Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Having driven the Lexus LFA supercar at Sandown Raceway last year we were well aware of the stunning capabilities of this aristocratic Japanese automobile manufacturer.Noted initially for superbly built but somewhat bland vehicles, Lexus has shown its LFA to be the harbinger of a whole range of raw-edged premium product. Now comes the subject the car that’s the next step in the Lexus line-up, the GS 350.VALUEOur car was an F Sport, which, at $107,497, falls in the middle of the new GS 350 range and it let us relive the sheer delight of our LFA track time. Information - there is a stack of this - is presented to the driver on an 8-inch LCD colour screen on the central dashboard. A cursor can be navigated around the screen by means of a joystick on the centre console to seek out the info required.A high resolution image is also projected from the rear-view camera to which reversing guidance is added, while driving information such as speed, gearshift position, tachometer, navigation instructions and pre-collision warning can be shown by a new vertically adjustable head-up display projected onto the lower windscreen directly in the driver’s line of sight.All passengers can ‘plug in’ to entertainment from a Pioneer 12-speaker, 299-Watt Lexus premium audio system, while all the latest connectivity kit - USB and AUX inputs for iPods or USB flash drives to play MP3/WMA files - are at their disposal.TECHNOLOGYThe 3.5-litre engine of the GS 350 produces 27 per cent more power (233 kW) and 22 per cent more torque (378 Nm) than the previous Lexus GS 300, plus improved fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions.Mated with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift the GS 350 is capable of reaching 100 km/h from rest in 6.0 seconds on the way to a top speed of 235 km/h. Expect F Sport fuel consumption to drop under 8 litres per 100 km cruising on the open road. But in built-up areas the V6 can take care of close to double that volume of fuel.DESIGNIt’s easy to spot the Lexus LFA supercar DNA in the GS 350 F Sport jigsaw - large mesh side grilles, with central upper and lower grille helping to gulp cooling air into the engine compartment. That, and the daytime running lights, present an aggressive face to oncoming traffic.Airflow is put to work in other ways with ‘aerodynamic damping’ in which air is brought closer to the body to help control vehicle stability and enhance handling. A clever design of rear spoiler, narrow panel gaps and minimal protrusions add to aerodynamic efficiency.As well as the exclusive front grille and bumper, and F Sport badging, the GS 350 F Sport models feature a grey metallic paint finish to the rear diffuser, providing a backdrop to large dual exhaust outlets. The sporty look is finished off by dark coloured 10-spoke, 19-inch alloy wheels incorporating black Lexus ‘L’ logo centres.The Lexus F Sport is a four-door, five-seat sedan/coupe, whose interior includes matching door and seat upholstery that can be optioned in Garnet (red), along with textured aluminium highlights. While occupants settle into 20-way electrically adjustable front bucket seats, the driver can take advantage of an LFA-inspired dimpled steering wheel and gear knob, and aluminium pedals and dashboard trim. Exclusive F Sport decor is completed by black logo scuff plates and steering wheel badging.SAFETYAll Lexus GS models have 10 airbags and take advantage of the active safety features of ABS anti-skid brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control all controlled by the advanced Lexus Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management system.Other safety aids include a blind spot monitor and radar warning of other vehicles in the vicinity, plus auto high-beam headlights which automatically dip when detecting an oncoming vehicle or rounding a bend. A further system keeps an eye out for driver fatigue.DRIVINGLexus’ advanced ride and handling were augmented on the test vehicle by a couple of high-tech systems which contribute greatly to safety, driving satisfaction and convenience. Drive Mode Select allows the driver to choose between ‘Eco’, ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ putting emphasis on the car's environmental efficiency or dynamic abilities.In ‘Eco’ even the climate control temperature, airflow volume and seat heater activation are regulated, further reducing fuel consumption; in ‘Sport’ the powertrain is geared towards more responsive driving inputs, including throttle response and engine characteristics; ‘Sport+’ works on steering and chassis control for an even more sporty drive.The Eco mode, as expected, was as economical with driving excitement