Articles by Derek Ogden

It’s my belief that for a rounded motoring life a family should run three vehicles: a compact runabout for day-to-day operation; a sporty vehicle for weekend fun runs and a versatile wagon or ute for transporting stuff.Financially a hard ask? Impossible in a single vehicle? Take a look at the latest version of the Audi RS 4 Avant, not only do you get all of the above for convenience but a modern classic to boot.Who will own the new RS 4 Avant? Audi says essentially male and female high achievers who are rewarding themselves; sports active trendsetters. Already lining up are swim star Ian Thorpe and celebrity chefs Matt Moran and Shannon Bennett. Hallowed company by any standard.VALUEThe Audi RS 4 Avant is priced at $149,400. Options, adding up to $7200, on offer include Dynamic Ride Control which, together with the sport suspension plus, reduces body movements mechanically and, therefore, without lag. The system is combined with variable damper control, which can be switched between three stages.In addition, Audi drive select has the ability to turn the kitten into a wild cat through the steering, the S tronic transmission, the throttle valves and the exhaust sound flap.The driver can dial up ‘comfort’, ‘auto’ and ‘dynamic’, and if the car is equipped with an MMI navigation system, a fourth mode, ‘individual’, which can be configured within limits by the driver.Big brakes all round borrow much from the racetrack, especially in the way they dissipate the heat generated under constant hard treatment. Callipers. painted high-gloss black and bearing RS logos, are made of aluminium. Optional are carbon fibre ceramic discs and six-piston callipers in Anthracite Grey.DESIGNWith the body 20 mm lower than the volume A4, the RS 4 Avant comes standard with ten-spoke 19-inch aluminium wheels fitted with 265/35 series tyres. Audi offers optional 20-inch wheels in three styles with 265/30 tyres, two featuring a polished titanium look. All tyres have been optimised for rolling resistance without compromising handling or braking.The already elegant exterior of the RS 4 Avant has been sharpened compared with the A4. Focus of the front is the hexagonal single frame radiator grille, while LED daytime running lights ring xenon-plus headlamps. LEDs are repeated at the rear of the vehicle.The two large, elliptical tailpipe tips of the dual exhaust system are integrated into the diffuser, which extends upward towards a honeycomb insert. The car’s profile features flared side elements with sharp horizontal upper edges, standing in tribute to the all-wheel drive pioneer, the1980 Audi quattro.The interior is totally in black unless fitted with optional lunar silver headlining. Carbon inlays are standard, while the top model takes S sport seats in black leather and Alcantara.Leather trim extends to the multifunction sport steering wheel flattened at the bottom. The shift paddles are in aluminium look. Pedals, air vents, the MMI buttons and many other controls also feature the same finish.TECHNOLOGYThe figures speak for themselves – combined fuel consumption of 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres (responsible runabout); the sprint from zero to 100 kilometres an hour in 4.7 seconds (sports star); and 490 to 1430 litres of cargo room (ute with a roof).Since its inception 12 years ago with the Audi RS 2 the main focus of the RS Avant has been the powertrain and with the latest incarnation, the third generation RS 4 Avant, things are no different.Under the bonnet is a high revving naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 punching out 331 kW at 8250 rpm, with 430 Nm of torque available between 4000 and 6000 rpm spearing the top-dog Avant from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of 250 km/h. This can be increased to 280 km/h on request to Audi.Mated with a seven-speed S tronic transmission, backed up by launch control which gets the car off the mark with optimal traction at the push of a button.Power is put to all four wheels via the latest Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with self-locking centre differential which under normal driving conditions sends 60 per of engine torque to the rear wheels. If things become messy up to 85 per cent of the torque can be pushed rearwards, or up to 70 per cent to the front.On top of this an Audi sport differential is capable of distributing power between the rear wheels so that on a bend it directs the majority of the torque to the outside wheel and pushes the RS 4 Avant into the curve, negating oversteer or understeer.Steering boost changes with speed, the electric motor in the steering gear consuming no energy when driving straight ahead. This can cut fuel consumption by as much as 0.3 litres per 100 km.DRIVINGAt the Australian launch the RS 4 Avant was put through a series of tests, including slalom and numerous track laps, by the media at the Sydney Motorsport Park at Eastern Creek and on surrounding public roads.Thanks to the active drivetrain, handling remained neutral, while the electromechanical power steering provided excellent feedback on track and road.Added to this was an Audi bonus: flaps in each of the two tailpipes of the dual exhaust, at higher loads and engine speeds – or at the push of a button in the Audi drive select system – opened to provide a richer resonant sound.And with the dynamic Audi drive select mode active the transmission gets the engine to give a great throttle blip on downshifts. Stirring stuff.VERDICTAt $149,490, dipping significantly from the $170, 000 of the previous model, the new Audi RS 4 Avant adds up to a value package for those wanting versatility with style and sporty performance.Audi RS4 AvantPrice: from $149,400Engine: 4.2-litre 8-cylinder, 331kW/430NmTransmission: 7-speed S tronicThirst: 10.7L/100km

