Articles by Neil Dowling

"Oh, this is the hybrid?," he asks. "Yes."  Silence. Because, in truth, that's all he really needs to know.It's a hybrid and it's made in Australia and it's a Toyota and at less than $37,000, it costs the equivalent of a base-model six-cylinder sedan from Ford or Holden and runs on only two-thirds of their fuel consumption.  Basically, what's stopping you?Hybrids have been around ever since Mendel split his time between prayer and propagating peas.  It's not a bit scary. It drives like any other Camry though its trick of turning off its petrol engine when coasting or at a stop sign is initially freaky.  Unlike the high-tech Prius on which the Camry is mechanically and electrically based, nothing is unusual.Appearance It looks like a normal sedan car - true, too much like a normal sedan car - and has a conventional dashboard and switches and dials.  The gearshifter looks like a normal automatic shifter, even though it's attached to an unconventional transmission.It seats five adults, the boot is large-ish - but space is crimped a bit by the battery pack - and aside from a tidy up on the outside that greatly improves the Camry donor, it's invisible in the parking lot.  You will look at the Camry Hybrid and consider buying it because it is relatively easy on petrol and is practical.There's no doubt it will accept the family in comfort and almost whisper-quiet operation, even with the engine on, and really the only downers are a slightly shorter boot with only a small through-hole for skinny cargo, and the more serious inability to take a tow bar.Fuel economyToyota claims 6 litres/100km which is 32 per cent more economical that the four-cylinder Camry petrol version and any housewife will find 32 per cent a seductive discount, no matter what the product.  And it is seductive until you figure that though it will save you about $500 a year in petrol bills (at 15,000km and $1.20 a litre), the Hybrid costs $3000 more than the mid-spec Sportivo with which it shares many features.Be warned: It will take you six years to make up the difference - if you still own the car by then.  But it's not about the money, is it? This is a clever piece of engineering and there's a piece of me that quietly puffs out my chest at my ability to allow the Federal Government to give Toyota $35 million to build the car in Australia.As a taxpayer, part of that money, you see, is mine - so I have an attachment.  You can also feel tinged with green while pulling away from the lights or reversing out of the underground carpark - the car in motion but no noise from under the bonnet.It's a bit creepy and its silent motion will shock pedestrians habitually operating on their ears to manoeuvre around the city. In fact, the US association for the sight and aural-impaired are quite worried about the potential injury to members as the trend to noiseless vehicles takes hold. Damn environmental concerns!DrivetrainYou will marvel at its ability, seemingly at random, to switch off its polluting engine and run on the electric motor.  The motor is charged by the petrol engine and, cleverly, by connecting the onboard generator every time the Camry brakes. It's called regenerative braking.The Camry Hybrid doesn't have a plug-in capability - and thank the heavens for that! Plug-in electric cars have a place but they require more expensive and usually bulkier batteries and have only enough juice for 100km or 150km. The Camry idea, where every thing is onboard, is neater.Toyota's greenest locally-built car comes in two versions - base at $36,990 and Luxury at $39,990. The latter gets leather, sat-nav, sunroof and an upmarket audio and is the affluent way to help the environment eke out a few more centuries.DrivingOn the road it drives like a conventional Camry and once you get used to the engine occasionally napping, only the dull lightness of the electric power steering clarify the difference.  Handling feels a bit better because the battery is on the boot and helps balance out the front-wheel drive car.The Hybrid is heavier but it's also more powerful. This translates into a faster time to 100km/h but because of the continuously-variable transmission's wishy-washy lag, it doesn't feel like it's going anywhere for the first few milliseconds.  Something weird happened while I was out there behind the wheel - I didn't enjoy punching it. I felt, I don't know, dirty.Here was a car designed to skimp on fuel to save its owner money while helping the planet limp forward on its intergalactic Zimmer frame and I'm trying to drag OPEC into ruin.  But, of course, it's quite difficult to make the Camry Hybrid guzzle fuel. Then again, I couldn't match Toyota's 6 litres/100km average, either.I returned 7 l/100km. That's fine. Not anywhere near as good as some Europeans - Volkswagen's petrol 118TSI Golf and diesel TDI models, for example - but better than equivalent petrol-fuelled sedans.  A mate got closer, finding an average at about 6.5 l/100km. The difference wasn't anything with our right feet. Rather, I used the freeway and he used a coastal road. I was locked in to 100km/h with the engine never pausing and he was against a string of traffic lights and lots of undulations where the engine could be switched off and electric power used.It's sufficient to make you consider where you live and how you get to work.  And if someone asks, tell them with a smug smile that yes, it's a hybrid.

