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Notebook
Glance sideways at the rear-vision mirror on the army's newest off-roadster, and you'll see a familiar warning.
"Objects in mirror are closer than they appear."
Maybe a point for soldiers to keep in mind when swivelling to aim the roof-mounted machine gun – not that Malcolm Turnbull seemed keen to try.
"I'm not going to drive it in to Melbourne," the PM was quick to respond during the inspection after the salesman joked it was an easy car to drive.
There is a reversing camera, air-conditioning, cup-holders, a 3.2 litre turbo diesel engine – and plenty of people wanted to know if it comes in black.
But this particular Toorak-tractor would certainly turn a few heads should the camouflage model suddenly appear on suburban streets, with its seven-figure price tag.
While on the inside there are enough computer screens, switches and plugs to make you wonder if the thing might just sprout a helicopter blade and fly.
Turnbull briefly got down on knees to look underneath the rig, which is where the army is seriously pleased with what this four-wheel drive, dubbed "Hawkei", will offer.
That's where the armour begins to protect troops from roadside bombs, continuing with specially suspended seats to deflect blast shock from those inside – yet, at seven tonnes, can still be lifted by a large chopper.
But to where? That's the question Turnbull is yet to explain, having added a new beast to the nation's garage.
A go-anywhere machine to fight in deserts abroad or jungles closer to home? Or just to have, in case the everyday ride breaks down? Along with the submarines, jets ...