Wagon Reviews

Roomster sounds more like some character from a teen TV show than an innovative compact runabout. The twee title does not do justice to this well thought out Skoda.However, on closer scrutiny, the name is pretty much on the mark, for the car ‘makes room’; room for almost anything anyone could want from a vehicle of this size.VALUEThe Roomster comes onto the market at $22,490, plus on-roads, for the five-speed manual, while the seven-speed DSG auto costs $24,790. The test vehicle, a five-speed manual with pearl effect paint and contrasting roof, sells for $23,370. Standard equipment includes an auxiliary socket allowing MP3 connection, a 12V socket in the boot, black roof rails, four-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Extremely quiet at idle, the engine of the test Roomster made itself known only when accelerating with urgency.TECHNOLOGYThe Roomster first hit Aussie shores in 2007 and has been extensively upgraded with a new, more economical engine and the option of a DSG automatic transmission. The new Roomster enjoys the benefit of a new 1.2-litre 77 kW turbocharged petrol engine producing 175 Nm, 22 Nm more torque than the outgoing 1.6-litre engine. It showcases a 1.1 litre per 100 kilometre improvement in combined fuel consumption and a 34 grams/km reduction in CO2 emissions.The motor can be mated with a five-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG double-clutch automatic transmission, the latter operating in two modes – fully automatic or manual Tiptronic.DESIGNWith one of the most flexible interiors in the segment, Roomster offers as much interior space as a conventional multipurpose vehicle, all within the space of a mere 214 mm more than a Skoda Fabia hatch.It has a modern new look on the outside and top quality interior trim. The Roomster’s cabin has come in for material and equipment upgrades with more soft-touch plastics and higher specification entertainment systems, while maintaining its passenger and load carrying versatility through clever seating.   Again the Roomster has the innovative Varioflex rear seating arrangement. Revisiting the Varioflex rear seating system, it’s easy to see the appeal of such versatility. The theatre-style rear seating, positioned higher than the front seats for a better all-round view, takes three occupants with the centre seat raised. Folded down it becomes an armrest, a drink holder or for storage.This middle section, which weighs just 11 kilograms, can be easily removed giving more shoulder space for the two remaining occupants. Alternatively, they can cosy up by shifting both seats inboard. Leg room is impressive thanks to seat rails offering 150 mm of movement forward and back and an adjustable seat back that reclines by 13.5 degrees.Cargo gets its own characteristic storage features. With five passengers on board, the load area allows up 450 litres of space. Fold the rear seats down and volume increases to 1555 litres on a surface of up to 1022 millimetres. In addition to the removable centre seat, the two outer chairs, each weighing a middleweight 16 kg, can also be removed completely by pulling on the clearly-marked levers.The Roomster thus becomes a two-seater van with a volume of 1780 litres. The almost vertical side walls and low loading edge make it easy to take goods, even up to the roofline. Tie-down points on the floor can secure large and heavy items.All this is packaged in a vehicle measuring only 4214 mm long, yet with a wheelbase of 2608 mm - small car, big help. The extra millimetres also help to give the vehicle a stable ride. By having a slightly wider track at the rear, corners can be taken with confidence, while a low kerb weight also enhances handling.On the outside, the Roomster has taken on a more assertive road presence. With a new, wider radiator grille and headlamp design, plus the wraparound windscreen, the vehicle looks wider and lower than the previous model. Large windows open up the rear of the cabin, while hidden rear door handles emphasise the vehicle’s clean, uncluttered profile which leads to a rear featuring high positioned slim tail lights incorporating Skoda’s typical C-shape when lit.SAFETYThe Roomster has gained a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, having three-point seat belts on all seats, including the centre rear, and height-adjustable belts in front fitted with pre-tensioners. Additionally, there are six airbags – driver and passenger, side and curtain.DRIVINGWith only 77 kW on tap maximum revs needed to be maintained to shift the five-speed manual smoothly through the gears. Anything less had the motor gasping for air. Expect to get fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, while putting out 138g of carbon dioxide every kilometre.Skoda RoomsterPrice: from $22,490 (plus driveaway costs)Warranty: three years/unlimited kmCrash rating: 5-star ANCAPEngine: 1.2-litre 4-cylinder, 77kW/175NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, FWDBody: 4214mm (L); 1684mm (w); 1607mm (h)Weight: 1217kgThirst: 5.9L/100km 138g/km CO2    

