SUV » Australian Car Advice

BMW X5 M Sport Package

October 24th, 2008 17 Comments

Unlike arch-rival Mercedes Benz, which has an AMG variant for nearly every one of its cars, BMW has previously said it will only apply the M badge and treatment to models that suit.

Although this is by no means the full M treatment, with the performance staying the same, BMW has today announced that for the first time in its nine-year history, the company’s large SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle), the BMW X5, will be available with an M Sport Package.

MINI Crossover Concept Paris preview

September 10th, 2008 25 Comments

MINI has released the first official images and details of its upcoming Crossover model in the form of a concept preview set to make its first public debut at the Paris motor show.

The new Crossover will become the fourth variant in MINI’s growing range - all based on the same look.

2011 Range Rover facelift spied

September 10th, 2008 9 Comments

Our spy photographers have captured some fantastic shots of the new 2011 Range Rover.

This will be the last evolution of the current model Range Rover, with the all-new model set to make its debut in 2013.

SUV sales soar despite fuel costs

August 1st, 2008 126 Comments

Soaring fuel prices have certainly forced buyers to reconsider their priorities when looking at a new car; however Toyota has labelled the small car dash a simplistic approach to the problem.

The company’s senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner has said that these generalisations ignore the strong growth in sales of sports-utility vehicles (SUV).

2008 KIA Sportage Review

July 8th, 2008 19 Comments

2008 KIA Sportage EX CRDi Review & Road Test

Functional, fun and financially feasible.

Model Tested:

2008 KIA Sportage EX CRDi 2.0 litre turbo diesel six speed manual - $32,490 (RRP)

Options:

Metallic Paint $300; Limited Pack (Side & Curtain Airbags, Leather, Sunroof) $3000

Economic Engine, Decent Ride Quality, Improved Handling, Price
No Auto Available, Looks Beginning to Date, Lacks Brand Appeal

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

When last I reviewed the Kia Sportage mention was made that although it was a decent offering for the price, it would have been all the better for the want of a diesel option and ESP – I must have been channeling Nostradamus.

The Sportage EX CRDi now not only comes with standard ESP but also gains a sweet common rail turbo diesel engine which, thankfully, has helped curb the mid-sized Korean SUV’s drinking problem. Along with a few minor aesthetic refinements, most noticeably colour coded bumpers, the most current Sportage has managed, if only just, to stave off old age a little while longer.

Fortunately it’s not only the looks that have improved for the cheerful Sportage, a few other refinements make this year’s model a quieter, better handling car that is also safer, more confident and more economical than the petrol variant for a very modest increase in price.

Whilst on the outside the Sportage’s looks are far from inspiring, they are passable and practical, offering good all round vision from a cabin that has a reasonably attractive decor, albeit with extensive use of dark grey plastic. The seating is generously proportioned and comfortable (driver has eight way adjustment) and all controls and switch gear, despite being rather basic, are functional and fall to hand readily.

Motivated by a capable 2.0-litre, SOHC, turbo diesel engine producing a modest 103kW at 4000rpm and a decent 304Nm of torque from 1800rpm, Sportage is hardly what I’d call brisk performer, especially in the middle reaches. But thanks to a decent spread of gears from the new six-speed manual (no auto for diesel - yet), it is certainly very capable, especially at urban speeds, and allows it’s considerable mass to be hauled with enough pep to keep par with most similarly rivals - even when loaded to the hilt.

The engine is fairly quiet once warm and cruising is even quieter than the petrol model tested last time. Fuel economy too has improved dramatically and when compared to the 2.7-litre V6, which drank like the best man at a buck’s party, offers a far more rational approach to consumption with a combined figure of just 7.1L/100km. Best of all, it’s real world achievable and even around town my figures hovered in the low eight litre range.

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