Articles by Craig Duff

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.The electic two-seat Volkswagen Beetle powered by an 85kW electric motor and with a range of 160km.The electric drive unit is being called Blue e-motion and will be used in future VW products, including the upcoming Golf.The batteries are housed under the rear bench seat and beneath the boot and weigh about 80kg. They can be recharged via a domestic plug or using a quick-charge station.The E-Bugster differentiates itself from a regular Beetle with a lower ride height and the C-shaped daytime running lights that have become a signature element on VW's electric vehicles and runs on a set of 19-inch rims.The coupe uses an blacked out A-frame to extend the look of the windscreen and emphasise the slightly curved roof, that doesn't look too far removed from the "backwards baseball cap" adopted on the Mini coupe.The interior instrumentation also sets the E-Bugster apart from a regular Beetle. The tacho has been replaced with an energy consumption display that pendulums depending on whether the vehicle is acceleration or slowing down.There's also a driving range indicator, battery charge display and a panel showing the intensity of battery regeneration during braking. The electric-only Beetle was joined by a petrol-electric Jetta hybrid sedan that VW says will go on sale in the US later in November.VW product head Ulrich Hackenberg says the Jetta hybrid will go from 0-100km/h in less than nine seconds and can operate solely on the 20kW electric motor at speeds up to 27km/h, though only for a distance of around 2km, at which point the 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine kicks in, running through a seven-speed dual-clutch manual automated transmission.Fuel economy is around 20 per cent lower than that of a conventional petrol vehicle. The hybrid Jetta adopts the Touareg hybrid's habit of decoupling the engine from the drivetrain when coasting or operating on the electric motor to reduce friction.The 35kg battery is mounted under the rear seat. and VW says the lightweight components means weight has only risen by 100kg compared with a conventional Jetta.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.The stunning sports coupe officially broke cover at Detroit motor show and showed off what Lexus general manager Mark Templin calls a design revolution for the company.Templin wouldn't be drawn on whether the LF-LC concept will become a production reality but is doting-dad proud of the hybrid 2+2 coupe, even as he foreshadows the company will grow more than any luxury brand in the industry."This is more than just a new car for us. It signals the start of something big," he says.The exterior was penned in Lexus' California studio and is all flowing lines and sharp angles, while the interior uses a variety of contours and leather and suede contrasts to emphasise that it's a driver-focused sports car.A tech board, which Templin desribes as a "tilt-up iPad" is housed in the centre console and controls the sound system, airconditioning and navigation, with a pop-up touch-screen keyboard for more complex tasks.There are a pair of 12.3-inch LCD screens showin information and navigation display and a pair of touch screens are mounted in the doors to operate the windows.Templin says Lexus is entering the third phase of its development, building inspirational and emotional products, after first launching its brand in 1989 and then expanding its vehicle line-up.The rear-wheel drive LF-LC uses Lexus' next-generation hybrid powertrain to deliver what Templin says is a rewarding driving experience that is also kinder to the environment.There was also more practical news with Templin saying Lexus will launch nine new or updated models in 2012 as it looks to the luxury car sales lead it lost to BMW last year as a result of product shortages arising from the March tsunami.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.Maybe calling it the Audi Q3 Ski Bunny didn't properly relay the right image for Detroit, but the German car maker is hitting the US ski slopes fast.Audi unveiled the Q3 Vail (it's a posh US ski resort) at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, packing a 231kW wallop and aimed at young winter-sports fans.The Audi Q3 Vail's decorated engine bay features a 2.5-litre five-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine borrowed from the TT RS (with red-wrinkle finish paintwork, numbered cylinders and a carbon-fibre engine cover) producing 231kW and 400Nm of torque.The Vail puts that power to ground via a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic to all four wheels, achieving a claimed sprint to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 262km/h - quick enough to give the Audi TTS sports coupe a fright off the line.Audi spokesman Shaun Cleary says the Vail edition is a concept car but the five-cylinder turbo seven-speed auto drivetrain will make it into the Q3 line-up."The Vail is only a concept but I think it is out there to see what the