Skoda is one of those brands that muddles along in the mid-size market, rarely having any impact.NEWIt could be that we have long memories and recall the cars sold here in earlier times, cars that were poorly put together, had little or no manufacturer support and, well, were pretty ordinary devices from an Iron Curtain country.While all of that was true then, it's not now when the company is owned by VW, the Czech factories they're produced in are owned and run by VW, and the cars are VWs under the skin. The re-born Czech brand returned to the market in 2007 after a long absence and promised VW motoring on a budget.The mid-sized Octavia was one of the first models to be launched and remains the brand's main weapon with a large range of models, including hatchback and wagon body styles, a number of petrol and diesel engine options, and various transmissions.It isn't particularly stylish, but in today's terms when all cars look alike, the Octavia could be said to stand out with its more traditional grille. Get past the looks and you find a practical, roomy and well-equipped car that does everything without fuss.The Octavia is based on the VW Golf, which ensures it has a European feel about it. There's a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, they're all VW units, and they all perform strongly while delivering decent fuel economy.Backing them up is a range of manual and auto transmissions, including the much-maligned dual-clutch DSG auto. Inside, the Octavia is neatly laid-out with room enough for four adults in comfort, or five at a squeeze. Thick pillars can create blind spots for the driver, and the cabin noise level tends to be a little higher than you might expect for a car in this class.NOWWith relatively slow sales you'll have to look long and hard to find the car you want, they're not plentiful like some other makes and models. It also means prices are more affordable if you're buying. If you're selling it means resale is affected.Few complaints about Skodas have reached Carsguide, which is interesting given the huge amount of mail we get complaining about VWs. It could simply be a case that too few Skodas are out there to generate comment, or perhaps Skoda takes a different view to VW when dealing with complaints. Or it could be that Skoda owners are a contented lot.Whatever it's important that any car is thoroughly checked, because there's no reason to think Skodas are immune from the problems that plague their VW cousins. Engines, the 1.8 TSI in particular, can give trouble. Many have had to be replaced quite early in life, so be wary and check service records carefully.The other problem area is the DSG, which can be brilliant when working correctly, but it can equally be a nightmare when it's not, and there are plenty of examples of both.Clutch packs, computers, wiring can all conspire to bring the DSG to a halt, so test drive DSG-equipped cars carefully. Things to be noted are shuddering, incorrect gear selection, hesitations, reluctance to select gears, going into neutral at inappropriate moments. In fact, be wary of anything that doesn't appear to be normal, they're expensive to fix.Check service records for evidence of regular maintenance, make sure cam belts have been changed when needed, and watch brake wear. Note that Skoda recommends the use of Premium unleaded fuel.SMITHY SAYSNeat, practical mid-sizer, but is burdened by some of VWs flaws.Skoda Octavia 2009-2011Price new: $29,290 to $38,290Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged, 90 kW/200 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 75 kW/148 Nm; 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged, 118 kW/250 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77 kW/250 Nm; 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 77 kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 103 kW/320 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed auto, 6-speed DSG auto, 7-speed DSG auto, FWDEconomy: 7.8 L/100 km (1.6), 6.7 L/100 km (1.8T), 6.3 L/100 km (1.9TD), 5.7 L/100 km (2.0TD),Body: 5-door hatch, 4-door wagonVariants: 1.6, 1.8 TSI, 1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI (2009) 75, 77, 90, 103, 118 (2010)Safety: 4-star ANCAP

Some cars beg to be driven on a race track. Audi's mind bogglingly good RS4 Avant is one of them. The 331kW wagon, yes it's a wagon sounds fantastic and goes extemely well, even if it does cost an arm and a leg. But then, you can't expect something for nothing, especially something as good as this?The original built in 1994 but not sold here was powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged five cylinder engine. It was assembled at Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, with plenty of input from Porsche and could do the dash from 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 262km/h.It was followed in 2000 by a 2.7-litre Bi-Turbo that pumped out 279kW and was good for 4.9 seconds, with some help this time from Cosworth in the UK. Both of these earlier models were available only as a wagon. Then in 2005 the switch was made to a V8 and the decision made to diversify the model with the addition of a sedan and cabrio. The high revving naturally asipirated 4.2-litre V8  produiced 309kW of power and 430Nm of troque, revving all the way to 8000rpm, with 0-100km/h taking 4.8 seconds.The current RS4 Avant raises the bar yet again, delivering 331kW of power and 430Nm of torque in combination with a 7-speed double clutch style transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive. Unlike its predecessors, which came in manual form only, this one's an auto or at least a robotised manual.A good thing too because the DSG box takes all the hard work out of the equation, allowing the driver to get on with the job of well, driving. The result is a car that is happy to handle the shopping or if required launch from 0-100km/h in a rapid fire 4.7 seconds, not as quick as the original  but still plenty of fun.It's always intimidating to get behind the wheel of one of these cars, especially in the context of a race track. Here there are no limits on how fast you can go, apart from your own ability and of course the physical limitations of the car. The car's limits are very high (not sure about our ability though).We were among the first group of drivers to take on the challenging circuit at Sydney Motorsport Park, known to most as Eastern Creek. Tentative at first, by the fourth lap we were starting to feel right at home, discovering that the RS4 is as awesome as it is forgiving.In fact, it's so well balanced that we were able to guide the car around the second left hander, a double apex corner, with the car in full slide and only one hand on the wheel. How good's that?Amazingly, the new RS4 Avant is cheaper than the old one at $149,400. The previous one which disappeared in 2008 cost $168,100, but is still sought after, changing hands for more than $100,000.Even at this price there are still plenty of options including adjustable suspension. It can be bundled with 20 inch wheels and a sports exhaust for $7200 and there are not many buyers who won't tick that box. RS4's main competitor is the Benz C63 AMG wagon which will set you back $155,900, before options.If they weren't so damn expensive. $150K is a lot of dough in anyone's language, but if you've got it  you certainly won't be disappointed. The RS4 Avant combines the practicality of a wagon, with the performance of a sports car and a reputation that will be the envy of all your mates.

