Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Hyundai has expanded its i30 range with the introduction of an 'SR' version. Little changed from the concept car that gained positive feedback when displayed at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney late last year, the SR has a shadow style body kit, a warmed over engine, sports suspension and a revised interior with leather trim, sporting alloy-faced pedals and a self dipping interior mirror.So important is the Australian market to Hyundai these days that we were chosen as the first in the world to receive this new SR model. One reason is the considerable amount of work put into the local suspension tune by engineers from Australia, the UK and South Korea.PRICINGThe Hyundai i30 SR is best regarded as a warm-hatch rather than a hot hatch. But it provides decent performance at a pretty modest price: $27,990 for the manual, $30,190 for the auto. A panoramic sunroof adds $2000.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONThe engine is a 2.0-litre direct-injection unit producing 129 kW of power and an impressive 209 Nm of torque. That’s over 100 Nm per litre, an output only achieved from a few expensive European engines. The torque is there from lower revs than you would expect from a non-turbo engine and continues in a delightfully linear fashion well into the rev range. However, the engine isn’t all that happy as it gets near the redline, becoming a bit noisy.Sitting alongside the high(-ish) performance Hyundai engine is the choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with manual overrides.SAFETYHyundai is one of the leaders in crash avoidance and survival through a collision. The i30 meets five-star crash safety requirements, thanks in part to seven airbags; ABS brakes with EBD and BAS; Vehicle Stability Management with ESC and TCS; rear view camera; and rear park assist.DRIVINGDuring our road testing at the global launch of the Hyundai i30 SR in northern NSW we found the car on its 17-inch alloy wheels with 45 Series tyres to be firm in its ride, but not unacceptably so.Changes on the manual are about average in quality for a front-drive car, but we had hoped for better in a sporty model. The auto is willing to change down to grab extra revs, but we really feel a car like this should have paddle shifters, not just a floor selector.Steering is beautifully direct in the central position; where many cars have a dead spot just either side of straight ahead, the SR has instant reaction and excellent feedback to the driver’s hands.Handling is safe and sure with the sporty Hyundai remaining neutral and safe well beyond speeds likely to be attempted by almost all drivers. Near its limit the i30 SR shows some understeer but it’s easy to dial out - with the security of sophisticated traction control as a backup should you still get it wrong.Moving slowly seems like an odd way of getting into fast cars, but Hyundai is playing the cautious game with the introduction of the SR range. Rather than being seen as frustrating, this should be regarded as a sign of maturity in a company that’s becoming increasingly well regarded as one of the major mainstream global players.It seems certain we will one day see full-blown hot hatches, perhaps taking the full 4WD big-turbo route that will provide serious competition for the established Japanese and European players. Competition that may well shock the others in its affordability.Time will tell, but we can’t wait for the introduction of a 180kW all-wheel-drive street and track stormer from Hyundai.VERDICTIt’s not a true hot hatch, but Australian performance car enthusiasts can still take pride in the fact the Hyundai i30 SR made its global debut in this country, and that it has significant Aussie input in the suspension dynamics field.Hyundai i30 SRPrice: $27,990 (auto $2200)Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrolPower: 129kW and 209 NmThirst: 6.5-7.2 litres/100kmTransmission: six-speed manual and auto, front-wheel drive 

It’s not just we Aussies and the Yanks that love their SUVs, Europeans have really been getting into them in recent years; and the big name German marques have quickly cottoned onto the boom in these handy vehicles. BMW began its SUV range with the X5 and has gradually worked its way down in size with new models X3 and finally the X1. The reduction in size was caused by the realisation by car makers that most SUV buyers aren’t interested in exploring the wilds of their respective countries, rather they want a capacious station wagon with a driving position that’s higher than cars’.Note that BMW would like us to call its vehicles SAVs, standing for Sports Activity Vehicle, but no-one seems particularly interested in that acronym so we will stick with SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).The midsize BMW X3 is the subject of this week’s article as it’s proving very popular in recent times. In Australia around one third of all BMW sales are in SUVs. The biggest seller is the X5, but the X3, introduced here in July 2004, is holding its own in the sales race. Interestingly, the second generation X3, sold from March 2011, is significantly larger than the original and is within a few centimetres of the first-generation X5 in many dimensions.If you’re looking for a family car the gen-two BMW X3 has ample legroom for those in the rear seat and three children will find they have good shoulder room. Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.As there’s almost no demand for a BMW that can go off road, the suspension guys have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed surfaces. Clever electronics, further enhanced on the gen-two X3, do give it more grip in harsh going than you might expect.Four and six-cylinder engines are offered in petrol and diesel format. BMW has long been a specialist in turbocharged engines and both the petrol and diesel units work well. There’s the usual lag before things start to really motor well, but once the engines are past that stage they are beautifully responsive.Though the diesels are the more economical we do have a preference for turbo-petrol engines as they just love to rev way up in the scale, whereas the diesels give up in the high 4000s. Even better are the naturally aspirated straights sixes - one of our all time favourite powerplants. These are offered in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacity.Six-speed manual gearboxes were offered in the early days, but were never popular and disappeared from the new-car price list during 2008. If you’re keen on DIY gearshifting you may find a few manuals have been privately imported. Be sure a private import meets all areas of Australian regulations.Automatic transmissions began with five forward speeds in 2004, this increased to six in 2006, then eight in the all-new model of 2011. There are manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control as BMW has long been an expert in sporting automatics.BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. The concentration is on major metro areas but there are quite a few in country cities and even large country towns. Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class of SUV. We seldom here any real complaints about availability. Similarly, insurance costs aren’t low, but you generally seem to get value for money.Do it yourself work on an SUV like this should be left to minor items only. These are complex cars with a multitude of electronic items and should be left to BMW dealers. There are some ex-BMW mechanics in private practise and owners speak very highly of them, however, they may not have access to the very latest information or changes to the X3.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history. The car will have been in contact by way of the internet with the technical departments in the German head office each time it was serviced at an official dealership.The use of incorrect tyres can cause problems with the transfer case due to incorrect rolling radii. Make a note of the details of tyres then contact BMW for a list of recommended tyres. If you suspect one has been off the beaten track - a rare event - examine the bumper corners, doors sills and undertray for damage - or choose an X3 that hasn’t beaten about the bush.Make sure a petrol engine starts almost instantly, or a diesel within a couple of seconds. Slow starting can indicate real problems. An inspection of the interior, including the luggage area will reveal that a car has been used as a workhorse for carting kids or other heavy-duty stuff.CAR BUYING TIPCars aimed at those who really like to drive may have been thrashed. Blindingly obvious? Yes, but too few buyers take this into account when falling in love with a potential new car. 

These days very few SUV buyers are looking 4WD capability in off-road conditions. Rather, they want an on-road station wagon with a high level of equipment and the premium features usually only found in upmarket models. Well aware of this, Holden has introduced a new model to its Captiva 5 range, the LTZ. Price and

...something that stands out from the boring automotive crowd will just love the new Hyundai Veloster Street special edition. Sold only on the Australian market, the Veloster Street was displayed at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney and its outrageous lines and Sonic Silver metallic paint and red leather upholstery gathered plenty of favourable comments. So much so that the decision was made to put it into limited production for we people down under. PRICE AND FIT-OUT Priced from a recommended $24,990 ($27,390 automatic) the Hyundai Veloster has a larger rear spoiler and 18-inch alloys, with stand-out red inserts to match the paintwork. Wisely the Veloster Street has borrowed the sports suspension from the hot Veloster SR Turbo. Teamed with the red leather trim, plush pile floor mats with embroidered ‘Street’ logos make the cabin a special place in which to travel. ‘Street’ badges on the front guards let others know you’re in the driving seat of something out of the ordinary. ENGINE Hyundai Street has a 1.6-litre GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) petrol engine and is offered with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. One of the big selling feature of the Hyundai Veloster is that it has a single coupe-style door on one side and front and rear doors on the other side to provide easy access to the back seats. INTERIOR This really is a four-seat car, not a two-plus-two. Those with long legs and short bodies will be comfortable back there, provided the sun isn’t too strong - because sun can really stream through the glass directly over their heads. The extra doors are on the left side of the Veloster so passengers can get in from the safety of the kerb. Adults in the back are likely to suffer from the usual coupe complaint of lack of headroom. Kids will be comfortable as far as space is concerned but won’t be able to see much to the side of the car due to the small, high-set rear-side windows. Veloster has already been a big success in Australian since its early 2012 launch and this new Street edition will do its reputation no harm at all.  

