Nowadays the discussion of an engine in a vehicle review is often treated as a numbers exercise. It is usually a paragraph or two at about the three-quarter point of the story.

There is a simple reason for this - everything is much of a muchness. Everyone has roughly the same technology as everyone else, albeit under enough names to launch a whole new dictionary, and they all perform in much the same way.

So when the new 2.0 R-Series engine fitted to the Hyundai ix35 is the key topic of discussion you should take note. Especially considering that the firm's new SUV is a significant departure from the Tucson it replaces - and the Tucson made up over a fifth of the brand's sales.

A downsized version of the 2.2 litre R-eries fitted with much acclaim to the Sante Fe produces 135kW and 392NM of torque from 1800rpm through to 2500rpm. It does this using fairly well proven injection and turbocharging systems - and obviously a significant amount of pixie dust - although I could not find a filler for that.

Teamed with a six-speed auto in the Elite model Autotalk tested, the numbers mean an almost sports car level of initial acceleration, and extremely rapid overtaking maneuvers. The all wheel drive system is torque-on-demand with a 50/50 torque lock function.

That sports car take off is matched to a firm chassis but slightly dull steering. It is no bad thing for punting down a smooth coast road, but set up a little too firm for much of central Auckland. Drive it past my office in Auckland’s Quay Street and see what I mean.

The R-Series negates the need for a V6 in the range and at the same time offers claimed fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km.

While you can enter the ix35 range with a front-wheel drive 2.0 litre petrol for $39,990, the $49,990 Elite offers strong value. Externally you get sharp looking 18-inch wheels to ride on while inside the usual list of luxuries at the top of a top of the range SUV -  leather seats with electronic control for the driver, dual climate control - and a few less usual, ipod function on the stereo, front heated seats and a rear camera mounted in the rear-vision mirror.

That camera highlights a key flaw in the ix35. Rear vision is highly restricted by the ix35’s external design. I like the way the car looks but it creates significant black spots and if I had children the camera would be an absolute must.

The cabin is otherwise a nice place. Fit and finish is surpassing Japanese levels and you could loose the family in the multitude of storage bins. Gripes? There is no reach on the steering wheel making for awkward positioning for some drivers, including myself, the panel above the pedals comes down too far and catches on big shoes.

The ix35 is already proving popular in the market for compact SUVs but faces tough competition. Luckily the market appears to be fragmenting.

If you want seven-seats and can live without a diesel, there is a Mitsubishi Outlander, If you want something more car like, Subaru Ouback - but if you want to be quick, use less fuel and enjoy some luxury at a good price, the ix35 is hard to beat.

The new 2010 Volkswagen T5 van range has arrived in New Zealand, with a three tier range of engines. The entry level is a 240Nm 2.0 litre common rail diesel; while a higher tuned version produces 340Nm. At the top end is a twin turbo version of the engine, putting out 400Nm.

However, we start with the entry level SWB, available from $46,950. This puts the SWB in the price bracket just above the slightly smaller Fiat Scudo and Mercedes Benz Vito 111CDI/E.

VW claims 7.2 L/100km on the Combined cycle, with Euro Five emissions ratings.

It’s an easy conclusion to make that Jeep has a reputation for building tough looking, blocky vehicles, but the Jeep Patriot marks the first time since the original Fiat Panda that design has adhered so religiously to the set-square school of styling so devotedly.

While the updated Jeep Patriot hasn’t changed much on the outside it still looks pretty odd, with a big grille, big wheel arch extensions and the name of the vehicle actually embossed into the rear bumper. It looks tough enough to take on the Rubicon trail, but I wouldn’t recommend that, as the vehicle is actually based on the same platform as the Mitsubishi Outlander.

I hate to pull out that old saying ‘with great power comes great responsibility’ but that’s exactly the idea behind the FPV F6E. At first glance it looks very responsible indeed.

Then you notice how low it sits to the tarmac, how the rubber on the big alloy wheels is liquorice thin. And then there are the big red brake callipers (six pot at front, four pot at rear) with that magical name ‘Brembo’ embossed into them. Also take note of the cross drilled and ventilated brake discs front and rear. This, ladies and gentlemen is the perfect car for someone who doesn’t want to show off, but likes to blow other cars into the weeds.

Ford Performance Vehicles have realised that there’s a section of the market that doesn’t want extravagant spoilers and aggressive nose extensions to go along with their high performance ride, and so that’s why the F6E exists.

Would it not be ironic, as Alanis Morrisette may once have said, to be waiting in line to be served at one of those great foundations of western consumerism, KFC, while behind the wheel of a petrol sipping Toyota Prius hybrid?

Well, at least I could feel a little better about going through the drive trough without using any fossil fuel. The Prius, like it has always done through its various generations, glides forwards at a walking pace with barely a hum from the electric motor and an engine that kicks in when you need to go faster or charge the battery.

This latest Prius has a larger petrol engine than before, 1.8 litres as opposed to 1.5 litres, because the first two generations were designed for inner city running, and so when out on the open road the petrol engine was working too hard.