Articles by Neil Dowling

The uptown wagon market goes into overdrive as Mercedes enters the premium compact SUV sector. Shown this week at the Shanghai motor show, the Mercedes-Benz GLA concept becomes the third A-Class model and the first baby SUV to take on the Range Rover Evoque, BMW X3 and Audi Q3. Mercedes Australia spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says the GLA - heavily based on the concept shown at Shanghai - goes into production next year and is expected in Australia soon after. It will be shown in production form later this year at the Frankfurt motor show. Pricing is expected to be around $50,000-$70,000 to match rivals, with prices depending on drivetrain and specification. Mr Stamoulis says the GLA - which shares the platform and drivetrain with the current A250 hatch, the upcoming CLA sedan and the B-Series hatch - will be available with the same petrol and diesel engines. An AMG version is predicted by Mr Stamoulis says it hasn’t been confirmed. The GLA will be the second compact SUV from Mercedes to come to the Australian market within 18 months. The next generation of the GLK - based on the C-Class platform - is also on its way. The GLA repeats the styling of the A250 and other models with a large twin-bar grille and swept-back headlights. But it follows the A250 detail with coupe-style frameless doors, recessed door handles and wrap-around tail lights. The headlights have laser technology that shine more light on the road than other lights and can also become projectors. Mercedes vice-president of sales and marketing, Joachim Schmidt, says “the Concept GLA marks a new approach for us in the compact SUV segment’’. “This is a sporty and more coupe-like evolution of this category of vehicle. “It combines its sporting spirit with the all-round qualities of a tough, leisure-time companion. “It also makes clear the further potential of our compact vehicle architecture.’’ New Mercedes doubles as a drive-in theatre.

Geely’s EC7 sedan, a 1.8-litre sub-$16,000 car that could hit Australian showrooms by September, is the second of the maker’s vehicles to become available in Australia but, says importer John Hughes, the most vital.“This is an important car for us because it comprises all the safety and quality features we demanded,’’ he says, “the EC7 is the result of a lot of hard work - in Australia and China - to bring affordable cars into the country. And I think it’s a fantastic effort, in terms of looks, features, safety and performance.’’But it first needs an acceptable safety rating.  Mr Hughes expects the EC7 to get a minimum of a four-star crash rating by NCAP-standard tests completed early this week in China by Geely.“We’ll take those test results, when they are made available to us, and then offer 10 cars to ANCAP for its own evaluation,’‘ Mr Hughes says, “if they don’t tests them, I’ll pay for testing myself. It is so important that we get this right. Safety is a very high priority for buyers and we want to get the highest level possible within an affordable price range.’’The EC7 will be the first car from Geely’s national distributors John Hughes Group to meet Australia’s car safety standards, including the electronic stability control.John Hughes sells the Geely MK1.5, a small sedan or hatch, in WA only. It does not have ESC as standard and retires from the market at the end of this year.Australia will import two Geely EC7 sedans, all with a 1.8-litre engine, five-speed manual transmission, six airbags, electronic stability control and alloy wheels.The “base’’ model has leather upholstery and a four-speaker audio and the luxury models adds a sunroof, Bluetooth with six speakers, sat-nav, reverse park sensors and an electric driver’s seat. weaThe car has a three-year or 100,000km warranty with a five-year driveline warranty.Mr Gailey says the Geely products meet European emission standards for waterborne paint and have high pedestrian safety scores.The EC7 could be followed by an SUV version. But Australia won’t get the bigger EC8 model because it is not made in right-hand drive.John Hughes and CAD director Rod Gailey joined eight Australian dealers to view the Geely and ZX products at the Shanghai motor show.Geely will provide the importer with its mainstream sedan while rival Chinese company ZX will continue making utes for the Australian market.

