Articles by Karla Pincott

World record-holding tightrope walker Faith Dickey travelled a tightrope between two moving semi-trailers to show of fthe "precision and control" of the Volvo FH series truck range.The tricky task was overseen by Hollywood stunt meister Peter Pedrero, whose film credits include movies from the James Bond, Harry Potter and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises.The action was performed on a stretch of closed highway in Croatia. And with no other traffic around that probably removed some of the risk. And Dickey was rigged up with a safety cable in case she fell.However the trucks were both doing about 80km/h and heading towards a divided tunnel -- one for each side -- putting pressure on her to get across the rope before it was smeared against the mountain face the tunnels ran through.

Based on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, the Roadster has been created by Italian design house Zagato – and carries as one of its cues their signature 'doppio gobba' double-bubble in the soft-top roof cover. Unveiled at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on the weekend, the Roadster echoes the Zagato Coupe's aggressive nose, long bonnet and the sharp cut-off of an aerodynamic Kamm tail, but with subtly smoother lines towards the rear to suggest style rather than hardcore sportiness. “The tail end as a whole places a greater emphasis on elegance than that of the Coupé, which shows a sharper sporting edge. The Roadster’s lines are smoother here and the rear is lower-slung,” BMW says. For the prominent roll-bars, the designers were inspired by the shape of an aircraft wing and experimented with the mass of the components before deciding in the forward-leaning final design. There's also an intentional hint of propeller to the five-spoke 19-in light-alloy wheels, making reference to the aircraft production in both BMW and Zagato history. BMW says the positive response to the Zagato Coupe prompted a swift decision to produce the Roadster – with just six weeks of build time after the design was finalised. “We set ourselves the challenge of preparing the car in time for the renowned Pebble Beach Concours,” BMW design chief Adrian van Hooydonk says. “It was only with the expertise of both companies in the manufacture of high-end one-off cars and another display of outstanding teamwork that we were able to finish the car on schedule.” The BMW Zagato Roadster has been finished in a special grey that changes from dark charcoal to light silver depending on how the light hits it. BMW has not given any detailed technical, weight or performance figures, but in the standard Z4 sDrive35is is powered by a 250kW/450Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine that gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds and to a top speed of 250km/h (electronically-limited).  

McLaren has unveiled the X-1 supercar built for an anonymous client who already owns a trio of the brand’s finest efforts, but hankered after something unique.