Kia is keeping mum about the Magentis - to the point of refusing to comment if it will be called by its international name Optima - but it's coming with a more powerful 150kW/245Nm 2.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder petrol engine. The Korean has shown previously that it is prepared to accommodate alternative engines, which may spring the 2-litre R-Series turbo-diesel onto this market and may even debut with a DSG-style semi-automatic transmission. The Magentis/Optima with the 2.4-litre engine will have a conventional six-speed automatic and sit on an extended wheelbase to boost cabin room. It is longer, lower and wider than the previous model and sits on a significantly longer wheelbase. Kia Australia spokesperson Alyson MacDonald said the specifications and final pricing - and even the name - would not be announced until closer to the launch date. The new sedan makes its global debut at the New York International Auto Show on April 2. Designed by Peter Schreyer and wearing the family face adopted by Sorento, Cerato and Soul, the sedan is touted as having a fresh shape to ‘embody a bold, athletic and sporty visual energy’.

Though virtually identical to the outgoing model, the 2010 pair will retain the same petrol V6 and a more muscular four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine range.  ESC becomes standard, taking the ute into safer territory.That’s bad news for Australian performance-seekers, as the European-spec Navara and Pathfinder comes with an optional 170kW/550Nm 3-litre V6 turbodiesel sourced from Renault.  Nissan Australia corporate communications boss Jeff Fisher says that engine won’t be in the new line-up when the refreshed wagon and ute arrive in May."It's not for our market - at least, not yet," he says. "There may be a trickle down through the markets in the future.  "It's an expensive engine and we have to be careful that it doesn't push the Navara and Pathfinder into price segments where it won't be justified."I understand that the V6 is more for a sports-oriented vehicle in Europe.”  Nissan's Navara is Europe's best-selling ute and its covered twin, the Pathfinder, is also up their on the sales charts. It's not the same story in Australia where Pathfinder has a 1.9 per cent segment share compared with Holden Captiva at 21.7 per cent and Toyota Prado at 17.5 per cent.  The Navara 4WD models, however, are second only to the Toyota Hilux.EnginesAustralia gets the new models in May with the 2.5 turbodiesel and 4-litre petrol V6.  For 2010, the 2.5-litre turbodiesel four gets an 11 per cent rise in both power and torque to 140kW and 450Nm respectively.Nissan claims the engine tweaks have better fuel economy, now 8.5 litres/100kms - an improvement of 1.3 l/100kms - for the manual transmission model. Emissions have slipped 40g/km CO2 to 224g/km CO2.  The Euro-option is a new direct-injection V6 turbodiesel from the Renault Nissan Alliance.This narrow-vee engine - its angle is a mere 65-degrees - has a 16:1 compression ratio that has been lowered to improve fuel economy, emissions and noise, vibration and harshness.  It has a large single turbocharger, mounted within the vee of the engine, an intercooler, and the latest generation Bosch 1800-bar common-rail fuel injection with piezo injectors.Power is 170kW and torque is 550Nm, the latter from 1700rpm and flat through to 2500rpm. It has 500Nm from 1500rpm.  Nissan says the engine in the Pathfinder will pull a 3500kg load, while the Navara is good for 3000kg.AppearanceExternally the Aussie-bound ute and wagon get a touch up with a new bonnet, grille and bumper - the latter adding 80mm to the length - with xenon headlights for the Pathfinder and optional 18-inch alloys. New equipment includes the Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system, a premium Bose sound system and a rear view camera. There is also a speed limiter incorporated into the existing cruise control system.  Electronic stability control, already standard on the Pathfinder, gets added to the Navara specifications.