Screaming wagons have been star turns at the four-ring zircus since 1994, based always on an existing model (in this case the amiable A4 Avant of 2008 vintage) though one that's spent a year training with Daniel Geale.VALUEStandard kit includes multimedia system, xenon lights, 19-inch alloys, electronic tailgate, parking system with rear camera and nice paint. A $7200 package adds alloy 20s, sports exhaust and suspension with dynamic ride control.TECHNOLOGYWhat's wonderful is that 4.2-litre 331kW V8 with better than 100Nm per litre, spinning a fluent dual-clutch seven-speed auto. The urge gets to the ground via the torque-sensing quattro AWD that shovels almost all the torque rearwards (or up to 70 per cent forward as needed).You can complain — and some surely will — that this performance shopping trolley has become too clinically efficient for fun's sake, as maturely staid as its station wagon shape has always misleadingly suggested. And it's true that if compared to the last and fabulous 2006 model, the new Audi RS4 Avant is almost top-heavy with tech, suffused with switches.We'd argue that away from the track (where limits can be relatively safely gauged) and on the public roads (which are way scarier in their random way), this RS4 is almost precisely what a performance-cum-family car should be. Especially one that reaches 100km/h from standing in 4.7 seconds.DESIGNIt has a weapons grade physique — flared arches to accommodate at least 19-inch but often 20-inch wheels, side skirt, vast aluminium mesh masked air intakes, matt silver accents and gaping tail-pipes.DRIVINGAs I make my usual hash of the hairpin turn two at Sydney Motorsport Park, the twin-clutch transmission automatically drops back and lowers to almost a croon the roar of the high-revving, naturally breathing V8. The RS4 Avant could be saying: "There, there, you silly middle-aged boy, let me sort this out."With minimal input from me, the super smart all-wheel-drive system abetted by rear axle differential hauls the uber wagon back into line and allows the next apex to be made with some sort of aplomb.It makes for an extraordinarily tolerant and  forgiving construct. If not idiot-proof per se, when pushed its behaviour pretty much defines progressive.Although this generation RS4 has been bought in for an unexpectedly low $149,400 — some $25K under the one previous — anyone who was lucky enough to know and thus to love its predecessor might wish for a less sophisticated version, one with a single button labelled "Sport" to turn all the juice on or off rather than the multi-mode frippery.VERDICTThis engaging yet cosseting car remains the coolest shopping trolley in town.Audi RS4 AvantPrice: from $149,400Engine: 4.2-litre V8 petrol; 331W/430NmTransmision: 7-speed twin clutch auto; 4WDThirst: 10.7L/100km

