Luxury Reviews

VW claims responsibility for the hot hatch, which is a fair-enough boast when you remember that the Golf GTi kick started the movement back in the 1970s. Given its history it's not surprising then that VW pushed the hot hatch boundaries as other carmakers joined in the party with their own GTi clones. The R32 was VW's attempt to build the ultimate luxury hatch, one that would offer a very different, but still exhilarating driving experience to the GTi.MODEL WATCHThe Golf GTi has always been the hot hatch benchmark; it was the first and remains the one that comes to mind first when the chat turns to hot hatches. But in the wake of the GTi's success other carmakers have jumped into the fray with their own versions of the VW formula and the class has become rather saturated with choices.While the sizzling hot turbocharged front-wheel drive GTi retains pole position in the class, and delivers the sort of performance petrolheads lust after, the R32 offered a more refined driving experience. It actually irked VW that the R32 was described as a hot hatch; it saw it as a ‘luxury class saloon’, one that offered a unique blend of performance and refinement. Unfortunately for the company to most eyes it looked like a hot hatch, so that's what it was. Badges aside there were few visual clues to identify an R32 from a distance; it looked pretty much like any other Golf.VW, however, was of the view that the unique aluminium-look grille, extra air intakes in the front bumper, and twin polished stainless steel exhaust outlets were enough to make it stand out. If the skin appeared little different from the rest of the range what lay under the skin was quite a different story.For starters the engine was a 3.2-litre double overhead camshaft V6 that put out 184kW at 6300 revs along with 310Nm between 2500 and 3000 revs. To put that into some sort of context a turbocharged GTi at the time boasted 147kW and 280Nm. The R32 also differed from the GTi in the drive it employed. Whereas a GTi was conventional front-wheel drive, the R32 used VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system. 4Motion used a Haldex mechanical coupling that was controlled electronically to give the best possible grip in all conditions. VW also reset the suspension to cope with the extra zip of the R32, which sat lower than a GTi, had uprated springs and shocks, and rolled on larger, 18-in, alloy wheels.In line with VW's pitch that the R32 was a luxury sedan it came with automatic air-conditioning, leather seats, rain-sensing wipers and bi- xenon headlamps.IN THE SHOPVW build quality is generally of a high standard with good fit and finish inside and out. Few issues concern R32 owners, the car's mechanical package is sound and well proven, including the 4Motion drive system. The main issue that eventually surfaces on this, and most other Euro cars, is brake wear. European cars are renowned for the rate of wear on both discs and pads and owners get quite a shock when presented with a bill that is usually quite substantial, and often at quite kays. Servicing is important so check for a credible service record that confirms regular oil and filter changes.ON THE ROAD The R32 faced an uphill battle to convince buyers to spend the extra dollars needed over a GTi when the GTi was such a great car. That wasn't to suggest that the R32 couldn't hold its own on the road; it could do the 0-100km/h sprint in a creditable 6.5 seconds. Given its head it would cover ground very quickly, with a finely balanced chassis and great grip on the road. But being more luxury focussed the R32 did the job with little fuss; it was smooth, refined and comfortable.IN A CRASHThe R32 packed plenty of safety gear with front, side and curtain airbags for the ultimate protection in the event of a crash. Before the crunch came there were electronic stability control, anti- skid brakes, traction control and electronic diff lock to stave off trouble at the wheel.AT THE PUMPLike all performance cars the fuel consumption of the R32 is highly dependent on the way it's driven. Road testers tend to be rather heavy on the throttle, using up whatever performance is available under the right foot. With that in mind road testers at the time of the R32's launch reported average fuel consumption of 11.5-12.5 L/100km.LOOK FORSizzling performanceAll-wheel drive gripCompact dimensionsLuxury refinementThirsty V6Innocuous looks.THE BOTTOM LINE: Great driving hatch, but why bother when the GTi delivers more thrill for less money.RATING: 70/100