as it was with fuel use, Sport and Sport+ being the mode of choice for more direct contact with the GS 350’s driving style. After all, this was the F Sport.The new F Sport also has rear-wheel steering for the first time on a Lexus in Australia. The Lexus-devised Dynamic Rear Steering turns the rear wheels the opposite way to the front wheels at speeds up to approximately 80 km/h, for tighter turns and increased cornering performance. The turning circle is cut by almost half a metre at parking speeds.Above approximately 80 km/h, the front and rear wheels turn in the same direction for increased high-speed stability and a more natural-feeling vehicle posture in high-speed corners. The tendency to oversteer is also avoided.In Sport and Sport+ this steering function really came into its own with sharp turn-in and reduced body roll on fast bends, while the GS 350 - at nearly five metres long and two metres wide – backed up the confidence to tuck in to some tight parking spots.Paddle shifting, using the Sports Program Direct Shift from the Lexus IS F, produced a particularly pleasing fast shift pattern with throttle blipping on the downshift. The paddles work in both manual and automatic modes.VERDICTSuch is the all-new Lexus GS 350 F Sport’s comprehensive set-up it allowed driver (and passengers) to experience many facets of travel – from that of stately luxury sedan to out-and-out raw-edged sportscar rush.Lexus GS 350 F SportPrice: from $107,497Warranty: four years/100,000 kmEngine: 3.5-litre 6-cylinder, 233 kW/ 378 NmTransmission: six-speed sequential automatic transmissionThirst: 9.7 L/100km, CO2 emissions 225 g/km0-100 km/h: 6.0 seconds

Volkswagen has upgraded its Amarok utility with the addition of a single cab and automatic transmission options, together with increased power. All features that are sure to expand the appeal of this popular vehicle to trade buyers.TECHNOLOGYVolkswagen Australia launched the first auto Amarok this week, opting not to use VW's own DSG transmission in favour of the eight-speed ZF torque converter box much more suited to off-road work than the harsher dual clutch transmission. The ZF option adds $3000 to the bottom line over the six speed manual variants. At the same time Volkswagen launched a single cab range to bolster Amarok's dual cab, launched 18 months ago. All models are powered by 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or petrol engines with varying power and torque outputs.Until now Amarok only came with a six-speed manual shifter, limiting sales for the non-workhorse or sports/leisure buyers. An eight-speed auto is a first for the segment, eclipsing the new Mazda BT50/Ford Ranger duo that offers a six speed auto. The new transmission adds to Amarok's braked towing ability with auto models able to haul 3000 kg, a figure that now applies across the range.The ZF transmission has a crawler first gear, enabling it to rock hop like a traditional 4WD, tow heavy loads, as well as climb steep inclines – while eighth gear is an overdrive. This allows the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel to saunter along at 1800 rpm while cruising at 110 km/h giving excellent fuel consumption.Even before the addition of the ZF auto transmission Amarok was the most refined of all the dual cabs, including the new – and highly capable – Ford Ranger/ Mazda BT50 duo. The option of the transmission and associated off-road technology takes Amarok to a new level, more SUV-like, and also has technical implications for the so-called soft-roaders with small four-cylinder engines.At the same time Volkswagen upped both power and torque in the 2.0-litre bi-turbo-charged four cylinder engine from 120 kW to 132 kW. Torque for the auto shifter leaps to 420 Nm, while the manual variant remains at 400 Nm. Fuel consumption drops to 7.6 litres/100km.Volkswagen uses the same 2.0 litre high-torque engines found in the Amarok dual cab range, the TSI300, TDI340 and TDI400. (These figures relate to torque output). Buyers can choose between rear wheel drive or 4MOTION AWD with low range in the TDI400 only. All have a six speed manual shifter. Recognising the workhorse role that single cab utes play Volkswagen offer a standard electronic differential lock plus on 4MOTION models a standard mechanical diff lock on the rear diff, while a rear diff lock is a $790 option on 2WD models.DESIGNThe new single cab Amarok range completes the Amarok stable in Australia. The single cab utilises the same vehicle length and wheelbase as the dual cab Amarok, but the tray bed is 2205 mm long – 650 mm longer than the dual cab - and wide enough to load pallets. The tray can take two pallets loaded sideways and still has 60 centimetres spare length.The load