The legendary Hilux started its life in 1968 and has remained a popular workhorse ever since. The Toyota took over Hino in 1960s and was looking to enter then burgeoning light pickup truck market and replace the Corona and Crown based utes. The result was Hilux – based on Hino Briska – that offered some serious competition in the light pickup segment. Hilux had better fuel economy than most V8 powered pickups and was tougher. It was solely designed to serve the purpose to carry a decent load from point A to point B. Hilux has been a success story ever since. Although Toyota already had a Stout pickup truck, but it was bigger and less popular.

Toyota Hilux has spawned 7 generations and each generation grew in size and displacement. The third generation introduced the four wheel drive layout, fourth generation introduced the fuel injected versions and 5th generation boasted the V6 engine. Hilux is sold in almost all the markets across the globe. It has remained undisputed workhorse and has earned the nick for being indestructible truck. The Hilux was the major highlight of the Top Gear series 3 and series 8. Hilux have also been used as light cavalry during wars and as law enforcement vehicles.

The 2013 Hilux soldiers on the great heritage it has built in  45 years of its production.  Hilux is offered in three different body styles: single cab, extra cab and double cab. The trim packages  are workmate and SR for single cab,  SR and SR5 for the extra cab and all for the double cab.
The 2013 Hilux is powered by choice of three engines: 2.7 Liter Petrol, 4.0 Liter V6 and 3.0 Liter Turbo Diesel. Most of the base models are powered by the 2.7 Liter four cylinder engine that produce 116kW of power and 240 Nm of torque. The engine uses VVT-i, Long fuel injectors, iridium plugs and  direct injection to deliver maximum performance at all engine speeds. The engine is mated to a choice of 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. It is found only in the single cab workmat versions.

The 4.0 Liter petrol V6 is the range topper with a class leading 175kW of power and 346 Nm of torque at wheels. It meets the Euro IV emissions and powers the SR 4×2 single cab,  the SR and SR5 4×2 extra cab and all SR & SR5 double cab versions. The engine features the Toyota’s proprietary Variable Valve Timing with intelligence to optimise fuel flow and efficiency and is mated to 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic transmission. The 3.0 liter turbo diesel engine comes equipped with electronic direction injection. It is mated to 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. The engine powers all three body styles and gives maximum performance at low end torque

The double wishbone suspension setup is standard the whole line up. It is supported by two shicj absorbers and leaf spring in the rear. The SR and SR5 models come equipped with cruise control while satellite navigations along with multi information display is now standard across the whole SR5 range. The V6 equipped models also gain limited slip differential as standard feature now. ABS – which was previously optional on some variants – is now standard on all trim levels. The double cab V6 comes with Electronic Stability control, EBD with brake assist and traction control.

HiLux SR 4×2 models gain cruise control for manual transmissions and have their seat, steering wheel and door trim upgraded. A limited-slip differential has also been added to all V6 petrol models (previously optional). 4×4 models gain the above and also include sports-style front seats and side and curtain-shield airbags.

The iconic 70 series Land Cruisers remains a true workhorse around the globe.  Originally introduced in 1984, this highly capable off-roader never left anyone disappointed.  The vehicle has been renowned for its sheer prowess and off road capabilities. It remains a true successor to the famous 40 series. Over the past 29 years, the vehicle went through many changes and revisions: a lot of cosmetic changes, transition from leaf spring at front to coil sprung suspension, and bigger engine displacement. The basic models lack the luxury equipments, but the ruggedness and off-roading capabilities it offers remains matchless.

It has been sold around the globe in almost every region – with the exception of US – as a utility vehicle for operation in all kind of rugged terrain and areas. It has been offered in short wheel, long wheel and pickup versions. The short wheelbase versions has been phased out in many markets, the long wheel base and the pickup versions remains popular in Australia. One may hardly see the 70 series in the towns, but they are a regular sights at mining area or any outdoor place. The new 2013 model adds a double cab pickup version. All versions are powered by a single 4.5 Liter V8 turbo-diesel engine which has been sourced from the 200 series Land Cruiser. This engine is offered with a single turbo as opposed to dual turbo found in the 200 series. The engine is capable enough to produce 151 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque at wheels.