Sneaked from its covers this week in Europe and destined for its official launch at next month's Geneva motor show, the son-of-Dualis is claimed to be part SUV, part sports car.  It is capable, says an optimistic Nissan, of  breathing "new life into the traditionally conservative" small car segment and is able to give buyers "a funky alternative to the conventional urban hatchback". Which is exactly what the slow-selling Dualis was charged with.Developed from the Qazana concept car, of course, the UK-made Juke is the first Nissan to get a new turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine driving all wheels.  Though designed for Europe, Nissan Australia spokesman Jeff Fisher hasn't quite poured cold water on its appearance here, saying that though there are no immediate plans, "we're keeping watch".Nissan has mixed up the styling, creating an SUV look on the outside and a sports-car theme from the driver's seat and a family-centric versatile cabin and boot area.  Based on the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, Juke has a 2530mm wheelbase. On front-wheel drive versions, suspension is by MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion beam at the rear while AWD models have a multi-link rear suspension shared with the Dualis.Nissan's All-Mode 4x4-i is a new development of the Dualis' electronic AWD system and now features torque vectoring technology to enhance agility and reduce understeer when cornering.  In Europe, three different engines will be available when sales start later this year.The sole diesel is an 81kW/240Nm 1.5-litre dCi common-rail turbo-diesel with two 1.6-litre petrols - a turbocharged, direct injection version with 140kW/240Nm that Nissan says has the same performance as its 2.5-litre engine and a naturally-aspirated 86kW version.The 2WD model turbo petrol as a six-speed manual transmission while a CVT transmission with a six-speed manual mode will be available on the engine's AWD model. The unboosted 1.6-litre petrol is available either with a five-speed manual or the CVT and the diesel gets only a six-speed manual.

The latest Touareg unveiled in Europe, looks sharper and introduces its first hybrid version powered by the pairing of an electric motor and new supercharged 3.3-litre V6.  The second-generation Touareg picks up the Volkswagen family face echoed by the Golf and melds it into a more aerodynamic body.It has grown 40mm in wheelbase and length (now 2900mm and 4758mm respectively) and down 20mm in height to 1724mm, though there's no change to the 1928mm width.  The European Touareg gets an eight-speed transmission and, on most models, start/stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery.Options include High Beam Assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and airconditioned, massaging seats.The first Volkswagen hybrid mates the 3.3-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine — producing 250kW and 360Nm — and a 35kW electric motor to result in a total output of 283kW and 582Nm.  Volkswagen says the electric motor can operate independently of the engine to make the new Touareg a full hybrid."On electric power alone the new Touareg is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 50km/h,'' the company says.  Alternatively the electric motor can supplement the V6 engine to provide a useful boost during overtaking manoeuvres and allows the Touareg Hybrid to accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240km/h.''The base Touareg retains the existing 3-litre V6 180kW/550Nm turbo-diesel. There is also a 4.2-litre petrol V8 with 254kW/802Nm but no sign of a V10 turbo-diesel. One of the four models, the Escape, is for the more adventurous buyer. It gets the V6 turbo-diesel engine and a low-range gearing system called 4XMOTION which has reduction gearing, centre and rear differentials that can each be fully locked for off-road applications and five-stage control for the 4WD system.The first stage is for on-road applications, the second is for off-road use and activates automatic control for the mechanical differential locks, stage three engages the low-range gearbox with revised mapping of the gearbox to raise the shift points and switches off the automatic upshift in manual mode. Stage four applies the centre differential lock, stage five adds the rear differential lock.Though the Touareg remains a five-seater, legroom in the rear has grown significantly due to the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests while the boot measures from 580 litres to 1642 litres depending on the seating arrangement.  Right-hand drive production starts in June before first deliveries expected in Australia in the fourth quarter. Prices and specifications will be announced closer to launch.

