Wagon Reviews

It seems everyone wants to go bush. Ford certainly thought so when it introduced its Territory, so too did Holden when it went down the same track with the Adventra.The Adventra was based on the VY Berlina wagon. It had a high-riding suspension for ground clearance, and a V8 automatic drivetrain, and an all-wheel drive system that gave it the capability off-road.Cross Trac was a permanent all-wheel drive system using three open differentials controlled by sophisticated electronics with a front-to-rear torque-split of 38:62.It's a system built on the car's anti-skid braking system to maintain traction by monitoring the grip at each wheel and selectively applying the brakes to switch torque away from wheels that are starting to slip to ones that have grip.Being based on a traditional wagon the Adventra is different to most off-roaders and should appeal to anyone who wants to drive a normal car around town, but still have the capability to go bush when they want to.Power for the first Adventra came from Holden's proven 235kW 5.7-litre V8 and four-speed automatic transmission.With the Cross Trac system a full-time one there's no call for fiddling with switches or levers to select low range, lock diffs, or do any of the other things off-roaders have to cope with.Ground clearance is critical to off-road driving and the Adventra had 200mm. There was also a front strut brace, a sump guard, and special Bridgestone tyres with thicker tread faces and sidewalls to handle the rough going.Being based on the Berlina meant the Adventra came equipped with plenty of standard features to add to its attraction.The Adventra was made to go off-road, so check for signs of off-road use and move on if you spot anything that says the car you're considering has been used extensively off-road.The initial offering was only available as a V8, and the V8 wasn't without it troubles.Listen particularly for rattles and noises from the engine. They were relatively common, but not all suffered, so look for one that is quiet.The V8 could also burn oil. That's a little more difficult to determine on a quick test drive. You could ask the seller if the car was an oil burner, or had been checked by a Holden dealer.Weight was also an issue with the Adventra, it was a heavy jigger, and that meant the fuel consumption could be high.If you're looking for diesel economy look elsewhere, but driven sensibly the Adventra would return reasonable economy.Importantly it had the grunt needed to comfortably tow a caravan or camper trailer when needed.A recent trip to outback South Australia in an LX8 with a camper trailer on the back returned an average of 15.5L/100 km, and that wasn't sparing the ponies.The Adventra was equipped with special tyres designed to cope with rough, rocky roads, and they're a mite more expensive than your regular tyres.Servicing is also important, so check for a service record to show your chosen car has been well maintained.

Matthew Hatton off-road tests and reviews the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X on Moreton Island, with the new I-Venture Club experience.

The decision to go all all-wheel-drive was a momentous one for Subaru. From a company building cars that no one really cared about it went to one that everyone wanted to know.If the hot rally-bred WRX led the charge it was the Liberty that did the hard yards in getting Subaru's name on the shopping lists of Australian buyers.The Gen 3 was a mid-sized model aimed at middle Australia. It was a family-sized car for people tired of the regular diet of Commodores and Falcons.It was a pleasant looking, sensible car, one that has stood the test of time and still looks attractive even today.The Liberty came in sedan and wagon forms, with three main specification levels in the GX, RX, and Heritage.Inside there was room enough for a normal family, mum and dad had plenty of room up front, and the kids were comfortably accommodated in the back.The Liberty came in sedan and wagon forms, with three main specification levels in the GX, RX, and Heritage.Two engines were offered, both flat-fours in the style Subaru had long used.A modest 2.0-litre single-overhead camshaft engine opened the bidding with 92kW and 184Nm. It was no ball of fire, but with an average fuel consumption of less than 9.0L/100km there was a lot to like about it.The other engine option was a single-overhead camshaft 2.5-litre unit that boasted 115kW and 223Nm, The extra torque not only boosted the Liberty's performance, but it also endowed it with an easy-driving flexibility. Fuel consumption increased, but was still only a touch over 9.0L/100 km.The transmission choices were straightforward, a five-speed manual and a no-fuss four-speed automatic, and the drive went through all four wheels.On the road the Liberty was well balanced with a reassuring grip on the road.It needs to be said straight up that the Gen 3 Liberty is getting on in years, the earliest 15 years old, and the kays are climbing, with many cars well over the 200,000km mark by now.Be choosy; don't buy any old Liberty you come acrossThat means they should be approached with caution, and patience needs to be employed when out shopping for a suitable car.Be choosy; don't buy any old Liberty you come across, look for the one in the best condition, with the lowest kays on the clock, and with a believable history.Having done 200,000-plus kays you have to understand that a car, any car, is nearer the end of the road than the starting grid, so buy in the knowledge that you are likely to be back in the market looking for another car in a couple of years.But that can be fine for some people, like parents shopping for a starter car for their kids who are hitting the road for the first time.For them the most important attributes are safety, low running costs, and reliability, and their kids are likely to be wanting to move on up in the motoring world in a short period of time.Being all-wheel drive the Liberty is miles ahead of other cars liked by youngsters, cars like the Commodore and Falcon, when it comes to safety. In the hands of a novice driver rear-wheel drive Commodores and Falcons can be lethal weapons, whereas the all-wheel drive Liberty is much less likely to bite them when they least expect it.Check for a service record to make sure your chosen car has been well maintainedLook for smoke issuing from the exhaust pipe when accelerating, it could signal wear in the engine and should be a warning.With more than 200,000km up most Gen 3 Liberties could do with an automatic transmission service, so consider doing that for ongoing reliability, even if the transmission checks out ok when driven.Check for a service record to make sure your chosen car has been well maintained, but the service record is a good way of confirming the odometer reading is credible.A service record will also be able to confirm that the timing belts have been changed as required at 160,000 km.