EVER bought a new pair of shiny shoes you saw in the store window — then came close to throwing them away? You liked the look but once you started wearing them you found they were just too uncomfortable.  Then, after a week, you have sufficiently broken them in to the point you can live with them. BMW's new X1 is a bit like that.Parked in the showroom window the styling is oddly appealing — this is a premium priced softroader but it looks more like an oversized hatch so it doesn't look too bulky.  But like new shoes I couldn't get comfortable with the baby Bimmer at all for the first three or four days. I came close to hating it.By the end of the week that all changed. Gradually the heavy gearshift didn't feel so truck-like, the steering not as heavy, the ride not so uncompliant and the seating position not so rock hard and awkward.The X1, launched last month, is the tiny tot in BMW's X family, joining the oversized (and some would say irrelevant) X6, the excellent X5 and the somewhat lacklustre X3.  The new One is based on the 3 Series platform which is a big plus because it provides plenty of cabin space thanks to the longer wheelbase than the 1 Series hatch.Engines and gearboxesSo what's on offer here? OK this is where it gets a little confusing.  At present you have a choice between two all-wheel drive 2.0-litre turbo diesels — an auto-only 23d with 150kW to play with or the lesser 20d (as tested here) with 130kW; it offers a six-speed manual as standard but you can option a six-speed auto.BMW will broaden the X1 family next month (June) with a rear-wheel drive which will be badged the sDrive (that's BMW-speak for two-wheel drive) to distinguish it from the xDrive all-wheel drive. It will share the 2-0-litre turbo diesel motor but being only two-wheel drive will naturally be cheaper to buy.  Also being added to the X1 lineup will be two petrol variants, an entry level, two-wheel drive four-cylinder 18i (110kW) and a straight six-cylinder all-wheel drive 25i (160kW) and this one will be an auto only.Pricing and optionsNow there's no escaping these pint-sized softroaders (sorry, BMW likes to call them SAVs – that's Sports Activity Vehicle) come with a premium price tag. BMW says the X1 is the world's first luxury compact wagon and has priced it accordingly.  Hence the price range: from $43,500 for the base 18i to $56,800 for the 25i. But a word of caution is timely here.BMW likes to have a long list of options, so if you start ticking the boxes for extras the price rises rapidly.  For example, we drove the manual 20d this week. It has a list price of $52,700, plus onroad costs.That buys you a reasonable standard kit including a full raft of safety gear, hill decent control, a decent audio system, automatic air conditioning, trip computer, central locking, push button start and automatic wipers and headlamps. Missing from action? Power-adjustable front seats are not standard nor is a multi stack CD player which seems a bit penny pinching at this price level.But the test wagon was also fitted with nine options — worth $15,400.  BMW charges $1700 for metallic paint (and you don't have much of a choice here because the majority of its paint colours are metallic).Add on $2500 for larger 18-inch alloy wheels, $3000 for a gorgeous panorama glass roof, $2900 for a satellite navigation system, $900 for a rear-view camera, $1200 for alloy roof rails and side sills, $715 for front and rear park distance warning system and $2340 for a smart interior design package with leather-clad sports seats.Now the price is more than $68,100 - before onroad costs.  Of course its all a matter of personal choice. If I were buying the wagon I'd go for the glass roof, the excellent and easy to use nav system, much-needed rear camera and park distance control and save myself nearly $7900 on stuff I don't really need.DrivingThere's a lot to like about the X1 once you settle in.  For example, there's a neat stop-start party trick to save fuel wasted when running at idle.  Once normal operating temperatures and desired cabin temperature have been reached, the X1 will automatically switch off the engine when stopped if neutral gear is selected. Pushing the clutch fires it up again.There's also an indicator on the dash which suggests what gear you should be in to give the best fuel return. And fuel consumption is excellent. We hovered between 6 and 7 litres per 100km without trying too hard for a mix of city and country running. BMW's own consumption figure is 5.8l/100km combined.We also loved the X1's strong diesel engine and its road manners. This is a wagon which loves to be driven and has the ability to do so in spades. Cornering grip is impressive. The ride, on those horrible runflat tyres, is hard and sometimes unforgiving and the suspension is firm.The downsides: gear shifting is tiresome because it is heavy, so the auto is a better choice.  The steering is also far too heavy in city traffic but, conversely, good on the highway so there's a compromise here.  Oddly, even the door mirrors are too chunky and hinder your side view at a time when most manufacturers make them too small.And while BMW has made a big effort to improve cabin storage, the X1 is still lacking. There are generous door pockets (with neat elastic drink holders), but centre console space is limited and the roadbook all but swallows the glovebox. The lack of a spare wheel helps, of course, with good space under the rear floor.The X1 won't appeal to all, but if you are into fashion, it has much going for it.BMW X1 20dPrice: from $52,700 plus on-roads.Engine: 2.0-litre turbo dieselPower: 130kW @ 4000rpmTransmission: 6-speed manualTorque: 350Nm @1750-300rpm.RivalsSubaru Outback 2.0D Premium (from $43,990)VW Tiguan 103 TDi (from $36,990) 

