Download - New Zealand Automobile Association

DRIVERNew to MarketToyota RAV48.5L / 100KMHolden Commodore9L / 100KMSubaru Forester8.1L / 100KMHOLDEN COMMODOREStyling changes front and rear, anda sophisticated new look on theinside are the major upgrades forHolden’s new VF Commodore. Theride is comfortable and it’s a capableperformer through the corners. Anelectric handbrake switch replacesthe previous model’s finger-pinchinglever and new features include ahead-up display, frontal collisionalert, blind spot monitoring andautomatic-parking technology.Pricing starts with the 3.0L V6 Evokeat $49,990; the V8 models are pricedfrom $61,490 for the SS auto; theCaprice-V tops the range at $85,490.Good: New technology introducedwithout a price increase.Not so good: Engine choices staythe same.TOYOTA RAV4A roof-hinged tailgate replaces theprevious model’s side opening reardoor and, although the body hasshrunk, it feels a whole lot roomierinside. The RAV4 has traditionallybeen an AWD vehicle, but a 2WDis now on offer, fitted with a 2.0L107kW/187Nm petrol engine matedto a CVT transmission driving thefront wheels. The AWD modelshave either a 2.5L 132kW/233Nmpetrol or a 2.2L diesel motor, with110kW/340Nm; both are fitted to asix-speed auto. The petrol modelsstart at $39,990 for the 2.0L GX up to$60,790 for the 2.5L Limited. The 2.2Ldiesels are from $49,290 to $62,790.Good: No more bulky rear door.Not so good: Dashboard styling notto everyone’s taste.SUBARU FORESTERThe Forester has a bold newappearance, a refined cabin andfour engine options; a 2.0L petrolengine with 110kW/198Nm, aturbocharged 2.0L petrol motor withhot-hatch output of 177kW/350Nm,a 2.0L diesel with 108kW/350Nmand a 2.5L petrol delivering126kW/235Nm. Subaru’s Lineartronicautomatic transmission is fitted toall but the diesel, which has a sixspeedmanual. Subaru’s ‘eyesight’technology makes it a whole lotsafer, too, and is standard equipmenton the XT and Premium models.Pricing from $39,990 to $59,990.Good: A competent performeroff-road.Not so good: No automatic choicefor the diesel.48 AA Directions Winter 2013