Articles by Gordon Lomas

The delayed start for the petrol/electric Civic in Australia is a result of Honda facing a global production shortage.The new car costs $31,990, $2000 more than the first generation Civic hybrid.This car comes with plenty of goods and chattels and has improvements and refinements in regenerative braking energy while the electric Integrated Motor Assist is up on the original Civic by 46 per cent while torque has taken a 14 per cent hike.It develops 85kW of power, giving it a 29kW advantage over the Toyota Prius equivalent and creates 170Nm of torque.There are claimed fuel consumption figures of 4.6 litres/100km (.6 litre better than previous model) but in early real world tests there are indications it is more likely to be up around 6 litres/100km.To justify buying a hybrid over a standard Civic you would need to own the hybrid for more than 16 years, twice the eight-year battery warranty, at current petrol prices, to see any benefit.And according to RACQ research it is understood a replacement battery today would cost close to $2000 or about 70 per cent less than the Prius.The Civic hybrid comes with a compact CVT variable transmission with a wider gear band.There is a space saver spare but there is room for a full size in the boot well, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and a choice of four colours exclusive to the hybrid.The IMA powertrain varies on how it functions depending on road conditions.Both the petrol engine and electric motor work under acceleration and either/or works while cruising, depending on road conditions.Under deceleration the cylinders shutdown and fuel stops flowing, while the electric motor goes into regenerative braking mode, effectively becoming a generator and recovering energy to feed the rechargeable battery.There is a nine per cent wider range in gear ratios for this CVT which helps save fuel.Honda says it will sell 100 a month, optimistically thinking it will pace the Prius.ON THE ROADThe Civic is comfortable and ostensibly does not feel a whole lot different to a conventional petrol model.That is until you spend a few kilometres in one driving around congested Sydney roads.On a 70km loop course from the Rocks, across the northern beaches to Narrabean and back through North Sydney, the hybrid showed a few of its tricks.For starters the brakes at first have a wooden feel to them and there appears to be an ABS (anti-lock brakes) pedal kickback.You can hear the electrics buzz into action when you ride the brakes, sensors sending a signal to the computer so braking power is distributed between hydraulic brakes and the electric generator which maximises regeneration.This is slightly different to the previous model which had a pre-set regeneration and was not designed for variable proportioning of its braking power. So there is better logic under the new hybrid's skin and it is a sweet ride.Our fuel figure rested at 7.8litres/100km after 70km and others on the same drive finished at 5.9litres/100km.The hybrid started to struggle on a couple of climbs, the CVT clearly staying in a higher gear for optimum fuel efficiency.It is doubtful whether the $10,000-plus premium over a standard Civic is worth the hassle.Financially, the hybrid is not a viable option at current petrol prices. Only committed greenies may see a benefit in the environment over dollars equation.

