Luxury Reviews

Out there there’s the sedate sedan man who covets a sporty two-door coupe; there’s a coupe owner who craves the convenience of four doors. Now both can have it all with the new BMW 640i Gran Coupe.VALUEPriced at $184,800, plus on-road costs, to say it’s a blend of heart-racing good looks and eye-watering performance is not to overstate the Gran Coupe. Efficiencies are obtained through the use of an Eco Pro driving mode, auto stop/start engine function, brake energy regeneration, electromechanical power steering, ancillary units used only on demand, an air-conditioning compressor that can be disengaged, active air flap control to cut drag and the use of lightweight materials throughout the vehicle. Advanced chassis technology, which includes the use of aluminium for strength and weight saving, ensures premium ride quality and dynamic performance of the Gran Coupe. Also standard is a full-colour head-up display projected onto the windscreen directly in front of the driver giving speed, sat nav guidance, messages and alerts from the lane departure system and night vision.A range of interior finishes are also available. Topping the lot is an M Sports package that includes M aerodynamics up front, side skirts and rear apron, dark chrome tailpipe tips, and black brake callipers on 20-inch alloy wheels with double spoke design, plus M body colours.TECHNOLOGYFollowing the well travelled road of full-on sporty performance with exceptional fuel economy, the Gran Coupe calls on BMW’s award-winning 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with precision petrol injection and twin scroll turbocharger. Peak power of 235 kW comes up between 5800 and 6000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1300 to 4500 revs. This means the car will clear the line on the way to hitting the 100 km/h tape in just 5.4 seconds.With the motor matched to an eight-speed Sport automatic transmission and benefiting from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology, average fuel consumption is claimed to be 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, while putting out 183 grams of carbon dioxide every kilometre.DESIGNAs the name suggests, the luxurious Coupe makes itself known in a Gran(d) manner. With limousine proportions - the car measures 5007 mm long thanks to a 2968 mm wheelbase, 113 mm more than the 6 Series Coupe and Convertible - the winners here are the back seat passengers who enjoy increased leg room.Indeed, it is the longest vehicle in the segment, one that includes the likes of the Aston Martin Rapide and the Maserati Quattroporte. The extra couple of doors mean there are more windows, letting more light into the cabin. The front of the vehicle returns to the beloved company shark nose and kidney radiator grille, while the BMW emblem itself dominates the long bonnet which reaches out to the set-back passenger cabin.In profile, there’s no missing the fact of the Gran Coupe’s low centre of gravity, which is only emphasised by sharp horizontal lines across the rear and a third stop lamp which runs the full width of the top edge of the rear window. Exterior paint includes a matt finish Frozen Bronze which, among others, produces a facial Max Factor would have been proud to call his own.Despite the low lines, the vehicle height is increased over the Coupe model and the 460 litre boot is capable of carrying three golf bags, expanding to 1265 litres with the rear seat backs folded flat. Inside the cabin it will comfortably seat four adults, with the option of using the centre rear position for a fifth providing he or she is prepared to straddle the centre console. All seats are wrapped in Dakota leather, with the option of Nappa hides with contrasting stitching adding extra class.SAFETYSafety is high on the list of Gran Coupe features. These include active cruise control which will keep the vehicle at a pre-determined distance from the vehicle in front. A collision warning system automatically sounds an alarm and applies the brakes to slow down the vehicle can be activated via the car’s iDrive menu.A park distance alarm and a reversing camera which projects the rear view onto the in-car screen are standard and can be added to with a surround view system that incorporates a side view too. Optional park assist helps the driver seek out a potential parking space and takes control of parking, steering into the space with the driver operating only the accelerator and brake.At night standard high beam assist sets high beam and dips the lights automatically for oncoming, or close-ahead, traffic, while an optional night vision system uses a thermal imaging camera to pick up pedestrians, animals or anything emitting heat and show them on the control display in the cabin.DRIVINGAn option unique to the class is integrated active steering in which the steering angle of the rear wheels is altered to match the power assistance and steering angle of the front wheels. Agility is improved on tight bends, in lane changing and in city traffic.When it comes to driving, the Gran Coupe could well be described as being ‘all cars to all men’. A so-called Driving Experience Control button on the centre console dishes up Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes which work on accelerator pressure and engine response, gear shifts, power steering and stability control to suit the driver’s style and the occupants wishes. The button also brings into play Eco Pro which highlights driving style and how to match it to maximum fuel economy.While all this is going on, cabin occupants can be entertained by a premium Bang and Olufsen audio and for an extra $16,000 a high-end surround sound system with 14 speakers and two sub-woofers in