Articles by Graham Smith

The Lancer has been a steady and sturdy presence on the local market for many years; in that time it has gained a reputation for being a loyal and reliable friend, if not the most exciting one.

The CJ Lancer arrived in 2007 with plenty of promise.Compared to the previous model the CJ had fresh looks, a longer wheelbase and wider track for more cabin space, and there was more equipment.In an increasingly crowded, and hotly contested small car market, it tended to blend into the background rather than stand out, but anyone who cared to take a closer look would have discovered a solid, well built, and reliable car.The CJ range offered a choice of four-door sedan and five-door hatch body styles, and a range of models to suit most needs and desires.Most were front-wheel drive, but there were also sizzling hot four-wheel drive models to satisfy wanna-be rally drivers.At launch, everyday motorists had the option of the entry-level ES, the VR mid-ranger, and the sporty VR-X, with the Aspire, Activ, RX, and SX, added to the range in the following months and years.Weekend warriors could satisfy their need for speed with the rally-bred Ralliart and Evolution models.Standard features in the ES included air-conditioning, four-speaker sound with CD player and MP3 compatibility, cruise control, driver’s footrest, intermittent wipers, multi-function control screen, power windows and mirrors, cloth trim, trip computer, and tachometer.It had steel wheels and full wheel covers, and the spare tyre was a space saver.Metallic and pearl paint could be ordered as options.Had you chosen the VR you would have got all of that plus alloy wheels, six-speaker sound with CD stacker, air-conditioning with climate control, fog lamps, leather-trimmed, multi-function steering wheel and hand brake lever, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and a sporty rear spoiler and side skirts.The list of standard features was even longer with the VR-X, and included 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth to allow you to connect your iPhone or Android device, sports seats, sports pedals, keyless start, a body kit with high rear spoiler, and a front strut brace to aid handling. High end Rockford audio and a sunroof were available as options.The four-wheel drive, turbocharged Evolution, or Evo, was Mitsubishi’s nod to its rally participation. It had everything you could imagine in a rally special, with sports suspension, a wild body kit, sports instruments, sports seats and a sporty steering wheel.For more there was the optional 'Performance Pack', which saw the suspension and brakes upgraded.An update in 2008 saw the introduction of the Aspire with a 2.4-litre engine.Standard features of the Aspire included 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim with woodgrain highlights, a premium sound system with nine speakers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and fog lamps.At the same time the VR-X was upgraded with the 2.4-litre engine, and the Ralliart joined the Evolution on the performance front.The RX arrived in 2009 and it was positioned above the ES, and could be distinguished by alloy wheels, and the Activ came a year later.A reversing camera was added to the range, except for the ES, in 2012, but there were no parking sensors or a parking assist system.Sat nav was not available on the ES, but was available on other models in the range from 2013.The Lancer’s cabin was quite roomy for its size, with comfortable accommodation for five.Front seats were buckets, sports seats in the sporty models, and the rear was a split-fold seat for extra carrying capacity when needed.With the rear seat in the normal position the boot volume was 315 litres. With it folded the volume increased to 400 litres.There was plenty of storage spread around the cabin, with an in-dash glove box, a compartment in the console, pockets in the front doors and front seat backs, bottle holders, and cupholders in the front and rear.Most models had cloth trim, but up-range ones had leather, and some had woodgrain, as well.The main power source across the range was a double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing that put out 113kW (151 horsepower), and 198Nm at is power and torque peaks, which was enough to give it solid performance in the class.A larger 2.4-litre petrol four was added to the range in 2008, and with 125kW (167 horsepower), and 226Nm of torque, it provided more performance for those wanting a bit more zip.There was a five-speed manual gearbox available, but the transmission most buyers chose was the CVT, which was the automatic option.The quirky CVT was not everyone’s cup of tea, but with the option of a six-speed sports mode the Mitsubishi transmission didn’t feel as soggy as some others.With their connection to rallying the Evolution and Ralliart models had blistering performance delivered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.It was linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, in turn to a four-wheel drive system.The CJ Lancer was a capable and user-friendly small car. It