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA

And just sometimes, you can get it all and still hear the reassuring sounds of change rattling in your pocket.  Small cars don't have to be cheap and nasty or even perform like an asthmatic snail in a bid to maximise fuel economy. Nor do they have to be cramped or have the visual appeal of a packing crate that instantly identifies you as cheap.  Here are five small cars that will haul you and three friends - and do it on a miserly fuel budget.The good news is they're all less than $30,000. And that includes comprehensive safety features with electronic stability control and ABS brakes.  But best of all, turn up the wick and these things will give you a decent thrill.  Two are turbocharged and one has a 2.5-litre engine. No need to be red-faced at the traffic lights in these.Mitsubishi Colt RalliartThis looks like a small apartment block sitting on a cute set of alloys. In fact, it's a powerhouse that will dust of a lot of cars with twice the engine capacity and has room for four adults, parks in weeny car bays, runs on a sip of fuel - though you'll need premium brand - and is the perfect shopping trolley for people who like their food fast.Price: $25,740Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 113kW/210NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.7 l/100km premiumPerformance: 0-100km/h in 7.6 secSafety: two airbags, ESC, ABS, BAVolkswagen Polo GTIThis baby sister of the Golf GTI quickly gets off the mark thanks to some component sharing and a 1.8-litre turbo engine. It comes only as a three door so may limit those with heaps of friends, though certainly looks as good as it goes. Solid German construction and versatile interior add to its appeal.Price: $26,990Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged 110kW/220NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.9 l/100km Premium0-100km/h: 8.2 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, diff lockFord Fiesta ZetecYou can get this in three and five-door versions (extra money for the five door) and while it's not turbocharged, is a spirited performer with lots of aesthetic charm. It's an easy hatchback to live with and aside from a small fuel thirst, runs on cheaper unleaded petrol. Comprehensive safety features show you care for your friends.Price: $20,490Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 88kW/152NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 6.1 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.2 sec (estimated)Safety: 5 airbags, ESC, ABS, BASuzuki Swift SportYou know the Swift, now meet its more beefed up brother. The Sport is unassuming though gets a bigger engine and tauter suspension to accentuate its handling and acceleration. That makes it as practical and reliable as its less-powerful relations. Also has great features and the full safety package.Price: $23,990Engine: 1.6-litre, 4-cyl 92kW/148NmTransmission: 5-speed manualFuel economy: 7.5 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 8.8 secSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BAMazda3 SP25This is a great package at a superb price. The SP25 just takes the refreshed Mazda3 to another level, boosting power and torque yet not crushing attributes such as its fuel economy. The features are also excellent as is the safety equipment. It's physically bigger than its rivals here and that means more cabin and luggage room, so it never feels like a small car.Price: $29,740Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cyl 122kW/227NmTransmission: 6-speed manualFuel economy: 8.6 l/100km Unleaded0-100km/h: 7.9 sec (estimated)Safety: 6 airbags, ESC, ABS, BA

Style affects how you walk, talk, what you eat, who you count and friends, what you think and your possessions.  Ultimately, style appears to be all about you. But it is a trick. In fact, style is totally aimed at impressing everyone around you.Style is, therefore, not for everyone. Just the French.  So it shouldn't be a surprise that French car manufacturer Peugeot makes style on wheels that is designed to impress.  Peugeot's latest is the 308CC, a metal folding roof convertible that reeks of head-turning appeal. And style.It arrives as a young woman with a softly rounded wedge with narrow, stretched headlights and a steeply-raked windscreen. Impressive. Yet it departs as a matron disappearing down a hospital corridor with a rather round-bottomed, frumpy and overweight carriage.This juxtaposition shouldn't be derided, for part of the French style is incorporating some room for function. The bulbous tail is simply where the metal roof must hide away and still leave room for madame's luggage.  Of course, you don't see this when you're driving because the whole experience is there to impress others.Features rate highly and include the ‘airwave’ system that, like the Mercedes airscarf, blows warm air from the front seats around the front occupants' necks and shoulders. The front seats also hide side head airbags - a first in a production car - that helps the 308CC get the difficult five-star crash rating.But Peugeot hasn't taken it all away. The 308 chassis and drivetrain are a lovely combination that melds positive handling with a soft ride.  The engine is a sweet 2-litre turbo-diesel that is shared with other members of the Peugeot family. The CC represents the first time the words Peugeot, diesel and convertible have been in the same sentence.On paper the inclusion of the diesel appears detrimental to the CC's obvious sporty connotations. It shows a rather wimpy 100kW though the meaty 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm makes up for the loss.  In practice, the engine really makes the 380CC a desirable package even though acceelration isn't its strong point.It drives the front wheels via a six-speed sequential automatic - with steering wheel paddle shifters - that adds icing to the engine's appetising characteristics.Behind the wheel the CC - standing for Coupe Cabriolet - is an odd experience. There's an awful lot of pointy sheet metal out in front that you can't see from the driver's seat. The side windows are high and the seats are a bit low so you feel surrounded by metal. Even though you know the tail is a big, rounded appendage, frustratingly it isn't visible to the driver.What is visible is plenty of bling, from the chrome edging of the instruments to the bright metal gearknob and alloy foot pedals that reach a near molten state in summer. It looks great but combine that expansive windscreen and a hot day and the result will bake the cabin and fry your exposed body parts.That's exacerbated by an airconditioner that blows warm air for the first 10 minutes while the occupants wither like hot lettuce. There is a problem with Peugeot airconditioning units and this needs to be fixed.  That aside, the CC is one cool car. It gets heads turning and rewards its driver with neat and connective handling and an engine that pulls so strongly at low revs in every gear.The acceleration is reasonable but the real bonus of the diesel is the ability to quickly get the power to the wheels as the gearbox progresses up the cogs. This strength also slashes overtaking times.  Even better is that it's a quiet diesel and doesn't ruffle the convertible's image.The 308CC is sold as a four-seater but it's a bit tight in the back. It gets its portliness from the electric roof and the associated engineering needed to keep the chassis - unaided by a welded roof - from twisting.  That's why the handling is so good and the acceleration just so-so.But despite its faults, it's a lovely car. A car to be seen in and to be seen to own. Everyone will be so impressed.Rating: 84/100