No-one does plain old family sedans these days. Well, there is still the Falcon-Camry-Commodore combo in Australia, but most of the overseas action is in sedans which have morphed in another direction. Curvy coup-style sedans came first and the big new direction is liftbacks with style.Audi got there first with its A3 and A5 Sportback models, BMW has its new 5-Series GT and Mercedes-Benz is looking for ways to grow the CLS coupes and stretch the look down into C-Class territory. The foundation in every case is a four-door sedan, even if it is a couple of steps back on the evolutionary path. It provides the mechanical platform, and the engine and suspension, but a better looking 'top hat' is dropped down in place of the regular Camry-style sedan body.Audi was first to go new-age with curves and a hatch with its Sportback, which went from the A4 sedan through the A5 coupe on the way to the Carsguide garage this week. The test car is powered by Audi's impressive 3-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which is strong and smooth. But the the pricetag is easing way up towards six-figure land with a few extra bits to make life nicer, including an S-Line body kit and MMI navigation and a six-disc CD changer. And I cannot help thinking about the Volkswagen Passat CC, another of the new-age coupes, as I walk towards the Sportback.The newest Audi - for this week, anyway, as there always seems to be a new body or a new engine landing in Australia - is a great looker and the emphasis is on style with that flexibility in the back end. There are two Sportback models, the 2-litre petrol and 3-litre turbodiesel, both with quattro drive and a starting price of $78,400. There is a huge range of standard equipment - from eight airbags and alloy wheels, to a 'concert' sound system and rear parking camera - but the big thing is the frameless doors and a boot that starts at 480 litres and can carry a wagon-style load up to 980 litres with the seats folded flat.Audi Australia says the Sportback will be the biggest seller in the A5 range and will make a worthwhile contribution as it drives for yet another record sales year in 2010. And there is more to come, with an S5 Sportback on the way later this year.DRIVING Paul GoverThe Sportback is one of my Audi favourites. It looks good, drives well and has the sort of flexibility people want these days.It can be a bit cramped in the cabin, and the ride is a bit crash-bang harsh on poor surfaces, but there is a lot to like. Best of all, this A5 looks good and still works well. The V6 turbodiesel is incredibly quiet, smooth and responsive. It is a terrific engine and suits the character of the car, providing great range for family touring and enough punch when you want to have fun with a good looking coupe.I didn't really know what to expect from the Sportback, even though my experience of premium coupes goes way, way back to Saabs in the 1980s. They were brilliantly flexible and upscale, but you would never call them good looking. The new Audi looks good and the cabin has the premium-ness which has become a brand signature, and the target for every other carmaker on the planet. There are gadgets and buttons for playtime, but the basics are all right and the leather-wrapped seats are comfy and supportive.I think headroom is short, although no worse than the A5 coupe, but the back seat feels too narrow for three adults - or even big kids - and knee space is restricted. The payoff is in the tail, which easily handles a wide range of jobs, from shopping and Bunnings to a couple of prams-and-kids trips, and even a bicycle run. It is a great design and one which should be on the shopping list of more SUV buyers.The Sportback also drives well, with Audi-style sharp steering responsive, good grip in turns, and an excellent automatic gearbox which picks up the torque of the diesel at all times. It's not a cheap car, and some of the usual Audi foibles take a little of the gloss away, but it is a very good car and a definite contender for family duties.SHE SAYS Alison WardI get worried about re-works of things I like. Why fix a wheel that works, whether its the local shopping centres, your favourite bar, or something else on the list. Often I feel a bit duped by the change. So I was just a bit hesitant about this re-work of the Audi A4. Oh, sorry, this one is called the A5 Sportback, isn't it?Thankfully, much of my hesitation stopped at the drivers' door. This is way more than just a lick of paint and a new look for an A4 sedan. For sure, it handles better and with more gusto and who would have thought the V6 engine is a turbodiesel? It's quiet and punchy and I had to check the tacho, with the giveaway low redline, to know for sure it's a diesel.The interior features are the same I have found in other Audi models, but can forgive this carryover since it's a cog which is always working fine. The sloping boot is the greatest asset on the Sportback.  