Technology gets cheaper as it becomes more common. Flat-screen TVs are a prime example -- once only found in a corner of high-end electronics stores, these days they are to be found in the supermarket trolley among the fish fingers and soap powder packets. Petrol/electric hybrid vehicles are going the same way thanks to efficiencies and economies of scale in the industry. Honda introduced the first hybrid vehicle, the Insight, to Australia in 2001 when it sold for almost $50,000. Now the cheapest example of the genre has just hit the Australian market and it comes from the same company. At $22,990, plus on-roads, the Honda Jazz Hybrid in price trumps its closest rival, the Toyota Prius c, by a grand. TECHNOLOGY The powertrain of the new Jazz is shared by the latest Insight – a 1.3-litre petrol engine and electric motor combined with a continuously variable transmission – with which the maker claims fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 107 g/km on the combined urban/highway cycle. The 1.3-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine puts out 65 kW of power at 5800 rpm and 121Nm of torque at 4500 rpm, while Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist system, comprising an electric motor, starter and generator, delivers 10 kW at 1500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 1000 rpm. Over the past decade, the IMA battery pack and control unit have evolved and become more compact and lightweight, ensuring the car’s practicality is not sacrificed in the hybrid. The battery has an eight-year unlimited kilometre warranty and can be recycled through a Honda dealership. The petrol engine does its bit to save fuel too. During deceleration, for example, when the cylinders are under no load, combustion is completely cut out, enabling the IMA to increase energy recovery to charge the battery. This Variable Cylinder Management is also used to shut all four cylinders when only a little torque is required – during low-speed cruising for example. In this mode the Jazz Hybrid is powered by the electric motor only, with the pistons running idle; no fuel is used and no CO2 emitted. A Multi-Information Display informs the driver how the car is being powered – by the engine, electric motor or both. After working on the car’s management system the team was able to cut the differences to 12 per cent. The cabin has similarities with the conventional Jazz. The dashboard incorporates a version of the Honda Eco Assist function, which uses ambient lighting of the speedometer to tell drivers how their driving style is impacting on fuel economy – blue for bad; green for good. DESIGN On the outside there’s little to tell the hybrid from the conventional Jazz. Differences include Hybrid headlights with a chrome-blue surround, clear rear LED tail lights, chrome-blue front grille and a chrome tailgate garnish. The Hybrid also has its own palette of colours – Alabaster Silver, Fresh Lime Green, Rallye Red, Taffeta White and Polished Metal. Honda Jazz features include what the company modestly calls ‘Magic Seats’. These can be configured in 18 ways allowing room for up 722 litres of gear to be carted. The Hybrid can take up to five on firm, quality material upholstered seats, with space in the cargo area for 223 litres (two suit cases) of luggage. Head room and leg room are good to generous all round. Other standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels; Bluetooth and USB connectivity; and Vehicle Stability Assist stability and traction control, six airbags and Honda’s ACE body structure. ECONOMY On a run of more than 100 kilometres in Sydney suburban and country driving during the media launch the Jazz Hybrid recorded around six litres of petrol per hundred kilometres. That is 33 per cent over the numbers measured in a laboratory. During development of the Jazz engineers found there were significant differences in the fuel economy achieved between drivers – at an average of 30 km/h, up to 21 per cent. So the driver can make a huge difference to the efficiency of the car. An Eco Assist function helps the driver aim for the ultimate economy from the car in various situations and gives drivers continuous feedback on how their brake and accelerator work is affecting fuel consumption and impact on the environment. A stop/start engine function also plays its part. In the Econ mode, which in the Jazz, is brought into action by pressing an Econ switch, power output is limited (except during hard acceleration); driver acceleration action is smoothed along with the CVT shift pattern; regenerative brake energy is increased; air-conditioning recirculates more often; fan power is reduced more frequently; and during idle stop the air-con cuts out. Buyers are expected to be made up of mainly tech savvy, environmentally conscious females wanting practicality and versatility in a vehicle. Built in Thailand, the Jazz Hybrid is covered by a three-year 100,000 kilometre warranty, other than the aforementioned extended warranty on the special battery.  

