Articles by Ewan Kennedy

The days when many buyers wanted a macho image from their 4WDs are over according to the experts at Japanese SUV specialist Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC).Take a look at the lines of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander and you will immediately see how it takes an altogether different approach, with smooth lines that showcase elegance and sophistication rather than off-road ruggedness. Which explains why Mitsubishi chose the Geneva Motor Show to introduce its all-new Outlander to the world's motoring media.The Swiss show is famed for concept cars and cutting edge automotive style, not to mention some way out ideas that are unlikely to ever see the light of day. Where as the about to be discontinued Mitsubishi Outlander featured the company's so-called jet-fighter radiator grille, the new model is about sweet sophistication with a neatly integrated look.The lines of the entire body work well, with an integrated appearance that will impress those who love automotive art. Outlander is the first Mitsubishi with this design language, the company assures us it will not be the last.Indeed, with the exception of the heavy-duty Pajero 4WD and possibly the Triton pickup ranges, it's likely we will see all new-generation Mitsubishis evolve into this new theme. Inside, there's a feeling of sophistication and quality of materials that give the new Outlander a feeling of coming from the upper ranks of European SUVs. The seats are large and comfortable, with good legroom in the rear and plenty of headroom in all seats. The luggage area is large and simple to load.A third row of seats is offered as an option and is likely to be specified for Australia. These extra seats fold down to provide a flat area, with the second row of seats doing the same thing. As a result, even with this extra row of seats installed there's still room for a decent amount of luggage.Outlander's smooth new shape isn't only about style, the Japanese designers have also aimed at less wind noise. This, combined with a stiffer body and other sound reduction measures, should add to the upmarket-European comfort at which the company is aiming.Advanced primary safety systems similar to those used on very expensive European models will be available in the new Outlander, some as standard, others only in the topline models or as extra cost options.These include Adaptive Cruise Control that lets the Mitsubishi keep its distance from the vehicle in front even when its speed varies; Lane Departure Warning that alerts a distracted driver to the fact the car is wandering out of a safe path; and Forward Collision Mitigation which applies the brakes to prevent or minimise crash damage.Mitsubishi says the design of the instrument area and the layout of the controls will minimise the aforementioned driver distraction. Power for the new Outlander will initially come from a pair of engines, one petrol the other a turbo-diesel. Interestingly, the power output is identical in both units at 110 kW.The petrol has a capacity of 2.0 litres the diesel is 10 per cent higher at 2.2 litres. Both are thoroughly modern units aimed at minimal fuel use and exhaust emissions. Amongst other features they have an automatic stop-start system to cut the engine when the vehicle is stationary.Both the petrol and diesel will use a new-generation six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual gearboxes. The latter may not be imported to Australia. A third powerplant, using a plug-in hybrid system, will reinforce Mitsubishi's leading the way in electric vehicle (EV) power.Mitsubishi was the first company to mass produce an electric vehicle and it plans to give the Outlander a range of up to 50 kilometres running on electricity alone. Meaning many commuters will be producing zero tailpipe emissions for days, even weeks, on end.When the Outlander plug-in is used on extended trips Mitsubishi says it should be able to cover 800 km between refills. Australians may not be able to benefit from the plug-in electric Mitsubishi Outlander as the Australian government continues to refuse financial assistance for electric vehicles.

