Subaru Vortex Reviews

The three-time Australian and four-time Asia-Pacific rally champion is out of a job in rallying at the moment but still competing and having fun in the new side-by-side all-terrain-vehicle class. "It's absolutely fantastic," he says at last week's (MAY 11) national press launch of the 2011 Polaris all-terrain vehicle range at the Holden driver training centre at Norwell on the Gold Coast hinterland. "The jumps are different as you don't go as far, but the landing is much softer. Even though you aren't going as fast the thrill factor is the same." Crocker has been joined by his best mate and former co-driver Greg Foletta in the side-by-side Polaris RZR XP, winning their first outing at the Thumb Pump 300, a desert race near Pinnaroo. "He does the pace notes and he's the winch bitch in the winching events," Crocker says. "It's amazing how it will get up a lot of steep hills the big trucks can't even get up." The 65kW, 875cc twin-cylinder RZR XP ($23,995) replaces the S model and is the "hero" model of the side-by-side range which is their biggest sector, according to Polaris national marketing manager Neil Anderson. "It has been designed as a pure sports machine, not a compromise of farm features and sport," he says. The new side-by-side range features the American company's first electric-powered Ranger and the re-introduction of a diesel side-by-side model. The AWD/2WD Ranger EV ($19,995-$20,995) has range up to 80km, recharges in less than eight hours and has a top speed of 40km/h, a 226kg tray and 567kg towing capacity. Anderson says the EV is popular with wineries as it can be used inside while the diesel should be "a hit" with farmers who prefer diesel power. The 904cc, three-cylinder Ranger Diesel ($20,995) has a 680kg payload, 907.2kg towing capacity and seats three people. The Polaris side-by-side Ranger models come with seats for two, three, four and six people. Polaris also had a prototype machine at the launch, but details are embargoed until August.