The A4 range is Audi’s bread and butter, making for around 20 per cent of the brand’s sales here. But with stronger competition in the market from a new BMW 3-Series and revised Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4 has also been given a mid-life makeover – spreading a bit more honey on that white sliced staple.The range has been updated from end to end with cosmetic changes to body and trim, upgraded tech, and engine revisions for more power and torque with better fuel economy.The model that benefits most under the bonnet is the entry level tested here, which also gets more equipment but keeps the price in check at just a few hundred higher than the previous model.DESIGNChanges are subtle, with redesigned grille, intakes, bumpers and light clusters the main exterior clues. The cabin – which was already great – gets some ergonomic tweaks, restyled steering wheel, smattering more metal accent and some extra choices in the colour and trim catalogue.It’s Audi quality all the way, with a perfect balance between statement and restraint and nary a garish or sour note. The front seats get plenty of room, but the rear is snug – uncomfortably so if front passengers are leggy – and better suited to two than three sets of shoulders.Centre console nooks and door bins offer good gadget habitats, and the boot space is much larger than it first looks, holding 480 litres and growing to 962 with the rear seat folded.TECHNOLOGYImproved fuel injection has given the 1.8-litre TFSi four-cylinder a claimed 18 per cent improvement in economy, with the official fuel figure posted as 5.8L/100km.  The little engine also gets a boost in power and muscle, with the latter tipping in early and staying long across the rev range. Coupled with the frugal thirst, it’s a lot of what you want from a diesel – but in a petrol engine.A continuously-variable transmission handles the job of getting the engine outputs to the front wheels – there’s also a manual version with even slightly better fuel economy, but the auto will be the bigger seller here.The economy improvements across the range have been helped by a new electromechanical steering system, and an ‘eco’ setting among the switchable drive modes alters the accelerator, transmission, steering and airconditioning responses to focus on frugality.Road manners are honed with retuned rear suspension and shock absorbers, while the electronic stability control is set up to hold back on front-braking interference for better cornering.And if you start to nod off, a system of sensors that monitor steering and other inputs for signs of tiredness will nag you to take a break.SAFETYIt gets a five-star rating, and you’d expect no less – eight airbags and an arsenal of braking, active and passive safety technology see to that.VALUEThe price on the auto is $55,500 (manual is $52,700), which is just $600 above the outgoing version. It’s well kitted and fitted, with decent finishes and enough features to make venturing beyond entry level largely unnecessary -- were it not for the lack of a satnav and perhaps a rearview camera. Add a hefty $3450 and $1650 respectively if you want those.Arch enemies are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with each facing off with a rear-wheel drive four-cylinder. The Beemer is a grand over the Audi and the Merc another on top of that, and arguably both have their merits. BMW’s 3 claims the driving dynamics crown, while the C-Class has more of a luxury feel. But when it comes to style, it’s the Audi hands down.However there’s another to consider from Sweden, with the front-wheel drive Volvo S60 T4 offering a great engine and drive – and leaving about $6500 in your pocket.DRIVINGThe engine revisions have given the 1.8-litre new life. It’s got more beef at take-off and slower speeds, stays keen through the mid-range and has a little more on tap for highway overtaking – with smooth performance all the way.Steering is a little livelier, response is sharp enough and it does pretty much what it’s told. Road manners are refined, with the firm suspension showing confident handling through corners and surefooted composure over most surfaces – although you’ll definitely know about bumpy patches.It doesn’t aim to be a balls-out sport rocket, but there’s always enough there for normal driving -- except in the efficiency mode, which hoses the enthusiasm down considerably.The only real downside is the CVT transmission, which doesn’t clock onto the job early enough at the start, and in full auto setting is teeth-grindingly relaxed. That’s fine in CBD traffic, but for anything else you’ll want to use the ‘manumatic’ mode to shift gears, or at least flick it into Sport mode to snap it into a little more action.VERDICTThe CVT and firm suspension may be the only drawbacks for some people, but they’re small niggles when weighed up against the rest of a stylish premium package with an excellent engine.Audi A4 1.8 TFSIPrice: from $55,500Warranty:  3 years/unlimited kmResale: 55%Service interval: 12 months/15,000kmEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 125kW/320NmTransmission:  continuously-variable, FWDThirst: 5.8L/100km, 134g/km CO2Spare: Space saverDimensions: 4.70m (L), 1.82m (W), 1.42m (H)Weight: 1470kg

The one-off track-ready concept will be unveiled this weekend at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. Based on the McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car – but taking nearly every aspect to a new level – the Can-Am is powered by a revised version of the 12C’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that develops 470kW. Weight has been kept down to 1200kg (dry), helped by extensive use of carbon fibre, while an aero kit including front splitter, rear diffuser and rear wing increases downforce by a claimed 30 per cent. The car is fitted with a race roll cage, and has nabbed the GT3’s F1-derived steering wheel, backed up with race seats and harnesses. The Can-Am is finished in signature McLaren Orange, set off with the carbon fibre features and black satin forged alloy wheels with Pirelli racing slick tyres and Akenobo brakes.  

So these pre-show images give a good idea of what we’re likely to get – at least as far as the exterior goes.The Trax is based on the same platform as the new Barina city car, but rides higher and gets some beefy body styling to give it tougher presence.Three four-cylinder engines have been announced for overseas markets: a 102kW/200Nm turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol, a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 96kW/300Nm 1.7-litre diesel. Gearbox choices are a six-speed manual transmission with stop-start system that temporarily shuts down the engine when the car is not moving.A six-speed automatic will be available for the 1.4-litre and 1.7-litre diesel, which also offer on-demand all-wheel drive, with the 1.6-litre arriving only in front-wheel drive.The safety list includes six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic assistance for panic stops and uneven loading, stability and traction control, hill start and descent controls, and a trailer stabilising system. 

