Letters Page

07/8/2009

Attention Phill Bertolus,

Excellent feature on the Honda City with evidence of real background research. I'm not swapping my XR6 for it but learning more about the technical side of that car is interesting. I look forward to reading more of your reviews in the future.

- Cheers, Bob Junor

16/7/2009

Boys boys boys,

What a write up. In the words of the Kerrigan's this is going straight to the Pool room. If you jump onto www.fordxr5turbo.com and head to the forums, there will be some wild praises said about your glowing report. It's what we have been trying to say all along. Oh, and I pick mine up on Saturday!!

- Cheers Daisy

Editor's Note: Daisy I am glad you enjoyed the read as much as we enjoyed writing it. For those of you who missed it here is the link to the article - http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/ford-focus-xr5-review.htm. 

5/5/2009

Hi Guys.

I'm currently driving an MY05 Subaru Liberty GT. Very keen to trade in the vehicle and buy something w/o compromising performance/handling within the next 4 weeks. I have been tossing up between a 2008 demo Subaru Liberty GT tuned by STI, VW Passat R36, Audi S3 or a 2-3 year old BMW 335i coupe. Having great difficult deciding!! Could you give me some advice.

- Amar

Editor's Note: The Subaru Liberty GT by STI would be at the top of my list for sheer thrills and high performance, but I also think that the Audi S3 is a pearler of an automobile. All those models you mention are very good cars - tough choice there. If the demo Liberty GT hasn't been thrashed too much (ask the dealer if it was a media car, and if it was I would steer clear) then I'd probably pick that. But that's me, and I don't mind forgoing ride quality or resale value for outright performance.

5/5/2009

All comments sound like paid adverts - fans need scrutiny and take care points!

- Staboul

Editor's Note: Thanks for the comment, and if only that was true... We don't print all the letters we get, but by and large we rarely get negative letters. However feel free to send us your scorn (and cash bribes if you like).

5/5/2009

Your Tiguan review: "The shape, size, interior space, height, quality fittings, solid feel and clean drive ensure an enjoyable experience, but the Tiguan does seem to lack a little flare in my opinion. Only a little though."

You mean 'flair', unless you were born in the '50s and expect the vehicle to wear trousers.

- Ivan

Editor's Note: Well spotted Ivan. I must confess that I was not in the office when this article was edited - conveniently removing myself as a culprit. However the idea of a compact AWD wearing trousers could have legs.

5/5/2009

Thank you for the Yaris report. I have an ECHO 2004 1.3-litre 3-door. It has been good but also frustrating on trips, and the space saver spare tyre is not only a joke but a real safety hazard if you try to use it. However, reliability and economy is great, so as always, you get what you pay for.

- David H.

5/5/2009

I now own a Ford Mondeo TDCi and think it is very good. Your comment about a fuel filler adapter is incorrect - The car is supplied with an adapter, to be found in the spare wheel recess.

- Harry M.

5/5/2009

Hi there. 

I was just reading the article that you guys wrote about the comparison between the Mitsi Ralliart Colt and the Suzuki Swift Sport, and I own a Swift Sport and I just thought I'd mention to you that it actually does have ESP. Not quite sure why you thought it doesn't but you make a quick turn and you'll see it flash. Maybe I've read wrong, but I just thought I'd let you guys know.

Cheers,

- Nat

5/5/2009

Hello from SA,

Yep that SA (South Africa), where Ponting and crew are  giving cricket lessons. But I'm about to purchase an S3 so I was glad I read a review, and enjoyed your comments too. How do feel that Audi has the 195kW engine in Europe but exports only the 188kW to SA and Aussie? I called Audi South Africa and asked why, they say 'cos of the hot climate in SA that's why we only get 188kW.

So I pointed out that the TTS in South Africa has a 195kW so hot weather can't be the problem. They replied that Euro TTS gets 207kW and exports 195kW versions. I think this is rubbish, 'cos lower technology is being dumped in non-EU markets. Even the UK gets the higher kilowatt version, this for a country where you can't drive faster than 80 Kmh!

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks again.

- Jay Singh

Editor's Note: It's just one of those things Jay. De-tuning occurs to increase engine reliability in hotter countries, as we're informed. I've also heard the excuse that our fuel quality is sometimes inferior, hence the de-tuning.

5/5/2009

General Motors is dying a slow death. But Chrysler has paired up with Fiat to become one of the world's biggest car companies. Clearly the best path for GM would be a similar deal, to strike an alliance with Hyundai or perhaps Tata? To cut to the chase, I fear that GM Holden will not be around in 10 years time if its parent company doesn't sort out this mess.

- Ronny

27/3/2009

Driving techniques are on a downward spiral. One of the things I've noticed lately is that more and more drivers decide that for whatever reason, hitting the little lever to use your indicator is too much effort. 

Wake up you stupid morons! How the f**k am I supposed to know where you're going if you don't indicate!! Drivers are becoming lazy. Speed doesn't kill, not indicating does.

I see it a lot on the freeway. Drivers don't indicate when changing lanes, which is not only discourteous but down right dangerous. A few times I've seen people turn at roundabouts without indicating, which once resulted in a collision. It was just lucky the speed was quite low.

- L. Patterson

27/3/2009

Everything about the Tata Nano screams cheap and nasty, but for that price it seems like good value. The repayments for a $3,000 or even $4,000 personal loan would be within easy reach of many households and it sounds like it is an economical car to run. I wonder about servicing costs and reliability, but I still think this car would be a hit in Australia.

- Alyson

25/3/2009

Hi.

As a rule, I love Ford sixes etc and would love to own one. And this is going to sound weird coming from petrol head like me... But I would actually buy a Tata Nano if it were released in NZ.

Bright and cheerful, cheap as chips to own and run. I spend most of my daily commute in traffic so something like this would be sweet. A brand new car for under 8000 $NZ. 

My first car when I was 18 was a Nissan 120Y (the cockroach). The motor was bullet proof and it was cheap to run. The body was cheap too (LOL) held together by rust and it drove like a skateboard... But I had a hoot with it.

- Kev C. (New Zealand)

Editor's Note: Despite the Tata Nano's dubious build quality there's a huge buzz surrounding the car, and not just in India. Tata is very keen to export the vehicle to Europe and across Asia (as supply and demand equalise over the next couple of years). And you never know - your Datto 120Y dreams could be rekindled if the Nano comes to Australia and New Zealand. Stranger things have happened...

25/3/2009

Great site - keep up the good work!

I have a question regarding Nissan's 350Z because I'm in the market for one at the moment. Could you tell me from your personal experiences, the differences you find between the old 206kW VQ35DE and the new 230kW VQ35HR in terms of power? Is it really noticeable like night and day?

I'm not too fussed about 0-100 times but more interested in the overtaking speed brackets of 40-80 and 80-120?

Thanks,

- Shaun

Editor's Note: Good question Sean, and one I can answer easily because the 350Z is one of those car you never forget. The 206kW (VQ35DE) V6 is a torquier engine that is easier to drive in general and offers better mid-gear roll-on acceleration. The 230kW (VQ35HR) V6 has a higher rev ceiling and hence more power, but not as much mid-range punch. Overall the differences are not as contrasting as night is to day, but you can tell a slight difference. If it's overtaking at speed that you're after, I'd go with the early generation VQ35DE. Hope it helps.

25/3/2009

Informative review on the Skoda Octavia. I come from a generation when you wouldn't touch a Skoda with a 10-foot barge pole but I'm fascinated by the new models. Are they really a 4-star car?

- Elizabeth

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email, and yes, they really are a 4-star car. The Skoda Octavia drives very much like a more expensive Volkswagen model.

18/3/2009

Sirs,

I loved the article on the VW Passat CC.  I think it is the best I have read. 

I really wonder where you gained the impression you conveyed, relative to fuel consumption on the V6 petrol engine car. How did you come by 10.5 litres per 100klm?

I shudder to think what would happen if I attempted to drive from Broken Hill to Gilgandara. Certainly no top up of 98RON fuel is available, and there I would be, stranded beside the road waiting for a "drink".

The ADR figures used by VW Australia bare no relationship to actual consumption. (They do give a good comparison to other cars). However, that is no help at all.

The fuel tank holds 68 litres approx. What VW Australia cannot tell me is how far I can travel on 60 litres with gentle country driving - and I believe there is a good deal of "mileage" covered in Australia under these conditions. 

Your understanding and explanation is sincerely and urgently sought.

Many thanks again for the article,

- Pip (Queensland)

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter Pip. The 10.5L/100km figure is Volkswagen's claim for the V6 model and to answer your question, 60 litres of fuel would technically get you 630 kilometres, but there would certainly be variations depending on what sort of gentle country driving you undertake. If you only did freeway cruising I'd wager you could cover more than 630km on a full tank of fuel, but overtaking, stopping, and other events would take their toll on fuel economy. If I were you, I'd probably fill up every 450 kilometers or so.

18/3/2009

Well, what can you say about Mercedes new SLS AMG Gullwing? I want one. Now.

Even though it's still disguised you can tell this supercar is going to be one of the most talked-out and sought-after exotics for the next few years. Apart from the huge V8 power and 7-speed twin clutch automatic trannie, I imagine pulling up in front of work in one, popping the vertical gullwing door and not having to break my back to get out of the car. 

Watch out for more gullwing style of doors soon 'cause the rich and famous (aka fat and lazy people) will love the ease of entry and exit.

- Jason

18/3/2009

Passat CC: agree with your comments; even like the rear brakes. Bought one before lunchtime, diesel, never been in a VW dealership before. Didn't even know we had one in Coffs Harbour. Own two BMWs, sorry now one. Nice to stick it up the Arabs with the fuel consumption even if you pay a bit more.

- Steve

18/3/2009

Have been reading the report about the Hyundai Equus luxury car. I'm driving a Hyundai Grandeur at the moment and have always been impressed with Hyundai's improving quality and would be happy to pay around $70k for a large Korean luxury sedan. Rear-wheel drive with a Korean V8 would be silky smooth.

Please Hyundai, bring the Equus to Australia!

- Simon H.

18/3/2009

Nice review on the new VW Golf, but I think I speak for a lot of readers when I ask when is the Golf GTI coming? I like the idea of a powerful 1.4 twincharged engine, but I really want to get the GTI badge. A co-worker has a previous model GTI and it's one of the best hatchbacks I've ever been in, powerful and luxurious.

Cheers,

- L.M.

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email. Unfortunately the new generation VW Golf GTI isn't expected in Australia until 2010. We're crossing our fingers it'll be early 2010 but don't get your hopes up. Demand for the new model in Europe will undoubtedly be high, which will put pressure on supply.

18/3/2009

The new 6 generation VW Golf: Thank god they've fixed the cheap plastic looking rear end view of the 5 generation model. It now looks European again, not Asian. The understated look, not the chintzy glintzy look. 5 models will age faster than 4's I predict.

- Phil Colquitt

18/3/2009

My wife recently took purchase of a 2008 demonstration Ford Focus cabriolet. She was told by the Ford dealer that she could answer her phone by pushing the green phone button. After she brought it home, we tried this only to find that this wasn't so. The blue tooth system that I thought was in place was not to be and that it was only placed in the car by the factory in Europe if ordered. 

It seems no Ford dealer in Perth can help me except direct me to an aftermarket model. I have also enquired at ford in Victoria and have been given the same answer. Surely ford must be able to supply the factory part needed? Can anyone help me with this query and why was my wife told this information when it was not correct?

