Articles by Alistair Kennedy

BMW is about to launch its first mass-produced vehicle to run solely on electric power. The German company is normally in the forefront of technology, but surprisingly, in this instance is running behind the Japanese and Americans.The first vehicle to come out of the new BMW i sub-brand, the i3 is a compact five-door hatch that uses a combination of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic and aluminium to keep the car's weight down to 1195 kg.POWERTRAINPower comes from a lithium-ion battery pack mounted on the floor of the chassis rather within the cabin. While this pushes up the overall height of the car, giving it a semi-SUV look, it does provide a higher driving position.The electric motor generates up to 125 kW of power and 250 Nm of instantaneous torque that's sent to the rear wheels. It allows the BMW i3 to get from standstill to 100 km/h in a sporty 7.2 seconds.Range is quoted at between 130 and 160 km, however this can be increased up to around 200 km by using either the Eco Pro or Eco Pro+ modes, although these do impact upon the car's performance and air conditioning effectiveness.By fitting an optional 647 cc two-cylinder rear-mounted petrol engine range can be further increased to around 300 km. The range-extender engine does not power the vehicle but is used solely to charge the batteries through an electrical generator. The tiny engine – it's sourced from a BMW Motorrad scooter – is located beneath the boot floor and adds 150 kg to the weight of the i3, so slightly reducing the battery-only range.The range-extender would seem a natural fit for Australia's sprawling cities, indeed BMW Australia is considering including it as standard. A big advantage of a petrol range-extender is that it can be refuelled in a few minutes.The batteries can be charged at home through a conventional 10-amp power socket (11 hours for a full charge) or a specially-installed BMW i Wallbox (six hours). Fast charging stations are still a rarity in Australian cities but will grow in time.STYLINGWe were able to examine and sit in, but not drive, a pre-production version of the i3 at BMW Australia's head office in Melbourne. The styling is quite distinctive with a sweeping rear roofline cleverly offset by a dip in the beltline at the base of the rear windows to improve outward visibility.Entry to the back seats is through rear-hinged doors which can only be opened when the front doors are open. The resultant wide opening provides easy access and, with no B-pillar to intrude, will improve the driver's vision.The traditional kidney grille clearly identifies the i3 as a BMW, although it is purely cosmetic – the range extender, where fitted, is cooled via a small radiator located next to the front wheels – and framed with a blue highlight which is continued on the door sills. U-shaped LED headlamps wrap around to the side of the car. INTERIORStorage space is limited with 250 litres in the rear hatch area regardless of whether or not the range extender engine is fitted plus an additional 35 litres under the bonnet at the front of the car. With the batteries out of the way under the car the rear seatbacks can be folded flat to expand the available space to 1100 litres.Another standout feature is the wheels which although large in diameter (19- or 20-inch) are quite narrow to improve the car's aerodynamics and reduce tyre drag on the road.Four design options are available: Atelier, Loft, Lodge and Suite with a choice of six colours, all two-toned with a black band running from the bonnet across the roof to the bottom of the hatch.INFOTAINMENTLike the system we've seen previously in the Nissan Leaf the BMW i Remote App allows smartphone owners to remotely display information such as range and current battery charge status as well as adjusting the temperature of the interior before entering the car.There are two monitors located on the dashboard, a small one in front of the driver that shows relevant charging and performance information and a larger (10.3-inch) one in the centre with the normal multimedia and navigation features.The second model to come from BMW i will be quite different to the i3. Not only is the i8 a sports car but it is a plug-in hybrid combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a lithium-ion battery pack. We'll do a detailed report on the i8 closer to its arrival date.PRICINGThe BMW i3 is expected to go on sale in mid-2014, and the i8 towards the end of that year. They will only be sold through one selected dealership in each of the major capital cities, initially in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to be followed by Perth, Canberra and Adelaide. Service will be available at most BMW dealerships.Pricing and specifications will be provided closer to the i3's launch next year but as a guide prices in the United States start at $US42,000 and in Britain at around 30,000 Pounds. In both cases there is government assistance to encourage buyers towards environmentally friendly vehicles – sadly something in which Australia's civic leaders have shown no interest to date. The optional range-extender adds around $US4000. 