Roomster sounds more like some character from a teen TV show than an innovative compact runabout. The twee title does not do justice to this well thought out Skoda.However, on closer scrutiny, the name is pretty much on the mark, for the car ‘makes room’; room for almost anything anyone could want from a vehicle of this size.VALUEThe Roomster comes onto the market at $22,490, plus on-roads, for the five-speed manual, while the seven-speed DSG auto costs $24,790. The test vehicle, a five-speed manual with pearl effect paint and contrasting roof, sells for $23,370. Standard equipment includes an auxiliary socket allowing MP3 connection, a 12V socket in the boot, black roof rails, four-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Extremely quiet at idle, the engine of the test Roomster made itself known only when accelerating with urgency.TECHNOLOGYThe Roomster first hit Aussie shores in 2007 and has been extensively upgraded with a new, more economical engine and the option of a DSG automatic transmission. The new Roomster enjoys the benefit of a new 1.2-litre 77 kW turbocharged petrol engine producing 175 Nm, 22 Nm more torque than the outgoing 1.6-litre engine. It showcases a 1.1 litre per 100 kilometre improvement in combined fuel consumption and a 34 grams/km reduction in CO2 emissions.The motor can be mated with a five-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed DSG double-clutch automatic transmission, the latter operating in two modes – fully automatic or manual Tiptronic.DESIGNWith one of the most flexible interiors in the segment, Roomster offers as much interior space as a conventional multipurpose vehicle, all within the space of a mere 214 mm more than a Skoda Fabia hatch.It has a modern new look on the outside and top quality interior trim. The Roomster’s cabin has come in for material and equipment upgrades with more soft-touch plastics and higher specification entertainment systems, while maintaining its passenger and load carrying versatility through clever seating.   Again the Roomster has the innovative Varioflex rear seating arrangement. Revisiting the Varioflex rear seating system, it’s easy to see the appeal of such versatility. The theatre-style rear seating, positioned higher than the front seats for a better all-round view, takes three occupants with the centre seat raised. Folded down it becomes an armrest, a drink holder or for storage.This middle section, which weighs just 11 kilograms, can be easily removed giving more shoulder space for the two remaining occupants. Alternatively, they can cosy up by shifting both seats inboard. Leg room is impressive thanks to seat rails offering 150 mm of movement forward and back and an adjustable seat back that reclines by 13.5 degrees.Cargo gets its own characteristic storage features. With five passengers on board, the load area allows up 450 litres of space. Fold the rear seats down and volume increases to 1555 litres on a surface of up to 1022 millimetres. In addition to the removable centre seat, the two outer chairs, each weighing a middleweight 16 kg, can also be removed completely by pulling on the clearly-marked levers.The Roomster thus becomes a two-seater van with a volume of 1780 litres. The almost vertical side walls and low loading edge make it easy to take goods, even up to the roofline. Tie-down points on the floor can secure large and heavy items.All this is packaged in a vehicle measuring only 4214 mm long, yet with a wheelbase of 2608 mm - small car, big help. The extra millimetres also help to give the vehicle a stable ride. By having a slightly wider track at the rear, corners can be taken with confidence, while a low kerb weight also enhances handling.On the outside, the Roomster has taken on a more assertive road presence. With a new, wider radiator grille and headlamp design, plus the wraparound windscreen, the vehicle looks wider and lower than the previous model. Large windows open up the rear of the cabin, while hidden rear door handles emphasise the vehicle’s clean, uncluttered profile which leads to a rear featuring high positioned slim tail lights incorporating Skoda’s typical C-shape when lit.SAFETYThe Roomster has gained a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, having three-point seat belts on all seats, including the centre rear, and height-adjustable belts in front fitted with pre-tensioners. Additionally, there are six airbags – driver and passenger, side and curtain.DRIVINGWith only 77 kW on tap maximum revs needed to be maintained to shift the five-speed manual smoothly through the gears. Anything less had the motor gasping for air. Expect to get fuel consumption of 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle, while putting out 138g of carbon dioxide every kilometre.Skoda RoomsterPrice: from $22,490 (plus driveaway costs)Warranty: three years/unlimited kmCrash rating: 5-star ANCAPEngine: 1.2-litre 4-cylinder, 77kW/175NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, FWDBody: 4214mm (L); 1684mm (w); 1607mm (h)Weight: 1217kgThirst: 5.9L/100km 138g/km CO2    