Yours truly,

- Ken

4/3/2009

I had good times reading the coverage of the Detroit Motor Show early in the year, I went to the Melbourne Motor Show last week which was enjoyable (but not as good as previous years) and now the Geneva Motor Show is giving me goosebumps.

Your piece on the Lamborghini Murcielago SuperVeloce was great, and I thought the editor's comments on the "carbon fibre nightmare" were spot on. I own a Ducati motorcycle with carbon fairing and trust me when I say you don't want to bust it... Very costly to repair, as they have to replace the whole panel if it crack or gets damaged.

Keep up the unique perspectives!

- Trevor

4/3/2009

Web Wombat,

Firstly, an excellent review of the FPV F6. However, one aspect that bothers me is the rating. 

After comparing the review to your previous assessment of the Audi RS4, I noticed that Drive, Engine, Interior and Exterior were identical for both, yet the F6 was only able to achieve 4.5/5 as opposed to 5/5 for the Audi. Now, this may seem a little pedantic, but I really don't think that curb weight (considering the engine is very capable of propelling the car) and changing the back tyre is worth losing an extra half a star. Come on Web Wombat, this car is worth 5/5, and you know it.

Cheers,

- Mark

Editor's Note: You make a good point Mark. The FPV F6 is an awesome car and is one of the best Australian performance cars ever built. Give it 30 years and it'll be as collectible as a GT HO. I can see where you coming from, however I stand by my comments - it's not 100 per cent perfect and hence it doesn't deserve the perfect score.

4/3/2009

I just read your review of the new VW Golf MkVI. Will there be a new Jetta based on the new Golf platform? The existing turbo Jettas were a very attractive package. Now, they're looking a bit lackluster compared to the hatchback equivalents.

- Ed

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Ed. Volkswagen is almost certainly working on a new Golf VI-based Jetta, but has not officially commented on the project yet. The Jetta is a s

4/3/2009

Just bought a BMW 130i SE, a real wolf in sheeps clothing.

Of all the reviews and articles written by UK journalists not one of them gave me the insight into the car as you did, in depth, unbiased and not up yourself (sorry, no other way to say it).

Couldn't afford a new one but three years old 40K on the clock and all for 9000 sterling - I just can't go wrong..... Thanks for the review - the main thing taken from it was BUY one and you're bloody right.

Cheers,

- Colin (UK)

Editor's Note: Thanks for the feedback Colin - glad you liked the review. I have to admit the 130i hatch is still one of my favourite cars. A bit pricey, but hands down one of BMW's best packages.

4/3/2009

I've recently purchased an '07 2.5-litre Holden Epica, and must say I'm not getting anywhere near the claimed fuel efficiency of 9.3L. It's nearer 13L/100km, and that's with a recent tune and service. I read this study before buying it, and feel horribly mislead.

All other aspects of the car are pleasing and as you reported. I would like to know how you achieved those economy figures.

- Janice

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter. The fuel consumption of 9.3L/100km in the article is the manufacturer's claim. Your fuel efficiency figures of almost 13L/100km could be due to a number of things. If you do a lot of commuting and drive the car regularly in urban areas and stop-start traffic that will have a big impact in fuel consumption, as the claimed figure factors in an average between city driving and highway cruising.

4/3/2009

Hi there. I noted your very favourable comments on the BMW 120i hatch - I am seriously considering a 120i cabrio - any review on that available (2008 model)?

Cheers,

- Lynn

Editor's Note: Unfortunately we have no plans to review the 120i cabrio.

4/3/2009

BMW M1 concept: wicked,wicked. Tops every supercar I have seen. I want one now.

- Fereal

13/2/2009

There's a biiiiig problem on major Australian roads around cities. Trucks. I know you've had letters on them before and I'm gonna add one to the list. 

I think trucks should, by law, be made to stay in the left-most lane. In traffic you've got these huge vehicles in all three or four lanes spread out and it causes traffic snarls because they're so slow up hills and taking off, they block off vision and aren't as nimble as cars and bikes. 

Truck drivers are not the problem - for the most part they are excellent drivers - it's just that the vehicles they drive are obstructing the flow of traffic. And yes, I've spoken to my local MP about it who has done nothing.

- Lawrence

Editor's Note: Fair call Lawrence. The truckies aren't doing anything wrong by changing lanes but having driven in places like the UK where most lorries/trucks are required to stay left, I think it would have a positive effect on traffic flow on major arterial roads in Australia. I'm sure this is an issue that'll be debated for many years to come and will probably only be resolved when something catastrophic occurs.

13/2/2009

Most research I've found on the Ford Fiesta is very positive, so I thought I'd see for myself. I thought that you're car review of the Fiesta was a bit too glowing. After I tested the car for a 20 minute drive with my local dealership I wholeheartedly agree and have one on order ^_^

Great work on an easy-to-use website.

- Jess

13/2/2009

RE: Ford Territory. 

1) What is Fords reason as to why there is no manual version of the Territory??

2) Will they ever fix the perennial problems with the rear end and transmission or quality issues appearing in Cars Guide etc?

Thank you,

- Rodney Lau

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Rodney. Except for one Territory taxi driver who had around 400,000 clicks on the clock, I had not heard about the rear end problems so I handballed this one to Ford's Brand Communications Manager and here is his response to your query:

1) A manual version of the Territory is not something that there has been a strong customer demand for, either during the extensive research phase that led to the development of Territory, at its launch in 2004 or any time since then. (You might also note that since the introduction of FG Falcon we no longer offer a manual transmission on Falcon sedan other than on sports XR models. In the final stages of BF Falcon MkII, customer demand for a manual transmission in a Falcon XT, for example, was much less than even 1% of production, so there really isn't a significant level of demand for it outside of sports models.)

2) If there is a specific customer query you're aware of then please send the information through and we can have a look into it, but otherwise there isn't a perennial problem with the gearbox on Territory, be it the 4spd auto or the 6spd auto. (FYI - these are the same transmissions that are also in Falcon/Falcon Ute).

13/2/2009

I'm looking at the Passat CC road test and I agree with your thoughts about the rear end. The lights do look a bit out of place, but the photo of the black model looks much better than the silver one. 

Been wanting to trade in the old C5 Audi A6 (2000 model) and the Passat CC with the V6 engine has moved onto my shortlist. I probably don't need the power of the V6 model, but I'm still not convinced of the quietness of diesels. Can you be more specific on how the diesel sounds?

- P. Johnson.

Editor's Note: It's very quiet machine from the cabin, one of the quietest diesels we've ever tested. However from the outside the diesel's presence is very clear. Your best bet is to take one for a test drive and draw your own conclusions if you're undecided.

13/2/2009

Hi. You failed to notice the Honda MDX's middle seat entry to the rear seats is on the l/h side. Oops to Honda, same as Zafira. 

Great for a family of five, one in the back stops fights. I'm too old to be a race car driver so the suspension is okay. Felt stable in the snow roads, second-hand a taste of luxury and looks. Plain but strong, though the doors are too far away to rest elbows, on long trips.

Great for a rear ender too: the MDX saved the idiot in the van. He was P-plater doing 75-80 kph, no brakes applied. Wrote the MDX off. Wife and daughter okay, now looking for another one.

- Kevin

13/2/2009

I have just finished reading about the VW Tiguan and it all sounds very good. I have viewed the vehicle and was impressed with it as I was impressed with your website. 

However I detest the space saver spare wheel which has an 80km/h speed limit and an 80km driving range.

Thanks for review,

- Rob

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Rob, and this is a common complaint. Truth be told, I sometimes sympathise with the car makers. If they include a full-sized spare, they're criticised for not having decent boot space, but if they do use a space saver spare wheel they're also hammered for the same reasons you listed. Run-flat and mobility tyres are one option, but I think we'll see some interesting innovations in the next decade that attempt to remedy this impasse.

2/2/2009

Long time Motoring Channel reader, first time writer. Just saw the new pics of the 2010 VW Golf GTI, and I'm convinced this is going to be an even bigger seller for the People's Car group than the last model. Which was a sellout success in Australia. 

The car looks gorgeous with smooth lines and a sporty stance, but it's the boosted turbo engine and adaptive chassis that's making me most excited. I've heard that the 2.0-litre engine will output 350Nm of torque! I'm ordering one now - to beat the rush when it's announced for sale here in 2010 or whenever it is. Keep up the good work and review one soon please.

- Roger M.

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Roger. I tend to agree with you there - it is a fairly attractive piece of machinery and will no doubt push the hot hatch boundaries. We'll be testing the new Golf VI in late Feb, so we'll have impressions early March and with any luck we'll try and get a concrete Australian release date for the GTI model.

2/2/2009

If Mitsubishi is the first company to release an electric car in Australia with the i MiEV, one that is priced within reach of modest motorists such as myself at $30,000, then I know that myself and others would consider buying one. I like the look of the car and I like not having to fill up with petrol, just plugging in to the mains in the garage overnight.

- George

2/2/2009

Electric cars will not be to everyone's liking. It'll take drivers a long time to make the shift even if they are 'green' machines. 

Driving a silent car will be a big issue for some drivers and everyone is forgetting about maintenance costs. How much? I'm guessing early adopters will be paying around $2500 per year for servicing and possibly more for battery replacements which will be what? Every three or four years?

In theory electric cars sound nice, but with these six foot long, 300kg batteries getting chucked out every other year, there's going to be a lot of toxic chemical landfill when they have to be thrown in very large bins.

- RJ 2000

Editor's Note: Interesting viewpoint RJ. This is an issue that hasn't been addressed in detail in the rush to have the first all-electric car. Battery life could end up being a pivotal issue in the upcoming EV wars, and maintenance costs and the adaptation of service centres and infrastructure will also no doubt play an integral role.

2/2/2009

Hi guys, I read your review of a 3.0 spec B Liberty from a few years ago and was wondering if you could tell me where all of the 13 speakers are located? I've owned the 2005 model and now own a 2008 and can only find 11 and 12 speakers respectively. Any info you could give me would be much appreciated.

- David Edgar

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email David, and I think (from memory) the high end stereo system has six satellites in the front of the car, plus another six in the rear of the cabin, and a final sub woofer hidden away out of sight. Hope it helps.

2/2/2009

Hello,

About the Carver One tilted vehicle, which you presented as a Dutch innovation, we just ask you to prove it: this technology was already exposed at the 1992 International Inventions Faire at Geneve-Swiss, by a Romanian inventor.

The invention was awarded with Gold Medal. The Dutch "inventors" are just some bastard thiefs who steal others genius.

- Ion G. Nemes

2/2/2009

Thank you for the informative review on the R36 Passat. I'm considering one of these models in the wagon body style - would it work as family transport as well as a weekend warrior?

- Edward B.

Editor's Note: Most definitely. There's a lot of room in the back for the kids and the boot is nicely sized, so it can fit a lot of gear. The Passat is a fairly roomy mid-sized vehicle.

19/1/2009

Motoring Channelites, I've been studying the pics of the Subaru Legacy Concept that's supposed to presage the next generation Liberty and I've decided that Subaru doesn't have a clue what they're doing. They never really have. Their design philosophy is all over the shop.

Yet I find their cars continually appealing. I'm thinking of getting a new WRX sedan, but am wondering whether I should wait another 18 or 24 months for the next generation Liberty? Thoughts?

- Moonman

Editor's Note: Interesting take on the Subaru design ethos Moonman. I'd say buy a WRX now, if you can get a loan, because interest rates are low. But at the same token, I think we can expect something special when the next generation Liberty/Legacy emerges in 2010.

