Volvo Problems

And the car industry is not immune from being saddled with these potentially damaging problems.Apart from Ford's recent problems with brake hoses and brake booster valves on E-Gas Falcons the other ‘big two’ carmakers have had their fair share of recalls.Holden has had five recalls for its VE Commodore and Statesman range since its introduction in 2006, involving things like fuel vapor lines, fuel lines and defective valves on LPG cars.ToyotaToyota had a range of recalls for its Camry, HiLux, RAV4, Yaris and LandCruiser over the past three years. Most, like a headlight dimmer switch on a Camry, have been minor. Others, like the potential fire hazard stemming from a poorly installed insulator pad on a Yaris, raised alarm bells among some customers.NissanLast week Nissan was forced to recall 11,743 Maximas and 4972 Muranos because of a vibrating air intake in the engine bay.AudiEven the luxury German brands are not immune. Last year Audi had to recall its TT for a piece of rear side trim in its cars that unless fixed, could potentially injure passengers.Mercedes-Benz This year Mercedes-Benz has recalled its M-Class off-roader for a possible glitch in its electric rear hatch. It was also forced to recall S-Class sedans fitted with active body control because of problems with the front lower ball joints on its suspension. On some high-mileage vehicles, the front suspension could fracture on rough roads. Faulty left and right windows in the Viano van also required the replacement.BMWOf the German carmakers, BMW has fared better. It has not had a official government recall since 2006.Volvo Volvo has had three recalls this year of its S80, XC70, V70 and new XC60 for engine cooling fan problems and windscreen wiper problems with the S80 and XC70.JaguarJaguar, once widely ridiculed for its poor quality cars, has come a long way over the past few years. Jaguars these days have no less, or no more, problems with recalls than some of the other luxury brands. Last year it experienced some minor problems with the XF range involving wiring and rear seatbelts.In all cases, recalls by carmakers are handled quickly and responsibly. If you want to check out whether your vehicle has had a recall, go to www.recalls.gov.au

Volvo says it is recalling 1940 five-cylinder diesel vehicles, sold from 2007, because the power steering hose may be damaged by the engine cooling fan which may cause a loss of oil that will result in the power steering system failing. Owners have been asked to contact their local dealer.

Doing 100km of general running about for less than five bucks in fuel makes motoring pretty affordable. As manufacturers bring out more models with increasingly-amazing frugality, motorists are laughing all the way from the pumps. A generation ago, the 30 miles per gallon mark (9.4 litres/100km in metric speak) was a

There was a time when being a “bloody” Volvo driver was anything but cool, but the Swedish brand best known for its bland styling and boring safety message is enjoying a new image that pokes fun at its staid past. It all began with a new generation of models that were more pleasing to the eye. Gone were the boxy old shapes that resembled high rise dwellings on wheels, replaced by softer curves that better fitted modern times.Volvos began to blend in instead of standing out for the wrong reasons. Traditional Volvo owners, who appreciated the engineering, build quality, and, yes, even the styling may not have been so enthusiastic about letting the past go, but the company had to attract new buyers and the new models were clearly aimed at doing that.Among the new models was the 1997 40 series, made up of the S40 sedan and its V40 wagon variant.MODEL WATCH While Volvo claimed safety as its own realm in the 1970s when it relentlessly sold its safe and sound message, by the time the 1990s rolled around it had lost its gloss.Safety was no longer the strong selling point it had been, and car buyers were shopping for excitement. In any case Volvo’s rivals were at least equal in safety terms so there was no real competitive advantage either.By the time the new 40 series was launched in 1997 Volvo’s drab boxy shape wasn’t only dated, it so identified the Swedish cars that it was an impediment to sales. It was clearly time to move on.The 40 series effectively replaced the oddly styled 440, which had died in sales terms. Unlike the 440 the new 40 series was pleasantly styled, much in line with contemporary styling trends, with clean lines and softer edges that were in stark contrast to previous models form Gothenburg.While the shape might not have been recognisable as being traditional Volvo there was no mistaking the trademark grille with its diagonal slash and familiar Volvo badge. Even with the new styling direction there was no mistaking the new 40 series as a Volvo.The S40 and V40 were essentially the same, the S denoting the sedan