Honda CR-V, the fourth generation of the compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), that 17 years ago helped define the soft-roader segment, now comes in two-wheel or four-wheel drive variants.Prices start with the base model 2WD six-speed manual VTi at just over $27,000, while the top 4WD VTi-L five-speed automatic rounds out the range at $42,000-plus.Previously we had considered the Honda CR-V was overpriced for a plain ‘meat and three veg’ taste of compact SUV living. Thanks, as much as anything to a crowded market, that is a thing of the past with the latest CR-Vs.Even in base model 2WD form, includes tilt and rake steering wheel, halogen headlights, multi-information display, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted buttons, reversing camera, integrated hands-free Bluetooth phone and audio with MP3 and WMA capability, and USB connectivity. Satellite navigation and DVD are factory fitted options. We’ve been spending some time with the entry-level 2WD in five-speed automatic guise.The 2.0-litre fitted to the VTi two-wheel drive test vehicle went about producing maximum power of 114 kW at 6500rpm, while torque topped out at 190Nm. Noise from the engine on offer – the 2.0-litre – is not intrusive.Efficiency is the name of the game here with combined urban / highway fuel consumption put at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Give or take the odd litre, that’s what the test vehicle came up with in day-to-day running.To hit the target, the driver is given help by Eco Assist in which dual arcs of light around the speedo will glow green if a certain level of throttle control is exceeded, turning to white during heavy acceleration.Further savings can be gained by engaging the Econ Mode via a button on the dashboard. This changes the mapping of the throttle system, ensuring a smooth increase in torque and better fuel economy. Further savings are made by its altering the operation of cruise control and air-conditioning system. The sacrifice with Econ Mode, of course, is performance, but that’s a small price to pay for paying a small price for fuel.The designers and engineers have worked hard on Honda’s theme of ‘bigger on the inside, smaller on the outside’. At 22 mm shorter and 30 mm lower than its predecessor, the flat front makes a bold statement with its three-slat radiator grille and big Honda ‘H’, wraparound headlamps and aerodynamic bumper.A sedan-style profile is augmented by large wheel arches spanning 17- or 18-inch wheels, the whole package completed with a more sculpted rear-light set-up than previously. The windscreen has been moved forward and the engine compartment reduced to give the driver a clearer view forward while manoeuvring.Inside, the cabin is designed to give a feeling of openness. With the two front seats further apart than before, there is more shoulder room. In the back there is legroom to burn. The 60:40 split rear seat backs drop at the pull of a handle to clear the way for more cargo than before.Occupants are further spoilt by a new level of cabin quietness thanks to engine and road noise being kept at bay by improved sound insulation in the floor plan, rear door and wheel arches, door frames, front bulkhead and bonnet.Not quiet enough? There is an interesting hearing aid. What Honda calls a conversation mirror is attached to the sun glasses holder above the windscreen, so folk in front talking to rear-seat passengers can see their lips move. Obviously the driver should not use this when the vehicle is moving.Electronic active safety gives confidence to the driver and his charges even in the most testing conditions, including the torrential rain and high winds encountered during our test period. All models in the new Honda CR-V range have stability assist with traction control, adaptive electric power steering which works against understeer and oversteer, and anti-skid brakes with emergency stop.Passive safety is provided by a body structure developed by Honda to give optimum protection for occupants in crash situations, while the front of the CR-V has been designed to minimise injury to any pedestrian involved in an accident with the vehicle.Occupants are looked after in the event of a crash by three-point seatbelts in all seating positions. There are dual stage front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, plus side curtain airbags on all outer seating positions.Ride and handling are up there with the best in class, both with comfort and stability that are almost sedan-style.The latest CR-V dishes up tasty features at competitive prices.

