Articles by Bill Buys

BIG fuel savings, neater looks and more pep and space should give Subaru's all-new Impreza the goods to get the brand back into top gear when it goes on sale early next year.The car retains many of the previous models lines, minus the ugly bulgy bits. Its a smoother, more attractive design that's also more aerodynamic, especially around the headlights. Also, there's no exhaust pipe poking out of the rear end of the hatch or the XV. Only the sedan has an external pipe.The new car, and its similarly-powered XV compact SUV, have a lot of techno and engineering advances, among them new transmissions and stop-start technology that will feature in every new Subaru from 2012.LINE-UPThe first demo models should be in showrooms in January. Prices should stay within cooee of the outgoing models, which retail from a start of $23,500. There are three Imprezas: the base 2.0i, mid-range 2.0i-L and the fully-featured Impreza 2.0i-S, in hatch and sedan. The XV has a similar pecking order.DESIGNThe Impreza, now in its fourth generation, is still the same length, but the wheelbase has grown 25mm and that has allowed the interior designers to give it an extra 40 litres of boot space and a lot more leg and foot room in the back.The windscreen has been moved forward, the front door windows now feature quarter panes and, hooray, the A-pillars are much thinner than those in a lot of other modern cars, allowing far better forward vision. The doors open wider and entry and exit are much improved. All models get automatic aircon, seven airbags and Vehicle Dynamics Control, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB and aux ports.The base model runs on steel wheels. The L gets 16-inch alloys, a console colour multi-function display, reversing camera, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel audio controls, sunroof, rear privacy glass and front foglights and the premium jobbie throws in HID xenon headlights, leather, powered drivers seat and sports pedals.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre boxer engine still produces the same 110kW/196Nm power and torque as before, but it's an entirely new design that is lighter and uses components and gadgetry to give both the car and SUV a 20 per cent fuel consumption cut.The motor switches off at the lights, starts up again in a fraction of a second when it's time to go.The new transmissions are a six-speed manual or a CVT, the latter with paddle-shift. The suspension has also been given a bit of a tweak for more comfort.Fuel stats are 7.1 litres/100km for the manual and 6.8 for the CVT, compared to the current five-speed manual's 8.9 and the four-speed auto's 8.8. Performance is up too, by nearly a second to 100km/h, although 10.7seconds is far from exciting. Fans of the WRX and STi models will have to wait years for updates. The hotties are no longer in the Impreza range, but stand-alone models.DRIVINGWe got to drive manual and CVT Imprezas and a CVT XV at Subaru's test facility a couple of hours out of Tokyo, where the brand's all-wheel drive gave it cat-on-carpet grip on the tight varied terrain circuit and at higher speeds on the banked track.Good steering and brakes add to the confidence the car instils. Comfort levels have aso been improved, especially in the quieter cabin.VERDICTThe new Imprezas are a class act, well screwed together, strong, and now with a new level of engineering efficiency.SUBARU IMPREZAOn sale: FebruaryPrices: from about $22,000Warranty: 3yrs/iunlimited kmService: 12,500km, biannualEngine: 2.0L, 4-cylinder boxer, 110kW/196NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, CVTEcomomy: 6.9L/100km to 7.3L/100kmSafety: 7 airbags, stability control, ABS.