When Holden launched the Sportwagon in 2008 it didn't include an LPG powered model. The engineers were still working out where they could put the gas storage tank whether it would mean relocating the spare wheel.Guess they ran out of options because the spare is still sitting bang smack in the middle of the boot - correction, to one side of the boot. It's disappointing but that's the price your pay for economy.Priced from $44,490, the Sportwagon LPG is a good looking bus, even in spartan Omega clothes. The Series II model includes dual zone climate control and a colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, USB input, auxiliary input, integrated iPod support and enhanced Bluetooth with phone book display, touch-screen dialling and audio streaming.Unlike the Falcon, Holden has opted for a vapour injection system which it argues is the better option. The heart of the system is the 3.6-litre V6 that has been optomised to run solely on LPG.Producing 180kW of power and 320Nm it produces slightly more power and torque than the old dual fuel system. Yet the new LPG Commodore uses 1.6 litres/100km or 13 percent  less fuel than before at a rate of 12.3 litres/100km. With an 84 litre tank it has a theoretical range of 686km but some of this gas will remain inaccessible.The standard 3.6-litre V6 produces 210kW of power and 350Nm of torque and is rated at 9.9 litres/100km. The 3.0-litre six in comparison produces 190kW and 290Nm and is good for just 9.2 litres/100km.No comparison would be complete without a reference to Ford's liquid injection system, a system it claims is superior. It's 4.0-litre six delivers 198kW of power and 409Nm of torque and uses 12.3 litres/100km (the same figure as Holden). Bear in mind however that you can no longer get a Falcon wagon.The LPG wagon is $2500 more, but private buyers of new factory-fitted LPG vehicles can apply for a $2000 Federal Government rebate. With only $500 difference in price, it means you'd have to travel only 10,000km before recouping the extra money and the system would start paying for itself.At the time of writing the price of petrol was $121.9 and LPG 57.9 cents a litre. The cost of filling the gas tank at this price would be $48.87.Okay. Not as good as the Ford and lacks the urgency of the petrol engine but the performance is acceptable. In terms of the car itself, having the window switches between the seats is annoying and the exterior mirrors are still too small. We were getting 11.7 litres/100/km after about 500km. If you're not demanding and looking for cheap, practical transport, then the LPG wagon could be the one.

If you want a small wagon, a light wagon to be precise, there's only one choice and that is Skoda's Fabia. They have two available, a red hot 132kW RS model and the garden variety 77TSi version subject of this yarn.VALUEIt adds a few grand to the bottom line selling for $23,290 nut the DSG is a worthwhile investment if you want your cake and eat it too. Around town, it's an auto, out on some country road, it's a manual. But there aren't any paddles here, it's stick shift only for the manual mode.The povvo pack spec' means no alloys and a fairly basic features inventory but the necessities are there including aircon', power windows, cruise, heated mirrors and extensive multimedia connectivity. There's Bluetooth phone and a multi function wheel to make you happy.DESIGNNo looker, the rather gawky Fabia wagon does have quite a few redeeming features apart from being the only light wagon currently available in this country. We used the little wagon to transport four tyres and wheels and they fitted no problem once the 60/40 rear seats were folded.TECHNOLOGYThe engine we have seen before in numerous VW products but in this instance and because of the size and weight of the car, there's no performance cringe. In fact, there's a fuel economy bonus with the Fabia wagon as it can sip at a rate of just 5.5-litres/100km.And because the 1.2-litre four cylinder engine is turbocharged and has direct injection, there's plenty of kick from this tiddler when you need it. Skoda only had a five-speed manual at launch but now there's a seven-speed DSG dual clutch manumatic and it makes a world of difference, contributing to the rather sporty flavour of this tiddler size carry-all.DRIVINGThe DSG not only delivers fuel efficiency gains it makes the car seriously more driveable because of the speed of the gear changes. We couldn't detect any jerkiness at idle speeds alleged by other drivers. It was all plain sailing as long as you are judicious with your right foot and didn't show any symptoms of St Vitus Dance. It's a handy little bugger that's for sure and easy to park too.VERDICTGuess we could get used to that kooky face if we needed wagon practicality in a compact, affordable and economical vehicle.

