Subaru Vortex Reviews

He says most of their customers are people who have been given a rally lesson as a gift."Almost exclusively it"s a gift from a female to a guy as a Father"s day, birthday or Christmas present," he says."Only about 10 per cent of our customers are females.Our customers are often people who are hard to buy presents for.They already have everything like a big screen TV and this is a bit different."RallySchool last year conducted courses for almost 5000 customers over 153 days in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.Of those, 80 days were in Sydney, 30 in Victoria, 22 in Perth and eight each in Queensland and South Australia, but this year Ryan plans to increase the Victorian courses to 52, South Australia to 14 and Queensland to 10.The courses include six-lap drives, 12-lap drives, and half-day and full-day courses with prices from $195 to $995.They also host corporate events and level two instruction which leads to CAMS licensing, however Ryan says only about one percent of their customers ever progress to competition level."Most people have had very limited previous competition experience and aren't interested in competing," he says. "We want to teach them driving skills and promote the sport. We want to show them how addictive it is." RallySchool has over 50 instructors with about half competing at varying levels from club to international."We have six instructors at each event with an average of about 100 years" shared experience," Ryan says.Currently among their team is Ben Atkinson who began driving in club rally championships in 1999, but has mainly filled his trophy cabinet as co-driver to his brother and former World Rally Championship driver Chris, plus Cody Crocker, the most successful driver in the history of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.I recently attended a half-day course with 10 other drivers at the Ipswich-based Willowbank track, which Ryan says is the fastest in the country with its clay base.The event begins with a briefing in which Ryan explains the fundamentals of rally driving and how it differs from road driving."The instructors will encourage you to go faster by pressing harder on the brake pedal," he says."Keep both hands on the steering wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock because you need to know at all times where your front wheels are pointing."You need your front wheels pointing down the road and you need to look down the road not where the car is pointed."He advises we leave it in third gear around the tight circuit to reduce the amount of wheelspin.Sceptical drivers head out with an instructor and pretty soon find out that the old dictum of "in slow, out fast" really works and a higher gear than you would normally select provides more control over the driving wheels. The cars have limiters to prevent you going ridiculously fast, but still hurtle around the track at higher speeds than most can handle.They run on normal road tyres to avoid churning up the track, but apart from the rubber and some suspension tweaks, the vehicles are virtually race ready. Pretty soon instructors have the novice drivers picking up speed and confidence and returning to the pits with a grin as wide as their outstretched arms.As Ryan says, "the guys on TV make it look easy". Having never driven on a dirt track before, I first had to "un-learn" a lot of tar habits such as trailing the brake and using a wide arc through corners. On the dirt, he says you get your braking over in a straight line and you stick to the "clean line" on the inside of the corner where the best grip is. They don't teach the "Scandinavian flick" or handbrake cornering, but they do teach valuable lessons in car feel and control.Each driver gets four six-lap sessions, one in each car (Lancer, Subaru and Ford ute), and the fourth in the car of their choice. Around the country, RallySchool has 14 vehicles: two Ford utes, one Holden ute, eight Subaru WRX STi sedans and four Evo Lancers.The three cars used at Willowbank are spread out on the track at the same time, so there is little down time for customers. They also rotate through a second Subaru as a passenger with Atkinson showing them the finer points of rally driving.To cap it off, customers also experience a hot lap with a rally driver, which puts their own brave attempts into perspective. The hot laps are a real adrenalin rush, but they also show just how far off the pace you are. For an extra $50, customers can also buy a video of their experience.Brad Hooper, 32, drove five hours up from Kempsey in his Golf GTI to take part in the course. "The instructor gets you to pick up your speed quite quickly," he says.The motorsport fan who also owns a Ducati 1098 motorcycle was given the gift by his wife, Kathryn, two years ago.Michael Whitehouse, 46, of Brisbane, has