gap between the arches is 1.22 metres. The all-up total area is 3.57 cubic metres while there are six load-lashing rings fitted as standard. A Volkswagen Australia designed tray sells for around $2100 fully fitted by VW dealerships. There's also enough space behind the seats to store small luggage, lap tops etc.TOWINGThe single cab has a heavy duty suspension able to carry a payload of between 1174 kg and 1394 kg depending on the model. Towing is rated at 3000 kg with 300 kg of downball weight. Across the Amarok range stability control and brake assist are standard.DRIVINGThe transmission has three modes, drive, sport and manual and is connected to Volkswagen's proven 4Motion AWD system. In manual AWD Amarok models the low-range transfer case remains for the 4Motion system.The addition of an eight-speed ZF transmission to the Volkswagen Amarok utility could revolutionise modern thinking when it comes to commercial workhorse/recreational vehicles. Without the benefit of a heavy and costly transfer case with low range options, the new automatic Amarok made a mockery of the steep hill climbs – even without the assistance of the standard rear differential lock. The Amarok off-road package includes a button that activates hill descent assist. This is also clever technology that allows the driver to select the hill assist speed required for the descent. We set the speed in various situations between as little as 3 km/h up to 30 km/h, just by feathering the brake pedal. It is a brilliant system for crawling down the steepest of inclines.VALUEAfter three days of putting the Amarok auto through the ringer there is only one conclusion: Volkswagen's auto Amarok changes the goal posts for the commercial and recreational/sports utility segment.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 Jaguar X-Type as a used buy.

Toyota has turned the game around with its new fuel efficient Prius C. Aiming at keeping prices down, it also costs up to $6000 less than its nearest rival.VALUEFor $23,990 the buyer receives the base model that the maker claims returns fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. The Prius C comes in two versions of the five-door hatch; the entry-level at $23,990 and the i-Tech top dog for an extra $3000.Standard features include keyless entry and start, automatic air-conditioning, 6.1-inch touch-screen display audio, CD player, Bluetooth audio streaming and phone connectivity, USB port with iPod connectivity, a 3.5-inch colour-screen multi-information display, 15-inch wheels with a full-size spare, cruise control, foglamps, power windows and mirrors, and 60/40 split-fold rear seat.The Prius C i-Tech also gets satellite navigation with live traffic updates, alloy wheels, self-levelling LED headlamps with washers, power retractable exterior mirrors, a larger rear spoiler, premium seat coverings and interior trim.TECHNOLOGYNot surprisingly, performance of the Prius C takes a back seat to fuel economy, the efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 45 kW electric motor combining to put out a combined 74 kW of power. The petrol engine delivers 54 kW of power at 4800 rpm and 111 Nm of torque at 4000 revs.The maker puts fuel consumption of just 3.9 litres/100 km in the combined city / country cycle. Best we managed was 3.3 litres/100 km on the highway and worst was almost twice that around town. A big help is stop/start technology which has the petrol engine switched off when the vehicle is stationary, coasting or braking, and when it is reversing.DESIGNToyota has brought the Prius into line in the form of a standard hatchback. The Prius C maintains the look of its Yaris sibling up front, but beyond that the ‘C’ is pretty much on its own until it gets to the rear lamp display which harks back to Prius origins. Aerodynamic performance is enhanced by stabilising fins on the tail-lights and side mirror fittings, while front and rear underside covers further boost aerodynamic performance. The windscreen wiper blades are also aerodynamically crafted.SAFETYWith active and passive safety features standard in both model grades, the Prius C is designed to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Active safety includes an electronically controlled braking system to blend regenerative and friction braking. It also has ABS anti-skid braking with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control and hill-start assist.The Prius C passive safety package has seven airbags, force-limiting and pre-tensioning front seatbelts, outboard rear seatbelts, and seatbelt reminders for the front seats.HYBRID SYSTEMTo say the Toyota Prius C has a multi-information display with a range of features designed to encourage and make fuel-efficient driving easy is like calling a modern computer a plug-in abacus. Standard on both grades, Toyota says this grab-bag of functions is designed to help those who are new to hybrid cars get better acquainted with the technology and allows the driver to interact with the car as much or as little as he or she likes.Encyclopedic, its contents include a Hybrid System Indicator, Energy Monitor, Eco Score, Eco Savings, Eco Savings Record and Five-Minute Consumption all presented on a 3.5-inch thin film transistor display flanked by the speedo and warning light array. Each can be accessed in turn by means of a touch-button on the steering-wheel hub.The Hybrid System Indicator, for example, shows how the driver's foot is treating the accelerator pedal. In three zones, ‘Charge’ is when the battery is being recharged from regenerative braking; ‘Eco’ when the vehicle is driven in a fuel-efficient manner; and ‘Power’ when the car is not being driven economically, such as in hard acceleration.The Energy Monitor shows the flow of power between the petrol engine, electric motor, hybrid battery and front wheels. This function also includes the time, a trip meter and average fuel economy. Eco Score compares the driver's fuel-efficiency with the past 100 trips as well as rating driver habits in the areas of ‘Start’, accelerating from a standing start; ‘Cruise’, normal driving; ‘Stop’, regenerating energy during braking.Eco Savings calculates the cost of each trip, based on the price of petrol entered by the driver. Supplementary screens show the price per kilometre and how much fuel and money is being saved against values entered for another car. Eco Savings Record enables fuel consumption and savings to be compared for each of the most recent four months as well as one year ago.The Five-Minute Consumption area includes an instant fuel-economy gauge and also has a bar chart that displays fuel use for the past 30 minutes in five-minute intervals.DRIVINGPerformance is far from being lethargic, yet is wanting when pushed hard. However, the shortcomings can be forgiven in the face of the deceleration of dough from the owner’s wallet. The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut design, the rear with a tuned torsion beam. Coil spring and shock-absorber characteristics have been tuned to get the best out of handling, turning and ride.The fuel tank and hybrid battery in the Prius C are positioned under the rear seat, so there is ample legroom for all five occupants and a generous 260 litres (to the top of the seat backs) of luggage space in the boot. However, we would baulk at being one of the trio in the back on a long trip with limited shoulder space, and any friendship amongst the kids could be strained in a battle for the single drinkholder there.

Those who don’t like being stared at should steer clear of buying a Veloster. Reaction from onlookers can vary from the double take to serious jaw dropping: the Veloster just won’t be ignored.VALUEWith a starting price of just $23,990 for the six-speed manual, it’s no wonder the little Hyundai is selling so well in its early days. An upmarket Veloster + costs an extra $2000, while six-speed double-clutch automatic versions adds a further $2000.The well-specced standard Veloster’s price includes premium audio featuring AUX/USB input; seven-inch LCD touch screen with integrated rear-view camera, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, cruise control and rear park assist.It also has hill-start assist on DCT equipped models – which doesn’t make sense, it’s the manual model that needs assistance for clumsy drivers, not the automatic.The topline Hyundai Veloster + adds a panoramic glass sunroof, projector beam headlamps, smart key with push button start, heated door mirrors, leather/leatherette seats, power driver’s seat and upgraded instrument cluster.TECHNOLOGYUnder the bonnet is an all-new Hyundai Gamma 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the smallest Hyundai powerplant to use Petrol (Gasoline) Direct Injection (GDI), providing greater fuel efficiency and durability with reduced noise, vibration and harshness.The engine puts out peak power of 103 kW at 6300 rpm and maximum torque of 166 Nm at 4850 revs with an estimated combined fuel economy of just 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres. On a trip of predominantly highway driving the Veloster + test car recorded a low 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres, while on city commutes the best it came up with was the seven-plus mark.DESIGNHyundai Veloster is something cleverly different in its design. Kerbside, there are two doors as in any five-door hatch; but on the right-hand side there’s a single door in the manner of