Articles by Bill Buys

Three months ago Toyota boss Akio Toyoda promised to put the fun factor back into Toyotas and the latest Camry Hybrid has fulfilled that promise.It's a ripper, with a whopping 151kW under its bonnet, tuned suspension, top economy, extra features, improved safety and refinement  all at a lower price.The Australian-built sedan is also the first hybrid to boast towing ability, its battery will last the life of the vehicle and it has a bigger boot and interior.PRICES AND EQUIPMENTCamry Hybrid comes in two hi-spec' models, the H (for hybrid) and HL (luxury), and can be identified by a chromed grille with a blue-ringed badge, blue accents on the headlights and unique alloy wheels. Prices start at $34,990, which is $2000 cheaper than last year's model.Both cars feature the clear three-dial Optitron dash panel, with a six-speaker audio system and a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, an eco driving indicator, dual-zone auto climate control aircon, smart entry wireless door lock, smart start, acoustic windscreen and a reverng camera.A hybrid system indicator in the multi-info display shows energy flow and cruising range. The classy finishing touches include brushed silver inserts and switches, attractive stitching and soft-touch padding Spacewise, repositioning of the battery has freed up more space in the boot, which will now hold 421 litres, up from 389. And new seat design and door trims have given greater comfort and extra space in the back.TECHNOLOGYBoth cars have a new belt-free Atkinson-cycle 2.5-litre petrol engine, a tad up on the earlier 2.4. It produces 118kW and 213Nm and is backed by a 105kW/270Nm 650 volt electric motor. The combined effect is 151kW with an undisclosed, but substantial, torque figure. The 2.4's combined power was 140kW.Electric motors now power all previously belt-driven components and there are subtle aerodynamic improvements that help the car achieve a very impressive 0.27 drag factor. Paired with the CVT, fuel use is down to an average 5.2 litres/100km which is better than most diesel rivals.The car also has a new EV Drive system, which lets it run on electric power alone for a couple of kilometres up to about 45km/h. Handy for coming up the driveway after midnight. The suspension has been given a thorough going-over by Toyota Technical Centre and the car now has a flat ride, more comfort and stability and excellent road manners.THE DRIVEIf ever there was a Camry to shed its 'whitegoods' image, it's the new Hybrid. It's the new flagship of the range and the sportiest. It quietly zooms to 100km/h in 8.0 seconds, about a second quicker than the outgoing model, and has the handling qualities of a sports saloon.We swished through the winding terrain of Tasmania's Tamar Valley with aplomb and marvelled at the car's agility, a word not normally attributed to a Camry. The electro steering was a tad light, but gave good feedback and increased body rigidity and the use of low rolling resistance tyres added to the handling benefits.The car's finish has also been lifted, with shutlines of 3 to 3.5mm, as opposed to the previous 5mm, making it comparable to a Lexus in that regard. It's also commendably quiet inside, thanks to the acoustic glass windscreen and other noise-absorbing materials.