model, the V standing for variant or wagon. The body differences were from the rear doors back, the front was the same.Mechanically both models were the same. Initially there was just the one engine available, and that was a smooth 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft 16-valve all alloy four-cylinder unit which boasted 103 kW of peak power generated at 6100 revs and 183 Nm of torque which arrived at 4500 revs.Not generally renowned as a performance car, the 40 series was something of a surprise packet if you were prepared to rev it hard and high to realise its performance potential.The performance was boosted by the introduction of a 1.9-litre turbocharged engine a few months after the initial launch. With the turbo under the bonnet the T-4 40 series boasted 147 kW of peak power.Early in 1998 Volvo also launched the T sedan and wagon with a 2.0-litre engine and 118 kW of peak power.A five-speed manual gearbox was standard, or for an extra $2000 there was a four-speed auto available, and the drive was through the front wheels.On the road the auto was smooth in its operation but tended to hunt between gears, and soaked up some of the four-cylinder’s power to dull the performance which was more evident with the manual ’box.The ride was a little solid for what was a family sedan, but the handling was safe and secure, although it exhibited the usual front-wheel drive tendency to push wide at the front when pressed.There was no lack of features in the 40 series. Standard equipment included air-conditioning, power windows, central locking, power mirrors, cloth trim, and four-speaker sound.The better equipped SE, priced at a $4000 premium, included leather trim, woodgrain highlights, CD sound, climate control air-con, sports steering wheel, and alloy wheels.When you selected the T-4 you also got 16-inch alloy wheels, traction control, sports suspension and sports seats.IN THE SHOP Generally the 40 series is living up to Volvo’s reputation for reliability, so look for a service record that can be verified. It should either be from a Volvo dealer or acknowledged service specialist.Major services are due every 45,000 km and it’s important to replace the cam belt every 125,000 km. Failure to do so risks severe internal damage if the belt breaks.Look carefully for signs of dodgy crash repairs, mismatching paint on adjacent panels, overspray in door openings, boot or bonnet openings, variable panel gaps, and doors or tail gates that don’t open and close smoothly.IN A CRASH The 40 series was packed with safety features that makes it a worthy buy on the used market.Front airbags for the driver and passenger provided protection in frontal crashes, while Volvo’s side impact protection system afforded protection in side impacts.Add to that front seat belt pretensioners, and built-in baby seats that match toddlers to the adult seat belts, and you have an impressive secondary safety package.Primary safety package includes ABS and dynamic stability assistance to help avoid crashes in the first instance.OWNERS SAY Joe Perillo has owned two V40s, the latest a 2.0T. He says the turbo provides more than adequate performance, the compact size is good for city driving, while open road driving is nicely European and very enjoyable. He sums up by saying the V40 is a lot of fun for such a practical car.Glenys Allender is very satisfied with the 1997 Volvo S40 T4 she has owned for two years. On the positive side she says it has excellent fuel economy, smooth power, superb handling, powerful brakes, its good sized boot, and solid build quality. Negatives include the hard ride, faulty fuel gauge, and poor headlights.LOOK FOR • safe and secure handling• bumpy ride• solid build quality• good safety• attractive stylingTHE BOTTOM LINE Solid compact family sedan with good performance and handling without the traditional boxy styling.RATING 70/100

Regarded as the safe option Volvo shocked the car world when it launched the front-wheel drive 850 in 1992; it was the first front-wheel drive the company ever made. In developing the 850 Volvo threw out the rulebook by which it had developed its rear-wheel drive cars for most, if all of its long and illustrious history.Volvo had always been a company that had gone about the business of making cars its own way, by creating and building safe, solid cars that were well built and reliable. The company’s strong focus on safety and the environment before it became trendy, while honorable, probably hurt Volvo more than it helped. In a case of reverse snobbery Volvo was looked down upon by the masses because it was the car of choice for the intellectual elite.By the mid-1980s sales were in a slump and the company was in financial strife, reporting the first loss in its history in 1990. The safety message that had made Volvo stand out from the crowd was no longer getting through when the rest of the car industry had