Holden Reviews

This is the one. If you're thinking of buying a Commodore then you need look no further than the SV6. It looks the goods, offers sporty ride and handling and won't chew through the juice the way a V8 will. The SV6 is priced from $42,790 plus on-road costs. Rated at 9.8 litres/100km, we were getting 10.1 from the SV6 with the six-speed auto in a mix of city and freeway driving. That's a three per cent improvement we're told over the Series One's 10.1 litres/100km. The auto is just $1000 more and definitely the way to go if your day involves plenty of city driving.With 210kW of power and 350Nm of torque, the 3.6-litre V6 responds sharply to the throttle, markedly more so than the entry level Omega's 3.0-litre six. By the same token it would be nice if Holden threw the 3.0-litre six into the mix for those who want the SV6's sporty good looks, but the best econonmy possible. The 3.0-litre six certainly delivers on that front, after we got 750km a single tank of fuel recently.For the VE Series II, designers executed a series of subtle but minor changes, including new front fascia, grille and headlamp treatments across the range. This model gets a new, larger front grille with a bolder, more muscular look accentuated by aggressive lower air intake The lights are shaped differently with new black bezel detail. There's also new 18inch twin spoke alloys and an integrated aero decklid lip detailing designed to complement the sports rear spoiler. Interior design work focused on high standards of perceived quality, and creating a more `pilot oriented' cabin integrating new features and accessories. Readily apparent is a higher-mounted, more prominent placement of the Holden-iQ system display screen, controls and air vents. Inside, SV6 also gets new SS-style sports front seats with deep bolsters and body-hugging contours. The dash features new white on grey instrement to make them easier to read along wth gloss black instrument cluster surround. Slipping into the car for the first time, we were immediatelty impressed with comfortable form fitting seats. It feels right and not too narrow like many sports seats, designed to accommodate the bums of the mostly larger Aussies who are going to occupy them. Bluetooth is now standard across the range and it took no time to pair our moible phone, but call quality is not as good as some. Placing the 12 volt outlet inside the centre console box also has its drawbacks - good for hiding iPods but not so good for powering phones. A highlights of the Series II is the introduction of the new iQ info and entertainment system which brings music, telephone and satellite navigation features in one clear, user-friendly arrangement. The focus of the system is a fully integrated, 6.5-inch full colour multifunction LCD touch screen. Music can be played via an iPod, memory stick, CD or wirelessly transferred from a paired mobile phone. USB devices and iPods plug into dedicated sockets located inside the centre console, and all music file playback from compatible devices is controlled via the touch screen. The new system also introduces virtual changer CD storage which replaces the mechanical stacker system from previous models with the capacity to rip and store up to 15 CDs on an internal flash drive. The system supports CDDA, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 and WMA playback. DVD systems, where fitted, also display on the Holden-iQ touch screen.

One of the reasons that utes are so popular is that they are the cheapest entry point to a V8 for many young blokes.

The Holden VZ Commodore was the last hurrah for the generation that began with the VT in 1997 and served Holden well.By any measure the VT was an attractive car, but by 2004 when the VZ was launched it was looking a little shabby even with the best efforts of the Holden designers to refresh it with some fairly minor cosmetic changes.The major changes occurred under the skin in the form of a new V6 engine, new transmissions, new safety features, and a new six-cylinder sports model. After 16 years Holden decided it was time for an under-bonnet change and replaced the faithful old 3.8-litre OHV V6 with an all-new, all-alloy double overhead camshaft 3.6-litre V6 with the latest technology.There were two versions of the new Alloytec V6; one with 175 kW and 320 Nm that powered the mum-and-dad models, and another with 190 kW and 340 Nm for the new SV6 sports model. Both engines delivered more performance than the old V6 and Holden claimed they were also two percent more fuel efficient on average.There was a small performance improvement for the 5.7-litre V8, which continued in the SS until the Series II upgrade in 2006 when it was replaced by a new 6.0-litre engine. Along with the engines Holden also revealed new automatic and manual transmissions.The 190 kW V6 was linked to an all-new five-speed auto with paddle shifting on the steering wheel, the regular V6 was bolted to an upgraded four-speed auto without the paddle-shifting feature. There was also a new six-speed manual gearbox that was available with the 190 kW V6.The VZ range began with the Executive fleet model, and included the Acclaim and Calais, while there was now a sports model, the SV6, in addition to the V8-powered