thrall to 1200 Watts of power. Notes from the engine finding their way into the comfortable and classy cabin were perfectly in tune with the sporty aspect of the vehicle.Adaptive LED headlamps feature white LED corona rings as parking and daytime running lights. These are flattened at the bottom and overlapped at the top edge with a further LED light. It’s almost as if the car were sharply concentrating on the road ahead. The 6 Series Gran Coupe standard package is a whole box and dice of what is best about BMW’s adherence to producing drivers’ cars, a point repeatedly illustrated on our run.VERDICTThe Gran Coupe offers a great example of luxury with a touch of larrikin ladness.BMW 6 Series Gran CoupePrice: From $184,800Warranty: 3 years roadsideSafety: Not ratedEngine: 3.0-litre, 6-cyl turbo petrol, 235kW/450NmTtransmission: 8-speed auto, rear-wheel driveThirst: 7.9L/100km, 183g/km CO2Body: 5007mm (L), 1894mm (W), 1392mm (H)Weight: 1750kg

Stunning . . .  one word says it all.  Not advised for the introvert, the Range Rover Evoque Coupe was made to turn heads. But with an obvious focus on style, could this beauty come with any brawn? The Evoque looks high maintenance, impractical, and a bit needy, but despite our best attempts at aversion, we became

From the depths of German forests comes an SUV that is so explosive, so clinically good at its job that it will redefine what you think about family haulers. Yes, this one's for real - a wagon with all the versatility you want, with the luxury features you deserve and the head snapping performance you crave.The Audi SQ5 makes so much sense that it will make you sit up and say unashamedly: "Hey, maybe the wife is right - we need an SUV''. The first "S'' sports machine from Audi with a diesel engine adds another tempter - it will be cheaper than the S4 wagon - expected at about $110,000 - when it gets here in the second quarter of next year.Boasting 230kW/650Nm, the SQ5 is based - as the name suggests - on the revamped Q5 SUV. Australia starts getting the mid-life makeover Q5 in December.Expect about $110,000 for a machine that has many of the dynamics of the S4 and yet has a generous and flexible cabin - not to mention very well equipped - and you have a vehicle that has the best of two worlds. The price includes heaps of equipment - and Audi Australia promises it will arrive in standard form heavily clothed - but there's a few A4 sheets of paper loaded with tempting options.It comes with 20-inch alloys but there's 21-inch on offer, there's Drive Select that controls settings for the chassis, full leather upholstery and alcantara, real wood and aluminium laminate trim, brilliant sat-nav that can be upgraded to Audi's "Connect'' system that reaches into the internet and Google Earth, and so on. It's a feast - you just have to pay the entry fee.The Q5 has been around since 2008 and the shape is a benign expression of how Germans mix form with function. It's practical not beautiful. But the cabin is perfectly appointed and the size is more socially justifiable than the behemoth Q7.New for this mid-life makeover are a new nose and lots of LEDs. The SQ5 adds more aggressive body kit and sits 30mm lower than the standard Q5 range. The boot floor is flat and makes a lipless connection when the tailgate is open to ease loading. Australia gets a space-saver spare wheel but Europeans get a can of goo and a compressor.The engine is the heart of the SQ5, It also features in next year's A6 and A7. This bi-turbo V6 mates to ZF's eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters, then routes to all wheels.The steering is electromechanical to save 0.3 L/100km of fuel but the fact it's electric means it integrates perfectly into the Drive Select system that offers different settings for engine response, transmission function, the firmness of the suspension dampers and the weight of the steering.The package will push to 100km/h from rest in a mere 5.1 seconds, claim up to 7.2 L/100km (I got 9.5 L/100km) and basically scare the wits from unsuspecting traffic.The basic Q5 is the same as before so keeps its five-star crash rating. There’s a raft of standard safety gear but Audi will allow you to spend extra money on side assist, adaptive cruise control and lane assist.Standard is a rear camera and Driver Assist that monitors the driver's behaviour. For example, a nodding head or erratic road manners are deemed to indicate a tired driver, so visual and audible alarms are triggered.Few cars will get your full attention within seconds of getting behind the wheel. This is one. It's because it has few diesel characteristics. It sounds like a big-bore petrol V8 (thanks to a sound amplifier) and delivers on that promise.It has a deep-throated purr at low revs, and roars like a V8 at anything above 3000rpm. It will race - much to the driver's alarm - towards and past the 5000rpm red line. This is no diesel, well, not a diesel we're used to.The two turbos are different is size, so one simmers in the low revs and the other boils at the top. Yet they don't work separately and in concert will pour on the boost until the driver is exhausted. If you think that's good, try the box. The ratios bump in and out like a tuned dual clutch unit and seamlessly open the gates to the power flow.The handling is superb. Dial in the "dynamic'' setting and feel the steering firm and the suspension tighten. It will run an accurate arc through a fast corner without even blinking. Yet the ride is compliant and sure-footed.Basically,  I love it. I wouldn't buy a sedan or wagon with this engine because it's too much a one-horse device. But this SUV that runs with the wolves as easily as chilling out at chow time with the lambs, is my cup of tea.

