Wagon Reviews

Ambition plays a big part in determining which set of wheels we own. The better-paying jobs provide the income to dispose of our old car and aspire to a prestige brand.  Audi's A4 is customarily the entry model of choice for first-time buyers of the four-ring brand. The A3 sedan's smaller shape and smarter

Alistair Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 Skoda Octavia RS.

Tigershark, Longitude and Trailhawk are among the latest names in the ever-changing Jeep family, all associated with the totally revised new Cherokee, a model entirely different from previous wearers of that nameplate.The new medium-sized SUV is still a pretty capable off-roader, but it's now much more civilised, with a classy cabin, aerodynamic styling and some impressive technology.There are four models, starting with the Sport, a four-cylinder front wheel driver and the sole city-oriented model. Then come the Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk, all with 4WD in several configurations, and V6 power. Common to the entire range is a nine-speed automatic transmission; it's a superb self-shifter with smooth action and very effective in cutting fuel consumption.Longitude is a bit of an oddball. It's called a Latitude in its home country and in many other markets, but in Australia a Latitude is a Renault sedan. So the name lines had to be redrawn.The Sport is from $33,500, Longitude $39,000, the more luxurious Limited is $44,000 and the Trailhawk $47,500. In contrast to earlier Cherokees, the new ones are well-appointed, beautifully finished and packed with all the electronica du jour. All get keyless remote entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a good audio system with a touchscreen interface, USB/iPod integration, an auxiliary audio input and an SD card reader.Specs increase with each ascending model and a long list of options lets every buyer tailor the car to taste and needs. The V6 models get dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver's seat, bigger touchscreens and the rest of today's essentials. US industry authority Ward's gave the new Chero a 'best in class' rating. There are lots of onboard storage nooks and bins and several power outlets. Occupants get good seating and comfort, but the trade-off is a not-so-big cargo area.Colours? Morocco, Iceland, Grand Canyon and Vesuvio. Or in non-Jeepspeak, black, black and grey, brown and brown and indigo. In cloth or Nappa leather. The exterior colour, for all models, is bright white.  Mango tango, granite crystal, true blue, cashmere, billet silver and brilliant black are all available – as options.The four-pot Sport uses a 2.4litre Fiat-derived but US-assembled Multiair single cam motor that happily spins into redline territory and produces 137kW and 232Nm. It runs on 91 octane and averages 8.2litres/100km. Why Jeep added 'Tigershark' to the engine's name is a mystery. Probably sounds good in the marketplace.What matters most is it's a whopping 33 per cent more fuel-efficient than the old Cherokee. The Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk have the class-leading 200kW/316Nm 3.2litre Pentastar V6 motor. Based on the brand's 3.6litre V6, it's also happy on 91 brew, and averages 10.0litres/100km. A 2.0litre Fiat diesel motor will later be available on the Limited.Longitude and Limited come with Active Drive I, a light-duty 4WD system sans low ratios that will cope with most conditions. It includes a Selec-Terrain traction control dial to choose between auto, snow, sport and sand/mud. The V6 Cheros also seamlessly change from four to two-wheel drive when they sense there's no need to drive all the wheels.Folk planning to tackle more serious offroad surfaces need the Trailhawk, which has 18-inch alloys with all-season tyres, raised suspension, recovery hooks and a more aggressive 4x4 system, including low gearing and a locking rear diff for crawling over rocks and suchlike. It also has a 'rock' switch on its Selec-Terrain system – and it's the only one to get hill descent control .As for safety, the new multi airbagged and electronics-equipped Cheros got a five-star safety rating.  And those stylish lines with the waterfall grille and scalloped sides have greatly improved not only the car's looks, but its wind-friendliness. That, in turn, makes it quieter, appreciably quicker and more fuel-efficient.The all-independently sprung SUVs have 45 per cent more high tensile steel in their unibody construction, making them a lot more rigid and better handling. We got to drive all four models in South Australia's spectacular Flinders Ranges, liked their quiet cabins, compliant rides and precise steering. The suspension soaks up bumps in the roads and tracks and gives a good balance between comfort and roadholding.Much as we liked the extra power of the V6 trio, we think the Sport will be the top seller. It's a smart package with a terrific drivetrain, gives the best economy and should be the choice of the nine out of 10 buyers who never go off-road.And here's a bit of official Jeep tech talk on the styling that we can't quite figure out: 'The front visually flows through the rest of the vehicle with windows that link together, with the fast front windshield speeding to the backlight.' 