no interest in motorsport and was given the course as a present from his partner, Lynne Newbury."It's just an adrenalin rush," he said after his drive. Newbury bought the course for Whitehouse "because he has everything else"."I thought it best to buy him an experience he will remember," she says. "Now he can tick that one off his bucket list."WHAT I LEARNTI will never be Chris Atkinson;I drive too fast into corners and don"t use enough brake;If you go slower into the corner, you can get on the throttle earlier and achieve more terminal speed on the next straight;Braking transfers weight to the front wheels which gives them more grip and steering feel; The smoother you drive, the less you unsettle the car.SNAPSHOTWHAT: Rally driving lessonsWHERE: Richmond, Toronto NSW, Willowbank QLD, Werribee VIC, Tailem Bend SA and Bakers Hill WAHOW MUCH: six-lap drives ($195), 12-lap drives ($375), half-day ($555) and full-day course ($995)WHO: RallySchoolWEB: rallyschool.com.auPHONE: 1800 208 000

V8 SUPERCARS (After round 3/15)1 Jamie Whincup (Holden)  7712 Mark Winterbottom (Ford)  7143 James Courtney (Ford)  6964 Shane van Gisbergen (Ford)  6305 Lee Holdsworth (Holden)  5736 Craig Lowndes (Holden)  5527 Rick Kelly (Holden)  5308 Paul Dumbrell (Holden)  4899 Michael Caruso (Holden)  46210 Steven Johnson (Ford)  455(Next race, April 16-18, Hamilton, NZ)FORMULA ONE(After Melbourne, round 2/19)1 Fernando Alonso (Spain)  372 Felipe Massa (Brazil)  333 Jenson Button (UK)  314 Lewis Hamilton (UK)  235 Nico Rosberg (Germany)  206 Robert Kubica (???)  187 Sebastian Vettel (Germany)  128 Michael Schumacher (Germany)  99 Tonio Liuzzi (Italy)  810 Mark Webber (Aust)  6(Next race: April 4, Malaysia)NASCAR SPRINT CUP(After race 6 of 36)1 Jimmie Johnson (Chev)  8982 Greg Biffle (Ford)  8843 Matt Kenseth (Ford)  8824 Kevin Harvick (Chev)  8375 Jeff Burton (Chev)  7856 Kurt Bursch (Dodge)  7767 Jeff Gordon (Chev)  7738 Tony Stewart (Chev)  7709 Clint Boyer (Chev)  74710 Dale Earnhardt (Chev)  73929 Marcos Ambrose (Toyota)  543(Next race: April 10, Phoneix)WORLD RALLY(After Mexico, round 2/13)1 S#aacebastien Loeb (Fra) Citro#adien  432 Mikko Hirvonen (Fin) Focus  373 Jari-Matti Latvala (Fin) Focus  254 S#aacebastien Ogier (Fra) Citro#adien  255 Petter Solberg (Nor) Citro#adien  206 Henning Solberg (Nor) Focus  167 Daniel Sordo (Spn) Citro#adien  128 Matthew Wilson (UK) Focus  68 Frederico Villagra (Arg) Focus  610 Mads Ostberg (Nor) Impreza  4(Next rally: April 4, Jordon)WORLD SUPERBIKES(after Portugal, round 2/13)1 Leon Haslam (UK)  852 Max Biaggi (Italy)  693 Carlos Checa (Spain)  604 Michel Fabrizio (Italy)  465 Nori Haga (Japan)  436 Jonathan Rea (UK)  397 Sylvain Guintoli (France)  338 Leon Camier (UK)  329 Troy Corser  (Aus)  2910 James Toseland (UK))  25(Next race, April 11, Valencia)Australian MX(After Horsham, round 1/8)1 PJ Larsen (KTM)  602 Ryan Marmont (KTM)  562 Kirk Gibbs (Yamaha)  564 Cody Mackie (Kawasaki)  555 Michael Phillips (Honda)  436 Luke George (Kawasaki)  407 Daryl King (Yamaha)  388 Luke Styke (Yamaha)  379 Kade Mosig (Suzuki)  3510 Brendan Harrison (Yamaha)  34(Next race, April 18, Canberra)

Subaru's venerable WRX sedan and wagon have gone STi hunting for 2011. For the first time the WRX uses a wide-body design similar to the Impreza performance flagship. The newest Rex is due in local showrooms around September. Subaru Australia spokesman, David Rowley, says despite becoming an STI lookalike, the new WRX has different bumpers and grille and lacks the STI's quad exhausts. "It's not dissimilar to the STI but there are differences," he says. "The redesign gives the WRX a little more presence." Rowley says the newest WRX continues Subaru's pattern of evolving the WRX with each model update since it was launched in 1994. "Each new model raises the sophistication levels bit-by-bit," he says. The wider body not only gives the car more attitude but the track is also wider to enhance handling. Both the front and rear track have grown 38mm to 1534mm front and 1538mm rear. The car also gets firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels and tyres for better grip. The standard wheels are now 17x8 versus 17x7s in the 2010 model and tyre sizes are now 235/45 R17 versus 225/45 R17. Power and torque figures for the 2.5-litre turbo-charged four cylinder are expected to remain the same. Visually the Rex gets sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out foglight surrounds. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasises the cars' sporty intent. The grille gets a black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights, accentuated by a larger grille and bumper air intake. Subaru says the new design details contribute to a modest improvement in the car's drag coefficient. The car is being unveiled next week at the New York Motor Show.