Technology bundles itself up within Audi's mid-life, five-engined model range that promises more economy, more luxury for only a little bit more money.The most popular single Audi model on sale in Australia, the Q5 continues to win tight fights with rivals and now takes technology into battle. Now revised for, perhaps, another five years, it goes on sale in Australia in December priced from about $65,000.High on the list of changes is the introduction of clever safety and infotainment systems that sit beneath Audi's smart Connect system. Prices are likely to remain about the same as before but Audi Australia spokesperson Anna Burgdorf says it's likely that local customers will get more features for the price.For example, options such as a rear camera and the adjustable drivetrain system, Drive Select, could be bundled into the price of the V6 models, while the four-cylinder models could get extra features such as bigger alloy wheels, keyless entry and dtart and Drive Select.Ms Burgdorf says pricing is still being worked on. The model that will get a lot of interest is the 3-litre V6 supercharged petrol TFSI - a new engine from Audi that replaces the 3.2-litre V6 petrol.VALUE Given Audi Australia's stance on remaining highly competitive, the updated Q5 range looks good. A final opinion will come when the car is launched but for now, the model sits well with market demands for a prestigious SUV with very high build quality and a remarkable drivetrain mix.The new supercharged V6 petrol will cost about $75,000 - based on the price of the outgoing 3.2 - which is at the top of the food chain aside from the new SQ5 sports SUV. It gets extras over the outgoing model including an eight-speed automatic and better fuel consumption while being faster. Rivals are keen not to let this one get too far ahead but on drivetrain technology alone, this SUV has an edge. DESIGN Changes for the new series are minimal. Overall, the Q5 has xenon headlights and LEDs listed as options though the supercharged engine may - indeed should - have these as standard. Cabin trim is typical Audi and the quality has not been compromised even though prices have barely altered. There are subtle body tweaks but you have to look hard. For example, the dual tail pipes have flattened bottoms.TECHNOLOGY There are changes to the existing engines plus the new electric-mechanical steering system that is designed to save engine load (and therefore improve fuel economy) while making it easy to integrate into the Drive Select system.The supercharged engine boasts 200kW/400Nm (up 5kW/70Nm on the 3.2) yet slashes one second in the 100km/h sprint to 5.9 seconds and reduces fuel use to an average of 8.5 L/100km. There is also an eight-speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles.All engines in the Q5 range are boosted - either turbocharged or supercharged - starting with the 2-litre pair of the TFSI and TDI. Audi sells a hybrid Q5 in Europe, China and the US but it's a no show for Australia. Just as well for its fuel use is similar to the 2.0 TFSI.There are other interesting bits such as the Connect infotainment system that picks up on Google Earth and has internet access for rear-seat passengers. Audi's optional MMI navigation now has just four fixed keys for the navigation, telephone, radio and media functions. Also, only one button is needed to operate the Drive Select system.SAFETY The Q5 range carries over the five-star crash rating of the previous model. It also has a similar airbag count and electronic aids. Australia gets a space-saver spare.DRIVING The supercharger's performance is impressive in terms of its acceleration and on-tap power, but it misses the aural theatre of other engines with a booster. For one, I miss the subtle whine as the supercharger winds up. But maybe modern families want peace and quiet - a feat the V6 does well even at 200km/h plus speeds on the German autobahn.But though very strong from idle and with immense muscle in the mid-range of the tachometer dial, its deliver is almost equal to the remarkable performance of the 2.0 TFSI version also driven on this launch. This is a much modified small-bore turbo-petrol that is worth a long hard look. Okay, back to the supercharged V6 that adds solidity on the autobahn with accuracy through the bends.Enthusiasts must opt for Drive Select (if it's an option) to tailor their driving demands. The SUV remains roomy, comfortable and flexible but the choice of engine is critical for the owner to get the best from the car. In this regard the V6 is really, really nice but unless you are towing, the 2-litre TSFI is probably better (and certainly cheaper) while the diesels cover all ground.Audi Q5 V6 TFSIPrice: est. $75,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, roadside assistResale: n/aService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5-starSpare: Space-saverEngine: 3-litre V6 supercharged petrol 200kW/400NmTransmission: 8-spd Tiptronic auto, AWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.6m (h)Weight: 1845kgThirst: 8.51/100km; 98RON; 199g/km Co2