Nissan Patrol is one of the best-known and longest established nameplates on the Australian 4WD scene having been on sale here for almost 50 years.

Although they’re very popular in Europe compact people movers have never really taken off in Australia where cheaper fuel and less congested streets has seen the majority of buyers needing to transport large passenger loads opt for either full-size seven-seat people movers or SUVs.Now, with the trend towards smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles seemingly here to stay Kia’s timing in launching the latest version of its Rondo could be just right. After trying to foist the name Urban Recreational Vehicle onto us for the previous (2008) Rondo common sense has prevailed and Kia is calling the MY2014 version a compact people mover.DESIGNIt’s a more stylish vehicle then previously, with a swept-back roofline tapering to a small rear lip spoiler and squared off tail that gives it a hatchback look. The front features the current Kia ‘Tiger Nose’ corporate grille flanked by sweeping headlamps.In a clever piece of design work, although the wheelbase of the new Rondo is 50 mm longer than that of the outgoing model, it is marginally smaller in all other exterior dimensions.INTERIORDespite a 40 mm reduction in height from the previous model there’s excellent headroom in the front two rows, even with the standard sunroof in the range-topping Platinum variant. Another sensible design feature is extra-wide rear doors that improve access to the third row seats.The second-row seats can be slid backwards and forwards on runners to juggle the amount of legroom available in all three rows. Seats can be folded in various ways, having a 60/40 split in the second row, and a 50/50 one the rear.The seats are comfortable and Rondo can carry four adults and three children with ease. The high driving position will appeal to those who are trading across from an SUV and handling is competent without being in any way exciting. After all, this is a people mover not a sports model.Interior stowage is very good, with large drawers under the second row foot wells and numerous spots throughout the cabin for drinks, wallets, phones, sunglasses and the various accoutrements of our modern lifestyles. With all seats in position there’s a maximum of just 103 litres of storage space and with the third-row seats folded that increases to 492 litres. Rondo can even be used as a mini van by folding the centre seats, increasing capacity to 1650 litres.PRICES AND EQUIPMENTThe all-automatic Kia Rondo 2.0-litre petrol range starts with the Si at $29,990, then the SLi at $33,990 and Platinum for $38,990. The 1.7-litre turbodiesel spec levels are Si for $32,490 and SLi for $36,490.Korean car makers pride themselves on high equipment levels and Kia Rondo safety gear includes front, side and curtain airbags (the latter only for the front two rows of seats); ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Electronic Stability Program and Vehicle Stability Management; Hill-Start Assist; reverse parking sensors; and reversing camera.Also standard are cruise control; Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; Auxiliary and USB sockets: colour LCD touch screen (4.3-inch in the Si and SLi and a 7-inch in the Platinum); MyMusic function that enables MP3 copying; and steering wheel mounted controls.The mid-spec SLi adds piano black grille mesh; chrome highlights; puddle lighting on the side mirrors; front parking sensors; LED daytime running lights; leather trimmed seats; powered driver’s seat; and fold-flat front passenger’s seat. Paddle shifts are standard in the SLi and Platinum models.The flagship petrol-only Platinum variant also gets LED rear combination lamps; full-length sunroof; refrigerated glovebox; push-button start; satellite navigation with SUNA traffic information; and climate controlled front seats.ENGINESFor the first time Kia Rondo now comes with the option of a turbodiesel engine in addition to an upgraded version of the previous 2.0-litre petrol. Torque is important for a relatively small vehicle that could be asked to carry up to seven occupants and the extra 24 Nm from the petrol engine (up to 213 Nm) will certainly be welcomed. With 300 Nm the diesel is unlikely to encounter any problems.A lack of demand for the manual gearbox offered previously has led to it being dropped with all models now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old four-speed, and with the choice of standard and sport modes.DRIVINGWe’ve been able to road test both Rondo engines, the diesel during the press launch a few months ago and the petrol in our extended week-long test. Regular readers will know of my preference for diesel power and while that would be our model of choice the petrol unit handled a 200 km round trip with three adults and three 11-year-old soccer players plus gear surprisingly well.When cruising the petrol engine pulled well enough, only being tested when it encountered some moderately