It's the Sportswagon, a value-added wagon that first hit the road in Australia in the early 1980s.  This time around it will be a tickle-up on the Impreza hatch with a pricetag just below $30,000.The Impreza XV, as it is called, will be previewed at the Geneva Motor Show next month and looks basically similar to a car sold in the USA as the Outback Sport - even though it is based on the Impreza."The Sportswagon started in the early 1980s with the Leone. It was the original idea to transform a wagon into a lifestyle recreational vehicle.  In those early days we put things on it like white Sunraysia wheels, bullbars and roof racks," says Nick Senior, managing director of Subaru Australia."That crossed over with the L-Series in 1983 and went right through until Impreza was launched in 1993. Then we did a few years of Sportswagons on the Impreza hatch in LX all-wheel drive specification.    When the Forester arrived we phased it out."But times have changed, and Senior says there is a gap in the Subaru line-up for something with a chunkier look to run below the Forester.  "Over time the Forester has obviously grown and we see an opportunity under the Forester for a lifestyle recreational vehicle. It's based on the Impreza hatch, with some extra versatility and extra ground clearance," Senior says."The XV is being shown at the Geneva Motor Show and we expect it early in quarter three."  The current car closest to the old Sportswagon is an Impreza in the USA called the Outback Sport - even though it's not an Outback.It gets the familiar two-tonne paintwork which has been on the Sportswagon from the start, as well as raised suspension, a roof rack and heated front seats.  The XV will look significantly different from the American car, with a different treatment on the grille, sills and bumpers. The exact specification has not been set, but Senior sees a major opportunity."I think one of the most exciting things for us is that it will be marketed at a younger audience. It gives us the chance to speak to Gen- Y and do something a little bit different.  "We haven't had that opportunity in the past. We can have a bit of fun with this and learn."The price will undercut the Forester and the XV is expected to account for around 10 per cent of Impreza sales in Australia.  "I think it's around about 100 a month. That's about 10 per cent of Impreza sales," Senior says."I think it will be largely incremental. There is always a bit of crossover, but of the 100 I would hope that 60-70 per cent are incremental."  Senior is expecting a big year for Subaru Australia after a major turnover of models in the second half of last year."We've got a full 12 months of Liberty and Outback, as well as diesel and Exiga. We have a Forester diesel to join us in June and the reaction to the Outback diesel has been fantastic."