Price-sharp Chinese entrant Geely swipes the used-car market with the classy small Emgrand EC7 sedan.The national importer of Geely, Perth-based Chinese Automotive Distributors which is part of the multi-franchise John Hughes Group, this week pinned a $14,990 drive-away sticker on either the sedan or its hatchback sister.The cars arrive about September, first in WA then progressively around the country via about 20 dealers starting in Queensland and NSW this year and Victoria and other states in the new year.Geely, which owns Volvo, is one of China’s biggest car companies and the biggest publicly-owned concern. Many rivals are government owned. Geely has a presence in WA with its $9990 drive-away MK 1.5 hatchback but because it doesn’t have electronic stability control - to be mandated on all passenger cars in Autralia from January 2014 - it is being phased out in December.The next Geely is this car - the EC7 (called Emgrand in domestic and some export markets) - which comes as a hatchback or sedan. It will be followed next year by an SUV.VALUEThe $14,990 drive away price and three-year or 100,000km warranty are instant head turners. The price buys a slick, Cruze-size sedan or hatch with a strong crash rating, six airbags, leather upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels and full-size spare with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.For $1000 more, the luxury version adds features including sunroof, sat-nav, rear-park sensors, six-speaker audio (the base has four speakers) and electric driver’s seat. The only downside is it comes in - initially - with only a five-speed manual transmission. An auto will be added next year.DESIGNThe EC7 has conservative, trim lines in both sedan and hatch though subjectively looks classier as a sedan. The boot is huge, aided by a split fold rear seat. Leg and headroom equal or exceed the class average and leather is a standard fit, even though it feels more like vinyl.The dash is simple yet effective and though hard plastic abounds, contrasting colours and subtle trim overcome any tactile disappointments. Nice touches include the push-button boot release on the dash. The overwhelming impression is that this is a more expensive car.TECHNOLOGYSimplicity is the key. Geely is one of the few Chinese car makers to build engines and transmissions as well as the bodies. Its four-year-old factory in south-eastern Hangzhou Bay - one of two exclusively making the EC7 - is Japanese-level squeaky clean and run to military-grade order with European robots and hundreds of workers that produce 120,000 cars a year.But the car’s specs are simple - 102kW/172Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol with variable-valve timing that drives a five-speed manual gearbox (a CVT auto comes next year) to the front wheels aided by four-wheel disc brakes and hydraulic-assist steering.SAFETYThe car has a four-star Euro-NCAP rating but is to be tested to ANCAP standards. The distributor is adament it won’t get less than four stars, or he will pause the launch date - set for September - and get it fixed until it reaches that rating. There’s also electronic stability control, six airbags, heated side mirrors, full-size spare (on an alloy wheel), ABS brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution and the Luxury model ($15,990) gets rear park sensors.DRIVINGExpectations can be frustratingly anti-climatic. Take my planned drive in Geely’s new EC7 sedan that didn’t materialise. Instead, I was a passenger as a test driver shook down a car that had minutes before rolled off the production line. The rough test track that attempted to unbolt my skeleton didn’t produce a squeak or twist in the chassis and didn’t meet expectations of a lightly-built car that was underpowered, noisy and harsh-riding - all attributes coincidentally of Korea’s first car, the Hyundai Pony (later rebadged Excel), that I tested in Perth in the early 1980s.Aside from myself and the driver, passengers were Queensland construction manager Glenn Rohrig (at 186cm tall) and the CEO of multi-car Brisbane-based franchise Motorama, Mark Woelders (183cm). All are impressed by the leg and headroom, ride comfort and quietness. This car will sell for less than $16,000 drive away and though it is - initially - only a manual, Mr Woelders predicts strong demand.