Canberra is no Le Mans and the road leading to Parliament House is certainly no Mulsanne Straight. No matter, Audi used the national capital to launch its race-bred turbocharged diesel engine in Australia.Audi now features diesel power in all segments but the R8, with diesel sales last year taking up 43 per cent of the Australian market. The A6 already has a strong TDI presence in the market, with 53 per cent of buyers favouring an oil burner. The biturbo pair will be joined later this year by the SQ5 high-performance SUV.VALUEThe fuel efficiency places both models under the luxury car tax threshold of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres, allowing Audi to gain a distinct price advantage over rivals. The A6 sedan has a manufacturer’s list price of $118,800, while the A7 Sportback carries an MLP of $148,600.Both vehicles share many features with other high-end Audis. For example, the A6 sedan includes18-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke V design, Audi drive select with efficiency mode, Audi music interface and Audi parking system with rear-view camera.Bose surround sound leads the way for a Bluetooth interface with music streaming, electric front seats are clothed in Milano leather and have driver memory function, MMI Navigation plus features retractable screen and touch pad and Xenon plus headlights show the way at night, while an electric sunroof brings enjoyable weather outside inside.The A7 Sportback adds 19-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke design, while four-zone deluxe air-conditioning puts occupants seated on premium quality Valcona leather upholstery at ease.TECHNOLOGYThe new 230 kW 3.0-litre TDI biturbo V6, which owes much of its high performance technology to the Le Mans 24 Hour-winning Audi engine, can now be found in the A6 sedan and A7 Sportback.‘Fast and frugal’ is the biturbo byword with both vehicles sprinting to 100 km/h from rest in a tick over five seconds – making the A6 sedan, at 5.1 seconds, the quickest diesel-powered vehicle in Australia – and fuel consumption down at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres with carbon dioxide emissions of 169 g/km.In the process, a sound actuator in a side channel of the exhaust orchestrates a glorious symphonic note in tune with the robust performance of the cars. Essentially a loudspeaker, the instrument produces a sonorous accompaniment to engine revs rising all the way to 5200 rpm. Further ‘philharmonic’ is carried into the passenger cabin via the vibrating windscreen which dances to the deep-throated note of the motor when hurried along. Nothing ‘largo’ here.The heart and soul of the pair is the biturbo engine, which features, as its title suggests, two water cooled turbochargers connected in series. A switchover valve directs intercooled air to a small turbo at low revs, with a large charger performing pre-compression. From 2500 rpm, or thereabouts, the valve begins to open and the small charger shifts most of its workload to its big brother. Between 3500 and 4000 rpm the valve opens fully, the large charger taking on all the work.The engine itself has come in for modifications, with the cylinder head cooling, the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons and their oil jet cooling all being improved. A special coating reduces the friction of the piston pins, while plate honing and laser exposure, are used during the fabrication of the engine block at the plant in Gyor, Hungary.The common-rail fuel system develops up to 2000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight partial amounts of fuel into the cylinder. The regulated oil pump and the water pump have been optimised for maximum efficiency. The top-of-the-line TDI provides peak torque of 650 Nm from 1450 to 2800 rpm.DRIVINGAt idle, the ‘dieselness’ (i.e. the distinctive rattle) of the engine is indiscernible, but tramp on the pedal and the ‘orchestra’ fires up through the aforementioned exhaust sound system. Wagner would have approved. A heavy foot once or twice had the engine hesitant to respond, which we put down to the electronics of engine management rather than turbo lag.An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive make sure both biturbos are model performers in either bustling city driving or on the open road, a fact that was borne out by a launch test drive between Canberra and Sydney. Parking is a breeze thanks to front and rear cameras, and electric tailgate operation makes for easy access to a generous cargo area, the latter being a welcome feature of both vehicles.VERDICTThe state-of-the-art technology results in immensely powerful performance.MODEL LINE-UPA6 3.0 TDI quattro 230 kW sedan: $118, 800A7 3.0 TDI quattro 230 kW Sportback: $148,600Audi A6 TDI QuattroPrice: from $118,800 driveawayWarranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDBody: 4915mm (L); 1874mm (w); 1455mm (h)Weight: 1790kgThirst: 6.4L/100km 169g/km CO2Audi A7 TDI QuattroPrice: from $148,600Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDBody: 4969mm (L); 191mm (w); 1420mm (h)Weight: 1850kgThirst: 6.4L/100km 169g/km CO2

Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology, found in a range of Blue Oval products from the Fiesta light car to the Falcon large family sedan, deserves more attention than it is getting from the Australian car buying public.Truly a technological tour de force, the EcoBoost engine in all its capacities - the 1.0-litre version won the 2012 International Engine of the Year award - has matched performance and fuel efficiency in a manner unchallenged by most rivals. Now with the latest model to make use of the system – the Focus halo car, the ST – maybe all that is about to change.Built in Germany, the $38,290 Ford Focus ST is covered by a three-year, 100,000 kilometre warranty and Ford’s capped price servicing. Ford is shouting loudly about its SYNC connectivity system; advanced software, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, that enhances Bluetooth and voice control of a number of systems.Voice commands are more elaborate than before and can be used to make phone calls or select music from a digital media player. With automatic phonebook downloading, hands need not leave the multi-function steering wheel and eyes the road ahead. However, while using this system the Ford driver may not be concentrating fully on their driving, thus increasing the chances of a crash.Making use of Ford’s EcoBoost technology, the Focus ST - for Sport Technologies, or Sports Tuning, whichever Ford info you read - is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 184 kW of power and 360 Nm of torque.A new electrical system takes power steering to a new level. At low speeds maximum power is on hand, gradually reducing on acceleration, feedback becoming more direct and steering wheel turn trimmed for the equivalent direction change. Torque steer, although managed to some extent, can sneak up on the driver under acceleration close to the limit.In full sports car operation the Focus ST is capable of the sprint to 100 kilometres per hour from standstill in 6.5 seconds. However, as befits a vehicle of the carbon counting era, the car has an Eco mode which helps the driver work efficiently with gear changes, anticipation of traffic conditions and at speeds on highways. A display, using up to five petals (the most efficient), scores the driver for fuel efficiency.   If EcoBoost has been hidden, the same cannot be said about the ST packaging, which has an unmistakable look about it. The car immediately presents its sporty credentials with a black trapezoidal grille incorporating red ‘ST’, bi-xenon HID headlamps, daytime running lights plus static cornering lights. Side skirts, a bold rear roof-mounted spoiler and centrally located twin tailpipes bring down the curtain on the complete hot hatch.A five-seater, keyless entry opens the door to an ST cabin with soft-touch surroundings; always a sign of quality. Occupants can settle into body-hugging bespoke Recaro seats covered in black leather with contrasting tongues of material matching the car’s exterior colour.Up front, seat features include length adjustment and cushion tilt, while an all-new rear bench, made with special foam, makes sure passenger comfort is not compromised. Legroom and headroom are good in the back and front. Leather trim extends to the multifunction steering wheel, and gear and handbrake levers. As well as a range of standard instruments and dials, sport-style gauges, on top of the dash, monitor turbo boost, and oil pressure and temperature.Going backwards, a crystal clear full-colour image projected on a 5-inch screen on the central dashboard, together with guidelines, helps show the way. The screen is also home to sat nav info and maps. The suspension is fully in harmony with the active safety features of the car, having upgraded shock absorbers and springs, which lower the chassis by 10mm compared to other Focus models.The rear suspension additionally has also been revised with a number of new parts developed specially for the Focus ST, which rolls on 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 Tyres with deflation detection. The package has resulted in the vehicle earning a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Accelerator pedal pressure is the key to a crescendo of under-bonnet sound designed to stir the driving enthusiast’s soul. The sharp action of the stubby gearstick – optimised by the dash-mounted shift indicator – is matched by the take-up of the clutch; it’s either in or out, there’s little leeway here.Brakes on the test car took time to get to grips with, being as sharp and attentive to pedal movement as the clutch. Alloy pedal covers cash in on the ST’s sporting nature. An unusually wide 12-metre turning circle for a car of this class resulted in some frustrating to-ing and fro-ing in limited parking areas.

Almera: it sounds like a South American novelist, or an athlete's foot cream. In fact it's the sedan version of the Nissan Micra hatchback. VALUE Almera ST manual opens the pricing at a manufacturer's recommended retail of $16,990, the auto adds $2000, while the Ti, in automatic only, tops off the range at

Who says a hardcore pick-up truck can’t double as a comfortable family car? During my time with the new Ford PX Ranger Wildtrak I often returned to the vehicle to catch couples (and kids) going over it with much interest.Most were impressed with its bold exterior looks and the quality and quantity of features inside the passenger cabin. One dad said he was considering downsizing from his Ford F150 and the new Ranger hot-shot looked the goods. This seems to back up the decision by Ford Australia to take up the sporty compact pick-up truck, bringing to 21 the number of models available in the all-new Ranger line-up.From $57,390, the price tag is hefty. However, this will get you the new the latest in smart technology such as Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and iPod integration. Voice control enables occupants to operate the radio, CD, iPod, USB, air-conditioning and phone. It also offers a five-inch colour screen with satellite navigation.As with all Ford vehicles, capped price servicing is offered on Wildtrak. For example, the maximum a customer who owns a PX Ranger Wildtrak 4x4 3.2-litre diesel would pay at a participating authorised Ford dealer for the first 15,000 km service is $385, which includes 12 months myFord Standard Roadside Assistance ($90).Powering the Wildrak is a 3.2-litre TDCi Duratorq turbo-diesel engine, delivering 147 kW of power at 3000 rpm and 470 Nm of torque peaking from 1500 rpm to 2750 rpm. The variable geometry turbocharger enables low-end torque to improve launch and driveability and to come up with a fuel economy figure, for the manual, as low as 9.4 litres per 100km on the combined urban / highway cycle, with carbon dioxide emissions of 248g per kilometre.At close to five and a half metres long and nearly two metres wide and high the Wildtrak has a prepossessing presence, even when standing still. But get those 18-inch wheels rolling and the truck takes on the roll of a class-leading juggernaut. Standard roof rack and aerodynamic sports bar emphasise the robust character, while unique badging and graphics make the ultimate statement of its ‘Wildtrakness’.The test vehicle was fitted with a retractable tray cover that acts like a roll-top writing desk, disappearing into a compartment behind the cabin when not in use. A warning! Read the instructions on how to operate it. I didn’t and paid a frustrating price until it was explained, then it all came together easily.  