market says about it - nothing more than that has been confirmed. The engine and transmission is planned for the Q3 - but there's no timeframe on that," he says.Sitting 30mm taller and on a wider track, the Q3 Vail is draped in a red hue with gold flecks, with plenty of aluminium trim highlights, underbody protection, big air intakes, LED lighting and 20in alloy wheels wrapped in 45-profile tyres.A sports interior of grey, black and red Nappa leather and alcantara, with contrasting double-stitching, with alloy-trimmed instruments.The boot has a charging station for LED torches, or keeping drinks warm or cool - the torches even have an infra-red heating element for warming your hands or boots. The loadspace also has a boot floor mat that has built-in heated seat cushions - the mat protects the load lip and the warm cushions give skiers a comfortable spot to sit when removing skis and boots.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. Along with the Code 130R Concept, it makes a pair of four-seater performance coupes designed after talking to more than 9000 of the Gen Z audience. The next-gen customers wanted a range of features, highlighted by a coupe body style that takes four people so their friends can come along for the ride. Performance and fuel economy were other major factors, along with the ever-present need for connectivity. Price was the final determinant, with the cash-conscious demographic wanting to be able to afford it and citing a low-$20,000 starting price. "Young customers tell us they want functionality with coupe-like aesthetics. Both the Code and Tru body styles resonated with this audience," GM North America Advanced Design studio director Frank Saucedo says. "This buyer prizes connectivity. Allowing them to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through MyLink and WiFi enables the vehicle to be their own docking station." The Code 130R is a four-seat rear-wheel drive coupe that pays more than a little homage to classic Chevrolets from pervious eras. Chevy now plans to take the concepts to the next step by developing interiors based on responses the public provides as the vehicles are showcased at various events - starting with this week's Detroit Motor Show - and on feedback from social media sites. The engine is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit taken from the Cruze and fitted with idle stop/start, regenerative braking to improve fuel economy. The front-wheel drive Tru 140S is presented as an "affordable exotic" four-seat coupe. Chevy says the three-door hatchback was designed to be an attractive-yet-affordable sports car and looks "confident, exotic, expensive and fast". The concept car is based off the same platform as the Chevrolet Cruze and the groundbreaking Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle with extended range.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.A concept preview of the fourth-generation off-roader, which is due to go on sale in the US late this year, shows the big SUV has moved on from its workhorse image.The upmarket look is dominated at the front by the flat horizontal headlight clusters framing a tapered chrome grille. The look is partly dictated by the desire to improve aerodaynamics - Nissan says the Pathfinder will cut through the air as well as anything in its class.A continuously variable transmission matched to a smaller V6 petrol engine and aerodynamic styling will trim the new Pathfinder's fuel use by up to 25 per cent.Given the existing model's 4.0-litre V6 officially uses 13.5 litres/100km, that should fall into the low 10s.Nissan spokesman Al Castignetti says the return to a unitary body (the current model uses a body-on-frame design) has cut weight and given the designers more scope to shape the exterior without compromising cargo capacity or interior room for the seven occupants.In a tacit acknowledgement that many Pathfinder owners use the vehicle as a sturdy people-mover rather than a full-on bush-basher, he adds talks of premium comfort and notes the latest vehicle has evolved to "help owners accomplish more in the real world, not just off-road"Nissan won't stray too far from the formula, though, given it has sold more than 1.2 million vehicles since it launched the first Pathfinder in 1986."If there is one constant among the first quarter century-plus of Pathfinders existence, it has been its ability to innovate, with each generation evolving to meet the changing needs of the customer," Castignetti says."With the upcoming fourth-generation model, were about to re-invent Pathfinder again. We've created a vehicle with an extraordinary balance of SUV capability, thoughtful technology and premium comfort to lead the segment once again  and help owners accomplish more in the real world, not just off-road."Locked doors and blacked-out windows on the concept car shows Nissan is still working on the interior details but the company says the new three-row seating configuration will have more options, along with improved comfort and entertainment features.