did everything well and didn’t present anyone with any untoward challenges on the road.With independent front and rear suspension, even in base form, it was sure-footed, steered well, handled corners with assurance, and the ride was well damped.The steering was light, and the turning circle tight, making it easy to manoeuvre and park around town.Step up the model range and the picture was even better, with sportier handling from the lower and former suspension.Both engines were willing, the larger 2.4-litre unit had more torque to deliver smoother driveability, and for that reason, is a better choice than the 2.0-litre engine.Those inside were treated to comfortable seating with little external disturbance from road noise or other potentially annoying elements to bother them.The thrill-a-minute performance-tuned Ralliart and Evo models were different animals entirely; they were at their best competing on the track or in the forests.The CJ Lancer was well equipped with safety features.All models except the entry-level ES, which was rated at four stars, carried a five-star ANCAP rating from the introduction of the model.The difference in rating can be attributed to the ES not having head airbags for the front or side airbags for the front and rear seat passengers.Anyone wanting to upgrade the safety of the ES to five stars could have added an option pack of side and head airbags.That changed in 2010 when the ES got the additional head and side airbags and was upgraded to the same five stars as the other models.All models then had front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, a knee airbag for the driver, head airbags for the front seat passengers, and side (curtain) airbags for those in the front and rear seats.All five seats had lap-sash seat belts, allowing the fitment of a baby car seat.The Lancer was one of the cars that had ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points before they were made mandatory in 2014.In addition to the passive safety features all models had ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and ESP electronic stability control.Except for the CVT and dual-clutch automatic transmissions the Lancer follows a well-proven formula.There’s nothing radical about it, nothing that should be cause for concern by anyone considering buying one second hand.Most owners were keen to praise the reliability of their cars, saying they were well built and were for the most part reliable.One issue that cropped up related to the operation of the ABS brakes as a result of the failure of the electronic module that controls the system.Owners said their first warning of the problem was when the warning light on the dash began flickering. It eventually stayed on; the ABS braking system was then not functioning.Check with the seller to see if there have been any problems with the braking system previously, and take note of the ABS warning light if it comes on.Another thing to focus on when test-driving a car is the operation of the automatic transmissions.No owner we spoke to raised any issues with either the CVT or the dual-clutch transmission, which suggests there are no problems with them, but the history of the transmissions in general says they are prone to problems. Observe the CVT for shuddering on take-off or when accelerating, hesitations, or any other thing that doesn’t feel right.In the case of the dual-clutch auto, observe for any hesitation on shifting, or incorrectly selecting neutral.Check for a service record to make sure your potential purchase has been well maintained.The recommended engine oil for the CJ Lancer is 5W-30, servicing should be every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, and the engines have timing chains.Mitsubishi provided a generous new car warranty of five years/130,000km, and there was also five years roadside assistance.Capped price servicing was introduced in 2012 to keep a lid on service costs.There have been some recalls, mostly for electrical issues, so check the service book to see what if any recall reworks have been done.Buying a Ralliart or Evolution model requires extra caution when inspecting prior to purchase. As many will have been driven hard by enthusiast owners, or even used in motorsport competition, it’s important to check for signs of modification or abuse.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Mitsubishi Lancer problems page.K. Brigham: I bought my 2010 Activ new. It’s solidly built, very roomy, comfortable, gets good mileage, and there have been no problems with it at all.Anna Breinl: My 2007 VR-X is a great touring car, it’s comfortable, and it has been absolutely trouble-free.Patrick Firth: The 2013 ES feels sporty. I like the performance of the 2.0-litre engine, the manual gearbox is good, and I get good economy.Michael Beeston: I’ve owned my 2011 ES from new. It’s now done almost 100,000 km and there has been no problem with it at all. I like driving it, the handling is quite good, it’s safe, and the fuel economy is good.Apart from the Evo the Lancer wasn’t very exciting, but it was a solid and reliable all-rounder.