steep hills. Nevertheless we’d recommend spending the extra $2500 for the diesel if you’re going to load up on a regular basis either with people or cargo. On the other hand if you’re looking for a good sized hatch with a high driving position the petrol will no doubt be all that you’ll need.Fuel consumption is listed at 7.9 litres per 100 km from the petrol and 6.4 L/100 km with the diesel on the combined cycle. With our full load in the petrol Rondo we recorded 9.3 L/100 km on the above journey about two-thirds of which was on motorway conditions.Handling is competent without being in any way exciting but that’s to be expected while suspension enhancements provide a more comfortable ride with reduced road noise intrusion.VERDICTNew Kia Rondo joins Toyota Prius v and Fiat Freemont in adding new competition the compact Australian people mover market. The extra equipment and new transmission has come at a price with the entry-level Rondo Si $2000 more than the equivalent MY2013 model but it still offers excellent value, especially when Kia’s standard five-year, unlimited warranty is factored in. Kia RondoPrice: from $29,990 (petrol), from $32,490 (diesel)Engine: 2.0-litre petrol,  122kW/213Nm, 1.7-litre diesel, 100kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, FWDThirst: 7.9L/100km (petrol), 6.4L/100km (diesel)

And for the first time, a hybrid IS300h variant has arrived as well as upgrades to the IS 250 and IS 350 models. All three models all come with the option of F Sport enhancements.Now in its third decade, the Toyota luxury brand Lexus is aimed at the luxury European brands, in particular the big three German carmakers. As is the norm, the new Lexus IS models have grown in size with a longer, wider platform that provides more interior space especially in rear-seat legroom and boot capacity.There are styling changes both inside and out highlighted at the front by a new version of the Lexus' trademark spindle grille as well as a sweeping profile.These cars are immaculately finished inside and out in a tradition that has been with the Lexus marque since day one. The quality of materials and workmanship not only makes the car a delight to look at and sit in, but also suggests a high level of reliability.ENGINESUsing the ‘if it ain’t broke …’ philosophy the engines in the IS 250 and IS 350 are unchanged from the outgoing model. The IS 250’s 2.5-litre all-alloy V6 develops 153kW of power and 252Nm of torque, delivered through a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. The 3.5-litre engine in the IS 350 increases outputs to 233kW and 378Nm all-alloy 3.5-litre V6 powerplant matched to a new eight-speed transmission.With the arrival of the IS 300h Lexus is closing in on its target of offering hybrid technology right across its range. It combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle petrol engine with a 650-volt permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor to provide a combined power output of up to 164 kW.Listed fuel consumption for the IS 300h is 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 113 grams per kilometre. By way of comparison the two petrol-powered models use around twice as much fuel (IS 250 at 9.2 and the IS 350 9.7 L/100km) and about double the emissions (213 and 225 g/km respectively). However, official fuel consumption figures for hybrids are notoriously optimistic and can be very difficult to achieve in real life driving.TECHNOLOGYThe new hybrid powerplant is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission with six-step shift logic and paddle shift.All three IS models come with the option of the Lexus F Sport package including a more rigid chassis, distinct steering and chassis tune through an adaptive variable suspension system and a new drive mode select feature. External features include different front and rear bumpers, side skirts, grille, wheels and badging.FEATURESStandard features across the Lexus IS range include eight airbags, powered and ventilated front seats, reversing camera, satellite navigation, a new pedestrian protection pop-up bonnet, drive mode select, tyre pressure warning sensors, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio and digital radio. Sports Luxury models also get a number of additional safety features including two extra airbags, a Pre-Collision Safety System (PCS) with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.For those with enough patience, from the fourth quarter of 2013 the all-new Lexus Enform telematics system will be available. Enform will provide a range of connected services such as Enform Concierge (a dial-up link a range of Lexus services); Destination Download (sends destination information to the satellite navigations system);  Fuel Finder (transmits the location of the nearest service stations with comparative fuel prices and availability of premium fuels); Local Search (an internet-based search for local businesses and services): and Weather (forecasts for a selected location).