caught up. Volvo had to reinvent itself and the 850 was one of the first to emerge in the new age of the Swedish company.MODEL WATCH The 850 was an all-new Volvo mid-sized car launched in 1992. It was produced in sedan and wagon body styles. It came as something of a shock to the Volvo faithful to find that the company had abandoned its history of building rear-wheel drive cars and for the first time designed one that drove the front wheels.Visually the 850 followed the styling theme Volvo had been using for some years, although the bold lines and boxy shapes had been softened slightly in line with the trend of the times. But compared to the jelly mould shapes that were coming from other carmakers, the Japanese in particular, the 850 was distinctive. It was unmistakably a Volvo.The four-door 850 would accommodate four adults in comfort, and true to its roots it had plenty of headroom and legroom. There was also plenty of elbowroom provided you weren’t trying to squeeze three across the back seat.Like its predecessors it had a low belt line that resulted in a large glass area, which gave the interior an airy feeling. Inside, it had plenty of fruit for the time. Air-conditioning was standard, the steering column could be adjusted, and there was a six-speaker sound system along with central locking. Leather trim became standard in 1994, while some models also got power windows and mirrors.On top of that it had ABS anti-skid brakes as standard as well as power steering, and from 1993 it had a driver’s airbag.The sedan’s boot was large and its low lip made loading easy. The wagon also had plenty of room for carrying things when the rear seats were folded.If the switch to front-wheel drive caused some consternation among the Volvo faithful so too did the five-cylinder engine that was mounted across the engine bay east-west style. Volvo sliced one cylinder off an existing engine to create the 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit it used to power the 850.There were two versions of the engine early on; the base engine had two valves per cylinder and produced 103 kW and 206 Nm, and there was a version with four valves per cylinder that produced 125 kW and 220 Nm. Later on there was a turbo variant that generated 166 kW and 300 Nm, and an even more powerful turbo engine that boasted 177 kW and 300 Nm. Transmission choices were a five-speed manual or a four-speed auto.There was also plenty happening underneath the 850, particularly in the rear where the company’s engineers had employed a new ‘delta-link’ suspension, which went a long way to giving the 850 its sporty road feel.On the road the 850 felt assured and stable with good road holding and a firm ride that belied its family four-door image. It went against the thinking of the time that front-wheel drive cars didn’t handle; those who took the time to drive it found it a pleasure on the open road with responsive and neutral handling and quite spirited performance.IN THE SHOP Generally the 850 is a sound car and little of real note seems to afflict them in service. Reports of problems are of a generally minor nature and nothing to be too concerned about. The automatic transmission can sometimes be difficult to shift out of park; this is caused by poor contact of the microswitch on the lockout.Failure of the cruise control to engage is probably caused by damage to the plastic vacuum line in the vicinity of the left headlamp.There have been reports of problems with the cam timing belt tensioner that results in a noise from the front of the engine. Oil leaks are sometimes observed from the oil pump mounting screws. Starting and drivability issues can be traced to a corroded connection where the negative battery cable connects to the engine.IN A CRASH Volvo has always prided itself on being a pioneer on safety so the 850 is full of features to protect us in a crash. Safety really starts with the body structure and Volvo was a leader in that field with the crash performance of its cars right up there with the best. Airbags were adopted quite early in the model cycle so look for cars sold from 1994 on. The 850 was also very capable on the road so its level of primary safety, with good road holding and features like ABS standard, is a match for its secondary safety package.OWNERS SAY Les Hotchin has had a great run out of his 1994 Volvo 850 T5 sedan since buying it second-hand in1999. It was a one owner and had traveled 84,000 km when he bought it, but it has now done 312,000 km. In that time the rear main seal was replaced at 220,000 km, a turbo was replaced at 289,000 km, and the starter motor was overhauled at 311,000 km. The radiator has been replaced, it has had 1.5 sets of brake rotors, plus pads as required, and two sets of shock absorbers. The oil has been changed every 5000 km and the specified service has been done every 10,000 km. It uses about 1.5 litres of oil between changes. The car is tight, comfortable, and rattle free. The leather front seats are showing their age, but are still quite supportive. It gets regular medium to long runs with at least one interstate trip per year, and on these drives will return about 8.5 L/100 km.LOOK FOR • timeless elegant styling• modest performance from non-turbo models• solid build quality• robust engines and gearboxes• roomy interior and boot• good roadholding• good fuel economyTHE BOTTOM LINE Well-built, reliable, safe and sound car that would suit a young driver or family.RATING80/100