The world's city car market is growing and will reach about 2.5 million a year within the next few years, and one of its top movers is the Kia Picanto a model still foreign to Australia.The little A-segment hatch has been readily received in most markets across the globe for the past seven years and has now been totally revised in its second generation. Slightly longer and wider than before, the once cute hatch now has the distinctive Schreyer lines that give it a much classier look.Its wide stance, 'tiger's nose' grille and 'eyes of the tiger' headlights with built in LED daytime running lights, make it a real head-turner. The longer wheelbase has also given it a bit more passenger space and a 27 per cent bigger boot, a full 200 litres. It's a smoother car too, with better aerodynamics than many vehicles in bigger categories.At the premium end of the tiddler market, the five-door Picanto comes with two engine and two transmission choices and in two grades: LX and EX. There's a 51kW/94Nm three-cylinder and a brand new 1.25litre four-cylinder that puts out 64kW/124Nm. The gearboxes are a five speed manual or a four-speed automatic.DESIGNInside, the seats are quite firm and rather flat, but give better comfort than expected and we had no problems after a couple of hundred km across a slice of Korea last week. There's a nice thick-rimmed steering wheel, a clear three-dial dash display and easy to use controls.Spec levels vary enormously depending on their markets, but there's still a very long list of options so owners can bling them up to whatever level they can afford. Our New Zealand-spec EX came with electric power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering, chromed grille surround, remote central locking, Bluetooth and auto aircon.DRIVINGA small engine and an automatic gearbox might raise some eyebrows, but this Kappa engine is a lively little jigger that thrives on revs and it can take the 1340kg car to 100km/h in 11.5seconds. And the self-shifter was smooth and quick.Fuel economy is an average 6.1litres/100km.The car has a quality feel and comfort levels were impressive for a super-compact. Lots of sound-deadening materials, which even included sound blocks in the outside mirrors and roof-mounted aerial, made for a quiet, refined interior. We had no trouble keeping up with the traffic on Korea's super new freeways (the Picanto is good for 170km/h) and steering and brakes were fine. Our car also had the optional 15-inch alloys.KIA PICANTOPrice: Est. from $13,000Warranty 5 years, unlimited kmResale: n/aService interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 5.0 l/100km; 119g/km CO2Safety equipment: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: not testedEngine: 64kW/120Nm 1.2-litre petrolTransmission: Five-speed manualBody: 3-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 3595 (L); 1595mm (W); 1490mm (H); 2385mm (WB)Weight: 855kgTyre size: 175/50R15Spare tyre: Space-saver

KIA'S distinctive cubemobile range has been given extra spirit with the addition of a model with a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and a six-speed auto transmission. Others in the range also get six speeds, auto or manual, a welcome upgrade from the original four-speed auto.The funky Soul is a big hit in most countries, the US in particular, where elderly drivers like its tall styling with easy entry and exit, and youngsters love its in-your-face chunky looks. For 2012, there's a lusty new-generation 122kW/260Nm 2.0-litre and all models get subtle new styling touches to see the charismatic chariot through its mid-life moments.The range still includes the 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine, which has been slightly tweaked for an extra five kW and one Nm and the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel with its 96kW/260Nm gives a choice of three models, all with six-speed shifters and two equipment levels.Outside, a new grille, head and taillights, side mirrors and restyled wheels give the car a wider, more with-it look.Inside, new designs and materials, much-improved noise reduction and a tilt-and-telescopic steering add up to extra refinement. But bling fans might bemoan the demise of that weird lighting system that bathed the door speakers in a spooky light which pulsed with the beat of the music.Across the range has been boosted with hill-start control and VSM  vehicle stability management. Other standard safety gear includes ABS, ESP, traction control, EDB, BA and front, side and curtain airbags.We bared our upspec 'Soul+' with the NU (that's what they've code-named it) 2.0-litre engine along lengthy stretches of Korean countryside and some seriously congested city traffic, drew lots of admiring looks and here and there cruised along the new expressways with the rev counter reading only 2000 rpm at around 110km/h. That means hardly any effort, therefore less fuel use. Its official figure is 7.5litres/100km, pretty good for a sturdy crossover, we thought.The 1.6 petrol gets 6.5 in manual, 7.3 auto and the diesel 5.2 and 5.9.Nothing has changed in the suspension or steering, so the Soul ran as sweetly as ever, with its better-than-you'd-think handling and comfort. The new motor is keen to be let loose, but like Australia, the Korean roads have many cameras. Main difference is they clearly display theirs.The Soul+ also gets very attractive 18-inch alloys with fat 225/46 silicon tyres, adding to both roadholding and economy. We also liked the leather on the steering wheel, the 'soul shining' cloth seats and the under-floor storage tray.Soul is a good name for the car because it does seem to give its occupants something to smile about. It's spacious, fully featured, safe, beautifully built and despite one or two attempts by rivals, there's nothing quite like it.