Some fall for the high-riding visibility, many feel safer, and a vast majority realise a versatile wagon is the best way to meet the changing and demanding needs of a 21st century lifestyle.Large four-wheel drives were easy to dismiss as high-priced Toorak Tractors less than 10 years ago, but today's SUVs have flooded every area of new-car showrooms. They come in every size and most price ranges, from compact $20,000-somethings right through to Range Rovers and Porsches with showroom stickers in the $200,000 range.Women with families were originally forced into suburban work with four-wheel drives which were bought as weekend escape machines, but nowdays there are dozens of SUVs which have been designed to meet the real needs of women.Nissan even created a virtual woman — 50-something, independent and successful, kids away from home — when it was developing its latest  Murano SUV. The result is a car that's fine for blokes but ticks the boxes for females.  So, what do some regular Australian women think about a range of the most popular SUVs sold in Australia today?Claire Heaney road-tested the Subaru ForesterMum of Hannah, 10; Patrick, 8 and Lucy 5.There was much excitement when I told the kids we were getting a new car - for the weekend.  That was tinged with horror when they learned I, and not their father, would be in the driver's seat.They think I am a candidate for one of the ‘worst drivers’ shows on telly. And they also hate the fact that when they start clobbering each other I pull over to the side of the road until they promise to stop.  Nonetheless, they waited with anticipation when I left to collect the new car - a Subaru Forester AWD wagon.First impressions were pleasing. It was lovely - black, sleek, not too big and fitted with roof rails.  Then, as I was handed the key, I was told it was a manual. I was struck with fear. Once I got it reversed, I kangaroo hopped home.The kids gave the car the once over, giving it the thumbs up. Although the eldest thought the black duco looked a bit "Goth". Seating negotiation was finalised. Our own car is a Toyota Avensis, a small seven-seater that fits the three kids easily. It also means they are separated over two rows of seating. No fighting over window seats.We popped the bulging booster seat in the middle and I turned myself inside out to buckle them in. Their dad reluctantly slid himself into the front passenger seat. White knuck led, it reminded me of my Dad trying to teach me how to drive.Fairly soon, I was working my way up through the gears with ease. There were a few hiccups such as when we stalled on the Westgate Freeway. "Hey, this isn't a carpark," my eldest advised.  But once we were out of town and headed for Torquay it came into its own. We noted what a smooth and quiet ride the Subaru offered.I experimented with the cruise control but the dual range, providing for low gear if you are driving in sand or up a steep hill, wasn't needed.  The seating, once I remembered it did not have armrests, was really comfy.   There were upsides about only have three seats on offer. We avoided the usual badgering about whether a friend could accompany us on our outing. "It's just us today, guys, we can't fit anyone else in," I told them, barely able to suppress my delight.Sitting side-by-side there was a bit of elbowing and poking going on but the upside was the great wagon space. We had no trouble fitting a picnic, beach bags, boogie boards and other things that would normally be tricky.Although we are getting to the end of child seats, the clever child restraint attachments would have been welcome not so long ago. I also loved the ease in which one or both the back seats could fold down to create a very big space at the back.While we may have outgrown such a car, we could see why they are so popular. Two kids at the back, with the armrest and drinks holder and easy on the fuel would be in heaven.Likes:Great fuel efficiency.Armrests and drink holders in the back.Stylish design.Dislikes:Bit cramped for three kids in the back.I'd go crazy trying to keep a black car clean - so bear that in mind when choosing the colour.Wendy Tuohy road-tested the Toyota LandcruiserMum of Angus 11, Lachie 10 and Eliza, 6This car is not a runabout.  In fact, employing its 2.5 tonne, V8 grunt for the school run or supermarket is like saddling up a stallion for the St Kilda pony rides.  Not that driving it isn't a heap of fun.With awe-inspiring power and excellent suspension -- and much better cabin stability than you'd expect being so high off the ground -- tooling around in Cruiser is a driving novelty.Everything about it is big, including the gas-guzzling, 4.7 litre engine.  It seats eight, and space in the middle row is so generous it feels about like the whole interior of a smaller car.  