As the weather warms up thoughts are already turning to the holiday season and the big trips through the countryside to enjoy this wide brown land down under. In these days of low-cost aircraft travel, a surprising number of city people never drive outside suburban areas, so some will make their first ever trip as a driver into the bush. Almost all will enjoy country driving, a few will hate it and, sadly, some may die in crashes. Open road driving is a lot different to driving in the suburbs. Distances are greater, staggeringly so at times, traffic is much lighter and speeds are significantly higher. Learn the new techniques for country driving and you will find country driving pleasantly relaxing and a real change from the day to day suburban grind. If you have never driven in the bush before it can give a real feeling of accomplishment to arrive safely and relaxed at your destination. Get out there and enjoy it! 1. It is important to sit correctly in the car and set the seat, steering wheel and mirrors properly. Drive with both hands on the steering wheel because things can change very suddenly when travelling at 100 km/h. Importantly, look further ahead than you do in suburban traffic. 2. The biggest trap for young players is driving too quickly for the conditions. It's all too easy to enter a town at too high a speed. Because your mind has adapted to driving at high speeds it is possible to drive into a town at what feels like 50km/h, but is actually 80km/h. Even experienced drivers get caught out from time to time, so be very aware. 3. Driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. It causes fatigue because your mind isn't active enough, and can create problems for other drivers who get stuck behind you. It is far better to drive at the same speed as the rest of the traffic. If you constantly find yourself either catching up on cars in front, or being tailgated by other vehicles, it is probably a sign that you aren't driving at the correct speed. 4. If you do want to cruise along slowly to enjoy the surrounds keep an eye on the mirrors and if you see others are getting stuck behind you it's polite to signal and pull over whenever you get a chance. 5. The vast majority of drivers travel at the most sensible speed for the conditions. That may be at the speed limit - or it may be under or over it. Almost all police officers are sensible and will ignore cars which are a bit over the limit - provided the speed is safe and not too high. 6. Speed cameras are set by bureaucrats and don't take traffic and weather conditions into account the way the police do, so watch out for them. 7. Overtaking safely, means sitting back from the vehicle you want to get past so you have good visibility past it. Once you are certain the road is clear for a sufficient distance overtake cleanly and precisely with plenty of acceleration to get past in the shortest reasonable time. Don't get too close to the car in front before pulling out and don't chop back in front of the overtaken vehicle. Overtaking safely may mean going well over the speed limit - your call, but I certainly don't hesitate to do so. Be sure to back off once you're on your side of the road again. 8. Watch for kangaroos. Early in the morning or late in the evening is the worst time for them, they are most numerous during periods of drought when they come to eat plants growing in the drainage ditches beside the road. 9. Pay particular attention to stock on, or beside, the road as animals can suddenly move onto the road. Stop if need be, if the animals don't move out of the way of their own accord, drive forward at walking pace to persuade them to move over. If they are being tended by a drover follow their requests. 10. Wherever you stop, do a quick check of the car, paying particular attention to the tyres. If you are refuelling, wash the windscreen, headlights and brake lights. 11. Stop for a break about every two hours. Driving for longer periods can cause fatigue - and tiredness is probably the number one reason for otherwise inexplicable one-car crashes. I like to make use of the;Stop Revive Survive; stations which are set up during holiday periods by volunteers from bushfire brigades and similar organisations. 12. Give truck drivers a fair go by not crowding them when they can't travel as fast as your car. If they wish to overtake you, make it as easy as possible for them to do so.