a two-door coupe. Talk about a talking point – everyone who saw the car wanted to enthuse over the doors.The front has a touch of aggression thanks to the use of the Hyundai corporate radiator grille. In profile the driver’s side is pure coupe with its single door and arching roof; kerbside the rear passenger door is fitted with a concealed handle to try and hide the fact that the car has a rear door.The look from the rear is complex, with a range of geometric shapes including triangles and trapeziums all coming to a focus on low-set centrally situated twin chrome-tipped exhausts.DRIVINGWe sampled a Veloster + manual and found it to be an adequate performer without it serving up the enjoyment of that extra edge found with a genuine sporty coupe. Vision behind from the driver’s seat is good considering the steeply raked rear window. This is helped by the absence of a centre back seat and its head rest. The standard reversing camera is a great guide to what’s behind the vehicle when going in that direction. The deep set rear seats are separated by dual drinkholders and offer limited views through small side windows. Kids may not be able to see much to the side if they are still on the short side.On the other hand, the two-piece panoramic glass roof directly overhead gives them a view of the sky, tree tops, tall buildings and the like. Inside, the extensive range of instruments and controls is simply set out and, together with the multi-function sports-style steering wheel, makes driving easy. The short-throw gearshift only adds to the stress-free atmosphere.The centre console is meant to continue the motorcycle theme with a layout aping a sports bike fuel tank, with air vents like tailpipes and a base mirroring the seat of a bike. Acceleration of the Veloster + is average rather than adventurous. A turbocharged model is getting close to joining this standard model in Australia and should make all the difference.There is no arguing with the sporty Hyundai’s ability to stick to the road. Its suspension has been specially calibrated for Australian conditions and drivers’ likes. The feeling through the steering is nicely balanced with good turn in and understeer not rearing its head until the car is going pretty hard.VERDICTWhichever way you look at it this attention grabbing Hyundai is a competent, cool coupe-cum-hatchback.Hyundai Veloster +Price: $27,990Warranty: 5 year/unlimited kmResale: N/AService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: temporary steelEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 103kW/166NmTransmission: 6-speed man; FWDBody: 4.2m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1700kgThirst: 6.4/100km; 153g/km CO2

The new Audi five-door A1 Sportback range starts with an entry level model at just $26,500, before on-road costs. This smallest of Audi sportback models is powered by a 1.2-litre TFSI engine, similar to that found in the Volkswagen Polo, with slightly different mapping. In the Audi the engine puts out 63 kW of power and 160 Nm of torque while in the small VW it is 77 kW and 175 Nm of torque. This bargain-basement Audi can cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in 11.1 seconds and has combined fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km. For Audi the A1 in both three-door and five-door variants is an important model, bringing new customers to the brand with affordable pricing. "The A1 has introduced an entirely new group of customers to the Audi brand and we are currently in the lead in the segment after 18 months of sales," said Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen. "The progressive new Sportback variant is expected to find favour with Australian buyers thanks to the versatility of easy access to the rear seats as an additional feature of a great compact premium vehicle," he said. The 1.2-litre A1 comes with a sporty manual shifter and is expected to appeal to young, urban-dwelling professionals, young families and as a second family car. All variants offer fuel consumption under 6.0 litres/100 km. The Sportback has the same length and width as the three-door, but headroom has been extended by 11 mm. Instead of the typical long coupe doors the four passenger doors fit within the same cabin length. Other A1 variants in the Sportback range include a 1.6 litre TDI (diesel) engine with 66 kW and fuel consumption of a miserly 3.8 litres/100 km and a 1.4 litre TFSI petrol engine with 90 kW and 200 Nm of torque with combined fuel consumption of 5.4 litres/100 km. The 1.4 TFSI `Sport' engine completes the A1 Sportback range with 136 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque that sees the variant spring to 100 km/h from a standing start in just 7.0 seconds. Audi