The outsized rear vision mirrors offer panoramic views, and the storage compartment in the front console is big enough to hold a handbag -- or small gas bottle, if you are using this as the luxurious bush tractor it so obviously is.And you could almost fit a Smart Car in the boot.  But for all its size, the LandCruiser is surprisingly easy to handle.Thanks to a range of new high-tech features, steering is light and agile, and stopping is unexpectedly smooth.  Though in the city, you find yourself riding the brakes a lot.The five-speed auto engine takes off and effortlessly gathers speed as if itching to head straight for the open road -- not the next set of lights.  Because of its ample space and many creature comforts (leather seats, four temperature zones, sun roof, 10 air bags) you can understand why these took off as people-mover alternatives.But given its power, weight, and the fact its impact zone with a normal car would be at their head-height, it's also understandable why many disapprove of urban Cruiser use. Let alone the carbon cost.  And reverse parking is a drag.Sure, reversing cameras help but the LandCruiser just isn't an easy vehicle to back between two normal cars outside the local shops.But try one for the fun. Men will look at you like they want to jump in -- women like they'd rather shoot the tires out.Likes:Interior spaceDriver and passenger safety featuresExcellent power steeringDislikes:Hard to reverse parkBlocks other drivers view of the roadToo much power for townRuth Lamperd road-tested the Kia Carnival GrandMum of Joe, 10; Daniel, 8 and Charlie 5Moving three children and their friends around the suburbs means practicality overtakes image on the freeway of life.  While diesel people mover, the Kia Carnival Grand, looks a lot like any other uninspiring longish-nosed van from the outside, its high-end versions on the inside offer luxuries that make the grown-ups feel a little like royalty.Buttons operate nearly everything and dual air conditioning with personal vents stop squabbles among the passengers.  There are no more heaving on sliding doors or swinging off upward opening boot doors. Power operation makes entering and exiting simple enough for even five-year-olds to manage.  That means far less work and bother for the big people.The steady flow of childrens quizzing from the back seats are easily heard by the driver thanks to good insulation from road and engine noise.  This is in spite of the diesel engine making it sound more like a truck from the outside than an eight seater van.A power lag from a standing start like pulling from a side street into a space in a busy road is nearing danger levels if not in reality, at least in driver perception.  Stick your foot to the floor and about a second will pass before you feel any real power and then it comes on so strong that you are pushed firmly back into your seat from the delayed acceleration.It can provide some scary moments in traffic and belies the ample power otherwise under the bonnet. Hitting the speed limit on a freeway happens deceptively easily and ensures the cruise control albeit a bit shaky in its sensitivity gets a good workout.  There are airbags at every turn and in the event of a head-on crash, manufacturers reassure the nose collapses downwards, ideally leaving drivers legs intact.Good driver vision of surrounding traffic is impressive.  In the child-friendly stakes (although we didnt test what happens when slow-closing power doors if a kids finger is in the way) its right up there.A pop-down fish-eye mirror affords the driver a view of little passengers in the back two seat rows. Anything which gives mum a mythical set of eyes in the back of her head has got to be good.Likes:Power doorsEase of folding down seatsDislikes:Weak airconditioningLag on take-off

I was prepared not to like Subaru's first attempt at a diesel.  The Japanese brand has lost my vote when it comes to the new Liberty/Outback styling direction - although the interior is well-equipped and roomier.A drive in a couple of the new-look models from the Liberty/Outback range had shown better interior room and comfort but a dislike for exterior.  I have, however, regained some faith in the brand after some time in the new diesel.Drivetrain and PriceOnly the lack of an automatic transmission - like the 2.5-litre petrol models' continuously-variable transmission or a more conventional automatic - is an oversight.  The Outback 2.0D meets EuroV emissions standards with 160g/km.The claimed combined fuel economy figure of 6.4 litres per 100km is frugal for a family-sized wagon and Subaru says local testing suggests an 1100km touring range of steady freeway driving.We're in the entry-level Outback 2.0D model, priced at $40,490 - a $2500 price premium over the entry-level petrol model - but the 51kg-heavier oil-burner is a manual-only proposition. The new two-litre turbodiesel engine produces 110kW at 3600rpm and 350Nm of torque between 1800 and 2400 rpm, although there's a claimed 300Nm at 1600rpm.EquipmentThe base-model might not have all the bells and whistles but the base-model's sound system is good quality, flooding the comfortable and roomier interior with crisp and clear music.  