Thursday, December 11, 2008
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Ford Falcon XR6
Before we get stuck into this comparo, we must admit that the cars are a tad mismatched. Both cars have 6-speed gearboxes, but the Ford has an automatic, while the Holden is a manual. As such, the mid gear roll on performance test from 80km/h went to the Holden.
We thought the super-powerful low end of the Falcon engine, with torque peaking at just 2000rpm, would dice up the Holden. But it seems the new Gen IV 6.0-litre V8 has a much stronger bottom end than the 5.7-litre Gen III engine it replaces; yet from higher speeds the V8 engine is a complete monster, able to generate massive levels of twist.
In terms of everyday use the Falcon wins out because of its lower fuel consumption: the Falcon XR6 Turbo drinks 12.3L/100km while the Commodore SS V uses 14.4L/100km. Other than that there was little to pick between the cars in everyday conditions. The Falcon was perhaps a little better in the city, but the SS V had much more road presence while both offer relatively smooth rides and plenty of creature comforts.
Both are large sports cars measuring around 4.9 metres in length and both are provided with fairly stiff suspension setups and hefty anti-roll bars to match, yet both cars have been tried and tested on Aussie roads and because of this they are great long distance tourers. The highway is not an enemy to these guys, nor are back country roads, and they can soak up distances with effortless ease, as the 6-speed gearboxes they aren’t too bad on fuel consumption when coaxed along in top gear.
On more demanding roads, the SS feels to be the more structurally rigid vehicle, and as such the Falcon is a little bit better on worn out suburban roads as the bumps aren't transmitted through the frame quite so succinctly.
The SS V's rigidity was to be credited to having good body strengthening and torsional design – which bodes well for the new Zeta platform (upon which the VE Commodore range is based) and it's future performance applications, such as the Camaro. A few passing comments concerning the ride in the SS drew attention to the suspension, which came across as somewhat soft in certain situations. Double rate/double acting shocks (e.g. Mitsubishi Evo) would improve it, or even an active system (e.g. RS 4).
At one point during our test the Falcon was following the Commodore and where the latter bottomed out, sparks flying where the quad stainless steel exhaust pipes kissed the bitumen, the Falcon bumped through without contact.
So, while the body of the Commodore SS V is stiffer and offers good feedback, the suspension system has to deal with its extra weight and sometimes this plays against it. It feels as though Holden has ‘Calais-ed’ the SS. The old FE2 felt like a firmer setup.
The Falcon XR6 Turbo is roughly 100kg lighter than the 8-cylinder Commodore SS V (1694kg vs 1790kg), and it shows both in a straight line and round corners. The SS V is never left behind by XR6 Turbo but it just isn't quite as nimble as the Ford.
Through corners, the SS doesn’t feel as big and heavy as it stats would suggest; testament to the new suspension rig which while not as stiff is at least more progressive than the system it replaces.
It tips into corners very precisely, with affirmation. It provides fairly crisp communication through the wheels – the independent front suspension works wonders under duress, and with big 19-inch wheels shod with grippy rubber, the cars feels very planted on the road. It’s a rear wheel drive vehicle too, so there’s a touch of oversteer under marginal throttle inputs and big-time power oversteer if you want it. It can be steered with the throttle if you turn ESP off, but at times it feels unwieldy, and mid-corner bumps in the road will upset its balance and make it shimmey like a mirage on a hot day.
The weakest link for the SS V were the brakes. They were decent, and had a lot more feel than the Commodore Omega we tested earlier in the year, but slowing the cars bulk from the speeds that this car can reach can be a daunting exercise.
In the Falcon the drive is easily explained - very firm and refined. It tracks resolutely through corners for something of this size and bulk, and the up front weight was easily directed and the driving force corresponded as expected.
Even as the rear end gets reacquainted with the laws of physics and slips out a touch toward a drift, our non-safety-pack XR6 Turbo felt quite able and was more inclined to raise an involuntary smile than a smirk or any concern.
The XR6T is sometimes limited by its DSC (dynamic stability control) through corners – it's not as smooth a system as the SS V's ESP. It can even make the Falcon XR6 Turbo understeer a bit. With traction off it's much more ebullient through corners, and generally speaking it's lighter front end makes it easier to throw into corners without the front outside wheel pushing wide.
Compared to the Holden Commodore SS V, the Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo feels lighter on its feet, because there's less weight over the front end (it has a smaller, lighter engine) and the steering feels better in the Falcon – it’s slightly heavier.
While it's true that the Falcon can navigate the apex of a corner slightly better than its rival, both vehicles fire out of corners with colossal force, yet a good deal of poise. The independent rear suspension on the Ford was always top notch, and now the Holden has a new rig which gives it a much better feel while cornering under higher throttle inputs.
With such huge reserves of torque, you can slam the throttle in either of these cars once you’ve passed the apex and, with a slight wiggle of the rear end, the cars seem to pounce forward, spearing ahead with locomotive force. Indeed, these cars are supremely powerful, and a hugely rewarding to drive. In the dry.
The Holden is more demanding to drive and sometimes more rewarding as a result (and sometimes not), where the Falcon can be a lot easier to wring every last drop of performance from. And that typifies the major differences between the two cars – one of them you hold on to with white knuckles, and the other is slightly less insane.
The SS V has more bodyroll than the XR6 Turbo, and given its extra weight and slightly softer suspension this is understandable. Drive in the SS is very light, with a rigid race car feel to the chassis, but the suspension is geared more towards luxury than race, as is reflected in the electronic safety systems.
The combination of the 'a-little-too-light' steering with the awesome on-tap torque of the LS2 means that this thing moves very quickly, but the unfortunate ramification of the lighter steering was lower road feedback.
This feeling was all the more noticeable after driving the Falcon - with it's feel being more ‘connected’ to the road – and then jumping into the the SS V, when it seemed to steer more numbly. It's no less fun and almost as responsive as the Falcon, but you aim-and-fire rather than feel your way through corners.
Mitsubishi Magna
Mitsubishi say that the Magna AWD is a gripping drive! But can you believe the advertising? In this case we can say yes, indeed, you can definitely believe the advertising. As soon as you're out on the road, this car tells you in unequivocal terms that it is a gripping drive! Immediately the exceptionally fine attributes of this car make it very obvious that the car is going to be a mighty fine experience.
The Next Car team traveled to Perth to road test Mitsubishi's all-wheel-drive Magna VR-X. This is the sporty model of the Magna range. Whilst the current shape Magna is now into its final year or so, the all-wheel-drive version shows, quite clearly, that the Magna is a car which the market needs. Driving the all-wheel-drive model spoils you beyond belief.
The area chosen for our drive was the south-west of Western Australia. We were to travel some 2,469 kms in just 11 days. We drove from Perth to Busselton via Harvey and Bunbury. Then from Busselton we would drive to Denmark via Nannup, Manjimup and Rocky Gully. Then in the next week, the Next Car team would visit the Stirling Ranges and Albany before returning to Perth via Mount Barker, Kojinup, Katanning, Wagin, Narrogin and Armadale. What a great drive this would prove to be!
On sealed highways the Magna AWD proved it was way ahead of its two-wheel-drive competitors. You just cannot compare two-wheel-drive larger locally-built cars with the Magna AWD. Quite simply, they are not in the same league. Never have been and let us tell you, they never will be. Such is the impressive manner in which the Magna AWD attends to business. Then on unsealed roads the Magna AWD did just as we expected it would....... it demonstrated its clear superiority. We did scores of kilometres on several of the many unsealed roads of the west. The Magna impressed every time. In fact, the Magna AWD makes driving a real pleasure.
We cannot say the Magna is a powerful car, because it isn't! But the power from the 3.5 litre V6 is certainly quite ample for the target market. Hot shot drivers are more likely to be looking towards one of the other local 6-cylinder sporty cars. But for those who aren't seeking back-breaking acceleration then the VR-X AWD is certainly an attractive option. It looks good, it has reasonable equipment levels (but certainly not overdone with luxury) and it has the excellent QuadTec all-wheel-drive system and high-performance brakes.
Toyota Camry
The 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid will cost less by nearly a grand. The Camry hybrid will now be priced at $25,860, still $5,400 more than the gasoline only variant. The gasoline only Camry is the most popular car in the USA.
How does the Camry hybrid afford this price cut? Simply by doing away with some of previously standard equipment. The aluminium have given way to steel units. The JBL stereo and leather trim on the steering wheel and shifter are now a thing of the past.
Camry hybrid comes with a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine that gives 187 horsepower when combined with the electric Estimates say the Camry hybrid gives a of 40mpg in the city and 38mpg on the highway.
The move may be welcome, as people will not have to pay for the stuff they don’t require. At the same time, many may resent the list of ‘not so impressive’ standard equipment.
Arguably, the Camry hybrid faces tough competition from other hybrids on the road. Some give excellent fuel economy; others give a better performance and more power. The lower price tag might just save the day for this car.
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Toyota Corolla Review
The latest Corolla has arrived on the scene which at a first glance seems quite like its predecessor. Closer observations reveal the subtle changes that make this corolla an even hotter buy. The front end sports a new bumper that has fog lights integrated into it. This feature compliments the new grille and in terms of design this is the most strikingly different feature that the new Corolla. The headlamps on the new Corolla are clear and the rear features redesigned tail lamps which add the look of the car.
More significant however are the upgrades on the interior. The fabrics on the seat and trims have been changed and the upgraded version comes with perforated leather. The driver’s side has an adjustable lumbar support which is a new feature. All except the base model feature mock wood paneling. The six CD MP3 players can be controlled with the navigation audio controls on the steering which has been specially designed for this version of the Corolla. Furthermore the car has automatic headlamps that switch off after the sun sets. Plus the car has a key less entry system with a security alarm system.
Under the hood the Corolla conceals the same super 1.8 liter VVT-I engine. The bonnet and doors have been doubly sealed with the addition of new insulations. The overall car is a much more resolved and refined version of its predecessor. There is however one thing that has been allowed to carry forward and that is the distinctive engine noise which one can still hear inside the cabin of the new Corolla. Other than this and the crude gearbox Toyota claims to have changed all those items that were causing people problems. When it comes to the ride and handling of the Corolla it is common knowledge that this is not its greatest strength. The tubeless tires that are offered in this new version do help to keep the car grounded and stable even at high speeds.
Toyota Innova Review
Keeping in mind the prevailing trends the Innova has been developed in a far more aerodynamic and curvy shape than the Qualis. The grille area and the snoopy head lamps along with the wrap around bumper give the front side the trademark Toyota corporate look. The contemporary considerations can be seen in the way the character creases run through the car and the bulges around the wheel arch. From the backside the car has a stepped bumper and a recessed number plate section. The tail lights are large and rectangular which gives it a whole new look as compared with the older UV’s.
Most people however do not consider the Toyota Innova to be a UV or a SUV. In fact it is believed to be a category in its own right. The car has been designed to meet the modern essentials of man. This means it is well suited to travel over different kinds of terrain with reliability and robust maneuvering. The Innova also has a powerful torque while maintaining its fuel efficiency. The value of the car is further uplifted with the luxury and comfort that it offers in its well crafted interior. The drive and the ride both aspects of the Toyota Innova are bound to impress.
The suspension aggregates seemed to be very well though of with the body on frame configuration that Toyota has chosen for the Innova. The car has its engine in the front but is a rear wheel drive. The front features a double wishbone suspension while the rear is fitted with a four link set up and coil springs. The innova is also embedded with a power steering and front discs plus rear drum brakes make sure that you never lose control. The wheels on the Innova are 15 inch which are tubeless tires. On the whole you will find this car to be a great buy especially for the family guy who needs to travel to different places for business and pleasure trips.
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Review
Toyota unleashed the Land Cruiser Prado in India after much speculation and market research. After some time they finally came to the conclusion that the car is something that the status conscious aristocrats of India sought after. The car developed a cult status soon after its release in India with the wealthy industrialists and the celebrities taking on the car. Thus there has been a significant increase in the SUV segment in India with sales growth soaring over 250% of what it sued to be.
The fact that Toyota has put its trust in making the Prado a petrol fuelled car. This is because the petrol powered monster can put quite a strain on your wallet because it gets thirsty quite often. With petrol prices increasing at such a fast pace one wonders if a diesel option would have been more favored by the public. The Land cruiser debuted in 1951 and since then has come a long way. Breaking away slightly from the traditionally boxy look of the Land cruiser the new one is more in line with modern aesthetics. It maintains the high stance and wide body and the huge wheels. The Land Cruiser Prado has an imposing personality and can easily overshadow other SUV’s of the like. It even measures relatively larger than most of its competitors.
The huge size of the exterior means more space in the interior. Once you step in then only will you realize how well the interior of this SUV has been designed. The inside screams out class and sets you up in a comfortable and luxurious environment. As is the case with most seven seat SUV’s the last deck of seats is mounted too close to the floor for seating any adult. It also features separate seats even in the back rather than a bench and each of them can be folded to provide for storage space. With a host of other safety features the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a very engaging SUV which nobody would like to get out of.
Toyota Qualis Review
Measuring round about the size of a Sumo the Qualis has big top hinged rear hatch and very clean lines. It stands upon 175mm wheels that are placed upon relatively small 14 inch rims to make driving through the city more crisp and easy. Under the hood the Toyota Qualis is embedded with a 75 bhp 2446 cc L2 engine that runs on diesel power. Unlike most other diesel powered engines this is relatively not that noisy. Plus it provides for smooth and almost soundless acceleration. The Qualis is known to have a snappy pick up and a top speed that can match most other cars of the size.
The power that drives the Qualis is a 2.4 liter diesel engine. This power house of an engine can deliver a maximum power of 54Kgm at 4200 rpm and a maximum torque of 151 Nm at 2400 rpm. The powerful engine is not only able to give the Qualis excellent acceleration it if fuel efficient as well. The fuel tank has a capacity of 53 liters that can keep you going for days once full. With the fuel economy totally compatible with the power of car the Qualis does not seem to be compromising on anything.
On the insides the Qualis sports a luxury vehicle like dashboard with mock wood paneling on the GST version. The gauges and instruments are also well illuminated when night falls. The Qualis has an adjustable seating arrangement for up to 8 to 10 people. The diesel powered car has a very powerful AC that has a 3 speed blower in the front and an optional blower mounted on the roof. The car also meets all the latest safety standards with Toyota paying full attention to the crumple zones. The front of the car has been designed in such a way that it crumples in the case of an impact. This absorbs the bulk of the shock and results in safeguarding the cabin and those inside it. This along with seat belts and other safety measures ensures that your time in the Qualis will be a fun filled safe and adventurous time.