Somewhere in the world, today probably, some clown is filling up the stonking Audi A8 4.2-litre V8 TDI's fuel tank with petrol.That's because the filler has yet to recognise that this near silent, elegant, rapid and authoritatively-styled German is powered by a diesel engine. Getting out the petrol, flushing the fuel lines and replacing a few injectors and filters will be expensive.Very expensive. But doubtless Audi service centres around the world are well practised. How can one blame the guy who filled it up? The A8 4.2TDI idles with almost inaudible assurance, responds instantly to a touch of the accelerator and cuts through freeway traffic with so little fuss and bereft of noise that the clink of Armagnac flutes from the rear seat can clearly be heard.VALUE All this doesn't come for nothing. The limousine will cost $238,500 before it's ready for the road. It is loaded with equipment that will keep you amused for hours - possibly days. If you let children loose in here, you may not see them for months.All this before you turn over the engine. Standard kit starts with the best materials and finest construction ever to grace the cabin of a sub-$500,000 car. It's brilliant.There's also a superb audio and sat-nav system, a touchpad with handwriting recognition, wireless for your iPad/iPhone or Android and Audi's Multi Media Interface that does everything from alter the drivetrain characteristics to help lower fuel consumption.DESIGN It's a lavish and expansive saloon with its hard bits built predominantly from aluminium - it weighs about 40 per cent less than a comparable steel body - and the soft bits from leather, padded vinyl and wool-blend carpet. It has family lines but while its possible to mistake it for an A6 on a damp night, it is clearly too much a limousine to be an A4. There's more room than most people deserve and even the boot is big enough to carry sufficient cash to buy a small country. TECHNOLOGYThe A8 rides on adaptive air suspension and the bi-turbo V8 diesel drives all wheels through an eight-speed sequential automatic. Remarkably, the 4.2-litre engine pumps 258kW/800Nm - that's not a mistake - and yet can get 7.6 L/100km.Not when you max it out over the 0-100km/h spring, however, which can be dashed in a mere 5.5 seconds. Not bad for a 2-tonne, 5.1m top-notch four-door sedan. The MMI also gets a nod for its technological excellence. SAFETY This should go without saying but the A8 is the pinnacle of Audi's safety program. Some of the equipment is optional - and no surprise here but it's expensive - but the standard lifesaving aids should be more than adequate. The A8 previews Audi's pre-sense safety system for avoiding accidents and minimising the consequences, and gets night vision assistant with pedestrian marking and adaptive cruise control with "stop and go'' feature.DRIVINGForget the word diesel and immerse yourself in 800Nm of torque flowing seamlessly to all wheels through a silky ZF eight-cog auto. Wet corners at night dissolve as a dry corner in day with the limpet grip of the tyres and AWD and the canny electronic aids. The quietness is so unnatural that the experience of cruising country highways is almost surreal.Back to reality quickly, though, when overtaking and feeling that torque thrust the car forward without a murmur. Practical car for the city? Probably not. Perfect open-road tourer - also a maybe given it has no proper spare wheel. But the liquidity of its forward motion and readiness to spring to life without flinching, is magic.Audi A8 4.2 TDIPrice: $238,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, roadside assistResale: n/aService interval: 10,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5-starsSpare: noneEngine: 4.2-litre V8 bi-turbo diesel 258kW/800NmTransmission: 8-spd auto, AWDBody: 5.1m (L); 1.9m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 2070kgThirst: 7.6 1/100km; 199g/km Co2

Picture this. The boss tells you that everyone at work is going to get a tattoo of the company logo to show their loyalty. Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . would you do it?The crazy, fun-loving Swedes at Volvo's skunkworks Polestar have done exactly that all 30 of them (they're so passionate about their brand). Launched in 1996, Polestar has been involved in motor racing for many years but has only recently turned its expert hand to building a go fast, road-going Volvo.The result is completely insane. Polestar has built only one of the cars so far and word has it that it will soon be in the hands of noted collector, US talk show host Jay Leno. The price? A cool $US300,000.THE GOODSWith a turbo-charged 3.0-litre six, the all-wheel drive S60 Polestar produces an astounding 374kW of power (or 508 horsepower in the old money) and thumping 575Nm of torque. It has a top speed of more than 300km/h and blasts from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.DISASTER STRIKESSorry Jay. But there could be a slight holdup. For one thing, we blew the clutch driving the beast at Volvo's proving ground outside Gothenburg. Well, not personally, but we were part of a crew of Aussie journos that put the car in the pits.THE DETAILSFinished in stunning blue with gunmetal 19 in alloys, the S60 Polestar is a whole lotta car. Planning for a production version is still in the early stages, but the good news is that Australia is one of three countries that will be getting it  along with the UK and US.Sitting 30mm lower than the already sporty T6 on which it is based, the guards and front and rear aprons have all been