The medium SUV market segment continues to dominate the sales race in Australia so Mazda's introduction of a completely new vehicle in the class, the CX-5, couldn't have come at a better time for the Japanese maker. We have sampled Mazda's clever Skyactiv systems in other vehicles over the past year, but the CX-5

Alfa Romeo and Nissan have been doing if for years, Hyundai has recently joined the club, only with the novel idea of only having a back door on one side instead of both.Now Citroen is getting into the act – and it comes as no surprise that a company famed for its innovation is taking a different route to the others. The all-new Citroen DS4 looks like a three-door coupe but has hidden extra doors, so it actually a five-door hatchback. While the stylish French machine looks more coupe than hatch it has a bulky backside so could be a crossover between a coupe and a sporting SUV in the manner of the big BMW X6.At the front the sporting Citroen follows the current global theme of having a large grille. The DS3 carries the distinctive ‘interlocking gears’ of the company so it certainly won’t be mistaken for anything other than a big-style Cit.New Citroen DS4 comes with a feature the company has been pushing for some time now. A huge panoramic windscreen stretches well back into the roof and gives a bright interior.There’s the feeling for front occupants that they are somehow part of the scenery rather than shut away from it. The sporting Cit’s interior is practical, but also has some fascinating touches. For example, the colour of the dials and the instrument cluster can also be changed at the whim of the driver.Citroën’s new DS4 is powered by a range of three Euro 5 compliant engines. There are two petrol engines with either 115 kW or 147 kW, but the star of the range is the fascinating DS4 with what Citroen calls its e-HDI engine.This diesel powerplant uses Citroen’s ‘micro hybrid’ system to trim fuel consumption by as much as 15 per cent in city driving. It has an official fuel consumption figure of just 4.4 litres per hundred kilometres when meandered on the combined driving cycle.The Citroen DS4 initially comes to Australia in three different versions: the DS4 DStyle 115 kW turbo-petrol with a six-speed EGS gearbox as standard is priced at a recommended retail of $35,990.The Citroen DS4 DStyle e-HDI turbo-diesel, with EGS gearbox has an RRP of $36,990. The topline Citroen DS4 DSport, which has a six-speed manual gearbox and the 147 kW turbo-petrol engine is priced at $39,990. Statutory and dealer charges have to be added to these prices.

Forty years and 20 million cars after it was launched in 1973 Honda’s Civic is right up there with the world’s all-time best selling cars.Now the ninth generation of the small Japanese car has been launched in Australia. Civic has arrived several months late because of the horrors created by the Japanese tsunami and the Thai floods.Honda suffered more that most auto makers by the twin disasters as many of its cars, including the Civic are sourced from a factory in Thailand.Australia is fortunate in that our Civics are right-hand drive so the slack has been taken up, temporarily, by Civics built in Japan. Within a matter of months the Thai factory will be back online again.In the meantime Australian buyers of Civics may choose to opt for the prestige of getting one of the Japanese plated cars. Honda Australia assures us build quality is tightly controlled in Thailand so the cars are as good as those from Japan.But we know that prestige can be an interesting thing and, who knows, when it comes to resale time your ‘Japanese’ Civic may be fetch more than a ‘Thai’ Civic. No promises, though…This new Honda Civic is the ninth generation. All previous models have been imported to Australia as the then importers of the marque realised the importance of the car right from the start.This new Civic is larger, substantially larger, than the original models, indeed it’s significantly bigger than the earliest Honda Accords. Though a lot of the extra size is due to crash protection crush zones the new Civic can certainly be used as a family car. Many Australians downsizing from family sixes will be giving the Civic the eye when it comes time to trade in.Interior space is fine for four adults, with space in the centre-rear for another without too much discomfort. Despite the slim and sleek appearance – the new Civic almost looks as though it has been carved from a single block of metal – headroom is fine. Quality plastics are used on the trim, but we found the grey-on-grey colour scheme on the drab side.Only the four-door sedan is coming to Australia at this stage. Boot space is good and luggage is reasonably easy to load. A five-door hatch, built in Honda’s English plant, will be imported here from July this year.There’s a big emphasis on in-car entertainment and communication in the all-new Civic, with a screen in the right-centre of the dash devoted to phone, iPod and audio systems. These are controlled by buttons on the steering wheel to minimise – but obviously not eliminate – driver distraction.Honda is continuing its push on petrol-electric hybrids and has made major changes to the electric motor in the new Civic Hybrid. It now uses a lithium-ion battery in place of the nickel-metal-hydride of the previous model. However, at $35,990 the hybrid is far more expensive than its petrol-engined brothers, these are priced at a highly competitive $20,990 for a manual Civic VTi-L ($2300 more for the auto) and $27,990 for the Civic Sport.Ninth-gen Honda Civic is being sold in three models; as well as the hybrid there are the Civic VTi-L and Civic Sport. The former is powered by a 1.8-litre, 104 kW engine, the Sport by a larger unit displacing 2.0 litres and producing up to 114 kW of power and 190 Nm of torque. The Civic VTi-L has a choice between a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Sport - despite its name - only comes with the automatic.We sampled all three powertrains and it probably comes as no surprise we preferred the Sport engine - though we would have loved it with a six-speed manual gearbox - but the 1.8-litre is fine and the hybrid certainly has more oomph than in the past.Ride comfort is good as Honda has increased suspension travel and worked on recalibrating bushing compliance. We didn’t get a real chance to sample handling on the tourist-type drive route Honda chose for the media-launch of the new Civic, but it certainly doesn’t look as though there will be any surprises.Over 200,000 Australians have bought new Honda Civics in Australia since its introduction in 1973 revolutionised the design of small cars in this country. This new model certainly looks set to continue the sales success.

