Honda Odyssey Road Tests covers:
LIKES Wide door openings Folding third row seat headrests High standard of finish To see how the people mover class has changed and progressed, one needs to go back to the eighties. At the time most people movers were based upon commercial variants in a manufacturers range and the vehicle from a distance looked more like a delivery van with windows. Move forward to the present time and look at the new Honda Odyssey. A purpose built vehicle that since its initial release in 1996 has been constantly improved and refined.
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Touring Engine Type Engine Block/Cylinder Head Displacement (cc) Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm) Redline (rpm) Valve Train Multi-Point Fuel Injection Drive-by-WireT Throttle System Variable Cylinder Management T (VCMR) Active Control Engine Mount System (ACM) Active Noise CancellationT (ANC) CARB Emissions Rating Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer 100K + / – Miles No Scheduled Tune-Ups* Transmission V-6 Aluminum-Alloy…
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The original Suzuki Swift was launched in Australia in 1984, and with a zippy 1.3 litre engine, good build quality and attractive pricing, soon became a favourite with consumers. Owners that have kept Swift’s long term have also been rewarded with class leading reliability, and there plenty of originals still on the road today. The new model was previewed at the Sydney Motor Show, in 2004 and released in February 2005. Developed in Europe, Suzuki believe the new Swift will have wide international appeal., it’s available as a five door in Australia, with a 1.5 litre engine with a choice of either manual or automatic transmission It replaces the Suzuki Ignis in the Suzuki model line up. DISLIKES High clutch pedal travel. Can’t hear blinker operation and there is plenty of storage for small odds and ends and a map pocket is in the rear of the passenger seat only.
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HONDA CRV 2.4 litre manual FEATURES BEST Good performance Versatile design Build quality WORST Some torque steer evident Tailgate requires a lot of space to swing fully open sliding rear seats and a picnic table that doubles as the rear cargo floor. Additional safety features include front SRS airbags, lap/sash seat belts in all seating positions and front seat belt and buckle pretensioners. Passenger comfort is generally quite good in the new CRV. The front seats are slightly larger than the previous model and their shape provides an adequate amount of lateral support. Head and leg room is sufficient for adults in both the front and the rear. The walk through feature between the front seats has been maintained in the new model. Honda claims the cabin of the CRV now contains more than 20 storage bins to accommodate items of various sizes. Rear cargo volume has been significantly increased. The CRV’s controls are particularly well laid out and as a result are very easy to use.
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Volkswagen says that the new bodyshell has best-in-class torsional rigidity, with significantly enhanced safety qualities. The new Polo scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests. Everything about the body spells high quality; from the excellent paint and trim finish, to the solid feel of the doors and rear hatch when closing, and to the small panel gaps that are achieved through laser welding processes. The body, which is made from high-strength galvanized steel, carries a 12 year anti-corrosion perforation warranty. However, the Polo isn’t quite as ‘concentrated’ as it used to be. The new body, with its stylish looks, is longer, wider and taller. This has brought some welcome improvements to interior space, both for occupants and their luggage. Polo buyers can choose between three model types. There’s a base (price leader) Polo 3door, and there are S and SE variants in three and five door versions. Automatic or manual transmission is available on all models. Prices start at $19,800 for the base three-door, the S 3-door costs $20,800 and the SE 3-door is $22,500. Prices for the five-door models are $21,800 (the S) and $23,500 (the SE). Automatic transmission costs an extra $2,000. The base model comes with dual front airbags, five lap-sash seat belts and five head restraints, electro-hydraulic power steering, engine immobiliser, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, steering column adjustable for tilt and reach, a single CD audio system and a 60/40 split fold rear seat.
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Hyundai’s all new Sonata should be causing its opposition some sleepless nights. Consigning its predecessor’s quirky aesthetics to history, the newcomer’s larger, more attractive “euro” style is just the ticket to generate some showroom traffic. Mix typical Korean value for money with an impressive list of standard safety features, and you have a package set to tug at the purse strings of medium and family car buyers. DISLIKES Clutch action Front seats lack support VALUE FOR MONEY PRICING Kicking off the four cylinder range is our manual test car at $25,490. Add $2,000 for the auto version. Next is the Elite 2.4 (auto only) at $31,490. With high levels of standard equipment the only option for either car is metallic or mica paint at $225. Bear in mind the solid colours are limited to Ebony Black and Noble White. STANDARD FEATURES For the money you receive air-conditioning, power windows on all doors, cruise control, 6 speaker CD, MP3, cassette audio system, remote central locking, front foglights and leather trimmed steering wheel.
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Hyundai’s latest Sonata has stepped on a few toes in the large car segment. Externally the new V6 is almost identical to its four cylinder sibling –dual tailpipes being the only clue to the extra power. Yes, they share the same attractive Euro style body, but have decidedly different personas. DISLIKES Small front seats Light coloured trim marks easily well shaped, fine for a long trip, and the centre armrest is a welcome bonus. But anyone riding in the middle might feel short-changed by the lack of support. ERGONOMICS Functional and uncluttered, the dash layout is a model of simplicity. Large instruments face the driver, with the high set audio controls just to the left. Three rotary switches look after all of your air conditioning functions. The boot and fuel cap releases are tucked away under the driver’s armrest. Thanks to its large windscreens, front and rear vision is very good, making manoeuvring easy.
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Scoresheets Around the Car Interaction Between Owners and Judges Rejudging Chapter 4 Judging the Car Exterior Paint Finish Body Panels Glass and Exterior Mirrors Lights and Lenses Convertible Top and Boot Cover Exterior Brightwork Dirt, Water Spots, and Wax Residue Wheels and Hubcaps Tires Rubber Gaskets Fuel Filler Compartment Interior Headliner Door Panels, Kick Panels, and Arm Rests Dashboard, Steering Wheel, and Instruments Seats and Belts Carpet and Rubber Mats Hardware Engine Compartment General Appearance and Cleanliness Firewall, Inner Fenders, Inside of Hood, and Other Painted Sheetmetal Engine Block, Head & Carburetors or Fuel Injection Exhaust System (manifolds, downpipes and emissions equipment) Wiring, Battery, Hoses, Tubing & Clamps Trunk Paint, Side Panels, Mat or Carpet Tool Kit and Jack Owner’s Manual and Other Paperwork Spare Tire and Wheel Suspension, Wheelwells, and Undercarriage General Condition and Cleanliness Mechanical and Safety Operation of Basic Safety Items
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