Honda relies heavily on the name and many owners hang off the badge's coat tails such is the integrity of the Civic.It has arrived new for the eighth time since the first one, a much smaller and more modest version, put a new spin on the local small car landscape in the early 1970s.There are four versions of the newest Civic (including the hybrid petrol/electric) which have joined the heavyweight small car fight led by the Toyota Corolla, Holden Astra and Mazda 3, among others.Sales have never been hotter in this segment so any contender needs to cut it against some heavy hitters or risk being floored by an uppercut.There are a few weaknesses in the new eighth generation range but none which threaten to expose the Civic to a knockout blow.For the most part the Civic remains an extremely well-oiled civil servant to its many thousands of loyal fans.And what's more there's a Civic for every taste.So how do the different trim choices measure up?VTi, $20,990 (add $2000 for automatic)This is the entree to the range and the base banger has a good dose of standard kit including power windows, single CD player and airconditioning.It is quite cosy and inviting in this guise and probably the biggest let-down is the low-rent cloth seat trim.Still, there is a lot of comfort here, good vision and it is easy to find the optimum seating position.Braking safety hasn't been skimped on either with ABS aided by electric brakeforce distribution helping the four-disc package.There is a bit more space than the previous model, 70mm longer and 35mm wider.The 1.8 litre four-cylinder engine, which is claimed to produce 103kW of power, seemed a little dozy on this test although it probably frees up a bit with a few more clicks on the clock.It is by no means as sprightly as a Mazda 3 or Corolla, biased more toward being neutral in handling.The VTi offers a good, honest calm ride and there are airbags for the driver and front passenger.For the main, the interior is neat, tidy and uncluttered. But what is going on with the spacecraft dash layout?Right smack bang in the middle of where the conventional odo and speedos are is the rev-counter.Then go up another level, closer to the bottom of the windscreen, and there is a digital speedo which, depending on a driver's height, seating and steering wheel positions, runs the risk of being obscured by the top of the tiller.It's a little disconcerting and maybe a little distracting initially but there is no doubt that if you get the position just right it is much easier and safer to monitor your speed because you don't have to adjust your line of sight as much as with a conventional dash.The design of the dash is the one thing that that stands to divide opinion on the latest Civic.VTi-L, $24,490 (add $2000 for automatic)This is the luxury-spec and it, along with the Sport and Hybrid, gain front and rear curtain airbags.And other gains are 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control aircon and a six-disc CD player.That is the thrust of the difference but don't expect hide-covered seats - there is still the rather drab cloth found in the entry model.Sport, $29,990 (add $2000 for automatic)You move from the 1.8 to the 2 litre engine and a rise in power to 114kW but it still doesn't go as hard as it should or could.But to be fair, the Sport Civic is not meant to be a Type R or Type S, even though the powerplant is a hobbled version from the S.Where it does gain kudos is the leather seats and sunroof.There's also a bit more to choose from in the colour and trim department over and above the VTi and VTi-L underlings.What it does like is to be driven hard, the motor kept on the boil and that's where it does its best work.

Sitting church mouse quiet in a driveway, the V8 Vantage silhouette draws the gaze of passersby in the darkening twilight hour.The parking lights, a bank of seven LEDs stacked one on top of the other on either headlamp lens at the front, suggest this is beyond the realm of a garden variety performance coupe.It is a piece of art, this Aston, the most affordable (better make that accessible) sports car from the iconic British company at $236,300.About 330mm has been snipped off the length of a V12-engined DB9 with the end result, the V8 Vantage coming in $100,000 or so under the odds of the bigger more powerful Aston.And it is the first pure two-seater Aston for more than 50 years.Lift the featherweight wedge shaped bonnet and there is a plaque which reads, `Aston Martin, handbuilt in England, final inspection by Martyn Askill' which is attached to a cover for the cooling systems.Look further into the engine bay and the 4.3litre quad cam V8 is tucked deeper into the nose for sharper dynamics and crisper balance.It runs trick bits such as a dry sump allowing engineers to fit the V8 lower to the ground to help strike slicker cornering performance through a kinder centre of gravity.Switching focus to the tyres and brakes and the V8 Vantage runs Bridgestone Potenzas, 18-inch standard (19s are optional) with 275/40s at the rear driving wheels with 235/45s hanging off the front.There are massive ventilated and grooved discs all round with 355mm (front) and 330mm (rear) discs pinched by four piston calipers.All this is hugged by a gorgeous body that is a masterpiece of automotive art, an unfettered fusion of elegance and brutal performance.It looks tough and one twist of the ignition key followed by a press of the push button starter at the centre of the dash and the Aston rumbles to life.The gutteral tones are governed at low revs yet remain menacing to the ear.This beat is merely an entree into something much wilder.The front mid-mounted V8 which is designed exclusively for Aston, changes pitch, rising to a screaming banshee howl beyond 4500rpm which is an aural treat if your heart races to the beat of competition engines at the racetrack.This change in soundtrack comes once a bypass valve in the exhaust system opens as the rev counter needle strikes four and a half grand.For a serious bit of kit, the ride quality in the V8 Vantage is quite mute, cushioning blows by surface imperfections at lowly built-up area speeds.Pleasingly, the Vantage is no rib-rattling, harshly sprung exotic coupe for the suburbs.It is quite compliant around town but then, like the bypass valve, a new beast emerges when you want to have a bit of a blast.Once the engine pumps out its 283kW of power (7300rpm) and substantial 410Nm of torque (82 per cent of which flows at a piddling 1500rpm) the ride firms up allowing prodigious body control.The throttle has a loose feel initially yet becomes modular enough for confident application while the brake pedal is firm, willing the driver to make a confident stab rather than a tentative prod.Steering is beautifully weighted with a smooth, sweet feel biased towards neutral with only traces of mild understeer.The chassis, which contributes about 180kg to the cars total 1570kg kerb weight, is balanced and tuned to bring out the best in the Vantage which completes the obligatory 0-100km/h yardstick in 5secs.A 51/49 front-to-rear weight distribution helps strike razor sharp handling around the twisties.The short-throw 6-speed manual fits the 4.3-litre V8 like a glove.Cogs are easily picked off and changes can be smoothed out via a well disciplined left foot that should have no trouble finding the sweet spot in the clutch take-up point.This Graziano-sourced transmission from Italy is also found in other exotics such as Ferrari and Lamborghini.The Vantage's body combines aluminium, steel, composites and magnesium and is bonded and riveted, the final profile making it one of the sleekest coupes in existence.The cabin is supremely trimmed with quality fit and finish, stitched leather door and dash trim and beautifully accommodating yet supportive seats.Aston has designed a cracking layout with brilliant ergonomics and dials and switches which are simplistically uncluttered yet retain a high level of class and finesse.It is by far Aston's single biggest achievement over the previous DB7 model.The V8 Vantage is a worthy all-rounder, as sharp as any Grand Tourer going and as hardcore as most connoisseurs would demand.