All-wheel drive, stability control and dual front, side and curtain airbags - as well as an airbag for the driver's knees - are the safety feature highlights.DrivingYou wouldn’t know it's a diesel straight away - the engine isn't overly chuggy or rattly and noise suppression is good; Subaru also claims its new single-cradle engine bay design helps reduce noise.It doesn't give the impression of a strong low end - the power delivery is linear and smooth for a turbodiesel powerplant, which might normally have a big low-down shove and then run out of puff at higher engine revolutions.  While the petrol 2.5-litre flat-four produces 123kW and 229Nm, the 110kW/350Nm two-litre turbodiesel offers more torque and a reduced thirst of around two litres per 100km.Subaru says for 25,000km per year at $90 per 65-litre tankful, an Outback diesel owner could save approximately $2500 over 20 months on an equivalent petrol car.The diesel is rated for up to 1700kg braked towing, a 200kg improvement above the petrol model.  But the lack of automatic will deter plenty in this market, as will the issues with the six-speed maual.The gearbox itself is OK to use, the shift action is smooth, but the shifting into third gear can result in the driver's hand hitting the hazard light switch.  It's below par for Subaru, a company which normally gets things like that right.SUBARU OUTBACK DIESELPrice: from $40,490.Engine: two-litre 16-valve DOHC common-rail direct-injection four-cylinder.Transmission: six-speed manual, four-wheel drive using a centre differential with a viscous limited slip differential.Power: 110kW @ 3600rpm.Torque: 350Nm between 1800 & 2400rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 9.7 seconds.Fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100km, on test 7.8 litres/100km, tank 65 litres.Emissions: 168 g/km.Suspension: MacPherson strut (front); self-levelling double wishbone (rear).Brakes: four-wheel discs, front ventilated, with anti-lock and stability control systems.Dimensions: length 4790mm, width 1820mm, height 1615mm, wheelbase 2745mm, track fr/rr 1535/1530mm, cargo volume 490/1690 litres, weight 1551kg.Wheels: 17in alloys.RIVALSSkoda Octavia Scout, from $39,990.Suzuki Grand Vitara DDiS, from $35,990.Nissan X-Trail, from $37,740.VW Tiguan, from $36,690.

The tweak to the Subaru Forester is a typical value-added deal, with extra equipment on the basic X model for no added cost. The difference is a Columbia connection, which puts a badge on the car and a $500 shopping voucher into the wallet for everyone who takes one of the cars.  "Columbia sportswear fits our recreational image . . . well, like a glove," says Subaru Australia spokesman, Dave Rowley. "We did a similar thing about a year ago with Columbia and it worked well, so we decided to re-visit it." The price of the Forester X Columbia is unchanged from the regular X at $33,990 driveaway, or $35,990 for the auto, with the upgrade running to 16-inch alloys, fog lights, roof cross bars, a cargo tray and rear step panel.  Of course, there is special Columbia badging and the gift voucher. Subaru Australia has ordered 1050 cars for the deal, which means it is unlikely to last beyond February for a car that's the best seller in its class. AT A GLANCESubaru Forester X Columbia Price: from $33,990Body: five-door station wagonSafety: six airbags, ESP, anti-skid brakes, all-wheel driveEngine: 2.5-litre four cylinderOutput: 126kw/229NmEconomy: 9.3L/100kmEmissions: 220g/km  

The Fusion Hybrid took the car trophy, while the truck one went to the Transit Connect.  The Fusion is now officially the US’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan at about 5.7l/100km in the city and 6.5l/100km on the highway – stealing the crown from the Toyota Camry’s 7.1l/100km in the city and 6.9l/100km on the highway.The Fusion Hybrid beat competitors like the Volkswagen Golf/GTI to first place, and is the second hybrid to win Ford the Detroit trophy after the Ford Escape Hybrid took out North American Truck of the Year in 2005.The Transit Connect that won the Truck award this year is a compact carrier aimed at small business owners. Ford says it offers the ability to slip through crowded urban areas -- while still having generous cargo capacity -- and offers twice the fuel economy of full-size vansOther finalists in the category included the Subaru Outback, but Ford made it a back-to-back – and their sixth truck winner -- after last year’s prize went to the 209 Ford F-150.  A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the US and Canada vote for the vehicles.