Honda Odyssey is a practical vehicle that makes a lot more sense than the large SUVs that also seat seven. Odyssey doesn’t give its owner the feeling they can conquer the Simpson Desert, nor does it give a – completely inaccurate -- sense of being invincible. What it does offer is a smooth, quiet ride, good interior space and the sort of engineering with which the Japanese company has been associated for decades.DESIGNLower than some station wagons, the Odyssey has slim head- and tail-lights, a stylish grille and a longer than normal bonnet for this class. The roof tapers mildly down at the back to improve aerodynamics and therefore reduce fuel consumption.Odyssey’s interior is almost futuristic in its shape, with a sweeping-wave dash and instruments that sit in no fewer than four layers. The latter seems a bit over the top to us, but in this class where understatement tends to be the norm that’s perhaps no bad thing. A pleasing feature of the Honda Odyssey body is relatively slim A-pillars to give a better and safer view to the front-side, particularly on twisting roads.Large, spacious cabins are the whole reason for buying any people mover. Sit three tall adults behind one another Honda Odyssey and all have good legroom. However, those in the rearmost seat may be tight for headroom. Try it for yourself if teenagers may be riding back there.The secret to the interior space in this low-slung Honda is its low floor. Access to the rearmost seats is never easy in a vehicle of this type, but Honda does it better than most, with back doors that go as far backwards as possible, virtually touching the wheelarches, to create decent space.FIT-OUT AND EQUIPMENTThe latest Odyssey, the subject of this week’s road test, has a touch-screen satellite navigation system with live traffic updates, as well as integrated Bluetooth and steering wheel mounted audio controls. A reversing camera is a very useful safety feature for anyone, no-one more so than the family driver at whom this vehicle is aimed.All seven seats have lap/sash safety belts. Front, side and curtain airbags protect occupants in every row of seating. Boot space is quite good, but the amount of luggage space suffers if all seats are in use. This isn’t unusual in this class and SUVs can suffer more than most due to the need for an extra differential and driveshaft under the boot area.ENGINE AND MECHANICALPower comes from a four-cylinder 2.4-litre engine producing 132 kW of power and 218 Nm of torque. Engine performance is adequate rather than exciting, which is acceptable for a family wagon. If you're going to be carrying a lot of people, and driving in hilly areas you may find the Odyssey struggles at times.The V6 engine once offered in older generation Odyssey’s is no longer available as very few buyers were interested in paying the significant extra cost.The four-cylinder engine has been revised in the latest Odyssey and we found typical fuel consumption to be reasonably low. Expect to use about seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres in easy driving, and around eight to ten litres in suburban running. This number is likely to climb significantly if you use your Odyssey with a big load and/or in hilly conditions because of the engine’s relatively small size.DRIVINGRide comfort is almost car-like as a result of the low centre of gravity. On smooth to moderate roads we were most impressed by the quietness of the ride. Obviously the designers have put considerable emphasis on this important aspect of the latest iteration of the Odyssey. It’s almost limo-like to ride in.Road and tyre noise on coarse-chip was pleasingly low, meaning this family people mover can be used on rough backroads during weekends or holiday trips without overly tiring the occupants.HONDA ODYSSEYMODEL RANGEOdyssey 2.4-litre: $37,100 (automatic)Odyssey Luxury 2.4-litre: $44,920 (automatic)FEATURESABS Brakes: Standard in both modelsAutomatic Transmission: Standard in both modelsCruise Control: Standard in both modelsDual Front Airbags: Standard in both modelsFront Side Airbags: Standard in both modelsElectronic Stability Program: Standard in both modelsRear Parking Sensors: Standard in both modelsReversing Camera: Standard in LuxuryUSB/Auxiliary Audio Inputs: Standard in both modelsBluetooth: Standard in both modelsSteering