More than 25,000 admirers, tyre kickers and buyers packed the Convention Centre at South Bank on the second day of the show last Saturday, smashing all previous records.The 8000 increase on the previous single-day best crowd was helped by the official season launch of the V8 Supercar championship which featured all the stars and cars of the Holden versus Ford series in nearby Little Stanley St.While most come to dream there are those who use the opportunity to compare notes between rival brands at close range and under the one roof.With fuel prices remaining high, the cost of running a vehicle remains a key buying consideration among many buyers.For those wanting to stretch their dollar further at the pump there are fresh injections of turbo diesel variants in the passenger car line-up including Volkswagen's Polo oil burner for $22,990.Lexus provided the Queensland public with its first look at the GS450H saloon, a luxury petrol/electric hybrid which is scheduled to do business in local showrooms from May.BMW, which is showing off a new range of V8 engines in the 5, 6 and 7-series at the show, says it will have a hydrogen-powered 7-series on Australian roads in two years but there is a need for government intervention to possibly sort through filling station infrastructure.While the future is firmly set on alternative power sources, there remains an unwavering passion for hot blooded exotic sports machines.In performance alley at the show there is the stunning Pagani Zonda Roadster, priced at $1.3 million or the equivalent of four median-priced Brisbane homes.While Holden is flooring the fans with the hot rod Efigy, it also previewed its next four-wheel-drive wagon, the Capitva.VW took the covers off the new Passat sedan and wagon while Fiat had a range of Puntos which will signal the Italian maker's return to the passenger car ranks in Australia this year. The show continues until Sunday.