19/1/2009

Nissan Micra city. Great little car. Cheap to run but wait till you put tyres on the bloody thing. The 15-inch alloy wheels are a 60 profile and Dunlop are the only ones that bring them in. Try $230 for a tyre, that's daylight robbery. 

Had I known it was that expensive I would NOT have bought the car. I spoke to Nissan, who blame Dunlop. Get it right guys...

-  Dave

19/1/2009

One of your reader's wrote in decrying the new Nissan Patrol as "junk". I think that particular reader must have had a bad day or works for a big bank because the new Patrol is not junk, it looks good. It's a logical evolution of the current model and those were spy photos. Add a studio, a professional photographer and good lighting and you may see the error of your words.

I am very much looking forward to comparing the new Nissan Patrol to Toyota's new LandCruiser. I'm looking at getting a new 'round Australia' vehicle in the next couple of years.

- P. Negus

19/1/2009

I own a Peugeot 407 HDi - 2005 model. This past 12 months I have found that when driving for 2 to 3 hours, in very warm weather or on steep mountain roads the engine loses power dramatically and even with my foot flat to the floor it is very slow to recover. 

I have mentioned this to my service (Peugeot) people but no solution has been found and I feel they are treating me like just another stupid woman. 

I love the car and have it booked in for a service this month. If they can't fix this problem I will sell the bloody thing and won't feel confident to buy another one. Has anyone else had this problem?

- B. King

19/1/2009

RE: The new Toyota Prius, I think it's a great new look but not greatly different to the previous generation. But the new elements to the car sound very promising. If the solar panels on the roof don't cost more than $1500 (it says they're an option) I will definitely trade in my diesel Astra to get one.

- M.P.

19/1/2009

Hi. I just read your review of the Subaru Forester and am wondering why in the 'cons' section you put "5 speed manual"?

Is this because the reviewer hates manual vehicles or just because this car's manual is hopeless?

Believe it or not there are many people out there like myself who prefer driving manuals and not because they're slightly cheaper.. because they're FUN. I feel sorry for all those people who will never enjoy this experience due to laziness or "comfort".

Please justify in future whether or not the reviewer has a bias.

Sincerely,

- Vernon Wong

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Vernon. I agree with you there. I like manuals - in fact I prefer them to automatics for the most part. The aspect of the 5-speed manual that wasn't so good with the Forester X was the shift quality. It was listed as a con because it felt like a cheap gearbox. Here's an excerpt from the body of the review: "The 5-speed manual works well, but feels a bit flimsy. Granted, it's a smooth little shifter and the dual-range transfer case is a nice bonus, but it's as though Subaru hasn't bothered tweaking the shift quality in 10-years, keeping its soft and spongy feel."

19/1/2009

I have just recently purchased a 2008 Ford Mondeo Zetec and l couldn't agree more with you about this car. l was looking for a medium car, looking hence at all the other mid-sized cars on the market. One of the things that sold me on the Mondeo was the exterior design, and the far superior interior than all the other cars that l had tried.

I also find it has quite a bit of pep for a four, considering my last car was a V8 EF Fairmont '96. I'm thoroughly enjoying the car and could not have wished for any other car within that price range, and size on the market. I love the front grille, it's all class and reminds me of a poor mans Aston Martin.

Happy motoring,

-  Dave

19/1/2009

Enjoyed the review on the Mazda 6 MPS 2006. Looking at buying either this or Liberty or Honda Euro of this era 2004 - 2006. 

Thanks,

- Peter M.

19/12/2008

The new Nissan Patrol looks blocky. It's junk.

After half a decade this is what they come up with? Recession or not, this is garbage. If the car doesn't come with some serious diesel engines I'm trading in my old Patrol for a LandCruiser. Well done Nissan, looks like you've stuffed it up again.

- Angry Kev

19/12/2008

I have info that doesn't stack up with the claimed average fuel consumption for the Mazda6 2.5-litre 4-cylinder sedan. I am unable to as yet find an explanation but overseas they provide fuel consumption in urban and highway as separate figures. 

This concerns me as the figures state Urban as 20 mpg and Highway as 30mpg. By my calculation, this equates to approx. 14.5 litres/100km Urban and 9.5 litres/100km Highway. Both these figures are way above average figures provided here in Australia. Have I got something wrong or can you please enlighten me? 

I really do like the Mazda 6 and will not buy one whilst this confusion reigns.

In appreciation,

- Peter K.

Editor's Note: In Australia car makers are not required to provide separate urban and highway figures. Government regulations stipulate only a "combined" figure be released to the public. 

You're question is similar to one we received not long ago, and it boils down to the official Australian method of rating fuel consumption, the ADR 81/02 testing method. In my opinion this testing methodology is far from ideal and should be overhauled with something simpler. The claim of 8.4L/100km for the Mazda6 in Australia is conducted by Mazda in a laboratory and though it collects city and highway data, the Australian regulations don't require these to be disclosed.

The reason it's so low is because much of the testing is completed in open road situations/simulations, so that the figure is almost always optimistically low. The US figures of14.5L/100km Urban and 9.5 L/100km Highway would be more relevant than the ADR 81/02 testing method, which is very complex and involves all sorts of weird speeds for certain durations. In short, the Aussie way of testing is deeply confusing. Expect the confusion to continue...

19/12/2008

Your article on the new BMW Z4 questions "hot stuff or stuffed up?". Hot stuff, without a doubt. The body design is contemporary and fits in with BMW's evolving design plan. And I don't mind the 17-inch wheels. I own a brand new BMW X5 and I can see a few areas of the X5 being copied on the Z4, but in a much sportier package. If I didn't have to cater to the family (or my shares weren't imploding) I'd probably consider buying one.

- M.J.

19/12/2008

Re: VZ SS road test. You are right in saying that us Brits have long been lacking the pleasures of large capacity V8 power motors, but only because they tax fuel through the roof here, and now, in Britain at least, every motor built since 2002 has it's annual road tax rate set by fuel consumption/exhaust emissions levels. A VZ SS Commodore would cost $900 (aus) in road tax every year now. Plus we currently pay (Dec 2008) around A$2.10/litre for petrol. You don't know how good you've got it down there.

- Nick Liggitt (UK)

19/12/2008

Liked your review of Honda Civic Hybrid.

It is a car that is more suited to out of town driving where I am obtaining figures of around 5.2L per 100 km. Around town even with careful driving around 6.4 per 100 km.

It's a stylish comfortable car with better handling and more engaging to drive than the Toyota Prius, even though the Prius is king in terms of fuel consumption.

- Tim Burkhill (NZ)

19/12/2008

I have a Nissan Pathfinder turbo diesel and it doesn't get any where near the 10.1L/100 that all of the motoring journos say they got when testing it. There is something wrong with the way you test your fuel consumption and when you refill the tank after 100km you only put 10.1 ltrs back in it to save either your embarrisment or possibly the amount of money you get paid to tell the truth.

I have never got any better than 14-15 ltrs per 100km in the last 30,000km and NISSAN tell me that is OK as that is what everyone else is getting. I suggest you re check your figures. Nissan are so embarrassed about that they won't even reply to the Dept of Fair Trading. 

Tell me what you think.

- A. Abrahams

Editor's Note: I'll tell you what I think. The official Australian method of rating fuel consumption, the ADR 81/02 testing method, is far from ideal and should be overhauled with something simpler. Simply put, the claim of 10.1L/100km is government tested and approved, it's just that the test is so impossibly complex that few people understand it. Most of the ADR 81/02 fuel consumption testing is done on the open road at odd speeds (like 80km/h not 100km/h), so the numbers quoted on the label inside your windscreen, or in a car review, will be optimistic. If you rarely drive on the freeway or get into top gear, you'll probably never reach the standardised Australian fuel consumption figure.

19/12/2008

Spot on - the Zenvo ST1 is the new Bugatti Veyron. It looks way better and has replaced the VW-owned vehicle as my wallpaper.

- M. Goodes.

4/12/2008

All the pessimism surrounding the car industry, companies losing billions, factories shutting down - I agree with Margaret who says that it's a good thing the big players are having to downsize. 

I do feel for the employees and their families who are losing their jobs, that's terrible, but in the long run I think it will force car makers to be more efficient and to see that a vast majority of drivers want cars that don't rely on foreign oil. The sooner there's an electric car in Australia the better.

Keep up the good work Wombats.

- Russell K.

4/12/2008

RE: your Peugeot 308 review and John Law's response (Nov 28) to your complaint that the wiper stalk position is "European", I agree with you 100% and see no need for you to apologise to Mr Law. In earlier, less cost-driven times the leading Euro brands (e.g Benz) adapted to OZ conditions and put them on the correct side. 

It is actually a safety and convenience matter - so that you can operate gears with one hand and indicators/wipers with the other whilst keeping the right hand on the wheel. That's why Euro cars in Europe all have them on the left -  to meet the needs of left hand drive!

- J.T.

Editor's Note: Well said J.T. You make a valid point.

4/12/2008

Very good article on the FG GT-P vs the GTS. In the engine box you stated that the Ford 5.4 Litre engine had variable valve timing. Was that a misprint?

- Jase

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter Jase, and yes it was an error. The Boss 290 has fixed valve timing.

4/12/2008

The Ford Ranger Max Concept looks awesome. Ford should built it - it would sell a lot higher than the TuRD HiLux. I would buy two, but not in that colour. Black with dark tints thanks.

- Matty

4/12/2008

I have just purchased a new Lancer ES auto, and yes there is some road noise emanating from the tyres. The dealer put sound deadening on at no charge to me, but this has not improved the noise a great deal. Can you recommend anything else that can be done to improve the ride? 

Regards,

- Dave

Editor's Note: It's a tyre issue. The standard tyres create a bit of roar on certain surfaces. If it's really giving you the irrits, I'd suggest speaking to a specialist tyre outlet and explaining the problem to them and they should be able to suggest an alternative tyre with different acoustic properties.

4/12/2008

Unless Holden and Ford develop a hybrid version of their large cars, they're going to be doomed along with their American bosses in Detroit who have seen sales almost halve in the USA. Let's see some leadership from our local car makers, who have some of the best engineering talent in the world working for them. Just had to vent - I feel better now =)

- S. Williams

Editor's Note: I think your sentiments echo what a lot of people are feeling at the moment. Unfortunately the product cycle of car makers works about five years in advance, so even if Holden started work on a hybrid Commodore today, we wouldn't see it until at least 2014. That said, the company has been working with hybrid powertrains for a few years now, so stay tuned for news on that front.

28/11/2008

I can see General Motors killing Pontiac and Saab, which have been under performing for years. 

Saab builds lame-duck front-wheel drive cars in a luxury market that wants rear-wheel drive. Pontiac sells rebadged Commodores which the Yanks seem to like, but it's too little too late. They both deserve to crash and burn. I hope GM's executives go to prison for all the job losses they've caused from mismanagement and good old fashioned corporate greed.

- Robert

28/11/2008

Sorry, you're wrong. Porsche's new car is a sensation and calling it ugly is only to the detriment of your publication. People who own Porsche's know style and clearly you don't own a Porsche.

- J. Franklin

Editor's Note: You think we're wrong for calling the Porsche Panamera a poorly designed car. Fair enough, each to their own. I still think the rear end design stinks to high hell, but given a week to sink in the stench is becoming more bearable. Your comment "people who own Porsche's know style" sounds more like "I'm super rich and arrogant and I always get my own way". You're a donkey.