Three body styles, each with a choice of six engines, are enough to make the buying of a new Audi A5 or S5 a formidable task.The updated German luxwagen range has minor front and rear styling changes, fewer buttons on the dash and console and all models get direct-injection turbo motors and start-stop technology.The upgrades cover the Coupe, the five-door Sportback and the Cabriolet, and there are brand new 1.8-litre TSFI (petrol) and 2.0-litre TDI (diesel) engines to satisfy the growing swing to fuel-efficiency.The range now encompasses a considerable 21 models, 13 of them with fuel stats of less than 7.0-litres/100km, the magic figure that lets them escape some of the government's luxury tax grab.The hotshot RS5 model is expected in June.TECHNOLOGYWhile the outside hasn't changed much, a lot has been going on under the handsome Walter de Silva-styled skin. There are revised gear ratios in each of the three transmission choices, less engine friction, more efficient three-zone climate control aircon, upgraded suspension and a new electro-mechanical steering system.In the cogs section there's a six-speed manual, eight-speed Multitronic (CVT) or seven-speed S tronic.Select the optional Auto Drive and you can pick from five driving modes: efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and one which can be tailored to personal taste. The engines are 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0litres, all but the little y with diesel options and power outputs go from 125 to 245/440 in the S5 Cabrio.Even the 1.8 gets a very diesel-like 320Nm from as low as 1400rpm. It and the new 2.0litre diesel (130/380) are the only models that come with front-wheel drive.INSIDETypical Teutonic with clear instrumentation, clean lines and decent seating. There's a new steering wheel, (also a flat-bottomed one as an option), a `concert' radio with CD player and 6.5-inch colour screen and info system, a huge cargo area and an electro-mechanical parking brake. The console and dash trim can be had in aluminium, walnut or ash and the seats with heating or cooling. Or both.There are 15 exterior colours and several interior mixes to choose from. Alternatively, Audi will paint your A5 any colour you want for an extra $4500 or so. The Cabrio's fast-working, multi-layered soft top also has a palette to choose from.DRIVEWe had spells with the 1.8, 2.0litre TSFI and 2.0litre TDI on the freeways and steep and twisty roads of the Blue Mountains region, with the new 2.0litre diesel our favourite. The A5s all drive pretty well and their very torquey motors, petrol and diesel, provide lots of `go.'But the new steering was a bit of a letdown. It varied from heavy in dynamic mode to numb in comfort and one car had the optional Active Lane Assist system, which identifies white lines on the road and helps keep the car within them.It's fine for a lazy Sunday drive, but tries to counter a faster driver's direction on a winding road, so it ends up becoming an annoying wrist-wrestle. And it can't be switched off.The steering, in any form, does seem to be at odds with the A5's otherwise impressive dynamics.PRICESStart at $66,900 for the 1.8, peak at $146,500 for the 3.0litre S5 Cabriolet S tronic. Most of the range is in the $80,000 to $100,000 bracket. The striking Sportback, a four-door that looks like a coupe, is by far the top seller as far as design goes. The new 1.8TFSI could well become the most popular individual model. It's a hi-spec, super-eco and quite zippy number in this elite line-up. We'd pick a sexy 2.0 TDI  Coupe by preference, but common sense says a Sportback.AUDI A5Prices: $66,900 (1.8 TFSI Coupe/Sportback) to $161,900 (RS5 Coupe)Warranty: 3 yrs unlimited kmService interval: 15,000kmEngines: 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 TFSI and 2.0 and 3.0 TDI, 125kW-331kWTransmissions: 8-speed multitronic, 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic, FWD and AWDDimensions: 4.71m (Sportback), 4.63m (Coupe, Cabrio), 1,85m (W), 1.37-1.39m (H)Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP, 6-8 airbags, stability control, ABS, optional lane assist, side assist, adaptive cruiseThirst: 4.7L/100km (2.0 TDI Coupe) to 8.5L/100km (3.0 TFSI Cab)RIVALSAlfa Romeo Brera coupe (from $64,900)BMW 3 Series coupe (from $66,500)Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe (from $58,900).