“The quality of the car is much better than I expected,’‘ he says. “It has exceptional ride and quietness and is a fantastic, quality package.’‘ Mr Woelders says there remains a market for a manual transmission car though expects the upcoming automatic to signal volume sales. “As a used-car alternative, it has a strong warranty and safety features. Certainly, to a degree, it will affect our used-car operation.’’VERDICTImpressive effort and one well worth considering.GEELY EMGRAND EC7Price: from $14,990 drive-awayWarranty: 3 years/100,000 kmResale: n/aService interval: 10,000km/12 monthsCapped price service: NoSafety rating: 4-starSpare: Full-sizeEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl petrol 102kW/172NmTransmission: 5-spd manual, front driveBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1296kgThirst: 6.7 1/100km; 91RON; 160g/km Co2

VW Passat Alltrack and Subaru Outback Premium go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Electric and hybrid cars have been unplugged from Maserati’s future as it maintains a staunchly conservative line. Maserati boss Harald Wester, talking to Carsguide at the Shanghai motor show where he unveiled the new Ghibli saloon, briskly dismissed the company badge being applied to the future technology. “Hybrids are wonderful,’’ says a sarcastic Wester. “I can see no other reason for hybrids or electric cars other than being forced by government policy. I don’t see hybrids as a business - we have better technology.’’ Wester points to diesel and CNG (compressed natural gas) as viable, energy-efficient and cost-effective current technologies, though refused to say if Maserati would start applying them to its cars. “These (diesel and CNG) are proper solutions,’’ he says. “CNG because - legal restrictions aside - it is a viable alternative to hybrids. I see very good potential in the US.’’ The legal restrictions involve making CNG safer as a passenger car fuel. It has been blamed for isolated engine-bay fires, including three in public transport buses in the past year in Perth. Wester continues to deride electric power, saying it requires excessive energy to produce the cars and the electricity. “It’s nonsense to talk about electric cars,’‘ he says. “We have to be more honest about a real substitute for sustainability. Electric cars are not the answer - not for the US, not for Europe and not for China.’’ Wester says it requires 180 grams of CO2 per kilometre equivalent to manufacturer an electric car - on par with many compact cars - but that the assumption that driving the car produces neutral emissions was a grave misconception. “A full-electric car, assuming 13kW/hour of power, uses 86g/km CO2 in Europe,’’ he says. “In the US it is 110g/km and in China it is 191g/km CO2.’’ By comparison, the average petrol-fuelled small car releases about 180g/km CO2. The emission figures are based on how the electricity is produced in each region, showing that China’s predominantly coal-fired power stations produce higher emissions than in Europe that has many emission-free nuclear power stations. But while Wester says electric and hybrid power won’t be used by Maserati - at least not in the near future - he admits that the company is able to lower its emission footprint by drawing on the fleet average of its Fiat Group parent which is the lowest emitter of CO2 amongst Europe’s vehicle manufacturers.  

China will need five years to match Japanese and Korean car rivals, says the head of one of its biggest ute manufacturers.Mr Xiao Wei, president of ZX Auto, says the path is clear to make its vehicles to higher quality and performance levels but the penalty will be time and a rise in vehicle price.“They will be affordable, but maybe not so cheap,’’ he says at a Carsguide interview in China. In seeking higher quality at a higher price, the Chinese are tracing the Koreans which have made the transition from cheap and cheerful to high-quality in 30 years.ZX Auto, which currently sells its Grand Tiger ute range through Perth-based Chinese Automotive Distributors, unveiled a new Corolla-sized sedan and an SUV at this week’s Shanghai motor show.CAD director Rod Gailey says advances in build quality, safety and features had steadily increased and though he admitted there is some improvements to be made, including better safety and availability of automatic transmissions. Mr Gailey is open about his desire for more ZX models to join the GrandTiger range in Australia.Mr Xiao accepts the demands, especially from Australia - a market he describes as demanding. So demanding in fact that ZX uses Melbourne-based ProDrive as its consultant on ride and handling. “Acceptance of our vehicles in markets such as Australia may take up to five years,’’ he says.