Wheel Mounted Controls: Standard in both modelsENGINE:Capacity: 2.354 litresConfiguration: Four cylinders in lineHead Design: DOHC, four valves per cylinderCompression Ratio: 10.5:1Maximum Power: 132 kW @ 6500 rpmMaximum Torque: 218 Nm @ 4500 rpmDRIVELINE:Driven Wheels: FrontManual Transmission: Not offeredAutomatic Transmission: Five-speedFinal Drive Ratio: 4.437:1DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:Length: 4810 mmWheelbase: 2830 mmWidth: 1800 mmHeight: 1545 mmTurning Circle: 10.8 metresKerb Mass: 1645 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 60 litresBoot Capacity: 259 litres (708 litres with rear seats lowered)Towing Ability: 450 kg (1000 kg with braked trailer)SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coils springsRear Suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coils springsFront Brakes: Ventilated discRear Brakes: DiscFUEL CONSUMPTION:Type: Petrol 91RONCombined Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.9 L/100kmGREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:Greenhouse Rating: 6/10Air Pollution Rating: 6.5/10STANDARD WARRANTY:Three years/100,000 km

There’s something special about driving a Jeep Wrangler.  The car that helped win a war has a rugged feel you don’t get in many so-called 4WDs any more. Jeep’s suspension is on the harsh side, the steering is kind of vague and the amount of noise that gets into the cabin is significantly greater than normal.All of which may sound like a criticism – but in fact we just love the way the American icon sounds and feels. Instead of being isolated from the action you’re sitting amongst everything that’s happening.ENGINE AND MECHANICALOur test drive marks introduction of a new V6 petrol engine to the Jeep Wrangler range. A thoroughly modern design displacing 3.6 litres, this twin-cam unit develops up to 209 kW of power, with 347 Nm to torque. Most to the latter is available at only 1800 revs – giving it diesel-like grunt that’s perfect for off-road driving.Jeep’s test figures say the new petrol powerplant accelerates from rest to 100 km/h in almost 30 per cent less time than the old 3.8 petrol unit it replaces, yet uses significantly less fuel while providing the overtaking safety the acceleration provides.The turbo-diesel 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine is still available and Jeep says it’s still likely to make up the bulk of sales of Jeep Wranglers – however, we feel the extra smoothness and responsiveness, not to mention the lack of that diesel fuel smell, will point more people in the direction of petrol than the sales guys anticipate.A five-speed automatic transmission is likely to be the biggest seller and though it seems to be cheating in some ways to drive a tough 4WD with a self-shifter there’s no doubt it will be simpler to drive in the tough on-road conditions that are likely to be the fate of the typical Wrangler.DESIGNVisually the 2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, the latter being the long-wheelbase four-door model, are as before. The seven-slot grille has become an iconic part of the Jeep – though it must be pointed out that the earliest models actually had nine slots – as has the flat bonnet with rounded side and the squared-off mudguards.Jeep designers have tried playing games with the shape in the past, but the purists have jumped on them from a great height and the chances of them being silly again seem rather slim.DRIVINGWe took a brace of Jeeps over terrain that would have stopped many vehicles masquerading as 4WDs but which are aimed at creating the aforementioned isolation, not at enjoying the rugged Australian outback, beaches and forests.We took our Jeeps along narrow ridges with steep drop-offs that could have killed us had we got it wrong then along beaches with howling winds that created dangerous waves, as well as softening up the sand. (The winds later blew down a high-tech tent apparently erected in a semi-sheltered area for us to lunch.) As well as through paddocks with kangaroo and wallaby bouncing in front of us, apparently with a death wish.One thing we would like changed is the simple strap holding the doors open. We nearly had our knees smashed when the wind sweeping of the Southern Ocean tried to slam the doors shut. A more modern strut system to