Wow. Besides being much nearer to the Golf in terms of quality, this car is about five grand cheaper than expected. It gets the same turbocharged engine as the GTI, sports suspension with adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and even the trick XDL differential lock. PRICE / FEATURESPrices for the sedan start from $36,490, or $38,790 for the auto - while the diesel adds $1000 to the price tag (wagon is $1350 extra in any denomination). In comparison the GTI in standard form is priced from $41,990 or $44,490 for the auto.The interior of the RS is dominated by a huge 8 inch navigation screen, with a proximity sensor that pops up the menu system before your fingers reach the screen.The DVD-based system infotainment system features eight speakers, Apple video functionality, two SD card slots, Bluetooth phone functionality, voice control, JPEG viewer - with 64Gb of internal memory. ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONThe petrol engine produces 162kW/350Nm while the diesel delivers 135kW/380Nm. The petrol engine is available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG dual clutch auto, while the diesel is available only with the auto. Gear change paddles are standard with the DSG change as are auto stop-start and brake energy recuperation.Fuel consumption for the petrol engine is a claimed 6.6 litres/100km and for the diesel, 5.2 litres/100km – but beware it takes 98 strength petrol (we were getting 9.2 after 360km.The handbrake in the RS (another point of difference) is a traditional mechanical device while the GTI gets an electronic one. DESIGN / STYLINGFinally they've done something about that awful front grille and it actually looks okay. The new grille is underscored a honeycomb-style air dam, with fog lights and new bi-xenon lights with integrated LEDs. The car is also longer and wider than before, with a 102mm longer wheelbase.Red brake callipers are standard and it rides on 18 inch alloys, with 225/40 tyres. Inside the RS sport seats are available in an attractive combination of leather and fabric, or optional Alcantara leather with red stitching. There is also a sporty three-spoke wheel a colour multi-function display. RS badges adorn the steering wheel, gearshift, door sills, seats and floor mats.SAFETYGets a full five stars for crash safety. Comes with nine airbags as well as some newly developed, active safety systems including multi-collision brake with automatic braking action engaged after an accident, Passenger Protect Assist and Fatigue Detection. Front Assist with emergency braking is also available in the optional Tech Pack. DRIVINGLooks good. Smooth and powerful. May lack some of the refinement of the GTI but at the price who gives a toss? Strong performance is underpinned by excellent ride and handling plus a roomy, comfortable cabin with enough rear legroom to accommodate adults - not to mention a large luggage area. By the way it may look like a sedan but is actually a lift-back.Because the Octavia is larger and heavier than the GTI it's a fraction slower out of the gates – 6.9 versus 6.5 secs for the dash from 0-100km/h. The two have a different track (distance between wheels) and wheelbase and a different suspension setup as well. Again who cares? 