The sporty exterior is continued into the double cab with seating for five on leather and cloth trimmed seats inspired by sportswear, featuring contrasting stitching, plus two strips in distinctive Wildtrak Orange.Particular attention has been paid to spaciousness and comfort, making sure three rear passengers are provided with ample knee room and foot clearance.The pick-up’s bulky frame needs some attention when parking, so a reversing camera with guidelines is projected clearly onto a section of the rear-view mirror above the windscreen. A neat addition is the presence of a dotted line down the centre of the image which acts as a guide to the tow ball to help when lining up to hook up to a trailer, caravan, boat or horse float.Unlike some systems in rival vehicles the camera, with the aid of high-intensity reversing lamps, works well in low-light conditions and is backed up by rear parking sensors in the back bumper.Tested to operate at 400 metres below and 4500 metres above sea-level, the motor is designed to operate efficiently under conditions found almost anywhere in Australia. Indeed, primarily developed in Australia, the Ranger was designed for town work, with the ability to head to the Outback for pleasure purposes. Extensive gravel-road testing and extended trips through demanding conditions helped to fine tune suspension settings, tyre performance, and steering feel and response.

The Liberty has always stood tall in the Subaru family and now the popular sedan stands even taller – 50 mm to be precise. That’s the extra ground clearance given to the Model Year 2013 Liberty 2.5X and 3.6X.So what does the extra 50 mm do besides easing ‘driveway anxiety’ in the suburbs or giving ‘country comfort’ on bad road surfaces in the bush? It gives the Liberty X a stately bearing – a ‘chest out, shoulders back, head held high’ sort of stance.VALUEComfort extends to the interior with electrically adjustable and heated front seats – the driver’s seat with memory – McIntosh audio system, one-touch lane change indicator, electroluminescent gauges with full-colour multi-function display, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth and USB connection.Subaru’s innovative EyeSight driver assist system puts the pair up against vehicles deep in luxury car territory far beyond the $44,490 price tag of the Liberty 2.5X, or $55,990 sticker for the Liberty 3.6X.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.5-litre engine with 123 kW on tap at 5600 rpm, connected to the continuously variable transmission, relished an easy going driving style but ran out of steam when pushed hard.DESIGNDespite the added millimeters in height, getting in and out of the Liberty 2.5X test vehicle is surprisingly easy. In fact it’s probably easier to get into the X than a standard height car if your knees are getting old and stiff.Together with a new design radiator grille and front bumper, plus sporty sills with chrome-style highlights, the Liberty X pair make a handsome statement.The 18-inch alloy wheels – silver with 2.5X, gunmetal on 3.6X – also do their bit to giving the vehicles an elevated position – 200 mm ground clearance. The resultant command driving position gives it outstanding all-round visibility.Cabin décor is up there with the latest looks from the designer’s pen with leather trim and brushed gun-metal grey featured on the centre panel, centre console and steering wheel panel.However, it was the new Liberty’s exterior lines that elicited a surprising amount of positive comment from people who came in contact with the test car. Even the most cynical found little to criticise about the looks.SAFETYSubaru’s five-star crash rating, put both Xs on a pedestal for safety.EyeSight, as the name suggests, keeps an eye out for drivers, warning of potential danger ahead and helping avoid trouble with a series of passive and active safety systems plumbed into the car.Ding! ‘Vehicle ahead has moved’. Drivers are entitled to scoff at this, arguing the ‘Blind Freddy’ point, but there are those who ‘take their eye off the ball’ when their vehicle is stationary in a line of traffic to the annoyance of others behind.Other EyeSight features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure and lane sway warning, pre-collision braking and brake assist, plus pre-collision throttle management, and electronic throttle control.A reversing camera adds a further dimension to the driver’s ability to keep out of trouble with other road users, while satellite navigation provides a measure of certainty when travelling in unknown territory.DRIVINGWith an acceleration time of 10.1 seconds to 100 kilometres per hour from rest the four-cylinder is firmly rooted in the middle ground of its segment.The 3.6X six-cylinder, at 7.3 seconds to the 100 km/h, exhibits more sporting appeal but is it worth the $11,000 premium? It’s likely that fascinating EyeSight system no doubt accounts for a big slice of that extra money for the 3.6X.Positives were the characteristic deep ‘boxer note’ coming from under the bonnet and handling stability, thanks to all-wheel drive, on urban road surfaces that left a lot to be desired.VERDICTUpright citizen; with extra ground clearance, the Liberty 2.5X stands tall in the mid-size sedan segment.