28/11/2008

Ford Focus XR5: your review has 6-speed automatic on the list!! I nearly had a heart attack, 6-speed from the Falcon or DSG?? Sadly not. Oh,well.

- Patrick Pong

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Patrick, and that is what we call a misprint or bollocks-ing. Thanks for the heads up, and apologies for giving you such a fright. The change has been made: try refreshing the page. As a side note however, Ford does have a new double-clutch transmission for the upcoming Focus. Not sure if it's available with the 2.5-litre turbo models though...

28/11/2008

Hi there. I just acquired an Audi TT 2.0 front wheel drive with s-tronic and magnetic ride equipped. It is a white ibis one, stone grey interiors. I have been driving this with care for a couple of weeks and I really love it. In Mexico where I live, the quattro traction is only provided with the 3.2 engine. I didn't want the 3.2-litre V6 because I considered that the 2.0-litre turbo is more efficient and almost as quick as 3.2 but cheaper and less thirsty. Am I loosing much performance without the quattro traction system?

Thanks,

- J. Salmon (Mexico)

Editor's Note: Yes and no. The 3.2-litre V6 with quattro all-wheel drive has more traction from standstill (it doesn't spin the wheels) and feels a tad more secure when cornering. But it's not leaps and bounds ahead of its little brother. Performance wise, I think you made the right choice. If you chip the 2.0-litre TT, it'll be quicker than the V6 for a small outlay of cash.

28/11/2008

Road Test: Peugeot 308. Very thorough coverage, but why comment on the indicator stalks position being "European"? I have noted other motoring writers do so too when commenting on European cars, suggesting that it is a disadvantage. 

What would you expect if the car was European? One might as well make the same statement about the "non-European" arrangement!

Regards,

- John Law

Editor's Note: We just like to complain. I will admit that if you owned this vehicle it wouldn't be a problem as you'd be used to it before too long, but when you hop out of a Falcon and into a Pug you're constantly using the wipers when you want to turn at an intersection. I do see you're point however, and I will endeavor to avoid complaining about it in future.

28/11/2008

The new Mazda3 is hot hot hot! I want one!! I hope they come with sports seats and body kit though. The standard models always look plain.

- Becky

Editor's Note: Thanks for the feedback, and I think there will be sports seats, but most likely only on the super-hardcore MPS versions and possibly on the performance SP25 models. As for body kits, the accessories range for the Mazda3 will be extensive allowing you to reconfigure the car when arrives here in 2009.

28/11/2008

2008 Lancer ES review: I loved the detail of your review and just have a question about the tyre noise. In the review's conclusion you wrote "But now that we've driven it we can confirm that it feels good. It's a refined car to drive and barring some tyre noise - which should be easily remedied - there's very little for me to complain about."

In what way could one remedy the tyre noise? Is it by using different tyres on the car or is that something Mitsubishi is addressing?

Thanks,

- Beverley

Editor's Note: The tyre noise (and general noise) issue found in the Lancer has been remedied by Mitsubishi in the 2009 models with improved sound deadening materials in the cabin, but if you have the 2008 model Lancer changing tyres could help. It's a fairly minor issue though, and if you're having a conversation or listening to the radio it's not as prevalent.

28/11/2008

I've been reading with interest you're coverage on how the world wide financial crisis is affecting car makers. I think it's a positive thing that many companies are cutting back expansion plans because it will force a real shake up of the industry. No longer will car makers be able to keep building dull, inefficient cars. 

Everyone from Saab to Honda and even Holden know that electric cars and hybrids are going be the big sellers in the next decade, and anything that increases research and development in these areas is only going to be a good thing for our planet, our health and for the future of our grandchildren. Keep it up Web Wombat.

Cheers,

- Margaret

28/11/2008

Hi,

I would like to comment on Holden dealerships in Southern NSW & VIC. While I'm sure there are good ones, I haven't found them yet. I am just about to put a Jackaroo in my back paddock. It has been refused repairs three times at dealerships. With five sets of injectors fitted in 18 months I've had enough. 

It has been returned to me after factory trained staff serviced it with the wrong engine oil once (they will not start cold with thick oil). Three times with the air cleaner air duct not connected to the impeller. Last time with a fan belt, well let's say I'm no fan of that belt anymore (cracked head) or Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Wangaratta, Rutherglen.

And a big thanks to Holden for leaving me and my family stranded at Forbes following with two horses on a float.

- Colin Lowe

28/11/2008

So I've had a good look at the Porsche Panamera pictures. I think the editor and you're writers are a bit harsh on the looks. I own a Cayenne but I'm thinking of getting one of these vehicles when they come to Australia. You may think the rear looks 'mutated' but I think it works. The more I see it, the more I like that it's different.

- Peter M.

27/11/2008

My 2007 VW Golf with 2lt FSI engine has an annoying ' pulsating induction' noise that  my dealer and VW maintain is normal - I have driven other similar cars without this noise. What can i do about it?

- Bazza

Editor's Note: You could write a strongly worded letter to Volkswagen about your concerns, or you could just sell it or trade it in. In these situations you'll could wind up driving yourself insane with service after service and no real results.

27/11/2008

After having owned 21 cars in my long lifetime, I traded our 2002 Honda Civic Hatch on a Nissan Micra on early in the year. My wife and I have been thoroughly happy with every aspect of driving this little car and think media motor writers who knock it in any way are doing so because they prefer the boom of the six/eight cylinder petrol guzzling monsters. 

However, some comments were absolutely true.

- Ron

27/11/2008

I read the article on the E-Go Revolt, the Russian Revolution. It has the dumbest name in history, but overall it's a good looking car. If it was well priced and properly crash tested, I'd contemplate getting rid of my imported Corvette and importing one of these mean machines. Good article, enjoying the less mainstream stories.

- Simon

24/10/2008

Your reviewers of the new Lancer were kind when they said it had "a bit of tyre noise". It is by far the noisiest road car I have ever been in. Is there any soundproofing? I thought the Mazda 3 was bad, but the two Lancers I have experienced have both been much worse.

This seems a common trend, made worse by big wheels and low profile tyres. Unless reviewers emphasise this we seem destined to have noisy cars.

- D.C.

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email, and the issue you raised is a common one with the Lancer. So much so that Mitsubishi has released the 2009 model Lancer which benefits from "improved sound insulation".

24/10/2008

Have you received any complaints from 2004 Ford Territory owners regarding ruptured brake hoses? I experienced brake failure for the second time yesterday and nearly hit a concrete wall. 

I have since found seven other Territory 2004 owners who have had the same problem. One has had 3 brake failures.

- Steph. W

24/10/2008

I admire and respect your automotive critics! Keep up the good work!

- Themistocles (Athens, Greece)

24/10/2008

Very disappointed that the new Forester still has a hopelessly inefficient 4-speed auto. The fact that the auto's times for the XT are so much slower than the manual are proof of that. I would have thought Subaru would be using electronic 6 or 7 speed DSG-style automated manuals by now. It would help save a lot of fuel.

At least VW, Audi (and soon Mitsubishi and Ford) have made the effort.

Subaru on the other hand don't seem to get their heads around this at all, with some truly dreadful autos with useless features.

- Klaza

24/10/2008

A diesel mech told me the new Nissan Patrol "common rail technology" turbo diesel has a life span of only 100,000km. 

Is this true?

- Alex

Editor's Note: No, that's not true. Diesel's will last a lot longer than that if you run them in properly and take care of them. I reckon your diesel mechanic was having a lend...

24/10/2008

Hey guys, just wondering when you'll get your hands on a new FPV F6, because I really cant wait for your review.

Cheers and keep up the good work!

- N.W.E

Editor's Note: We're looking at testing the F6 before the year is out, so hopefully we'll have a full road test published soon.

24/10/2008

I have an '04 Ti X-Trail, which by the way is a great car. I notice that things that were standard on my '04 model are not standard any more. The air spoiler on the back looks great, it finishes the style line of the car off. I know that the car will not reach the speeds required for the aero foil to be of any use but it looks good. 

I noticed that on the new X-Trail the rear spoiler is an optional purchase. As a grumpy old man it only takes the little things in this world to tick me off,things like the grab for extra cash for the spoiler. 

- Badger

3/10/2008

Quick question: will Lamborghini build the new Estoque sports car? If it's packed with a V8 or a diesel (anything other than a V10 or a V12) I'm assuming it'll be a lot cheaper than the Gallardo and the Murcielago. I think the wife would like it too.

- Frank

Editor's Note: At this stage Lamborghini is calling it a concept car. The Italian company will probably wait for the sales figures of cars like the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide before it even considers green lighting the Estoque for production. But if it turns out that there's a market for exotic 4-door super saloons, the Estoque could become a reality.

3/10/2008

Had a gander at the new Lamborghini [Estoque] super sedan and I'd like to offer my opinion: shit house. It's a dud. Compare it to the Gallardo side by side and look at the design - it's horrible. It looks nothing like a Lambo should. Ferrari will be grinning with glee.

- M. Anderson

3/10/2008

Hi,

I'm in the process of buying an R50 but am having doubts about the wheels and whether I can get an off-road set that'll fit over the discs and calipers. I'm not going to do serious bush bashing and like most people most of the driving will be around town, but occasionally I'd like to take the camper trailer and go bush or on the beach. Like you rightly say the OEM wheels are not suited to this. 

Could you please advise on whether there is steel/alloy rims 17/18 that I can fit AT tyres to that'll fit on the R50? The dealer doesn't think so but I don't want to give up just yet.

Thanks,

- Paul D.

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Paul. I think 17 or 18-inch rims would be a stretch without changing the brake rotors, but it could be worth asking either the dealer (or a tyre/wheel shop) about fitting fatter tyres with higher profiles to either the existing 21-inch rims, or perhaps slightly smaller 19 or 20-inch wheels. I've seen Range Rovers with 20-inch wheels fitted with fairly decent all-terrain tyres with hefty side walls, so it's not an impossible task. But it could be costly...

3/10/2008

Hi guys.

I'm currently driving an MYO5 Subaru Liberty GT manual and plan to sell or trade in and purchase either the BMW 135i coupe or the Audi S3. I've had so much fun driving the Liberty and enjoyed its AWD grip and as result seem to be leaning towards the S3. 

All the write-ups however rave on about the BMW 135i coupe. Your thoughts please as to which would be a better choice. 

Regards,

- Amar

Editor's Note: You're not making it easy Amar! In terms of driving enjoyment you'd probably find more reward in the BMW 135i coupe, but you mentioned how much you like AWD grip. The Audi S3 is one of the best AWD hatches we've driven, but even so I'm leaning towards the 135i. Take both for a test drive, but I think the Beemer is probably more fun.

3/10/2008

Honda Civic Type R, excellent review. Accurate. I took one for a test drive yesterday. I searched the web for suitable colours and price. I bought one today. Awesome! 

It makes driving exciting and one finds oneself thinking of reasons to nip out. Reminds me of my first drive in my Mk1 MR2.

- Kevin K.

3/10/2008

Hi guys. 

Just wanted to know if I can upgrade the high beam globes on my Mitsubishi Grandis MY08? Nobody seems to know.

- Andrew Segelov

Editor's Note: I would have thought it would be do-able. Ultimately, anything can be done to your car if you've got the money and the time.

4/9/2008

Hi guys, a nice write up on GTS vs GT-P but surely not including the F6 was a glaring omission? It's not a V8 but it at least has performance parity and probably betters both cars in that regard.