Holden's VF Commodore was seen as the company's great hope for both local and export markets. But that hope was cruelled late last year with a grumpy government and cranky US management conspiring to put the local arm out of its misery perhaps five years earlier than we might have expected. And part of the Commodore's

The Citroen DS5 sits at the top of the top of the French brand’s premium lineup, above the DS3 and DS4 models.It’s not quite a replacement for the old C6 flagship though, being significantly smaller, and about half the price too.Despite its ‘5’ nomenclature, the DS5 borrows its underpinnings from the Citroen C4, not the larger C5, and the uniquely shaped DS5’s nearest rival would be the BMW 3 Series GT, but the Citroen costs significantly less.Unlike the BMW though, there’s no disputing the Citroen’s beauty, with cohesive shapes and lines throughout and exquisite detailing.The DS5’s aesthetic delights continue on the inside, with a luxuriously appointed interior that looks like it’s just rolled off a motor show stand.This automotive artform is also a practical five door hatch, with a useful 465-litre cargo area and folding seats, and it can tow up to 1500kg.There are a couple of design quirks though, including a lack of cupholders in the centre console, and the rear wiper is like watching a finger sweep the glass.On top of the leather and textured aluminium trim, the $51,990 DS5 diesel comes with heated front seats and a massaging driver’s seat, panoramic roof sections with electric blinds, a heads up display and satnav, and Xenon headlights that steer around corners.The PSA Group’s familiar 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is the default engine choice, but this one’s the optional 2.0-litre turbodiesel which is well worth the extra 3 thousand dollars.With 120kW and 340Nm, it does a great job of moving the 1615kg DS5, and still returns a combined fuel figure of 6.1L/100km.Both engines come with a six-speed auto, which made good use of the diesel’s torque in our tester.The DS5 carries a full five star ANCAP rating, with dual frontal, side and curtain airbags, ABS, EBD and stability control.A reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors are also standard, but the DS5 does without collision alerts or blind-spot monitoring systems.On the road, the DS5 is a quiet and comfortable place to be, as long as the road is reasonably smooth.The ride is harsher than what you’d expect from a Citroen, and the steering is a bit vague and the torsion beam rear end can be skittish over mid-corner bumps.Overall, the DS5’s unique character and unquestionable style helps to mask its compromised chassis, and its relative value and load-lugging practicality score it more points again.The Citroen DS5 is an alternative choice in the premium mid-size segment, but it’s not a bad one, and it’s definitely a good looking one.

Like its big brother Range Rover, the all-new Range Rover Sport has been on a serious diet. Compared with the previous generation Sport the new one is as much as 420 kg lighter

The Fabia's looks were a little more challenging than the Polo's, which was an attractive little car.

NEW The XV was new to the range when Subaru launched the all-new Impreza in 2011/12, but you won't find an Impreza badge on it anywhere. Yes, it was based on the Impreza, but the XV was so different to the small Suby that the company wanted to move it away into its own market space. Conceived as a sub-compact SUV the XV slotted in between the Impreza hatch and the compact Forester SUV. It was a sporty looking wagon, riding high in the style of an SUV, and came in a choice of three models.The range kicked off with the 2.0i, and climbed through the mid-range L to the burger-with-the-lot S at the peak. All were well equipped, with the 2.0i even having Bluetooth, rear-view camera and a sunroof. Take the step up to the L and you got sat-nav, while those who went all the way to the top got leather trim and heated rear seats. The safety story was also impressive, with all models in the range qualifying for a five-star tick from ANCAP thanks to seven airbags, including full-length curtain airbags and a driver's kneebag.Power came from a new long stroke version of the Subaru boxer four, this one of 2.0-litre capacity punching out 110 kW and 196 Nm. Bolted to the back of the new engine was either a six-speed manual gearbox, boasting a taller top gear for better economy, or a CVT type auto with six presets and paddle shifters. As with all Subarus the final drive is through all four wheels.Inside, the cabin is light and airy with good vision out thanks to a higher seating position and thinner pillars. The cargo space is a little cramped, and the spare is a space-saver mounted underneath the cargo floor in the rear.NOWThe XV is still quite new to the market, so there is little to report in terms of problems and issues, and given Subaru's overall reputation soundness of design there is good reason to think it will perform admirably over the longer time.Subaru's boxer four can use oil, so it's a good idea to keep a watchful eye on the oil level in the engine. Owner criticisms focus on the small boot space, and some knock its lack of mid-range overtaking performance. Some of those who have owned the previous 2.5-litre engine in the Impreza say the new, smaller engine lacks grunt.To date there has been one recall of the XV. It related to the routing of the engine wiring harness on the MY12 models, which could interfere with other engine components. At best it could cause the engine to idle roughly, at worst it could cause the engine to stall and not restart. Check that the recall has been carried out.Be sure to thoroughly test the CVT transmission during your test-drive. Take particular note of any shuddering at low speed or on take-off from a standstill. Also note any hesitations, surging or other driving issues. Make a careful check of the bodywork looking for any evidence of crash damage that has been poorly repaired.SMITHY SAYSAttractive little Suby is safe, economical and drives nicely.Subaru XV 2012-2013Price new: $28,490 to $36,990Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 110 kW/196 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, AWDEconomy: 6.9 to 7.3 L/100 kmBody: 5-door wagonVariants: 2.0i, L, SSafety: 5-star ANCAP