“It’s a matter of positioning the vehicles. We are seen in the lower end of the market but low-end doesn’t mean bad quality. We know we will raise quality and performance and that may come at a higher price.“For now, we have to prove ourselves. We have to make good cars and be seen by the market to have good quality.’’ Mr Xiao says ZX - which has been making vehicles for 64 years and carries the title of China’s first light-commercial vehicle maker - is held back by its ability to make its vehicles.“We are limited at the moment. We have one plant and we expect that within three years we will make 100,000 vehicles a year.,’’ he says. “Stage Two of the factory follows and we expect annual production of 300,000 within five years.“But we have to focus on our product first. The second pant will also allow us to introduce new products, including more passenger cars.’’ The state-owned company sells in some parts of North Africa, the Middle East, South Africa and Australia.The company is small by current Chinese standards. The light-commercial vehicle market in China in the three months to the end of March sold 1.4 million units, a rise of 5 per cent on the previous corresponding period. ZX’s contribution was a few thousand. “Our international market is limited at the moment,’’ he says.“To survive, we must expand exports and increase our range. We have utes and SUVs now, and this year start making our first small car.’’ While Mr Xiao says the right-hand drive market doesn’t present a problem in engineering, he is concerned with perception of performance.“I think Australian customers have a higher level of expectation than the Chinese,’’ he says of the lower comparative power output of Chinese vehicles compared with the Japanese. “We are working with suppliers to find a solution."“However, we work with ProDrive (in Melbourne) and have designed all our vehicles based on refinements they made to the ride and handling properties.That also means that our vehicles, including our new passenger cars, are designed with Europe in mind.“It took a lot of input by ProDrive to develop the passenger car and it now shows very good standards in quality and performance. “It will go on sale later this year and, next year, after consideration of export market needs, will be made in right-hand drive.’’ Changes to drivetrains in traditionally conventional Chinese vehicles are taking a sharp turn. ZX this week at the Shanghai motor show displayed its new SUV, the UrbanArk, with a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine.The wagon is based on the company’s four-door sedan that goes into production lateer this year. In debuting the SUV, ZX claims it has a five-star crash rating, mets Euro-4 emissions, has electronic stability control and six airbags. The company says it averages 6.2 litres/100km.The sedan has a 1.8-litre engine and automatic transmission. It is being evaluated by Perth-based CAD - part of the John Hughes Group - for sale in Australia once right-hand drive production is confirmed.  

A BMW-chasing mid-size Maserati is tasked with being the vital cog in an extraordinary plan to boost sales by more than eight times. Maserati this week debuted its first mid-size sedan, the Ghibli, at the Shanghai motor show and claims it will sell 20,000 a year by 2015. In fact, Maserati wants a total of 50,000 sales in 2015 - more than eight times the 6200 units sold in 2012. Company chief executive Harald Wester is dead serious about the prediction that flies in the face of a massive car sales retraction in Europe. Wester agrees that since the recent sales peak of about 9000 annual Maserati sales of 2008, the market has plummeted. “Italy has been our Number 2 market for seven years up to 2008 when we sold about 900 cars,’‘ Wester says. “Last year, in Italy, we sold less than 100 cars.’’ Wester is clinical in his outlook but says the Ghibli, the new Quattroporte (on which the Ghibli is based) and the 2015 debut of Maserati’s first SUV, the Levante, will be so well received by buyers that sales of the company will hit 50,000 for 2015. “We’re doing cars better for our customers,’‘ he says. “The engine, the transmissions, the size of the cars and the price, will all meet the requests of our customers. “The old Quattroporte, for example, didn’t meet the requests of buyers. It had a size issue, it had an engine that was to big for the market and it was only available as a rear drive. “Now we move into a new Quattroporte with a selection of engines, all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, new levels of equipment. It satisfies markets like North America and Europe where if we don’t have an all-wheel drive, we don’t have a sale. “The Quattroporte appeals to a far bigger audience than before.’’ Though the emphasis is on the Quattroporte, Wester says the mid-size Ghibli will have ‘’substantially’’ more sales than its bigger sister. The Ghibli is the first mid-size four-door sports luxury sedan in Maserati’s 100 year history. It goes on sale in Australia in early 2014 from about $160,000 and follows the third-quarter release of the new Quattroporte. Australian importer Ateco says Maserati’s global 2015 target of 50,000 cars a year will be matched by local sales of about 1400 in 2016. Wester says the Ghibli is heavily based on the Quattroporte, using the same platform - but shortened by 200mm - and common suspension and drivetrain components. He says the Ghibli will have engine options of two 3-litre turbo-petrols and a 3-litre turbo-diesel. The three are built by - and related to - Ferrari products. Both V6 petrols have a bi-turbo system and are based on the Quattroporte’s V8. The higher-spec version will also be available as an optional powerplant in the Quattroporte. This engine produces 310kW/550Nm and allows the car to hit 100km/h from rest in only 4.8 seconds. The second petrol is slightly detuned with 243kW/500Nm and a sprint of 5.6 seconds. It claims 9.6 L/100km. The 202kW/600Nm 3-litre turbo-diesel is a Chrysler-VM engine though has been “enhanced’’ - says Wester - by Ferrari and is capable of less than 6 litres/100km and a 0-100km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The diesel represents not only a first for Maserati, but possibly the first time Ferrari has worked on a diesel engine for one of its family cars. “Diesel engine represent 75 per cent of the large-car segment in Europe ,’’ Wester says. “Buyers in Italy, for example, are more interested in the car’s size and the engine - they’re not interested in 500 horsepower.' “This is also a time of new engines. The old engines were normally-aspirated, big capacity, high revs and conventional technologies.“The new engines have two turbochargers, smaller capacities and direct injection. We are also seeing technologies of petrol and diesel engines getting closer and closer.’’ All Ghibli engines pick up improved economy and performance thanks to their eight-speed automatic transmission. “We have been accused on not being faithful to our roots,’’ Wester says. “But the Ghibli is everything we stand for. It remains an exclusive product. It is a car for someone outside the mainstream.’’ Maserati expects the Ghibli will contribute 20,000 units to its predicted 50,000 annual sales in 2015. The Quattroporte will deliver an estimated 10,000 sales and the new Levante SUV, based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee which is part of the new Fiat-Chrysler family, will sell at a rate of 20,000 a year. This is the third time the Ghibli name has been worn on a Maserati, though the first applied to a sedan. But Maserati nods to its predecessors by giving the Ghibli a couple-like style, especially around the C-pillar. It shares most of the dashboard design with the Quattroporte - one of the first signs of the commonality of the two models - while the shortened wheelbase crimps rear-seat room back to the same accommodation as the Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series. The Ghibli also continues Maserati’s dedication to an aural symphony. Like the petrol models, the diesel also gets the Maserati Active Sound system comprising two sound actuators fitted near the exhaust tailpipes that  accentuate the engine sound. Ghibli also shares Quattroporte’s suspension system with a double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with the option of the active Skyhook system, part-time all-wheel drive and sport-spec suspension damping. The Ghibli also has a standard mechanical limited slip differential to maximise traction.  