The Yeti has an identity crisis. The compact Skoda SUV has moved out of the grainy footage and into the spotlight . Only to be revealed as a Volkswagen with smarter seats. The Czech-based outfit is meant to be the entry level to the VW Group, yet this vehicle is only $300 less than the VW Tiguan it's based on. Not so in the UK, where up to $3000 separates comparable Yeti/Tiguans. VALUE The turbodiesel is the range-topper in the (for now) two model Yeti range and is priced at $35,690 for the six-speed manual, with a $2300 premium for the six-speed DSG auto. It is loaded with features and is priced within $1000 of the Nissan X-Trail, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Kia Sportage.But then there's the Tiguan at only $300 more and with far more brand authority.  Offsetting that is the fact the Yeti picks up 17-inch alloys,  front fog lights, a better sound system and dual-zone airconditioning.TECHNOLOGY The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces 103kW and 320Nm and is a proven performer in the VW Group stable. Matched to the six-speed twin-clutch automated manual gearbox, it officially uses 6.7 litres/100km, dropping down to 6.2 litres if buyers opt for the six-speed manual. What makes the Yet special is the VarioFlex rear seats.The centre pew can be removed and the outside seats moved in to give more elbow room, while they all move fore and aft and can be folded down or taken out entirely depending on cargo. DESIGN Unmistakably Skoda, the Yeti stands out from the crowd, though the massive front fog lights blight the front-end.  The silver-coloured plastic "U" that surrounds the bottom of the radiator vent gives it some machismo and the boxy rear lets it swallow huge loads once the parcel shelf  is removed. Rear visibility is good and, unless you've jacked the front seats right up, you don't have to climb into it. SAFETY The Yeti adds a driver's kneebag to trump the Tiguan with seven airbags to six but both are five-star cars. ABS brakes are backed by a hill-hold feature, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist. Stability control is also standard, along with an auto-dimming rear-vision mirror. DRIVING Inoffensive is the best description of the compact Skoda on the road. The suspension is firm without being spine-jolting and helps minimise body roll in the turns but the six-speed auto hesitates or requires a hefty kick to jump up or down the cogs from low speeds - it's almost as though it's asking "are you sure?" before responding.The seven-speed DSG in the Tiguan doesn't do this, so I'm blaming the engineers' search for fuel economy as the cause, given I found myself driving around the problem by either being very light on the pedal or flooring it, depending on the situation. The four-wheel drive system could cope with a deal more than the short stretch of corrugated gravel road Carsguide tested it on. VERDICTPracticality as a load-lugger makes the Yeti hard to look past, even at a comparable price to more established brands. It is well-specced and a competent drive on or off the bitumen, so the value equation is certainly not abominable. 

The plan by Europe's biggest carmaker includes wind farms and hydroelectric dams to help minimise its carbon dioxide emissions and trim the amount of energy required to produce each vehicle.The investment comes as part of Volkwagen's push to reduce the environmental impact of its factories by 25 per cent by 2018 - the same year it aims to overtake Toyota as the world's biggest car producer. It will also give VW a supply of "zero-emission" energy for its fleet of electric vehicles due to go on sale next year.The company's latest move is to extend its "Think Blue" environmental strategy - which has already led to more than 130 vehicles having CO2 emissions of less than 130g/km - to the factory floor. It is now investing in everything from extra insulation to cut heating and cooling costs to robots that automatically shut down during breaks and presses that use 40 per cent less energy than existing machines.That program will involve more than $60 billion being spent on new plants and equipment across the globe. And it's not just altruism driving the program - Volkswagen sees major financial and marketing benefits in being an eco-carmaker."Sustainable, efficient production is a clear competitive advantage," VW board member Prof. Werner Neubauer says.The VW Group sold more than 7.2 million cars in 2010 and forecasts sales of more than 10 million vehicles by 2018. VW's Chattanooga plant in the US last month became the first carmaking site to earn platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.The Tennessee plant was purpose-built to save energy with features such as:15cm of mineral rock wool insulation, resulting in 720,000Kw savings a year.LED exterior lighting to reduce energy by 68 per cent and save up to 262,500KWh a year.Collected rainwater is reused to flush toilets and cool the welding machines Reflective white roof to reduce the "heat island effect" by up 10 degrees.Low-flow water fixtures and no-touch sensors throughout the plant reduce water usage by 30 per cent.Similar technology will progressively be rolled out acress the company's global network of car production sites.

... networked EV charging stations now installed in all our mainland capital cities. EV infrastructure provider ChargePoint has just completed two public charging outlets in Perth, adding to existing sites in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville, the Sunshine Coast and Adelaide and bringing the total number of the company's charging outlets up to 50. The move precedes this year's (2012) local introduction of electric vehicles ranging from the Nissan Leaf and Renault Fluence ZE. CEO James Brown says it is a sign of things to come. "With major car manufacturers moving rapidly to bring EVs on line, the country needs state-of-the-art infrastructure to support them and we are providing that," he says. "It is anticipated that several thousand charging stations will be located throughout Australia over the next three years as electric vehicles gain market share". ChargePoint says operating the open access charging stations is straightforward and only requires use of a free network card, available from ChargePoint (either online from www.chargepoint.com.au or by phoning 1300 300 885).