It is great for carrying everything for baby, shopping or - not for me, yet - golfing. However the compromise (and here comes that duping feeling again) is less legroom for all, especially in the back. And the shape means it does feel a bit cramped inside, particularly with a friend onboard and two baby seats in the back.Still, the Sportback is a good car and a nice drive for me. The only lingering worry is the $90,000-ish pricetag, which makes it a makeover you really need to like.SCORE: 78/100THE BOTTOM LINE: A smooth and effective family sedan, provided it's a new-age family.Audi A5 Sportback 3.0 TDIPRICE $89,100ENGINE 3.0-litre common rail turbocharged V6 dieselPOWER 176kW at 4000 revsTORQUE 500Nm from 1500-3000 revsTRANSMISSION Seven-speed dual clutch auto, quattro all-wheel driveBODY Four-door hatchSEATS FiveDIMENSIONS Length 4711mm, width 1854mm, height 1391mm, wheelbase 2810mm, tracks front/rear 1590mm/1575mmWEIGHT 1720kgSTEERING Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion power steeringSUSPENSION Five-link, upper and lower wishbone front; trapezoidal independent rear mounted to subframeBRAKES Anti-skid all-round discsFUEL TANK 64 litresFUEL TYPE DieselFUEL CONSUMPTION 6.6/100km combinedWHEELS 18-inch alloysTYRES 245/40 R18SPARE TYRE Space-saver spareSAFETY Front/side/curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist, foglights, Xenon-plus headlightsCO2 EMISSIONS 174g/km RIVALSMercedes-Benz CLS350 78/100 (from $152,000)BMW 530d GT 80/100 (from $143,400)Volkswagen Passat CC 3.6 FSI 82/100 (from $65,990)

THE Kompressor is kaput.  In a drive to more efficient engines, Mercedes-Benz has dropped the volume-selling supercharged Kompressor engine from its refreshed C-Class sedan and wagon lineup. It remains in the SLK and CLC sports coupe, but as the next-generation models arrive the German carmaker is expected to move to

To look at BMW's new X5 is pretty much the same as the previous one.  A nip here, a tuck there, a new eight-speed auto, with engines that have been tweaked to produce more power but better fuel economy.Separately they don't amount to much but together they add up to a significantly better motor vehicle -- one that doesn't stray too far from the tried and tested formula.It's a formula that has turned the soft road wagon into a landmark for the Bavarian car maker and one that has spawned plenty of imitators, many from within its own ranks.  The single biggest market for the car in the world remains the United States which once accounted for half of all X5s sold.It's not surprising then that BMW chose the States to launch its new 2010 X5 lineup.  As car sales floundered in the wake of the global financial crisis, the X5 emerged from the economic ruin with its sales record virtually intact.It says something about the popularity of this vehicle.  The new X5 is due to arrive here in Australia in June, but we got a taste of things to come this week.  Miami is home to the likes of J.Lo, canals filled with million dollar yachts and a rich mix of traditional American and Spanish cultures.  The flat, low-lying countryside is traversed by long, wide boulevards, roads that are just made for cruising.X5 is BMW's secong biggest seller and these days it's looking more sophisticated and muscular than ever.Variants and drivetrainsThe previous entry level model, known as the XDrive 30i, has become the xDrive 35i, reflecting the higher output of its three-litre turbocharged straight petrol six.  Twin turbos have been replaced by a single, twin-scroller turbocharger, the same as in the GT and 5 Series.The 3.0-litre direct injection engine now produces 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque -- 12 per cent more power and a whopping 27 per cent more torque.  The extra 85Nm of torque is reflected in the car's performance figures, particularly the dash from 0-100km/h which now takes 6.8 seconds instead of 8.1.Although the car is up to 85kg heavier, the back room boys have still managed to trim fuel consumption, down from 10.2 to 10.1 litres/100km.  The story is repeated wit other models which now comprise the xDrive 30d and 40d diesels and the xDrive 50i V8 petrol model -- not to mention the firebreathing X5 M.All of the car are force-fed in one form or another and all benefit from the introduction of fuel saving technologies, with brake energy regeneration standard across the range.AppearanceYou only have to park the new X5 next to one of the first generation 1999 models to see how dated the older car is looking, to see how similar yet different they at once are.  Front and rear bumpers along with the lights have been redesigned, large diameter tailpipes and lower profile roof bars fitted.  Inside there's a couple of new colour schemes.DrivingWe got to drive the XDrive 35i model both on and off road, although BMW readily admits few owners actually get the car's tyres dirty.  The free revving straight six is a willing worker with a turn of speed and angry rasp under hard acceleration, but can be a tad thirsty around town (we were getting 15.8 litres/100km.It was the X5 that introduced car-like dynamics to the luxury SUV segment.  This one like the previous model is smooth and easy to drive, with little body roll to speak of.The xDrive intelligent four-wheel drive system distributes torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch.  With eight cogs on call, the transmission is never found wanting but it does feel busy at times.The real benefits are in performance and fuel economy, both of which have improved.  Disappointingly, the optional head-up display continues to be invisible to polarised sunglasses.Prices for the X5 currently start at $86,000, the new pricing structure will be announced closer to launch.  As always there are a host of options, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go that automatically brakes and accelerates the car to a set speed -- just the thing for city traffic. 