hold the door open would have prevented this – all complaints and explanations from Jeep lovers will be considered, but don’t be too harsh with your threats; particularly those who suggest we should be knee-capped…The favourable increase in the value of the Australian dollar against the US greenback has resulted in Jeep being able to begin the price list at a very reasonable $32,000 (excluding government and dealer delivery charges). This and the sheer pleasure in owning a Jeep Wrangler seem certain to see its sales climb significantly during 2012.JEEP WRANGLER 2012Price: from $32,000Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km with Jeep roadside assistanceService interval: 12,000km or 6-monthsThirst: 11.2 L/100km (manual) 11.3L/100km (auto), CO2 259g/km (manual) 263g/km (auto)Safety equipment: Airbags, ABS, ESC, HSA, ERMCrash rating: N/AEngine: Pentastar 3.6-litre V6, 209kW/347NmTransmission: 6-speed manual standard, 5-speed auto optional, 4WDBody: Four-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4751mm (L); 1877mm (W); 1840mm (H); 2947mm (WB)Weight: 2268kgTyres: 245/75R17, 17-inch aluminium painted satin carbon wheels. 

After attracting a lot of attention at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne in July 2011, the Colorado has already attracted many interested parties. So Holden has provided information to keep buyers informed in what is becoming a hotly contested market segment. Unlike previous Holden Colorados, and the Holden Rodeo that preceded it, the new Colorado isn’t built by Japan maker Isuzu, but by the very American Chevrolet brand. This results from a split between General Motors and Isuzu three years back. Interestingly, you can still buy an Isuzu pickup in Australia – it now carries Isuzu D-Max badges instead of Holden ones and is marketed by a completely different organisation. The 2012 Holden Colorado range will be sold in the usual range of pickup body styles – single cab, space cab and crew cab Two all-new 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre twin-cam, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines will be on offer. Both engines are tuned to give strong torque low in the rev range to suit the demands of commercial operators. The 2.8-litre engine, when mated to the optional six-speed automatic transmission, produces 10 per cent more power and 40 per cent more torque than the old 3.0-litre diesel powertrain it replaces.  The new Colorado will have a 3.5-tonne towing capacity across the 2.8-litre turbo diesel range, dropping to a still impressive 3.0-tonne towing capacity on the 2.5-litre models. An extensive list of safety features will be standard across the range, including driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Electronic Stability Control. Colorado will also be equipped with lifestyle and comfort features including Bluetooth connectivity, air-conditioning, power windows, auxiliary plug and USB port, two auxiliary power outlets and iPod compatible audio system. A number of new Colorados are already on the roads and tracks of Australia gathering data on engine and transmission performance, as well as driveline quality and suspension tune. Potential customers will be able to inspect the new Colorado range at Holden dealerships from April. A number are touring the country as part of a pre-launch roadshow. Check the Holden website for details. Holden is currently performing Australian development work on the new Colorado using engineering tests, that includes recreational activities such as camping and fishing. Not to mention heavy-duty towing and farm work. Other than saying the all-new Colorado will be launched in Australia ‘mid-year’, Holden won’t reveal the exact date of introduction. Specifications of the all-new Holden Colorado are: Towing Capacity: 3000 kg (2.5-litre turbo diesel), 3500 kg (2.8-litre turbo diesel) 
Steering System: Hydraulic rack-and-pinion
 Suspension: Independent double wishbone, coil spring (front), leaf spring (rear)
 Safety and Security Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Front Drive and Passenger Airbags, Curtain Airbags
Interior Features: Air-conditioning, Auxiliary plug and USB port, Two auxiliary power outlets, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod compatible audio system, Power windows.  