replaced with pumped out, carbon-fibre panels to accommodate the larger, wider wheels shod with 265/35 Michelins.The track is 20mm wider and the body has been braced and reinforced to accommodate the extra demands of the powertrain that produces a massive 67 per cent more power. Power is fed to all four wheels through a six-speed manual tranny, Haldex clutch and limited slip rear diff.PERFORMANCEBloody quick. It's difficult to get off the line cleanly, but hits hard once the big Garrett turbocharger kicks in. It brakes hard too, late and deep into corners, with six-pot Brembo stoppers up front.THE COMPETITIONAlthough it hasn't signed off on the project its obvious Volvo plans to build a production version.How close it is in spec to the original remains to be seen? It will more than likely be determined by the competition, BMW's M3 and the Benz C63 AMG sedans not forgetting the Lexus IS-F. The cheapest, the IS-F, is priced from $127,000.TOO MUCH?It's almost too much car, especially on the tight circuit with little room for runoff. The engine revs to 7100rpm before the rev limiter kicks in which happens quickly, with holographic LEDs to indicate its time to change up. The thing is the production version will really need to be offered with a self-shifter, whether it's an auto or twin clutch.They are so much better at getting off the line quickly and, for those attracted by the lure of this tasty morsel  that's what it's all about. OZ Volvo Cars Australia is of course keen to get hold of the car, more for the halo effect that it will have on the brand than sales it will generate. Certainly, no one in their right mind could label this another "boring" Volvo  not by any stretch of the imagination.Volvo S60 PolestarPrice: from $US300,000Weight: 1640kgEngine: 3.0-litre six turbo-charged, 374kW/575NmTransmission: six-speed manual, all wheel driveTop speed: over 300kmph0-100kmph: 3.9 secs

If you wan't to live out your American V8 muscle car fantasy with a new Chrysler 300 in the garage then it will have to be the top-whack SRT8 model at around $66,000.The previous 5.7 V8 has dissoed making way for a pair of less lively V6s with wheezy voices — the Pentastar 3.6 petrol (port not direct injection) and the (carry-over) VM-Motori 3.0-litre turbo diesel.This is version two of the chunky Chrysler 300  — essentially a comprehensive make over using the same chassis (from an earlier 1990s Mercedes-Benz E-Class) and sundry changes to the sheetmetal, interior and specification.Plenty of safety stuff from Chrysler's earlier links with Benz has trickled down into the new 300 some of it optional or available on higher grade models. The look has been influenced by Fiat which owns Chrysler so some elements of the Lancia Thema (European Chrysler 300) have transferred across.Is it a good lookin' "tough guy'' like the previous model? Not really. Put the two side by side and you'll see. The earlier one nails it while the new one looks like a committee effort, bit of this, bit of that with squinty headlights and overstyled tail lights.But Chrysler Australia has driven a hard bargain with its new Italian overlords and hits the market with a starting point of $43,000 for the 300 V6 Limited petrol complete with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, 18-inch alloys, decent audio, bi-xenon headlights, power front seats, rear view camera and the US equivalent of a five star crash rating.It is a serious temptation for someone shopping Holden Berlina or Falcon G6. The next step up is 300C which scores the leather treatment and more kit, then there's the 300C Luxury on top of that.The three grades are available with petrol and diesel V6 engines, diesel attracting a $5000 premium but with only a five-speed auto transmission. Those V6 engines are good for 210kW/340Nm on the petrol and 176kW/550Nm on the diesel. The 6.4-litre petrol V8 in SRT 8  generates 347kW/631Nm, comfortably out-powering anything from HSV or FPV.Fuel saving technology on the petrol V6 includes variable valve timing while the V8 gets cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing (on an overhead valve engine) but still only a five-speed auto. The petrol V6 is capable of returning 9.4-litres/100km, the diesel 7.1 and the V8 13.0.It's a weighty beast perched between 1800kg-2000kg model dependent. That's a lot of lard to be hauling around but Chrysler has honed the 300's suspension on all models to offer a surprisingly high level of comfort coupled with a sporty feel. The steering is also relatively direct and offers a respectable turning circle.But the smallish brakes on the SRT8 would last perhaps a couple of heavy applications from high speed before losing the plot. There's plenty of grip from the big tyres fitted to all models and  the venerable chassis has been reinforced with judicious application of high strength steel in key areas.On the road it's difficult to choose between the petrol V6 and the diesel, the former with a decided torque advantage offering strong roll on acceleration while the eight-speed tranny in the petrol captures available power and torque smoothly and efficiently to push the big 300 along with purpose.It's certainly a more engaging drive than a "Falcadore.'' The interior is a breath of fresh air with classic touches and splashes of the latest technology.