An American study has revealed potholes cost motorists about $335 a year in suspension repairs.  But what about all those speed bumps in suburban streets and shopping centres? I'm sure they must wear out your car's suspension.In fact, someone should start a class action against local councils claiming back suspension repairs for the damage done by these insidious bits of Super Nanny nonsense.  If I lived on a busy street, the last thing I would want in front of my house would be a speed hump.Think of it: Cars and trucks slowing down, going down the gears, screeching to a halt, some scraping as they go over the bump and then accelerating loudly away up through the gears.  And then there are the hoons that like to use them to launch their cars and the drunk drivers who hit them too hard and leave behind their bumper bars and some sump oil.  I'd never get any sleep if I lived near one.Yet there are still people out there who want them - although "not in front of my house". It's a derivation of that much-hated NIMBY syndrome.  Apart from the noise speed bumps cause residents and the damage they no doubt do to your suspension, what about the extra wear and tear on brakes and the extra fuel you burn up?Then there is the indisputable fact that speed bumps are the biggest cause of the proliferation of large four-wheel-drive vehicles in suburbia that are used solely for picking up the kids from school and never get their tyres dirty.  Motorists have worked out that big SUVs are great for suburbia because their long-travel suspension and high clearance means they can hit speed bumps at a generous speed without having to slow down.That alone should be enough to have the greenies and therefore the politicians clammering to ban the omnipresent obstacles.  Which brings me neatly to the BMW 320d Executive Touring I have been testing on our suburban obstacle course.This streamlined wagon is actually the perfect remedy for speed bumps and a better option for soccer mums than a big fuel-burning SUV.  Runflat tyres aside, BMW has created the perfect ride for our potholed and speed-bumped streets. Their brilliant suspension engineers have perfectly tuned this car to be able to hit these obstacles at a reasonable speed without jolting the hot coffee out of the precariously dashboard-mounted cup holders.  The secret is to hit them while accelerating. Too many people jam on the brakes, compressing the suspension and dropping the nose of the car. This lowers the clearance and inhibits the ability of the suspension to soak up the bump.The 320d rides beautifully over these obstacles if you get all your braking out of the way first, then actually accelerate over the bump. This slightly lifts the nose and extends the suspension to full unsagged height for maximum impact absorption.  Shame the runflat tyres can't handle the smaller and sharper hits on the road such as small stones, squashed Coke cans and road joins.While the brilliant double-joint spring-strut front axle and five-link rear suspension absorbs the big hits and helps the car hold the road like a much slimmer sportscar, it can't negate the runflat tyre's inability to deal with the smaller surface irregularities.  And then there's that cup holder problem.There is no cup holder in the centre console, so the driver has to store his or her burning-hot latte in the spring-out holder that sits just above the right knee of the front-seat passenger.  At least if an obstacle does cause some hot coffee to spill, it won't burn the driver and cause an accident.But that's it for the criticism of this ideal small suburban family wagon.  The 320d is the only diesel in the 3 series wagon range and it's a pearler.It goes, stops, steers and handles almost like a sportscar, it has generous room in front and back for five adults, a reasonable cargo area with a flat floor and it's frugal on fuel.  And despite being a wagon, it is actually very sleek and sexy.  Just watch your coffee on those speed bumps.BMW 320d Executive TouringPrice: $61,500Body: 5-seater wagonEngine: 1995cc, 4-cylinder turbo dieselPower: 130kW @ 4000rpmTorque: 350Nm from 1750-3000rpmEconomy: 5.9L/100km (tested)CO2: 146g/kmTransmission: 6-speed autoKerb weight: 1520kgTyres: 205/55 R 16 (runflats)

Coupe body. Check. Sporty attitude. Check. Unique styling cues. Check.