At $1.3 million the V12 Pagani Zonda roadster, pictured, one of the most expensive cars to be revealed in Queensland, will roar to life among close to 20 environmentally friendly diesel and hybrid (petrol/electric) examples.Queensland's annual motoring extravaganza has drawn a record number of cars making their Australian or Queensland debuts which reflects the buoyant state of the local new car market.More than 216,000 (22 per cent of the national market) new vehicles were purchased in Queensland last year, with the Sunshine State leading the way in growth.What has also helped build the imposing list of Motor Show exhibits is the scheduling of the show a month later than normal because it swapped dates with Melbourne which avoided clashing with the Commonwealth Games."Visitors this year will see more than 50 cars that either are just released or still to be released, while there are quite a few more they may never see on the roads, such as the Holden Efijy concept or ultra-rare exotics like the Pagani Zonda," Chris Beecham, chairman of the motor show organising committee said."By putting on their best displays the companies are acknowledging the growing influence of Queensland car buyers."From the industry's viewpoint, the show provides a strong kick-start to the sales year."Also competing for exotic bragging rights will be Ferrari's 612 Scaglietti and F430, the $650,000 Bentley Azure convertible, Maserati GranSport Spyder, the Lamborghini Gallardo Roadster and Murcielago, Jaguar XK convertible and Australia's 300km/h Redback Spyder which is featured on the cover of the motor show program in The Courier-Mail today.The Porsche range returns after several years which features the all-new Cayman S coupe which sits between the Boxster and the 911.The traditional display of motorcycles will have a spectacular star, with predictions the "Croc Chopper", being custom-built on a special show stand, could fetch up to $120,000 when it is auctioned on the final night for the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation charity.Fuel-efficient, environment-friendly cars will appear in record numbers.Lexus debuts Australia's first luxury sedan with petrol-electric hybrid power, the 450H, and Honda with an all-new Civic hybrid.The latest examples of clean, powerful and economical turbocharged diesel engines will be displayed by traditionally sporty brands BMW, Alfa Romeo and Jaguar.Citroen, Peugeot, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda and Holden will show "oil-burners".An added attraction will be the staging of the official V8 Supercars championship launch featuring all cars, drivers and transporters at South Bank from 10am-2pm on Saturday.Both Little Stanley St and Glenelg St, just outside the motor show, will be closed for the free event.While the V8 launch only runs on one day the motor show continues until Saturday week.

While the turbo plan for the hot-selling Territory was no great secret after being caught poorly disguised in spy shots in Melbourne last year, it is a coup for the local market who have warmed to the wagon.The blown six was the natural step for Ford to take and it opens the door for Ford Performance Vehicles do an even hotter version.Ford has announced that the turbo will go on sale in July however price and performance figures will be with-held until closer to launch date."The Territory turbo offers Euro inspired styling with a sports edge - it's designed with elegance in mind, coupled with performance attributes," Ford Australia president Tom Gorman said.Ford's engineering department has reprogrammed the acclaimed ZF 6-speed transmission to cater for the turbo all-wheel-drive wagon.The blue oval maker will exclusively show a concept truck that gives a strong hint to what the next Courier will look like.The 4-Trac will feature in an Australian premiere in Brisbane after its world unveiling at the Thailand Motor Expo in Bangkok late last year. Why show it first in Thailand?Firstly it is the largest market for pick-up trucks outside the United States and Thailand is the regional production hub for Ford's one-tonne trucks with exports assigned to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, South America, Middle East and Europe.The 4-Trac features clean body surfaces, bulging wheel arches, integrated side indicator lights, 17-inch six spoke alloy wheels with A/T tyres.At the rear the 4-Trac uses a distinctive double folding, power assisted rear tray with three-step access.It is a tailgate within a tailgate where inner and outer sections operate together or seperately.The outer section folds to the ground effectively transforming into a ramp while the inner part folds 90 degrees for trouble-free loading.There are six portable containers in the rear cargo area that were prompted by offshore rescue craft for carrying a variety of equipment including rescue gear. Ford will also unveil its revamped Escape SUV.The Escape gains a new grille and bonnet while a new front bumper incorporates an updated skid plate on the XLT Sport and Limited versions.This houses new recessed fog lamps to match the four chamber chrome-ringed headlamps.Launched later this year, the Escape will also have an all-new interior layout and safety upgrades.The two powerplants, 2.3-litre four cylinder and 3-litre V6, remain unchanged.

Among these spearheaded by its award-winning 380 sedan is the all-new Triton ute cabriolet concept colt CZ3 Tarmac model, the latest Lancer Evo IX, a piping hot turbo five-door Colt Ralliart and another force-fed Colt coupe-cabriolet.Other Queensland debuts include the interesting "i" car, Mitsubishi's new small vehicle and the limited edition Pajero VR-X.After making its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show late last year, the "i" car has been brought to Australia to gauge its potential as a future production model.Just released in Japan the mini car is said to be innovative, imaginative and intelligent – hence the name.It has a three-cylinder intercooled turbo-charged variable valve timing engine housed in the rear midship which is a first for a Mitsubishi.The engine is located forward of the rear wheels which has allowed for a foward cab design which offers decent interior space.Ride and handling is helped by the location of the wheels at each corner of the car.The "i" measures 3395mm in length, 1475mm wide and has a 2550mm wheelbase.

