Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/95079
SUVS UNDER THE TREE A DAVID GILCHRIST KNOWS WHAT HE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR AS HE GETS BEHIND THE WHEELS OF THE LATEST EUROPEAN SUVS. side from family, friends, eggnog, turkey, ham, pork, peace, goodwill and the new akubra, woollen socks and tie, Christmas would be an even bigger cracker if someone put a new car in your stocking. The problem is choosing which car. The answer might be found in European styling. The fact that it still does after all these years is nothing short of remarkable. There's so much that's appealing about this car, from the front bumper through to the modified side skirts, leather-look lining and steering wheel. However, this car is not only good- looking, it's also good to drive. The one I road-tested was a sheer delight to move along the highway or cruise along dusty byways. The in-built technology in this SUV leaves other similar cars at the starting line and includes the Direct-Steer system for effortless steering, as well as a direct select lever and shift paddles on its multifunction steering wheel. My test car's three-litre, V6 configuration produced a substantial 620Nm at between 1,600 and 2,400rpm, which means it has about the same grunt as the popular workhorse of the Outback, the 200-Series four-litre, V8 Toyota LandCruiser. Although the new M-Class has about the same body size and delivers about the same power to the ground as its cheaper competition (albeit with less ground clearance), it's hard to ignore the quieter, more comfortable ride, the enduring style, the incredible smart technology, the low carbon emission features, the better fuel economy and the sheer pleasure of driving a Mercedes-Benz. Put this one in my Christmas stocking and it's Frohe Weihnachten! GOTHENBURG MASTERS If your Christmas gift list includes a DVD of Casablanca, starring Ingrid Bergman, and ABBA's Super Trouper album, you're probably going to love finding a Volvo V60 boxed and wrapped under your tree. However, you must know the Volvo V60 Teknik diesel is a motorcar powered by paranoia. Let me explain. STUTTGART STUNNER A combination of luxury and adventure, the latest M-Class Mercedes-Benz is sure to have its owners thumbing their lederhosen braces, smiling with pride. That's because Stuttgart's Daimler-Benz designers have got it just right. Style-wise, this car hasn't just listened to the zeitgeist; it's defined what's cool in the SUV world. Considering Mercedes-Benz's long history, the fact that it's able to set a benchmark in design isn't surprising. 38