Peoplemovers are not the sexiest vehicles on the road; space is the priority for those who buy them and the Chrysler Grand Voyager delivers more space than most in the class.Early peoplemovers were little more than converted commercial vans and didn't offer much more than the space their owners craved, but thankfully those days are long gone and today's peoplemovers are purpose-designed for the task and offer a decent amount of safety, comfort and refinement as well as the ability to accommodate seven or so adults.MODEL WATCHBorn in the USA, as it was, it's not surprising that the Voyager was bigger and brassier than pretty much every other peoplemover on the market back in the late 1990s when it first landed on these shores. It was the market leader by a long way in its home market and Chrysler hoped it would win over local mums and dads who had large broods to move. It came in two wheelbase lengths, the standard 2878 mm Voyager version, and the longer 3030 mm Grand Voyager variant.The long wheelbase Grand Voyager was too big, or too expensive, for many families whose needs could be satisfied with a vehicle or more modest dimensions, but it was perfect for those with the need to move seven adults in comfort and style.For those inside, the Grand Voyager's seven seats gave a commanding view with comfortable captain's chairs for those in the front and middle rows, while those in the third row were squeezed into a bench seat. The seating arrangement was flexible with seats that could be moved, or even removed depending on the need of the moment. If needed the middle and rear rows could be removed to make it into a makeshift commercial van with heaps of space for goods, sports or camping gear, or with just the rear row taken out it could be turned into a big five-seater station wagon with plenty of space for luggage at the rear.While most of its rivals offered four-cylinder engines the Grand Voyager differed by offering the power of a 3.3-litre V6. When working at its peak the transverse-mounted V6 gave 128 kW at 5100 revs and 287 Nm at 4000 revs, giving the big Voyager a decent amount of pulling power. A four-speed auto was the only transmission available and drive was sent through the front wheels on most models sold. There was also an all-wheel drive version available.Inside, there were a number of telltale signs that the Voyager was a left-hand drive vehicle converted to right-hand drive rather than one designed with right-hand drive in mind from the start. Things like the positioning of the hand brake lever and transmission shifter were better suited to a driver seated on the left, and there wasn't a lot of room for the driver's left foot in the footwell. All small but potentially annoying things.The Grand Voyager was offered in three levels, the entry SE, and mid- range LX and the Limited. All were well equipped with lots of standard features, like dual-zone air conditioning, cruise, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, and CD sound.IN THE SHOPThe Grand Voyager is generally sound with no major concerns with the engine, gearbox, or chassis. It's the small things that tend to bring it undone, the things that suggest the build quality isn't as good as it should be.While the Grand Voyager was designed in the US it was built in Austria, but the shift to Europe doesn't seem to have made much difference to the quality of the car coming off the assembly line. Owners tend to complain about things like the interior fittings falling off and breaking. They're the sorts of issues that annoy owners. Apart from that, look for oil leaks around the engine and auto transmission, the water pump can be troublesome, and the Voyager is heavy on brakes.ON THE ROADWhile the Grand Voyager had a relatively large engine for the class, with good power and torque, it was still weighed down by its bulk and the performance could best be described as lacklustre. Its bulk was always evident on the road; the driver needed to be constantly alert to its size to make sure they stuck in their lane and didn't cut corners. But despite its bulk it did ride and handle well, something not all peoplemovers could claim. Convenience was a plus with sliding doors on both sides, although parents needed to be conscious of traffic when exiting through the door on the driver's side.IN A CRASHThe Grand Voyager boasted standard ABS anti-skid brakes and dual front airbags from launch; later models had front side and curtain airbags. The Voyager didn't perform terribly well in European crash tests and only rated two stars by NCAP, however that was a variant with a drivetrain not available here in Australia.AT THE PUMPA big vehicle with a big engine; it's not the ideal recipe for fuel economy. Be prepared to spend big at the pump with an average of 14-15 L/100km around town.LOOK FORLarge sizeRoomy cabinFlexible seating arrangementModest performanceThirsty V6.THE BOTTOM LINE: A versatile, big vehicle able to transport seven adults in comfort and style.RATING: 70/100