has priced the five door model to sell by offering all models at the same basic price point as the three door variants. "The Audi A1 range represents important volume potential for Audi in Australia," said Mr Hagen. With the rear seats folded the A1 Sportback has cargo space of 920 litres while, with all seats in the usual position, cargo space is 270 litres. The rear pew, that seats three, has a 60/40 split for versatility. Safety is covered by stability control with a cross axle locking system, six full-size airbags and the comfort of knowing it has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Stop-Start technology is available on most models. Audi’s A1 comes with two trim levels, Attraction and Ambition. All models have a 6.5-inch folding screen, Bluetooth interface with music streaming capabilities, cruise control, eight speakers, driver information system, light and rain sensors and multi-function sports leather steering wheel. This latest addition to the Audi A1 range looks set to sell its stylish socks of due not only to its very attractive price but also to the way it can be tailored to your tastes in many different ways. Just beware of sudden price increases when you do hit the personalisation buttons. PRICE GUIDE A1 Sportback 1.2 TFSI Attraction: from $26,500 (manual) A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Attraction: from $29,900 (manual), $32,250 (S tronic) A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Ambition: from $33,450 (manual), $35,800 (S tronic) A1 Sportback 1.6 TDI Attraction: from $29,900 (manual), $32,250 (S tronic) A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI Sport: from $42,500 (S tronic)  

Holden has added a number of features to its Captiva SUV range in a mid-year upgrade planned to keep it close to the head of the sales race. Particularly impressive are fuel consumption decreases of up to 10 per cent in the two petrol engines. Emissions have been significantly reduced at the same time. These changes have been achieved without any increase in the recommended prices. Adding to the savings is the offer of driveway pricing as an introductory incentive. Driveaway price for the Captiva 5 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol with manual transmission is a mere $27,990. As part of the special introductory deal it comes with a sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels (however, the spare wheel is made from steel). The Captiva 7 SX when fitted with the 2.4-litre petrol and automatic transmission is priced at $33,990. It has a sunroof and side steps. All Captiva petrol engines now have flex-fuel capability, giving owners the choice to refuel with bio-ethanol, E10, unleaded, premium or any combination of the above. Bio-ethanol, usually called E85, is a fuel consisting of up to 85 per cent ethanol - a renewal fuel - with the balance being petrol. It is a cleaner-burning fuel that can enhance vehicle performance and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40 per cent, compared to petrol. Updates to the Holden Captiva range for 2012 include safety and luxury features. Rear park assist is now standard on the Captiva 7 SX while heated front seats and front park assist are now standard on the top of the range Captiva 7 LX. The five-seat Holden Captiva 5 has a 2000 kg towing capacity when the big 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine is installed. Though the Captiva is sourced from GM Korea (formerly Daewoo) it had considerable input in both body design and mechanical components by Australian Holden staff. The Holden Captiva 7 is proving popular in the sales race, with many buyers praising the versatile interior which offers no fewer than 32 seat/luggage combinations. Interior comfort is good for four adults and three children, but it can cope with seven adults at a bit of a squeeze. Boot capacity is limited with all seats occupied. The third row of seats fold neatly beneath the floor, the second row can be folded flat with a single movement. The front passenger seat flips over for extra long-load space or a flat desktop. Holden engineers worked on improving Captiva’s handling for the 2011 model and it has good cornering feel and less body roll than many in the Asian class. Steering is reasonably sharp and the feedback it offers is good. Having said that, it still lags behind the European SUVs in its on-road dynamics. Holden Captiva is also sold with an economical diesel engine with a capacity of 2.2 litres. Fuel consumption has been trimmed slightly, with improvements in the five per cent range. Exceptional pricing combined with Australian styling and on-road dynamics seem sure to have buyers queuing up for the revamped Holden Captiva SUVs.  

