2008 Ford XR5 Turbo

Image Copyright Car & SUV
2.5L, Orange, Reg: DYW116

Driven: December 2007
Place: Auckland, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
It has an orange interior which is a bit intense - this should be called the Tango'mobile. Bit of turbo lag and not quite enough noise but you can definately hear the warble of the 5 pot. Not bad :-)

See full Ford XR5 Turbo review at Car and SUV website

2007 Suzuki SX4 Ltd

Image Copyright Car & SUV
2.0L, Silver, Reg: ECG749

Driven: December 2007
Place: Auckland, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
The Suzuki Swifts older brother clearly exhibits some of the younger siblings DNA, but its really a car for old people or women - which is why I didnt drive it much.

See full Suzuki SX4 Ltd review at Car and SUV website

2007 HSV GTS

Image Copyright Car & SUV
6.0L, Orange, Reg: DNM514

Driven: September 2007
Place: Auckland, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
In addition to watching Darren light up the back tyres, I had a small opportunity to drive it around town. From the outside it sounds quite muted but its better inside, including the interior. Rather odd handbrake though, and oh yes the clutch had been given a bit of stick so wasnt as sharp as you'd normally expect.

See full HSV GTS review at Car and SUV website

2007 FPV Force 8

5.4L, Metallic Green, Reg: DNU329

Driven: September 2007
Place: Meremere, Auckland & Red Beach, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
Two main ones persist :-)

1. Getting the big hairy V8 out of a junction sideways, courtesy of wet roads and on account of me turning the traction control off!!

2. Full bore start against Darren in the HSV GTS on the Meremere drag strip, hitting a patch of water on the right hand side, still under full acceleration and getting a strange drifting sensation towards the barrier. Should have gotta Purple Heart for that!

See full FPV Force 8 review at Car and SUV website

2007 Jeep Wrangler CRDi Unlimited Sahara

2.8L, Diesel, Silver, Reg: DZQ531

Driven: September 2007
Place: Auckland & Red Beach, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
This vehicle had one of the highest novelty factors I've ever driven (apart from the Hummer - but it was close). Its just so different to everything else inside and out. Apart from the multi-purpose roof arrangement, the interior was sparse, utalitarian and quirky, and the exterior was more of the same recipe. Not much to write home about driving it (on road at least), but now I know that I would never own one, given the choice.

See full Jeep Wrangler CRDi Unlimited Sahara review at Car and SUV website

2007 Ford Territory Turbo Ghia

Image Copyright Car & SUV
4.0L, Gold, Reg: DJR126

Driven: August 2007
Place: Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
At the time I thought it was an indecent combination of SUV and turbo-charged fun. I'm guessing it's a tiny bit like the Porsche Cayenne Turbos baby baby brother - twice removed.

See full Ford Territory Turbo Ghia review at Car and SUV website

2007 Kia Magentis 2.0 EX CRDi

2.0L, Diesel, Burgundy, Reg: DZZ286

Driven: August 2007
Place: Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
Hmmm a Common Rail Diesel...I've never been a fan of diesels, ever. Cheap and cheerful number with interior upholstery that resembled those nasty seat covers you can buy from Halfords, Repco or wherever. Ultimately something for the beige trousers brigade!

See full Kia Magentis review at Car and SUV website

2007 Holden Captiva MaXX

3.2L, Burgundy, Reg: DQL943

Driven: August 2007
Place: Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
Not much to shout about from a drivers point of view, V6 engine just manages to haul it along at a respectable pace. Could be a lot sharper on the steering and ride front. Great for people who dont like to feel they have actually travelled at all. Take one sleeping pill and wake up there :-p

See full Holden Captiva MaXX review at Car and SUV website