Holden has not played this game for more than 20 years since the departure of the long gone but not forgotten Gemini station wagon.Whatever the defining reason, Holden is now in the small car wagon game again playing against the likes of Toyota's Corolla and the competent Mitsubishi Lancer equivalents.For to-ing and fro-ing and any space needs it remains truly compliant and practical.But for all these pass marks there is one area where it falls flat on its belly.There's no damn room to put a decent cup of coffee.Aside from the square bin in between the two front seats there is nowhere to put a drink without its contents being spilt and changing the texture and possibly colour of the interior trim.For such a practical little wagon how have the interior designers got that side of things so wrong?This is just such a disappointment in a car which has centre rear lap sash seat belt and head restraint and child anchor points in the back, safety and comfort in spades but no bleedin' cup holders or precious little useable storage compartments to speak of.What a tragedy.It is a let down because it kind of takes the gloss off what is essentially a comfortable, smart, tight, quiet and tractable little package.The Belgium made AH wagon comes off a tidy platform and its neat chassis exudes the performance of the tried and proven hatchback Astras.Its 1.8-litre engine mated to the four-speed automatic, a $2000 option, falls a little short when you start adding people and luggage weight to the equation.It loses a lot of the spark it has when laden and becomes a bit of a lazy bones.That and the lack of worthwhile storage bins/cupholders are the main gripes over a wagon which is arguably the classiest looking in its segment.The automatic transmission used here has probably come to the end of the road.One cog less than it should have, a tendency to clunk into gear sometimes and less-than-adequate ratios leave it way short of a halfway decent box.Out on the open road the auto is fine as it labours along in fourth without a worry in the world.It's when the auto needs to start doing its stuff that there seems to be a hiccup.Fuel economy on this three-week test hovered somewhere between 8-9litres/100km so it's not what you would call a quiet little drinker by any stretch.The AH wagon could be a brilliant little family carriage if it had a contemporary automatic gearbox and useable storage compartments other than the daft moulding to place (certainly not hold) a cup on the inside and the skinny map pocket slots in the front door trims.

You know the French are serious about product development when they abandon the rule that forbids Citroen and Peugeot competing against each other in motor sport.  Citroen is tackling four rounds of the world rally championship this season with its Xsara T4 before a full-blown assault in several years.It will compete against stablemate Peugeot's 206, which brilliantly won the WRC last year.  Why the fuss about competition on the dirt? Because Citroen's program revolves around the Xsara VTS upmarket coupe.  The entry-level VTR and the five-door sedan have essentially the same underbelly as the VTS, which is derived from the T4.DrivingOn the road, the entry-level VTR performs quite nicely for a 1.6-litre four-potter. As one would expect from Citroen, the suspension is one of the car's highlights, offering quality ride and handling.  The steering is a little dull at suburban pace but more responsive at highway speed.Front and rear styling changes add a heavier Euro edge, while the lighter, more powerful and more economical 1.6-litre engine is a surprise packet in that it is willing on tough climbs.  The 83kW of power offers spark, while optimum torque of 150Nm kicks in a little worse than midway through the rev range at 4000rpm.On the new Xsara, Citroen's Chevron badging is more prominent at both ends, adding to on-road identification.  The five-door has a neat short-throw manual gear shifter and revised seats that seem small but offer comfort and support.For pre-production models, the test cars made available for the launch are tidy packages that offer value for money in a tough segment.  Ranging from $23,990 for the entry-level VTR and $25,490 for the five-door to $32,990 for the performance-based VTS, the Xsara range is up against heavy competition.Citroen's advantage is that none of its competitors boasts the technology levels offered in the Xsara range.  The VTS driven in the road test was a hand-built prototype that houses the same 2-litre heart as Peugeot's tasty 206 GTi.It rides on a beautifully balanced chassis, and road-holding is boosted by high-performance damping supported by a decoupled anti-roll bar at the front.  Noise, vibration and harshness levels are improved, and the dash and instrument layout is ergonomically sound and easy to interpret.