Golf anyone?

This week Northstar Motor Group have provided me with a Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI (Turbo diesel) to test drive. I was thrilled because when I was 18 a Golf hatch drove past me and it immediately became my dream car. I settled for an Hyundi Excel and it never quite satisfied me.

I was also aware of the popularity of the Diesel Golf. I know it's hard to get your hands on a second hand one. These babies are popular. I had also never driven a diesel so I was curious.

What I like about it:

This drives like a dream. I have so much faith in it's ability to know the road and get the job done. It feels capable and I have complete faith it's ability to handle any road, in any weather, under any circumstances.  I wouldn't expect to say that about a hatch.

I love the torque. I have always wanted to talk about torque and this car explodes at traffic lights. I am not going to encourage some silly teenage boy to drag me off at lights but if I wanted to, I could whip their skinny butts with in this.

The boot space is great for a small car. I had no problem fitting in groceries and school bags.

The fuel gauge barely moved. This could be the most fuel efficient car I have ever driven.

Sports mode - it speaks for itself.

What I don't like:
I personally like a bigger car these days and the hatch doesn't appeal to me anymore but I certainly wasn't thinking about that as I cruised around.

Some facts:
Engine:                       Diesel Turbo F/Inj
Engine size:               2.0L
Fuel economy (city):  5.2 L/ 100km
Safety:                        ANCAP 5 star safety rating
Conclusion: I love the feel of driving this car. It is zippy and great for city living. It would be great for a single person, couple or small family. Great driving, braking, comfort and safety.


Northstar Volkswagen
322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring
3480 8600
www.northstarvolkswagen.com.au

Northstar is a paid sponsor of Redcliffe Style but my opinions are not bought and I am always honest.

Mitsubishi Outlander 2012 Car Review

Earlier this week I visited Northstar Motor Group Redcliffe to pick up a Mitsubishi Outlander 2012 to drive and review.

I had a tutorial about all the great features. Then it was time to say good bye and take the vehicle on the road. Hmm, I couldn't get the car into drive. I politely asked if there was a trick. Yes, big trick. You must use the key and start the car. This was not my finest moment, but in my defence this was not mentioned in the tutorial. Also the week before I had been at the Mueller College Fete and the dodgem cars started and stopped by themselves.

Now about the Mitsubishi Outlander. I really like the size. It is not too big, it is not too small, it is just right. If I was goldilocks I would be completely satisfied.

This vehicle is small enough to zip into car parks and throw a quick u-turn but big enough for all my mum needs. I could fit children, dogs, bags and bikes with ease.

Does it look cool? No, but the really cool kids don't get their street cred from a vehicle. They are born with it.

Is it good value for money? Yes, I had I had no idea of the price of this vehicle and I was surprised that it starts from $28,990 drive away. I honestly thought it would be a lot higher. It also has an amazing warranty, 10 year/160,000km Power Train warranty, 5 year/130,000km New Vehicle warranty and a 5 year Perforation Corrosion warranty with capped priced servicing for 4 years. This is an amazing package.

Is this a family car? Yes. This is the size I would buy for my family of four. I might even upgrade to the 7 seater to give us the extra seats if we need them. We aren't campers or 4 wheel drivers but we could do it if we wanted to.  Regular campers might choose something bigger and tougher.

What did the children think?
Miss 6 "Good, can we get a red one next time'
Miss 8 "I like the seats, they are comfy'
The little monkeys were very comfortable and their only complaint was that I wouldn't let them eat in the car.

Any other points of interest? I thought the coin cup/lipgloss holder was really handy. I like to have places to put things. I did feel it was lacking a few drink holders, but how many drinks do I really need at one time? Probably just one.  Also, that with one touch of a button, the second row tumbles away to create bigger boot space. I also like that the bottom part of the boot door can fold down too.


Some facts: Price from $28,990 driveway 4 doors and 5 seats (you can upgrade to 7 seats)
Engine - 2.4L
Fuel consumption - from 9.0km per litre


Conclusion: This car drove well and would tick all my boxes for a neat family car at a great price. Great driving, braking, comfort and safety.

Northstar Mitsubishi
218 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring
3897 4500
northstar.mitsubishi@nmg.com.au
www.nsmg.com.au

Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI Convertible car review

This week I have a Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 118TSI convertible to drive and review. I have an agreement with Northstar Motor Group Redcliffe. For one week each month I will have a car to play with and give an honest review of. I'll also give a few updates over that week, so stay along for my ride.

I have always liked Volkswagens so I was confident I knew what to expect. I was kinda wrong. It drove like I expected, a little rocket ship. I also knew I would like convertibles, but what I didn't know is that it would ignite a full blown love affair. I love the sunshine and wind. It makes me feel like I am on a boat, I'm at one with the elements, all windblown and carefree. I am pretty sure I was smiling the entire time I was driving.

What did the children think?
Miss 6 "Umm, fun and good, and umm so cool'
Miss 8 " Err, small and good and I like the roof'

Ok, they loved it as much as I did. There were no complaints about the small back legroom, their only concern was that there were no window controls in the back. There are two passenger seats in the back, so they were sitting very close, but weren't fighting. They were too busy enjoying the wind in their hair and watching the world whoosh by.

Is this a car for a family? I want to say yes because I really want a zippy convertible. I have to say no because you can't pick up the kid's friends and boot space is quite small. BUT, if you have one child or are a two car family, then yes. I would want something like this as one of the cars because it is so much fun.

Any other points of interest? I think anyone beside me at the lights hate it and not just because I looked so much cooler than them. It's because they get to hear my singing. There is no buffer, I am loud, bad and out there.

See how cool I am

The facts
Price from $42,000 driveway
2 doors and 4 seats
Engine - 1.4
Fuel consumption - 6.6km per litre. The petrol dial didn't seem to move.
5 star safety rating

Conclusion: The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet convertible drove well. I do not have any complaints about driving, braking, comfort, fuel consumption or safety. My only concerns were from a busy mother perspective, with only two doors, an awkward boot and limited space for extra people, bags and a dog it wouldn't satisfy all my needs. I really loved my time with this car. If I could pump it up by 20-25% I would beg and plead (read nag) my husband for it. I live in Queensland, we are born for vehicles like this.


Northstar Volkswagen
322 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring
3480 8600
www.northstarvolkswagen.com.au

Yes, Northstar is a paid sponsor of Redcliffe Style but my opinions are not bought and I am always honest.