Kia has launched the third generation of its Cerato five-door hatchback into the most crowded of all market segments in Australia. In recent years this South Korean carmaker has evolved into a producer of world class products with modern styling and high build quality.And there’s a touch of Europe in the lines of the new Cerato hatch, which is also wider, lower and has a longer wheelbase with shorter overhangs than the outgoing model.The $19,990 price of the entry-level Cerato S hatch is the same as that of the four-door sedan that was introduced back in April. Though it’s listed as being ‘plus on-road costs’, Kia in Australia is doing an introductory ‘driveaway’ offer, so the car is yours for $19,990. To be honest there are so many cars in this segment that don’t charge extra on-roads the Kia would have missed out on sales by not doing this.New Kia Cerato is well-equipped, with even the lowest cost S model getting cruise control, Bluetooth; Auxiliary and USB sockets; and steering wheel mounted controls.The mid-level Cerato Si gets 16-inch alloy wheels, smart key with push-button starting, chrome highlights on the body, a more upmarket interior trim; 4.3-inch display screen, a reversing camera and automatic headlights.Topline Cerato SLi has 17-inch alloys of a neatly sporting design, LED daytime running lights front and rear, leather trim, heated front seats with the driver's being powered, and dual-zone climate-control.Interestingly, satellite navigation isn’t standard on the Cerato SLi as had been anticipated. The importer reasons that many people already have a portable satellite navigation. So satellite navigation is on the options list, but only for the SLi, at $1000.Kia Cerato comes with a five year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Capped price servicing is offered for the five years or 75,000 km. Prices are different for each service and model, ranging from $261 to $496. We suggest contacting your Kia dealer for details.The gen-three Cerato features new petrol engines that trim fuel consumption and emissions in comparison to the superseded Cerato. The entry level Cerato S has a 1.8-litre unit producing up to 110kW of power and 178Nm of torque.The mid-level Cerato Si and topline SLi get a sophisticated direct-injection 2.0-litre petrol engine with 129kW and 209Nm. That torque figure is impressively high for an engine of this capacity, putting it up with the expensive German marques in efficiency. All three models offer a choice of manual or automatic transmission, both are six-speed units.Safety is strong on the list of items specified for Australia buyers. The Cerato hatch boasts a full five star ANCAP rating, with Electronic Stability Control with traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist; Emergency Stop Signal that activates the hazard lights under hard braking. Front and rear parking sensors prevent minor damage in tight situations. Six airbags prevent damage to people in major situations.The new Cerato, like all of the latest Australian Kia models, has considerable local input in the suspension department. It has an impressively smooth ride over corrugated roads.Handling is predictable and keen drivers will find there’s more feel and response in the Cerato that in most of its competitors from Asia. European it’s not, but this South Korean hatch comes a lot closer than you might expect.Some may find the ride firmer than they like, the endless compromise between ride and handling sees Cerato lean in the latter direction. Try for yourself by making sure your personal road test includes some rough and ready backroads.The all-new body has a solid feel that’s almost up there with the best of its European rivals in this class, with no squeak or rattles even on some pretty ordinary back roads we traversed during a Kia organised drive program out of the Gold Coast as part of the national launch.Though it’s classed as a small car in Australia, the Cerato five-door hatch really is a mid-sized machine that can be used as a family car. There’s enough legroom for four adults to sit comfortably, although it’s best if the rear occupants aren’t of above average height because Cerato’s sloping rear end does will infringe on headroom.This third generation Cerato is well worth consideration by all shopping in this increasingly crowded market segment.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used Volvo XC90 2002 - 2012.