And each week it seems the fuel price sign goes up faster than a politician's pay packet. Australians use a vast amount of fuel in going about their daily business, be it getting the kids to school, travelling to and from work, or conducting the nation's business.Each year we import an ocean of petrol, diesel and LPG that's equivalent to 63,000 Olympic swimming pools. And we're not alone, as the vast populations of newly mobile countries such as India and China take to the roads in their Tatas, Great Walls and Cherys, the world's thirst for oil seems ever more insatiable.Overlay this with war and unrest in the Middle East, the source of 56 per cent of the world's oil, and the inevitable push-pull dynamics of supply and demand can lean to only one thing: higher fuel prices.Here in Australia motorists have been feeling the pinch of higher fuel prices since January when the latest spike in oil prices first began appearing on service station leader boards.The spiralling petrol prices mean fuelling a family car like a Commodore or Falcon now accounts for 2.6 per cent of average weekly earnings. But you don't have to sit back and take it in the hip pocket. There are ways to drive down your weekly fuel bills. Here are a few of them.DOWNSIZING According to VFACTS industry statistics, this seems the most popular choice. Large cars have gone from the top-selling passenger segment in 2000 with 198,766 to the smallest passenger segment last year with 98,583 and falling at 3.1 per cent.Meanwhile, sales of smaller cars are skyrocketing. In the past 10 years small car sales have almost doubled to 239,191 while light cars have increased about 44 per cent to 137,916. You can buy a small car from as little as $11,990 (plus on-road costs) for the Chinese-made Chery, right up $35,990 for a Citroen DS3.And you won't go without. Some of the cheapest little cars these days come with a swag of safety and creature features from multiple airbags to Bluetooth connectivity.PROS: Save on fuel; do the environment a favour; easier to park; nippier in traffic; little hatches can be cavernous if you fold down the rear seats.CONS: You get cramped on long journeys; they are noisier on the highway; they're bumpier over potholes; you could feel a little silly driving a Smurf car.Our Pick: Hyundai i20 (from $15,490) is set to take over from Getz as the segment leader with Euro styling and a high level of features and safety.Others to Consider: Suzuki Swift (from $15,990), Mazda2 (from $15,790) and Toyota Yaris (from $14,990).DIESEL Like smaller car categories, the growth in diesel-powered vehicles is exponential. Since the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries began collating separate figures for various fuel types in 2005, diesel cars and SUVs have more than doubled to 125,555 last year, which is almost one in every five new passenger cars or SUVs bought today.The reason is that modern diesel engines are not only up to twice as frugal as a petrol vehicle, but they often have lower emissions because they burn less fuel per kilometre and usually have an exhaust system that traps small carbon materials.Modern diesels are also quieter and smoother running. However, diesel engines have higher internal pressures and a complex fuel system so they are more expensive to build than a petrol engine. Some car companies charge up to $10,000 more for a diesel variant, although most charge around an extra $2000.Expensive diesels are often the result of low production volumes and highly technological designs and machining costs. To reap the economic benefits you have to drive big kilometres each year and hold on to the vehicle longer.An extreme example is the Holden CD Cruze auto diesel that costs $4000 more than the petrol model. Based on RACQ's fuel running costs of 9.36c/km for the petrol and 8.41c/km for the diesel, you would have to drive 25,000km for 16 years to recoup the extra cost.PROS: Fuel economy is anywhere between 10-50 per cent better than a petrol equivalent; more torque means quicker acceleration and easier driving around town; better towing capacity; marginally better resale value; lower CO2 emissions per kilometre; diesel engines often last longer because of the more robust engineering.CONS: Fewer diesel pumps on servo forecourts means queuing at the servo; oily bowser pumps leave your hands smelly and dirty; the engines still clatter at idle and sound raucous at full revs; it takes a long time to reap the economic benefits; servicing charges can also be more expensive because of the more expensive oils required and the complicated fuel systems.Our Pick: Fiesta ECOnetic (from $24,990) is a hybrid beater even in stop-start commuting, yet it's a delight to drive.Others to Consider: Hyundai i30 (from $23,090), VW Golf (from $29,990), Subaru Forester (from $35,990).LPG It's almost worth it to convert your petrol or diesel vehicle to LPG just to get the $1500 Federal government subsidy. But you better be quick because the conversion rebate drops to $1250 from July 1 and decreases $250 annually. All rebates and subsidies are only for private vehicles.Conversions cost an average of $2800 for pre-2006 vehicles, but about $4000 for newer vehicles because of emissions regulations. If you buy a vehicle factory fitted for LPG before its first registration, you get a $2000 rebate from the Feds.However, choices of new vehicles with factory fitted LPG systems are limited. Ford has a new LPG Falcon coming in July and has factory-fitted systems for some of its utes. Holden has an Autogas dual-fuel injection system for its Commodore and will have a mono-fuel LPG Commodore later this year.Toyota has a direct injection LPG system for its 2.7-litre HiAce vans and Mitsubishi has an aftermarket sequential multi-port direct-injection system for its Challenger, Express Van, Pajero, Triton and the now defunct 380.PROS: Much cheaper fuel (about 60c compared with $140+ for ULP); government subsidies make conversion attractive; LPG prices are fairly static so you don't have to fill up on a Tuesday morning when servo prices are cheapest; lower emissions.CONS: Limited choice of new dual-fuel vehicles; only suitable for large vehicles; you lose boot space; even though they are safe they can develop minor smelly leaks; they add about 75kg (about the weight of two large suitcases) to the rear of the car effecting handling; it can be difficult finding servos with LPG in rural areas.HYBRID These are vehicles with petrol or diesel internal combustion engines paired with an electric motor or motors. The drivetrain and associated battery pack for the electric motor is more complex so therefore more costly. Like diesels, you need to do big kays before the savings at the bowser recoup the extra purchase price.For example, a Toyota Prius costs about $2500 more than a Corolla Ultima. Using RACQ's running costs, the fuel savings will take 4 years at 15,000km a year (or 2.5 years at 25,000km/year) to recoup the extra purchase price.Most hybrids switch off totally every time you stop and run on electric power only when you are driving slowly, so they are most economical in heavy traffic. The benefits are marginal on country roads and highways, although when both drive units are operating under heavy acceleration such as when overtaking, they do offer a tangible boost to acceleration.Despite the fact the technology has been around for 10 years, Hybrids are still relatively new. Today, there are 10 hybrid models on the market, but only the Toyota Prius, Camry, Honda Insight and Civic are affordable.Hybrids tend to be bought mainly by governments and big business to emphasise their green credentials. Taxi companies also like hybrids because of their fuel efficiency in urban environments. If you're open to the idea of a used vehicle, then a second-hand Prius or similar is a reasonable option.PROS: Cheaper to run in traffic; feel and be seen to be environmentally conscious; extra power under heavy acceleration; almost silent running when on electric only power.CONS: Higher purchase price; the number of models is limited but you can choose from a small Prius to a large Porsche Cayenne SUV; some look odd like the Prius and Insight.Our Pick: Toyota Prius (from $39,900) and the Honda Insight (from $29,990) at least look like futuristic hybrids, so your neighbours will know you are trying to be green.Others to consider: Honda Civic (from $34,490), Toyota Camry (from $36,990)ELECTRIC CARSThe only production electric cars in Australia are the Tesla Roadster at $241,938 and the Mitsubishi i-MiEV which is available only on a lease of $1740 a month for three years for a total of $62,640. Then the car goes back to Mitsubishi. When it arrives it is expected to cost $70,000.However, prices will come crashing down in the next few years as more and more EVs become available in Australia. The first of these will be the Nissan Leaf and Holden Volt next year.The Volt is expected to cost less than $40,000 and Nissan is saying the Leaf will cost about the same to run as a Tiida, even though initial outlay will probably be close to the Volt. While tailpipe emissions are zero, most electricity in Australia comes from burning dirty coal, so the environmental advantage is reduced.Some critics say there is no advantage. Current limitations of battery technology mean range is also limited to about 160km according to the car companies, but in real life it's less, especially if you have a lead foot.PROS: Very cheap to run; no tailpipe emissions; almost silent running; aerodynamic body shapes.CONS: Expensive to buy - that's if you can find one to buy; silent running can be dangerous for pedestrians; battery disposal is an environmental issue; range is limited; long re-charging time (up to eight hours); most EVs are designed to look futuristic but just end up looking like golf carts.DRIVE ECONOMICALLYOf all the things you can do to drive down your fuel bill, this is the most pragmatic as it's the simplest and most affordable. It can be expensive to swap your trusted and much-loved family car or SUV for something smaller or with an alternative powertrain.Trade-in prices on family cars are down according to the Motor Trades Association and if you buy a new car, you are up for dealer delivery charges, stamp duty and registration. It may be cheaper to hang on to your vehicle, but modify your driving behaviour for more economical running.There are many simple things you can do: Plan trips better and make fewer trips; jettison excess weight from the car; correctly inflate your tyres and get your car serviced more frequently.Most importantly you can vary your driving behaviour by slowing down, changing up the gears sooner, avoiding heavy breaking and staying away from peak-hour traffic. You may have heard these all before, but here are five radical ideas to reducing your fuel expense burden that you may not have heard.1. Cool idea: Turning off the airconditioning will provide a slight increase in fuel economy. However, when travelling on the highway, it is more fuel efficient to have the windows up and aircon switched on than having the windows down creating aerodynamic drag. Don't leave the aircon off for long periods as bacteria will build up in the system.2. Light is right: So throw out not only the unnecessary baggage such as your golf clubs, but maybe also the spare tyre. It can weigh 15-20kg in the average car. The US Department of Energy quotes fuel use as 1-2 per cent for every 45.5kg, so that's at least 0.5 per cent saved. Conversely, NRMA tests show that loading a vehicle to its rated maximum increases fuel consumption 24 per cent. While you might be able to get away without a spare tyre around town, we recommend you always carry it on long trips, especially in the country.3. Turned off: Switch off the engine at long traffic light stops. Modern fuel-injected cars start quickly without the need for any throttle. Car makers with stop-start technology that automatically switches off the engine every time the car is stopped quote fuel savings in traffic of 4-5 per cent.4. Just cruising: Use cruise control more frequently. Most cruise control systems actually put the car's engine into an economy mode and will run more efficiently than most drivers can drive as it accelerates more evenly. It is best used on the open road and not hilly terrain or stop-start conditions. While we could not find any official figures, some sources claim fuel savings up to 14 per cent.5. Re-tyre: the next time you buy tyres, choose from the new range of "eco" tyres with low rolling resistance. A California Energy Commission study estimated low-rolling resistance tyres could save 1.5-4.5 per cent on fuel consumption.

..,popping and banging sideways through the forests south of Perth. The Forester S-Edition doesn't have a rollcage or the super-grippy rally tyres either, but that's no reason not to give it good consideration.Back on Planet Earth, we have to perform the daily duties - school runs, commuting, family roadtrips and the like - none of which is much fun for passengers in a rally car.Even so, we're driving the most powerful (says Subaru) Forester yet unleashed on Australian roads - remember they've had STi versions of this model in Japan.VALUESubaru is asking $50,990 for the Forester S-Edition - a $3500 jump up from the (25kg lighter) XT Premium automatic.The extra cash buys an additional 24kW and 27Nm, a paddleshift five-speed (the rest of the range has only four and no paddles) auto, STI-style wheels (but the same 17in diameter), the sports interior trim with blue alcantara inserts on the sports leather seats, an upgraded instrument panel and blue hue to the interior lighting.The features list also includes a large electric sunroof, electric folding rear seat function, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker CD/DVD touchscreen sound and satnav system (which failed to switch screen display when in Auto mode), Bluetooth phone link and a trip computer.TECHNOLOGY The S-Edition packs a solid shove from the re-tuned WRX motor - the turbocharged 2.5-litre flat-four offers 193kW at 6000rpm and 347Nm of torque between 2800-4800 rpm, with variable valve timing among its arsenal.Don't look for any stratospheric ratio tallies here - the Forester S-Edition has the five-speed paddleshift automatic transmission from the WRX STI, which has paddleshifters but feels as though it could do with six gears to keep the 2.5 in the meaty section of the tacho.Given that the rest of the range has a four-speed auto and a five-speed manual on offer, perhaps we shouldn't complain.The all-wheel drive set-up has variable torque distribution - 45/55 front/rear is the norm but it changes as required, something which you get a taste of on the dirt before the electronics kick-in.Even with the driver aids retarded, the nursemaid system still smacks your hand if you attempt to emulate the WRC boys, but swift, secure and sensible dirt road driving is easily achieved without incurring the car's wrath.DESIGNA big, square-rumped bull-nose box with air intakes a-plenty, the Forester has thankfully not yet started to look like the Outback and Liberty.The cabin has a useful amount of room for passengers and cargo, with no shortage of headroom and enough legroom in the back for me to sit behind my own driving position.In-cabin storage is good, with plenty of space in the doors and centre console.SAFETYThe Forester S-Edition has the variable (but not front-biased thankfully) all-wheel drive system, as well as stability and traction control which can be toned down but not disabled, giving it the dynamic ability to avoid misfortune in many cases.The passive safety features include dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a reversing camera.DRIVINGThe tall Forester is not all show and no go, that is for certain - 193kW and 347Nm equates to a claim of 6.5 seconds to 100km/h, which is not dawdling for some sportscars, let alone an SUV - gunning away from standstill does little to cast doubt on the numbers.The five-speed auto is smooth but a little on the slow side for shift speed and sometimes get caught snoozing, made worse when the revs fall to the bottom third of the tacho.Flicking the selector across to Sport mode does alleviate some of the tardiness, or the driver can use the elegant paddles behind the steering wheel, complete with grippy rubber backing, but the car will over-rule and up-change rather than tickle the limiter, in the same annoying way the STI auto does.On the plus side, it does have 225mm ground clearance and that is better than many of the alleged soft-roaders, and it will tackle unsealed surfaces comfortably.The Yokohama Geolander tyres fall into the category of Jack of All Trades - useful on most surfaces but not excelling on any either. Early-onset mild understeer is the diagnosis when pushed in corners, with a little bit (but not excessive) body roll, but once settled the Forester covers winding roads at a decent pace - but slower in and faster out being a better cornering option.The S-Edition will also zip quietly through traffic and does it without too much tyre or engine noise (something the STI wanna-haves might miss), riding firmly and with a little too much chatter over the bumps - a check of the tyre pressures revealed normal amounts.The satnav screen is clear and bright, but despite several attempts it would not go to its night display using the Auto mode - a manual change needed to be selected, which can only happen at rest.VERDICTThe top-selling Subaru all-rounder packs plenty of punch and can carry the brood with ease, but it's not yet perfect, better rubber would help.OWNERSHIPPrice: $50,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 74%Service Interval: 10,000km or 6 monthsEconomy: 10.5l/100km, on test 13.8, 95RON PULP; 248g/km CO2Safety Equipment six airbags, stability and traction control, ABS, EBD.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 193kW/347Nm 2.5-litre turbocharged flat-fourTransmission: five speed auto, all-wheel driveBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4560mm (L); 1795mm (W); 1700mm (H); 2615mm (WB)Weight: 1585kgTyre size: 225/55 R17 YokohamaSpare tyre: full size alloy

