Make no mistake, the new Nissan Patrol is a gigantic vehicle, tipping the scales at almost three tonnes.
That's fine in its intended role as a tough off roader but in the suburbs it is simply huge when manoeuvring into parking spots. To help overcome this urban issue, vision all round is excellent, thanks to the vast glass house, and large wing mirrors, which swing in out of the way in tight spaces at the touch of a button.
You sit high, a good metre off the road and the view over the bonnet is as they say, "commanding." However it's a bit of a stretch to get in and out, if not for conveniently placed grab handles and side steps.
Nissan offers just a petrol 5.6 Litre V8, in the high line versions of the new Patrol,a detuned version of its V8 supercar engine with 298 kw and 560 nm. There's no diesel option, unless you down spec to the DX and ST Patrol, which come with a three litre, four cylinder diesel.
Under full throttle the ST-L's V8 has a lusty burble from the exhaust and a nice mechanical growl from under the bonnet. The seven speed gearbox works a treat, and has a manual override as well should you need it. Changing the transmission for off roading is done by a dial on the console, or it can be left in Auto, to deliver the best traction for the prevailing conditions.
There's nothing wrong with the petrol V8, it's only flaw is a prodigious thirst.
Fuel tank capacity is 140 litres and you will need all of that and more to go any distance. The average consumption in urban running is almost 20 litres per 100 kilometres. Off road expect that to climb to thirty litres or more if the going is especially rugged. Constant highway cruising is more frugal, returning about 10 litres per 100 kays.
By way of comparison, Jeep's SRT 8 off road SUV rocketship has a six litre petrol Hemi V8 developing 344 kw and 624 nm.
Toyota's Landcruiser 200 series turbo diesel V8 has 195 kw and 650 nm.
Comfort in the Patrol is outstanding with generously padded seats, armrests and console lid.
I last saw velour seats in a TS Holden Astra from twelve years ago, but the velour covers in the ST-L look classy with contrasting piping along the edges, and provide great comfort and grip. There's no feeling that the Patrol is top heavy in corners at speed, the suspension takes care of keeping it level despite its bulk.
There are no niceties like auto wipers and lights in the ST-L Patrol on test here, nor a lane change mode on the indicators.
Small omissions but noticeable when so many other brands have these convenience features. The steering is precise and well weighted. I thought the wheel itself was adjustable only for reach not tilt, but I discovered a second lever that enables the tilt. Most cars use one lever for both.
This model has eight seats, a feature large families will enjoy, but there is no sat nav. The park brake is foot operated, rather than the now more common electrically operated device.
There are lashings of fake wood in the cabin , but it doesn't detract from the quality of the fit and trim materials. A reversing camera is a vital safety item on a vehicle this big and the picture on the large central dashboard screen covers a wide area. When night driving, the information screen reflects in the windscreen just below the mirror. It's a bit distracting, but not a deal breaker. Unfortunately as I have found on many new cars , the headlights are less than brilliant. On low beam they barely penetrate the night with a dull yellow glow and high beam isn't much better. Inside, all the relevant switches( and there are plenty of them,) are highlighted in red, and not easy to read at a glance. The speedo and other main dials are picked out in white.
For all its best efforts the Patrol still lags behind the only other competitor in this class, Toyota's Land Cruiser. The big Toyota commands 88 percent of the segment in the Australian market, while the Patrol has the remainder. I think it deserves more than that.
For on and off road feel and comfort the new Patrol is almost up to the level of the Range Rover Vogue I drove a few months ago. But the Rangie is significantly more expensive. The Patrol is priced from 53K up to 115K for the Patrol Ti L.
So if you are prepared to overlook the hammering your wallet will take each time you fill up, the Nissan Patrol ST-L V8, should not be excluded from your shopping list.
Peter Sellen
I have fond memories of the many Hondas I have driven, from the tiny S600 of the 1960s powered by a motorcycle engine, to the exhilarating S2000 with that amazing V Tec engine that felt like a two stroke motor.When it hit four and a half to five thousand rpm and the other camshaft kicked in, all hell broke loose all the way to a redline of almost 9 thousand rpm. And the sound! The supercar for the masses, the NSX will always be one of my all time favourites.
It is that kind of heritage that brings us to today's Hondas, In this case the new Accord. When first released it was a smallish car but has now grown to nudge the larger segments.
I can't believe the amount of kit Honda has offered in this car. Heated front seats, adaptive cruise control with adjustable distance settings from vehicles in front and "Lane Watch," a camera in the nearside mirror that shows what is approaching on the inside lane. This connects to a mechanism that steers the car back onto the road should you inadvertently drift to the left. The pictures appear every time you indicate to go left or change lanes and can be activated separately with a button on the end of the indicator wand. The seat belt reminder is more than just a chime. You are chided by a female voice saying "Please fasten driver's seatbelt." With the same words appearing on the dashboard display.It certainly gets your attention! Sometimes not found in other cars in this price range, are rear seat air vents. There are no fewer than two large easy to read and use information screens one of which includes pictures from a reversing camera and satellite navigation. The driver's seat has two memory settings. There are puddle lights in all four doors,as well as a sunroof, auto wipers and lights; just some of the surprise and delight equipment in a car that has well and truly grown up.
On test here is the 2.4 litre four cylinder Accord which has more than enough power and torque for anything most owners would want from it. At idle the engine is so smooth and quiet I often had to check the tachometer to remind me it was on.Under acceleration the sound from under the bonnet is refined, no thrashing or stress. The engine develops 129 kw and 225 nm. and averages around eight litres per 100 kilometres, The gearbox has only five ratios, but I didn't miss the extra two or three gears that many car makers now have. The Accord also has a paddle manual gearshift option on the steering wheel.
At highway speeds there is some distant whine from the tyres but it's not annoying or intrusive. What is intrusive however is the foot operated parking brake. Designed for American markets, it often collided with instep of my left foot as it searched for the dead pedal foot rest. With so many cars in the price range and lower opting for electric park brakes, maybe Honda will eventually follow suit.
There's little or no wind noise at over 100 kph. Cornering is neutral but there could be a little more feel at the steering wheel.
Ride in the suburbs is smooth although it does get jiggly over ruts and other irregularities, but in this respect it's about on par with others in its class. Most of the time it's comfortable, as are the seats.
The dashboard layout looks stylish, in line with more expensive offerings. Previous models were a tad cluttered and disorganised. Cabin trim, materials and look are also indicative of savvy design.
Even with the driver's seat at its rearmost travel there's still room behind it for people like me at over 183 CM or six feet two inches tall. Head room is good, even with the sunroof.Night time illumination is good, the LED headlights appear brighter than others in its class.
I also like the single line, Audi-esque taillight configuration.
Once considered the choice of an undemanding older driver, the latest Accord goes a long way to shedding that sort of image. It's good looking and roomy. From 31 up to 51 K for the top spec V6, Honda has endowed it with luxury feel and features at affordable prices. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Peter Sellen
Audi now has a bewildering array of models across all the market segments, and it continues to refine and upgrade its most popular models. On test here is one example of how Audi leaves no stone unturned in an effort to satisfy buyers who want luxury, but in a smaller car. They must be doing something right, more than 18 thousand A3s have been sold in Australia since 1996.
The A3 has always been a great drive but with the new 1,.8 litre turbo and 1.4 litre engine packages it has leapt ahead of the competition. Having driven both on the recent launch of the upgraded cars on the Fleurieu Peninsula south of Adelaide, I can confidently say they are the class leaders for refinement, comfort and performance. The 1.8 Quattro is the only all wheel drive car in its class. An amazingly competent car, the all wheel drive system provides unparalleled grip.
On wide sweeping corners or twisting hills roads it is an absolute delight, firmly planted on the road without a hint of malice. There's no fear the A3 will become unsettled, inadvertently spearing you into the roadside shrubbery. At speed there is little or no wind noise, and the ride is delightfully competent and compliant.
The new A3 is substantially lighter than the previous model, losing 85 kilos thanks to an aluminium bonnet and front fenders. It's also longer than before, adding an extra touch of style. The A3 has an elegant but purposeful look about it.
Power from the 1.8 T is incredible,and effortless. Acceleration from the 130 KW and 250 nm engine presses you into the seat with willing thrust as you rocket down the road, 0 to 100 despatched in a tad over seven seconds. It's exhilarating.There are no fewer than five suspension settings, one for every driving mood. The seven speed dual clutch automatic gearbox is operated by a central console lever. There are three modes. For general around town and cruising use D. Tap the lever back and Sport is selected, changing the engine mapping program for more enthusiastic driving. Push the lever to the left and you've entered manual drive. selecting your own gears for entertaining, press on motoring. Steering wheel paddles are there if you prefer those to the console shifter. Keyless entry and push button start make life easier for everyday ownership.
There's only one thing missing from the 1.8 T. It's so refined in all areas including the exhaust that it's going to be perhaps for some too quiet. There's none of the overrun or gear change crackle and pop found in a VW GTi for example.
The 1,4 version has "Cylinder on Demand" technology which cuts out cylinders two and three when throttle load is light, allowing a real fuel saving even on a small engine like this. In fact Audi claims the 1,4 has the lowest emissions and fuel consumption of any petrol model in its class.And while not as torquey as the 1.8 T has more than enough performance to satisfy keen drivers, with that added fuel consumption advantage. The smooth four pot develops 90kw and 200 nm.
The interior of theA3 is typical of today's Audi craftsmanship. The company is perhaps the best in the world for top notch, almost bespoke fitments in the cabin. The infotainment /satnav screen emerges silently from a slot in the centre of the dashboard, and is easy to use, sliding quietly back into its recess, with a small flap gently closing over the slot, completing the operation when the car is switched off. After spending many hours behind the wheel I have nothing but praise for the seats. Yes they are firm to begin with but the more distance you drive the more comfortable they become. There's even a first aid kit beneath the driver's seat.I like the steering wheel, with its flat lower rim. It's identical to the wheel from the performance RS4s and others and enhances he A3's sporty feel.
The A3 hatch will soon be joined by a sedan version in the first quarter of 2014.
The price of entry into the world of Audi's small luxury hatchbacks/sportbacks is not unreasonable. The 1.8 TFSI is 45K and the 1.4 TFSI around 35K
If it's luxury you're looking for in a small car package and the budget suits you, the A3 is hard to overlook.
Peter Sellen
More than 20 years ago if you had a large family, there was no other choice but to buy a people mover. Some were little more than converted delivery vans.
But over time they became specialised vehicles in their own right.
Tarago, Nimbus, Odyssey, Trajet, Voyager, Zafira, MPV, Premacy, Carnival, Pyzar, Kombi, and others, became familiar names and were snapped up in huge numbers.
In truth however, while it was okay for Mum to drive her brood in a six or eight seat vehicle, I suspect many dads felt less than comfortable being seen driving them, ( while pretending they were in something a little less prosaic.)
But over time, more and more people began purchasing multi seat, multi purpose SUVs.
There is still a market for the van type people mover, but sales have nosedived in favour of the more rugged looking off roaders across all the market segments.
KIA hoped to arrest that trend, firstly entering the fray as aforementioned, with the very successful Carnival range and later, the smaller Rondo.
This is the second generation of that car and boy is it different.
Sharp European styling from the pen of Audi's former chief designer, Peter Schreyer,has resulted in a multi seat car that looks anything but, and goes a long way to banishing the "stigma" of mum's taxi.
I like the look of the Rondo, from the corporate grille to the smooth and shapely rear end with just enough height to give away that this is not just another hatchback There are two versions of the Rondo, a 2 litre petrol and a 1.7 litre diesel.
On test here is the petrol engined car and it's a surprisingly good package. 122 KW and 213 nm . The engine is redlined at just under 7 thousand rpm and it sounds and feels smooth all the way to that,while delivering acceleration that is more than adequate for a car of this size and type, considering it weighs just under 1600 kilos. In mainly town driving you'll see about 10 litres/100 ks economy. With a full load of people and luggage I would prefer the diesel. The petrol engine needs a good workout in those situations and economy will suffer.
The Rondo is very quiet, feels solid and rides exceptionally well on the road. It is very good in that respect. there's no jiggling over most bumps and it's all very composed and sophisticated. .
KIA seems to have hit a sweet spot with the Rondo's suspension, it's compliant and well tuned for local conditions. Powering through corners is a fuss free operation, it's very reassuring, with good steering feedback. As noted in other modern KIAs the steering feel is adjustable three ways. Normal, Comfort and Sport. You will decide which is best for you after a bit of experimentation.
The seats are marvellous,well padded and bolstered,and in short,very comfortable and just the right height for easy entry and exit. Probably among the best I have sat in for some time in any car regardless of cost. This SLi version has leather clad pews and steering wheel, electrically controlled adjustment with lumbar support as well. Fold out trays with cup holders are fitted to the rear of the front seats. There are more than enough storage nooks throughout the car.
To fit seven seats in a car of this size is no mean feat, but it's been achieved without making the Rondo look clumsy or awkward. From any angle it's a bit of a looker.
The two rearmost seats that fold flat into the cargo bay floor are mainly for children but there's no less comfort than the other rows. Access to them is easy,with the middle row seats adjusting out of the way. A deep and practical glovebox is welcome. It needs to be large. The extremely comprehensive and weighty owners manual is the thickness of a telephone book and must run to well over 200 pages.
There's plenty of clever detail in the Rondo. A soft touch dashboard, and generous padding on console and door armrests. The sunglasses holder overhead is lined with very plush fabric to protect lenses. Driver and passenger sunvisors have an illuminated mirror.
The latest KIAs miss out on very little in the way of equipment. Parking sensors, reach and rake steering column, colour reversing camera, a good six speaker sound system, puddle lights in the wing mirrors( that also swing out of the way when the car is locked.) auto wipers and headlights, and bright red warning lamp on the trailing edge of the driver's door.Some other more expensive makes, as I have mentioned before make do with just a piece of reflective tape here. All windows are fully auto up and down, and the rear glass descends all the way into the doors. It also has dual zone auto climate control.
Interior lighting is good, and the instruments on console and steering wheel switches for cruise, audio and information ,are highlighted in red except for the speedometer and tacho, picked out clearly in white. LED daytime running lights look cool.
The only flaw at night is the not so bright headlights. They are quite dim,with poor penetration and there's very little difference between high and low beam.
The car is more expensive than the previous model at a tad under 34K. But overall I think it's worth looking at, as the Rondo is exceptional in many ways and for larger families should be a must see and test drive. It's compact, but cleverly versatile and at the same time very stylish.
No one will be embarrassed driving it, that's for sure.
Peter Sellen