ATTRACTION often leads to seduction, and that's what Citroen is hoping its new C4 will do to buyers in the tough small car market. The latest C4, core model of the French brand, has retained much of its aero-efficient, domed look, but is slightly longer, wider and taller than before.It will initially be available in a choice of two petrol and a diesel engines, two transmissions and in three trim levels: Attraction, Seduction and Exclusive. All engines are four-pot 1.6-litres, but there's a world of difference between them.As attractive and seductive as the sexy five-door hatchback might be, this one has bucked the Citroen trend to be quirky. It's one of the more conventional cars from the innovative maker. Even the fixed-hub steering is gone in favour of a regular wheel which saves 3.0kg. And prices, which now start from $22,990, have been trimmed by up to $4000 to add to the appeal.Things start with the Attraction, which has an 88kW/160Nm petrol engine paired to a four-speed automatic.It's hi-spec for a base model, and includes ABS, EBA, ESP, traction control, six airbags, aircon, cruise control with speed limiter and remote central locking.It's one of the most affordable small autos on the market, and one of the most stylish.The Seduction, which adds foglights with cornering function, tinted glass, Bluetooth and some leather trim, can be had with the same motor, or a 115kW/240Nm turbo version or an 82kW/270Nm diesel in manual or auto. And soon also with a 'micro-hybrid' e-HDi engine and six-speed EGS electro-robotic shift.The Exclusive uses turbo-petrol, HDi or e-HDi power and six-speed manual, four-speed auto or EGS. Citroens have always been known for their comfort and all C4s get very good, supportive seats, dual-zone aircon, a comprehensive trip computer and steering wheel controls for the iPod-compatible audio and cruise control.The Exclusive has Volvo-style blind spot monitoring to warn of traffic from behind, folding mirrors with LED lights, auto-on wipers, front seats with a massaging function, climate control and customised dashboard lighting.There's a Picasso rechargeable torch in the boot which can expand from 380 to 1183litres by folding the back seats flat. Biggest boot in its class, they say. And the car runs on Michelin energy saving tyres.The petrol engines are the same BMW-designed units as used in some Peugeots, Fords and Minis and the diesel is well-proven.The oil-burner with the $1000 extra micro-hybrid drivetrain includes a stop-and-start system with regenerative braking which saves up to 15per cent fuel in city driving and helps the car achieve an open road cruising figure of 3.8litres/100km and 4.2litres/100km on average.All engines are Euro 5 compliant and the EGS transmission has an auto setting said to give better economy than a manual gearbox.We sampled an 88kW Seduction petrol manual and diesel on a squirt through one some of twisty tarmac terrain in NSW and liked the C4's road manners.Its suspension is a bit softer than the original model but it hangs on with typical panache, brakes well and its electro-assisted steering was great.Although 88kW isn't much these days, the totally revised powertain gave the car more than adequate performance  and a combined fuel figure of 6.9litres/100km.  Liked the petrol but we'd happily stump up the $2000 extra for the diesel. Sacre bleu, such torque!Attraction petrol four-speed automatic starts the range at $22,990 with Exclusive e-HDi six-speed EGS  topping it out at $32,990The C4 has the maximum five star safety rating by Euro NCAP. A sporty DS4 version of the C4 will arrive in Oz in early 2012 and a DS5 is expected mid-year. A C4 Aircross AWD SUV is due before Christmas. Every car in the Citroen range gets pared prices, better trim and equipment for 2012.

Who needs hybrid power or a small turbo motor to boost fuel economy? Not Mazda, which last week unveiled a new model in its super-successful 3 range with a normal 2.0-litre four-cylinder, but enhanced with Skyactiv technology.The result is a whopping 26 per cent improvement in economy, allowing the Mazda 3 SP20 Skyactiv to return an average 6.1litres/100km (that's a sensational 46mpg in the old coin). At the same time, price cuts for the entire 3 range were announced.VALUERemains much as before, with prices now sharper by between $1800 and $2900 on Neo, Maxx Sport, diesel, SP25 and MPS. The Maxx has been dropped and the SP20 Skyactiv, at $27,990 and $30,990 for the Luxury version, takes over from the earlier sporty SP20.PRACTICALITYThe entire range has been given a light facelift, improved aerodynamics and retuned chassis settings, including a new brace, for better handling and a flatter, more comfortable ride. The body frame is of thicker steel and there's more soundproofing for a very quiet cabin.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engine is a lightweight powerplant with redesigned pistons, inlet and exhaust systems and a hair-raising 12:1 compression ratio.In Japan, where 95 octane fuel is standard, the compression is even higher at 14:1. The Australian models are tuned to run on the regular 91 octane brew.Aiding the motor, which puts out 113kW/194Nm, up 4.6 and 6.6per cent respectively, is a Skyactive Drive six-speed automatic transmission. It locks up nearly 90 per cent of the time, rather than the more common 55 per cent, to give a more direct-drive feel, and can be flicked over to sequential manual shift.The engine generates 30 per cent less friction, has power-saving water and oil pump features to optimise economy. And then there's i-Stop, a system that switches off the engine when you stop. Another advance is a power control system that recovers a lot of energy when the car is decelerating and stores it in the big battery.Wind