Not everyone wants to drive a big, boofy SUV. Small wagons are making a bit of a comeback, especially sporty Euros with offerings from all of the big three - Audi, Benz and BMW.BMW's new 3 Series Touring wagon is one of the tastier morsels to choose from, due to arrive early next year in Oz. We got a taste of things to come this week in Munich.DESIGNThe 3 Series is still very much the jewel in the crown, by far and away the German car maker's biggest selling model. The wagon, although it doesn't account for a huge number of sales (less than 10 percent of 3 Series), still makes a worthwhile contribution. The look this time around is long and low with sweeping lines that convey a sense of athleticism. It's identical to the sedan from the centre pillar forward, with a wider stance and lower front 'kidney' grille designed to accentuate its sporty appearance. At the rear BMW's characteristic L-shaped tail lights with integrated LEDs serve to emphasise the car's wider, stronger haunches - 37mm wider at the front and 48mm at the rear.LARGERThe fifth generation Touring is almost as long as a Commodore and 97mm longer than before, with a 50mm longer wheelbase that translates to 17mm of extra legroom in the back and more space for luggage behind the seat.In fact, with an extra 35 litres of luggage space, BMW claims the car now offers a greater capacity than any of its rivals - with room for three golf bags. Through the use of high strength steel the engineers have been able to reduce the weight of the car by 40kg.THE BOOTThere's 495 litres of space with the rear seat upright and 1500 litres with it folded, with a power operated tailgate that has a window that opens separately for quick access. Wave your foot under the rear of the car and the tailgate opens magically. The rear seat splits and folds in a 40:20:40 ratio that means you can fit several pairs of skis down the centre of the car and still have room for four adults.A partition net and luggage compartment cover are provided that stow neatly under the floor when not in use. The floor hatch is reversible for carrying dirty items. In the front, larger stowage bins in the doors now accommodate 1-litre drink bottles.THE RANGEWe're getting three models: the 328i, 320i and 318d. The 323i is no more and the 335i performance model has been dropped due to lack of demand. The first two are powered by 2.0-litre petrol engines and the third by a 2.0-litre diesel. Of the trio we got to sample only the top of the range 328i.UNDER THE BONNETThe twin turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder direct injection petrol engine produces 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque. It will be hooked up to an eight-speed automatic as standard in Aussie cars. A sports auto with gear change paddles and more dynamic shift characteristics is also available. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.0 seconds flat, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 250km/h. The 320i meanwhile produces 135kW/270Nm and the 118d 105kW/320Nm.FUEL CONSUMPTIONThe 328i is rated at 6.8 litres/100km and produces 159g/km of CO2. During the launch this week we returned a figure of 9.4 litres/100km over a distance of 230 easy kilometres. All models will be fitted with stop/start and other fuel saving tech, as well as a drive control with Eco Pro mode to maximise economy.BMW claims the latter can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. Stop/start as its name suggests shuts down the engine at traffic lights and in other situations to save fuel, automatically restarting the engine when the driver presses the throttle.ON THE ROADI have to confess it's been a while since I last drove a Beemer and I had forgotten just how sporty they always manage to make them. The transition from six to four cylinder engines in the name of better fuel economy has been seamless, with the 2.0-litre engine in the 328i punching well above its weight.The chunky steering wheel feels snug in the hands and performance is strong, with plenty in reserve for overtaking. It even sounds the part under full throttle which is so important. The eight speed auto is excellent and responds quickly to throttle input, with the option to change gears manually, via the shifter or the steering wheel mounted paddles.Whether you're in auto or manual mode, the effect is satisfying, especially under hard acceleration when the gears snap home. In fact, we'd go as far as saying it's more responsive  than the tranny in the Porsche wagon that we drove the other day. Whether barreling down the autobahn or threading our way through the many villages that dot the countryside, the car remained unfazed.INSIDETypical BMW. The cockpit has a clear driver focus and the computer screen is bigger than ever. There's even a cradle for your iPod in the centre stowage bin, along with AUX and USB ports. It's available in Modern, Luxury and Sport trim lines, as well as with the M Sport package with lowered suspension. And, of course, there's plenty of options.SAFETYIt hasn't been tested yet, but the sedan gets a full five stars and