The Holden Cruze hatchback was largely designed in Holden’s Melbourne studio. It’s built at the Holden plant in Adelaide, and has undergone extensive local engineering for Australian conditions.  That’s not the only good news for the Australian automotive industry; the Aussie designed Holden Cruze is made in various GM factories worldwide and is being sold in more than 60 countries, where it’s generally badged as a Chevrolet.This significant Australian input in the Cruze enhances the reputation of our local engineers and stylists and will stand our country in good stead as the future of the industry shakes out over the next few years.Holden Cruze comes with a choice of three body types (sedan, hatch and wagon) four engines and in four specification levels, Equipe, CDX, SRi and SRi-V. Our test car was the sporty SRi hatchback and we found it to have just about everything we want in a midsize car. The buyer looking for a touch of sportiness in a sensible family car will love it.The Holden Cruze SRi has five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, a body kit comprising front and rear fascias and side skirts, front foglamps, a shapely rear spoiler, chromed grille and chrome inserts in the door handles.Holden Cruze has Bluetooth connectivity and there’s voice recognition for a good range of functions. The six-speaker audio system with in-dash MP3 compatible CD player can be operated via steering wheel-mounted controls.  At night the instruments are bathed in a clear blue light that we found just right. The automatic headlights have a ‘follow-me home’ function and there’s remote keyless entry.Cruze also gets MyLink, Holden’s new infotainment system that’s standard across the range. In addition to being able to call up stored songs from a phone or MP3 player and FM/AM stations via the car radio, when a mobile device with 3G data connection is hooked up to the MyLink system, the driver will also be able to get streamed digital content from applications including Pandora music radio and Stitcher on-demand radio.Drivers can access Pandora through the MyLink touch-screen, streaming favourite radio stations as well as using the ‘thumb up’ and ‘thumb down’ buttons to tune station preferences or select music genres. They can also pick out the next track via a steering wheel button or the touch-screen controls. Via the Stitcher embedded app, drivers can choose from more than 15,000 news, comedy, sports and talk radio shows and podcasts from global broadcasters including NPR, CNN, Fox and the BBC.The previous entry-level Cruze CD was dropped from the range earlier this year, being replaced by the Equipe. Starting at $19,490, $2000 less than the model it replaces, it offers excellent value. Added features include foglamps, sports grille, 17-inch alloy wheels and rear park assist as standard.Cruze CDX (starting from $24,190) gains premium features including keyless entry with push button start and a reversing camera. The last is also added to the range-topping SRi-V (from $26,490), while the SRi sport model (from $22,490) gets rear park assist as standard.Those familiar with the Aussie made Holden Cruzes will recognise three engines from the Series II range – the 1.4-litre iTi and 1.8-litre petrol engines and 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel.  The MY14 Cruze introduces an additional engine, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol unit which is standard in the SRi and SRi-V sport models.  Average fuel consumption in our SRi test car was in the six to eight litres per 100 kilometres on easy country runs and motorways. The figure rises to nine to eleven litres around town if you’re combating commuting traffic.The cabin was welcoming and comfortable. The six-way adjustable driver and front passenger seats were appreciated. The seats have bolsters that support reasonably well in cornering, though you wouldn't call them true sportscar seats.  There’s good legroom for back-seat passengers, something that’s not always a given in this class of car.  There are twin fold-out centre drink holders for use in the front, but only two holders for the three riding in the back.A wide-opening rear hatch and low loading lip means easy access to the 413-litre boot. If you want a full-size spare wheel, it’s a no-cost option. But it cuts the boot space to 325 litres, though you pick up some of this with compartments under the floor providing nine litres of concealed stowage space. Luggage volume can be up to 1254 litres when the flat-folding 60/40 split rear-seat backs.The six-speed manual gearbox works well enough, though the ‘throw’ is rather long for our tastes. Having a manual helps to keep the engine on-song when you’re in a hurry. A six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select is also on the price list.Handling shows the Aussie influence of models for our local market. Ride is slightly firm to gain the best dynamics and we liked the way it remained reasonably neutral in its handling despite having front-wheel-drive. It responds promptly to steering and throttle inputs and corners safely at speeds that are unlikely to be reached by most owners.  A sports coupe it’s not, but Holden Cruze SRi provides an excellent machine for the family car driver that wants something more than mere transport.