Other than sharing names, the Holden Cruze models introduced to Australia in June 2009 bear no relationship to the Holden Cruze 4WD sold here between 2002 and 2006.The 2009 Cruze is a four-door sedan from South Korea, though it has a fair bit of Australian design in its style and also mechanically. Most Cruzes are built in Holden factories in Adelaide, though the initial imports came from a Korean factory.For a supposedly small car, Holden Cruze is quite large and offers good leg and shoulder room for four adults. Three children plus mum and dad is a breeze in Cruze.The Cruze sedan was joined by a five-door hatchback in November 2011. The revised rear end to create the body was virtually all done in Australia and is sold in many countries globally. A station wagon further increased the body options when it was introduced in January 2013.As befits an (almost) local car Holden Cruze is powered by a variety of engines: a 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel and a semi sporty unit in the form of a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. The latter comes with the bonus of a more sophisticated suspension setup and is much favoured by those looking for something out of the ordinary.Buyers originally had a choice of a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, with the auto being the most popular. A six-speed manual is offered with the turbo-petrol and diesel models. During our testing we found the turbo-diesel engine to be noisier than average for this class, it also suffers from turbo lag. Changes to later cars made it slightly better, but try for yourself. Quality of fit and finish is good, inside and out.Comfort is generally good and noise, vibration and harshness are well suppressed. Rough roads do challenge the suspension at times, but for its class Cruze is acceptable. There are Holden dealers just about everywhere in Australia, though you may not be able to get uncommon parts for the Cruze in remote locations. Generally parts can be shipped to the outback within a couple of working days.Cruze is reasonably easy for the home handyperson to do routine work. As always, keep clear of safety items unless you really know what you're doing. Having a workshop manual at your elbow is always a smart move.Insurance charges are a little lower than average for this class, reflecting the fact that a lot of components are made in this country. Premiums don't vary hugely from company to company, but it's still worth shopping around. Make sure you compare the fine print on what you're being offered.WHAT TO LOOK FORAs mentioned, build quality is pretty good as Holden factories were really getting into their stride in challenging European and Korean quality. It still makes sense to have a full inspection by a professional, after making initial checks to the best of your ability.Make sure the engine starts within a second or so of it turning over. Diesels are slower than petrols, but shouldn't take more than about three seconds to get up and running.After running the engine on a light load for a few minutes floor the throttle and make sure it picks up with a minimum of fuss. Automatic transmissions should change gear promptly, and not hunt overmuch from gear to gear.Look for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the front wheels. It could mean hard driving and/or that the wheels have been kerbed and knocked out of alignment. Check the interior for signs of harsh usage, particularly from bored little darlings in the back seat.Look at the condition of the boot, also check the top of the rear bumper as it's sometimes used as a resting place for heavy items while the boot is being loaded.CAR BUYING TIPA good area to start inspecting a car is at the left-front wheel and tyre. That's generally the spot that gets thumped by those who didn't score ten out of ten during parking lessons. And who may not be good at driving either...