Back in July 1996 Sydney residents looking skywards would have seen a skywriting aeroplane spelling out the letters P-R-A-D-O. The name would no doubt have puzzled the vast majority of those who saw it, unaware that it was part of Toyota Australia's launch of a new, slightly smaller version of its long-established

During the latter stages of the life of its ill-fated Tiida, Nissan Australia conducted research into the significance of model names to potential buyers. While it came as no surprise that the Pulsar name had been greatly missed, what did raise eyebrows was the fact that the SSS name rated even more highly than that of Pulsar.That research played a large part in Nissan Australia’s decision to reinstate the SSS model as a member of its just launched 2013 Pulsar hatch range.Now, much to the delight of its fans, the Pulsar SSS is back, priced at just $29,290, putting it around $10,000 less than models such as the Subaru WRX and Golf GTi, albeit with significantly less performance than they provide.To distinguish itself from the standard Pulsar, the SSS gets a sportier look with front, side and rear skirts, a modest rear spoiler, front foglamps, LED rear lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.This time around the Pulsar SS comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged, DiG Turbo (Direct Injection Gasoline) engine pushing out 140 kW of power, and 240 Nm at just 2000 revs.The engine comes with a single scroll turbocharger that sends the SSS sharply off the mark with almost no lag. It’s a punchy unit that’s at its best from 2000 rpm upwards. While the engine note can’t match that of its hotter rivals it still adds a bit of character to the car.We reviewed both the six-speed manual and CVT variants; the manual is light and smooth with plenty of grunt even in sixth gear for safe overtaking. While the manual is still our transmission of choice the addition of steering column mounted paddle shifts to the CVT makes it almost as much satisfying, although it does add $2500 to the price.Suspension is firmer than in the other variants without compromising ride comfort while handling and cornering on the wet roads that we encountered were safe with only slight body roll.There’s excellent interior space in all Pulsar models with well-sized seats and although the SSS does get some extra bolstering it’s not the hip-hugging compression of many similar cars. Pulsar also ticks another of our boxes in that there’s excellent visibility with a large front and rear windscreens and a low beltline.Affordability is the name of the game in the new Nissan Australia lineup and the Pulsar SSS provides plenty of driving excitement at a modest outlay.

New Nissan Pulsar hatch has joined its sedan sibling that arrived here in February, finally putting an end to the era of the capable but sadly misunderstood Nissan Tiida.We’ve told the story on numerous occasions of the big sales slump that followed on from the decision by Nissan Australia’s corporate masters in Japan to replace the Pulsar nameplate with the new global Tiida badge. Suffice to say that in the four months that the new Pulsar sedan has been on sale it has already sold nearly twice as many units as the Tiida sedan and hatch combined did in the 2012 calendar year.Some of this can be explained by the fact that it’s a new model but there’s no question that many Australian buyers have been sweating on the return of the Pulsar badge, and especially with the five-door hatchback body.In our previous review of the Pulsar sedan we commented on the surprising amount of interior space and this is carried across to the hatch with enough rear leg space and headroom to comfortably sit a pair of six-foot passengers.Even more keenly anticipated, according to the company’s own research, is the SSS variant which hasn’t been available since 2000. The new Pulsar SSS that only comes in hatch format, is powered by a modern 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with direct injection combined with a single scroll turbocharger and an intercooler. These combine to provide 140kW of power with peak torque of 240Nm at 2000 rpm. SSS also gets sports tuned suspension and steering.There are three other variants in the Pulsar hatch range. The entry level Pulsar ST and the ST-L