Car Tech - Reviews

Volkswagen Golf GT Sport TDI (Golf V, 2007)

A fine way to traverse Australia's vast distances, but we miss the Twincharger's up and at them attitude.

04/09/2008 04:02 PM

PLX Kiwi

While the PLX Kiwi is a good training tool to help motorists to drive more efficiently, it will not miraculously boost your fuel economy.

01/09/2008 04:42 PM

Volkswagen Golf GT Sport TSI (Golf V, 2007)

The GT Sport TSI shape-shifts easily between a relaxed cruiser and inconspicuous hot-hatch, and the 1.4-litre Twincharger engine is an engineering marvel. But the GTI is just five grand more. Decisions, decisions.

07/08/2008 05:22 PM

TomTom One (4th generation)

Both the One and XL are great GPS units: compact, correctable, good looking and easy to use. At AU$349 we'd pick the narrow screen One every time though.

01/08/2008 04:57 PM

TomTom XL (2nd generation)

Compact, correctable, good looking and easy to use, the XL is a great portable GPS. But does its wider screen justify the AU$100 difference between it and the otherwise identical One?

25/07/2008 05:55 PM

Jeep Cherokee Sport diesel (2008)

Built for serious off-roading, not just dashing up the gravel track to your favourite vineyard, the Cherokee demands too many compromises to be a city-bound family hauler.

22/07/2008 04:14 PM

Toyota Tarago GLi (2006)

A people mover that transports all manner of cargo with ease. Pity that it's so pricey and that many of the valuable safety features are optional extras.

16/07/2008 02:29 PM

Jabra SP5050

The Jabra SP5050 is a good choice for those who want a basic and affordable Bluetooth speakerphone.

10/07/2008 04:02 PM

Nissan GT-R (R35)

The R35 Nissan GT-R is a technical tour de force, with evidence of brilliance throughout. Hopefully not too many of its tech goodies are chucked overboard by the time it finally goes on sale in Australia in 2009.

04/07/2008 04:05 PM

HP iPAQ 312 Travel Companion

It may not be entirely rational buying a GPS for its beautiful screen and multimedia features, but the 312 almost makes the case despite its numerous bugs and flaws.

13/06/2008 06:04 PM

Smart ForTwo cabrio (2008)

Its two-seat configuration limits its appeal to just a few. That's a shame because Australia's cheapest convertible is loveable, unique and deserving of a wider audience.

06/05/2008 07:14 PM

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue may be only a practice lap for the real thing, but it's a beautiful joyride while it lasts.

21/04/2008 04:50 PM

Belkin TuneCast Auto with ClearScan

The TuneCast Auto is easy to use and produces clear sound. Just watch you don't run anyone over while scanning for decent frequencies.

01/04/2008 04:11 PM

Smart ForTwo coupe (2008)

We've taken the second-gen Smart fortwo for a quick spin and, although the diminutive city runabout has grown up, expanding in all directions, it's surprisingly peppy around town.

26/02/2008 07:50 PM

Mio DigiWalker A702

It works well as a GPS navigator but, as a phone, the slow responses and awful text messaging really let the A702 down.

25/02/2008 02:17 PM

Sony DVP-FX720W

The FX720 has its limitations, but for the price, it does what it is designed to do well enough.

20/02/2008 12:31 PM

Logitech G25 Racing Wheel

Fancy yourself as a virtual racing driver? This leather-clad, brushed metal extravaganza will transform you from Mark Webber into Stirling Moss.

30/01/2008 05:24 PM

Navman S50

This GPS is blessed with a good price and attractive design but is marred by its buggy Bluetooth and horrible windshield mount.

20/12/2007 04:44 PM

Eclipse AVN2210p

Is this car stereo with detachable GPS unit the answer to the question no-one asked? No matter, it's one of the cheapest ways to get an in-dash GPS.

11/12/2007 11:30 AM

Toshiba SD-P2900

The Toshiba SD-P2900 is a portable DVD player with a wealth of features, but for the price you can also afford a laptop with an onboard DVD recorder.

03/12/2007 04:31 PM

Next

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Editors' choice

Volkswagen Golf GT Sport TDI (Golf V, 2007)

A fine way to traverse Australia's vast distances, but we miss the Twincharger's up and at them attitude.
PLX Kiwi

While the PLX Kiwi is a good training tool to help motorists to drive more efficiently, it will not miraculously boost your fuel economy.
Volkswagen Golf GT Sport TSI (Golf V, 2007)

The GT Sport TSI shape-shifts easily between a relaxed cruiser and inconspicuous hot-hatch, and the 1.4-litre Twincharger engine is an engineering marvel. But the GTI is just five grand more. Decisions, decisions.
TomTom One (4th generation)

Both the One and XL are great GPS units: compact, correctable, good looking and easy to use. At AU$349 we'd pick the narrow screen One every time though.
TomTom XL (2nd generation)

Compact, correctable, good looking and easy to use, the XL is a great portable GPS. But does its wider screen justify the AU$100 difference between it and the otherwise identical One?

More reviews »

Garmin Nuvi 310

This all-in-one GPS navigator, translator, entertainer and tour guide could have been very good, but lead us down a few too many long and winding roads.
Navman S80

No not the Volvo, this S80 is part of Navman's S-Series GPS range. The S80 comes packed with a 4.3-inch touch screen, text-to-speech, NavPix and Bluetooth hands-free.
Navman S30

This good looking, entry-level GPS is let down by design niggles -- chief amongst which is the car charger, windscreen mount combo.
Nokia N95

If you need an all-in-one communications, navigation and imaging device and don't mind charging it every night, Nokia's N95 raises the bar in the mobile world.
TomTom One XL

The TomTom One XL's extra screen width is useful on the road, but it adds little else for the extra AU$100 you pay over the standard One.

More popular reviews »

TomTom One (4th generation)

Both the One and XL are great GPS units: compact, correctable, good looking and easy to use. At AU$349 we'd pick the narrow screen One every time though.
Logitech G25 Racing Wheel

Fancy yourself as a virtual racing driver? This leather-clad, brushed metal extravaganza will transform you from Mark Webber into Stirling Moss.
Mio DigiWalker C320

Mio's C320 GPS provides a good balance between affordability and features.
Mio DigiWalker C520

Bluetooth, text-to-speech, massive screen and good looks make the C520 a good GPS. Its great price transforms it into a great GPS.
Nokia N95

If you need an all-in-one communications, navigation and imaging device and don't mind charging it every night, Nokia's N95 raises the bar in the mobile world.

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Photo gallery

Honda Insight born again as a Prius fighter

Everyone in the industry knew Honda was working on a Prius-fighting, dedicated hybrid vehicle, but Honda has denied that it was reviving the Insight moniker. Today, Honda released the first official information and images of its Prius-like concept and it's called, you guessed it, the Insight.
The long wait begins: Audi's race-ready R8 GT3

The moment Audi toyed with pilfering Lamborghini's parts bin to make its Porsche-baiting R8, it was inevitable that a racing version would be built.

More galleries »

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