Keen to enhance its image as a marque that produces passionate cars, Citroen has added a cabriolet to its DS3 range – which is exactly what we need as spring gets closer by the day.VALUEPriced from $30,990 (plus on roads) for the D-Style 1.6-litre petrol three-door cabriolet and $2000 more for the 1.6-litre turbocharged version – both of which are automatic transmissions – the little droptop is more expensive than its only real competitor, the Fiat 500 cabriolet, which starts in the low twenties.However, the DS3 is larger, with more interior space and a good sized boot. John Startari, the new chief of Citroen in Australia sees the Mini convertible as another competitor. However, the British open-top car is closer to $40,000 and doesn’t offer the same versatility of roof operation as the French and Italian cabriolets. All of which means the Citroen is operating in a wide niche when it comes to pricing.DESIGNUnlike the Fiat and Mini, the Citroen doesn’t use retro styling as a major selling feature. Indeed, the company says its ‘anti-retro’ and wants it cars to be futuristic.The biggest styling feature of the Citroen DS3 is the kick-up in the bodywork at the B-pillar. Now the addition of a folding roof, combined with a big range of accessories let owners of the cabriolet challenge convention in their car’s appearance.A real advantage of a cabriolet – as opposed to a convertible – is the lack of windrush in the interior because the sides of the car remain as in the standard body. Should the weather turn nasty the roof can be closed while the DS3 Cabrio is travelling at any speed below 120 km/h.To enable buyers to let their imaginations soar, Citroen has established a special ‘D-Zone’ in showrooms where owners can ‘commission’ their new babies. This has a relaxed lounge-room like setting where a big range of options and accessories is displayed or viewable on screens.As personalised items are added on the computer the buyer is given an estimated delivery date for the car. Should they find the time is stretching too far into the future they can modify the choices to bring things under control. Even so, it’s unlikely delivery will stretch beyond four months.ENGINESTwo standard models are on offer; the DS3 Cabrio D-Style, which has a 1.6-litre 88 kW engine and four-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, audio with a full range of connections, interior mood lighting, and an aromatic air freshener as part of the climate-control system.The DS3 Cabrio D-Sport has a turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine, producing 115 kW of power and a wide-spread of torque, sitting at 240 Nm from 1400 to 4000 revs, driving through a six-speed manual gearbox. There are 17-inch black-alloy wheels, satellite navigation, a carbon-look dashboard, an upgraded sound system, chrome-tipped twin exhausts.SAFETYA full suite of safety gear is installed in the Citroen DS3 range, including six airbags, resulting in a five-star rating in crash testing.DRIVINGHeadroom in the front is good, but that in the rear is marginal for adults. There’s reasonable legroom in the back, though it’s probably best left for children. Similarly, though it’s set up as five-seater, seat width is limited and three adults would find it pretty cramped.Our brightly coloured Citroen convoy certainly attracted the attention of bystanders and other motorists, showing the stylists have got the shape right. With the roof open all the way we experienced no wind buffeting worth worrying about – see the previous remarks about hairdos not being damaged. With the roof closed the DS3 cabriolet was almost as quiet as the hatchback variant.Handling is very good for a front-drive car and remained pretty neutral until high cornering forces were generated. Then it scrubbed off speed in understeer to bring it back on line. Electronic stability is there should someone make a big mistake in cornering far too fast. Steering feedback is good and the DS cab is happy to change direction in a nimble fashion.While the seats have a sporty look the distance between the bolsters is pretty wild so they don’t offer a lot of support for people of average width.Engine performance from the non-turbo engine in the D-Style is nothing to get excited about, but the four-speed automatic transmission does a good job of changing down when required for added urge. The turbo engine in the D-Sport is much better and sings along nicely, being responsive and happy to rev.VERDICTWell priced and highly specified, the new Citroen DS3 cabriolet adds another option for buyers looking for a fun machine that can be highly personalised. We can see this bright and airy model having a bright future downunder. Citroen DS3 CabrioPrice: from $30,990 (D-Style) $32,990 (D-Sport)Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or turbo petrol, 88kW/160Nm, 115kW/240NmTransmission: four-speed auto (D-Style), six-speed manual (D-Sport)Thirst: 6.7L/100km (D-Style), 5.9L/100km (D-Sport)