share the same 96kW/174Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine as the sedan while the ST-S also gets the turbo. All Pulsar hatches come with the choice of six-speed manual or CVT automatic with the two turbocharged models also getting a manual mode in the CVT.In such a competitive market segment pricing is paramount and Nissan has screwed down the price of its entry level manual ST to $18,990, a thousand less than the equivalent sedan.Equipment levels are modest in the ST and although it does include Bluetooth telephone you need to get up to the flagship SSS if you want audio streaming. Indeed even a USB socket is missing from the ST which relies on its CD slot or Auxiliary input for entertainment.Safety equipment is good with all models having six airbags, ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution; stability and traction control; and cruise control.The $22,490 ST-L adds front foglights; rear spoiler; USB socket; 4.3-inch colour display; and a rear seat centre armrest. The ST-S Turbo ($24,990) gets 17-inch alloy wheels compared to 16-inch in the ST and ST-L. The extra $4000-odd for the SSS buys a modest body kit; xenon headlights; 5.8-inch touch screen; satellite navigation; Bluetooth audio streaming; reversing camera; leather-accented seat trim; and push-button engine start.CVT adds $2250 to the price of the ST and ST-L and $2500 to that of the ST-S and SSS. All the above prices are recommended retail and do not include on-road costs which Nissan Australia estimates at between $2900 and $3100 depending upon the model.We were able to sample each of the new Pulsar hatch models during the launch test drive. The 1.8 pulled smoothly from as low as 1500 rpm and strongly from 2500 revs. Handling is competent enough, without having any pretensions to sportiness.Nissan was one of the early adopters of CVT transmissions and the Pulsar hatch has what Nissan calls Smooth Start Assist control which reduces the sounds which has turned off some drivers. As it’s a CVT acceleration is super smooth and the strong torque of the engine lets the transmission hold onto high ratios when climbing all but the steepest of hills.Ride comfort is reasonable with moderate tyre noise on all but coarse-chip surfaces, with the Pulsar being particularly smooth and quiet on good quality motorways. Expectations were high for the new Pulsar SSS and it didn’t disappoint. This is an excellent engine highlighted by a lovely sporting note and with plenty of punch even at low revs. Turbo lag is imperceptible. The manual gearbox is light and smooth while the paddle shifts add variety to the CVT’s operation.Suspension is firmer than in the other variants without compromising ride comfort while handling and cornering on the wet roads that we encountered were safe with only slight body roll.For years Nissan fans have been clamouring for the return of the Pulsar and in particular the SSS so we’d be very surprised if dealers aren’t in for a hectic time. If the impressive early sales of the sedan are anything to go by then the new Pulsar hatch may even challenge the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 in the sales race.

Kia has released the latest version of its Rondo seven-seat compact people mover bringing it in line with the current company styling and adding the option of a diesel engine for the first time.Rondo is aimed not only at those with three or four pre-teen children who are delaying the move into a full-size people mover but also those who want the functionality of an SUV without the higher running costs.Kia Rondo’s profile is much sleeker than before with a swept-back roofline tapering to a small rear lip spoiler and squared off tail that gives it more of a hatchback look. The front features the current Kia ‘Tiger Nose’ corporate grille flanked by sweeping headlamps.Although its wheelbase is 50 mm longer than before new Rondo is marginally smaller in its exterior dimensions. A 40 mm drop in height has been achieved without any adverse affect on driving height, an important feature for most potential people mover and SUV buyers.There’s a reassuringly solid feel to the new Rondo. It’s easy to get into, especially so in the rear where the doors are wide to cater for third row access. There’s excellent headroom in