It’s hard to know exactly when Volvo decided it needed to move away from its safe and sound image and put some zing into its cars. Though it’s safe to say that the C70 coupe was one of the first models of the sexy new era for the Swedish brand.Volvo had built a reputation for producing safe, solid, dependable and environmentally friendly cars, which worked very well, but they needed something extra when that message ran out of steam in the late 1980s.The severe shapes that characterised previous models were softened and smoothed, and one of the models that resulted was the 70 series that replaced the old 700s. There was a sedan and a wagon, but the standout was the C70 coupe.MODEL WATCHIf the S70 sedan and V70 wagon were revelations given Volvo’s past, the C70 was the shock when the covers were pulled back to reveal the new model.The C70 was the same as its more family focussed siblings from the windscreen forward, but rear of the ’screen it was all new with sweeping curves, sculpted flanks and bulging wheel arches that combined for a strong powerful stance.Despite its coupe curves the C70 was still reasonably roomy inside with ample accommodation in the rear for a couple of adults.The new dash added to the new softness of the 70 series, the squared-off lines that had become Volvo’s calling card now flowed smoothly, the edges had been softened for a friendlier more welcoming feel.Inside, there was a luxury feel with leather trimmed seats and woodgrain trim, with a leather wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.Then there was the long list of standard features which included a power sunroof, a superb 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and Dolby Surround Pro-Logic, power seats, power windows, cruise, trip computer, air-con, dual airbags, side airbags, remote central locking and immobiliser.Below the surface Volvo had switched the drive from its traditional rear drive to the more modern front-wheel drive system.For power it used a turbocharged double overhead camshaft five-cylinder engine that pumped out 176 kW of peak power at 5100 revs and maximum torque of 330 Nm. It was enough to have it reaching 100 km/h in less than seven seconds, and reach a top speed, which was electronically limited to 250 km/h.Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual, which was quite a slick gearbox in use or a four-speed auto, which was by far and away the preferred choice by Australians.A wider rear track gave the coupe a more stable footprint than its sedan and wagon cousins, and along with some retuning of the suspension helped make it quite well balanced on the road after a little turn-in reluctance typical of front-wheel drive cars.Low profile sports tyres provided its grip, while the standard 17-inch alloy wheels finished off its sporty appearance.Retardation came courtesy of four-wheel discs with ABS, and there was the added safety of traction control when applying the power.IN THE SHOPMany C70s will be in the hands of second and third owners, some of whom may not appreciate it as its first owner did. One of the consequences of that can be a lack of servicing, and with many approaching the 100,000 km mark they will be in need of a cam belt change.A check of the service record is imperative, particularly on any car that has passed the 120,000 km mark to make sure the belt has been changed.The C70 is generally a reliable and robust car that gives little trouble, but inspect potential buys closely for damage to the body and wear inside on the leather trim and select the best available car.Body rattles are fairly common, and the plastic rollers in the window winder mechanisms were known to break.IN A CRASHDual front and side airbags provide good secondary crash protection for the moment we all dread, while its agile chassis and powerful disc brakes will hopefully allow you avoid the collision.The annual survey of real life crashes showed the C70 to be better than average for occupant protection, but worse when it came to injuring those it hit.LOOK FOR• sexy coupe styling• turbo performance• well balanced handling• comfortable ride• lots of standard features• Volvo reliability• Body rattlesTHE BOTTOM LINEAttractive four-seater coupe with good performance, roomy interior, and lots of comfort.RATING80/100

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?