Just my 2c. 

Thanks,

- Dave

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter Dave. Fair point, and I agree that Ford's 6-cylinder turbo is indeed one the current generations most potent muscle cars. By all accounts it could have demolished both cars in the straight line sprint and probably in terms of handling too, but at the same token we wanted an undiluted V8 comparo. Rest assured we'll investigate the new F6 in due course.

4/9/2008

Holden's new 99c fuel scheme is a natural reaction to the current new car climate in Australia. Sales are dropping fast, the pieces of the pie are getting smaller, so car makers have to do everything they can to keep their market share. Watch the rest of this year - you'll probably see Ford and maybe a few other car companies announce similar incentives.

- Robert P.

3/9/2008

Most people who read car websites and magazines and take an interest in the industry know that the Australian car market is slumping badly in the last couple of months and Holden's new special offer of cheap petrol for two years is one way to get people buying cars like the Commodore, cars that use a lot of fuel. 

I read on one website it's the same as buying a hybrid with this deal, but I fail to see that logic as you're still emitting the same amount of CO2 into the sky - just paying less for it. Last time I checked the government was trying to reduce greenhouse gasses, so wouldn't an increase in fuel prices make sense?

I'm personally not interested by the offer but in response to the author's question, I think that the offer is a bit of both [good deal for new car buyers & a lure to get people to buy Holden models].

- Brian

3/9/2008

Well, I think Holden has got my business with this 99c fuel cap dealio thing. Like lots of car buyers, I don't really care what model or brand I drive, so long as it goes from A to B and doesn't break down or leak. Sold! 

Quick question: I'm narrowing it down to Epica or Astra - would you recommend the diesel or petrol models?

- Brian

Editor's Note: Diesels for sure. In the Epica especially it's a much better unit than the 2.5 petrol, as the turbo diesel pump can actually accelerate up hills.

3/9/2008

Thanks for the review on the new XR6, very interesting.

I have a question about fuel consumption: Ford claim 11.7 but in your opinion is this realistic? (not that I should be worried about this when considering a big turbo.) Right now I drive a Ford Territory which in my opinion is the "alcoholic" of cars... Crazy fuel consumption and I have grown to hate the Territory. 

Anyhow, your opinion on the fuel consumption of the XR6 would be good to hear.

Many thanks,

- David McCardle

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter David. I'd say that this figure is achievable, but realistic? It depends on what sort of driving you do. If you're driving the XR6 Turbo to work on a daily basis in stop-start traffic and heading up to the hills for a blast every other weekend the chances of getting less than 12L/100km would be low. Almost nil. But if you do a lot of 100km/h cruising then you're average consumption could easily reach this level. It also depends on how you drive. If you pop in neutral going downhills, and use only very light throttle applications you can sometimes achieve decent fuel economy. Hope it helps.

3/9/2008

I have a 2005 Honda MDX and I have just returned from a trip to Foster via Lakes Way and I found that I have one of the best made cars ever. I have a mate with BMW which cost 30 grand more and it doesn't come close, I have another who has a Pajero and it feels like a truck to ride in. If the MDX had a BMW badge it would cost over $100,000. 

My last car was a 5.7-litre Calais and the MDX matched it for overtaking and comfort. It is a pity that Honda wont bring the new MDX to Australia. Just ask anyone who has one and I am sure that they all agree

- Tony

3/9/2008

I'm looking at buying a new mid-sized car in the next 12 months, and after reading about the diesel-powered Holden Epica (and seeing the price!) I'm very interested. Thanks for the review, and I'll be testing one soon!

- Craig L.

26/8/2008

Nice work on the Honda Accord V6 review. I'm thinking of buying one because I want decent power for long freeway drives, but also good efficiency (I do a lot of long distance interstate driving). I was also considering a number of turbo diesel cars, such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat, but the Accord is bigger and better looking. The question now is leather or cloth?

- Brian

Editor's Note: Cloth all the way. Leather is overrated. Unless you buy a prestige European car the leather quality is usually poor. And in the Aussie summer leather seats get really hot in the sun and can burn your skin. Cloth never does that.

26/8/2008

Good afternoon. When are you planning to review the new Subaru Forester manual '09, 2.5L non-turbo? I'm interested in the Forester X which seems to have everything I need.

Regards,

- Richard Buckingham

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter Richard, and we published the Subaru Forester X manual review last week. It scored 4 out of 5 and is one of the premier compact 4WDs in the segment, and is a fairly good off-roader as well, which can't always be said about these sorts of cars.

26/8/2008

I have a new 2008 BMW X5 and want to know what the front quarter panels are made of. Are they plastic?

Thanks,

- A.B.

Editor's Note: We had to ask BMW this question, and response was: "Front quarter panels on the X5 (like 3 Series Coupe) are thermoplastic. Benefits include: weight reduction (better fuel consumption) and weight optimisation (50/50 weight balance) for better handling."

26/8/2008

Shock news - Ford Boss quits after six months! Yeah well, I've held down jobs for less time than that... But you have to wonder about the timing. It sounds like Bill Osborne wanted to damage the reputation of the company, otherwise he would have waited a few more months. What's a few months for an industry big wig on a huge six figure salary? Perhaps he was treated like a peon by the Blue Ovals big chief, Alan Mulally, and wanted revenge? Whatever the case, the timing stinks. Something's not right here...

- Gonzo

19/8/2008

Great review of the Tiguan, great vehicle, too bad Volkswagen are not being entirely honest with potential purchasers and the media - try a 12 month wait for delivery!

Add to that a lack of fleet discount or concession on pricing etc and you have one of the most over rated vehicles to nearly be released. It is unfortunate that actual delivery times are not incorporated into new car reviews - perhaps then manufacturers would be a little more accurate in making announcements such as "the wait is over"?

- Andrew

19/8/2008

Poland's first supercar? This Veno thing is a complete knock-off! I can understand how the Chinese can get away with stealing car designs as their legal system isn't favourable to outside corporations, but isn't Poland part of the European union? This would make them a prime target for being sued by Lamborghini. It's clearly based on the Murcielago LP640 and sure it actually looks pretty good, but you can't go around knocking off designs. It's just not cricket.

Cheers,

- Basso

19/8/2008

Having just read your highly rated review on the new Vectra, I would like to find out whether Holden/Opel has drastically improved the cooling system in the V6 model and placed it outside the engine in the new model? I own a 2003 model V6 and after only 62,000km the heat transfer unit inside the cooling system which is in the engine, failed and leaked masses of oil into the coolant/water system. 

Not a pretty sight! 

The whole engine had to be dismantled and the water system flushed for days! This at a cost of $2500 for which Holden would take no responsibility whatsoever. I also know of 2 other V6 Vectras with the same problem. I used to love my Vectra but now am very sceptical, especially when it all happened 300kms from home!   

- R. Black

Editor's Note: The new Vectra, now called Insignia, isn't slated for sale in Australia I'm afraid. The V6 engine that drives the new Insignia is a smaller but more powerful 2.8-litre block. It is not yet clear where the cooling systems are located.

19/8/2008

Why don't you guys try the 2ltr TDI 170 VW Passat and really be impressed. I own one: 50+ mph + performance that will embarrass most 3ltr petrol cars? Comments? 

Regards, 

- Sandy (Passat Owner. UK)

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter Sandy. We tested the 125kW (170hp) diesel Passat early in 2008, and were very impressed with performance and efficiency. It scored four out of five wombats.

12/8/2008

Hi. Not sure if this is old news but I received a letter from a Nissan Platinum Dealer today with news on the R35 GT-R. 

There'll be 220 cars in the first 12 months. Nothing about price, but only Metro Platinum dealers are getting them, which sucks because I live in Canberra. 

Don't know what Nissan are thinking: Canberra has the highest per capita disposable income, lots of people with lots of money here to buy toys. I am seriously considering cancelling my order, because I will not drive the car to Sydney to be serviced :(

Cheers,

- R.B.

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter, and you make a valid point on the Nissan Platinum dealerships. There's a chance exceptions may be made to one or two non-Platinum dealerships, but by the sounds Nissan Australia has made a firm decision. We were of the impression that a lot more than 220 cars would be imported in 2009, which will ensure strong demand. The estimated time of arrival for the GT-R in Australia in the first quarter next year (March 2008 is the hot tip) and though Nissan won't give us official figures the price is expected to be around $150,000.

12/8/2008

I am seriously  considering purchasing a T'diesel VRX Pajero auto. Primarily for towing our caravan, this will be the first new vehicle for me in 30 years & probably my last large one: I've had a Troopy for quite some time.

Given all this I'm agonizing over value for money as I want a vehicle with plenty of torque, our c'van is approx. 2200kg loaded. 

I'm concerned this may be a bit light on torque. 

What are your thought's on installing a DPCHIP which is claimed to increase the torque by 63Nm at a cost of approx $1800. What do you reckon?

Regards, 

- John (Tweed Heads)

Editor's Note: Hello John. The Pajero VRX turbo diesel DiD models are rated to tow up to 2500kg braked, and 750kg unbraked. The 3.2-litre diesel engine cranks out 358Nm @ 2000rpm, which should be enough for what you want and the 5-speed auto should be up to the job. As for the DP Chip, I honestly haven't heard much about them. The idea is simple enough, just remapping the ECU and changing the fuel injection mapping (fuel volume and fuel timing) to increase torque output, but as to how effective they really are, I can't comment unfortunately.

12/8/2008

Could you please provide details regarding the large blind spot that was noted with your review of the Honda CRV? Additionally we noticed that it was considered a negative in reference to its automatic AWD engagement. 

We are looking at this vehicle for comfortable touring across eastern Australia including occasional road conditions in icy areas.

- Vicki B.

Editor's Note: The blind spot issue with the CR-V isn't terminal, but the design of the rear side windows is such that there's a big chunk of your rearward vision obscured. Also, the automatic AWD engagement system is reactive as opposed to proactive: it only kicks in when it detects the front wheels slipping. This is a more fuel efficient system than, say, Subaru's full-time AWD, but doesn't offer as much peace of mind. For your needs in the Eastern states however I think the Honda CR-V could be a good fit. Take one for a test drive and see what you think (and ignore what the salespeople say - they work on commissions and will tell you what you want to hear).

11/8/2008

I read that the 2008 Ford Falcon is the safest car ever built in Australia. That's great news. But is there an electronic system that stops idiots from driving them?

- Keith

11/8/2008

Does the new Golf look pretty similar to the last one? Everyone talks about the dynamic this, and the new attitude that, but to me it doesn't look that different. If it's a good car I'll probably trade in my Mazda3, but I don't really care what it looks like.

- L. Beauchamp

7/8/2008

RE: The new VW Golf. Love it. Looks sensational. I want one. No, scrap that, I want two of them. 2009 can't come soon enough!! Any idea when in 2009 the new Volkswagen Golf will come to Australia?

- Wally

Editor's Note: Your comments seem to be indicative of many readers; reception to the new Golf has been overwhelmingly positive. As for the release date, Volkswagen Australia itself doesn't know yet, but it's likely to be later in 2009 rather than earlier because demand will be strong in Europe, which will initially put pressure on supply.

7/8/2008

I've had a good look at the new VW Golf (nice article by the way) and I reckon the new design is okay. It looks more like a Volvo and reminds me of some Swedish design or something. I liked this bit from the story: Volkswagen sought to "crystallize out the “essential DNA” of the model series and send it on a trip to the future". 