SS. Holden continued to offer two body styles, the sedan and wagon.IN THE SHOPNow up to seven years old the VZ is showing its age with odometer readings as high as 200,000 km. The message from that is that it needs to be approached with caution. The VZ was sturdily built and is generally proving to be quite durable if properly maintained, so look for a service record that shows what servicing has been done. Check for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, inspect for coolant leaks, and examine the body for poor crash repairs.IN A CRASHThe Commodore's safety arsenal was boosted by the addition of Electronic Stability Program on some models, including the Acclaim. It was part of a larger package of safety systems that included ABS braking, Corner Brake Control, Electronic Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and traction control. ANCAP ticked four out of the five possible safety boxes.UNDER THE PUMPHolden worked hard to extract as much fuel efficiency out of the Commodore as possible, but there was no escaping the fact that it was a large and somewhat heavy car. The company claimed an average of 11.0-11.6 L/100 km for the V6 and 14. 0-14.5 L/100 km for the V8. The VZ is not the car for you if you are concerned about fuel economy. If that is your concern and you want a large car perhaps look at the dual-fuel version, which came from the factory with a quality IMPCO system.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $33,160-$50,090Engine: 3.6-litre petrol V6, 175 kW/320 Nm; 3.6-litre petrol V6, 190 kW/340 Nm; 3.6-litre dual-fuel V6, 175 kW/320 Nm; 5.7-litre petrol V8, 250 kW/470 Nm; 6.0-litre petrol V8, 260 kW/510 NmTransmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, RWDEconomy: 11.0 L/100 km (175 kW V6), 11.5 L/100 km (190 kW V6), 14.0 L/  100 km (V8)Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagonVariants: Executive, Equipe, Acclaim, Lumina, SV6, SV8, SSSafety: 4-star ANCAP.

There are plenty of brands launching new "green" cars - although many use Blue terminology - but Holden has gone red and green. The new Commodore line-up now has a dark-ish green called Chlorophyll and it is draped over this Redline SS V ute, for now the only sub-$50,000 option for a V8 ute - if you want anything with a Blue Oval you're off to an FPV showroom and looking at an extra $3000..The standard SS V is priced from $47,490, plus the $2500 on top of that for the Redline package. That extra cash buys Brembo four-piston front brakes with bigger discs, 19in forged alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile rubber, controlled by FE3 "Super Sports Performance" suspension with new dampers and stiffer stabiliser bars. The ute suffers for all that by only coming with a tyre inflator kit instead of a normal spare wheel. Other standard fare includes the Holden iQ touchscreen infotainment system that has satnav, hard drive, Bluetooth phone and audio link, as well as a USB jack. There's also dual-zone climate control, cruise control, comfortable and reasonably supportive leather-trimmed sports seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel, reach'n'rake adjustment for the steering, automatic headlights, power windows and mirrors, trip computer.Much of what would be considered technology can be found further down in the Safety section, but the Holden iQ system certainly qualifies - the touchscreen controls the audio system, which can take tunes from the radio, CD, a built-in memory that can store as many as 15 standard CDs or external devices that connect via Bluetooth or USB cable. There's also full-colour satnav via the same touchscreen, with real-time SUNA traffic information as well as alerts for school zones, fixed traffic cameras and a speed zone display, although the latter doesn't always agree with the ever-changing roadside signs. The system also integrates phone function as well via Bluetooth, meaning the phone book and dialling can be done without touching a phone, which we all understand is a no-no. The system can also be tailored to lock out certain functions while the car is moving.From dead front-on you're not going to see any difference from the rest of the range - full of stance and presence, the flared guards and the fog lights, sitting above a deeper front splitter, all shout menace. Look aft and there's a really big boot thankfully covered by a traditional soft tonneau, albeit clamped down with the sandwich bag sealing system which isn't always easy to lock in. That said, at least you can use the tray for taller stuff without being stymied by the hard-tonneau set-ups that are becoming more common and make security less of an issue. But any pretence to the vehicle actually being used for carting gear above the tray topline means the old-school tonneau. The cabin has plenty of space - even storage behind the two pews is half-decent now - but sadly the centre-mounted switchgear and cupholders remain a pain, particularly for those in a manual model.This no bare-bones widowmaker workhorse - airbags front and side (seat and curtain), load-limiting and pre-tensioned seatbelts, stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes mean a 5-star ANCAP safety rating has been applied to the ute. There's also a limited slip