The 2013 70 series is offered in three body styles: cab, troop carrier and wagon.  The Cab adds a new double cab version to its range. All three versions are powered by 4.5 liter turbo-diesel engine, mated to 5 speed manual.  All versions have all around disc brakes and air cleaner snorkel as standard.  The GXL is the highest trim in all three body styles that adds luxury equipment, such as fog lamps, locking front and rear differential, power antenna and chrome bumpers.  The single cab has two three trim levels: Workmate, GX and GXL.  The double cab has only two: Workmate and GXL. The limited slip differential is standard on GX and the Workmate versions whereas the GXL adds the locking read and front differential as standard and optional on the GX version.  The Workmate comes with 16 inch steel wheels, whereas the GX and GXL have alloys.  The cab versions are sold without a tray.

The Troopcarrier comes in two trim packages, namely a workmate and GXL.  As the implies, the workmate is the basic version and can carry 3 to 11 person, depending on the configuration.  The GXL is the luxury version and seats 5 persons. The alloys are absent in the workmate whereas present on the GXL version.  It has two 90 liter tanks that give a decent range of well over 1500 kilometers. The four door wagon is the range topper and is a cheaper alternative to the more expensive 200 series land cruiser.  The basic model is the Workmate and GXL is the high end version. The Workmate has black bumpers, steel wheels and air snorkel. The GXL version comes with alloys, locking rear and front differential as standard, fog lamps, power antena and many other things.

Pricing start at a little above $58,790 (before on road) Australian dollar and goes up to $77,024 Australian dollar for fully loaded troop carrier version. Numerous optional items, such as bull bars and lightning, are sold separately for the 70 series Land Cruiser.

Prompted by the success of its Cayenne SUV and a plethora of new compact Luxury crossovers mushrooming, the executives at Porsche formally decided to launch a new luxury SUV in the compact segment to compete with the likes of Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC60,
Mercedes GLK and the BMW X1 & X3. The Macan will be the second SUV built by the Porsche and will be available for sale during 2013. Initial models will feature a four door body style with a 2 door Macan scheduled for a later date. The SUV will share the DNA with the Audi Q5. The word Macan is an Indonesian word which means Tiger. The SUV was earlier labeled as Cajun (short for Cayenne Junior) during the initial developmental phases. The SUV is part of the Porsche’s initiative for an increased global presence and plans to target annual sales figure of over 200,000 cars.

PowerTrain and Transmission
The 2013 Porsche Macan will come with a choice of either an 8 speed automatic transmission or a 7 seven Porsche dual clutch automated manual transmission. The Macan will be offered with a variety of engines which include the four cylinder turbocharged 2.0 liter, 3.0 liter V6, 3.0 liter turbocharged V6, a 3.0 turbo diesel and a hybrid version with a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. The base model will feature the 2.0 liter turbocharged engine which will generate 275 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 is the most powerful engine among generating almost 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque at wheels. All the engines feature direct injection for increased fuel efficiency. The engines will be sourced from the Audi and Volkswagen, Porsche’s parent group, and will be tuned for an added performance and punch by the Porsche.  The Hybrid model will feature a 33 kW motor and will draw power from a 1.3 kWh lithium ion battery pack located beneath the rear cargo floor. The hybrid system is expected to run both powertrain to give an increased performance on the road. The role of the hybrid system in the Macan is expected to be more of a performance driven than fuel efficiency system as found in conventional hybrids.

Handling and Performance
The Macan is expected a full Porsche treatment in the handling and performance department. It is expected to feature the Porsche Dynamic Control System, the Porsche Torque Vectoring and the Porsche Traction Management just like its elder sibling, the Cayenne. Although the Macan will be sharing the platform with the Audi Q5, but it will be a significantly a different vehicle. This baby Cayenne will be lower, the suspension will be tuned for crisp handling and ride. Also expected is availability of Porsche height adjustment system on higher trim with electronic settings for suspension height adjustment for different driving mode. In short, it will be more agile and responsive than the Q5. The driving layout will be all wheel drive layout with a rear biased setting for sports car like handling on the road.