the wagon is expected to achieve the same rating. Front and side airbags are fitted, plus head airbags for front and rear along with a full suite of safety systems.VERDICTMuch more stylish. The previous model looks positively small in comparison, although this one is physically only slightly larger. Like we said not everyone wants to drive a rolly-polly SUV, particularly if you're just driving around town. In this context a wagon makes more sense as it offers the same kind of utility but in a more refined and more engaging package. Your call. Pricing and specifications for the new wagon will be revealed closer to launch in February-March.BMW 3 Series Touring wagon 328iPrice: from $66,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct injection petrol, 180kW/350NmTransmission: 8-speed automaticThirst: 6.8 litres/100km, 159g/km CO2 emissions 

Mercedes-Benz is about to take a club to Golf with the new, German made A-Class premium hatchback priced from around $36,000.It is one of five new buggies on the same new platform coming from Benz in the next two years. Some have front wheel drive, some drive all four wheels to get you out of the rough. A coupe and possibly two compact SUV variants are on the way.The baby Benz has a handicap advantage over Golf in standard equipment scoring a seven speed dual clutch ‘manumatic’ auto (DCT) across the range along with engine stop/start, self- park function  and nine air bags.Additionally, the crash preparation system Pre-safe is also included. A clever Apple- developed communications system that even chats to the driver is available as an option for about $2000.It makes A-Class into a virtual smart phone on wheels and includes 3D satnav with traffic information and allows seamless iPod or iPhone integration into the car. An Android version should be available when the A-Class arrives in Australia March 2013.THE RANGEWe’ll be getting turbo petrol models; the A180, A200 and A250 Sport and one turbo diesel; the A200CDi. Local cars will likely be available in two spec’ levels or alternatively, with locally developed feature-rich ‘packs.’ The 250 Sport will be highly specified as standard and is likely to come in at around $50,000 or about the same as an equivalently specified VW Golf GTi.THE ENGINESNew generation engines make their debut in the A-Class. The 180 and 200 petrol are 1.6-litres while the 250 is a 2.0-litre. Power outputs across the range go from 90-166kW while torque is rated between 200Nm-350Nm. A250 Sport has an overboost function to achieve and additional 11kW over the ‘normal’ output when in sport mode. The petrol engines are all direct injection with a new cam system called Camtronic that alters valve lift on the inlet side and also has cylinder cut-off for fuel savings.It’s the first time this system has been used in a production car. The A200 CDi is a 1.8 – again a new engine specifically developed for this new class of Benz and is good for 100kW/300Nm. All these engines pass the 2015 Euro 6 emissions regulations with extremely frugal fuel use (down into the mid 4.0 litre/100km range) and low carbon dioxide output.SAFETYDesigned from the outset to deliver a full five star level of crash protection, A-Class can be specified with a full suite of safety equipment from the Benz inventory including lane departure system, speed limit recognition and warning, Distronic radar cruise control and blind spot warning. All our local cars get the collision prevention system that takes control of braking in a potential crash situation if the driver doesn’t react and attention assist if you start to nod off behind the wheel.THE LOOKIn its metamorphosis from stunning concept to production car not that much changed with the A-Class. It has an aggressive frontal appearance, truncated rear and sculpted side panels that really command attention. Even the pointillist grille made it through to the Sport model while the others get a two bar diamond grille housing distinctive headlights and wild LED driving lights. It looks ‘the biz’ on the outside.INSIDEInterior styling marks a new trend for Benz with elements carried through from both the SLS and SL sports cars. It’s dominated by three metal ringed air vents atop the centre stack and a funky instrument console with metal face dials. The dash itself in Sport is something to behold with its carbon fibre finish.THE DRIVEWe got hold of the A200 petrol and diesel in Slovenia this week and also had a squirt in the A250 on a disused airfield marked out like a race track. You’d be happy with any of them especially their drive feel and the way they sit on the road. Benz has done a great job of engaging a driver’s senses in all dynamic aspects of the car especially the steering and ride. It feels almost predictive.A-Class will satisfy the enthusiast driver and then back up as a competent and easy to drive town hack. The DCT transmission is impressive with multiple modes available and quick changes up and down the range.  Noise levels are at a minimum partly because of the car’s Cd 0.27 aerodynamics. The Sport has strong power available at will and even sharper dynamics than the other cars as well as more purposeful looks and sound.But our pre-production test drive A250 Sports were a tad tardy off the line, something that will be addressed in the months before it goes on.Mercedes-Benz A-classPrice: from $36,000 (approx.)Safety: 5 starsEngine: 115kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol,155kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, 240kW turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre engine, 100kW 1.6-litre diesel engineTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 5.5l/100km, 6.4l/100km, 4.4l/100km 