In Italian, superleggra means super lightweight. In the case of the Lamborghini Gallardo, it means a lot more. The latest LP570-4 coupe is lighter than before, and it also has an extra seven kiloWatts in the engine room, but the superleggera is really about sharpening one of the sharpest supercars in the world today.Lamborghini is also using the Gallardo Superleggera as a demonstration of its commitment to stripping excess bulk out of its cars, both now and in the future.“Lamborghini used to be known for having very lightweight vehicles with powerful propulsion systems. I think we lost that over the course of the years and we have to get back to that," says Lamborghini’s design boss, Manfred Fitzgerald.PRICING AND MARKETThe Superleggera still comes with a hefty pricetag, as an 18 per cent price hike in Europe points to a bottom line in the $560,000 region in Australia. Although Lamborghini won't admit it, the timing of the Gallardo Superleggera's launch is ideal for it to compete with the recent release of Ferrari's all-new 458 Italia.The Superleggera is 40kg lighter than the Ferrari, despite the Gallardo’s age, so it seems Lamborghini's work really is worthy of credit. Besides, as a racetrack weapon, the new Superleggera is the best Gallardo yet.Lamborghini is so dedicated to weight-loss work it entered a partnership with the University of Washington, a global pioneer in the research and development of carbonfibre technology including work with Boeing on its new 787 Dreamliner. Fitzgerald insists the partnership will allow Lamborghini to revolutionise the use of carbonfibre in its cars."We've learned over the past couple of years how to better understand the material of carbonfibre, which will be playing a key role in lightweight construction and manufacturing," he says. "Up until today, it was always the same method of having asthetic parts done in carbonfibre, but it will become more and more crucial to have this material also going into structural parts. For us it is a key factor of giving the customers – the drivers – added value. That comes from giving them enhanced driving dynamics, and this you can only do by reducing the weight of the vehicle."Of the 70kg stripped out of the LP570-4 Superleggera, 40kg is thanks to the extensive use of carbonfibre inside the cockpit, in the engine cover, door sills, exterior mirrors and the re-designed diffuser. The F1-style rear diffuser, in combination with a covered underbody, also helps the Superleggera generate around 50 percent more downforce for high-speed cornering.DRIVINGAcceleration is fearsome, repeatedly reaching 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, thanks to a special launch control program, and bounding to 200km/h in only 10.2sec, before hitting its top speed of 325km/h. It's the kind of performance that will earn you more police attention than Lewis Hamilton's Benz burnout.At the heart of the Superleggera is an all-alloy, direct-injected 5.2-litre V10 engine that develops 419kW at a stratospheric 8000 revs, and produces a hefty torque figure of 540Nm at 6500. As those stats suggest, the engine’s best work is done at high revs, lacking the bottom-to-midrange grunt that many modern forced-induction engines deliver. But that only validates your urge to mash the throttle, just to hear the beast rage as it approaches the upper reaches of its rev range.The Lamborghini’s sensational acoustics – a deep, rich undertone overlaid by a high-pitched animalistic wail – is a consequence of the engine’s dual-plane crankshaft, where opposing pistons share a common bearing in this crankshaft design. The suspension has been stiffened significantly with a 20 percent increase in damper firmness and new suspension bushes that are 90 percent stiffer.The harsh difference in the Superleggera's suspension is immediately obvious, even before reaching the end of pitlane at the Spanish Monteblanco circuit where the car was launched to the world’s media. It doesn't offer Grand Touring ability of the LP560-4 Coupe, but that’s because the Superleggera was crafted for racetrack prowess... and it delivers.The lighter, stiffer Superleggera is a much more focussed track car than the LP560-4. Even though the suspension is rock-hard, it’s well-damped for the racetrack and - with the additional downforce - creates a sense of stability through super-fast sections of the track, where you’re quickly grabbing each gear through the six-speed sequential manual’s column-mounted paddle shifters. The stiffer bushings also ensure that there’s no slack in the suspension, and accordingly, the Superleggera responds swiftly to steering inputs. Turn-in is sharper, with hardly any discernible body roll.But for all its confident racetrack ability, there's still plenty of mongrel left in this car. Lift off the throttle mid-corner or fail to get the car's weight settled squarely before you punish the powerful ceramic brakes, and the weight of the mid-mounted engine will cause the rear of the car to dance around, requiring subtle steering corrections.The ESP Sport program is well-calibrated, and allows the all-wheel drive system's 30/70 front-to-rear torque split to slide the tail when you’re powering out of tight corners. But its emphasis on reducing weight as a means of enhancing the driving experience has a second benefit: improved fuel efficiency, which is becoming increasingly important, even for supercar manufacturers.The Superleggera returns a combined EU fuel economy figure of just 13.5L/100km, which is commendable for a car with its performance potential and proves that innovation like Lamborghini’s will ensure that the supercar has a future. Just don't count on them getting any cheaper.Lamborghini Gallardo SuperleggeraPrice: estimated $560,000On sale: second half 2010Engine: 5.2-litre V10Output: 419kW/540NmTransmission: six-speed robotised manual, all-wheel-driveEconomy: 13.5L/100kmEmissions: 319g/km CO2RIVALSFerrari F458, estimated $450,000Porsche 911 Turbo, $386,200Maserati GTS, $318,500