With the X-Trail riding on a wave of popularity Nissan chose to tweak the compact SUV rather than re-invent it when it launched the new T31 model in 2007.As a result, the T31 looked very similar to the outgoing model, unless you got up close and saw the changes in detail.If you did that you would have seen it was longer, wider and taller, with more interior space, but it was also heavier.The 2.5-litre petrol engine was carried over with minor retuning, but the growing demand for diesel engines saw a turbo-diesel engine added to the range.In search of improved fuel consumption a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) became the automatic transmission option on the petrol engine.To meet the changing wants of SUV buyers, as more and more switched to the high-riding wagons, was the addition to the X-Trail range of a front-wheel drive model.By the time the T31 X-Trail was launched in 2007 the switch to SUVs, particularly compact models like the X-Trail, was in full swing.This new breed of buyers appreciated the practicality and versatility of a wagon, they liked the visibility of the high driving position, and while they weren’t necessarily going off road, they found the safety of all-wheel drive appealing.But they wanted more, hence the introduction of a turbo-diesel engine for better fuel economy, and a front-wheel drive model for those who had no desire at all to go off-roading.The T31 was launched with a revised model range, which was made up of ST, ST-L, and Ti with petrol engines, and the TS and TL with turbo-diesel engines.Entry to the T31 X-Trail club was through the ST, which boasted an extensive list of standard features, among them air-conditioning, a tilt-adjustable steering column, CD player and four-speaker sound, remote/keyless central locking, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, a rear wiper and washer, roof rails, a vanity mirror, cloth trim, and a trip computer. Metallic paint was optional.A step up to the ST-L added 17-inch alloy wheels, six speakers, climate control for the air-conditioning, an in-dash CD stacker, MP3 compatibility, front fog lights, and chrome exterior highlights.On top of all that, the Ti also came with power front seats, leather trim, and a sunroof.The diesel-powered TS was similarly equipped to the ST-L, the TL similar to the Ti.The spare wheel was full-sized until 2012 when a space saver spare was introduced.Bluetooth was added in 2009 allowing an iPhone or Android device to be connected.A MY10 update saw the ST-L get heated front seats and leather trim, the Ti got 18-inch alloy wheels, a DVD player, parking sensors, a reversing camera, and sat-nav.Another update in MY11 saw the release of front-wheel drive only versions of the ST and ST-L. At the same time Ti buyers were treated to automatic xenon headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, and keyless entry and drive away.The spare wheel was full-sized until 2012 when a space saver spare was introduced.There was no touch screen, or park assist system.The cabin had accommodation for five in a roomy and comfortable environment.Gone was the annoying centre-mounted speedo and other gauges that so many criticized in the T30; in its place was a more conventional dash in front of the driver.There were plenty of storage options, including the centre console, a cooled glovebox, door pockets in the front doors, and cupholders in the front and rear.The boot was a generous 633 litres with the rear seat in position, and 1651 litres when the split-fold rear seat was folded flat.The 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine carried over from the earlier model, but had lower noise, vibration and harshness levels, better fuel economy, and its mid-range response was improved.With VVT variable valve timing the double overhead camshaft engine put out 125kW (167 horsepower) at its power peak, and maximum torque of 226Nm.The engine was a willing performer with solid mid-range performance, but with extra weight to haul around its zip was dulled a little compared to the T30.To meet the growing demand for diesel engines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine was added to the range in 2008.At its peaks it produced 127kW (170 horsepower), and 336 Nm of torque, and delivered the fuel-consumption savings motorists were looking for along with the smooth drivability that comes with a good level of pulling power.Those buyers who chose the petrol engine had the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a CVT auto, the latter with six preset ratios to make it feel more like a conventional automatic.With a little more weight to haul around the petrol engine isn’t the zippiest performer.The turbo-diesel came with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.Final drive was courtesy of an improved version of Nissan’s acclaimed 'All-Mode' system, which offered three modes of operation; front-wheel drive, automatic, or 4WD lock for off-road driving up to 40 km/h. Hill start and descent assistance features were added to the system.To meet the demand for a high-riding wagon from buyers not wanting to go off road in their SUVs Nissan added front-wheel drive versions of the ST and ST-L to the range in 2011.The ride is comfortable with good damping and body control on road and off.With its independent MacPherson strut front suspension and coil springs in the rear suspension, handling is balanced and assured in most situations.The steering is light and responsive, and the turning