The VW Passat CC, the first four-door coupe in its market segment, has been replaced by a new model, this time simply called the Volkswagen CC. Volkswagen wants the CC to have its own separate identity in the automotive world.VALUEThe Volkswagen CC is priced to go up against the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The CC 125 TDI starts at $54,990, the V6 FSI $64,990. And with a long list of options, buyers are invited to add their own touches of exclusivity.The classy car only goes to add a further dimension to the ever expanding luxury sedan market. These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Volkswagen dealer for drive-away prices.Standard features are comprehensive and include driver fatigue detection, satellite navigation, rear-view camera and front comfort head restraints with added front-rear adjustment.There is more help for the driver with an assistance package that includes Side Assist and Lane Assist, which warn of vehicles in blind spots if you haven’t set the mirrors correctly, and prevents unintentional wandering between lanes by intervening in steering. There’s even Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist, and City Emergency Brake function.Optional features include active climate control and ventilated front seats with black Nappa leather upholstery that now incorporate a massage function. There’s room for three people in the back.TECHNOLOGYThe car comes with the choice of two engines – a 3.6-litre V6 FSI petrol putting out 220 kW of power at 6600 rpm and a 2.0-litre TDI common-rail turbo-diesel delivering 125 kW. Both engines produce 350 Nm of torque, the petrol between 2400 and 5300 rpm, the diesel from a low 1750 revs.The V6 power is put to the ground via VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Both engines are mated with a six-speed DSG double-clutch automatic with semi-manual mode using the gear lever or steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.Volkswagen’s tests show petrol power can have the CC travelling at 100 km/h from rest in a nippy 5.6 seconds after takeoff. The diesel will hit the same target in 8.6 seconds. Countering this, fuel consumption is put at 9.7 litres per 100 kilometres (petrol) and 5.7 litres/100 km (diesel) in combined city and highway driving. Emissions are 215 grams per kilometre of carbon dioxide, for the petrol, and 150 g/km, the diesel.DESIGNNaturally, the all-new CC follows the trend of the latest Volkswagen design DNA. From the side it offers sleek and uncluttered lines, starting with the redesigned bonnet and bumper which add a powerful profile. While frameless doors have been left alone in their shape, the sills connecting the wheel arches are more sculpted and bring focus to the car’s squat silhouette.The radiator grille and bonnet have been revised, with the addition of bi-xenon headlamps incorporating a cornering function and with LED daytime running lights completing the picture. Out the back there are more straight-line surfaces and horizontal lines than on the previous model, while the large VW logo acts as the boot handle and houses the rear-view camera.New LED lights are distinctive, clearly visible and fast acting. The petrol powered model is distinguishable from the diesel by the tailpipe set-up, the petrol having chrome tips and being divided on the left and right of the vehicle, the diesel outlets being twinned on the left.Despite the coupe-like sleek exterior, cabin headroom has not been compromised – 955 mm (949 mm with panoramic glass roof) in the front and 922 mm in the rear.The Volkswagen CC offers keyless access to the cabin. The boot can be opened by the holder of the fob performing a kicking movement close to the rear of the car so they can open it even when both hands are carrying stuff. It brings a whole new meaning to ‘boot scoot’.Soft touch cabin surroundings and leather upholstered front seats confirm the continuation of the exterior quality of the car, while an optional ambient lighting system is designed to provide a relaxing lounge-like atmosphere at night.DRIVINGWith the watery winter Tassie sun fighting to burn off the low lying morning mist and remnants of overnight ice on the roads, members of the Australian motoring media set off on a drive from Hobart up the east coast of the island. It was four degrees Celsius outside; inside the cosy yet spacious cabin that fact was hardly noticeable.The petrol powered sedan served up fuel consumption of a tad over 10 litres per 100 kilometres in spite of some spirited driving, while the diesel weighed in with around six litres per 100 kilometres under similar conditions.In both cases the cars came up with what can only be described as a pleasant drive thanks to extremely good manners in not the easiest of conditions – damp surfaces on narrow, twisty country roads shared at times with slow moving trucks and agricultural equipment, plus the downtown drag of other road users wending their way, seemingly with much reluctance, to work.