The car that already accounts for a third of all BMW sales seems certain to build on its success, with the latest 3 Series growing in stature, power and efficiency. The range, launched last week in Victoria's hilly Healesville, comprises five models, all of them turbocharged and all fitted with eight-speed transmissions, engine stop-start technology and a long list of standard features. Two are diesels, three on petrol diets and there's a cracker of a new four-cylinder engine that replaces the much-loved straight-six in two of the variants. BMW says advance orders for the new 3s are the strongest yet. THE RANGEThe diesels are the 318d and 320d, then there's the 320i, 328i and the ferocious 335i. Its 225kW and 400Nm engine carries-over from last year, but fuel economy has been improved, emissions are down and acceleration has been cut to a blistering 5.5seconds to 100km/h. It's also about $10,000 cheaper than the earlier model. DESIGN Sleeker than ever, the 3 Series now has a drag factor of just 0.26 thanks to its sporty aesthetic. The car has a 50mm longer wheelbase, is 93mm longer overall and front and rear tracks have been pushed out by 37 and 47mm respectively. A thin lower air intake sits below the grille and helps to create an aero-improving'air curtain.' Inside, back seat passengers get more leg and headroom and the backrest has a 20/40/20 split to extend cargo space. The cockpit has a new free-standing colour monitor for the comprehensive iDrive functions and some models get a heads-up display on the windscreen.TECHNOLOGYThe engines in all models have twin-scroll turbos. The 318d has a 2.0litre 105kW/320Nm diesel and an official fuel figure of 4.5litres/100km. The 320d, also a 2.0litre, puts out 135kW/380Nm and the same economy and the 320i petrol version has the all-new 2.0litre four that develops 135kW and 270Nm, with a combined cycle of 6.0litres/100km. The 328i has a highly tuned version of the same motor: 180kW and 350Nm and the 335i has a 3.0 six with 225kW and 400Nm. The smooth, fast-shifting ZF eight-speed auto is a first for BMW in the mid-size segment.It's a great unit linked to the new Driving Experience Control (DEC) rocker switch that not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus options, but also Eco Pro mode, which gives all the models the potential to improve the economy figures.DRIVINGIt's what you make of it. Take your pick of the DEC quartet and you can go like the clappers, cruise in luxury or do the eco thing. The undercarriage has been beefed up and rewards drivers with better dynamics and ride comfort. The 3 Series has a near-perfect 50/50 balance  it's also 30kg lighter and its quick steering, huge torque, tremendous brakes and tenacious grip make it a standout in the driver department. VALUEStart at $56,400 for the 318d. The 320d is $60,900, the 320i $57,600, the 328i $66,900 and the flagship335i $91,900. There are also Modern, Sport and Luxury Line trim and equipment options and a vast selection of extras that can easily take even the mid-spec models well into six figures. The 335i, 328i and 320d are on sale now, with 320i and 318d stocks arriving in the March production. We enjoyed almost every aspect of the new 3 Series. An exception would be the optional `driftwood' interior trim; truly awful.

SUBARU'S Impreza XV (remember that one?) is no more. Instead, and as early as from January, a revamped version of the compact crossover will be sold in Australia simply as the Subaru XV. Despite the dropping of the Impreza prefix, the new stand-alone XV retains very much of the small car's DNA, using the same platform and drivetrain, which includes stop-start technology.It's a cleaner design than the existing Impreza XV, itself still a `new' vehicle, and has new generation touches such as `hawk-eye' headlights and a wide hexagonal grille. In the family pecking order it will sit just below the Forester and set its sights on rivals such as Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage and Nissan Dualis.But unlike the opposition it will not offer a 2WD version. All models will run on Subaru's all-wheel-drive system.THE LINEUPXVs will come in three spec levels: 2.0i, 2.0i-L and 2.0i-S  all with soft-touch finishes, uprated instrumentation, new interiors and seven airbags. The 2.0i has a reversing camera, comprehensive multi-function display, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the CVT variants, Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, auto air-con and black roof rails.The 2.0-L adds an electric sunroof, dual-zone air-con, SatNav with SMS voice text and voice control, and rear privacy glass and the premium S model has the luxury of leather