the performance. Inside, it had decent head and legroom, and comfortable seats, but the boot was smaller than the 307's and most of its rivals.Underneath it was similar to its predecessor, with MacPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beams at the rear. There was a good choice of engines, with two petrol and diesel engines. The transmission choices, depending on the model, were five-speed manual and auto, and six-speed manual and auto. Standard equipment included dual climate controlled air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, power front windows and MP3 connection. A full-sized spare wheel is also standard.IN THE SHOPThe lack of complaints about the 308 received at Carsguide suggest it is doing the job for its owners, although it is too early to give it a conclusive tick of approval. Prospective buyers need to be aware that the 308, like all European cars, tends to consume brakes faster than cars from other parts of the world. Expect to be replacing pads, and perhaps also discs, every 50,000 km or so. Maintenance is also crucial so look for proof of servicing when inspecting a car prior to purchase.UNDER THE PUMPFuel economy was a strong point of the 308, with the small petrol engine using only 7.7 L/100 km and the smallest turbo-diesel engine using only 5.1 L/100 km.IN A CRASHFive stars was the best stamp available to carmakers from ANCAP and the 308 received it. It was fully equipped with front, head and side airbags, there were ABS brakes, and on all models but the base XS there was also electronic stability control.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $27,990 to $38,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 88 kW/160 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol, 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 80 kW/140 Nm; 110 kW/240 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 100 kW/320 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed man, 6-speed auto. 6-speed man; FWDEconomy: 7.7 L/100 km (1.6), 8.2 L/100 km (1.6T), 5.1 L/100 km (1.6TD), 6.8 L/100 km (2.0TD)Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door wagonVariants: XS, XSE, XTE, XTSSafety: 5-star ANCAPVERDICTMore refined, roomy cabin and more stylish looks, but is pricey.

The BMW 7-Series launched in 2009 was a return to the finer things in life after previous models had diverted down a side road on which performance was a premium.The F01 and its long wheelbase F02 sibling echoed the old ethos of elegance and driving enjoyment that marked the old BMW flagship out from its great rival from Stuttgart.With its carefully crafted lines and timeless proportions the new 7- Series returned to the elegance of old; it was certainly less confronting then the earlier model. Inside, it was a mix of classic style and modern practicality. It was quiet, comfortable, refined, and the driver was surrounded with all the mod cons, including BMW's iDrive system, Bluetooth, voice commands, and useful systems like active cruise control and a heads- up speedo display as well as all the expected features.There was plenty of choice of engines, from the 3.0-litre turbo- diesel, through the twin-turbo six, the twin-turbo V8 and the mighty V12. All were turbocharged, BMW's thinking being that a turbocharged engine could be economical and environmentally friendly when tootling along, but would still have plenty of punch when you planted your right foot. The six-speed auto that is mated to all but the V12, which has an eight-speed auto, has tough shifting and adaptive shift programming.Less visible were the stiffer, but lighter body and the lightweight aluminium suspension. More obvious were features like night vision, lane-change warnings, heads-up display, improved run-flat tyres and variable light distribution.IN THE SHOPThe F01/F02 models are still relatively new out of the box, most will have done less than 50,000 km, and so failures and issues are few and far between. While solidly built BMWs are not immune to problems, particularly as they age, but it's fair to think the 7-Series will be relatively trouble-free for another 100,000 km or so. Servicing is important to keep on top of any problems that do crop up, so check for a service record for proof of regular oil changes.IN A CRASHThere is no ANCAP rating for the 7-Series, but it's fair to assume it would come in at the top end of the five-star scale if it were tested. With dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes and electronic stability control it has the best of everything in the safety world.UNDER THE PUMPThe big Beemer is a heavyweight of the auto world and that has to be reflected in the fuel consumption. The turbo-diesel is the one to go for if fuel economy is your priority. It returns a claimed average of 6.8 L/100 km, impressive for such a big car. The petrol options aren't as thrifty when it comes to fuel economy, the twin-turbo six averages 9.9 L/100 km, the twin-turbo V8 averages 11.4 L/100 km, and the V12 averaged 13.0 L/100 km. All petrol engines require premium unleaded.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $198,800 to $386,000Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo-diesel, 180 kW/540m Nm; 3.0-litre turbocharged 6-cylinder, 240 kW/450 Nm; 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, 300 kW/600 Nm; 6.0-litre turbocharged V12, 400 kW/750 Nm.Transmission: 6-speed auto, 8-speed auto (V12); RWDEconomy: 6.8 L/100 km (730d), 9.9 L/100 km (740i), 11.4 L/100 km (750i), 13.0 L/100 km (760i)Body: 4-door sedan (LWB), 4-door sedan (SWB)Variants: 730d, 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li, 760LiSafety: N/A.VERDICTA return to greatness after the 7-Series had lost its way.

