Tuesday 28 June 2016

Reviewing the Suzuki Grand Vitara

Read The Suzuki Grand Vitara review to help you make better decision when it comes to financing a car in Australia!

The Car
Suzuki’s Grand Vitara is Suzuki’s time-worn SUV that is basic with 3 different grades. The car is without some of the advanced technology like keyless entry and powered tailgate.

It is only 4-stars ANCAP rated that offers stability and traction control as well as brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

The Drive
The Grand Vitara can rev well up to 6000rpm but at higher speeds, the engine starts straining. Low speeds might give you a bit of a bumpy ride with a fair bit of body roll but makes up for it off-road.

The Interior
The Grand Vitara is comfortable with ample space in front and the rear and plenty of cargo space with 398 litres which can go all the way up to 1,368 when the rear seats are down.

Overall
The Grand Vitara gives you the basics and an immense amount of space, but a bit lacking in terms of stability and handling.

Reviewing the Suzuki Grand Vitara

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Reviewing the Subaru Forester

At The Smarter Finance Company, we handle more than just finances, we help you with reviews too.

The Car
The Subaru Forester is still doing well in the market as a family SUV that can truly perform off road.

The latest model gives a nice front grille and bumper with a new shape, 18 inch alloy rims, Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist and an automatic tailgate system.

The car performs well, but can be expensive, both to purchase and to run.

The Drive
The Forester breezes over any bumps even at high speeds with the grip from the wide tyres. The improved suspension and steering make it easy to handle through different environments.

However, suspension balance is reduced at lower speeds but at there is less feedback in the cabin.

The Interior
The Forester gives off a spacious feel inside the cabin which is a little rugged, but practical.

You get amazing space for both passengers and equipment totaling to 505 litres and triple that with the rear seats folded.

Overall
The Forester will do exactly what you need it to do as a work vehicle or for your family which is very practical.

Reviewing the Subaru Forester

Friday 17 June 2016

Reviewing the Porsche Cayenne

Read on about the Porsche Cayenne before financing one of your own!

The Car
The Cayenne comes with an impressive 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine and a recent facelift of 19 inch wheels and auto dimming interior.

The diesel model doesn’t come with autonomous braking or keyless start and steering is manual. Anything more would require expensive upgrades.

The Drive
Corners are a little shaky with the all-wheel drive but the suspension allows you to manage the car well.

Off-road adventures are perfect but the city might seem off your course because the size makes tight turns difficult.

The Interior

You’ll get cushy seats in the front with door pockets and plenty of space in the rear for passengers.

The boot is just as spacious, with a 40/20/40 rear folding seat totaling up to 1780 litres.

The only downside is the immense number of buttons which are there just to confuse you.

Overall
The Cayenne gives you immense capacity and an exciting drive and nothing less than what you would expect from Porsche with this new sports wagon.

Reviewing the Porsche Cayenne

Tuesday 7 June 2016

Reviewing the Nissan Juke

Find out more about the Nissan Juke with The Smarter Finance Company’s easy car review.

The Car
The Nissan Juke is a crowd favourite which looks good with high wheel arches and an aerodynamic edge.
It comes with a 1.6-liter turbo with intermediate lock of the CVVT system and a fitted low-pressure EGR system.

The Drive
It offers the I-CON system so you can get normal, sport and eco drive modes. It can go 0 to 100 in under 7 seconds with the front CVVT.

Its steering is pretty light with speed-sensitive electric power steering that maintains agility with its small wheelbase but the front end lacks grip at higher speeds.

Overall, the ride is comfortable though the suspension struggles to iron out potholes producing noise from the aftershocks of hitting one.

The Interior
The interior is colourful with highlights especially on the main console but the material quality is low with thin and hollow plastic.

The backseat is a bit cramp especially for tall people but it can folded to give a bit more cargo space.

Overall
The Juke is a fun and agile car but not as spacious for those bulky items.

Reviewing the Nissan Juke

Friday 3 June 2016

Reviewing the Mitsubishi Triton

When it comes to car financing, The Smarter Finance Company wants you to know exactly what you’re buying with a review on the Mitsubishi Triton.

The Car
The latest Triton comes with a new grille that is lined with LED day lights and high intensity headlamps.
It is equipped with a brake override system and force limiters on the seatbelts qualifying it for the 5-stars ANCAP rating.
It has potential to tow up to 3100kg on both models.

The Drive
Speed is not a priority but this car is engineered to maintain a good pace even while pulling a load. The design of the vehicle makes it stable with decent fuel consumption at 7.6L/100km.
The extra reinforcement in the rear frame helps with weight distribution for enhanced speed resulting in smooth drive.

The Interior
The Triton has a pretty rugged interior with chrome trim which complements the new instrumentation layout.
Passengers will get reasonable space in the rear cabin while the tilt-and-reach adjustable wheel helps get the driver comfy.

Overall
The new Triton is a stunner and the vehicle is perfect for pulling and safety. However, space might be a concern for large families.