Mitsubishi Colt was relaunched in Australia in September 2004 after being missing for several years. Early models were made in Australia, these latter ones are fully imported from Japan.Colt’s big features are its radical body style and the number of interesting variants in which it is offered. We love the way the windscreen pillars run all the way from the roof down to the bumper without any deviation from a straight line. Interestingly, the facelifted version, introduced in April 2007, had quite lot of the rear-end redesign done by the Australian styling office of Mitsubishi.Inside, the look is as radical as the exterior; the Colt's wave-shaped dash has stylish instruments housed in a lavishly curved binnacle. There's good interior space for four people with sensible legroom in the adjustable rear seat. A fifth person will find comfort is compromised in the centre-rear by the join-line in the seatback.Boot space is restricted if the back seat is set all the way rearwards to achieve the best legroom. Colt can carry one large suitcase in a vertical position, with some room around it for softer baggage. The back seat can be double-folded to create a lot more room. The spare wheel is a small unit for temporary use only to make the boot deeper.Ride comfort is better than average for this class and overall refinement is as good as that of a car in the next size class upwards. However, handling is on the soft side, being aimed at the average driver rather than the enthusiast.The standard Mitsubishi Colt is powered by a 1.5-litre twin-cam engine. It was at the forefront of technology for its time and provides good torque that’s well suited to driving a CVT. Colt automatics use a new design of continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual is a conventional five-speed unit.Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart, sold from July 2006 until mid 2010, has a turbocharged and intercooled 1.5-litre engine. Despite the apparent high-performance credentials is only has 113 kW of power so is not really in the hot-hatch category - but look at the low price. The Ralliart Colt has a more rigid body than the standard Colt and there's sports suspension, complemented by upgraded brakes and larger wheels and tyres.The most interesting Mitsubishi Colt of them all is the Cabriolet, which went on sale in November 2006. It's a tiny car with odd styling that bulges at the back and slopes down in a somewhat disconcerting manner at the front. At best it can be described as cute. Colt Cabriolet is sold with a turbocharged engine that’s closely related to the one used in the Ralliart model, but with slightly less power, at just 110 kW. The lower power is noticeable as the body gains wait due to being beefed up underneath to support the lack of a solid roof.Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacturing in Australia the company is continuing as a major importer and has an ongoing commitment to providing spare parts, repairs and servicing. Insurance costs for Mitsubishi Colts vary dramatically. The turbocharged variants, particularly the Ralliart attract huge premiums. If looking at the latter and you are a young, inexperienced driver and live in a high-risk area make sure you get insurance quotes before falling in love with the hotter Colts.WHAT TO LOOK FORBody damage, or signs of it having been repaired, is a worry on any car, but especially so in the Ralliart variant of the Colt. Look for body panels that don’t line up correctly, on colours that don’t match from one panel to another. Tiny spots of paint on areas that should be clear, glass and badges are another cue.Look thoroughly inside a cabriolet for signs of dampness or water stains as it may have been caught out in the rain. Get permission to lift the carpets and check the conditions underneath them. Make sure any version of the Colt engine starts easily and idles reasonably smoothly.A turbocharged engine should have a minimum of lag. During your road test be aware that anything upwards of a second could be a worry. The turbo shouldn’t be overly noisy in operation. Check on the service books of any car, particularly if it’s a turbo as the latter needs to have engine oil changes according to schedule. As well as having the complete dynamic system examined.Listen and feel for a transmission that works smoothly and quietly. Make sure the brakes pull the Colt up promptly and that no one wheel locks before the others.CAR BUYING TIPSmall cars often live tougher lives than large ones because of their constant exposure to urban traffic. So low kilometre readings are not necessarily a good thing.