The carmaker will dump 1055 Brio, Jazz and City light cars that were submerged during the Thai floods that started in late October. The environmentally focused carmaker hopes to recyccle as many components as possible but won't damage customer confidence by reusing parts from the damaged vehicles, or repair and onsell the vehicles themselves.  The media was invited to the mass demolition to show the specialist workers hired by Honda to dismantle the cars are doing it in the most environmentally friendly way possible. They are draining liquids from the engine and then dissemble the car in a step-by-step process. Where possible, components will be recycled for use in new vehicles.  Finally, the skeleton of the car is lifted by a crane into a massive mobile pressing machine which compacts the chassis. The metal cube is then shipped out to be melted down and re-used.  "While we were able to relocate many new cars that were awaiting shipment to a safe area and made every effort to protect our plant, but with the massive amount of flood water... 1055 vehicles that remained in the plant were finally damaged by the flood," Honda Thailand executive vice-president Pitak Pruittisarikorn, says.  Pruittisarikorn says the process of scrapping the cars is a reflection of Honda's commitment to delivering the "highest quality" to its customers. "We will not sell any of the damaged cars to customers, or reuse any of the parts".  Thailand announced in December that more than 700 people died in the floods, which at their height affected 65 of the 77 provinces in the low-lying nation and forced the closure of seven major industrial parks, disrupting global supply chains.  The waters have since receded but many industrial sites will still need to reinvest in infrastructure to restore plants to normal operation. Honda began ordering new plant for its Rojana site last month and has had its employees on full pay since the floods first forced the closure of the factory.

The most powerful legal learners' bike in the country is also one of the cheapest. Hyosung's GV650 cruiser combines South Korean build quality with classic cruiser style to give riders a laid-back alternative to a regular motorbike. The grunt ensures it won't just appeal to riders restricted to bikes on the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme - this is a genuine middleweight cruiser that will competently hit the road two-up and with the panniers fully loaded.VALUE Hyosung has made its reputation on selling value-for-money machinery and the GV650 is no exception. The paint is glossy and deep, the chrome is a polished as you could hope for and the overall impression is that it's a quality bike. Options run from a cruiser muffler to panniers, a tinted windscreen, pillion backrest, footboards and engine guards. TECHNOLOGY Fuel-injection is the big news here when some learners' bikes still persist with carburettors. The throttle twist is crisp and linear across the rev range - and this V-twin likes to rev - and the belt drive ensures there aren't any unsettling surges. The brakes are typical for a cruiser - they do the job but there's not a huge amount of feedback. DESIGNThis is the area that Hyosung has covered. Yamaha's XVS650 is the only thing that can match the cruiser looks at this price point - but it has less grunt and is more expensive. Adjustable front pegs and levers on the Hyosung means it isn't hard to find a comfortable ride position no matter your height and the swept back bars and teardrop tank give genuine cruiser cred. SAFETY Cruisers are inherently safe to ride, providing you don't expect them to act like sportsbikes. Cornering is a case of slow in, quick out unless you want to scrape the pegs or the chrome exhausts. The adjustable levers ensure the front brake is where you want it when you need it. RIDING It isn't hard to have fun on a cruiser. The relaxed ride position and wide bars make it easy to adjust your line to avoid that pothole hidden in the shadows while the V-twin punches out a staccato soundtrack at any revs.Roundabouts shouldn't be taken at speed unless you enjoy the pegs touching down but ride it right and the Hyosung is more than capable of maintaining a quick clip on country or suburban roads. VERDICT The Hyosung may be the road less-travelled against the Yamaha XVS650 but unless you are an absolute brand snob it's a road well worth test-riding if you're in the market for a middleweight cruiser. Hyosung GV650 AquilaWarranty: Two years/unlimited kmEngine: 647cc V-twin, 47kW/58NmTransmission: Five-speed, belt driveSeat height: 675mmDry weight: 229kgFuel tank: 17 litresSuspension: 41mm front inverted forks, dual rear springs with adjustable preloadBrakes: 300mm front disc with four-piston caliper, 270mm rear disc with single-piston caliper