Prices and Availability
The Porsche Macan will be produced at Liepzig where Cayenne and Panamera are already being made. The production will start in the year 2013, but the deliveries will commence from the late 2013 and will be touted as the 2014 model cars. Never the less the Macan will be priced higher than the Audi Q5 to avoid competition and damaging sales of each other.  The base model is expected to start at around $45,000 and will go up for the V6 engine models.

The Porsche Cayenne is a mid-size luxury SUV made by Porsche since 2002.  The Cayenne has evolved into two generations and has been a commercial success for Porsche which has never produced SUV’s prior to the debut of the Cayenne.  The Porsche Cayenne shares its underpinnings with the Audi Q7 and VW Touareg.  The vehicle is noted for its style, powerful engines, luxury and handling.  The second generation Cayenne was unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor show and went on sale during the same year.  The 2013 Porsche Cayenne carries on the legacy and adds two new models to its lineup: the Cayenne S Diesel and the Cayenne Turbo S.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2013 Porsche Cayenne packs a bigger punch than the preceding models.  Two new models – Cayenne Diesel S and Cayenne Turbo S – have been introduced for the 2013 lineup.  The trims for the 2013 lineup are: the base model Cayenne,  Cayenne S, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne Diesel S, the Cayenne S Hybrid, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Turbo S and the Cayenne GTS.  An 8 speed automatic transmission – with auto start stop function and gearshift control on the steering control – and all wheel drive are standard across the whole lineup.  All the Cayenne models feature improved and efficient gasoline direct injection.
The Cayenne is the base model in the lineup and is equipped with a 300 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine producing 400 Nm of torque at wheels.  The 2013 Cayenne S boasts a bigger and powerful 4.0 liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque; it can hit 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.  The Cayenne S Hybrid is the currently only Porsche available with a Hybrid drive-train.  It features a 3.6 Liter V6 and a 34 kW electric motor that produces a combined output of 380 horsepower and 580Nm of torque in combined mode. The V6 engine the Hybrid S is a supercharged engine that allows it to produce more horsepower. The Cayenne S Hybrid is also quicker and does 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds.

The Cayenne Diesel is the fuel efficient model in the lineup and is powered by a 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 engine that is capable of producing 240 horsepower and 550Nm of torque at wheels.  The upgrade model, Cayenne S Diesel, has a 4.2 Liter V8 under the hood and generates 380 horsepower and a whopping 850Nm of torque at wheels.0-60mph is achieved in just 5.4 seconds.  This model is currently available in limited countries.  The Cayenne GTS is touted as an upgraded version of the Cayenne S featuring a 4.8 liter V8 under the hood. This engine produces around 420 horsepower and delivers 515Nm of torque at wheels. The turbocharged Cayenne Turbo and Turbo S are one of the fastest SUV in the word with a 0-60mph acceleration achieved well under 4.7 second and 4.5 seconds respectively.  Both feature the twin turbocharged 4.8 liter V8 – sourced from Porsche Panamera  – and deliver 500 Nm of torque for the Turbo model and 550Nm for the Turbo S model.

Driving and Handling
All Porsche Cayenne models feature a rear biased driving, with 60 percent of the power delivered to the rear wheels. Handling is crisp and pleasurable. The all-wheel-drive layout with center locking differential and limited slip differential  is standard across the whole line up.  Delivery of power to all wheels and traction is managed by the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system. There are several handling enhancement equipments found on the Cayenne that are standard on few models while optional on the others. These include the speed sensitive power steering system on the Hybrid S, an adjustable active suspension system PASM on the Cayenne GTS, Porsche Dynamic Control System to cancel for anti roll and Porsche Torque Vectoring differential. Braking can be also be upgraded to all around ceramic brakes for better response and heat dissipation.