circle is tight enough to make maneuvering easy.Both engines, even the diesel, are acceptably quiet, and there’s little road noise to bother those inside.With a little more weight to haul around the petrol engine isn’t the zippiest performer, and the diesel is better with good response and drivability thanks to its torque.With a comprehensive array of safety features ANCAP rated the T31 at four stars out of a possible five.Passive safety features included front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, side front airbags, head airbags, and seat belt pre-tensioners.It was also well equipped with active safety features, including ABS braking, BAS emergency brake assistance, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), and ESP electronic stability control.Lap sash seat belts on all five seats facilitate the fitment of a child seat, and ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points are fitted.The earliest of the T31 X-Trails will now have done on average between 150,000 and 250,000 km, which means they need to be approached with caution and require thorough checking before being purchased.Owners report they the reliability is good and they give little trouble, but any car of the age and odometer reading of those early cars needs careful assessment of its condition.Check under the car for damage from off-road excursions. The X-Trail is quite a competent off-road performer, but its ground clearance limits it to light off-roading rather than rock climbing.Buy the car in the best condition, with the lowest odometer reading, and a complete service history.Nissan recommends servicing every 10,000km or six months. If the service book doesn’t show a car has been serviced as recommended, be skeptical.Regular oil changes, using 5W-30 oil, are the key to long and reliable engine life.Capped price servicing didn’t apply to the T31, but service costs are not excessive, and any competent mechanic can do it.Anyone opting for the CVT auto should road test a car before making their decision, as they’re a different beast to drive and you need to get used its idiosyncrasies, one being the constant whirring noise.There were some issues with the CVT in early T31 X-Trails due to a bearing that was overloaded and prone to failure, and Nissan replaced many transmissions. Listen for odd metallic noises coming from the gearbox during your road test.Another problem reported on a number of diesel models is the failure of he DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). They’re expensive to replace if you have to.The engines use a timing chain, which means there is no requirement for regular replacement.When new, the X-Trail carried a warranty of three years/ 100,000km.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Nissan X-Trail problems.Michael Liagourdis: My 2012 Nissan X-Trail Ti 4WD auto has 93,000km on the clock and has been trouble free. It’s great cruising on the highway, and it is impressive off-road. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is both fuel-efficient and smooth. Overall it’s a fun vehicle and a pleasure to drive.Ken Collins: I have a 2012 X-Trail and I love it. I’m tall, but it’s easy to get in and out, it’s great on petrol, has a ton of power, and is great to drive, especially long distances.Ross Weldon: I have been an X-Trail owner for 13 years; the latest is a 2012 ST-L. I wanted a good highway cruiser that could go off-road when required, and the X-Trail fills the bill perfectly. It is easy to enter and exit, has one of the biggest cargo areas in their class, and the fit and finish is spot on.Rigby Gilbert: My 2008 TS diesel manual is my second X-Trail. It has now done 160,000km and is still running as well as ever. The first was a petrol model, but I find the diesel relaxing to drive when towing and the fuel consumption when towing improved.Ian & Rae Singleton: We bought our 2011 X-Trail manual because we wanted easy access in and out of the car. It’s done 43,000km, none off-road, and it has been very reliable, easy to drive and gets good fuel economy on the open road. There’s nothing glamorous about it, but it’s a good, reliable and simple SUV.Roomy, practical family wagon that’s at home on the road and off.

The X-Trail was a compact SUV designed to appeal to those looking for a vehicle that blended bush with the ’burbs.

When the fifth-generation Honda Civic hit the road in the early 1990s, it was still years away when Australians abandon their big-car for something smaller.

The Honda Civic offers buyers of used small cars a little more than the rest; it also has a reputation for quality and design innovation that sets it apart in the eyes of small car buyers.

The seventh gen Honda Civic was more staid than sporty compared to its forebears, but remained a popular small car, with front-wheel drive and five seats. A sound choice if you buy one in top shape.

Honda has long had a reputation for building high quality prestige cars that are packed with technology. The front-wheel drive Civic is one of its most popular; it’s been a mainstay of the company’s range since it was introduced here in 1973, and the eighth generation model introduced in 2006 continued that

Honda has long used its involvement in motorsport to promote an image of prestige, quality, superior technology, and a sporty driving experience in all its models.

Transporting a family, particularly a large one, often means sacrifices have to be made in areas like performance, comfort and convenience.