Before that happens it's best to start thinking about our cars and take some precautions now to avoid the winter blues later on. The component that tends to come under the most stress in winter, and usually fails first, is the battery that powers our car. We might think it's the engine that powers out car, but it won't be going anywhere if the battery is flat, and there are few things worse than being stuck with a car that won't start on a cold winter's morning when you're already late for work. To check the battery start by reading the owner's manual to find out where the battery is located. On most cars it's in the engine bay, but it can also be mounted in the boot. If the battery is old, three to five years, it's worth having it checked by a battery specialist to ensure it's up to the task come the winter months. It's common to find the build-up of corrosion on the terminals; it's a white crystalline substance that can affect the battery's performance. Pouring boiling water over the terminals is enough to clean the corrosion off the outside of the terminals, but to clean them properly it's necessary to disconnect them. Before you do disconnect the terminals make sure you have the radio's security code handy as you'll need that when you reconnect the battery again. If you don't have it, get it from you dealer or manufacturer before you go any further. Without it you won't be able to use your radio. To disconnect the terminals loosen the terminal clamps, negative first and positive last, and then wash the corrosion away from the battery terminals and the clamps with boiling water. Dry the terminals and clamps and reconnect the leads, positive first and negative last. To help stall the build-up of corrosion apply a smear of Vaseline or other petroleum jelly over the outside of the terminal. Do not apply the jelly to the terminal before you connect the leads as that could affect the conductivity and lower the battery's performance.

The arrival of the Mazda MX-5 in 1989 was like a breath of fresh air in a market that was as dull as dishwater.It was a car you could truly enjoy driving again, a modern sports car that turned the clock back. Like all good things, the MX-5 has evolved over the years into a more refined, more sophisticated car, and you can't blame Mazda for allowing it to happen.The first MX-5 appealed to sports car buffs and anyone who wanted to relive their long lost youth, but when that demand was satisfied Mazda had to broaden its appeal to win over buyers who weren't traditional sports car buyers.Those buyers typically wanted the fun of the sports car, but weren't keen on giving up the comforts of the regular passenger cars they'd been driving. Hence, the MX-5 grew in size, comfort, and refinement. It became more serious.The 2009 update model was greeted with enthusiasm, rated the best ever. Outwardly there wasn't a lot of change apart from the smiling corporate grille that was common with the rest of the range in this new era of Mazda success.But the changes went deeper than a mere grille swap, the body was stiffer, the suspension was fine-tuned, the steering sharpened, and the engine output boosted. Where Mazda had one model in 1999, the range had grown to four models in 2009, with the choice of two-seater convertible and two-seater coupe with a folding roof.The folding roof helped rekindle dwindling sales when it was released in 2006, and the 2009 model went further by reducing noise levels and overall harshness. While Mazda made the sorts of improvements that would appeal to those not really committed to sports cars, they also made the driving experience better for those that are.The stiffer body made the steering response much sharper and the engine was more responsive with a new exhaust note that echoed the performance boost. At the top of the range the fully loaded Sports Coupe boasted BBS alloy wheels and Recaro seats.IN THE SHOP Mazda is a generally reliable brand and its cars give little cause for concern. The MX-5 rarely crosses our radar here at CarsGuide, suggesting owners are having a largely trouble free run from their cars. While it is early days for the 2009 model and most will have done less than 50,000 km, history suggests that there will be no hidden demons in the foreseeable future. For the moment look for oil leaks around the engine, and any signs of harsh treatment and crash damage, and seek proof of maintenance.IN A CRASH The MX-5 was well equipped with safety features, including front and side airbags, ABS braking, stability control and traction control. Equally as important it had a stiff chassis with the agility and responsiveness to avoid a crash.AT THE PUMP Mazda's official claim for the MX-5 was 8.1 L/100 km average; road testers at the time of the release recorded numbers above 9.0 l/100 km, but these higher numbers are likely to have been the result of a heavy right foot.MAZDA MX-5Price new: $42,460 to $49,805Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 118 kW/188 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automaticEconomy: 8.1 L/100 kmBody: 2-door roadster, 2-door coupeVariants: Convertible, Coupe, Coupe Sports, Touring ConvertibleSafety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICTMore refined, but also reinvigorated, and even better than before.