Fuel Economy
The 2013 Cayenne is lighter than its predecessor. Extra Weight has been shed to improve handling, response and efficiency without compromising any structural rigidity or losing the off road capabilities. The Cayenne Diesel and the S Diesel boasts the best economy figures in the lineup. The Cayenne Diesel does 28 mpg on the highway while the S Diesel achieves 34 mpg. The base Cayenne and the Cayenne S both deliver a fuel economy of 22 mpg on the highway. the S Hybrid underperforms in fuel economy when compared to the Diesel models – delivers only 24 mpg on the highway – but it has a quick acceleration and faster 0-60mph than its Diesel brethrens . The GTS trim achieves 21 mpg, while the Turbo and the Turbo S both achieve 22 mpg.

All new 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is out for 2013 and beyond. The successful model for Mitsubishi got quite a nice upgrade in terms of design, safety, and engines. The new Outlander looks much more mature and refined and it has an almost luxurious look, we might add.

The 2013 model is the third generation of this Japanese workhorse. This is a no-nonsense vehicle that is comfortable and robust. Truth be told, it is no match for some European SUVs in when it comes to interior design but you will come to appreciate its honesty.  It doesn’t try to impress with high quality materials inside and with luxurious options, but we’re sure you will forget about that once you drive it, and when in five years time you realize that it is reliable and still comfortable as when it was new.

Mitsubishi is marketing the new Outlander as “bold new exterior” and we agree.  It has grown and now it looks much more upmarket than before.  Many safety and comfort features were update and it now offers highly advanced lane departure warning system.  The system utilizes a camera that monitors lane position and if the system detects that the car is moving out of its lane, the system alerts the driver with visual and audio signals. Standard with the new model are seven airbags and new reinforced impact safety evolution or RISE body that uses 6% stronger high tensile steel.  Forward collision mitigation system is another feature that safety conscious drivers will appreciate.  The system measures precise distance from other cars and will alert the driver if there is a possibility for collision.  It seems that Mitsubishi really took care of the safety on this car. Thumbs up for the Mitsu engineers.

Two petrol/gasline engines are offered and one additional diesel engine is available in Europe.  Mitsubishi produced two totally new MIVEC ( Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system ) engines that are actually variable valve timing engines but Mitsubishi decided to brand them with their own name.  The promise is that these new engines offer greater frugality and lower carbon emissions.  The first gasoline engine is 2.4 liter inline four cylinders which produces 124kW (168 HP) of power and 2200 Nm of torque. In some markets a 2.0 liter four cylinders engine will be offered but we suspect 2.4 will be the pick of the bunch.  The 3.0 liter V6 produces 230 HP, plenty of power for all occasions.

Just to clear some confusion we should mention that Mitsubishi in US is calling the new Outlander as 2014 model while on some other markets it is marked as 2013 model.  But mind you, the differences between the old second generation and this new third generation model are so big that you will have no issues recognizing the new one, whether called 2013 or 2014.

The 2.4 liter engine is linked to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) transmission, while 3.0 liter V6 gets six speed automatic.  We are sure that both will offer great enjoyment in driving and be reliable if past experience is taken into consideration.  Mitsubishi has always provided great quality and we see no reason to doubt that it will do so in the future as well.  Updated Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is offered with the new model. Snow, mud, hard rocky terrain will be no-issue for this highly sophisticated all wheel drive system.

The usual suspects are in the competition for the new Mitsubishi Outlander: Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Honda CRV and Subaru Forester. There are also some South Korean offerings worth checking out as well, but let us say that if you choose Outlander, it will serve you well and take you anywhere.

After much anticipation, the 2013 Ford Figo has finally made its debut in India, and it dazzled many different drivers by offering one of the best driving experiences they have seen so far this year.  This sub compact car, which was designed and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, is performing extremely well in the Indian driver’s market.  In fact, the Figo is essentially becoming one of India’s flagships, when it comes to sub compact cars.  This multiple award winning car features some of the best city driving handling capabilities of any car on India’s market right now, which is why it has gained so much popularity in India’s busy marketplace.

This 2013 Ford Figo, which was built with a manual transmission for city driving purposes, has a five speed transmission. The  Figo runs on both petrol and a diesel engine and power steering comes standard with each car that is purchased.  The engine may vary between a 1.2 litre engine and 1.4 litre diesel engine.  One of the most important aspects of a car is the gas mileage.  Ford Figo is very economical when it comes to gas mileage, as it will go about 12.5 kilometers with every 1 liter of petrol, all while going 15.5 kilometers with ever 1 liter of diesel petroleum.