the front two rows, even with the large sunroof in the top-specced Platinum variant. We didn’t even try to get into the third row seats but they’re designed for small fry so they shouldn’t have any problem.The interior is remarkably versatile with the centre-row able to slide backwards and forwards on runners to juggle the amount of legroom available in all three rows. Seats can be folded in various ways, having a 60/40 split in the second row, and a 50/50 one the rear.Interior stowage is very good, with large drawers under the second row foot wells and numerous spots throughout the cabin for drinks, wallets, phones, sunglasses and the various accoutrements of our modern lifestyles.Engine options are 2.0-litre petrol and 1.7-litre turbo-diesel with the petrol available in three grades; Si, SLi and Platinum. The diesel is sold as Si and SLi only.The petrol unit has maximum outputs of 122 kW and 213 Nm, up from the 106 kW and 189 Nm of the previous model while the first-time diesel peaks at 100 kW and a very handy 300 Nm.The previous manual gearbox option has gone, with all Rondo models now getting a six-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old four-speed, and with the choice of standard and sport modes. Paddle shifts are standard in the SLi and Platinum models.The Kia Rondo range opens with the Si 2.0-litre petrol seven-seat people mover at $29,990, followed by the SLi 2.0-litre petrol at $33,990, Platinum 2.0-litre petrol at $38,990, the Si 1.7-litre turbodiesel at $32,490 and the SLi 1.7-litre turbodiesel at $36,490.Standard equipment includes cruise control; Bluetooth phone and audio streaming; Auxiliary and USB sockets: colour LCD touch screen (4.3-inch in the Si and SLi and a 7-inch in the Platinum); MyMusic function that enables MP3 copying; and steering wheel mounted controls.SLi grade adds piano black grille mesh; chrome highlights; puddle lighting on the side mirrors; front parking sensors; LED daytime running lights; leather trimmed seats; powered driver’s seat; and fold-flat front passenger’s seat.The flagship petrol-only Platinum variant also gets LED rear combination lamps; full-length sunroof; refrigerated glovebox; push-button start; satellite navigation with SUNA traffic information; climate controlled front seats.The SLi also comes with what Kia calls a Conversation Mirror, a wide-angled convex mirror designed to let the driver keep an eye on the back seats without turning around. All very nice in theory, but we can guarantee some drivers will check the kids when they should be looking at the road. It can be used equally effectively by the front passenger, an option that we’d strongly recommend.Kia Rondo comes with an impressive list of standard safety features including ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; ESP and Vehicle Stability Management; Hill-Start Assist; front, side and curtain airbags (the latter only for the front two rows of seats); reverse parking sensors; and reversing camera.The Rondo road test took us north out of Sydney to the Central Coast through a mixture of city, urban, freeway and semi-rural conditions. While Kia loaded the cars with a variety of pieces of equipment such as golf clubs, suitcases and shopping bags to demonstrate the various load space options, they weren’t able to supply the requisite number of five pre-teen children per car. Phew!So, although it didn’t have its maximum capacity on board both engines coped with its two-adult load without any issues during the test even in the few hilly sections. We were especially impressed with the performance of the diesel and that would be our model of choice. Both engines are quiet and refined. Fuel consumption is listed at 7.9 litres per 100 km from the petrol and 6.4 L/100 km with the diesel on the combined cycle. We’ll do our own comparison when we conduct our extended test in a few months time.  Handling is competent without being in any way exciting.The timing of the release of the all-new Kia Rondo could be just right with new arrivals from Toyota (Prius v), Fiat (Freemont) and Opel (Zafira) combining to draw fresh attention to an under-achieving segment of the Australian market. Rondo’s combination of style, functionality, sharp pricing and five-year warranty could well see it at the forefront.