trim, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, alloy pedals, silver roof rails and HID Xenon headlightsPRACTICALITIESThe XV, at 220mm, has more ground clearance than most, which makes it easy to get in and out of and allows it adventurous owners to clamber over rough terrain. It's also quite sleek, with its roofline just 1615mm from the ground, making it more aerodynamic.It seats four, five at a squeeze, and there's generous head and legroom. But cargo room is a bit tight  even smaller than in the Impreza hatch. There's just 310litres of space if all seats are occupied. If the back ones are folded flat, cargo room increases more than three-fold.Outside, there's neat, thin plastic wheel-arch cladding, which one engineer described as `comparing sports shoe trim with a wet weather boot' in reference to the chunky cladding of some other brands. The XV also has a set of funky wheels: 17-inch machined black alloys. And the body colours include an in-your-face tangerine, which would probably make Dutch drivers delirious.TECHNOLOGYThe motor is the same 110kW/196Nm 2.0-litre as used in the new Impreza, which will arrive in Oz about two months after the XV, and transmission is a choice of six-speed manual or stepless CVT. The hi-tech' all-new boxer engine uses lots of light materials, variable valve timing and peripherals like electric power steering and a stop-start system to cut fuel use by around 20 per cent. Subaru says the XV will average 7.0 litres/100km, (7.3 for the manual) which will give it a cruising range of about 850km.DRIVINGWe drove an XV on Subaru's tight varied-surface track and also on its long, banked circuit at its secure proving grounds two hours from Tokyo. The stylish SUV runs on a MacStrut front and double-wishbone rear set-up, which, with the constant all-wheel-drive, gave it impressive handling.The body stayed flat at 150km/h on the banked circuit and on the tight course it easily absorbed the lumps and bumps, steered around the twisty bits sans dramatics and felt very much like an Impreza hatch with a better view. It's not the world's fastest machine, but gets along at a brisk-enough pace and we think most owners will agree with the maker's `fun to drive' claim.We like CVT and the Lineartronic version that Subaru uses has paddle shifts for folk who like to play at being Dean Herridges. In that mode it becomes a six-speed shifter. Bottom line is that CVT is super-smooth and super efficient. Trannie of the future, so get used to it.XV pricing has not been finalised, but Subaru expects the current Impreza XV's sales of about 80 a month to leap to about 500 a month when it becomes just XV in January.

The brand's Melbourne-based Australian importer is keen to add the new Morgan 3-Wheeler sports car to its stable when it is released in early 2012, but Australia is the only country in the world that demands it pass a crash test. "The iconic 3-Wheeler is classified as a motorcycle everywhere else," Morgan Cars Australia principal Chris van Wyk said. The Morgan Motor Company, in Malvern Link, is the world's oldest private car maker and the only British family-owned car company in the UK. Founded by Henry Morgan in 1909, its first product was a 3-Wheeler, an astounding machine that evolved and survived until 1946  and is now back in production, eagerly awaited by the wind-in-hair and bugs-in-teeth enthusiasts. "The ADR classification is that a three-wheeler with a steering wheel is car-derived, so it's a car. By contrast, a three-wheeled motorbike, or one with a sidecar, is a motorcycle and doesn't need such testing," Mr Van Wyk said. In a frontal crash, a bike rider will get catapulted over the handlebars. But the driver of a Morgan 3-Wheeler has a steering wheel, dashboard, a sturdy rollcage and wears a seatbelt. Go figure.  However, Mr Van Wyk isn't daunted. His business came to a halt for four years after a similar ADR ruling on the regular four-wheeled Morgan sports cars. But that has been overcome and three versions of the classic hand-built models are again available in Australia. So far, 24 have been bought by the Morgan faithful, in almost equal numbers for the 82kW/142Nm 1.6litre 4/4, 106kW/187Nm 2.0litre Plus 4 and the 195kW 3.0litre V6 Roadster.  Prices range from $68,000 to $137,000. Also scheduled for arrival in Oz next year are an uprated 3.7litre version of the Roadster, the return of the Plus 8 nameplate and the new EvaGT four-seat coupe, a Frazer Nash-BMW 328-inspired beauty which will come in 2013. And should the 90kW twin-pot 2.0litre zero-to-100km/h in 4.5 seconds (yes!) five-speed (Mazda MX5 gearbox) 3-Wheeler get through, it should cost about $55,000. Change the rules Mr ADR. Life's too short not to have the Morgan 3-Wheeler here.