The world is spoiled for family car choices. And now Subaru has landed another, with a six-seater wagon called the Liberty Exiga.  It's hard to pigeonhole the newcomer, because it sits outside the usual family-first range of showroom choices in the SUV and people mover classes. It's not a high-rider and it's not a full-on family van.A first glance it looks like a lightly-tweaked Liberty wagon, which it is. But it has six seats and that makes it more like Subaru's heavyweight people mover, the Tribeca.Subaru itself says the Exiga is a development of the Liberty and got the big green light following a successful tease at the Tokyo Motor Show a couple of years ago. It seemed people were interested in a Liberty with more, at least on the seating side.It is being rolled into action as an alternative to a Honda Odyssey or a Mitsubishi Grandis, or even the lacklustre Toyota Avensis, with lots of equipment and a starting price that is well under the Honda but not as sharp as the class-leading Kia Carnival.  It sounds good, but there is a catch. And it turns the Exiga into a bit of a Frankenstein.See, there is an all-new Liberty in Australian showrooms but the Exiga is based on the previous model. And there is some Forester stirred into the mix.  The result is a car which looks good on paper, but is not as good as it should be once you get it into the driveway.Subaru Australia is keen on the Exiga and has set it for the sort of families who have given its brand the best customer-loyalty scores in the country. There are two models and both come with an easy-driving 2.5-litre engine and constantly-variable transmission, as well as a crucial DVD entertainment system for the back seats.The Exiga Premium, which jumps the price from a basic $37,490 up to $41,990, is very well loaded with kiddie-friendly leather seats, satnav, a reversing camera, Bluetooth and iPod links, electric front seats and alloy wheels."Liberty Exiga is a versatile family wagon that adds a new dimension to our mid-size wagon line-up," says Nick Senior, boss of Subaru Australia.  Not surprisingly, he is also trumpeting Subaru's usual five-star ANCAP safety and all-wheel drive. DRIVING - with Paul Gover  I got a surprise when I first jumped into the Exiga.  I expected a car which would drive as impressively as the new Liberty, our Carsguide class leader and a solid Car of the Year contender for 2009, and the Exiga does not.  It is not as fluid, or quiet, or refined and the engine feels less responsive and far less impressive.I immediately got on the phone to ask about the car. And got the news from Subaru Australia that the Exiga is built from the previous-generation Liberty.  So a car that could have been very good is only . . . alright.That is harsh, but Subaru knows better than to fiddle with a successful formula and the expectations of Australians who know and trust the brand. It is good to have a six-seater in the family, and it's likely to be more suitable for more people than the larger Tribeca, but it is not good to have a car with compromises.You can see and feel the difference in the seats and quality of the cabin, as well as a CVT transmission that needs stirring - at least with tasty paddle shifters - and can struggle to keep the car at 110km/h on freeway inclines.But the Exiga is not all bad. It is very quiet, the middle-row seats are comfy and have plenty of adjustments, the cabin is easily converted for storing stuff, and the back-row seats are not nearly as bad as I expected.It is also very easy to park, with an excellent rear-view camera, and the leather seats and DVD player in the Premium test car are right on the money for families. I also like the flexibility in the centre console, which can carry more stuff or a couple of cups, as well as the light steering and the good visibility.It works well as a six-seater for people, but they will have to pack light because there is not much space in the tail. Fold the back seats _ one or the pair _ and things get a lot better, but it is never going to rival a Carnival.The Exiga gets marked down for its failings, and because it does not have the pulling power to win most people away from an SUV, but it will work very well for some families. And, at the end of the day, it's still a Subaru.SHE SAYS - with Alison WardI didn't know what to make of the Exiga at first. It didn’t dazzle me with a fast engine or amazing interior design.  So what is this car- an SUV or a people mover? I’m not sure myself, but I think it suffers an identity crisis.Don’t get me wrong, this car is good. It will serve owners well with its six-seat capacity, roomy interior and economical drive.  But body is a bit on the ugly side, reminding me of a gigantic windowed hearse, although inside is better.It’s comfortable and easy to drive.  It handles well, is easy to park and has minimal blind spots.  The entertainment system is the standard easy-to-use touch screen found in the latest Subarus.  So what could this car be good at? It’s all down to the extra third-row seat layout.This allows the Exiga to compete with chunkier SUVs while retaining that smaller car feel. But I cannot figure out why they couldn’t design the second-row seat to include an extra spot This will remain a mystery and a possible deal breaker for some families.  The Exiga will also frustrate families when all seats are taken because there isn’t much boot space left.  