The interior of the car is quiet as well.  The seating is very comfortable and extremely supportive.  Most importantly, the height and back support of the seats are surprisingly well-made.  When it comes to the back seat, Ford does a great job of making sure that there is plenty of leg room for the backseat passengers.  The dashboard typically consists of beautiful coral color patterns, with aluminum trim all throughout the car’s cabin, giving it sort of a sporty feel, especially when it is partnered with the red stitching on the black colored seats.

The 2013 Ford Figo was created by the American based Ford Motor Company, but this particular make and model is manufactured in India, and is sold solely in the Middle East and South Africa. (This car is also sold in Mexico, but in that country it goes by the name of the Ford Ikon.)  The design of the car is actually based on the Ford Fiesta, which is sold in the United States.  The original design debuted in New Delhi in 2009, and since then multiple versions of the car have been released, with the 2013 version being the best of the best when it comes this make and model.

Here are some other great features that the 2013 Ford Figo provides for motorists:

-Steering mounted audio controls.
-A very quiet main cabin, always providing a quiet ride.
-Alloy wheels with sleek wheel cover designs.
-Enhanced air conditioner system.

As mentioned before, this car has won multiple awards in India, and has since become THE most awarded car in the history of India’s car market.  The market has spoken, the specs have spoken, and the reviews have spoken, this is a GREAT vehicle.  So if you are in the market for a new vehicle, this is definitely one of the best options you will have.  Get one today!

The Land Rover LR4 is in a place between LR2 and Range Rover. It provides excellent ride quality along with decent off road abilities. It was first launched in 1989 and has become the LR4 in 2009 when the current model was introduced.  Also called Land Rover Discovery this car is really an all rounder. It feels at home on the highway as well as on gravel and snow.  Ground clearance is plenty so you will not think twice going over small obstacles. The only downside we feel we should mention is its weight. It is heavy, very heavy.

The whole range is equipped with air suspension and well known Land Rover’s Terrain Response System. Inside, you will find an almost luxurious limousine space and comfort. Although there are some parts where Land Rover used lower quality or harder plastics it is done in a thoughtful way.  Let us explain. There are some parts in a car that get abused more than others and since LR4 is meant to be an off-roader and sometimes even a utilitarian vehicle, the owners will quickly come to appreciate those parts being a little “harder” than the rest.  Mind you, the interior is still good looking despite small additions of “harder” plastics. There is plenty of room for five people to feel comfortable and there is an option for seven seats as well.

Land Rover LR4 is available in three trim levels:

- LR4 V8

- LR4 HSE

- LR4 HSE LUX

The LR4 V8 as its name suggests is available with a powerful 5.0 liter V8 engine coupled with six speed automatic transmission.  This is the entry level trim to the world of Land Rover LR4 (Discovery).  Starting price point for this model is $49,995.  Nineteen inch alloy wheels and leather interior are standard so no additional costs there.  In regards to safety you will be glad to hear that standard options are plenty including 6 airbags (side-curtain and side-thorax airbags and front passenger airbag, with occupant detection system), Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control and for people who attach trailers to their cars Trailer Stability Assist is a welcome addition. Seven inch multimedia screen is standard along with eleven speakers Harman Kardon Hi-Fi audio system.

Starting at $54,220 the LR4 HSE also comes with a 5.0 liter V8 but offers a little more in terms of equipment.  If you select HSE trim level you will get (in addition to all equipment available in V8 trim ) power fold exterior mirrors, LED signature lighting, HSE exterior badge, Rear Climate Control, Passive Keyless Entry and rear view camera for easier parking.

The highest trim level is HSE LUX starting at $59,220. It has every feature you can find in V8 and HSE and then some. This is a full blown luxury vehicle with outstanding comfort for the driver and passengers.  As standard you get Xenon headlamps, Adaptive Front-lighting system, all around electric windows with one touch driver’s opening, electric seats with memory and heated front & second row seats. You can opt for climate comfort package and seven seat comfort package which we highly recommend if you have a large family or you are driving more than two or three people around on regular basis.