Life is tough for those selling car marques operating in the mid-price range in Australia. Their problem is that the Asian makers are trying to lift themselves upmarket, while the big-three German prestige brands are moving down into smaller models at relatively low price points.Peugeot, the world’s oldest car name, is caught in the pincers between these two dissimilar groups. So the French maker has come out fighting by going boots and all into the hot-hatch arena.Peugeot’s 205 GTi was one of the major players in this exciting field way back in the 1980s, a stunning little machine with superb handling and a highly responsive engine, the 205 GTi is still looked back on with affection by we motoring journos who were there at the time.But Peugeot lost its way after the 205 GTi, producing what might be termed ‘lukewarm-hatches’ in the 206 and 207 ranges. Which was strange because during that period the company was heavily involved in the big-end of motorsport; particularly in long-distance endurance events (including Le Mans), off-road rallies (Dakar), hill-climbs (Pikes Peak) even dabbling in Formula One for a while.However, that quiet era has passed and Peugeot is back in the hot-hatch arena with a bang. Witness the introduction of the 208 GTi, a genuine high-performance car aimed at full-on car enthusiasts.TECHNOLOGYPeugeot 208 GTi has a highly tuned 200 horsepower (147 kW in non-performance speak) turbocharged engine stuffed under its shapely nose. This petrol unit produces up to 275 Newton metres of torque at just 1750 rpm.The engine only sits beside a six-speed manual gearbox as Peugeot feels the true driver is more than happy to make their own decisions on gear ratios. Sure, a double-clutch auto might prove faster, but it doesn’t offer the same pleasure as full manual gear shifting.DESIGNStyling of the three-door French hot-hatch is seriously modified from that of the standard 208. As well as the lowered suspension and a bold body kit it carries numerous items of bling on its body.Inside, there are race-style seats, leather trim on the handbrake lever – and healthy dashes of red highlights in various placed, including the instrument dials, the centre console and door sill panels.A controversial feature of the Peugeot 208 range is the tiny steering wheel’s position. While all like the size and that little bit of extra controllability it offers, some find it blocks their view of the instruments. It’s obviously a personal thing, but make sure you check it out during your own test drive.SAFETYSafety is looked after by the usual suite of active and passive devices, which include six airbags. An unusual feature is that the hazard warning flashers come on under heavy braking.DRIVING We road and track tested the 208 GTi over glorious mountain roads behind the Gold Coast and at the racetrack-like training facility among the cane-fields at Norwell.On the road sections the little Pug was a sheer delight. The engine has torque to spare in almost all conditions, responds virtually instantly to the throttle and is happy to rev to the top end of the tacho. Handling of the Peugeot 208 GTi is excellent and its light weight, just 1130 kg, makes it nicely nimble through the twisty bits.At the Norwell track we were assisted by a couple of professional racing drivers – Jason Bright and Andrew Jones – and took the lovely little French flyers to extremes. They are predictable and easy to control even when taken to their limits.The brakes did get very hot in these harsh conditions, so Peugeot 208 GTi won’t be a track-day car without better brake pads. It’s not exactly alone in this, it’s just that we feel you should be warned because plenty of you are going to be tempted by track driving.VERDICTWell priced at $29,990, Peugeot 208 GTi offers style, smile-inducing dynamic and powertrain performance that should guarantee it sits high on the shortlist of hot-hatch buyers.Peugeot 208 GTiPrice: from $29,900Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 147W/275NmTransmission: 6-speed man; FWDThirst: 5.9L/100km, 98RON