differential, sports-tuned "F3" suspension and the aforementioned big brakes. This sportscar with a very big boot also requires some muscle to get the best from it - and I don't mean in terms of loading it up. It's not a light and easy thing to drive day to day, it's muscly V8 after all, but if you have no need to hurry you can loll along in a high gear and it will rarely complain. Getting it fired up is amusing, but don't expect a raucous soundtrack to go with it - it's almost refined by comparison to some of the same breed that have obviously consulted aftermarket assistance to clear the V8's throat. The price will be paid at the pump if you get busy with it regularly - the six-litre V8 doesn't get the active fuel management (that's only teamed with the automatic) so unless you resist all temptation to stretch the ute's legs and visit the top half of the tacho, the fuel use will be high. Official figures suggest that even with the cylinder drop-out system, the manual is a little better at the bowser. Our time in the car yielded 17 litres per 100km (close to the official urban figure) but with more time on the open road that number would drop. The tall sixth gear and considerable bottom-end urge would translate into a more civilised thirst, but if that's high on your list of priorities then maybe one of the new LPG models might better suit . It's more sharp chainsaw than scalpel when it comes to corners, ripping through bends at anything from a brisk clip to maniacal, but stability control helps keep the rump from leading the charge, although the rear does require provocation - on a dry, sealed surface at least - to break away. Sitting only 100mm off the tarmac means any farmyard excursions will need to be carefully planned - the low clearance, low-slung nose and "workhorse" appearance don't always translate - a rough farm track could remove plenty.

Retired rock band manager Chris Brown lives in Santa Barbara, California and calls himself an "early adopter'' so it was no surprise that his choice of wheels is a Chevy Volt plug in hybrid.Chris says he has owned plenty of vehicles in his 55 years but the Volt takes the cake."I thought it would be pretty good by the spec' sheet and when I moved to Santa Barbara, I decided to fully embrace my new, more relaxed life and go green with the Volt,'' he said. "But the ownership experience has been much better than I expected especially the fuel mileage and performance. I have put petrol in the tank only twice since buying the Volt in February this year and that was only when I was going down to LA for business.''Chris paid only US$34,500 for his car after the Federal Government slipped him a $7500 tax break with the purchase. Then on top of that, he says running costs are so negligible that it doesn't even register."I plug it into a domestic socket at home in the evening and it's ready to go the next morning. And besides, if I forget, the petrol engine will kick in if the charge gets low to recharge the lithium ion battery.''Chris said service costs are minimal basically because there isn't much to service.Volt is what is called a "range extender'' hybrid in which the car runs predominantly on electric power stored in its battery pack with a 1.4-litre petrol engine acting as a generator and acceleration booster if needed. The petrol engine hardly ever starts in general running around and then only for short bursts.Volt actually has two 55kW permanent magnet electric motors that give a range on electricity alone of up to 80km. Total range is well over 600km when the petrol engine generator kicks in. The available range on stored electricity is registered on a bar graph in the instrument console.Volt is no slouch and is capable of attaining a top speed of 160kmh and of accelerating from 0-100kmh in 9.0 seconds. It is the most practical electric vehicle currently available and the most fuel efficient with combined consumption of 2.5-litres/100km. And if you have solar panels on your house, running costs could be zero with minimal greenhouse effect. It looks good too, certainly not like a kooky cockroach as is the case with some other hybrid cars.Chris Brown invited us to take his car for a drive last week in Santa Barbara and it was a real surprise package.Firstly it has excellent acceleration off the mark right up to freeway speeds and there's only one gear which is eerie especially with no noise. There's plenty of kit inside including leather upholstery, Bluetooth, cruise, climate control, voice control to some functions, Bose audio and a 30 gig music register. It has a cyber space style dash with info panels in front of the driver and festooned down the centre console.The ride is comfortable and there's room inside for five at a pinch. It has a five star crash rating.Volt is manufactured in Detroit and has been on sale in the US since December 2010 but won't make it here until the end of 2012 at the earliest.Local pricing is unavailable but the European Volt (Ampera) goes for the equivalent of $58,000 so expect something similar here ... pity because Volt is a game changer given accessible pricing. Hopefully the federal government will start offering ``carbon'' incentives to Volt buyers as they do in all other countries where it's sold.