The Japanese brand has endured its worst year and a big slump in sales caused by a series of disasters.  It was one of the car makers hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated much of Japan, costing more than 20,000 lives and wiping out countless parts-supplying industries. The killer monsoon floods in Thailand a few months later stopped production of the Civic and Jazz Hondas built there, hurting the brand further. "We had no supplies for the last six months," CEO Lindsay Smalley last week. "Eighty per cent of our production came from Thailand, and the factories there remain inaccessible to this day. We will have to source product from other countries; Civic and Jazz from Japan, and we will have a better year in 2012." It will be Civic's 40th year, with 20 million cars sold worldwide. A new model, the ninth generation, will arrive in March, 2012 and it will be preceded by a `marketing special' Japanese-built Jazz, in February. Also, the upgraded Odyssey for 2012 is available now with $2000 lopped from its price and the CR-Z hybrid sports car has just been launched. Plans for 2013 include diesel-powered Civics and more hybrids. Mr Smalley said 50per cent of Hondas sold in Japan were hybrids. He said many Australian consumers seemed frightened by the shift to sophisticated technology, probably because they were used to `basic V8s' but the change would come as fuel prices continued their inevitable hike. A little-known fact is Honda is the world's biggest engine maker. It builds more than 20 million a year, covering industrial, agricultural, domestic, automotive and the marine industries. Honda Australia will also build on its name by stepping up its domestic motorsport activities. It ran a Civic Type R in the Australian Rally Championship this year, and will compete with a pair of Jazzes built to G2 rally specification in 2012.

Renault, established in 1898, has always been as French as crepes suzettes, pommes frites and the guillotine. But its latest model, the Latitude, has a Nissan engine  and it's built in Korea by Samsung. That said, the luxury sedan, Renault's biggest yet in Australia, is quite a car.With a longitude of just on 4.9m, about the same as a Commodore or a BMW 5 Series, it has the panache to steal sales from any rivals in the $35,000 to $45,000 bracket. The elegant car comes in 2.5litre V6 petrol and 2.0litre turbo-diesel form and in standard and Luxe (say it 'looxe') trim.Prices are from $36,990, for the standard model and $42,490 for the Luxe version, in either petrol or diesel. It's considerably less than the Laguna, which is being phased out.A big attraction is a new five-year, unlimited distance warranty plus five years of 24/7 roadside assistance, which applies not only to the Latitude, but also most of the new Renault passenger range. Also new is the brand's own financial services arm.The Latitude is different in that it does not have the customary Renault quirky styling. It has conventional good looks and is very well-equipped.Standard high-end fare includes integrated SatNav, an Arkamys 3D sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, smart card key, power adjustable and heated driver's seat, rake and reach adjustable steering wheel and dual climate control.The car rides on 17-inch alloys, has an automatic parking brake, rear window sunblinds, tinted windows, leather trim and a 60/40 splitfold back seat. The Luxe has a Bose audio system, three-zone climate control, an air ioniser, power driver's seat with massage function, 18-inch alloys and a vast panoramic electric glass sunroof. There's also a reversing camera and an electrochromatic mirror.Owners don't really need to open the bonnet. All the info on essentials, like oil and coolant levels and even the tyre pressures, are available on the neat and conventional dashboard.That's all tres bien, but what about the ride?It's another plus.Sprung on MacPherson struts with a multi-link system in the tail, the spacious sedan was a pleasure on the fast sweeping roads and undulations of the terrain north-west of Byron Bay.Comfort levels are high, there's ample space for five and the boot, which holds a full-sized spare, is long and wide, with 477litres of cargo accommodation. More a comfy tourer than a sporty model, the Latitude has fine steering and handling qualities and we felt fresh as a young grenouille after a day's driving.The V6 produces 133kW and 235Nm and average fuel economy is 9.7litres/100km. The diesel whacks out 127kW and a mighty 380Nm, which handled the steep inclines with Gallic disdain and claims to deliver 6.5l/100km. We recorded 7.7litres/100km on our quicker than average run. Both engines drive the front wheels via a smooth six-speed automatic with manual sequential override.Safety gear includes six airbags, ABS, ESP, speed limiter, cruise control, parking radar and auto-on lights and wipers.As le package complete, the Latitude is a good proposition, especially for people who like a bit of individuality. It's a well-finished product of the combined expertise of Renault Samsung Motors and the latest Renault-Nissan Alliance  and it comes with the best warranty of any Euromobile.For our money, the pick would be the Luxe diesel, but Renault expects a 60/40 split in favour of the petrol version. Either way, it's a handsome smoothie that the makers see as an alternative to the ubiquitous machines cluttering up the landscape. Bon chance. 

