Pat’s Point of View

Another month, another in-flight magazine. Yet I was shocked to read about the imminent release of the next generation of Subaru’s Impreza in the June edition of Qantas’ Australian Way.

I’ve not kept up to speed with the latest in the motor industry, as this was news to me! They’re making a hatch version, as well as sedan. The last major body change to the Impreza was the deletion of the coupe—which included the epic 22B—but I don’t think a true hatch version (as opposed to the current hatch which is more like a wagon) is such a good move.

It’s fairly ugly too, especially the back of the hatch version. The sleek front end is not bad though, quite different from the brutish utilitarianism of past models. And it’s looking more inline with the current Liberty design direction.

You can find out more at Subaru USA (an interesting Flash website by the way).

See what people are blogging about: Subaru, 2008 Impreza, WRX

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So, when did all taxis become Falcons? I swear there used to a mix of Commodores and Falcons, but last night I realised every single taxi in Sydney is now a Ford Falcon. You see the odd private hire car (’HC plate’) which is a Statesman, but that’s all.

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The car saga has ended—today we bought a car! A 2003 model Subaru Impreza RV, and a very tidy example too. Excellent condition, stock standard, low KMs and a good price.

I spotted it on the internet yesterday and emailed the dealer, looking for his best price for a quick cash sale. He rang back this morning and suggested we come take a look. Despite having to catch two buses to get there I managed to drag Jenn along, but she insisted “we’re not buying anything today!”. When we got there (Tom Kerr in West Ryde) it wasn’t long before Jenn was hooked and demanded a test drive. She gave it a good work-out and we decided it was a great find.

Although Jenn didn’t negotiate in her usual manner (ie the salesperson won’t get fired this time) we negotiated a good deal and walked away with a car. We pick it up on Wednesday. They even lent us a car in the mean time, which saved us from further bus-bound torment.

The RV is perfect for us: lots of room, sporty styling and performance, AWD for the snow/country trips and reliable Subaru quality. And we couldn’t have found a better example, it was like a brand new car (minus the ugly grill Subaru have added to the 06 Impreza range).

We’re very happy :)

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In a sudden (but not unexpected) turn of events, we have decided to abandon the search for a really small car as reported in previous posts. After looking at more vehicles and baby buggies (just planning ahead) we decided these smallest of cars won’t hold what we want over the next few years.

Indecisive? No! To borrow a naval term we’re simply bracketing our target :)

So we’re back looking for something bigger, but not too big. A mid-sized hatch. So we’re slap bang in the middle of the biggest and most competitive segment of the automotive market! We need to narrow it down a bit before I short-list it, but we’re talking Astra, Corolla, Pulsar territory. Used, since buying new was just a pipe dream.

Unlike my friend Martyn, I don’t think we’ll be looking at a Mini Cooper or MX5….bastard! :)

Stay tuned, looks like this is going to be a saga.

See what people are blogging about: small car, automotive

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As an avid car nut, and having a taste for the unusual, I have long had a fascination for unique automotive specimens. Something intrigues me about the way guys funk up cars that would normally be driven by people not part of the modified car scene. An analogy for this is that it’s a mums car, like a station wagon. Hence the phrase Pimp my mum’s ride, which combines the mum-ness and the name of a popular MTV series dedicated to sooping up old cars (Pimp my Ride). Continue reading ‘Pimp my mum’s ride’

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I have had a bit of a re-think regarding our first family car, a family truckster may not be on the cards now (and the fact that petrol prices are heading towards $2 per litre has played no small part in this decision).

I’m now thinking of small practical, economical runabout that will handle some small kid-like creatures, to be replaced/supplemented by something larger in a few years. Must be 4 or 5 door, manual (but maybe CVT makes sense) and fairly cheap, we might even buy a new one!

My short list includes:

• Toyota Yaris YR 5dr
  
• Ford Fiesta LX 5dr
• Hyundai Getz 5dr 1.4
• Holden Barina 5dr
• Mazda 2 Neo
• Honda Jazz GLi
• Suzuki Swift (Suzuki’s website is quite good by the way)

Notice there are no Frenchies in that list (Citroen, Peugeot, Renault) because they’re just too damn expensive in Australia.

ps: “Dad’s car” is still a few years down the track :)

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On saturday afternoon I plonked myself on the couch in eager anticipation of viewing a TV show that had just started, The Car Show on Channel 9.

What a disappointment. First things first, they rip off not only the Top Gear format but also the theme music (and even that’s a pale imitation of the original). The show is complete rubbish. When will they produce a decent motoring program for Australian TV?

I reckon the young guy presenting doesn’t know his arse from his elbow. Glenn Ridge (former host of The Sale of the Century) is a nice enough guy and has made a few appearances in pro-am touring car racing from what I remember, but he doesn’t seem to add much to the show.

One benefit of the show was it’s brevity, which allowed me to view the next of 9’s afternoon program The Snow Show. I may have the order wrong but the pattern was obvious; a good few hours of ‘advertainment’ drivel. Thinly veiled advertisements in between ads, followed by a few plugs for sponsors products.

How appropriate then, that the theme for this week was the ‘pony car’—all show, no go…just like this program.

I really miss Clarkson and co and their antics.

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I’m fast approaching the day which all young men dread; the purchase of a family car. Arrgh! :)

By year’s end I shall be cruising the streets of Sydney in something safe, practical and economical. I don’t mind to be honest, it’s been over four years since I had to [was cruelly forced to] give up my beloved WRX and I’d drive any old bucket of bolts right now.

Taking the wife’s requirements (including “room for family additions”) into account, I have compiled a list:

• Subaru Forester
• Honda CR-V
• Nissan X-trail
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Toyota RAV4 (5 door)

All circa 2003, and probably base models. This class of vehicle is an obvious choice for us, and for a lot of other young families, hence the explosion of “soft roaders” in recent years.

Other competitors not listed include the Hyundai Santa Fe (the 2003 model is as ugly as sin), the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute (which I’ve read bad things about) and the Suzuki Grand Vitara (which is getting so old I’m surprised they still remember how to make them).

We’re not overly concerned about performance, nor hard core off-road capability. Just enough for the odd driving holiday and a bit of dirt/snow adventures. Bit of luggage room too.

If anyone has opinions, advice or feedback on any of these models please leave a comment. OK I don’t expect a rush of replies, I don’t think anyone reads this. At least the spammers like me, they must have families, perhaps they can recommend a car? :)

Now, back to thinking of a way to convince the Mrs that 20″ chrome wheels and twin 15″ subwoofers are valuable additions to any “baby-mobile”.

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Jenn sent me this ad from a classifieds website, do you think she’s trying to tell me something?

That’s just plain mean, how could somebody do that to such a fine automobile?

ps: If the ad is no longer live, here’s a screenshot.

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Been a fairly busy week, I’ve added some new offers to the Renault Retail website (check it out) and launched a new data capture microsite for Porsche Cayenne (check this too). Nothing much but it keeps me busy!

P

See what people are blogging about: web, cars, renault, porsche

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