Double-clutch automated manual transmissions have been around for a few years now and Renault has just introduced a six-speed unit. It calls the new transmission Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC), and it’s the main reason we took another look at the Megane diesel hatch.TECHNOLOGYDouble-clutch transmissions make super-quick gear changes – faster than humanly possible – and offer reduced fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic.However, to feel these transmissions working at their best you need to use a lot of right foot to get off the line cleanly, which immediately detracts from the fuel efficiency.In Megane hatch under review, the six-speed EDC transmission is linked to a 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is Euro 5 compliant and produces peak torque of 240 Nm at a low 1750 rpm, and 110 kilowatts at 4000 rpm. Power is run through the front wheels and there is no sign of torque steer even under hard acceleration. Renault claims the EDC transmission saves 17 per cent on emissions when compared to a conventional auto.DESIGNNo one could ever accuse the French of producing boring cars and the Megane hatch is living proof of a beautifully sculpted five-door hatch. It is short but rakish and looks great on the road thanks to short front and rear overhangs.At 4.3 metres long it could play the role of a family car for two adults and two kids.In the Privilege the front seats have power height and reach adjustment, while the steering wheel also has height and reach adjustment. The seats are pretty comfortable though and there's good leg room for rear seat passengers. The rear seat is a bit narrow and better suited to two adults than three.The rear seat is a 60/40 split and folds forward to greatly increase cargo space. All seats in use there's 360 litres of luggage space. We used the Megane Hatch diesel for a weekend trip away to Grafton in the northern rivers area of NSW and our luggage hardly put a dent in the boot space.SAFETYRenault was the first company every to score a five-star rating on the Euro NCAP testing and continues to be a leader in the field. As well as the ability to help occupants survive a crash, Renault is also big in primary safety, boasting Electronic Stability Program and ABS brakes with emergency brake assist. EQUIPMENTThere are two specification levels, Dynamique and Privilege. Megane Privilege gets a significant package to justify the $5000 difference between the two spec levels. These include black leather upholstery, electric glass sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, and Arkamys four-speaker/four-tweeter sound system with single CD/MP3 player with satellite controls on the steering column.We can't say we love the ergonomics. The start/start button is in a user-unfriendly spot in front of the gear shifter, while the air conditioning buttons and audio controls are far too low. This is compounded by the satellite audio controls hidden behind the right spoke of the steering wheel. These almost seem designed to distract the driver from what they should be doing – concentrating on the road.What they have got right is the cruise control which is on the face of the steering wheel and simple to use. However, the cruise control master switch is on the centre console. Go figure.DRIVINGRenault Megane hatch has refined road manners with excellent cornering and braking and makes an excellent cruising machine. The diesel engine is at its best when cruising with the car routinely having fuel consumption under 5.0 litres per 100 km. In our week we covered more than 600 km at 5.3 L/100 km, a fair bit above Renault's claim of 4.5 L/100 km, but no more removed from reality than the fuel figures claimed for most other cars. The combination of a stunning French style, the convenience of a new-design automatic transmission and a pretty low price for the prestige of a owning a European car seems sure to guarantee the latest Renault Megane strong sales Down Under.Renault Megane Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-dieselPrice: RS 250 Cup 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $41,990 (manual), RS 250 Monaco GP 2.0-litre petrol three-door hatch: $48,990 (automatic),  Dynamique 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $22,990 (manual), $24,990 (manual), Privilege: 2.0-litre petrol five-door hatch: $29,990 (automatic),  Dynamique dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: Privilege dCi 1.5-litre turbo-diesel: $32,490 (automatic)Warranty: Five years/ unlimited kmEngine: 1.461 litres, Four cylinders in line. Compression Ratio: 15.2:1. 81kW - 240NmSafety Equipment: ABS Brakes, ESP, Dual Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags.Transmission: Manual Transmission: Six-speed Automatic Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutchDimensions: Length: 4295 mm, Wheelbase: 2641 mm, Width:1808 mm, Height: 1471 mm. Turning Circle: 11.1 metresWeight: 1366 kgTowing Ability: 1300 kg with braked trailerBrakes: Front Brakes: Ventilated disc Rear Brakes: DiscThirst: Diesel Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 4.5 L/100kmGreen: 8.5/10. Air Pollution Rating: 5/10