Crystallizing and trips? Something tells me the Volkswagen designers are party animals.

- Peter L.

7/8/2008

I was slightly disappointed with your article on the FuelStar device. It seemed more of an advertising plug than a legitimate test of a product whose claims could potentially be exaggerated.

Motorists are struggling badly enough at the bowser without having to waste additional money on this week's 'guaranteed-to-work' fuel saving device. 

I hope to see a more thorough review in the future.

- Hugo

Editor's Note: It wasn't an advertising plug, but I can see where you're coming from. We have a fairly busy schedule, but I'll do my best to make sure the news staffer does more research before he publishes news stories such as this.

7/8/2008

Just wondering when you are going to test drive a Volkswagen Passat R36? I currently have a current model Subaru Liberty GT Spec B turbo 6-speed manual. It is my second one and l think it's a great car. I have for sometime been looking at the BMW 335i and Audi S4 Quattro's but couldn't bring myself to the price tag. The lower grade models of these brands then went backwards in performance and handling to that of the Subaru so they just didn't interest me.

Now after a short test drive of the R36 I think there is nothing around that is better value for money. I think the sedan looks pretty average but the wagon with a set of aftermarket 20" rims would look sensational. Before placing my order it would be great to see what you guys thought of it. Are you going to test drive it shortly?

Regards,

- Damian

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Damien, and yes we will be testing the new Passat R36, but unfortunately not until later in 2008.

7/8/2008

Hey fellas. Liked the review and was just wondering, as I have to compromise with the wife and petrol prices, would the V6 Suzuki Grand Vitara be up to pulling a boat? Not sure of the weight but it's 4.3m long with a 40hp outboard just as a guide. I think it would do alright, but I'm no expert it seems like a capable 4WD.

Or would you still think it a bit light for boat ramps? I love getting off the tarmac but I am no serious off roader but would like to have something that is not completely soft like a lot of the other similar AWD vehicles on the market.

Love to here your thoughts.

Thanks,

- Jamie

Editor's Note: If it's just a tinnie or a fairly light vessel, the V6 Suzuki should probably just have enough torque (250Nm) to tow it. It has an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg and if your trailer has brakes that rises to 1850kg. Hope it helps.

7/8/2008

Hello Web Wombats. Your review on the 2007 Astra SRi Turbo indicates the Ecotec 2-litre engine has VVT. Are you sure about this?

- Sam

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Sam, and you're correct, this engine does not have variable valve timing and the error has been fixed.

28/7/2008

RE: Wald C-Class Benz Black Bison. I noticed how the lead-in said the new Japanese tuner's latest creation has been labelled "auto vadalism". What cobblers! I reckon it looks good, and though that rear wing is a bit big, there is a place for Japanese style on German prestige cars. If I was richer, I'd buy two of them!

- Andre

24/7/2008

Nice work on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution review, but it's disappointing to see that it's heavier than before and how the cars no longer get numbered. I thought Evolution X looked kind of cool, and I liked the Evo VI, VII naming convention. Anyway, great write-up as usual - I'm definitely getting an MR version now.

- Sam

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Sam. Yeah, the Lancer Evo is a bit heavier, but the option of the 6-speed twin clutch SST and increased engine torque means it's just as quick off the line. As for the naming convention, I kind of agree with you there. Mitsubishi's brand managers said the reason behind removing the number at the end of the name was to avoid looking silly when it came to the 19th version of the Evolution.

24/7/2008

Comments on Holden VE Sportwagon: I just wanted a base Calais V8 as that is just about what I can afford. Alas, unlike the sedan you can't get the V8 in the base Calais, only in the Calais V. An SS then?

Unlike the Calais' excellent clear instruments, the SS instruments are too small, fussy and illegible, especially in that dated red backlight. Why not blue? That is much cooler and might even be readable. 

So Holden have optioned me out... Guess I'll have to look at the XR6 Turbo.

- Klaza

24/7/2008

I've just seen my new favourite car - the Lotus Evora. Odd name, but that car is ultra sexy. Seeing as it's powered by a Toyota V6, do you think a pair of turbochargers could be added?

- D. Myers

Editor's Note: If you had the cash and inclination, you could engineer a twin turbo setup on literally anything - even a Fiat 500. Not sure if the Evora would need it, but a twin turbo modification wouldn't be too difficult for most turbo specialists.

24/7/2008

I drove about 6,000km in one of the Astra manual diesels in the UK. We got 5.9 litres per 100km average. On the Irish back roads and the Scottish west coast, we rarely got above 4th gear, but the 1700rpm at 70mph in 6th on the English motorways was impressive. The rear wiper had me tossed for a while too.

Overall, a very nice vehicle.

- David Tanner

24/7/2008

Great job on the VE Sportwagon review, I really enjoyed the read and great pics!

Thanks to all the people at Web Wombat, you have a great website.

- Lachlan

Editor's Note: Thanks Lachlan - appreciate the kind words.

24/7/2008

RE: Skoda Octavia Review, by Feann Torr - 1/Apr/2008. Nice review, but have to correct you about the 1.8TFSI.

You said "The engine is just sensational and is the first application of VW's new 1.8 TSI in Australia."

I bought an Audi A3 Sportback with this engine, October last year (2007). You're right though, it's a fantastic donk.

- P.K.

Editor's Note: Are you sure P.K? Because Audi's first car to make use of this 1.8-litre turbocharged 'TSI' engine was in the new 2008 model A4 which first arrived here in May 2008.

24/7/2008

I recently purchased a Toyota Kluger KX-R AWD (from new last November) it has done approx. 7,000Km and recently in the last 1,500Km regularly blows petrol smoke for approximately 10-15 seconds after first start each day. I have also noticed that this has started to occur when I've gone into the shops for a newspaper and got back into the vehicle (short trips to and from home).

The smell is a very heavy petrol smell when it is smoking. The problem does not persist once the vehicle is warm or under moderate acceleration. 

I am going to book it in for its 6 monthly service this Thursday. However, would appreciate somebody else's opinions as to what I should ask of Toyota. I don't believe this is a major issue although I don't believe that it is a problem that I should put up with either.

Comments please? 

- J. Hockings

Editor's Note: It sounds like the engine is burning oil, but with less than 10,000km on the clock this would be odd. Let us know how you go with th service and what the Toyota people say.

24/7/2008

Your reviews are usually right on the mark. Congratulations on a good site.

The Nissan 350Z is now available in red and it improves the appearance and gives the car a more integrated look in my opinion. The large tail-light assembly visually clashes with the other body colours (IMHO). I have also definitely established that the red car is 0.19 km/h faster.

- Dr. Bob

PS. Saw the Bugatti Veyron. I was amused to see the logo EB looks very much like the label for 3B cream (Breasts, Buttocks, Between the Legs). Maybe it gets sweaty in various places at 407 km/h?

Editor's Note: Dr. Bob, red doesn't go faster.

24/7/2008

I want to have a bitch about the latest [Land Rover] Disco I bought and the way it was handled by Land Rover Australia:

Bought a new 2003, 5-cyl turbo diesel auto in 2005 (last one in showroom) owned it less than 3 years. Did 40,000km in that time.

- alarm kept going off
- would not start or lock
- needed new gearbox
- dropped a cylinder
- roof leaked
- back door wouldn't open (problem with cargo barrier in place)
- major oil leak

I live in broken hill and shortly after purchase of Disco the agency closed. Had it trucked under warranty 13 times to Adelaide. In under 3 years the Disco must have spent 6 months in the workshop. 

I requested an extended warranty as i thought that was the least i should be offered. SAID NO. Requested another car same make model with low km. SAID NO. Requested they keep the car return my money. SAID NO. Requested special trade in on new Disco. SAID NO. They offered me extra 12 month on roadside assist and 2 free services - but I pay for the consumables.

Before the warranty expired, traded it in on Triton. I still have sleepless nights thinking of that car and the way a major world company can treat a loyal customer in that fashion (forgot to mention it was my 3rd Discovery). Hope this helps to get some of my anger and disappointment out of my system.

Cheers,

- John (Broken Hill)

Editor's Note: That's the one thing our road tests rarely get to evaluate - the quality of the car dealer and servicing. Sounds like you got a raw deal and they offloaded a lemon on you.

24/7/2008

Can anyone tell me how come since the rebate was introduced for the LPG conversion that all the prices have skyrocketed? It seems that the government rebate is just a waste of time. Last time I had a conversion done it was only about $1600. Now the price has more than tripled. What a ripoff, everywhere we go now we just get taken for a ride. 

- Jigi

24/7/2008

Yes fuel is getting expensive but there are independent petrol stations that are not hiking up their prices. Wednesday morning there is a petrol in Lidcombe that today is at 1.569 for unleaded and 1.539 for e10 unleaded so what you have to do is support the little guys out there that care about their clients not like the big petrol stations. If you live around the Lidcombe area the petrol station is Budget Petrol Lidcombe there in Kerrs rd.

Support the little people and the big petrol station will have to bring there prices down.

- Jen Gatito

24/7/2008

Hi guys, I want to convert my car to dual control car (i.e. second brake pedal) to be able to give driver lessons. Just wondering if you can help me or point me in the right direction of who would do this and the cost involved?

Thanks heaps,

- Fady

Editor's Note: Absolutely no idea. Anyone readers got know of anyone?

24/7/2008

Do all BF Falcons have a ZF gearbox? Are there any reviews of the dedicated LPG version?

Regards,

- Philip Lethlean

Editor's Note: The ZF 6-speed auto gearbox is not standard on all BF Falcons. As for reviews on the LPG, we haven't conducted any.

24/7/2008

Hey Motoring Channel Staff. When are u gonna test drive the FPV range?

Thanks,

- Kil.HSV

Editor's Note: We'll have an HSV GTS vs FPV GT-P review on the front page soon, so stay tuned. We haven't driven the new F6 yet, but we plan on thoroughly testing it.

24/7/2008

I am looking at buying a second-hand vehicle for towing a 15-16.6ft caravan part of the time. I understand a rear wheel drive car is preferable to front wheel drive, e.g. Commodore/Falcon versus Aurion/V6 Camry. Any comments on this?

Thanks,

- A. Bishop

Editor's Note: Front-wheel drives are less suited to towing heavy loads than rear-wheel drives because they place the point of acceleration at the very front of the train, the car's front wheels. Because the weight of the trailer is over the rear wheels it also means a rear-wheel drive vehicle is less likely to break traction.

1/7/2008

I've pored over the so-called leaked pix of the new Mazda3. If the production version looks anything like that concept car or whatever it is, the new 3 will make Mazda a lot of money. I will buy one. It looks like a cross between the Mazda2 and Mazda6, only with even more style. If it is legit, well done Mazda!

- Rosco

1/7/2008

Commenting on your pictures on of the new Mazda3, it's okay but there are already some handsome small cars you can buy today, not in two years. The new Ford Focus for one, the Astra Coupe for two, and the Toyota Corolla is not ugly and is also the best selling car in Australia. The Mazda3 will attract attention at first, but I think the devil will be in the details.

- Ben Hauer

1/7/2008

Did you actually time the 0 - 100 for the WRX STI or just quote Subaru's figures? I ask because you didn't make it clear and other reviewers have quoted different figures.

- Sydney P.

Editor's Note: The 0-100km/h times are Subaru's claimed figures.