First it came from Japan, then Spain and it's been out of Korea for a while now. The Holden Barina has been around a long time - 26 years in fact and has sold up a storm particularly among young female buyers. Cheap to buy and run, Barina competes in the crowded light car class though it's slightly bigger than its rivals.There's a new one out from this month in one hatchback spec' only but with a choice of five-speed manual (std) or optional six-speed auto with sequential change mode for a couple of grand more than the $15,990 manual.It's a good way to flog cars - no gouging,  just "what you see is what you get" and there's a drive away price deal on the manual right now at $16,990. Still, there are plenty of choices for similar (and less) money. Mazda3 starts at nearly a grand less, Hyundai i20, new Yaris, Swift and Polo spring instantly to mind. Barina offers plenty of kit with cruise, aircon', trip computer, full size spare, Bluetooth 15-inch alloys and other goodies thrown in.The instrument pod looks like it's been lifted from a motorbike and features a LCD speedo read-out. Frontal styling looks intimidating and the truncated rear is cute. Steering wheel controls are for the phone, cruise and audio. OK upholstery and dash.It's powered by a 1.6-litre petrol four pot with 85kW/155Nm output but it's too easy to find a torque hole (dull response) under acceleration if you are not in the right cog - accentuated with the aircon' activated.It is a relatively high-tech engine with dual variable cam timing but no direct injection. The five-speed manual needs another cog to fully capture available power and reduce fuel consumption. And the disc/drum brakes should be upgraded to discs all round. Drum brakes? We though they stopped making them last century.Barina hatch scores a five star crash rating boasting features like six air bags and stability control among an impressive safety inventory this far down the food chain.

When you've hit the mark with a new car, as Honda did with the Accord Euro in 2003, there's little reason to make major changes to it.So, when it came to renewing it in 2008 Honda chose an evolutionary approach rather than a radical one. The new Accord Euro was longer, wider with a wider track, and sat lower, which gave it a much more stable grasp on the road.A stiffer body and a new rear suspension helped make it more agile and responsive. Inside, it was roomy enough in the front, but lacked space for rear seat passengers who wanted to stretch out.One engine was offered, it was a 2.4-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder pumping out a useful 148 kW and 230 Nm, which was slightly more than was on tap in the previous model.Performance was, let's say, sufficient. It wasn't blindingly fast,but was smooth and unfussed with either the six-speed manual gearbox or five-speed automatic that were the available transmission choices. Three models were offered, the base model Euro, the Euro Luxury and the Euro Luxury Navi.All were well equipped, even the base model, which had cruise, auto air, 10-speaker CD sound, reach-and-rake steering adjustment, active head rests, power mirrors and windows, and cloth trim.Climb one step on the model ladder and you got the Luxury with sunroof, leather trim, heated seats, eight-way power seats, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, and front and rear parking sensors. Step up further, to the Luxury Navi and you drove away with an Alpine navigation system, Bluetooth readiness and a reversing camera.IN THE SHOPThe Accord Euro is well built and to date is proving to be reliable in the field. There's a lack of complaint to Carsguide from owners confirming the car's reputation for reliability. Servicing is a must with Hondas; they don't appreciate being neglected in that area so ask to see a service record. Check also for evidence of a crash, particularly where the repairs haven't been up to scratch.IN A CRASHANCAP handed the Accord Euro four stars out of a possible five, but it was still well equipped with safety features with dual front   airbags, head airbags, side front airbags, ABS brakes and stability   control.UNDER THE PUMPThe claimed average of 8.9 L/100 km is quite good for its class and size, but the recommended 95-octane fuel requirement takes some of the gloss off.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $34,990 to $44,990Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 148 kW/230 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; 5-speed auto, front-wheel driveEconomy: 8.9 L/100 kmBody: 4-door sedan Variants: Euro, Euro Luxury,Euro Luxury NaviSafety: 4-star ANCAP

Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback v VW Golf 118TSI Comfortline v Mazda3 SP20 Skyactiv v Ford Focus Titanium hatch v Holden Cruze SRi-V.CAPITALISM is all about choice and no vehicle type offers more choice for buyers than small cars. Australian motorists are blessed with 31 small car models, the largest category on the showroom floor. Little wonder, since the small car appeals to so many buyers on so many levels: It's a great first car, an urban run-around, the modern young family car, a sensible second car and a downsizing option for empty nesters and retirees.In fact, the recently upgraded Mazda3 is actually challenging long-time market leader Commodore for the outright honours in the showroom battle for sales. The classy field of challengers comes from Australia and around the world, including Japan, the US, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea, China, Malaysia, UK, Thailand and the Czech Republic.TEST DRIVERSWe chose five of the seven top-selling small cars for our comparison test and asked a young family and a couple of empty nesters to join us for a suburban drive to find out what they offer.Chris and Trinity Bond, and their children Coen, 6, and Oscar 2.5 live in suburbia where they conduct an insulation business. They are used to bigger cars but acknowledge the economic advantages of a small car and were surprised at the roominess of these vehicles.Bill Griffin, 50, and John Kremastos, 62, are semi-retired builders whose children are now independent. They also see the advantages of a small city run-around and were equally surprised at how many features small cars have these days.From left: Trinity and Chris Bond, John Kremastos and Bill Griffin.VALUEOur field includes high-spec automatics that vary in price by just $2600 from $29,990 for the Holden Cruze SRi-V to $32,590 for the Ford Focus Titanium.Despite being slightly cheaper, the Cruze sedan certainly doesn't suffer from a lack of features with fog lights, rear parking sensors, colour satnav, USB/iPod/MP3 plug and play, 30GB music hard drive, DVD, leather seats, heated front seats, lit vanity mirrors, aux 12V front and back. However, our test car didn't have Bluetooth (it is now standard on the latest models) or rain-sensing wipers which all of the others have.Ford Focus is the only one here with an automatic self-parking system. It also features electric driver's seat, rear parking sensors, Sony sound, dual-zone aircon, partial leather trim, Bluetooth with audio streaming and fog lights.The oldest model in the field is the Mitsubishi Lancer VRX Sportback ($32,490) which is shortly due for a mid-life model  update. Even so, it doesn't suffer from a comparative lack of features with USB connectivity, pollen filter, Bluetooth with audio streaming, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, alloy pedals, gear paddle shifters and a rocking Rockford-Fosgate sound system. However, it has a tilt-only adjustable steering wheel while the others also adjust for reach.The newest model is the Mazda3 which is actually the cheapest at $27,990, but ours came with a $3000 optional Luxury Pack featuring Bi-Xenon headlamps, sliding centre armrest console, leather seats, Bose 242-watt amplifier and 10 speakers including subwoofer cleverly tucked inside the space-saver spare wheel in the boot. In standard trim it's still got a lot of kit including fog lights, dual-zone climate aircon with pollen filter and Bluetooth with audio streaming.The Golf is the only model with front and rear fog lights and daytime running lights. It also has dual-zone aircon with a dust and pollen filter, Bluetooth with audio streaming, USB and a chillable glovebox. However, it has no parking sensors, but you can get an optional rear camera and rear sensors. Other options include a parallel parking assistance system, iPod connection and sat nav.The Golf and Mazda have standard keys, while the Lancer has keyless start and the Cruze and Focus have proximity keys that also automatically unlock the car door.All models now come with cruise control, steering wheel controls and auto headlights. In the value stakes, the Focus wins with its high level of spec and the party trick of automatic parallel parking.TECHNOLOGYAll models are petrol-powered, with the Cruze and Golf having turbo engines. Despite these turbocharged models, it's the naturally aspirated Lancer and Focus that win the power stakes on paper, sharing 125kW thanks to their bigger displacement engines.The Golf has 118kW, hence its model name 118, and the Cruze has the lowest power at 103kW. But power figures don't really mean much in real-world situations