And there is likely to be more of it so with all the top resorts reporting big falls of crisp fresh white stuff, enthusiasts are dusting of their ski gear and talking snow talk.Carsguide this week takes a look at some of the newer off-roaders and others we think are some of the more desirable partners in snow.NISSAN DUALIS Price: From $28,990IT is a big seller overseas, but the compact Dualis has been slow to take off with buyers here.But it is a competent snow companion. It's not too big, nor too small, has composed on road manners and reasonable soft-road ability.In keeping with the current crop of smaller off-roaders, the Dualis has a wagon-style design, upright driving position and cabin that will swallow a decent amount of gear.The rear seats split fold 60/40 and the four-wheel drive system has a lock function that splits drive 50/50 front and rear when the going gets tough at lower speeds.The Dualis is powered by a 102kW/198Nm 2.0-litre four that delivers acceptable, but not outstanding performance.The Ti gets standard stability control, six airbags and heated leather front seats.Tick: Compact styling.Cross: Still relatively unknown. VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Price: From $33,990THE Tiguan is essentially a grown up Golf and takes on all the attributes of its smaller brother, adding all-wheel drive into the mix with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol or turbo-diesel engines.It's slightly longer than the Golf and comes with the 4Motion Haldex all-wheel drive system.There is no low range but the Tig will get you out of most trouble in the snow.One of the impressive things about this off-roader is its handling. Anyone familiar with the Golf will be perfectly at home.Like all VW's the Tiguan is well equipped and gets standard stability control, six airbags and optional hill-descent system.Roof rails are standard and you will need them for a luggage pod because boot space is limited. However, the rear seats do fold almost flat. If you specify leather, the front seats are heated.Tick: Badge and handling.Cross: Luggage space and firm ride. SUBARU FORESTER Price: From $30,990LIKE the previous model, the Forester is a top seller and popular among skiers.The new-generation wagon answers the criticism of limited luggage and rear seat legroom by being bigger and even more practical.However, by growing 90mm in wheelbase and up in overall size the Forester has lost some of that on-road precision that marked the previous model as a standout. Some aspects of the cabin, like the dashboard execution, are not of the quality we expect from Subaru either.Pluses are its size and 2.5-litre boxer four cylinder engines. Subaru build quality is generally good too, as is the constant all-wheel drive system.The Forester has a five-star crash rating and raft of safety features that includes anti-skid brakes, stability control and brace of airbags. Manual Foresters get hill-start assist, which stops the car rolling backwards while first gear is engaged.Tick: It's a Subbie.Cross: Soggy SUV feel. RENAULT KOLEOS Price: From $29,990TO dismiss the Koleos as just a French car over the top of Nissan mechanicals is missing the point.The Koleos is well executed, solid and safe. It has six airbags, stability control and hazard lights that come on after an emergency stop.The "All-Mode 4x4i" all-wheel drive versions also get hill-start assist and hill-descent control.In auto mode, the torque split between the front and rear is automatically determined by the amount of available grip.Entry models are two-wheel drive while all-wheel drive buyers get a choice of the smooth Renault-sourced 2.0-litre dCi turbo diesel or 2.5-litre Nissan-sourced petrol four cylinder.There's plenty of room. The rear centre armrest is removable to allow skis to be pushed through and there are storage bins under the front seats and rear floor.Like the Tiguan, the range topping models with leather get heated front seats.Tick: Better looking than an X-Trail.Cross: Renault badge. AUDI Q5 Price: From: $59,900IT seems that just about any vehicle Audi launches at the moment is a sellout.The Q5 is one of them.Smaller than a Q7, the Q5 has the same off-road attributes in a smaller sharply styled package with good luggage space via the 40/20/40 split rear seats and optional cargo barrier that separates luggage.Two petrol and two turbo diesels are available and the S-tronic seven-speed gearbox contributes to good fuel figures.Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel drive system splits torque 40/60 front and rear, which gives the car relatively neutral handling.For those looking for something bigger, there's the A6 Allroad and the Q7.Unfortunately Audi is becoming just like its German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz when it comes to equipment.Tick: Space and diesel.Cross: Expensive options. FORD TERRITORY Price: From $39,490THE Territory has just undergone a recent update to bring it into line with the rest of the Ford range.However, the cabin remains largely the same, and that's not a bad thing. It's good for a family and has seven-seater capacity.The Territory's cabin is well thought out and there is lots of storage space.Buyers have a choice of four AWD models or three rear-drive models.Stability control is standard, as are four airbags and anti-skid brakes.The TS and Ghia four-wheel drive models get seven seats as standard. Mum and Dad will also appreciate the standard DVD player in the Ghia.The reversible rear-load floor and compartment for storing wet items is handy.Tick: Practical and good looking.Cross: Getting on despite update. VOLVO XC60 Price: From $57,950THE XC60 is one of the best handling Volvo wagons around and one of the most attractive.The new City Safety feature is more than just a gimmick. The system applies the brakes if you are about to rear-end another car in low-speed situations up to 30km/h.Other Volvo strengths are the lane change warning system and blind-spot warning system. Volvo seats are renown for their comfort. 40/20/40 split rear seat is practical.There is a choice of either the 2.4-litre D5 turbo-diesel, which is about to be upgraded to a twin-turbo for better economy and efficiency, or the 3.0-litre turbo petrol six.Tick: Styling and equipment.Cross: Rattly diesel. LEXUS RX350 Price: From $81,900.THE RX350 has grown slightly, which translates into more interior room.This wagon, like all Lexus models, is packed with equipment that is optional on its rivals like satellite navigation, power rear hatch and rear reversing camera.The Sports Luxury gets active headlights that follow the curve of the road, plus a heads-up display.The safety package consists of stability control with cooperative steering function (VSC+), traction control, anti-skid brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.There is also, hill-start assist, 10 airbags and a first-aid kit.The rear seats split 40/20/40 and there is a wet-storage area in the luggage load floor. Thule luggage pods are also available.Tick: Standard equipment.Cross: Looks bloated. MAZDA CX9 Price: From $51,990It looks big and feels big but once under way, the CX9 shrink-wraps around you.It's well sorted on the road, has a host of safety gear and with seven seats, has plenty of room for the family.The cabin quality is better than the CX9 too.The 204kW/366Nm 3.7-litre V6 has plenty of poke but slurps petrol like a celebrity lining up for a free drink during Melbourne Cup week.The 60/40 split fold rear seats can be released from the luggage area.Tick: Rear seating, quality.Cross: Fuel economy. TOYOTA PRADOPrice: From $48,600THE Prado is the ideal family load-lugger if you need serious space and room for the family.It comes with eight seats and long-range fuel tank of 180 litres.The full-time 4WD system has a low-range setting for heavy off-roading.However only the higher spec Prados get standard stability control, anti-skid brakes, hill-descent control and six airbags as standard so it pays to check the fineprint.GXL, VX and Grande buyers get foglights and roof rails with satellite navigation and height-adjustable air suspension standard only on the top-of-the-range Grande.Tick: Standard and GX lack standard safety gear.Cross: Clunky styling. NISSAN MURANO Price: From $45,990THE previous-generation Murano was a sleeper.In a lineup dominated by the Navara and Patrol, it never really stood out other than a competent family wagon and its soft curves alienated many potential buyers.But Nissan hopes to change that with the new-generation Murano.The styling is sharper, the 191kW/336Nm 3.5-litre V6 a sweet engine that delivers good fuel economy. The packaging is good. The automatic All Mode 4x4-i all-wheel drive system can distribute torque on demand to where its needed.The luxury Ti gets all the fruit, from navigation system to heated front seats, reversing camera, automatic rear hatch and Bose sound system. The 60/40 split rear seats on both the ST and Ti can be flipped forward from the back of the car.Tick: Engine, equipment.Cross: Cheese-cutter grille. RANGE ROVER SPORT Price: From $90,900THE Range Rover brand has a strong following and is the preferred luxury chariot for seriously well-heeled snowgoers.Like the bigger Range Rover the Sport gets the nifty "Terrain Response" off-road system which means you just have to twist the switch to get the required off-road mode.The Range Rover Sport has real off-road capability but we don't think too many owners would ever go bush bashing in the leather-line luxury off-roader, particularly with the stylish 20-inch wheels available some models.The 65/35 split rear seats also have folding cushions and the full-size spare is easily accessible under the car. However, some of the bigger wheel/tyre options make do with a spacesaver.Tick: Luxury.Cross: Reliability.