We like Land Rover LR4 since it is big, comfortable and can also be utilitarian if needed and it will not judge you for that. It will get you to your destination with style. Highly recommended!

The history of Defender goes back to 1948 when Land Rover Series was launched. Since then a Land Rover is the vehicle to go if you need a rugged, reliable and capable off road ride. The  Land Rover Defender was launched in 1983 and at first it was called Ninety and One Ten. Immediately people and buyers recognized the abilities of this car and it is a huge success since then. The Defender name was introduced in 1990 in numerous options – such as two door single cab, five door station wagon, etc. With the new name, new engines were introduced; especially important was a 2.5 liter diesel engine that opened many more markets for the Defender.

In 2013 you can opt for numerous body styles such as:

- Hard Top

- Pick Up

- Soft Top

- Station Wagon

- Utility Wagon

- Chassis Cab

- Double Cab Pick Up

- Double Cab Chassis

- HC Pick Up

- Double Cab HC Pick Up

- 2012/2013 Special Edition

In addition to the above mentioned Land Rover also offers Specialist Conversion edition Defender. Two wheelbases are available: 90 and 100 inches. With most of the body styles you can choose between the two.

The jewel, a 2.2 Liter diesel engine, is available on all models and body styles. With 360 Nm of torque available from 2,200 rpm to 4,350 rpm it will take you anywhere and provide comfortable and easy driving.  Maximum speed is 145 km/h. What is great about this engine is that it is tuned in such a way that it will tolerate lower quality fuels that are sometimes available in distant regions and markets. Popularity of the Defender all over the world has established it as an icon and as the to-go vehicle in harsh conditions.

Permanent four wheel drive is of course standard on all models as well as six-speed transmission. Front and rear beam axle with coil springs will make sure off-roading is smooth and capable. With 314mm or 323mm of ground clearance – depending if you opt for 90 or 110 model you can be sure that obstacles on the road can be no obstacles anymore. This is one of the most generous ground clearances in the class. Even if the obstacle is the water you will be able to just go through, of course if it isn’t over 500mm / 20 inches. Again a class leading feature.

The 90 body style has a fuel capacity of 60 liters. Its fuel economy combined cycle is 27.7 mpg, or 10.2 liters per 100 km. Co2 emissions – 269 g/km. These are great numbers for over two and a half tons heavy vehicle.

The 110 body style is even heavier weighting over three tons. Because of that it is not as frugal as the 90 but it comes with higher volume fuel tank at 75 liters. Combined fuel economy is rated at 25.5 mpg or 11.1 liters per 100 km.

2012 / 2013 Special Edition

Land Rover made a special edition version for 2012 and 2013 model years. Available only in two body colors – Nara Bronze and Orkney Gray it is a vehicle for Defender connoisseurs. Wood interior and contrast stitching make this car move up in the market to the more luxurious class. Still, underneath it is a well known rugged machine that will take you anywhere from muddy mountain roads to desert sand trips – and it will take you in a style.

At the end we should also mentioned some of the many accessories that are available as an additional equipment for LR Defender. Water proof seat covers are one of the things we highly approve. Another thing we would opt for is raised air intake that will make it even more capable off road. The Land Rover Defender is an iconic vehicle that is just getting better and better.

In its 43rd year of production Land Rover engineers designed and produced the latest Range Rover. And what a car this is. This is not some soft SUV! This is the real deal. A luxurious executive car with astonishing 4×4 off-road capabilities. Currently Range Rover is offered in three trim levels – HSE, Vogue and Autobiography. More versions such as Sport are expected in the near future. The fourth generation Range Rover is better looking, more frugal and, what is most important in our opinion, is lighter.