Mercedes-Benz has given its E-Class a facelift together with a combination of price reductions and extra equipment additions that combine to improve their value, according to Benz, from $7000 to $23,000 depending on the model.Earlier this year we were able to preview the coupe and cabriolet versions of the E-Class models in their home territory. They’ll be arriving here late in the year but have been preceded by the more mainstream sedan and wagon variants.STYLINGMore mainstream they may be but in terms of styling the four and five-door bodied E-Class models lose very little in comparison to their sporty siblings especially with M-B Australia’s decision to only bring in the Avantgarde specification with its big, bold three-point star embedded within the aggressive two-bar grille.External changes for the 2013 E-Class are minor with a new front end featuring one-piece headlamps and revised bonnet and bumper. The rear lights and bumper have also been changed with horizontal LED tail lights giving the new E-Class a lower stance that further enhances its sporty look.INTERIORThe interior of the new E-Class retains the same overall design theme as before but detail changes to the colours and finish of the materials work well and increase the feeling of luxury and sportiness.TECHNOLOGYWe’re used to new technology filtering down from more expensive models but in this case many of the latest features are making their debut in the E-Class prior to being passed up to the upcoming new S-Class.Most of this new technology is centred around what Benz calls its Intelligent Drive system which uses twin cameras mounted at the top of the windscreen, angled outwards at 45 degrees.These combine to provide a 3D view of the area around 50 metres in front of the car and work together with a radar sensor system to operate a range of advanced safety features such as Collision Prevent Assist which alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision and applies the brakes where necessary; Attention Assist (it monitors driver inattention and/or fatigue and issues an alert); Distronic Plus (keeps the vehicle centred within its lane on straight stretches); Cross-Traffic Assist (can detect crossing traffic or pedestrians and boost braking where a collision is imminent); Pre-Safe Braking (detects wayward pedestrians and applies the brakes if required); and Pre-Safe Plus which can recognise an imminent rear-end collision, activates the car’s hazard lights and triggers occupant protection features.Once again we just sit back and marvel at the scope and effectiveness of the safety enhancements that modern car makers are providing, effectively at no additional cost to the buyer.MODELSThere are ten variants in the 2013 E-Class range, seven sedans and three Estates. Prices range from $79,900 for the E 200 sedan through to the spectacular E 63 AMG sedan at $249,900.ENGINESAll engines in the standard E-Class models are now either four or six cylinders and turbocharged with the previous V8 E 500 now dropped in favour of a V6 in the E 400 sedan and Estate. Although the new V6 displaces just 3.0 litres it achieves V8-like performance thanks to the use to twin turbochargers with up to 245 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque all the way from 1400 to 4000 rpm, but with fuel consumption officially measured at just 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres.The E 63 AMG sedan is the only V8 model remaining and it also uses a bi-turbo to reach its stunning peaks of 430 kW and 800 Nm. All E-Class models get seven-speed automatic transmission with steering column mounted shift paddles.Another first for the E-Class, indeed for any Australian Mercedes-Benz model, is the E 300 Bluetec Hybrid. While luxury car rivals such as BMW and Lexus also offer hybrids Benz is the first to do so with a diesel rather than a petrol engine. The combination of 2.1-litre turbo-diesel and battery pull fuel consumption down to a frugal 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres.As before all E-Class Estate models are seven-seaters with the third-row bench seat facing rearwards. Benz are expecting a slight boost in sales with the previous seven-seat R-Class no longer being imported here.DRIVINGWith so many model variants in the new E-Class range our test drive options were limited however we will report in more detail when we carry out our extended tests within the next few months. We were able to drive the E 200 and E 250 petrol and E 250 CDI diesel during the launch in and around Melbourne.Expectations are always high whenever we drive any Mercedes-Benz and the new E-Class certainly delivers even in the lower-specced models. The chassis feels solid and tight and the car is superbly balanced. Ride comfort is firm but comfortable even on some of the coarse surfaces that we passed over.As is normally the case we’d opt for the diesel powerplant with the extra mid-range torque that all keen drivers savour. Having said that the 2.0-litre petrol doesn’t fall that much short if you’re planning to operate exclusively in commuter territory.VERDICTSafer, cheaper, stunning looks. All should combine to keep the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class around the top of the shopping list of anyone looking for an affordable