Some vehicle mid-life facelifts are just that – a nip here, a tuck there and the model is freshened up for another two to three years. Not so with their-invented Lexus RX line which is more like a new model than a facelift, and it shows where it matters most - drivability.The mid-life upgrade has made significant improvement to the wagon's steering and handling as well as re-engineering to improve the popular SUV's chassis flex. There are also new F Sport variants available on the RX 350 and RX 450h models.Lexus also took the opportunity to launch an all-new RX to the Australian market - a 2WD, four-cylinder model badged RX 270 aimed at urban dwellers and families, hitting showroom floors at $69,990 complete with a bag full of fruit usually found in the options brochure.The RX line now has a stable of seven variants and puts Lexus in a good space to capitalise on the booming medium size SUV segment. Luxury SUVs now outsell luxury sedans and in 2012 to date medium size SUV sales are up a staggering 50 per cent compared to 2011.It may be the entry level model but the RX 270 comes well equipped including satellite navigation with traffic alert, reversing camera with guide assist, power tailgate, eight-way power seats, leather accented interior, smart entry and smart start, 12 speaker audio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, and voice command, daytime running lamps, 18-inch alloys, and metallic paint.The 2.7-litre engine produces 138 kW of power at 5800 rpm and 252 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm, and is no slouch. Under the skin Lexus has vastly improved the RX chassis. Twelve extra welding spots under the dash have vastly improved the stability and steering.In addition the F-Sport also gained extra bracing across the firewall, at the lower end of the front struts as well as across the rear bulkhead. These may sound insignificant, but have had a profound impact on the RX's handling and steering.The RX range gets an updated second-generation edition of the Lexus Remote Touch system – think of it as a mouse – which Lexus says it easier to access and use on-board media communications. Digital Audio - the coming technology mostly found in luxury vehicles - is also being offered across the range and widens the choice of stations as well improving sound clarity.The most significant exterior change is to the face – the first place buyers look – where the RX adopts the new corporate look that first appeared in the April 2012 release of the new GS models. The hallmark Lexus 'spindle' grille now graces the RX line with chrome surrounds and highlighted by new headlamps.The LED lights in arrowhead shape are quite striking and add aggression to the conservative design. It's a busy front end that may polarize opinions. As with other Lexus models the RX now gets an F Sport model that replaces the existing Prestige and Sport models.It has individual exterior styling including chrome 19 inch alloy wheels, F Sport badging and unique mesh grille inserts and is clearly aimed at a younger market. F Sport variants also feature black and grey leather-accented interior, alloy pedals and to push home the theme, F Sport-badged steering wheel.Safety equipment includes Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), stability control and, like the rest of the RX range, ten airbags.We were able to drive the RX 350 F Sport and the new RX 270 on winding roads, highways and some of Canberra's urban environment. Firstly, the F-Sport. It was not until we hit the tight bends that the realisation of just how much better the RX has become.The improved rigidity has ironed out a steering that was uncomfortable over undulating roads. It now feels solid and does not have the heavy feel of the older model. On the tight corners the RX 350 F Sport felt like it was on rails. We would compare this vehicle to any European SUV in this respect - something we would not have considered in the past from Lexus. The NVH (noise vibration harshness) is practically nonexistent. There is little outside noise intrusion into the cabin even at speed or under hard acceleration. If we had a compliant it is perhaps the front seats that need improved bolstering to cope with the F Sport's considerable handling ability.The RX 270 is a surprise package. It is as well balanced as the AWD RX models, but has a slightly firmer suspension. When pushed on uneven surfaces it also lacks the composure of the RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid.