Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Audi has added a third member of its ‘Q’ SUV family in Australia. The all-new Audi Q3 is smaller than its older brothers, the Q5 and Q7, but carries the same styling theme.Thus resulting in a ‘matched-luggage’ look with each car looking like a slightly enlarged version of the others as the numbers rise.DESIGNWhile this looks excellent when you see the Audi SUVs neatly arranged side by side, it resulted in a complete lack of notice by the general public. Normally on the drive program for a launch in Australia more than one bystander or fellow motorist will give the new vehicle a long and hard stare.Then probably point it out to others as we cruise past. Or call out to us at red lights and ask, “Is that the new (whatever)?” This is then followed by positive - occasionally negative - comments on the all-new model.With the Audi Q3 – nothing. Which must be a disappointment to the design team, because despite the obvious similarities between the new Q3 and the well established 5 and 7, the Q3 really does have a style of its own. An extremely pleasant style that we thoroughly enjoyed during the two-day media introduction in northern NSW and southern Queensland.Audi’s latest iteration of the trademark ‘single-frame’ grille works well and in conjunction with the slim headlights and sporty sub grilles creates a purposeful stance.The rear end is new Q3 is almost a hatchback rather than a station wagon. The roof slopes down for improved aerodynamics and the hatch has a sleek shape. However, the luggage area is incapable of carrying tall boxes if the rear seats are occupied, because the angle of the tailgate means its upper edge sits over the top of the seat backs.TECHNOLOGYPower for the new Audi Q3 comes from a quartet of 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. There are two turbo-petrol and a pair of turbo-diesel powerplants. The petrol units produce up to 125 kW or 155 kW of power and are quiet, smooth and reasonably economical. The diesels are rated at 103 kW and 130 kW and have characteristics almost as good as their petrol brothers.Though the ‘Q’ in the name of the Audi SUVs stands for ‘quattro’, Audi’s name for all-wheel-drive (AWD), the lowest priced Q3 achieves its $44,800 price tag by being driven only by the front wheels.Which won’t matter to most buyers as they have no plans to go off-road in the first place. However, these suburban dwellers looking for an upmarket trendy German SUV will be shocked to find the cheapest Audi Q3 only comes with a manual gearbox.DRIVINGAutomatics are offered in every other Q3 model and are seven-speed double-clutch units that we found worked well during our introductory drive stints.Handling is impressively good, all the more so when you remember these are family wagons not sports machines. We pushed several different variants of the Audi Q3 over sealed and unsealed roads and found them to have excellent grip. Grip that’s so good that there is little need for intervention from any of the electronic safety aids.The all-new Audi Q3 is a highly competent small-medium SUV that will appeal to many Australians shopping in this, the fastest growing area of our car market. Our feeling is that the Q3 is so good that it may well steal sales away from big brother Q5. Biggest brother, Audi Q7, is safe from internecine competition as its chief selling feature is the ability to carry seven people.The complete Audi Q3 model range is:Q3 2.0 TDI 103 kW: $44,800 (manual)Q3 2.0 TDI 130 kW quattro S tronic: $54,500 (automatic)Q3 2.0 TFSI 125 kW quattro: $47,000 (manual), $48,950 (automatic)Q3 2.0 TFSI 155 kW Quattro: $56,000 (manual)AUDI Q3Price: $44,800-$56,000Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService intervals: 15,000kmSafety: Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TCCrash Rating: Five-starsEngines: 103kW/320Nm 2.0-turbodiesel four-cylinder, 130kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel,125kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 130kW/300Nm 2.0 turbo petrolTransmission: Six-speed manual, seven-speed auto, front-wheel and all-wheel driveBody: Five-door wagonDimensions: 4385mm (L), 1608mm (H), 1831mm (W), 2603mm (WB), 1571mm/1575mm tracks front/rearWeight: From 1445kgFuel use: 5.2L/100km, 137g/km CO2 (103kW); 5.9L/100km, 156g/km CO2 (130kW), 7.3L/100km,174g/km CO2 (125kW), 7.7L/100km, 179g/km CO2 (155kW)

Ford Focus finally reached Australia in September 2002, several years after its European launch. The local importer blamed the delay on the huge success of Focus overseas, but the slow start meant Australian buyers were slow to focus on Focus, so sales have never reached the very high levels they deserve. The Focus is truly European in the way it rides and handles and keen drivers forced into a family car due to circumstances just love them. Many buyers considering downsizing from a Ford Falcon have chosen Focus ahead of an Asian car for this very reason.Ride comfort is pretty good for a small-medium car with sporting handling. Focus can be a little harsh on really rough roads but is generally very good on motorways and fine around town.As a price trimming method less sound deadening is fitted to the lower cost models and these versions can suffer from a fair bit of tyre/road noise on Australian coarse-chip roads.Ford Focus is sold with three or five-door hatchback bodies and as a four-door sedan. From September 2007 until mid 2010 the Focus also arrived in a sporting coupe-cabriolet two-door body with a folding hardtop.It comes in several luxury levels: Focus CL, LX and Ghia – later renamed Focus Ambiente, Trend and Titanium, so there's plenty to chose from. On the sporty front there’s the Focus Zetec, SR, Sport and ST170.Note we used the term ‘sporty’ rather than ‘sports’ in describing the previous models, because there’s couple of other models that genuinely deserve the ‘sports’. They are the Focus 166 kW XR5, sold from 2006 till 2011 – and the full-house Focus RS imported from 2010.The Focus RS is powered by a turbocharged Duratec RS 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine putting out 300 horsepower (224kW), and torque of 440Nm starting at only 2300rpm and providing a huge amount of grunt to make keen drivers smile every time they get a chance to open the throttles to the max.Engines in the standard Focus range are petrol or, from July 2007, turbo-diesel. Petrol units until the all-new Focus of 2011 come with capacities of 1.8 or 2.0 litres. The smaller unit is aimed at the fuel economy end of the scale and some may find it on the gutless side. If considering this powerplant may we suggest loading it with a few passengers and trying it on hilly roads. Some drivers will be satisfied, others may prefer to find a few dollars more and go for the larger engine.Turbo-diesel engines have 2.0-litre capacity and like all of their type come with plenty of grunt and low fuel use. They have  proven reasonably popular, but not to the extent of the diesels offered by many other Euro marques.Most Focus models prior to 2011 come with a five-speed manual gearbox. Some find the five-speed’s gearchange is slightly soft, others don’t mind it. Six-speed manual gearboxes are fitted to the Focus ST 170, the RS and diesel engines. From November 2011 the new Focus received a six-speed manual.Automatic transmissions have four forward ratios and aren’t offered in all models. This situation may seem strange to Australian drivers, but in Europe many prefer to drive manuals. The new model from May 2005 had manual overrides on the automatic, and in any case the auto seems to mate better with the engine from this time onwards.Ford has been building cars in Australia since 1925, so has built up a huge network of dealers. The company is represented strongly in country areas. Dealers in remoter areas may not have spare parts for the smaller models, such as the Focus, in stock, but can generally get them in within a couple of working days.With the exception of the red-hot Ford Focus RS insurance charges are usually moderate. While premiums aren’t to the low level of the locally built Falcon, they are often cheaper than other imported European cars in the same class.WHAT TO LOOK FORBuild quality of the Ford Focus is generally good (most older models come from Europe, from 2005 the majority were built in South Africa), though not up to Japanese quality standards. It’s wise to have a full professional inspection before agreeing to buy the car.Make sure the electrical systems are okay by turning everything off and on. Having the owner’s manual on hand is useful for this. Shuddering under braking could signal that new brake discs are required.The Focus ST170 and XR5 are often bought by the boy racers, then lowered and modified in many areas. A stock standard version is best. Check the alloy wheels on both models for signs of kerb damage.Look over the luggage area for signs of wear and tear. Scratches on the rear bumper will often indicate that lazy owners used the bumper as support when loading and unloading.A safety recall of pre 2010 turbo-diesel cars was instigated to check the fitment of the exhaust heat shield. Check with a Ford dealer or contact Ford Australia on 1800 503 672.CAR BUYING TIPTaking along a couple of other people to look at used cars can result in gleaning a lot more information in a short time about the cars’ condition.

This latest incarnation of petrol-electric technology from Toyota, the new model Camry Hybrid, is a drivers' car that gives away little to petrol or diesel powered cars.It delivers performance, comfort, ride and handling at least the equal of rivals and may well prove to be a hybrid game-changer for Toyota. Toyota also addressed other concerns with the Hybrid including enlarging the boot and giving the car light towing ability.VALUEToyota has reduced the price of Camry Hybrid to $34,990. That is $2000 under the old model. Toyota calculates that if the hybrid used a third less fuel than the petrol Camry fuelled on unleaded petrol at $1.50 a litre and driving 20,000 km a year over three years - the fuel saving would be $2340.This figure places Camry Hybrid within the same financial ball park as the regular Camry petrol powered sibling. The upmarket HL variant has an RRP of $41,990 which is a $1500 increase, but Toyota says this includes $4500 in equipment gains over the current model.What you may now see on the Camry Hybrid is a tow bar. The current Camry Hybrid has no tow rating, a major negative for some Australian buyers. This new generation has been rated at a modest 300 kg tow rate, enough to get the tinny to the boat ramp and a trailer to the tip. Forget towing a van around Australia. The conventional Toyota Camry has a tow rating of 1300 kg. Camry Hybrid features the same classy interior Toyota introduced with the new seventh-generation petrol models. There is now a driver's knee airbag, taking the SRS airbag count to seven.Both models have a power operated driver's seat with lumbar adjustment and the HL also gets power controls for the passenger seat. Camry Hybrid HL has automatic dipping high beam and a 10-speaker premium audio system including CD/DVD player and live traffic updates along with digital radio.Camry interior is particularly spacious for both front and rear seat passengers. Boot space has been increased by 8 per cent to 421 litres as a result of the hybrid battery being moved slightly forward. There is a large ski hatch allowing for long items to be placed in the boot.Camry Hybrid gets all the same safety gear as the petrol model: Vehicle Stability Control, traction control, ABS brakes, brake assist, reverse camera and a 5-star ANCAP rating.In 2010 Toyota sold 6833 Camry Hybrids (which were then called Hybrid Camrys, not Camry Hybrids - ah, the joys of marketing!) and in 2011 sales were 5204. It's wish list is to hit 10,000 units per annum. This new model may just help it achieve that.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of the Camry Hybrid is a new 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and high torque electric motor. This engine replaces the previous 2.4-litre engine and puts out up to 118 kW. Peak torque is 213 Nm at 4500 rpm.When combined with the electric motor, power is rated at 151 kW. The electric motor puts out 105 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission. It is a potent, yet seamless, combination.Toyota Hybrid now has an EV button which, if the battery has sufficient charge, allows the Camry to be all-electric for up to two kilometres. Toyota has also done away with belt drives from the engine for the water pump, air-conditioning and power steering. These are all now driven electrically.DESIGNThere are a few exterior changes to Camry Hybrid when stood alongside petrol Camry. The radiator grille is different with a chrome upper section and a 'hybrid blue' Toyota badge framed by headlights set off by blue accented extensions. The rear end also boasts a hybrid blue Toyota badge and the HL grade gets a boot spoiler and chrome garnish.DRIVINGFor those doubting hybrid performance there is one statistic that stands out: 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds flat. That sees Camry Hybrid finishing 1.3 seconds ahead of its sibling rival, Camry petrol thanks to the immediate delivery of bulk electric torque off the line.Straight line speed is only part of the story. The Hybrid took to the Targa Tasmania roads with a great deal of delight. This new Hybrid corners flat and fast with no sign of body roll or understeer. The car has superb acceleration particularly in the critical passing range between 80 and 120 km/h.Despite our enthusiastic drive program, by the time we had looped almost 300 kilometres between Launceston-Bridport Beaconsfield-Launceston the computer readout revealed we were using just 7.3 litres/100 km. The official combined consumption is much lower at 5.2 litres per 100 km (down by 13 per cent on the superseded model).The steering feels lighter than in the superseded model but still offers good driver feedback. Toyota believes its new Camry Hybrid will cement hybrid cars as being part of the norm. After several hours at the wheel in a variety of road conditions we can see why.It simply drives like a `normal' car apart from having more grunt. It even looks like normal car, except for the subtle blue badges (Blue is the new Green with car makers).

Toyota LandCruiser 200 with the V8 petrol engine has a reputation as being a gas guzzler, something we criticised in a big way the last time we road tested one. Now Toyota has introduced what it says is, “a more powerful and more efficient V8 petrol engine.”ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONLandCruiser's new 4.6-litre V8, down marginally from 4.7 litres in the outgoing unit, has had its power increased by 12.9 per cent to 228 kW at 5500rpm and torque by 7.1 per cent to 439Nm at 3500rpm. Naturally, there’s an emphasis on improved torque in the lower regions of the rev range, but the engineers have also worked on making the 4.6 engine operate well at higher revs.Fuel consumption on the official scale has been cut by 6.2 per cent to 13.6 litres per 100km while CO2 emissions are down by 8.2 per cent to 313 grams per kilometre. The LandCruiser petrol now has a six-speed automatic transmission instead of the five-speed in the previous petrol engine. Taller gearing in top is part of the economy package and should make for more relaxed open-road cruising. The new automatic is the same one we have admired in turbo-diesel models for some time now.OFF-ROADMore LandCruiser 200s go off-road than anything else in its class, so off-road technology in the upgraded model sees the introduction of multi-terrain anti-skid braking system that detects and automatically adapts to off-road conditions. The existing vehicle stability control and active traction control are assisted by this new ABS system.Toyota LandCruiser VX and Sahara now have Multi-Terrain Select that regulates wheel-spin in tough off-road conditions with five driver-selectable modes: Rock, Rock and dirt, Mogul, Loose rock, Mud and sand.The GX’s off-road cruise-control system, ‘Crawl’, has been improved from three low-speed settings under 25 km/h to five settings. It automatically controls the engine output and brake pressure to maintain a uniform vehicle speed with minimal wheel spin or lock-up. The system now includes an Off-road Turn Assist function that makes it easier to negotiate sharp bends by automatically applying the inside rear brake.EQUIPMENTThe top-of-the-range Sahara has Multi-Terrain Monitor with four wide-angle cameras for checking terrain hazards that are normally hidden from the driver's view. A facelift is part of the package, with new front grille and lights, revised bumpers. Audio systems have been upgraded.All LandCruiser 200 models now have 138-litre fuel-tank capacity with 93-litre main and 45-litre sub tanks. LandCruiser GX, sold with a 4.5-litre V8 twin-turbo diesel engine, now has centre wheel caps for the 17-inch steel wheels, a new design of black grille and revised rear lights with LEDs. LandCruiser GXL now has satellite navigation with a new 6.1-inch touch-screen audio system that includes a single CD and USB input. New styling sees the GXL with a black grille with chrome surround, restyled halogen headlamps, and clearances lamp positioned between the low and high-beam lamps.DRIVINGLandCruiser 200 from Toyota is mainly aimed at country and outer suburban buyers and is an excellent tow vehicle. Getting in and out is awkward at times, a drawback of this being a genuine off-road vehicle. It’s a fair climb up to the seats and they are set a good distance inboard.The interior is spacious and the LandCruiser 200 can seat up to eight people. Six can be adults, though four plus four children is more realistic. The second-row seats can slide backwards and forwards to juggle the amount of legroom. When they are all the way back the legroom they provide is limo-like. Naturally, the third row seats are very cramped when you slide the centre row all the way back.In-cabin stowage space is very good, with a cavernous centre-console box, large door pockets that can take large drinks bottles and numerous little nooks and crannies for sunnies, mobiles, wallets and so on. The two rearmost seats fold up against the side of the luggage area when not in use and there's still plenty of luggage space between them when they are stowed. Even with the seats in use you can fit a fairly hefty suitcase behind them.Some drivers may find it too soft in the handling department, and the steering on the slow side, but this Cruiser is very much a cruiser and sharp dynamics were never part of the dynamic agenda. Cruising is exceptionally easy as suppression of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) is most impressive and the big Toyota has the sort of luxurious feel you expect in an upmarket passenger car.The complete 2012 Toyota LandCruiser range is:GX 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel: $77,990GXL 4.6-litre petrol: $83,990GXL 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel: $88,990VX 4.6-litre petrol: $94,990VX 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel: $99,990Sahara 4.6-litre petrol: $113,990Sahara 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel: $118,990TOYOTA LANDCRUISERPrice: from $77,990Warranty: three years/100,000kmService: 10,000km/6mthsThirst: 13.6/100km, CO2 313g/kmCrash rating: 4 starsEquipment: 8 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, stability and traction controlsEngine: 4.6-litre, V8 petrol, 228 kW/439NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 4WD constantBody: 4-door wagon, 8 seats 

Having created the first ever mass production electric car, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, the innovative Japanese automotive company is certainly not resting on its laurels.  Mitsubishi continues its push on electric power in many different directions, taking advantage of its research and development knowledge to do everything from competing in electric motor sport to powering houses – that’s right, powering houses with cars!, more about that in a moment.  First, there are the obvious directions of improving the motor and battery efficiency of electric vehicles to increase their driving range; and of pruning production prices to make them moderately affordable. EVs are today extremely expensive and this is the biggest hurdle to be overcome.  Mitsubishi is also expanding the models to include a small van version based on the i-MiEV, even a crossover SUV. The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander, which is coming to Australia soon, will be offered as a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid in some markets. The final design of the hybrid Outlander hasn’t been – and may not come to Australia in any case. Our petrol is still too cheap and the reluctance of many Australians to admit that climate change is a reality means we may not see the low emission Outlander downunder.  The Japanese giant is also working on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEV) that also run on petrol as the best way to extend overall trip distances. But admits this is at the cost in mass and dollars of carrying two engines and two ‘fuel tanks’.  Range extenders, which use a petrol engine as a battery charger when power runs low are being built by other makers, particularly General Motors. During an interview with three Australian motoring writers, Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko, declined to comment when I suggested range extenders were not an efficient way of running electric vehicles. The fact that General Motors had just suspended production, probably temporarily, on its range extender Chevrolet Volt may have been a factor in Masuka’s reluctance to become involved in a discussion. We will keep in touch with this controversial area of EV design. As well as the practical side of electric vehicles Mitsubishi is also working at two totally different extremes. Mitsubishi is keen to show that electric cars are more than economy-based vehicles, that they can actually take on petrol and diesel cars in competition. On July 8th a special high-performance Mitsubishi i-MiEV will tackle the famous Pikes Peak hillclimb in the USA. The competition car currently in the last stages of development is based on the structure of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, but has a special single-seat sports body and has an electric motor reputed to be developing somewhere between 250 and 300 horsepower (187 to 224 kW).  This will not be simply a demonstration run by a Mitsubishi electric special, there are reports that as many as six other electric cars will compete in this year’s Pikes Peak. It’s likely to be many years before electric vehicles are regarded as mainstream on the streets – and in competition – but events like this, the world’s best known hillclimb, certainly keep them in front of the motoring public.  At the other extreme from the Pikes Peak EV challenge is the Mitsubishi electric vehicle that can be used to power your house. That’s right, park your i-MiEV outside your house, plug it in and the vehicle’s batteries can run all the electrical systems within the house. The idea isn’t to do this car-to-home connection on a routine basis, but to have use the EV as a standby in case of a power outage on the electricity grid.

Petrol/electric hybrid cars have been on Australian roads since March 2001 when the Honda Insight was released.These early hybrids were very much the domain of government bureaucrats keen to show off their green credentials as they shuffled themselves around between meetings. The fact that taxpayers and ratepayers were footing the bill for the $15,000-plus extra cost above those of similarly-sized cars also helped.We often talk of cars that bring a smile to the face of the driving enthusiast. Well these early hybrids brought little more than a glum look. Later arrivals, from Honda, as well as Toyota and Lexus, added more charisma but not a great deal more performance.Then, in late 2011, came what could well be a turning point in the hybrid scene with the arrival of the all-new Honda CR-Z, billed as the world’s first hybrid sports coupe and a real surprise packet, not just to us but also to the ‘Wheels’ magazine judges who selected it as their 2011 Car of the Year.Styling of the Honda CR-Z is distinctive enough to attract quite a bit of attention from fellow road users. The rear glass roof and chopped off tail are reminiscent of the old Honda CR-X and the original Insight. However we were disappointed with the horizontal split panel arrangement of the rear windscreen which provides poor. Drivers who don’t adjust their door mirrors correctly could get themselves into strife.While CR-Z can seat four, the rear seats have minimal legroom when the front seats are well back and it’s best considered as a 2+2 with the rear seats only there for emergencies. Still, it is a sports coupe so being a 2+2 is barely a criticism.Front leg, shoulder and headroom are all fine. Luggage space, an issue with early hybrids because of the space required for the larger batteries of that era, is reasonable at 225 litres, expanding to 401 litres with the rear seatback folded, something again that hasn’t always been available in hybrids.Power for the Honda CR-Z comes from the combination of 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) electric system. Maximum power output for the combined petrol/electric system is 91 kW with peak torque of 174 Nm (manual) or 167 Nm (CVT). The latter are the important figures and would normally require a petrol engine of around 1.8 litres.Fuel consumption on the combined cycle Australian Standards test is 4.7 litres per 100km with the CVT and 5.0 L/100 km with the manual gearbox. CO2 emissions are measured at 118 grams per km (manual) and 111 g/km (CVT) with that fuel usage.On test our fuel consumption was 6.3 L/100 km, an impressive figure given that we made no real attempt at economy driving. Honda CR-Z has a three-mode drive system (Sport, Normal and Economy) which controls steering, throttle response and IMA assistance.‘Sport’ mode increases throttle and steering responsiveness and increases electric motor power assistance. ‘Economy’ mode tunes the system for optimal fuel economy including torque assist at low sepped. ‘Normal’ balances performance, economy and emissions to suit most driving conditions.Two CR-Z variants are offered – Sport and Luxury. Sport comes with a choice of six-speed manual and CVT while Luxury is CVT only.Standard features in both models include front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control, daytime running lights, led taillights, rain sensing windscreen wipers, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, fuel economy history gauge, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and Auxiliary inputs and rear park assist.Honda CR-Z Luxury adds satellite navigation, reversing camera, panoramic glass roof, and leather-trimmed and heated front seats. Time will tell, but the clever little Honda CR-Z could just be the car that takes the petrol/electric hybrid to an all new class of buyer adding driving enjoyment to the fuel savings and low emissions that have been the primary purpose of hybrids until now.For the first six days of our recent test of the CR-Z CVT, we were restricted to daily commutes mixed with some freeway running, and we struggled to work out what the little Honda coupe was all about. It was competent and capable enough, with excellent fuel economy but with nothing in particular to lift it above the hybrid crowd.Then we took it for a drive along one of our favourite rural roads, one with plenty of hills and bends, and suddenly it all made sense. The little Honda skipped along with impressive agility, hugging the curves and remaining beautifully balanced throughout. As is often the case the small, high revving engine – something Honda mastered years ago – really added to our driving enjoyment.Torque is paramount for most driving enthusiasts and, as with all pure electric or petrol/electric vehicles, there’s plenty of it at low revs meaning that it can accelerate sharply from a standing start. Add the high revs that are characteristic of Honda engines and there’s plenty to enjoy.

Only a few months after the release of the standard models in the SLK sports roadster range, Mercedes-Benz has launched the hot SLK 55 AMG variant.There are several reasons for the fast turnaround to get the ultra-quick SLK 55 Down Under. Firstly, ours is one of the biggest markets for the AMG models in the world as wealthy car enthusiasts just love them. Secondly, the Australian car market is powering along at a time when European sales are sagging.Finally, these days AMG is working more closely than ever with its parent company, Mercedes-Benz, so is able to incorporate necessary body and suspension mods into the car at the drawing board stage.PRICEWe used the words ‘wealthy car enthusiasts’ to describe Aussies buying AMG models. This isn’t necessarily so when it comes to the latest Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. The strength of the Australian dollar, combined with hard edged negotiations with the German head office means the price of the SLK 55 has been trimmed by a significant $27,000 compared to the outgoing model. So just $155,000 plus on roads will put the new Merc onto your driveway.OK, families struggling with a mortgage won’t be in the market for an SLK 55, but anyone on a reasonable salary who is prepared to do without a few other of life’s little luxuries can get into the driving seat.ENGINE AND MECHANICALAMG has worked hard for several years to produce an all-new 5.5-litre V8 engine. This unit is becoming increasingly familiar in the Mercedes-Benz and AMG ranges, but as installed in the SLK it differs from the other high-performance units in being naturally aspirated instead of turbocharged. It still manages to produce up to 310 kW of power and 540 Nm of torque.Though economy is obviously not a primary concern in a high-performance engine like this, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have put a considerable amount of effort into reducing fuel use and emissions, resulting in an engine that has higher power but achieves this by using as much as 30 per cent less fuel. Under light conditions the V8 engine actually becomes a V4 as it deactivates half of its cylinders.The engine sends all this grunt to the rear wheels (of course!) by way of a seven-speed automatic transmission that has several modes: C (for Controlled efficiency), Sport and Sport+. In the interests of smoothness at commuting speeds the transmission uses a conventional torque convertor, rather than the manual-type clutch as on the ultra-hot AMG models.DRIVINGWe have been able to spend several hours at the wheel of a couple of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMGs and like what we feel. As the new engine isn’t turbocharged its response is all-but instantaneous. There’s a great push in the back as the car leaps from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. This sort of acceleration also makes for very safe overtaking.The quality of sound from the big V8 is excellent, but we could have done with a bit more quantity - that is louder…  Even with the top down we kept wishing for more aural input as the engine went up and down through the rev range. In particular, the sounds of the blips on fast downchanges and the burble on overrun would have been greatly appreciated.The automatic can be controlled through steering wheel paddles and has very fast changes. Once the first manual shift is made the auto remains in the gear selected rather than reverting to Drive as happens in less sporting models. We like it like that.Handling is pin sharp, with virtually instantaneous turn in and response. The SLK 55 AMG is the lightest of the Mercedes high-performance range and feels neat and nimble for a car with a mass on the wrong side of 1600 kg.Comfort is generally good, though the ride is a little pitchy at times. This is probably to be expected in a full-house sportscar with a relatively short wheelbase. We got the suspension down to the bump stops a couple of times and the SLK 55 really crashed down on them.Aside from the sporting side of the new AMG; it has plenty of creature comforts in the way of a true grand tourer. Leather trim is standard as is the full suite of communication aids including Bluetooth streaming and up to 10 Gb of storage space. The interior is quiet with the roof raised, indeed it’s almost as though you are riding in a closed coupe. That’s impressive.MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55 AMGPrice: From $155,000Engine: 5.5litre, V8Outputs: 310kw/540NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic

The latest cars to take the Mini moniker, the Coupe and Roadster, are the first purely two-seaters from the iconic British brand.Aimed to attract those who desire a two-seat sporting life, they come in Mini Cooper S and Mini John Cooper Works guise.Mini Cooper S is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder motor with twin-scroll turbocharger putting out 135 kW of power at 5500 rpm and 240 m of torque between 1600 and 5000 rpm. An overboost function lifts torque to 260 Nm for a few seconds if you really need everything in acceleration.The John Cooper Works variants pump out a rip-roaring 155 kW at 6000 rpm and 260 Nm between 1850 and 5600 rpm. Overboost adds a further 20 Nm between 2000 and 5100 rpm for extreme-performance applications. The Mini John Cooper Works version only has a six-speed manual. It uses a clever self-adjusting clutch to ensure the correct pedal feel is maintained over the car’s full service life.The Mini Cooper S Coupe claims zero-to-100 km/h acceleration in 6.9 seconds in manual form (7.1 sec, auto), with combined urban/highway petrol consumption of 6.3 (6.7) litres per 100 kilometres. The equivalent manual Roadster comes up with 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds (7.2 sec, auto), while using 6.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (6.8, auto) when measured to official standards The John Cooper Works does the zero-to-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds for the Coupe and 6.5 in Roadster format.The dimensions of the Coupe – the two-seater measures 3734 mm (John Cooper Works Coupe 3758 mm) in length, 1683 mm in width and 1384 mm (John Cooper Works Coupe 1385 mm) in height (Roadster 1390 mm and JCW 1391 mm) with a wheelbase of 2467 mm.On sale now, prices range from $45,500 for the Mini Cooper S Roadster and $55,100 for the range-topping John Cooper Works variant, representing a premium of just $2510 and $2500 over the respective Coupes. On top of standard equipment featured on the Cooper S, JCW variants gain 17-inch Cross Spoke Challenge wheels, the John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit, sports suspension, sports stripes and a Harmon Kardon audio.Efficient aerodynamics see an active rear spoiler integrated for the first time into a Mini boot lid. It pops up automatically when the Coupe hits 80 