pghul1

The roof cross bars and watercraft holder are made by Thule. They also fit the wife's 2007 Impreza wagon which is a bonus.

The car was AUS$44,000 + about $4000 in accessories + dealer delivery etc = $50,000. It's a fully maintained novated lease so saved on the GST (Fed tax-10%). Total was $45,700. The buy out price after three-years is around $22,000.

The Whiteline front strut brace (large TMIC) from the old MY05 does not fit - close but no cigar! The bar is the right length but the mounting points (holes) are different.

The Climate Control actually works! I keep looking for the Water Temp gauge.

Gear shift is a lot better esp launch and 1 to 2.

Hill holder is now "hill start assist" and electronic - holds the brake for one second - not ad infinitum like the MY05. Keep forgetting!

The audio is quite good - six speakers + Sub - SatNav so only single CD/DVD. SatNav maps are good - haven't used for directions yet.

The rear passengers get a good deal - more leg room, better and reclining seats, more headroom, more width. Even with the driver's seat right back, there is still good legroom behind the driver.

The sunroof is a little smaller, but still huge.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive. I used to get sore lower back with the MY05 seats but so far no probs with the MY09. The driver seating position at max seems a bit lower than the MY05? There is plenty of headroom up front. A 6'3" neighbour took it for a spin on the weekend and was really impressed with the legroom and headroom, and the telescopic movement for the steering wheel. He had no problems getting comfortable, which is unusual for him - even in his BMW

The mileage has come down considerably and is now around 11L/100Km for city driving and seems a bit more efficient than the MY05.

Doesn't seem any slower than the MY05. Appears strong off the line and has more torque available lower down.

It is a different car to drive, and a different car to ride in. The "regular back seat passengers" don't complain at speed humps and about the harshness of the ride.

The full-size alloy spare is a bonus - five wheel rotation? (except the GEOs will last longer). The Geolandar G95s seem a lot better than the G900s.

Cheers!