27/6/2008

Interesting feature on the price of petrol. I'm keen on buying a 100 per cent electric vehicle but right now there aren't any options in Australia. I guess I'll have to wait until the new decade, but I think the first company to release one in Australia is going to make a lot of friends. A lot of people I talk to are of the same opinion that high petrol prices are here to stay, so I'm looking at ways I can reduce my reliance on Middle Eastern oil.

- Jackson M.

27/6/2008

An excellent review on the Holden Utes - I'm going through the same process with the new wagon.

- David Till

Editor's Note: Thanks for that David, and we'll be reviewing both V6 and V8 variants of the new Holden Sportwagon at the national media launch in July, so stay tuned for that one.

27/6/2008

I think your reveiw is crap the Captiva does have sencers and is more safer then a Ford Terratori because it has Anti-lock Braking System (ABS,Traction Control System (TCS,Brake Assist (BA),Electronic Stability Program (ESP ,Descent Control System (DCS) and Active Rollover Protection (ARP) and i can see fine because i own one.

- A. Master

Editor's Note: Were you drunk when you sent this email?

27/6/2008

The letter from Damien made a couple of good points about the state of traffic congestion in our country, but cars are not just going to disappear overnight. There are more cars on our roads so for time being we need more roads to cater for drivers. Car pooling is easier said than done, and when you have an almost 200km round trip cycling is not really an option.

- Brent

27/6/2008

I own a Holden Captiva LX diesel. It has done 22,000km, the fuel economy has improved since new but is still no where near what Holden claim. The best is 9.5 litres per 100km. Is the fuel economy likely to improve more?

- P. Corfield

Editor's Note: With 22,000 clicks on the clock I'd say you're probably not going to see too much more of an improvement in fuel efficiency. It should be noted that diesel engines take a lot longer than petrol engines to bed in and tend to reach their peak later in life.

19/6/2008

Greetings.

Read your article on the new EastLink tollway/highway in Victoria. My opinion: it may work at easing congestion on some roads, but the highway itself will be horrific at peak hour. I don't even live in Victoria, but I think making more roads that feed more traffic into city centres is not the answer to traffic problems. I believe that more trains should be built instead of roads - imagine what could have been built for $2.5 billion? There's less environmental damage too. And have we all forgotten about car pooling? Next time you drive to work, count how many cars there are with just the driver. It's appalling to see four empty seats per car.

Another idea would be to become like Holland and give cyclists priority with raised express bike paths. As we all know though, governments have vested interests with big business, so these things will never happen and we'll just have more roads, more cars, and more stress for drivers.

- Damien

19/6/2008

Hi! Could I request a feature to put the Road Tests in alphabetical order?

Thanks,

- J. Dutoit

P.S. How often is a new road test added?

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Mr Dutoit. First question, no. Second question, it varies. We'd like to say one review per week, but in reality it's more like once a fortnight.

17/6/2008

Hi Wombat motoring staff,

Thank you for some of the best reviews of the new Falcon range. I think Ford have really achieved a winner with the styling, particularly in looking at the evolution from AU to BA/BF to FG.

I was wondering, could you interview Steve Park, Simon Butterworth or Scott Strong regarding the styling evolution of the Aussie Falcon over the last 15 years? I would be fascinated to read their take on the development of AU, the pressures and success of BA, and then the development of FG. It (FG) is a very mature design and I would love to know how it evolved in their minds during the last decade.

And, could you ask them to make an XR6 wagon?

Cheers,

- John

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email John and though I don't want to make a promise I cannot keep, we will talk to Ford Australia about trying to tee up an interview with Scott Strong, the FG's chief designer. As for the XR6 wagon, I'll ask about it but I'm not sure that my industry 'pull' will be enough. Still, you never know your luck in the big city.

17/6/2008

To Kane: at least HSV can put good looking cars on the road and put a great V8 engine in, unlike Ford which tries pumping a turbo in an ugly car. As for the GT? It just sucks, the engine sucks and it looks ugly.

Compare FPV F6 with a FPV GT, F6 would win: compare a FPV GT with HSV GTS, and the HSV would win! To Code, very well said. While HSV gets technology all the time, Ford is still lagging around. They haven't even got ESP, just this dumb excuse called DSC.

FPV is a parody of HSV. HSV has been around Aus for 20 years, FPV is only around for 5 years and all they do is just tune up the engine of their Falcon: no real change. As for Holden, they are on top. Ford is skating on thin ice, which is only held up by their small amount of fans. I've researched FPV's sales for last year. HSV sales were 500+ a month, FPV barely got over 200 sales.

- Lachlan

17/6/2008

Hi. I was just wondering on your thoughts when comparing the Ford XR4, and a Mazda3. A Mazda3, 2005, SP23... Compared to a Ford Fiesta XR4 2007 model. It's my first car, and I am an 18 year old male.

Thanks,

- James

Editor's Note: For mine it would be the Fiesta XR4 all the way. If you're a big bloke, the Mazda3 SP23 will offer more room and will probably suit you better, but in terms of driving pleasure the XR4 is a lot more fun. Not to say the SP23 doesn't have any character, it's just not as rewarding when pushed to the limit.

17/6/2008

Nice review [Holden Astra SRi Turbo]. I could not stand the review at Autospeed by Julian Edgar about the Astra SRi Turbo on 6 February, 2007. His comment of 'For some people but not us' is stupid and implies some will love it but not brilliant motoring writers like him. 

Some of the things he said about the car were dumb. Your publication is a lot fairer and unbiased. 

His website publication is good for some but not me.

- S.R.

17/6/2008

Hi. Very nice review of the VW Eos. I have one myself and find that there is more flex in the vehicle than is perhaps acceptable with today's technology. It is one sweet car, however.Also, CSC stands for COUPE-SUNROOF-CONVERTIBLE. The ONLY sunroofed convertible on the market today!

- Roland P.

6/6/2008

Road report for Skoda Octavia / Roomster lists Road Noise as a Con. Does this apply to both models? I have the Octavia on my short list (along with VW Jetta) as possible replacement for my 10 year old Hyundai Sonata V6, itself very quiet. One thing I do like is a fairly quiet drive. Is one of these models (Octavia or Jetta) better than the other in this regard?

- M.G.M.

Editor's Note: The main reason for the Skoda Octavia's road noise during our first drive was the tyre choice. We later tested the 1.8-litre turbo Octavia and found it be much quieter on the road. It had different tyres to most of the cars we tested at the launch. Though it would be hard to say unless we had the cars side-by-side, I don't think there'd be too much difference between the Jetta and Octavia in terms of road noise if they both fitted with the same tyres. For me, the Octavia is the better all-round car.

6/6/2008

Does the Tiguan get a proper spare tyre or one of those useless, dangerous space savers?

- Klaza

Editor's Note: Hi Klaza, and thanks for the email. I wish I could say "full size" but for packaging reasons the Volkswagen has equipped the Tiguan with a space saver spare tyre.

6/6/2008

I'd take a seat in the corner if I were you Kane. Your sarcastic dimwitted comment linking HSVs with high-school dropouts just makes you look like an elitist tool. You accuse HSV of having decades old technology when the Falcon's motor dates back to the dark ages. As for the immature remark about traffic light drags, you better hope your FPV can travel 400m without overheating and blowing a turbo. 

Performance king? I don't think so.

- Code

5/6/2008

Howdy Wombat.

When do you reckon you would review the new Subaru Forester manual '09 and the new Mitsu Outlander manual '08 - both 2.5L, as I am interested in buying one of them?

Cheers,

- Orla

Editor's Note: Thanks for the letter Orla. We tried to tee this one up, but the scheduling was against us I'm afraid... We've driven both (Forester review soon) and I think the Forester is perhaps slightly better, particularly off road. But then again, the Outlander was slightly more fuel efficient. Both good cars, but I'd lean towards the Subaru personally.

5/6/2008

I have a Peugeot 308 on order in Perth W.A. and it is at least 3 months wait FYI :(

- Hammo

Editor's Note: It's often the case with new European imports - especially popular ones like Pug 308 - that demand is exceedingly high in Europe. This means that supply doesn't always match demand in a country like Australia, situated thousands of kilometers away. The shipping takes a considerable amount of time, and the first shipments are usually quite small. The same thing is happening with the new Tiguan - only 750 vehicles arrived here initially, and VW is waiting on more shipments to arrive each month.

5/6/2008

How big is the boot to the Outlander: can it fit 5 suitcases??

- Anita

Editor's Note: The Mitsubishi Outlander boot is rated as having a 1119 litre boot, which is pretty large. I think if the suitcases weren't too large it could swallow them up. If you fold the rear seats down you get 2056 litres of space, which is almost enough room for small gymnasium.

29/5/2008

Quick note on the new FPV cars, they look good to me. Lachlan R. you're clearly an HSV man and there's nothing wrong with that. Heaps of high-school drop-outs like HSVs and decades old pushrod technology. Oh, and when the new FPV F6 lines up at the lights, you better hope your HSV has been modified because otherwise your pride is gonna be bruised. Everyone with a half a brain knows the F6 is the new performance king.

- Kane

29/5/2008

Hello,

I am just curious about price difference between BMW X5 3.0d and 530d. I believe they are the same engine (probably the X5 one is tuned slightly better). 

How come their price is about $30K apart? Why is the 530d a lot more expensive? I heard that SUV has lower import tariff (5% vs 10% for normal car). But how can this 5% difference translate to $30K?

Thanks.

- R. Susanto

Editor's Note: I couldn't answer that myself, so I asked BMW's PR & Corporate Communications Manager, Toni Andreevski. Here's what he said: "Regarding your letter writer, the answer lies in a mix of standard spec differences, import tariff variation and the inflationary effect of Luxury Car Tax (25 per cent of $57k [possibly rising to 33 per cent with new tax laws]). Of course, all manufacturers price products based on market factors also. For your background info, the price difference is not $30k. An X5 3.0d Executive is $96,300. Add a few STD spec items to reach a similar level to the 530d, such as Active Steering ($2,700), metallic paint ($1,700) and USB interface ($600) and the price difference is much closer ($101,300 versus $115,000)."

29/5/2008

Okay, I've got a question - how come there are so many f**cking idiots on the road? The number of dipsh*ts who sit in the right-hand lanes on the freeway never ceases to amaze me. Anyone seen those "keep left unless overtaking" signs? 

And another thing - rising petrol prices are good. It forces people to stop using fossil fuels and makes car companies, transport companies, truck makers, airlines and other manufacturers think twice about the vehicles and machines they make and buy. Less reliance on Middle East oil, and more renewable fuels I say.

- M. Poole

16/5/2008

Geeezz, how ugly is the new FPV range? And not to startle up the Ford fans, but it seriously is!

I think FPV's gone all wrong, by putting powerful engines in and making an ugly chassis... I think this all just to try and have a go at Holden. FPV's main reason it was created was to go tackle HSV, while HSV is world class and takes on the Euro big guns.

The orange and black paint job is the worst I think, then the blue and white.

The GT-E is supposed to be a luxury car, what's with the hood? It makes it uglier if you look at it from the side!

Ford has gone out of Control.... Holden's way better.

PS. There's a new HSV Tourer R8 Sportwagon coming out in August......

- Lachlan R.

14/5/2008

Re: luxury car tax increase - seems like a good way for the government to raise a few dollars without hurting the local industry or the average car buyer HOWEVER, it should immediately be applied to big SUVs regardless of price. Anything to slow the growth of the Toorak Tractor numbers would make the roads safer and reduce our carbon footprint.

Additionally, as people swapped the Aussie station wagon for a (usually) imported SUV it harmed local producers by reducing their already small production numbers, so reducing SUV sales may bolster GMH and Ford at a time they desperately need some support.

Cheers,

- Bob Jay

14/5/2008

I like the way the luxury car makers such as BMW and Audi come out bleating about how the new LCT will affect safety and fuel consumption and how it's an anti-green campaign. Makes me laugh. These luxury car CEOs are fluffed up salesmen, plain and simple, and they're just towing the company line. They're just protecting their hides as they'll lose their rich CEO bonus if sales drop.

I do agree with Audi's boss though. There should also be tax increases on high end jewellery, pleasure boats and private jets when its applied to luxury cars.

- Martin

13/5/2008

Increased luxury car tax? Forget it. There needs to be increased taxes on EVERY car. There should be a CO2 tax like in London. 

The smaller and more efficient the car or engine, the lower the tax. That would mean gas guzzlers like SUVs and big V8 sedans like the SS Commodore would be slugged hard. Cars like the Nissan Micra and Fiat 500, diesel cars and hybrids would be cheaper and more people would buy them, reducing CO2 from transport over time.

- Macca

13/5/2008

I don't see how increasing luxury car taxes is going to help anyone. For the record, there are quite a few locally made cars that cost more than $57,000, including numerous cars carrying HSV and FPV badges, and even a few with Ford and Holden badges. I think it's just the Rudd government making a point that the Howard years are over.

- F. Jackson

13/5/2008

Just like to say something about the new luxury car tax. About time! Malcolm Turnbull, himself one of the elite few who has a multi-million dollar bank account and no doubt drives a luxury car, has his head in the clouds.

I'd like to know how he thinks adding 8% to the price of luxury cars will raise the price of all other motor vehicles? It'll increase inflation will it? Mate, everything increases inflation these days. Make a salad sandwich at home and inflation goes up, watch the footy and inflation goes up. This is a good move as these imported luxury cars are destroying the local car making industry as well, hurting local jobs and families.

Regards,

- Joe

12/5/2008

BMW 335i Coupe or Audi S5? Liked your review of the BMW and I've also test driven both and yes they are both good German cars. I've sort of made up my mind but am interested to see which you would choose.

Keep up the great yarns.

Cheers,

- Max

Editor's Note: Well Max, if I had six-figures-plus sitting around and wanted a fierce German sports coupe, I'd be happy with either but would probably opt for the Audi at the last minute. On paper both vehicles are very impressive with storming performance and plenty of prestige, but at the end of the day I prefer the look of the Audi (LED running are still rare - for now) and the V8 engine has a glorious note under full load and quattro AWD gives it reassuring traction. Then again, you could chip the biturbo 335i Coupe and have the ultimate V8 slayer. Decisions, decisions...

12/5/2008

Hi Wombat staff.

Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Kia Magentis or the Hyundai Sonata. I feel they look pretty sharp in terms of pricing and equipment. Will they be a liveable prospect compared with the usual mid sizers. I'm not a badge snob as long as the Kia or Hyundai are decent.

- Cartman

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email. We haven't driven the Kia Magentis but we have taken the Sonata for a drive and in terms of value for money it's a very good buy. Hyundai is making some pretty swish cars these days, including a rear-wheel drive V8, and the recent model Sonata's could easily be described as liveable prospects.

2/5/2008

Just read that article about the plug-in hybrid system you can retro-fit to your car. What a marvelous idea! I understand it was just a technology demo in the UK, but if a company could develop a system for around $15,000 or $20,000, I'd buy one for sure. That way I could keep my 2001 Alfa Romeo and get even better fuel economy while reducing my impact on the planet's biosphere.

In the next 10 years we'll see more and more government incentives and rebates for things like that help reduce CO2, as the Rudd government will be getting extra tough on emissions in the future.

More innovations like this please!

- Roger 

2/5/2008

Feann, I am thinking of buying a new diesel small car and have read great reviews on the following two: Ford Focus diesel and Holden Astra diesel. I'm also considering the Mazda3 diesel.

What would you recommend having driven two of the three in terms of handling, price, economy etc?

Thank you,

- Stefanos

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Stefanos. In terms of pricing the Ford Focus diesel is a bit cheaper than the Astra - $27,990 compared to $29,990 - and for my money the Focus has a better chassis as well. It also has slightly better fuel economy than the Holden, but out on the road there's not a lot between them in terms of economy. I'd pick whichever one you like the look of best because they're both great little diesels.

1/5/2008

I have this model Pajero and have been using it to tow a pop top caravan (Jayco 5.5 metre). It will pull the van at highway speeds of 100km/h pulling 2000rpm on the flat and giving around 15.7L per 100km overall. 

This is much better than my previous car which was a Prado petrol and the Pajero is much more comfortable on the road at these speeds too. Around town driven conservatively  with the air conditioning running, 11.7L is about the best I can get. 

- Wildan 

24/4/2008

I have a question about the FG Ford Falcon - does launch control on the XR6 Turbo come with both manual and auto, and do you have to push a button or something like that to engage it? Also, is launch control available on the G6E Turbo?

Otherwise, great work on the site, keep up the honest reviews.

- David

Editor's Note: G'day David. The launch control system is only available on one model - the 6-speed manual XR6 Turbo. The 6-speed automatic models don't get the feature, and because the G6E Turbo Falcon's are automatic only, they don't get it either. To engage the system is simple - no buttons, no switches. Foot on the clutch pedal, just whack the XR6 Turbo's gear shifter into first gear when the car is stationary, and bury the throttle. The revs whiz up to 3500rpm instead of bouncing off the rev limiter and depending on how you modulate the clutch and throttle, you can leave in a real hurry with or without plumes of tyre smoke. And yes, it's a lot of fun.

24/4/2008

Question relating to the acclaimed VW Golf GTI DSG. I've got (and can't stop smiling everytime I drive my) Golf GTI DSG. And then for a treat once every few days, I flick over to the APR Stage 1 ECU upgrade. Feann Torr - if you have not had the pleasure, do yourself a favour and sample one. And post a review! Only downside I see in this upgrade is that there's no torque limiting in first gear - 188kW is over the top for 2 front wheels - but short shift into 2nd for amazing performance; 400Nm of torque in 3rd or 4th gear...outguns even a APR modified R32 in a straight line. Not bad value for $45k on the road... 

Anyway, onto the Golf GT DSG that my wife drives. In manual DSG mode, I agree with everything that Peter said in his review. But would you guys please confirm for me that in "D" auto mode, the TSI engine "hesitates" as the supercharger is mechanically engaged. Or is our car faulty in some way? I went back to my VW dealer and drove an identical car, and it was the same. Yet every Australian review I've ever read about the TSI engine sings praise over how smooth the transition is from supercharger to turbo when accelerating. 

I noticed Jeremy Clarkson (Top Gear) rated the TSI as a "terrible engine - a man walking down a set of stairs in calipers with 2 broken legs would be smoother than than"!! Anyone else got a Golf GT DSG care to comment?? Other than that, yeah it's a superb bit of technology at the entry cost. And most days just as satisfying as my GTI to drive. Oh and are you reviewing the BMW 135i Coupe on Australian roads soon? I'm over front wheel drive....

- Scott T.

Editor's Note: Thanks for the email Scott, and the APR modded Golf GTI sounds like a real weapon. We'll see what we can do about reviewing one, and in response to your question about the TSI engine, during the launch drive of the Golf GT I agree that a subtle shift can be detected when the turbo and the S/C work. That said, I don't remember it being like an invalid falling down the stairs. Still, there is a noticeable shift if you look for it. As for the BMW 135i, we don't have one booked at the moment, but we have just reviewed the new 335i coupe with the same engine which may be of interest.

23/4/2008

I owned a [Honda] Legend for six months, and found it to be the most impractical car I've ever had. They drink more fuel than a V8 - 14 litres per 100km. And require premium when you can buy it, but use 92 for long and see who will pay for the repairs NOT HONDA. I had a crunching noise going from drive to park witch went on for 3 months, nothing done. A $74,000 car no help from Honda. I now own a Toyota Presara and am over the moon with it - 10 times better than than the Honda and $25,000 cheaper. HONDA: stick to motorbikes and lawnmowers.

- Peter C.

Editor's Note: Sounds like you got a dud Peter. The Honda Legend we road tested was not what I would call impractical, no moreso than a Commodore or Falcon. It sounds like you screwed the car yourself. If you knew that 92 RON fuel would shag the car, it would seem counter productive to fill it with this fuel. Even so, I would have thought the engine could cope with at least a bit of low grade fuel. How many times did you fill it with the lowest grade of gasoline? Honda has a reputation as one of Japan's premier engine builders with the kind of reliability that's the envy of many companies, and it sounds like you have an axe to grind than anything else. Still, send in the exact details, and we'll ask Honda's head office to have a look at it.

17/4/2008

The G6e has a Holden 6.0 V8? That's a scoop.

- Des

Editor's Note: Ah yes, very amusing. The sentence you're referring to reads "It has scintillating acceleration thanks to a Holden 6.0-litre V8-equalling 270kW" but I can see how you may have misunderstood. I will change it to read something less confusing, so try refreshing the page tomorrow.

17/4/2008

Hey, nice work on the Falcon first drive road test. You say you drove all of them and that the G6 and XR6 were the best value, but I'm wondering which of these two are the best? I've got around $40k to spend and I like the look of both. Duties would be split half and half between family and personal pursuits.

- Mike

Editor's Note: I'd be leaning towards the G6. It's got a bit more luxury and though it's also got a slightly softer and more compliant suspension tune, it can still belt around your favourite stretch of blacktop as it gets 17-inch wheels like the XR6. The front end of the G Series Falcons look pretty spiffy too, but ultimately either model is a good value buy in my opinion.

17/4/2008

Enjoyed your review on the Nissan Micra. This car belongs to the "Light" car category which I have been looking at recently. I am not aware of any manufacturer offering cruise control in these vehicles, even as an option. Similarly stability control is to my knowledge, only available as an option with the Mazda 2 and upmarket Peugeot 207s (maybe there are some others).

Cruise control is a nice driver feature to have and stability control should be available for all new passenger vehicles - if not mandatory, then at least an option. I am hoping this situation is likely to change for the better in the future.

Cheers,

- Colin Luxton

Editor's Note: G'day Colin, and thanks for the letter. The Micra does indeed belong to the 'light' car segment as it's officially termed, but I personally reckon that's an daft way to describe the smallest cars in the industry. To my mind a 'light' car doesn't come across as smaller than 'small' car. Compact works for me.

14/4/2008

The new Falcon is a very slick looking vehicle, I think it's a good evolution of the previous design. The new XR models look fantastic and don't mind the new G Series too. I'm looking at trading in the old Camry and getting an XR6 with the 5-speed auto.

I've read most of the major newspapers and websites reports on the new Ford Falcon and most of them thought the same thing, that the new model is a better quality car and better to drive than before. When most car journalists thought the previous Falcon had better dynamics than the VE Commodore, does this mean the gulf between the big Ford and the big Holden will be even wider?

Nice write-up, and can't wait to test drive the new car.

- Peter

Editor's Note: Indeed, the general consensus amongst the gathered media during the national launch was very positive. The FG Falcon is hard to fault and even the entry-level XT model is a composed vehicle. As for the gulf between Ford and Holden? We'll know for sure when we pit them against one another in a comparo, and don't expect Holden to sit back idly either. You'll see some new stuff from Fisherman's Bend soon enough.