Holden wants to make the Commodore the poster boy of the liquefied petroleum gas-powered vehicle set. The new dedicated LPG Commodore has left the compromises of dual-fuel (petrol and gas) behind to produce a large car with small-car running costs.For example, how does filling an LPG Omega fuel tank for $55 at one of the 3300 LPG outlets around Australia sound? Then travelling up to 710 km before the next fill-up, at the same time virtuous because the car is only emitting 189 grams of carbon dioxide every kilometre.In 2009, Holden began a program aimed at producing a Commodore with class-leading carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions; and to achieve a seamless drive that’s comparable to petrol Commodore models.The company has just wheeled out an extended Commodore range, including sedan, Sportwagon, ute and long wheelbase models to the motoring media.The engine, a 3.6-litre, double overhead camshaft V6 with four valves per cylinder, has been specifically developed to run on LPG, earning the entire range an outstanding 4.5 out of 5 score in the Green Vehicle Guide and exceeding Euro 6 exhaust emission standards.Internally, new fuel injectors are positioned to optimise fuel delivery, while the fuel control system has also been optimised to ensure the advantages of LPG are fully realised to give best performance and drivability under Australian conditions.Hardened valves and valve seats make for long-term durability, while the heads and manifold are also designed specifically for the LPG Commodore to ensure ideal air flow and combustion.As LPG contains a higher octane rating (100 to 110) than petrol (91 to 98), new pistons have been used to allow the compression ratio to be\ raised to 12.2:1 to take full advantage of LPG.The world-class engine puts out 180 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, eclipsing the outgoing dual-fuel LPG variant by five kW and two Nm. At the same time, the new LPG Commodore Omega sedan records 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle, 1.6 L/100 km, or 13 per cent, better than the dual-fuel LPG Omega sedan.The first Holden-approved LPG system was introduced on VP Commodore nearly 20 years ago and culminates in the advanced dedicated offering in VE Commodore.LPG powered vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants – 10 to 15 per cent less CO2 and fewer hydrocarbons – compared to petrol-powered equivalents.The LPG option can be had for $2500, including GST, over the corresponding petrol-powered VE model but private buyers of new factory-fitted LPG vehicles can apply for a $2000 Federal Government rebate. It is estimated the remaining $500 can be recouped in a matter of months. Depending on fuel prices, the Omega sedan will cost about $1300 less per year in fuel to run, based on 20,000 km per year and average ULP and LPG fuel prices for December 2011.The new six-speed automatic transmission is lighter, smarter and more refined, boasting shift patterns that provide outstanding drivability. On a test run in a variety of vehicles in the Melbourne city and suburbs, there was some harshness under load when being hurried uphill, other than that, I defy anybody to tell the LPG from a petrol powered VE.Holden insists that the LPG engine starts without delay at all outside temperatures. We only tested it during a warm Melbourne day. In line with Holden’s safety philosophy, the LPG model goes beyond Australian regulatory requirements and scores the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating.With a rigid body structure with multiple energy paths in a crash, electronic stability programmed standard on all models, as well as six standard airbags in every model, the Commodore is one of the safest cars on the road.Beyond this were the challenges thrown up by fuel storage. LPG requires a larger tank than petrol in order to achieve a similar range, so to keep mass contained, Holden’s safety engineers developed a lightweight, 84-litre aluminium tank, which to their knowledge is the only mass produced, OEM-equipped, aluminium fuel tank anywhere in the world.Holden safety engineers shifted the tank to behind the rear axle requiring significant re-routing of the exhaust system among other modifications. The tank itself is made from high-strength, multi-celled, aircraft grade extruded aluminium with strategically-placed additional aluminium protection plates.