2007 Suzuki SX4 Ltd

Image Copyright Car & SUV
2.0L, Silver, Reg: ECG749

Driven: December 2007
Place: Auckland, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
The Suzuki Swifts older brother clearly exhibits some of the younger siblings DNA, but its really a car for old people or women - which is why I didnt drive it much.

See full Suzuki SX4 Ltd review at Car and SUV website

2007 Jeep Wrangler CRDi Unlimited Sahara

2.8L, Diesel, Silver, Reg: DZQ531

Driven: September 2007
Place: Auckland & Red Beach, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
This vehicle had one of the highest novelty factors I've ever driven (apart from the Hummer - but it was close). Its just so different to everything else inside and out. Apart from the multi-purpose roof arrangement, the interior was sparse, utalitarian and quirky, and the exterior was more of the same recipe. Not much to write home about driving it (on road at least), but now I know that I would never own one, given the choice.

See full Jeep Wrangler CRDi Unlimited Sahara review at Car and SUV website

2007 Mazda 6 2.3 Ltd

2.3L, Silver, Reg: DWD160

Driven: 2007
Place: Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
One of the easiest cars to drive in existence, was expecting more though but has a good chassis and doesnt do too bad for a front wheel driver.

See full Mazda 6 2.3 Ltd review at Car and SUV website

2007 Hyundai Tiburon V6 Coupe

Image Copyright Car & SUV
2.7L, Silver, Reg: DWS61

Driven: 2007
Place: Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand
Context: Press Car

Memory byte:
My first ever proper car review - turned out to be a car that I really wanted to hate, but struggled to. Front wheel drive cars are getting better and better these days.

See full review at Car and SUV website

1995 Subaru Impreza WRX STi V2 Wagon

2.0L, Silver, Reg: DKG104 then STI9

Driven: 2007-
Place: Red Beach, Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand
Context: Current Owned

Memory byte:
When I changed jobs I wasnt sure what direction things would take me, so I needed to sell the bimmer, pocket some money and get another car. I wanted the quickest thing I could get for my money, and this was it.

The Tommykaira front makes it look more unusual and I've got some plans to do a few bits and pieces. Already done one meet with Club Sub and more planned for the summer ahead.

2003 Holden Commodore Calais

3.8L, Silver, [Similar car shown]

Driven: 2004
Place: Dunedin, New Zealand
Context: Hire Car

Memory byte:
Another thrashmobile and also one of the bigger capacity V6s ive driven. This car did well for its round trip hammering from Dunedin to Oamaru, then to Ranfurly and onto Alexandra, before heading home. Its a big car, but the 3.8 V6 had enough grunt to keep it shifting along at a decent pace. Even though it was Auto (again), there was good opportunity to get some wheelspin happening when pulling away. Handling was okay but nothing special.

Why Holden named their model after a crappy French coastal town I will never know ;-p

1997 Subaru Legacy GTB

2.0L, Silver, [Similar car shown]

Driven: 2002
Place: Albany, North Shore, New Zealand
Context: Test Drive

Memory byte:
Having arrived in NZ I'd always wanted to drive one of these twin turbo motors. Sadly it needed to be Auto so I think from memory it was down about 20bhp on the manual version. It certainly handled well and was quick, but I thought it would be faster. Loved the flat-four engine and 4wd, plus it even had two sunroofs. Sadly the guy was asking too much and was a bit of a 'dodgey dealer', so we left that one well alone.

1998 Ford Focus 1.6LX

1.6L, Silver, [Similar car shown]

Driven: 1998
Place: Heathfield, East Sussex, UK
Context: Hire Car

Memory byte:
One of the many cars used to travel up to Leeds for work. Remember thinking the first time I drove it, that it felt a bit like a people carrier what with all that headroom. Chassis was pretty good, even if the engine and gearbox were less willing. Also, one of the first cars I have driven that didnt have the standard 'tick tick' noise for indicators. Soundly thrashed like all good hire cars!

1996 Mercedes Benz C180

1.8L, Silver, IIL XXXX [Similar car shown]

Driven: 1997
Place: Heathfield, East Sussex, UK
Context: Dads car

Memory byte:
Drove it once as far as I can recall. Nice and comfortable, very little road noise but too underpowered and what's with that weird handbrake mechanism?

1989 Renault 5 GT Turbo

1.4L, Silver, Reg: F109 RVL

Driven: 1996-97
Place: Heathfield, East Sussex, UK
Context: Owned

Memory byte:
Holy Moly - could this thing fly! Okay so it was a lemon and horribly unreliable, but when it was working it smoked everything in sight. Although I could never figure out what had been done, it was quicker than the normal GT Turbo and had bucket loads of torque steer. When the turbo cut in you would see your passengers grab for the nearest solid object - it was awesome fun.