When the Benz CLS four-door coupe first appeared it attracted plenty of criticism by a bunch or wowsers but went on to spawn a whole new class of vehicle. Benz has just started a new trend using the same CLS formula - in a 'wagon' though they don't like the CLS Shooting Brake referred to as such.ARCING ROOFWhatever, it's a wagon with sexy lines and the characteristic CLS arcing roofline, full stop. Like the "coupe" before, the Shooting Brake boasts a blend of luxury and sportiness this time with a greater measure of practicality.Is it as confronting a design as the coupe? Well, yes, possibly even more so. We have never seen anything like it and the sheer audacity of styling a "carry-all" vehicle like this is to be admired.PREMIUMOne thing's certain, when you see one on the road, you won't forget it in a hurry. The "Shooter" is likely to be compared with a brace of premium, luxury, mid-size European "estates" like the Volvo V70, BMW 5-Series and Audi A6 but that would be missing the point.It's a stylemeister more than a load toter... pure and simple. Built more for conveying you and your passengers to the golf, yacht club, polo, skiing or scuba diving rather than take the tribe to the footy.ATTENTIONA look at me vehicle for someone who enjoys being the centre of attention. And when you actually get behind the wheel and drive one, that attention from other drivers is clearly evident. It's almost like driving art on wheels.LINEUPWe get CLS Shooting Brake in two models with the diesel-engined 250 CDi and petrol-powered 350. A 5.5 litre, twin-turbocharged, V8-engined AMG is possible later on. The diesel is a 2143cc, turbocharged, four-cylinder seen in numerous other Benz models.A cracker of an engine good for a wall of torque, it propels the largish Shooter like a sports sedan while using as little as 5.5-litres/100km. The numbers are actually 150kW/500Nm thanks in part to a twin-turbo installation under the curving bonnet.ON THE ROADDrive goes to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission. Automatic stop-start shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop to save fuel in traffic. The 350 has a naturally-aspirated, direct-injection, 3.5 litre V6 and develops 225kW and 370Nm.It too is used in numerous other Benz models. Like the diesel, it powers the rear wheels through the same 7G-tronic conventional auto. Stop-start helps the 350 achieve 8.2 litres/100km. So, you get head turning looks, generous standard equipment, impressive ride and handling characteristics and something really special though it's an option that should be standard.TIMBERIt's a cherrywood timber load floor done in boat deck style available for $4900. Now that's something no other car currently offers - a real talking point with a wow factor guaranteed to hit the envy button. And after all, isn't that what the Benz Shooting Brake is all about...HOW MUCH?The diesel is $129,000 while the petrol is $173,000.Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake 250 CDIPrice: from $129,000Resale: N/AService interval: 12 months/25,000kmCrash rating: Not ratedSafety: 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC, ESCEngine: 2.1L twin-turbodiesel, 150kW/500NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, RWDDimensions: 4.96m (L), 1.89m (W), 1.42m (H)Weight: 1801kgSpare: Space-saverThirst: 5.5L/100km (diesel), 144g/km CO2

Where there’s a will there’s a way and Mazda’s engineers have weighed in with one of the most willing diesel engines this side of a German badge.

A new era of style-driven wagons is adding class to the traditional load-lugger and the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake leads the convoy.

An interested group of Australian motoring journalists attended the global debut of the latest Mazda CX-9 SUV at the 2012 Sydney motor show. Now the big wagon is on sale here and we have just enjoyed a great day’s driving in near perfect weather on several hundred kilometres on some scenic roads behind Melbourne.Such has been the success of Mazda downunder that the company’s Japanese head office gave Australia the honour of being the first to see the heavily facelifted new model. This is a real honour as there’s little doubt that importers and Mazda dealers in many other countries put up their hands to get first glimpse of the big SUV / people mover.The infotainment system in the big Mazda SUV has been upgraded and now features the latest audio, navigation and speech-recognition systems in what Mazda calls it’s HMI (Human Machine Interface).Mazda CX-9 has been upgraded inside and out and carries minor refinements to the engine and its ancillaries that are said to have reduced its fuel consumption. However, while it’s no longer the gas guzzler that it was in its early days the new model is still no fuel sipper. In some relatively modest driving on quiet country road, albeit with plenty of hills to climb, the 3.7-litre V6 was typically was using petrol in the range of 12 to 14 litres per hundred kilometres.The biggest feature of the latest version of the Mazda CX-9 is the huge grille that gives it a standout appearance in a market segment that is dominated by sensible looking people movers disguised as SUVs. There's room for seven adults without them being overly cramped, though four adults and three children is more realistic.The centre set of seats can slide back and forward to let you vary the amount of legroom available in this seat and the third row seats. With the centre seat in its rearmost position there's almost limo-like legroom. The third row of seats fold flat very simply to give a useful increase in luggage space. Even with the seats in use there's still space for a couple of fair-sized suitcases.Mazda Australia has been very strong on safety for many years, so the CX-9 has had electronic stability control and rollover protection to help prevent crashes since its introduction downunder in 2007. The list of safety features has been greatly expanded, particularly in the crash avoidance field. Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and High Beam Control (HBC) anticipate danger and help the driver avoid it. Not all safety systems are sold in every grade so it’s best to talk about that - as well as the luxury items on offer - with your nearest Mazda dealer.Mazda CX-9 can certainly be used in light-duty running on forest trails, perhaps even at the beach, but almost all owners will use it as a spacious people mover. We did quite a few kilometres running on dirt road and found the suspension did an excellent job of cushioning shocks and providing a comfortable, quiet ride.Suspension and steering haven’t been altered in the new model. Though Australian imports have more dynamic settings than the American models, the big Mazda CX-9 is relatively soft. Which is no bad thing as this SUV is aimed at the sensible person who is much more interested in comfortable travel for the family than in storming around bends at breakneck speed.The big Mazda has a good turning circle for its class and this is a real bonus when it comes to the reality of squeezing it into a tight parking space in an underground parking station.