A new home and a new family waiting to move in – that’s what’s on the agenda for the Fiat Chrysler Group in Australia right now with the new, almost-finished HQ at Port Melbourne being the scene recently for the launch of the company’s latest 300 range of large sedans.Along with the new 300s come the first eight-speed automatic transmission in a large car costing less than $70,000, a choice of V6 petrol or diesel power, or V8 petrol, a dynamic suspension, more than 60 advanced safety and security features, carbon fibre and wood grain finishes and Napa leather upholstery.Kicking off the Chryslers is the 300 Limited, then comes the 300C, the 300C Luxury and the range-topping SRT8. Prices start at $43,000 for the petrol Limited, the diesel adds $5000, and top out at $66,000 for the Hemi V8 SRT8.Power is supplied by a choice of three engines – V6 petrol and diesel and a V8 Hemi petrol, all driving through the rear wheels.The entry level 300 Limited is powered by Chrysler’s 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6 engine producing 210kW of power and 340Nm of torque. It’s mated with the all-new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, providing greater fuel efficiency with powerful performance via an all-new electronic e-shifter.The motor, says the maker, will return fuel efficiency of 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres in urban driving and 6.7 L/100 km on the highway, covering the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7 seconds. The V6 diesel, mated with the standard five-speed automatic transmission, returns 9.5 L/100 km in town and 5.7 L/100 km on the highway. With 550 Nm of peak torque on tap from a low 1800 rpm it will propel the 300 from rest to 100 km/h in 7.8 sec, on its way to a top speed of 230 km/h. Topping off the power plants is the all-new 6.4-litre Hemi V8, one of the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8s, punching out 347 kW at 6100 rpm and 631 Nm of torque at a low 4150 rpm. A combined fuel consumption cycle of 13.0 L/100 km, with carbon dioxide emissions of 303 g/km is claimed.I get the impression the cabin is more open than in its predecessor; an impression that’s backed up by the addition of a quarter-light in the rear doors resulting in a six-window design that, along with a lower belt line and thinner pillars, increases visibility by 15 per cent. The upper windscreen edge is 76 mm higher, providing improved visibility at traffic signals.The Chrysler 300’s Electronic Vehicle Information Centre is an interactive colour display in the instrument cluster that allows the driver to select and customise  settings such as fuel economy, distance to empty, engine temperature, fluid levels and tyre pressure.It’s well accepted by automobile manufacturers that cars without sufficient cupholders go nowhere. Centre console-mounted slots in the 300 range have heating (red lighting) and cooling (blue lighting) capacity.As before, there’s nothing restrained about the exterior, a high beltline supporting a larger body-to-side glass proportion than before; flared arches providing a perfect frame for 18-inch (300 Limited and 300C) or 20-inch aluminium wheels (available 300C, standard 300C Luxury and SRT8). There’s chrome on every corner and then some.A raft of safety features has already earned the Chrysler 300 the top rating from the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in front, side, rollover and rear crash tests. As well as Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control, standard safety features include full-length side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side thorax airbags, driver’s knee airbag, dual front seat belt pre-tensioners and front reactive head restraints.With discs all round, ABS anti-skid brakes have Brake Assist, Ready Alert Braking and Rain Brake Support, the last of which gently applies brakes to dry out the discs when the wipers are working. Hill Start Assist holds the brakes on inclines to prevent the vehicle rolling backwards. Keyless entry is operated by the holder of the fob merely tugging the door handle. Doors close with an assuring clunk. Starting the engine is by means of a dash-mounted button when the foot brake is depressed.Battery charge and tyre pressure monitoring impart an added feeling of security, while a reversing camera image is projected on to an 8.4-inch touch screen – the largest in class – with guidelines for easy manoeuvring in limited space.All were tried out on a track and road day on and around Phillip Island in conditions that were more conducive to wading than driving. The rain was a constant companion throughout the proceedings, reining in performance on the track in an SRT8. Even so, the rear-wheel drive V8 showed its potential when powering out of corners, wheels spinning freely, the tail wagging enthusiastically. Easing off, the electronic stability control was quick to bring things back in order. On the road the 300C, in diesel and petrol versions, provided a smooth, quiet and relaxed ride. Any rough edges have been ironed out in design and development. The Yanks have come up with less tank, more carriage.The feel and grip of the four-spoke thick-rimmed steering wheel have been enhanced and comes standard with tilt/telescope adjustment for driving comfort. The wheel incorporates cruise control or adaptive cruise control buttons on the front, audio controls on the rear. At night, HID Bi-xenon headlamps project three times the brightness of conventional headlights, while an adaptive system moves the beams from left to right in line with vehicle speed and steering wheel input and is self levelling in keeping with crests and dips in the road.

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 1995, 1997, 2007, 2009 and 2011 Nissan Micra as a used buy.