Malcolm Flynn road tests and reviews the new Skoda Octavia Scout 110TDI, 132TSI and 135TDI, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the new Skoda Octavia Scout, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the new Fiat 500X in Italy.

The introduction of the all-new Jeep Cherokee KL Series in July 2014 has resulted in quite a few people upgrading from their old Cherokees, resulting in many trade ins waiting to be shifted from used-car yards. There might be some good prices on offer as dealers try to clear their stocks. No promises, but why not see for yourself?Official imports of Jeeps to Australia didn't begin 1994 but many were brought in privately for years before that. These older models are probably best left to Jeep enthusiasts (of which there are plenty) as spares and repairs can be a hassle. Also, Cherokees prior to September 2001 are positively antique by today's standards, dating back to the early 1980s.Jeep Cherokee is a station wagon with very good off-road ability. It's not quite in the class of Jeep Wrangler in ultra-tough off-road situations, but does much more than most owners ask, and is significantly more comfortable than the Wrangler.Though the new Jeep KK Series, launched in March 2008 retained its off-road ability, it was more sophisticated than the KJ Series it replaced and it's certainly more than a soft-roader. The KK has the spare wheel under the rear of the vehicle, not on the back door. It's significantly longer in the wheelbase and the cabin. The boot is also longer, though it is relatively high off the ground, so loading isn't all that easy and the overall interior height has been compromised.Petrol engines are straight sixes and V6s. Both powerplants are pleasant to sit behind, with good low end grunt. The V6 has been improved substantially over the years and is more economical than the old straight unit. Turbodiesels first arrived back in 1997 and have become increasing common over the years. Some of the turbodiesels share components with Mercedes, as Chrysler and Mercedes were in partnership at one time.These are relatively easy vehicles to work onDrive is normally taken to the rear wheels only but four-wheel drive can be used on bitumen as well as off-road. That gives the added safety of extra grip if used on wet roads. Numerous electronic aids are used in the later models making off-road driving available to the relatively inexperienced. But we suggest you play it safe and have at lease one expert along before you get too bold.These are relatively easy vehicles to work on, with good underbonnet space and a relatively simple mechanical makeup. Spare parts prices are about average for a 4WD in this class and the dealer network works efficiently.Insurance is seldom over-expensive, and we know of no real differences from one major insurer to another as far as premiums are concerned. As always when shopping around for insurance, it's important to know what you are getting, and not getting, for your money.Check under a Jeep Cherokee for signs of damage caused by off-road driving.Check for salty-tasting sand, the latter indicates beach use and may mean heavy rust is on the way.Look out for poorly fitted componentsBe sure that the engine starts quickly even when cold. Idle should be smooth virtually from the instant of start up. The engines should pull without hesitation at all times. None are all that smooth at the top end of the rev range, but if it appears too bad there may be troubles. Listen for a rumbling sound from the lower end of a petrol six. Check there are no oil fumes from the exhaust or the oil filler cap.Make sure the transfer-case lever isn't too heavy and that the transmission works relatively smoothly and quietly at all times.Look out for poorly fitted components as build quality is nothing special, the interior is generally the worst.Check everything is working properly, even the minor items. Going through these one at a time using the owners' handbook is the best method.