TV can-do adventurer – and pin-up boy for Marge Simpson’s sisters – MacGyver is back... as a tout for the Mercedes-Benz Citan van.“Over the past seven years I’ve done nothing else but drive all over the world. I’ve escaped gunslingers, prisons and time bombs. And all I’ve got to show for it are a few empty rolls of duct tape!” MacGyver says in announcing the tie-up.Mercedes-Benz is developing three ‘action-packed’ promotional spots for the Citan, with retired secret agent MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) becoming a handyman – but still daily beset by danger and evildoers.He reportedly hasn’t forgotten how to use his beloved Swiss Army knife and duct tape, but now adds the Citan commercial van to his favourite tools.Marge’s chain-smoking sisters, Patty and Selma Bouvier, are probably already glued to the small screen in anticipation, but they’ll have to resort to a computer to see the action, which will start airing as webisodes in September to coincide with the Citan’s launch at the IAA International Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover, Germany.The Citan – jointly developed with Renault-Nissan -- will be launched in Europe in three bodies ranging from panel van to crewbus, and four engines including a supercharged petrol and a turbodiesel. 

With a working project designation as ‘RK’, the rear-wheel drive sports sedan is being developed on a smaller version of the rear-wheel drive platform from the Genesis Coupe – which is the Korean brand’s premium-tilted luxe-sports hero in overseas markets. A report in US industry journal Automotive News suggests the RK is still at least three years away, and will launch in 2015 at the earliest. Hyundai told Carsguide last year that the Genesis Coupe would join the range here this year – however a launch date has not yet been announced – but the Genesis sedan would not follow it. A refreshed Genesis is due to hit overseas showrooms by the end of 2013 or early in 2014. "The right-hand-drive coupe will be available for Australia and other RHD countries," Global CEO and president Steve S Yang said at the time. "But at the moment we don't have any plans for the RHD Genesis sedan." Yang said the decision was based on the business case of numbers for the sedan. "We are trying our best to meet the customers' needs all over the world but we have to think about profitability," he says. "We know there is a market for the right-hand sedan in Australia, and maybe Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa. But in total, how many of the right-hand drive (Genesis sedan) do you think we can sell? Maybe we can sell 1000 to 2000 in Australia." Overseas the 2+2 coupe is offered with either a 157kW/302Nm turbo- charged four-cylinder or a 228kW/361Nm 3.3-litre V6 engine. Current transmission choices are a six-speed manual or a six-speed ZF auto.  