Nissan Patrol V8 Ti-L and Lexus LX570 go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Respect. There's not enough in the world. But Iveco has fixed the problem - a whopper of a 4WD that towers above traffic and brings out respect in everyone.The dual-cab Iveco Daily 4x4 won't fit in a shopping centre carpark bay. Its price won't fit into most people's budgets and its height sends vertigo sufferers simply dizzy.This is solid-core four-wheel driving and yet, it is practical and perfect for adventurers who like heights, extreme off-road exploration and the best parking bay in every shopping centre in Australia. Take your kid to school in this each day and you'll also win big bragging rights.The Daily 4x4 will tow up to 3500kg and has room for a custom-made body behind the dual-cab unit of about 2.5m - probably 3.5m for the single-cab model.VALUEAt $88,000 for the dual-cab cab-chassis, it's cheaper than an upmarket Land Cruiser but by the time you add the sleeping unit on the back, you're probably on par. I was kidding - this isn't really for the shops. Designed mainly for commercial applications, it does however have appeal for retirees or Lotto winners who love the Outback.The dual-cab is big enough to seat six with exemplary head and legroom, with suspension, full tilt and rake adjustment and heating for the two front seats. The cabin gets an audio system, airconditioning, electric windows, cruise control, electric adjust side mirrors, big storage areas and a cooled glovebox.Rivals include the Fuso FG and Isuzu NPS though both are physically bigger and depending on GVMs, may require a truck license. Volkswagen is yet to import the Crafter 4Motion cab-chassis and van.DESIGNBig, squared off and yet almost cute. It's huge in the flesh though looks Tonka toy-like in photos. It stands 2.7m high and 2m wide - though you have to add more for the giant side mirrors - with an impressive 300mm ground clearance with the sand tyres.It also has a massive 50-degree approach angle and up to 41-degrees at the back which are hard to rival. It has a commanding seating position yet is as simple as many vans. Indeed, the 4x4 is based on the Daily 2WD van.The cabin floor is flat so allows occupants to wander about in its enormity. The rear seat takes four adults and has a storage bin beneath the cushions.TECHNOLOGYThere's a 125kW/400Nm 3-litre, four cylinder, bi-turbo and intercooled diesel engine that will drink about 15 litres/100km. Maximum torque comes in at 1250rpm and stays there until 3000rpm. The engine drives all wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox with two seats of transfer ratios, effectively creating 24 forward cogs.There are three differential locks that can sequentially be engaged - centre diff, rear and front - while the axles are heavy-duty units on leaf springs. It's built tough so has a 4.5-tonne GVM (5.2-tonne optional) and its ability to cope with this doesn't affect its 3.5-tonne towing ability.There's also front disc brakes with rear drums and hydraulic power-assist rack and pinion steering. Tyre choices from Michelin include the aggressive sand tyres (as tested) which are speed rated to 100km/h.SAFETYProbably more of a concern for other road users. The Daily 4x4 carries no crash test result. It has two airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution but no electronic stability or traction control. The gigantic heated side mirrors have two sets of lenses each and there's an additional kerbside mirror over the passenger's door.DRIVINGOnce you get over the driver's seat height, the Daily 4x4 is as easy as most other vans to drive on the road. The sand tyres whine (the standard road-bias 110km/h-rated tyres are better) and at 100km/h the engine is spinning at 2200rpm making it a leisurely country cruiser.It's comfortable and its size gives occupants a sense of security. Steering is pleasantly firm while the gearbox shift and clutch action feel is as good - and light - as most mid-size passenger cars.The visibility is like the third floor view from an apartment. In the dirt, at the RAC Driving Centre near the Perth International Airport, the Daily 4x4 is almost unstoppable. All the clever stuff starts with the grunty engine and the depth of the reduction box's gear ratios. It's better to let the engine lug rather than rev it.The diff locks are saviours and only - in desperation - will the front diff be needed. Iveco says the truck can tip to a 40-degree lean before falling over - a piece of information I didn't test.VERDICTAn extremely capable, surprisingly comfortable and well engineered machine with a limited audience.Iveco Daily 55SPrice: about $88,000Warranty: 3 years/100,000Capped servicing: NoService interval: 40,000km (on-road)Resale: n/aSafety: 2 airbags, ABS, EBD, TCCrash rating: n/aEngine: 3-litre 4-cyl bi-turbo diesel, 125kW/400NmTransmission: 6-spd manual + 2 reductions (24 gears); constant 4WDThrirst: 15L/100km; 398g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.4m (L), 2.0m (W), 2.7m (H)Weight: 2765kgSpare: Full size 