Even if you opt for entry level HSE trim you will still enter a luxurious world, and if you want, an off-road world as well. Only one engine is available in HSE trim: A 3.0 litre V6 diesel with eight speed automatic transmission will take you from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds and stop at maximum speed of 130 mph. As you can see it’s fast even in its lowest offering. Plenty of power is available all the times. As we can expect from LR, off-road capabilities come standard. Systems such as Terrain Response, Air Suspension and Permanent Four Wheel Drive will enable you to go where no other car of this stature can go. And by doing it passengers will still feel comfortable inside. A 3500kg towing capability just adds the icing on the cake. It is truly a workhorse. The 19″ alloy wheels are standard. An 8″ touch screen with Meridian audio system, voice control and Bluetooth are all there to make your life easier. With driver, passenger, side, seat-front, thorax and pelvis air bags it is a safe car to be in as well.

One more step up the ladder and we have well known Vogue trim level. You can choose not from one but from three engine options. Already mentioned 3.0 litre diesel is standard but you can opt for more powerful 4.4 litre diesel that will take you from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and accelerate to the maximum speed of 135 mph. If that is not enough for you another engine is available and that is the powerful 5.0 litre supercharged V8. This beauty will accelerate from standstill to 60 mph in only 5.1 seconds. This is sports car performance. Maximum speed is 155 mph. All off road systems from HSE are standard in Vogue trim.

The third trim level you can opt for is Autobiography. Chrome details all around and 22″ alloy wheels make this car stand out from the crowd. All three engines available in Vogue you can get in Autobiography trim as well. As standard 20 way adjustable seats will make your travel as comfortable as possible. As an option Land Rover also offers executive class rear seats. What that means is that you get two individual seats in the rear – this is limousine comfort right there.

With the all new Range Rover you really get the whole package. Next generation body architecture and all aluminum structure make this car lighter and stronger than before. Co2 levels it produces are also lower than in previous generations so it should fare well with green oriented people as well. Driver and passengers will feel like at home sitting in big, comfortable seats and air suspension will make sure the travel is smooth and refined, we can say luxurious. Plenty of air bags and all new structure make this car one of the safest on the market. Plenty of accessories and optional equipment are available to make the car as personal as the buyer wants. Once the driver decides to take it off road there are systems coupled with permanent four wheel drive that will make this vehicle go practically anywhere.

Also known as Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Dualis is one of the best selling Nissan cars worldwide. It is a small and good looking SUV offering just enough space to comfortable seat five people and take them on a ride. It sits in a compact crossover utility cars class. Many will say it is small but once you spend a little time with it, it becomes pretty clear that it has enough room to be the first and last car in the family. Did we mention it looks good as well? It looks good in an non-intrusive way and we like that. Dualis aged quite well and considering it was first released in 2007 it still looks fresh. It did get a nice restyling update but the overall design is today the same as when it first came out. We like that as well, since cars that age well are highly sought after on second hand market as well. Thumbs up to engineers and designers.

Front wheel drive is standard but you can opt for four wheel drive as well. Both diesel and petrol engines are available. Which engines are available depends on where you live. Only four cylinder engines are available and that is ok, considering the size of the car. From 1.6 liter to 2.0 liter petrol or diesel, we are sure you will find an engine that suits your driving style and budget.

Standard equipment that comes with 2013 Nissan Dualis is plenty enough. iPod connection, cruise control and Bluetooth phone system are just some of the things that will make your drive pleasant and effortless and NCAP five star safety rating will make your drive safe as well. Opt for one level higher and you will get dual zone climate control air conditioning, panoramic roof and leather interior. We are in luxurious waters here. Go even higher and reverse camera and 18″ alloy wheels will make the experience even better. A wide range of accessories such as body side moldings, bonnet protections and tow bar can be had for a little extra. These extra accessories can really add a final touch to the vehicle making it better looking and more usable.

In addition to five star NCAP ratings you will be glad to hear that as standard Nissan decided to add six airbags and electronic stability control. ABS and traction control are of course standard as well. All major safety features are there so that even an entry level Dualis is full featured in that regard.

We forgot to mention this earlier but let’s take a look at it now. Nissan decided to offer slightly longer version of Dualis for people that need two extra seats. It is called +2 or -L version, depending for each market the car was made. So Nissan took care of those who need seven seats or think the car is too small. At the end, with the equipment, safety features and extra two seats this seems like a pretty complete package. We sure like it!