Peugeot is one of those brands that go under the radar for most Australians, it's one to which they rarely give any thought of owning, but for comfort and refined road manners the French brand is hard to beat.The 407 was Peugeot's medium-sized offering and came in coupe, sedan and wagon body styles, with a choice of peppy petrol engines and economical diesels.Its lines were elegant, languidly flowing from tip to tail in a wonderful balance of form and function.The coupe was able to accommodate four in comfort, but the more family friendly sedan and wagon had the capacity to transport five.The cabin was spacious, nicely laid-out with comfortable seats and was sublimely quietThere were three equipment levels, the SR budget model, the ST and the SV.All had an impressive range of comfort and convenience features, particularly the higher spec models.The cabin was spacious, nicely laid-out with comfortable seats and was sublimely quiet. The main criticism was a blind spot created by the heavy A-pillars that at times impeded the driver's view.The 407's 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine was a free-revving unit that had sufficient performance for most situations, although at times it had to work hard to get there.For those wanting more than the 2.2-litre engine could muster there was the 3.0-litre V6, which answered the call of most seeking performance.But it's the diesels that were the most popular with 407 buyers, particularly the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which boasted strong mid-range torque for smooth, flexible driveability, impressive performance, and admirable economy.The 407's suspension was supremely comfortableWith more than 400Nm of torque, the twin-turbo V6 diesel was a powerhouse with an attractive blend of performance and driveability.While there was a six-speed manual gearbox available in the front-wheel 407, the vast majority were sold with automatic transmissions. Early models had a four-speed, but it was later updated to a six-speed across the range.On the road the 407's suspension was supremely comfortable, but at the cost of some handling precision. Anyone wanting the sportiness of a German prestige model should probably look elsewhere for their jollys.Being French the Peugeot needs some getting used to for anyone moving into the brand for the first time. Some people find it quirky, and oddly disconnected, while others find the quirkiness interesting and fun, and the driving experience comfortable and refined.Anyone stepping out of a German car would probably be very disappointed with the somewhat vague ride and handling.Being European the 407 comes with issues that affect most European brands, expensive parts and service spring immediately to mind.The 407 doesn't have any major flaws to noteAnyone thinking of buying a 407 should get on good terms with a mechanic experienced in working on Peugeots. They are usually able to service your car for significantly less than a dealer would, and they should be able to source parts at more affordable prices.For peace of mind it's also worth having a mechanic with specialist Peugeot knowledge check your chosen car for you before purchase.The 407 doesn't have any major flaws to note, but is subject to the occasional and frustrating failures of electrical components, particularly ignition coils.The 407 is relatively complex and needs the attention of someone who is familiar with the brandIt's also important to check for a service record, the 407 is relatively complex and needs the attention of someone who is familiar with the brand.The engines have timing belts, which need changing at specified intervals. On the 2.2-litre petrol engine it needs changing every 80,000km or four years, on the other engines the change interval is 180,000km or nine years.Peugeot recalled the 407 in 2011 for a fault related to the engine vacuum pump that could affect the braking performance.There was also a recall in 2010 to check the clearance between the wiring harness and the cooling fan that could result in damage to the harness.

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake at its international launch.

Volkswagen Passat is a medium-large car aimed at those looking for a solid machine that should stand the test of time. Stylish it's not, but that's the way VW does its shapes, intending them to be timeless. There's an exception in the Passat range, see the upcoming notes on the model tagged the "CC". Passat shares