SUVs are the best excuse to have more kids. If you're keen to procreate, vehicles like the CR-V will immediately entitle you to three children and even prompt you to look further to the seven-seat Odyssey.For those easing off on increasing the family count, contemplate that the Honda CR-V is remarkably space-efficient and will easily stack two or three adult bicycles - without removing any wheels - or large items of furniture or three children and their prams.It honours the adage that your possessions grow or diminish in direct proportion to the amount of available storage space and so allows you to enjoy hoarding.This is one of the most accommodating haulers in its class - the Mitsubishi Outlander is the other - but its flexibility in carting people and more solid loads isn't its only virtue. The CR-V is easy to drive, relatively cheap to own and if you pick the right model, good value for money.VALUEHere's the rub - you don't need the 4WD version that was tested here. Chances of this making it through the dirt are slim and though there's benefit for snow country, the extra $5300 over the 2WD model probably isn't worth it even though the 2WD has a smaller engine.In fact, at $31,790, the VTi Nav 2WD automatic model is the pick. The 4WD tested in VTi-L trim costs $42,290. That's a lot of money. If you don't need leather upholstery and extra baubles, think about the 2WD.In terms of space, few family vehicles come close at that price. But the VTi-L 4WD is a very well-equipped unit with kit including sat-nav, sunroof, leather upholstery, reverse camera, 18-inch alloy wheels and front and rear airconditioning.DESIGNIt's an evolution of previous CR-Vs and though it's substantially bigger that earlier models, is actually 20mm shorter than the outgoing effort. However, by moving the windscreen forward and lowering the boot floor, the cabin has Tardis-size space not only in sheer size, but accessibility.The rear seats tumble and fold almost flat, with special slots for the head restraints, with one pull of a nylon loop. It's so easy. The lift-up hatch is high, wide and the load area is low. There's even a full-size spare under the floor. Expansive glass not only means it's bright and airy, but the low waistline gives children a broad outlook.There's room for three adults in the rear with plenty of head and because of the flat floor, legroom. Dash design is simple yet easy to operate. Much as I dislike foot-operated park brakes, I concede it removes much of the clutter in the centre console.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.4-litre petrol engine has been a Honda stable-mate and now delivers 140kW at 7000rpm and 222Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. These figures are mentioned because no owner is ever going to subject the engine to a screaming 7000rpm on the way to the shops. So if you're comparing SUVs on a power output basis, it's meaningless.Fuel use is a claimed 8.7 litres/100km with the test drive recording 9.7 L/100km which is about right for this engine/auto transmission combination. The new CR-V's body is tauter and stronger and the ride is smoother and quieter.There's a "econ" button on the dash that changes engine mapping to maximise available torque and minimise fuel use. There's also a ``eco assist'' light on the dash that changes colour depending on driving style.SAFETYThe CR-V gets a five-star crash rating, has six airbags - including full length curtain bags - and all the electronic aids. New for this model is uprated pedestrian safety, a flashing emergency brake light, electric-assist steering with inputs to keep the vehicle stable, reverse camera, full-size spare wheel and on-demand all-wheel drive. The VTi-L also has front and rear park sensors.DRIVINGAs driving machines, SUVs can be as lovable as hepatitis. The CR-V isn't quite that bad but the thrill of driving it peaks only when you reach your destination. The engine is a modest performer and the steering is overly light, the handling is predictable and the ride comfort is supple.But while it doesn't win on any performance sparkle, it is a competent tourer that delivers a sense of space to its occupants. It's a car in which you never feel crowded and that's a big bonus for children. Having all-wheel drive is probably superfluous and is a contributor to trimming back fuel economy to near medium car-class thirst levels.But you own it with the thought that practically any object - either capable of movement or not - is likely to fit in its enormous trunk. And that precious factor adds more weight to its argument than winning a traffic light grand prix.VERDICTI simply loved the flexibility and ease of driving. Performance is modest and fuel economy isn't great, but the package hits its target market head on. The top-notch model is probably too expensive for most buyers and the front-drive version is better value.Honda CR-V VTi-L 4WDPrice: $42,290Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmCapped servicing: NoService interval: 6mths/10,000kmResale: 55%Safety: 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl petrol, 140kW/222NmTransmission: 5-speed auto; on-demand AWDThirst: 8.7L/100km; 91RON; 201g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.5m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 1580kgSpare: Full-size alloy