The butterfly wings of its new Meriva MPV open to reveal a clever cabin highlighted by space and light.  Though the Meriva, built on the European Astra platform and so cursed as unlikely to come to Australia, seats only five, it has a versatile interior that includes a forward-placed instrument panel, side and forward sliding rear seats and a central, movable centre console known as FlexRail. This system sits between the front seats on rails, taking up space where the gearshift - now higher on the dashboard - and park brake - now an electric button - once claimed space.  Vauxhall said it provides convenient and adaptable storage for everyday items, from handbags and colouring books to iPods and sunglasses. Flexible seating gives the baby wagon a range of cabin configurations without having to remove any seats, changing from two to five. Both its outer rear seats can be moved fore and aft individually, and also slide inwards to provide more shoulder width and leg room. Additionally, rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove their head restraints. The butterfly (or suicide doors) are opposite hinged to improve entry and egress to the ear, though the central B-pillar remains. The only similar system on mass-produced cars is the Mazda RX-8.  The Meriva debuts at the Geneva motor show in March.

Life - human and automotive - is so unpredictable. When my 75-year-old father went looking for a car to retire with, he sought reliability, durability, comfort and a long warranty.  He bought a Hyundai, thinking that with a five-year warranty it should ‘see me out’.In fact, he saw it out. The Hyundai Lantra is still ultra-reliable in the hands of a mate of mine while my now 84-year-old father has moved himself and my active mother into the latest Corolla.  I would have expected my parents to drive a Mercedes-Benz in later life as a reward for their tenacity through economic depressions and wars.In fact, they chose economy in reverence to their working-class lives and have come out with only minor financial scars from their post-retirement car purchases.  You can as well. Carsguide readers with retirement looming all want new cars. Most of them want a 4WD or something powerful to tow a caravan or boat because ‘we're not dead yet’.It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you are retired or just on the point of pulling the pin on a working career, you want the least possible hassles.  We'll start this week with 4WDs and SUVs. These are some choices. They clearly aren't all that is available and personal choice will play its role. At the very least, this should get you thinking.4WD is for the adventurer who actually wants to go off the beaten track. These have excellent towing ability, diesel engine options (the better choice), a versatile cabin with seven seats that can be removed when not wanted, good safety levels and a comprehensive feature list. On the downside, they are big, less comfortable than a sedan, require more expensive servicing and repair (especially tyre replacement) and for aged limbs can be difficult to get in and out.Toyota Prado (from $55,990)Solid, high resale (and high initial purchase), great off the road and in the latest model, comfortable on the road.Engine: 127kW/410Nm 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.3 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlLand Rover Discovery-4 (from $81,990)Exceptionally competent and fitted out with excellent comfort. Fourth generation aims to rid Land Rover of quality bugs.Engine: 180kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 biturbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 9.3 l/100kmSafety: 8 airbags, ESC, traction controlMitsubishi Pajero(from $49,290)Great all-rounder on and off road at an affordable price. Better cabin package than Prado.Engine: 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.4 l/100kmSafety: 2 airbags, ESC, traction controlSUV: Don't want to go to the Outback but like the practicality of a tall wagon? The SUV usually has all-wheel drive but less rugged construction and no low-range gearbox. Some are even only front-wheel drive so save on purchase price and fuel consumption.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990)Practical, versatile and reliable with a long five-year warranty. A good allrounder. Only available as a diesel and with all-wheel drive.Engine: 145kW/421Nm 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed manual/5-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 6.7 l/100kmSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, traction controlPeugeot 4007 (from $45,490)Culturally diverse Peugeot made by Mitsubishi (it's basically an Outlander shell) in Japan with an aggressive grille and very desirable turbo-diesel engine and optional six-speed auto.Engine: 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 7.0 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlSubaru Outback diesel (from $40,490)Long-awaited diesel expands Subaru's out-of-town ability in a very desirable package. New style isn't the prettiest but is functional and roomy.Engine: 110kW/350Nm 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/AWDEconomy: 6.4 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction control