Ford Ranger Review & Road Test

With a 3000kg towing capacity, you could even tow Amanda Vanstone.

Model Tested:

2009 Ford Ranger XLT 4×2 Crew Cab; 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel; five-speed manual – $40,590

Fuel consumption; towing & load carrying capacity; styling
No ESC available; rear seat leg room
CarAdvice Rating:
It’s big, it’s brash and it’s the latest iteration of Ford’s ‘built Ford [...]

Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute Review & Road Test

The Paris Hilton of Utes: so wrong, but oh so right.

Model Tested:

2009 Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Ute; 4.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbo petrol; six-speed automatic; utility – $43,490*

Options Available:

Prestige Paint $400 (Dash); Safety Enhancement Pack $600; XR Sports Pack $1000; Satellite Navigation $2290

Gob-smacking acceleration; fuel consumption; cabin space
Load carrying capacity; handling; ESC calibration
CarAdvice Rating:
What [...]

Proton Jumbuck – Long Term Conclusion

After four months here at the CarAdvice office it’s time to say goodbye to our long term bargain basement ute, the Proton Jumbuck.

Following a raft of duties, and in excess of 7000kms of driving, the little lugger returned trouble free motoring with a couple of plastic rattles the only issues of any note.
The half-tonner put [...]

Holden Commodore LPG Ute Review & Road Test

Holden’s take on Australia’s cheap fuel – LPG.

Model Tested:

2009 Holden Commodore Omega LPG Ute; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, dual fuel; four-speed automatic; utility – $36,890*

Options:

Metallic Paint $500 (Fitted – Nitrate Metallic); Six CD Stacker $595;

LPG integration; value for money; styling
Power and torque; automatic transmission
CarAdvice Rating:
By Paul Maric

When it comes to tools of the trade, [...]

Proton Jumbuck – Long Term Update

“Three months and all’s well for our long-term Jumbuck”
The Jumbuck has virtually become the CarAdvice mascot since joining us in late May with just about everyone in the Melbourne office having rotated through the car for a few weeks each.
Despite the almost universally preconceived notion that each of us has had before getting behind the [...]

Mahindra launches next generation Pik-Up

2009 Mahindra Pik-Up – First Look
Ever heard of, or even seen a Mahindra Pik-Up?
Funny enough, I saw one of these Indian designed and built vehicles yesterday for the first time, on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Don’t be at all surprised though, by the lack of Mahindra sightings if you happen live in any of Australia’s capital cities, [...]

Proton Jumbuck – Long Term Update

2009 Proton Jumbuck GLSi – Long Term Update

“It’s odd, but I’m becoming quite attached to the little Jumbuck”
- by Matt Brogan
If someone had told me eight weeks ago that I’d grow rather attached to our long-term Proton Jumbuck then they may have been met with a rather snide “yeah right”. Funnily enough the little utility’s [...]