Reviewing the Mitsubishi Triton

Friday 27 May 2016

Reviewing the Ford Everest

Find out about the Ford Everest before peeking at financing rates.

The Car

The Everest classes like a utility truck with more capacity for cargo and passengers and a shorter body length and wheel base.

The Everest comes with a standard kit along with other technologies like active noise cancellation and cruise control on top of regular safety advances.

Some technologies are missing like climate control and auto parking which can be upgraded for a price.

The Drive

The Ford Everest is smoother with a good balance of suspension dampers to help manage bumps and turns.

The vehicle can pull its weight with a maximum torque 1750rpm. The electric steering is a good addition and parking is easy.

The Interior

As a seven-seater, there is plenty of room for passengers. Seats are movable to further ease boarding/alighting. You can get up to 1060 litres with the 3rd row folded and 2010 litres when you fold all of them.

The seats are upholstered and supportive for all rows with lots of storage places for everyone.

Overall

You won’t have to complain about space and power for both on and off road experiences for a price.


Reviewing the Ford Everest

Tuesday 24 May 2016

Reviewing the BMW 3-series

The BMW 3 series is one of our favourite cars and you can find out more about it with its review.

The Car

The 3-series has been around for the last 4 decades and is still popular due to its solid performance and the latest revamp will focus on the engine.

The 3-series can go from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds with an eight-speed transmission and can get up to 1700kg of towing capacity. It also comes with additions like reverse camera and adaptive M suspension.

The Drive

The 3-series ranks very highly in terms of performance with good steering and gearboxes options for a steady ride even on curvy roads.

We highly recommend the adaptive dampers to benefit from the additional control.

The Interior

The classy interior will not disappoint with the three-spoke leather steering and the well-positioned dashboard with dials and controls within easy reach.

Its head and leg-room are expanded but the back-centre passenger will have to compromise. Boot space is generous at 480 litres.

Overall

The 3-series is easy to drive and affordable to upkeep but you will be paying for the brand and the quality experience.


Reviewing the BMW 3-series

Thursday 19 May 2016

Reviewing the Audi A1

See what The Smarter Finance Company feels about the Audi A1.

The Car

The A1 is smaller than A3 with grille and overall stylistics being uniquely Audi. The wheels get bigger as you go up the tiers.

The standard kit offers alloy wheels, a 6.5-inch display screen and heated electric mirrors. It qualifies for the 5-stars ANCAP rating with ABS, traction and stability controls.

The Drive

The A1 is a compact vehicle which makes for good handling and parking. It's also agile with the evenly-weighted steering.

There are a number of driving modes to select with standard electronic differential to boost grip.

The Interior

High quality interior is expected especially the luxurious dashboard. The glossy black air-vent sleeves can be customised.

The front seats are adjustable for comfort with ample space, but rear seats are upright and might be a little sore.

Overall

The A1 comes with quality engine and interiors for a price but not so suitable for large families. Check with The Smarter Finance Company for the available options!


Reviewing the Audi A1

Thursday 12 May 2016

Reviewing the Volkswagen Golf

Read the review on the Volkswagen Golf to have a real life opinion to decide on a car financing option.

The Car

The Volkswagen Golf is yet another old-timer on the market with exceptional value retention.

The Golf is turbocharged, but very economical. You also get stability control and City Emergency Braking system in higher models qualifying it for 5-stars ANCAP rating.

The Drive

We love how the Golf handles steering and stability at turns. There is also little noise even on highways.

The downside is the hefty additional sum needed for more power and 4-wheel drive.

The Interior

The driver’s seat is comfortable and adjustable for a good vision but the quarterlight windows are distracting.
You get a 6.8-inch colour touch screen and Bluetooth phone connectivity with well-positioned dials on the dash.

It is comfy for every passenger and the boot has 280-litres of cargo space or 1,270 litres with the rear seats folded.

Overall

The only concern is its hefty pricetag but it is worthy looking at the retention of its resale value.


Reviewing the Volkswagen Golf

Wednesday 4 May 2016

Reviewing the Toyota Corolla

Read the review on the Toyota Corolla to help you make a decision on car finance rates.

The Car

The Corolla into its 11th generation has managed to maintain its sales numbers as a “safe choice” for an all-rounded family saloon.

The latest model tries to up its street style with Toyota putting in efforts to showcase a more up-market feel.

You get efficient running costs and fuel economy coupled with impeccable service standards and a strong resale value as well as the full 5-stars ANCAP rating.

The Drive

The Corolla gets a new electric-assist power steering and better suspension but the drive wasn’t exciting with its ordinary engine.

The car also struggles at corners with the rear waggling over bumps. Stability and traction help to ease a little, but loses speed.

The Interior

You will get a leather steering and fabric-trimmed seats. The 4.2-inch colour screen provides you with technology and connectivity.

The new version gives more rear and boot space. The windows are small so we’d recommend the sunroof.

Overall

The Corolla is a decent car in the industry which is a typical run of the mill appliance but still retains its value well.


Reviewing the Toyota Corolla