prestige car.The complete 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon range is:E 200 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $79,900E 220 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $82,400E 250 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-door sedan: $97,400E 250 CDI 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-door sedan: $99,900E 300 Hybrid 2.2-litre turbo-diesel / electric four-door sedan: $109,900E 400 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $129,900E 63 AMG 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol four-door sedan: $249,900E 200 Estate 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $86,900E 250 CDI Estate 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $107,700E 400 Estate 3.0-litre bi-turbo petrol five-door wagon: $137,700Mercedes-Benz E200Price: from $79,900Warranty: 3 years roadside assistEngine: 1.8L four-cylinder, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 6.6L/100Km, CO2 154g/km

Holden is looking to turn around the downward trend in Commodore sales with the VF – mounting a three-pronged attack based around significant price cuts, a big range of additional equipment and a renewed export drive.Annual sales of the Commodore have been in steady decline since their peak of nearly 95,000 in 1998 with the 2012 tally of around 30,500 being the lowest ever. While the car’s age undoubtedly contributed to this number the overriding reason has the trend away from large passenger cars towards both medium SUVs and smaller cars.The VF Commodore is the fifteenth model since it launched with the VB in 1978. It’s been a long time coming as the VE series it has been on sale since 2006. The big delay largely due to the near bankruptcy of GM as a result of the GFC.As we’ve reported previously, the VF Commodore gets price cuts ranging from $5000 from the VE Omega to the Evoke up to $10,000 on the two Caprice models.With such dramatic price reductions coupled with leading-edge technology we wouldn’t be at all surprised if many buyers who have been swept to the SUV trend will be having second thoughts.There are many external styling changes to the VF to distinguish it from its predecessor, with a new front and rear that give it a stockier look partly because the bonnet has been raised to incorporate new pedestrian safety features.The changes to the interior give the new Commodore a fresher, more contemporary look. The centrepiece is the 8-inch colour touchscreen with large, well-spaced buttons and knobs that displays the vast array of features available through the Holden MyLink infotainment system. We will take a closer look at this, along with a plethora of other new features designed to make motoring not only safer but also more entertaining, in a separate story.VF Commodore model names have been tweaked with both the previous entry level Omega and the second tier Berlina both gone – the latter after nearly 30 years in the range – and replaced by a single model called Evoke designed to bridge the gap between fleet and private buyers and to generate a more upmarket image.Evoke uses a 3.0-litre SIDI V6 engine. To reduce fuel use and exhaust emissions power is marginally down (from 190 to 185 kW compared to the VE series). This is more than counteracted by an overall weigh reduction of almost 40 kg in the Commodore, mainly through an aluminium bonnet and boot lid. Performance isn’t affected while fuel consumption is just 8.3 litres per hundred kilometres, down from the 8.9 litres in the equivalent 2012 VE Series II.Other model names are unchanged, with the SV6, Calais, and Calais V each having the 3.6-litre SIDI V6. The SS, SS V, SS V Redline all use the 6.0-litre Gen IV V8, which is optional on the Calais V. All models offer the choice between sedan and Sportwagon.The long wheelbase Caprice sedan, now designated WN, comes with either a 3.6-litre LPG-fuelled engine in the standard model or 6.0-litre petrol V8 in the Caprice V. Transmission options are unchanged with six-speed automatic in all models and six-speed manuals in the sportier variants.Although it’s built on the same platform as the outgoing VE, around 60 per cent of chassis components have been either modified or replaced.The two-day launch of the VF Commodore included a 500-kilometre drive program from Canberra south to the Snowy Mountains and back.It’s hardly surprising given the length of time that the Commodore has been around, but there’s something just right about settling into these big Aussie cars. Something that will really be missed if they were to disappear from the scene forever...Manoeuvring the new VF out of the congested underground car park the first thing you notice is the new electric power steering (EPS) that gives a noticeable improvement in sharpness.Out onto the open road the interior is noticeably quieter than before and there’s a real feeling of luxury unlike any you have felt car in this price range. The route chosen for the drive program was dominated by long straights designed to let the VF stretch its legs as we rotated through the different models.Climbing into the foothills of the Snowys we came away most impressed. It’s well-balanced and courtesy of the weight loss and lighter steering felt anything like a large family car.