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

2007 Mazda 6 2.3 Ltd

2.3L, Silver, Reg: DWD160

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

Memory byte:
One of the easiest cars to drive in existence, was expecting more though but has a good chassis and doesnt do too bad for a front wheel driver.

See full Mazda 6 2.3 Ltd review at Car and SUV website

2007 Peugeot 407 SW HDi

Image Copyright Car & SUV
2.7L, Metallic Grey, Reg: 407SW

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

Memory byte:
Another one Darren dropped by in. Man the French know how to make quirky cars!

Loved the moon roof, handbrake was nicely positioned for the passenger (obviously minimum of a two man crew) and you could take your eye out with the top of the window surround on the driver door. Nice looker though.

See full Peugeot 407 SW HDi review at Car and SUV website