Not great for prams, shopping or hiding presents.On value, the leather, DVD player and loads of safety air-bags for less than its rivals makes it worth a look and I hope the Exiga survives.   It’s a ‘bums up’ from me but not sure if it will be for larger families.Score 70/100THE BOTTOM LINE: Good idea, not-so good resultSubaru Exiga 2.5i PremiumPrice: $41,990Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinderPower:  123kW at 5000 revsTorque: 229Nm at 4000 revsTransmission: Lineartronic Continuous Variable Transmission, all-wheel driveBody: Five-door wagonSeats: SixDimensions:  Length 4740mm, Width 1775mm, Height 1660mm, Wheelbase 2750mm, tracks front/rear 1525mm/1530mmSteering: Speed sensitive rack and pinion power steeringSuspension: Front MacPherson struts; double wishbone rearFuel tank: 65 litresFuel type: Petrol 90-98 RONFuel Consumption: 8.6/100km combinedWeight: 1568kgSpare tyre: Space saver spareBrakes: Anti-skid all-round discsWheels: 17-inch alloysTyres: 215/50 R17Safety Gear: Dual front, side, curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, front seatbelt pretensioners, reversing cameraCO2 Emissions: 202g/kmRIVALSDodge Journey 2.7 SXT: 68/100 (from $37,990)Kia Carnival 2.7 EXE: 76/100 (from $33,890)Mitsubishi Grandis 2.4 VRX: 77/100 (from $44,950)Toyota Tarago 2.4 GLi: 75/100 (from $53,250)

Life - human and automotive - is so unpredictable. When my 75-year-old father went looking for a car to retire with, he sought reliability, durability, comfort and a long warranty.  He bought a Hyundai, thinking that with a five-year warranty it should ‘see me out’.In fact, he saw it out. The Hyundai Lantra is still ultra-reliable in the hands of a mate of mine while my now 84-year-old father has moved himself and my active mother into the latest Corolla.  I would have expected my parents to drive a Mercedes-Benz in later life as a reward for their tenacity through economic depressions and wars.In fact, they chose economy in reverence to their working-class lives and have come out with only minor financial scars from their post-retirement car purchases.  You can as well. Carsguide readers with retirement looming all want new cars. Most of them want a 4WD or something powerful to tow a caravan or boat because ‘we're not dead yet’.It doesn't have to be expensive, but if you are retired or just on the point of pulling the pin on a working career, you want the least possible hassles.  We'll start this week with 4WDs and SUVs. These are some choices. They clearly aren't all that is available and personal choice will play its role. At the very least, this should get you thinking.4WD is for the adventurer who actually wants to go off the beaten track. These have excellent towing ability, diesel engine options (the better choice), a versatile cabin with seven seats that can be removed when not wanted, good safety levels and a comprehensive feature list. On the downside, they are big, less comfortable than a sedan, require more expensive servicing and repair (especially tyre replacement) and for aged limbs can be difficult to get in and out.Toyota Prado (from $55,990)Solid, high resale (and high initial purchase), great off the road and in the latest model, comfortable on the road.Engine: 127kW/410Nm 3-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.3 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlLand Rover Discovery-4 (from $81,990)Exceptionally competent and fitted out with excellent comfort. Fourth generation aims to rid Land Rover of quality bugs.Engine: 180kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 biturbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 9.3 l/100kmSafety: 8 airbags, ESC, traction controlMitsubishi Pajero(from $49,290)Great all-rounder on and off road at an affordable price. Better cabin package than Prado.Engine: 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed auto/2-speed transferEconomy: 8.4 l/100kmSafety: 2 airbags, ESC, traction controlSUV: Don't want to go to the Outback but like the practicality of a tall wagon? The SUV usually has all-wheel drive but less rugged construction and no low-range gearbox. Some are even only front-wheel drive so save on purchase price and fuel consumption.Hyundai Santa Fe (from $37,990)Practical, versatile and reliable with a long five-year warranty. A good allrounder. Only available as a diesel and with all-wheel drive.Engine: 145kW/421Nm 2.1-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 5-speed manual/5-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 6.7 l/100kmSafety: 6 airbags, ESC, traction controlPeugeot 4007 (from $45,490)Culturally diverse Peugeot made by Mitsubishi (it's basically an Outlander shell) in Japan with an aggressive grille and very desirable turbo-diesel engine and optional six-speed auto.Engine: 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/6-speed auto/AWDEconomy: 7.0 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction controlSubaru Outback diesel (from $40,490)Long-awaited diesel expands Subaru's out-of-town ability in a very desirable package. New style isn't the prettiest but is functional and roomy.Engine: 110kW/350Nm 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual/AWDEconomy: 6.4 l/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, ESC, traction control