Any new city car is a small fish in a very large pond. While there's growing demand for the tiddlers, there's also growing competition - so any newcomer needs the right bait to lure buyers. Audi cracked it with the three-door A1, with four or five rolling out the showroom door every day since it arrived 18 months ago. Now it gets extra appeal in the five-door Sportback version that adds practicality and opens those two extra doors to new customers. On paper it almost promises perfection: several drivetrains, good looks, and affordable entry into a prestige badge.VALUEThe Sportback range kicks off with the $26,500 1.2 TFSI (turbo petrol) manual and tops out $16,000 later with the performance-focused $42,500 1.4 TFSI Sport with a seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission.In between at $29,990 are a detuned version of the 1.4 TFSI or the 1.6 TDI diesel tested here with the $2350 S-tronic option. It comes only in the base Attraction spec, which includes alloy wheels, all the creature comforts you'd expect, plus a six-speaker single CD Concert audio system linked to a hefty 6.5-in display that retracts into the top of the dash.So at $32,250 all up, what does it face off against? The natural comparison is against the Polo on which it's based, and which comes in nearly $10,000 cheaper with the same drivetrain. However some people will see that much value in the Audi badge and a more upmarket fit-out - even in the A1's base spec.Other five-door diesel auto choices include the $36,990 Citroen DS4 DStyle and the $39,200 2WD Mini Countryman D 2WD - which share a jointly-developed 1.6-litre turbodiesel with six-speed auto. But you're paying extra only to get either the over-fussy styling of the Citroen or the pointlessness of a front-wheel drive Mini positioned as an SUV.DESIGNIt's impossible to look at the A1 Sportback and not like it. A well-proportioned body, well-judged accents, and everything tasteful without being staid. The main drawbacks are the tiny door mirrors -- which look neat but trim the view - and the sloping roofline's cannibalisation of rear seat headroom.Otherwise there's enough comfortable space for four adults as long as the rear ones are not too long-legged. Luggage space is 270 litres, but dropping the rear seat boosts it to a very usable 920 litres. Taking a leaf out of Mini's very thick customisation catalogue, the A1 has myriad combinations of trim, exterior, contrasting roof - and even coloured air vent bezels - to tempt your wallet.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.6-litre turbodiesel gives you 66kW of power and a healthy 230Nm of torque, delivered to the front wheels by either a five-speed manual or the seven-speed S-tronic we tested.It's economy focused, with the manual's official fuel figure a miserly 3.8L/100km and the auto getting 4.2L/100km - partly because the S-tronic misses out on the benefit of the stop-start system on all other models in the A1 range.We ended up well into the 5L/100km range, mainly because we were mostly using the transmission in Sport or manumatic mode - more on that shortly.SAFETYIt hasn't been tested here, but gets five stars in European NCAP crash tests. Safety fit-out includes six airbags -- dual front, side and full-length curtain -- anti-lock brakes with electronic assistants for extreme and panic braking and stability control, but no reversing camera even as an option.DRIVINGThe A1 gets some great dynamic DNA from its VW Polo bloodstock, and adding extra doors hasn't made it any less nimble. The steering is honed and connected, and while the ride is firm, the chassis is confident and balanced.Our daily runs through hilly bends became a go-kart joy in the little car, which responded by turning in precisely and showing taut brilliance in cornering - helped by a braking system that applies to the inside front wheel.It's not a rocket off the mark, but when you get going there's plenty of torque down low to keep you interested. However all that fun was had with the transmission in fuel-burning sport and manual modes, because -- left to its own devices -- the dual-clutch doesn't come to the party quite early enough.Urging the engine along is going to savage the fuel economy, and you also pay a decibel penalty, with the engine surprisingly harsh even at mid-range revs - chiming in with pronounced road noise over almost every surface.Admittedly, those were the only sour notes in the cabin, which despite being in base spec still carries enough of the premium feel to let you know you're in an Audi.VERDICTWe loved the car with the little 1.2-litre petrol engine for the city, and everybody will love it with the sport-tuned range-topping 1.4-litre, but it's hard to warm to the diesel which seems to sit oddly with the A1's market position aimed at young, trendy urbans.Audi A1 Sportback  1.6 TDIPrice: from $29,990 ($32,250 as tested)Warranty: Three years/unlimited kmService intervals: 12 months/15,000kmEngines: 1.6-litre turbodiesel, 66kW/230NmTrans: Five-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch automated manualBody: Five-door hatchDimensions: 3954mm (L), 1746mm (W), 1422mm (H), 2469mm (WB)Weight: 1260kgThirst: 3.8 litres/100km, 99g/km CO2Wheels: 15-in alloySpare: space saver temp

More power, bigger wheels, extra trim and … err, hideously garish paint. The Yorkshire-based Range Rover tweakers have taken the stock SUVs to extremes to produce the Limited Edition Overfinch Sport GTS-X and the Range Rover Evoque 2012 GTS. The Sport GTS-X stirs up the standard 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine to develop 429kW of power and 700Nm of torque – up from 375kW and 625Nm – making it the most powerful beast in Overfinch’s wild menagerie. It promises a top speed of 233km/h, a somewhat scary thought for a big box of SUV. The Sport GTS-X gets a blazing orange finish with gloss black accents, sculpted side panels and two-tone Overfinch badging. Cabin treatment includes carbon-fibre, acres of leather and orange accent stitching. The three-door Range Rover Evoque 2012 GTS gets exterior treatment in a psychedelic hue of purple not fully appreciated since the hippie era, 22-in diamond-turned wheels, sculpted body accents, white leather interior and some tastes of Overfinch’s bespoking capability. The pimped-up SUVs will be presented in London on September 5 at the 2012 Salon Prive – the annual cocktail salute to the uber-luxury lifestyle – competing with other exhibits of top-shelf supercars, superboats, jewelry and other necessities.