and the turbo models are certainly the liveliest of the crop, albeit with a little turbo lag off idle.The idea of turbocharging in small cars is not just about power, anyway. It's also about economy with these models having lower capacity engines that sip fuel in a miserly fashion. In the Golf that's 6.2 litres per 100km and 6.9L/100km in the Cruze.The just-released Mazda3 comes with the new fuel-efficient Skyactiv engine and transmission that equal the economy of the Golf. It is also the only model with stop-start technology that switches off the engine while stationary and starts again when you take your foot off the brake.The Lancer is the loser here with 8.9L/100km and no hint of any changes that promise improvements in the November model update.If music, connectivity and Bluetooth are important techno features, most models have a choice of systems. The easiest to use is Bluetooth with audio streaming. However, the Cruze offered the most entertainment options with DVD and a hard drive that the others don't have.Transmissions are six-speed autos with the Golf adding a seventh ratio and the Lancer using a continuously variable transmission.On the low-tech side of things, wheels on our test cars are a mix of 16-inch alloys (Mazda and VW), 17-inch (Cruze) and 18-inch (Lancer and Focus). All feature space-saver spare wheels restricted to 80km/h.DESIGNNew usually means better, but the Lancer's modern design has stood the test of time against the more modern models.Meanwhile, our testers thought the Golf looked "bland" and "plain" in this field.Winner here is the masculine-looking Focus with its menacing grille grimace with Bond declaring "I'm a Holden man but I like the look of the Focus", while his wife prefers the female curves and cute smiley "face" of the Mazda3.The Australian-made Cruze is the only sedan in the crew and comes with a lot of "Holdenised" bits of chrome and detailing. Griffin praises it for looking like a small-scale Commodore. It also has the neatest rear end with a discreet tailpipe.Inside, the Golf loses out again for appearing austere by comparison with the three newcomers, while the Focus is the other extreme, attracting comments that it looked too fussy and like "being trapped inside a 1980s ghetto blaster".The Mazda3 cabin draws some praise, but the wrap-around cockpit styling is criticised as "claustrophobic" and the forward display with colour satnav shines in the windscreen at night and is a distraction.Mitsubishi will have to address the expanse of hard plastic on the dashboard when it updates the Lancer, although the styling is simple, modern and functional.The Cruze is the winner inside with a combination of modern styling enhanced by tasteful touches of chrome, but traditional controls that are easy to understand and use.All have 60/40 rear split seats and fair legroom for small cars.In the back, all cargo areas are well carpeted with flat floors. The Focus boot seems the smallest, while the Cruze cargo area is very deep and despite not being a hatchback, it fits a ladder with ease.SAFETYEvery car in our comparison test - like many of the vehicles in this category - comes with a full five-star ANCAP safety rating making them a truly family car.They have six airbags while the Golf and Lancer add a knee airbag for the driver.They also feature stability control which works best in the Golf and was found to be a little over-reactive in the Lancer during a brief, but heavy downpour.DRIVINGSmall cars are built for the city streets and occasional highway run, so that's how we tested these vehicles.The benchmark in driving dynamics has long been the Golf which is a former Carsguide's Car of the Year.It has road-handling poise, a fast-acting transmission, a lively engine, sharp brakes ("severe" says Kremastos) and a natural steering feel.Our testers unanimously criticise the turbo lag from idle. Kremastos and Chris Bond claim it would "drive them nuts", however Griffin says you can drive around the problem.Once under way, the Golf is a spirited and rewarding drive.The Focus launched recently to rave reviews that hinted it might knock off the Golf for dynamics.However, our testers are not as impressed. They criticise the rough and indecisive transmission while Mrs Bond doesn't like the zigzag patterned gate of the selector.Her husband says handling is good, but "power is average and it's not super responsive," comments reflected by the others."Size is good for me," Bond says. "It's quite comfortable, but I wouldn't like to be sitting behind me."Griffin says that by comparison the Mazda3 is "more refined, quieter and smoother than the Focus"."The