km/h. At top speed the maker says the wing weighs in with 40 kg of extra downforce. Two rear seats are replaced in both the Mini Coupe and Roadster by a generous luggage shelf that incorporates a larger-than-normal through-shute from the 280-litre Coupe boot (240 litres, Roadster) which can take bulky long objects.The high-opening boot lid allows bulky items such as sporting gear and weekend-away luggage for two to be loaded easily. The quirky knobs, switches and instruments are straight out of the Mini bin, the centrally situated speedo dial dominating the dashboard with its side-plate size. The speed is duplicated by a digital readout viewed between the upper spokes of the steering wheel, so there is no need for the driver’s eyes to stray too far from the road ahead.Occupants are actively protected by anti-skid braking with electronic brake force distribution and dynamic stability control, while driver and passenger front airbags and side head and thorax airbags come into play in the event of a crash. Roadster travellers are also protected in the case of a vehicle flipping by polished stainless steel roll bars, which are padded at the front and incorporate a slot for the wind deflector.The wide stance, together with a stiff (some would say too stiff) sports suspension have the compact cars roller skating ‘round corners, the beautiful balance enhanced by positive steering with excellent feedback. There is some flexing in the Roadster on uneven surfaces and a plastic cargo cover in the back of the Coupe rattled annoyingly during our introductory test drives.All was forgiven when the engine, especially in the JCW cars, piped up with a Rod Stewart-style rasp under heavy acceleration. A visually striking feature of the Coupe is the sharply raked windscreen (13 degrees more than the Mini Hatch), the arc of which flows rearward forming a low roofline which terminates in an integrated rear spoiler.The Roadster’s cloth roof is light enough to be lowered using one hand by means of a handle above the windscreen. With the Roadster roof stowed between the cabin and boot there is no reduction in cargo space to that with the roof up. A standard wind deflector behind the occupants helps maintain a relatively quiet and relaxed atmosphere in the cabin. Ambient light only adds to the feel-good surroundings of the Roadster and its twin.The Mini Coupe cabin roof lining, in a felt material, in contrast to the rest of the surroundings, looks on the cheap side but incorporates oval recesses to increase headroom for the driver and passenger.The Mini Coupe and Roadster range is:Mini Cooper S CoupeMini Cooper S RoadsterMini John Cooper Works CoupeMini John Cooper Works Roadster

Chrome trim has been out of fashion for too long in our opinion and it’s good to see Kia is returning to the glory days of automotive bright metal. Aimed at people who want to buy a European car, but can’t afford it, the chromed Kia Optima certainly makes a styling statement. The company’s mid-size four-door sedan uses chrome aplenty. The radiator grille has traditionally been the foremost factor in car style and on the Optima it carries a shiny chrome border. Standout chrome strips run from the back of the bonnet, up the windscreen pillars, then over the door tops and down to the boot hinges.The door handles are chromium plated and there’s a slash of chrome across a garnish on the front flanks. Finally there are the twin chrome tipped exhausts. Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California, the latest Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower (by 45, 25 and 25 millimetres, respectively), than the vehicle it supersedes. The undoubted sleek styling has also improved aerodynamics, the drag co-efficient of Cd 0.29 is down from the 0.32 of the previous Optima, adding performance and fuel economy to the standout appearance.Kia’s new 2.4-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine replaces the previous multi-point injection motor and gives the Optima more power – increased by 11.6 per cent, and torque, up by 8.2 per cent.At the same time fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are down. The maker says on regular unleaded in the combined urban/highway cycle it’s 7.9 L/100km with CO2 emissions at 189g/km.On mainly motorway action we got the consumption figure down as far as the high sixes, which is pretty impressive for a petrol engined car of this size. The new engine delivers 148 kW of power at 6300 rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. Mated with a six-speed fully automatic transmission, it runs the Optima from zero to 100km/h in nine seconds. The driver can choose to switch to Sport mode which allows for sequential gear changes, either using the centre console selector lever or new steering wheel-mounted paddles. Using the paddles was far from a sporty experience, the shifts being soft and far from instantaneous, while under sharp acceleration, engine noise intruded markedly into the cabin. Ride and handling have been designed to make the best of the all-new body structure and the new model’s extended wheelbase. There are high performance dampers, big disc brakes with black callipers and machine finished 18-inch alloy wheels.Active safety technology includes Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Hillstart Assist, the last preventing roll-back on inclines by maintaining brake pressure for two seconds while the driver moves a foot from the brake to accelerator pedal.Though it seems to us that left-foot braking achieves exactly the same thing, and does so without the complication of the so-called assist system. Optima’s brakes system include an ABS anti-lock system, with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake Assist.  A reverse parking alarm system is fitted, along with a rear-view camera which projects a 130 degree image onto an LCD display within the interior rear-view mirror.All new Optimas come in Kia’s Platinum specification level, which includes a rear boot-mounted spoiler, LED daytime running lights positioned above fog lamps in the front bumper, LED rear lamps, aerodynamic windscreen wipers, plus larger disc brakes with black callipers and machine finished 18 x 7.5-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels. A deep boot, with its cave-like dark surroundings, has the capacity to swallow 505 litres of luggage. A neat feature is a lever that enables the rear seat backs to be freed to drop, opening up the passenger cabin to take even more stuff. Xenon high intensity discharge lamps come with headlamp washers, plus a new static cornering lamp which provides more illumination of the nearside kerb during cornering. A three-piece, full-width panoramic glass sunroof is standard, the front section tilting, centre sliding and the rear fixed. An internal roller blind blocks out unwanted sunlight and heat.

The new Mini, now owned by BMW, has been a huge success since its launch in Australia in March 2002.Partly because it’s a competent vehicle, but principally due to the fact that geniuses in the marketing have positioned it as a fashion item, not simply a car.As a result of Mini magazines, Facebook pages and numerous owners’ clubs, Minis have been customised in an extraordinary number of fascinating ways. Some of the prices paid are staggering, with the most expensive new Mini in Australia to date topping $100,000.Driving enjoyment is another factor in the car’s success. As a dynamic automotive for the keen driver the BMW Mini is close to perfect. The new Mini has steering that's almost kart-like in its response, in fact it’s almost too quick and first time drivers can get taken by surprise at times.The suspension assists the tyres to grip the road like grim death and the big disc brakes stop hard and straight.On the downside, the ride is fairly harsh and may prove too much for some occupants when it’s cruising on rough Aussie bush roads. The two top versions of the Mini are sold in Australia – the lower cost model, the Mini One, isn’t imported.The Cooper S is the hotshot, having its 1.6-litre engine supercharged prior to the introduction of the new model in March 2007, and turbocharged from then onwards.We really like the supercharged engine, because its torque comes in virtually instantly, whereas the turbo unit inevitably has a slight lag before delivering its all.The supercharged engine has a glorious shriek when you get stuck into it, a sound that’s loved by keen drivers with memories of supercharged racing cars. Externally, you can pick the Cooper S by the bonnet slot for the turbocharger’s intercooler, its chromed side grilles and fuel-filler cap, a small wing protruding from the rear of the roof, twin exhausts and larger (16-inch) alloy wheels.Sports seats have the option of full-leather or cloth/leather, the latter probably the better bet for hot Australian conditions. The steering wheel and gear lever knob are finished in leather and there are aluminium door sill plates carrying Mini Cooper S logos.A Mini cabriolet was launched late in 2004 and has an excellent opening roof system. Not only can it be used to make the Mini an open convertible, but also as a closed car with an open sunroof. The new cabriolet didn’t arrive in Australia until March 2009, two years after the launch of the Mark 2 coupe and it seems likely the two bodies will continue to be out of chronological order from now on.Topping out the Mini range is the Cooper S with the works – the John Cooper Works that is. The Cooper company specialises in improving Minis, both the original models and the new 21st century machines.Engine work on the new Mini is extensive and includes an Eaton supercharger in place of the Rootes unit fitted to the standard Mini Cooper S. Turbo engines in the later JCW’s rely on extra boost, with overboost on offer if you want to get really serious.Early in 2012 a coupe and roadster were added to the Mini range, it’s too early to comment on these as used cars. The new Mini network is well established in Australia. Almost all dealers are in suburban areas, which could lead to hassles if you’re unlucky enough to strike a problem in remote country.Being part of the BMW organisation gives the Mini major advantages in technical backup. Spare parts and servicing charges aren't unreasonable for a car in this class, meaning they are higher than for a typical small car. While it’s possible to do some of your own routine servicing, we suggest you stick with the professionals for all but the most minor tasks, and don’t even think of touching areas that can compromise safety.Most new Minis belong to doting owners and are serviced by the book. You will probably be happy to pay the extra asked for one of these pampered cars – it’s money well spent. Insurance costs are quite high, even more so for one of the ‘charged’ engines. Shop around for insurance, especially if you are young and/or inexperienced.But be sure to make direct comparisons between insurance companies and understand what you're getting – or not getting for your premium dollar.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck for crash damage, or previous smash repairs. Mismatched paint colours from one panel to another are a good clue – do the inspection in strong light. Also look for ripples in the panels, most easily seen when viewed end on. Tiny drops of paint in unpainted areas like lights, windows and badges are another clue to a respray.Be very wary of a Mini that has been fanged during track days or at a drag strip. Look for a roll cage, lowered suspension and additional instruments. Keep in mind they may have been put back to standard before going on sale.Look over the interior for signs of damage or wear and tear. Don’t forget to check the boot.Check for signs of water stains in a cabriolet, ask to have the carpets removed to check the floor under them. Dry carpets may be new units, so don’t necessarily mean the car hasn't been caught in the rain...Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly. Watch for a puff of smoke from the exhaust when it first kicks over and again when it’s accelerated hard during your road test. Make sure all gear changes are light, easy and quiet. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) fitted on early automatics has unusual sounds during its operation (engine sound, that is, the transmission should be quiet) if you haven’t driven one of these before it’s smart to call in an expert.CAR BUYING TIPWhen looking at any sporting car be sure to avoid one that’s been thrashed. A professional inspector is invaluable in providing advice.