It turned out that while the tyres appeared new they were in fact manufactured several years ago and had been in storage for a number of years before Ross bought them and fitted them to his caravan.It is generally recommended that you have your tyres regularly inspected by a tyre technician, particularly as they age. After five years or so in use, this inspection should be done at least once a year.As a general rule tyres should be replaced once they are 10 years old, that's 10 years from the date they were manufactured not fitted to the car, even if they appear to be in good usable condition and have not worn down to the tread wear indicator.In Ross's case the tyres he bought believing them to be "new" had been in storage for some time and should not have been fitted to his caravan at all.The date a tyre was manufactured is included in the information contained on the tyre sidewall and it's worth checking before you hand over your hard-earned cash for what you believe to be new tyres.

Buy a good car can mean years of troublefree driving, but buy a lemon and your life could become a nightmare.There's no guaranteed way of ensuring that the car you buy won't have issues that will surface the moment you drive off in it, but there are things you can do to minimize the risk. One is a thorough check of the body for rust and previous panel damage.There was a time, not so long ago, when rust was pretty easy to detect, it was usually quite visible. Today's cars are built with better steel and better rust protection than cars of old, but they can still suffer from rust.It's usually not as readily visible as it once was, you have to lift floor coverings, peer inside the boot and under the bonnet. Particularly look for places that aren't painted in production, such as inside fuel filler flaps, along window edges, and in the engine bay.Take particular attention if a car has come from a beachside area where sea air can play havoc with steel. As well as rust look for the telltale signs of dodgy panel repairs.Look for mismatching paint on adjacent panels, variable panel gaps, drooping doors, ill-fitting hatches and bootlids, and overspray on components in the engine bay, boot and door openings.Checking a car's bodywork need only take a few minutes, but it can save months or even years of future frustration.

Peoplemovers have never been particularly fashionable, they're the ugly ducklings of the motoring world, but there's no denying their practicality when it comes to family transport.There's plenty of reasons to consider buying a peoplemover, particularly one like the Honda Odyssey, instead of an SUV. Honda had done its level best with the Odyssey to make the peoplemover sexy and rid it of the old image of a converted van as most once were. Compared to other peoplemovers the Odyssey is quite a stylish vehicle, it really doesn't evoke images of a delivery van at all. For a family of five or more it makes a lot of sense.The 2009 Odyssey was the result of an extensive makeover, with a new body, improved safety, and better performance and fuel economy. Under the sleek new skin the mechanical platform was basically the same as the previous model. Honda offered two models, the well-equipped entry-level model and the Luxury, which came with leather and a host of other neat features. All it lacked was a parking aid, which would have been a welcome addition in a vehicle of its type. With just 2.4 litres doing the work the Honda is no fireball in the road, but has enough grunt to make for a smooth, comfortable drive with sufficient get and go to get the job done.The five-speed auto is smooth and well matched to the engine. On the road the suspension is supple and delivers a comfortable ride while still giving the feeling that it's clamped to the road. The secret to the Odyssey has always been its comfortable, flexible cabin, which is more like a car than a van. It seats up to seven and the seats can be slid, folded and removed to create the perfect space for your family.IN THE SHOPA Honda specialist mechanic once bemoaned to me that he wished he had of done his apprenticeship on another make as it was tough making a living out of Hondas when they rarely broke down.His mate, who's done his apprenticeship on another make, a German one, was making a nice living from fixing the cars he chose to specialise in. It's not a guarantee that Hondas don't, or won't, break down, but it is testament to their overall level of reliability. They need to be well maintained and service according to the book, but if they are you should enjoy a good run out of them.The Odyssey is no exception. As the Odyssey is primarily aimed at families check the cabin closely for the things that happen when kids are transport, things like stained and torn trim, broken hardware etc. Also look for damage from incidental contact with the scenery because of the lack of parking aids.IN A CRASHWith front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, ABS braking the Odyssey is well equipped to handle a crunch. ANCAP gave it a four-star tick when it was tested.UNDER THE PUMPThe 2.4-litre engine has to work quite hard to propel the Odyssey, but even so it's quite a frugal unit, with a claimed average of 8.9 L/ 100 km. Carsguide recorded an average of 10.1 L/100 km when testing the stylish wagon, and that might be closer to real life reality.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $41,990 to $47,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 132 kW/218 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, FWDEconomy: 8.9 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: Base and LuxurySafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTStylish, comfortable, efficient, and sensible means of transporting a family.