Something went wrong between a good idea and the BMW X1 parked in the Carsguide driveway.The newest member of the X-car family looks right, and the idea is right, but when you get behind the wheel it lags behind the Subaru Outback which first got the world going down the compact all-wheel drive wagon trail. It's a surprise, because BMW's X5 has been the premium SUV pace-setter since the first car arrived a decade ago, and the baby 1 Series - which provides the base for the X1 - is a pocket rocket and a Carsguide favourite.What lets the X1 down? It's something about the packaging, something about the cabin quality against the price, and something about the dynamics of the chassis and the response of the two-litre turbodiesel engine. Don't get me wrong, the X1 is a sure-fire showroom winner in Australia, but that will be more about the badge and yummy mummies in trendy suburbs than the quality of the basic design and engineering. Is this harsh? Yes. Could I be wrong? Perhaps.But I jumped straight from the X1 into a diesel-engined Outback and found the Subaru ticked more of the boxes, despite a body shape which is way, way behind the BMW on style and impact. The Japanese car is roomier, the engine is quieter, and the Subaru has a starting price of $37,990 against $56,800 for the German contender, at least until the rear-drive model lands from $45,700. Don't forget the X1 also needs to be rated against a classier crew led by the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and even the Volkswagen Tiguan.But back to the X1 story. The car comes as BMW stretches every one of its basic models into new shapes and customer groups, moving the 1 Series customer success story on with a high-riding wagon that taps into the worldwide demand for compact cars that tick all the boxes.It has all-wheel drive to boost excellent basic safety, a higher roof and bigger tail for more cabin and luggage space, and a Steve Irwin edge to the styling intended to hint at an ability to conquer the outback.BMW Australia has gone turbodiesel on the engine front, with 2.0 single turbo and 2.3-litre twin turbo, and the X1 comes with the usual fruit including alloy wheels, aircon, cruise control with a brake function, rear parking radar, and Bluetooth, as well as six airbags, anti-skid brakes and stability/traction/hill descent controls.The biggest change from the 1 Series is a wheelbase that can optimise the length of the 3 Series sedan, which means plenty of space in the high-set cabin."The youthful, versatile and efficient BMW X1 broadens the attraction of our very successful X family and will appeal to young urban customers with an active and varied lifestyle," says the boss of BMW Australia, Stavros Yallouridis.DRIVING Paul GoverThe X1 will be a winner and nothing I say or write will change that. It's the same as the X6, which I have always believed is the answer to a question no-one asked, yet continues to crank out big showroom numbers. The X1 looks great and the idea is spot-on for today, as Subaru continues to show with the Forester and Outback. But the X1 is noisy and unrefined in some areas, not particularly quick, and the cabin quality is down a bit on BMW's usual standards. As a drive, it feels wonky and wobbly. Not just compared with an X1 five-door hatch, but those Subarus and serious showroom rivals led by the XC60 and Tiguan.But there is good stuff. The cabin feels roomy, there is plenty of flexibility in the back end, and I know the X1 will take owners with X-drive confidence to the beach or the snow or the other places Gen-X families and singles like to go. The pricing is also pretty good until you dig deeply into the list of extra equipment, but that's a BMW trap that runs right through the range.But I cannot help criticising the 2-litre single turbodiesel engine, which is very noisy at idle and needs to be stirred to give its best. In combination with a notchy six-speed manual gearbox, this can be tough. The engine would work much better with an automatic, which is how most will be sold in Australia, but I'm not a fan yet.It's the same with the handling. The car has a smooth ride and is quiet for the class, but push it into a corner - even at speeds well below 1-Series pace - and it feels wonky, unresponsive and lacking grip. But I know BMW can do it because the X5 and X6 are class leaders.So I'm stepping away from the X1 with questions and doubts. Perhaps more time and an automatic gearbox, or the punchier but costlier 23d TwinPower turbodiesel or the rear-drive petrol X1 in June, can win me over. Right now, though, it's not a car I will recommend.SHE SAYS Alison WardWhen I saw the BMW X1 on display at the local shopping centre, I couldn't wait to drive it. I've owned Beemas in the past and love the brand, but this car lacks the Beemaliciousness I expect. It's a disappointing car and falls short, for me, in many ways. I feel this new model wasn't an upgrade or a new design - like seeing a comedy show twice, when you laugh the first time but the jokes run thin on the second viewing.The exterior promises a sporty, fun and roomy car, but the engine rattles like Flo - the tractor of my childhood - and unlike the bigger X cars lacks agility and steering response. I really like the fuel saving stop-start system, which is a great feature and works really well. The interior is standard BMW stuff and a bit too plastic in some places. I also question the value.Practically, the X1 is ok. It can fit a pram. It can fit (just) my giant baby bag, the dogs, the kid and my mum. But what the X1 cannot fit is my expectation for a car that promises so much - but then fails to deliver.THE BOTTOM LINE: Where did the love go in the X-car family?RIVALSVolkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI: 82/100 (from $36,690)Audi Q5 2.0 TDI: 80/100 (from $60,500)Volvo XC60 D5: 84/100 (from $58,950)Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI: 77/100 (from $39,490)