Holden is using one of its cheaper cars to debut innovative communication systems that will put the world at its owner’s fingertips. The MY13 Barina CDX will gain the Holden MyLink infotainment system which operates by integrating the owner’s compatible smartphone and stored media, via Bluetooth, auxiliary jack or USB, with the radio.This allows owners to enjoy easy-to-use, personalised connectivity while their smartphone is stowed. Holden MyLink launches in the New Year with the Stitcher Smart Radio application. Thereafter, additional apps will be available, with Holden MyLink the first in-car system in Australia to offer full compatibility with Pandora Internet Radio.TuneIn Radio will also become available in 2013 and allow Barina drivers to stream radio stations from around the world. Holden MyLink will also bring innovative low-cost navigation to Barina drivers through BringGo, a navigation application which runs through the mobile device’s 3G or 4G service and is controlled and viewed on the MyLink seven-inch touch screen.VALUEThe Holden Barina CD manual entry-level hatch comes to the market at $15,990, while the range is topped off by the CDX automatic sedan at $20,990, both plus on-road costs. The new models are on sale now.Holden also took the opportunity to wheel out the 2013 Barina Spark for the first time, due to go on sale in January. The Barina Spark CD auto will go on sale for $14,490, the manual $12,490, plus on-road costs. The 2013 Barina Spark gains design updates, including new look front grille, side skirts, headlamps, tail lamps, 14-inch alloy wheels and body colour rear spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp. Air-conditioning is standard and it gets benefits of Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel-mounted phone controls are on offer, while electric power steering, remote flip key, hill start assist and a fuel-saving neutral idle feature add some unexpected technological touches to an otherwise price-pinned car.DESIGNIn the cabin, hard plastic surfaces announce the Barina’s utilitarian light car character but this is balanced by a range of quality driving aids such as a modern motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster, home to a digital speedo and analogue tacho, plus trip computer recording average fuel consumption and speed, distance to empty and trip time. Initial impressions of the Spark are of body creases all round, while the rear lamp clusters dominate the back of the car almost to excess. The chrome tipped exhaust is a nice touch though, as are hidden rear door handles.SAFETYIt comes with dual front, side and curtain airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, collapsible pedals and Electronic Stability Control help earn the Spark a four-star ANCAP safety rating.TECHNOLOGYThe new Barina offers fuel economy of up to 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the range topping CDX sedan thanks to its 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine (85 kW and 155 Nm) being matched with a new six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select, and electric power steering package.The new automatic transmission is also offered as an option for the Barina CD and gives fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, around 10 per cent better than the equivalent 2012 model. CDX ownership is further enhanced by a new 17-inch alloy wheel and tyre package and an updated steering calibration, the latter being part of development work undertaken by Holden engineers in conjunction with their Korean counterparts.The little Spark hatchback will come in CD five-speed manual and four-speed automatic form. And is powered by a 1.2 litre DOHC engine, putting out 63 kW of power and 113 Nm of torque, returning 5.8 litres/100km on the combined urban/highway cycle, the Spark automatic is happiest commuting around town where low fuel usage and manoeuvrability matter more than out-and-out performance. Emissions are to Euro 5 standard.DRIVINGOn the launch over a range of town, country and highway driving a Barina CDX automatic and Spark CD auto both came up with fuel consumption close to six litres per 100 kilometres. Cabin noise was low thanks to chassis-to-body interfaces designed to enhance stiffness, helping to reduce low frequency sound. Air/noise barriers are incorporated in the floor, instrument panel and inner body panels.Four acoustic resonators from low to high frequency on the intake system help to limit engine noise and the exhaust system incorporates a front and a rear muffler.VERDICTThe latest Barina CDX is driving the small car into new infotainment territory and an automatic transmission puts the MY13 Barina Spark at the forefront of light car appeal.Holden Barina CDXPrice: from $15,990Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 85kW/155NmTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 6.3L/100kmHolden Barina Spark CDPrice: from $12,490Engine: 1.2-litre 4-cylinder, 63kW/113NmTransmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed autoThirst: 5.8L/100km