resistance plays a big part in how much fuel a car uses and the SP20 Skyactiv has a lot of underbody cover to make it as smooth as possible.DESIGNThe Mazda3 SkyActiv is an auto-only car, in sedan and hatch, and it's a pretty high-spec model with most of the gear expected of a car of this calibre.The Luxury gets more kit - bi-xenon headlights, sliding centre armrest console, leather seat trim, a 10-speaker Bose 242 watt audio system.DRIVINGSmooth and quiet, with a nice taut, confident feel around corners and first-class steering and brakes. Most owners are bound to switch the info display to "fuel economy" and watch in awe as the numbers drop once the Skyactiv gets to cruising pace.We got 5.6 litres/100km for about 100km of our 300km round trip from Melbourne to Pt Arlington and back and the worst we saw was 6.2 during a spirited squirt through the twisty bits.We averaged 5.9litres/100km (48mpg) in a car capable of very good performance and packed with luxury and safety features. Lovely gearbox too. So what's not to love? Mazda 3 is the flavour of the times with buyers, and the arrival of the Skyactiv can only make its success sweeter. Pricing starts at $20,330 for the Mazda3 Neo.NEED TO KNOWSkyactive technology will feature on the CX5 when it arrives next year. The SP20 Skyactiv is the nation's most fuel-efficient petrol-powered car Price revision will give Neo about 65per cent of Mazda3 sales, SP20 Skyactive about 15per cent."Skyactiv is very difficult to explain. "I have an iPad that I love. I don't know how it works, but it works. "Skyactiv's like that." Mazda marketing manager Alistair DoakMAZDA3 SP20 SKYACTIVPrice: $27,490 (Skyactiv Luxury $30,490)Warranty: Three years, unlimited kmService intervals: six months/10,000kmThirst: 6.1 litres/100km, 143g/km CO2 (sedan)Safety equipment: Six airbags, ABS, BA EBD, TC, DSCCrash rating: Five star ANCAP ratedEngine: 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder, 113kW/194NmTransmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel driveBrakes: 300mm ventilated front discs, solid 265mm rear discsSuspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rearDimensions: Sedan 4580mm, hatch 4460mm (L); 1755mm (W); 1470mm (H), 2640mm (WB)

Seldom do Australian engineers and designers get the chance to build a new vehicle for the world market, but that's what happened with Ford's all-new Ranger.Though classified as a compact pickup, the vehicle, which goes on sale from October 1, is a big bugger by local standards, 9/10ths the size of an F150. It's the culmination of four years work by nearly 500 engineers in Australia and around the Ford (and Mazda) world.Prices start from $19,740 for the petrol 2.5-litre single cab/chassis 4x2 manual and peak at $59,390 for the double cab Wildtrak 3.2 diesel auto. A revelation in the ute world, the Ranger is almost certain to give Ford its long-awaited lift out of the doldrums. The Ranger, destined for more than 180 countries on five continents, will come in three cab styles: double, super and single and in cab chassis and pickup bodies.Then there are 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, two ride heights, two transmissions and three engine choices: a new 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel four, a 3.2-litre Duratorq turbodiesel five cylinder with 147kW and 470Nm and a 2.5-litre Duratec petrol four with 122kW and 225Nm. The engines are designed to run on a variety of locally blended fuels with different octane ratings in the various markets.It's choc-full of technology, with some models boasting innovations like trailer sway control, adaptive load control, a rear-view camera that's built into the blue oval badge on the back and rear park assist.Another clever move is that the battery is charged on deceleration, freeing the engine of a fuel-robbing generator. There's also hill descent control, hill launch control and, for really rough patches, a diff' lock.Official fuel consumption  figures for the 3.2-litre are 8.4 litres/100km for the 4x2 variant and 9.6 litres/100km on the 4x4. Safety gear includes stability control that includes four-wheel traction control, yaw control and roll-over mitigation.They will be built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina. The 3.2 will be the first model released in Australia, with the rest of the 20-model range arriving later in the year.The hi-tech Ranger is longer, taller and wider than the earlier version, has a frame twice as stiff and the 3.2 model has a class-leading towing capacity of 3350kg and a payload of 1500kg. It also has the deepest cargo box, lined and able to hold 1.21 cubic metres.Interior storage includes up to 20 pockets and nooks. There are bottle-shaped pockets in all four doors can easily fit water bottles and a deep centre console with cooling feature. Also, the glovebox can hold a laptop computer. There's also a hidden storage area for electronic items and small packages under the back seats.Bluetooth, USB and iPod2 integration and voice control over the radio, CD, iPod, USB, and mobile phone are standard on all models, likewise cruise control.Dual-zone climate control is fitted to all XLT and Wildtrak models and the range-leading Wildtrak 4x4 will come with a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation and rear parking camera.We drove an XLT with six-speed auto shift on some of South Australia's toughest tracks in the Flinders Range region and enjoyed the cab comforts, space and great visibility.The large glass-surrounded cab easily copes with five 2.0m tall adults and the quietness inside rivals that of a upspec' sedan. The easy-driving five has loads of grunt and switching between 2WD and 4WDH and L is via a rotary switch, and can be done on the fly.

The Lexus GS 350, expected in Australia by mid-2012, is a totally different car from the current model. The luxury performer has been totally re-engineered, restyled, comes with much more power and space, and sports the new 'spindle' grille that will grace all future Lexi. Under the banner of 'the future in motion' the elegant car made its world premiere at the world-famous Pebble Beach concours d'elegance at the weekend, where it got star billing. Even a former Miss Japan attended. The five-seater Lexus is slightly wider and longer than the GS 300, and interior space and cargo volume have been considerably improved. The boot is now 25per cent bigger and can easily take four golf bags, while rear seat passengers benefit from extra leg, shoulder and head room. The driver gets an 18-way power-adjustable seat and both front seats are lower, have adjustable squabs and are thickly bolstered for improved body support. The leather-and-wood dash is dominated by the clear white-on-black Optitron instruments and a multi-function display: and eight inch model or an optional mother of a display in a 12.3-inch split-screen model with the world's highest resolution. Both have a full suite of connectivity. The speedo reads in mph and km/h, the neat clock in digital and analog and there's a new energy-saving auto climate control system that uses seat sensors so airflow only goes to occupied seats. Also, a next-generation 'remote touch' system with one-push confirmation is standard on all models. It lets the user work the climate, audio, phone controls and navigation without having to reach out. The 3.0-litre motor has been replaced with a class-leading 233kW 3.5litre V6 mated to an advanced six-speed 'intelligent' sequential-shift automatic transmission with paddle shift, which can squirt the sieable saloon to 100km/h in 5.7seconds. The six-speeder can support up to four driving modes, selected by a rotary dial just aft of the gear selector. There's economy, normal, sport and on some models, sport-plus, each with its own throttle map. Some modes even give the twin exhausts a louder burble to keep the driver happy. Fuel economy figures have not yet been released, likewise prices. Under the car, the mainly aluminium suspension has a new-design double wishbone system in front and multi-links at the back, which, with the wider track 50mm in front, 40mm at the tail end  give the car extra stability and comfort. The car is built on a 14per cent stiffer platform and the body rigidity has been enhanced with extensive use of ultra hi-tensile steel, six times stronger than mild steel. Stopping power is by four big ventilated discs and other safety bits include the full gamut of acronyms, 10 airbags, a reversing camera, a strong passenger cell and an energy-absorbing body. There's also the option of a radar system that warns of objects in the car's path and an infra-red beam that monitor's the driver's eyes to make sure he or she hasn't fallen asleep. That's most unlikely in the GS 350, the first product of a new, small, hand-picked team of enthusiast engineers led by Australian-born Karl Schlicht. It has all the credentials to cause the dominant German trio in its sector a tough time when it hits the salesrooms, matching the luxury of one, the dynamics of the others and throwing in some appealing bits of its own. "GS represents the beginning of an all-new era in Lexus vehicle design and driving dynamics," Lexus Australia chief executive Tony Cramb said. Chief engineer Yoshihiko, who styled the super-successful Corolla, summed up the newness of the GS 350. Asked if there were any carry-over parts from previous models, he mused for a few seconds and said "only the name." About nine new or updated versions of Lexus will be launched in 2012, among them a hybrid and F Sport variant.

….by Kamkorp Autokraft, part of the Frazer-Nash group. The 66-year-old British luxury sports car firm went into liquidation in March after sales fell to less than 20 cars a year. Kamkorp is a Swiss-based group specialising in electric and hybrid vehicle technology and is owned by Kamal Siddiqi, a London-based Indian businessman. "Bristol Cars is a British institution and an important part of our national motoring heritage," spokesman William Chia said. Frazer-Nash, a rival of Bristol in the post-WWII years, has since diversified into electric powertrains. "In the next few months we will start to reveal our plans to combine Bristol Cars' tradition and iconic marque with Frazer-Nash's pioneering technology," Chia said. "Despite our small production volume we offer four distinct models: The Fighter and Blenheim remain our primary offerings, while the Speedster and its new cousin the Roadster continue in very small numbers and to special order." Kamkorp previously owned Electrosource, Metrocab and Think Nordic, a Norwegian electric vehicle manufacturer.