A demanding new-model program, including a three-car attack with a new Impreza family, is forcing the Japanese company to end its time as a minicar maker. Fuji Heavy Industries began in the car business with the tiny Subaru 360 in 1958 and has has plenty of support from Japan's sub-600cc car buyers - who shop in what is called the Kei class - since then. Sales of Subaru's babies peaked in 1990 with 270,000 sales, but the number has fallen sharply to just 93,000 in 2010. Production of the Stella - which is also the base for Subaru's first plug-in electric car - ended last month and the Sambar commercial vehicle will also die soon. Subaru will not totally abandon the Kei class as it has plans to do a badge swap with cars built by Daihatsu, just as Suzuki supplies Kei cars for Nissan. The production line space previously devoted to the baby cars is being turned over to the expanded Impreza range - a conventional four-door sedan and hatch, a dedicated WRX-STI model and the upcoming VX crossover - as well as the two-door sports coupe being jointly developed with Toyota.

China is clearly on top of the car world in 2011.

More than 80 per cent of dog owners take their canine companions along in their vehicles.

The car in showrooms today will only have a four-year lifespan - the shortest yet for a mainstream Subaru model - as the Japanese company accelerates an all-new small-car plan.It has the new Impreza sedan and hatch previewed today at the New York motor show, will develop new WRX and STI performance cars in a separate stream, and is likely to turn the XV concept from this week's Shanghai Motor Show into a compact crossover to sit below the Forester.The latest Impreza twins - with much improved quality and a cabin to rival the previous-generation Liberty - will hit Australia later this year, although the exact timing is unclear following the Japanese earthquake disaster.The new small-car approach is outlined to Carsguide today at the New York motor show by the president of Subaru, Ikuo Mori, standing alongside the all-new Impreza."We separated the character of the Impreza and the WRX. We have no plan to make a WRX on this new car," Mori says."In the past the Impreza models were in combination with the WRX and STI. Now we completely separate the products."He refuses to give any timing for the standalone WRX and STI, although the cars are likely to run less than 18 months behind the Impreza, with a production version of the XV Concept after that.Mori believes the split strategy is the right way to build the Subaru brand, as it moves away from its previous minicar lineup to focus on the Impreza and Liberty families.It's a similar approach to BMW, which is becoming the world's biggest niche carmaker, and Audi, which is exploding its lineup with spin-off body styles and engine combinations."Now we focus our development, so we have some resources to bring to the Impreza," says Mori."The Impreza is a new, bigger, eco-friendly car. The STI is different."

 SUBARU’S XV Concept runs the company’s trademark boxer engine and all-wheel drive in a tidy ‘crossover’ hatchback offering hints for an-all new SUV based on the Impreza platform.Subaru Australia’s managing director Nick Senior says:”XV Concept clearly flags Subaru’s intentions to capture even more of the crossover market in the future and this stunning new design no doubt provides some clues as to what we may expect.”The XV sits at 4.4m long on a 2335mm wheelbase with two litre engine, CVT transmission and 19-inch wheels.

Both the sedan and hatchback will feature new designs, with the teaser shot above showing subtle design cues from the current-generation Liberty. Subaru has only released the above teaser shot ahead of the April 21 unveiling.Continuing to offer all-wheel-drive standard across the range, the Impreza is expected to have a larger cabin, with improvements in interior design and refinement.“We are very excited about the amazing stylish new Impreza” said Nick Senior, Managing Director at Subaru Australia . “It will not only broaden Subaru’s appeal significantly, but offer a new level of interior quality, technology and the safety for which we’re famed.”.Details for the Australian release of the new Impreza have yet to be announced.

The first ever Subaru Forester Diesel and Outback Diesel range. With an unbelievable fuel range over 1,000kms per tank1, they’re made to go the distance. Literally.With economical 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed turbocharged Boxer Diesel engines, five-star safety, six-speed manual transmissions and the brilliant traction and control of our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, they’re an incredibly fuel-efficient and off-road capable range of diesels. Both are packed with smart technologies to make short work of big obstacles and smart convenient features to make even the longest trips seem shorter. So if you’re looking for a Diesel that isn’t just a Diesel, test drive one of our incredible Diesel’s today.They really are unstoppable. Visit subaru.com.au