...a sexy coupe described as `a fusion of sport and ecology.' Clearly influenced by the delightful and fiery CR-X of yesteryear, the Honda CR-Z is a stunner - and not only in looks.It has lots of technical innovation, a choice of three driving styles, five-star safety, great economy and, with the company's `blue skies for our children' commitment, it won't harm the planet. An aggressive snoot, daytime running lights, a low raked roofline and a jaunty tail make it turn heads, everywhere.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor combine to put out 91kW and 174Nm, the most powerful in its class, and it can take the 1160kg coupe to 100km/h in 9.7seconds. The Sport model has a six-speed manual transmission and the Luxury a CVT with paddle-shift, which turns it into a close-ratio seven-speed sequential shifter.The CVT loses 7Nm of torque, but it's a cleaner, more economical trannie and lets the car emit 111g of CO2 per km, (118g n the manual) and uses an average 4.7litres/100km (5.3 man). Piano switches on the dash let the driver choose between Sport, Normal and Economy modes. The car is one of the smoothest around. Its wind-cheating lines, which include under-body panels, give it a drag co-efficient of just 3.0.PRACTICALITYClassified as a two-plus-two, the CR-Z really is a two-seater. The back seats would be fine for a brace of dachshunds. And they'd have to be lying side-by-side. It has a fair sized cargo area which can be expanded to 401litres by dropping the back seat via Honda's one-touch system, which then gives it a long, level load area, capable of holding two large golf bags. Or a lot of shopping.The big back window, parking sensors on the Sport or revere cam on the Luxury, and a clear panel below the back window, make parking of the compact car easy as pie.INSIDEThe dash has a urethane top panel and an excellent data display for the driver. It has a multi-hued 3D centre dial with the rev counter on the perimeter and a digital speedo in the centre, a trio of piano switches on either side; left for the ventilation, right for driving mode, with ribbon gauges for state of battery, power use and economy, and they vary, depending on the mode selected.Standard fare includes a six-speaker audio system with CD player,MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth and USB connectivity with steering-wheel controls. The wheel hs tilt and telescopic adjustment. There's climate and cruise control and the seating is in a pair of terrific deep-bolstered body huggers.The pedals are nicely placed for heel-and-toeing on the manual and left foot braking on the CVT. But missing from the action is a grab handle for the co-driver, er, passenger. Special polished stainless-steel-like treatment of the interior door handles and a strip on the dash adds to the car's class. The Luxury model gets SatNav, a panoramic roof and heated leather trimmed front seats.THE RIDEThe CR-Z drives like a sports car should. It's built on a rigid frame and the MacStrut front and torsion bar rear suspension, wide track, electric steering and 16-inch alloys give it a firm ride and good, flat handling. We squirted a CRV-equipped model along some of Victoria's twistiest roads at a fair clip, had a ball, and at the end of the day the computer told us we'd planted two-and-a-half trees. (Smooth driving makes little trees and an economy score appear on the dash.)PRICE The CR-Z Sport is $34,990 in manual, $37,290 with CVT. The CVT-only Luxury is $$40,790.WE THINKThe CR-Z will become something of a fashion statement among women at the way, or already at the top of their game, and a badge of achievement for men of all ages. On sale from Dec 1.HONDA CR-ZPrice: $34,990-$40,790Warranty: Three years/100,000km, eight years/unlimited km on batteryResale: No previous modelSafety: Five-star Euro NCAP rating (ABS, BA, EBD, stability and traction control)Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine + electric motor, 91kW/167Nm (CVT), 174Nm (manual)Body: Three-door hatchDimensions: 4080mm (L), 1740mm (W), 1395mm (H), 2435mm (WB), 1515mm/1500mm tracks front/rearWeight: 1155kg-1190kgTransmission: Six-speed manual, CVT; front-wheel driveThirst: 5.0 litres/100km, 118g/km CO2 (manual), 4.7 litres/100km, 111g/km CO2 (CVT).

Lotus, the sports and racing cars developed by Colin Chapman, was as British as a chip butty. So why is a Lotus Elan on display in the museum at Kia's R and D centre at Namyang, South Korea? Turns out Kia bought the licence to make the famous sports car after Lotus stopped building the Elan in 1995. So the red sports car in the museum really was, as its badge said, a Kia Elan. But unlike the original with a Lotus-Ford twin-cam 1558cc engine, or later models which used a 1.6-litre Isuzu motor, the Kia Elan was a home-spun 1.8-litre. It had a 113kW 'Hi-Sprint' 16-valve twin-cam engine of its own design, a lightweight reinforced plastic body and a five-speed gearbox. The neat two-seater could get to 100km/h in 7.4seconds and had a top speed of 220km/h. The first one came off the line was in July, 1996, but at W27.5million (about $30,000) the Elan was an expensive beastie at the time, and production stopped three years later after about 2000 were built. Still, it has the distinction of being Korea's first sports car and boasted 85per cent local content. They were sold only on the Korean domestic market. Kia started producing bike parts in 1944, built motorcycles from 1961 and started building and exporting light trucks (to Qatar) in 1974. Today it is Korea's second biggest car maker, for the past 30 years sole supplier of military vehicles to its army and a major exporter of cars, buses, trucks and military vehicles. This year Hyundai-Kia, which has a world-wide workforce of 120,000, will sell 2.3 million vehicles and earn $53 billion. And Lotus, after a romance with General Motors, is now owned by Proton.

Hyundai-Kia is devoting a lot of time to developing vehicles that run on electric, fuel cell or hybrid power.  The company's vast research and development at Namyang, about two hours from Seoul, houses 10,000 staff, mainly engineers, and 500 designers.  The complex, on 350ha, has 70km of proving grounds, including a 250km/h banked circuit, 71 different road surfaces, a $45million, 200km/h aero-acoustic wind tunnel and a state-of-the-art crash test facility. We were able to take several new cars for a brief drive there, among them the new K5 (Optima) hybrid, already on sale in Korea and the US.  Also on the runway-like track were a Tam, the code-name for a new all-electric hatch for the domestic market, a fuel cell car and a Mohave, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered SUV which is sold in the US as a Borrego. The K5 hybrid features Kia's new electric-hybrid car powertrain, employing the 2.0litre Nu four-cylinder engine, as used in the new Soul, coupled with a 30kW electric motor and six-speed automatic transmission. It also has a lithium-ion polymer battery pack 25per cent lighter than conventional batteries in other hybrids and it also sports Kia's stop and go system and a `virtual engine sound' system so pedestrians to hear the vehicle which is silent when running in full electric mode.  Indeed, silence was a feature common to all the cars we drove at the R and D centre. Eerie, but great for enviro and econo drivers. And Simon and Garfunkel fans. Remember `Silence is golden' and `Sounds of silence'?  Must have had a big effect on the folk at Kia. The hybrid-electric versions have slight design changes to differentiate them from the normal petrol-engined models.