gearbox and motor feel better matched with no over-revving like you are flogging it." He also likes the ergonomics.Bond thinks there are "too many confusing buttons on the steering wheel" and says the car is "not as responsive as I'd like." His wife agrees and says the brakes are also "unresponsive".Kremastos says that except for the slight turbo lag, he is more than a little surprised at how nippy the car is around town, even though it has a 1.4-litre engine which is 400cc less than his Honda Goldwing motorcycle.The Cruze also attracts praise as "sprightly", although the bonnet rises and falls on acceleration and braking.It's steering also cops criticism as light and vague, while several drivers commented on the rough gear changes.Mrs Bond says the seats are quite comfortable and her husband likes the cabin."Looks can be deceiving. I'm a big fella and it was quite comfortable," he says. Griffin doesn't like the lack of a left-foot rest.The Lancer attracted neither good nor bad comments on its driving dynamics. It seems a handy utilitarian machine that delivers the goods in a no-fuss, unspectacular manner. The only criticism came from Griffin who said it got "a bit unsteady in the wet".Bond is unimpressed with the rally styling of the pedals and flappy paddle shifters on the steering wheel which he says is "a novelty I don't think I'd use".VERDICTIt's horses for courses here and we found a mix of preferences from our testers. If it's a driver's car you want, the Golf wins, but it loses points for tired design, lack of features and an austere interior.Lancer is praised as a no-nonsense car, but again feeling the signs of age in its features and interior design. The new model may be make amends.Focus draws extreme comments. It is praised for its exterior design, but criticised for its interior, while the driving dynamics fall slightly behind the Mazda and Golf.Griffin sums up the Mazda as the "best all-rounder". It performs all functions well without being a standout in any particular area.But the winner by three votes to one in our test team is the handsome Aussie-built Cruze.Mitsubishi Lancer VRX SportbackPrice: $32,490Options: pearlescent paint $450Engine: 2.4L, 4-cylinder, 125kW/226NmTransmission: CVTEconomy: 8.9L/100kmCO2: 213g/km, 6/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 7 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 10 years/160,000km (powertrain), 5 years/100,000km (car and roadside assist)Service: 15,000km/12 mthsVW Golf Comfortline 118TSIPrice: $31,990Options: metallic paint $500Engine: 1.4L, 4-cylinder twin turbo, 118kW/240NmTransmission: 7 speed DSGEconomy: 6.2L/100kmCO2: 144g/km, 7.5/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 7 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/unlimited km, VW Assist.Service: 15,000km/12 mthsMazda3 SP20 SkyactivPrice: $27,990Options fitted: Luxury Pack (Bi-Xenon headlamps, sliding centre armrest console, leather seat trim, premium Bose 242 watt amplifier and 10 speakers including subwoofer - $3000)Engine: 2L, 4-cylinder, 113kW/194NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 6.1/6.2L/100kmCO2: 145g/kmSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService: 10,000km/6 mthsFord Focus Titanium hatchPrice: $32,590Engine: 2L, 4-cylinder, 125kW/202NmTransmission: 6-speed Powershift DSG,Economy: 6.6L/100kmCO2: 154g/km, 7.5/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmService: 15,000km/12 mthsHolden Cruze SRi-VPrice: $29,990Options: prestige paint $500Engine: 1.4L, 4-cylinder, turbo, 103kW/200NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, Active SelectEconomy: 6.9L/100kmCO2: 164g/km, 7/10 greenhouse ratingSafety: 6 airbags, 5-star ANCAPWarranty: 3 years/100,000kmService: 15,000km/12 mths

It may well be the most popular bloke's fantasy that we can detail in a family newspaper - driving a Falcon or Commodore around the famed Mount Panorama race circuit.Even though the V8 Supercars of today bear little resemblance to the racing machines, the masses simply count the cylinders, check the badge and that's enough for them.When reality hits - purchase price, fuel use, approval from the missus - either of the two locally-built family sedans are more likely to pack six cylinders than eight.The Adelaide Hills might not be Mount Panorama but 150km of sodden hills roads was covered in each of the six-cylinder sedans from Holden and Ford to get a handle on which one tops the timesheets, I mean the shopping list.

It may be just a marketing exercise designed to sell more Commodore utes but the Thunder limited edition makes an enticing package for boof-head Aussie blokes or sheilas.