Articles by Karla Pincott

Mini’s 2012 special Life Ball car has been teased as a Mini Cooper Roadster S decked out in purple and gold, courtesy of Italian Vogue editor Franca Sozzani. It’s this year’s contribution to the annual Life Ball charity event, which Mini has supported for more than a decade. Along with being the editor of one of the leading Vogue mastheads, Sozzani is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development -- a global campaign that uses fashion-based initiatives to raise awareness of issues ranging from poverty to gender inequality. As a Mini Life Ball designer, she follows in the trendily-shod footsteps of Donatella Versace, Gianfranco Ferre, Missoni, Kenneth Cole, Diane von Furstenberg, Diesel, twin enfants-terrible Dsquared and lingerie house Agent Provocateur. Mini has partnered with the Life Ball since 2001, donating a specially designed car each year for auction and raising an admirable 500,000 euros (about $680,000) over that time. The 2012 annual Life Ball will be held on May 19 in Vienna, Austria.  

The vehicle -- based on the MFA A/B platform that also underpins the recently revealed CLA four-door coupe -- started off being called the BLK. Then for a while we heard it referred to as the GLC. But it seems Mercedes-Benz has settled on calling it the GLA. For now, at least. That would be a logical step to align the nameplate with the GL and GLK Mercedes SUVs, while also linking it to the platform on which the A-class and B-Class are also based. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is likely to go on sale in Europe in 2014, which means early 2015 for us -- given the recent pattern of a six-month breather before Stuttgart's product arrives here.  And the local Merc HQ is keen to get it into Australia. “It is certainly on our radar to get it here,” Mercedes-Benz spokesman Jerry Stamoulis says. “We haven’t seen the final version or the full specs, but anything in that size SUV will be competitive without a doubt.” “It’s the perfect alternative for people who want more space but don’t want to go up to a large SUV, and for whose people who are coming up from a small hatch.” The Mercedes-Benz GLA will go head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque -- which has been winning applause and awards, including the recent Women's World Car of the Year. The GLA wil possibly be offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive and carry both petrol and diesel engine options. Styling will be a priority, with the Evoque having already set a standard for design in the SUV field -- a bar that other luxury brands will not ignore and will try to beat in the race for sales. Given the rising tide of sales in the smaller end of the SUV field, there's no doubt the GLA could be a hand weapon in Mercedes-Benz's declaration of war as they launch a bid to overtake Audi and BMW and regain their spot as the world's top luxury car brand.    

Having just recently unveiled the F-Type at Beijing motor show -- although we're yet to see without its camo paint job -- Jaguar already looks set to add a larger engine to the line-up. According to a report from Inside Line, the engine is a 5.0-litre V8 that's good for 399kW. The Jaguar F-Type intends to face off against the Porsche benchmarks, and a V8 engine would better arm ti for the fray. It's bound to appeal to buyers who think there's just not enough on offer in the already confirmed engines: a 179kW turbo inline four-cylinder and a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 with two output choices -- 253kW and 283kW. That pair is already confirmed to get a ZF eight-speed transmission, but there's no hint yet on what gearbox will be mated to the V8 -- nor whether it will be naturally-aspirated or get supercharger help.  More details are likely to be released closer to Paris motor show in September, when Jaguar is tipped to be showing the F-Type -- with a proper paint job.  

But it takes a government office to forget where they parked a fleet of 293 brand new cars. Let alone that they bought them in the first place. The Miami-Dade county office in Florida, US, has ‘rediscovered’ a fleet of Toyota Prius hybrids and other vehicles that have sat unused since being purchased five to six years ago. The $4 million worth of undriven vehicles only came to light after a story appeared in the Florida Spanish-language newspaper, El Nuevo Herald.  County commissioner Javier Souto is cited as saying that in 2010 a county employee had been told hundreds of new cars were sitting unused in a Miami-Dade carpark. Mr Souto says questions about the fleet had been put to the office of then - mayor Carlos Alvarez - who lost office last year amid controversy over county funding uses.  The county’s director of corporate services, Lester Sola, has reportedly confirmed the cars were being quickly put into service. He has also stated the vehicles are still covered by warranty.  However, warranties can be voided when a vehicle has been abused. And leaving one sitting unused - and unserviced - for several years could well wipe out any manufacturer guarantees. Get all the latest news and reviews in your newspaper's Carsguide section.  

... fighting bulls and moving into the heavens.The Italian carmaker has just trademarked the name Huracan - the Mayan god of wind, storms and fire (from which, through Spanish, we get the word hurricane).The move follows the recent trademarking of the name Deimos: the Greek god of battlefield terror.There's no indication of which cars will carry the nameplates, but it's likely one will be the production version of the Urus SUV unveiled at Beijing motor show.Of course, while both names are related to gods, there's still a chance they might also be related to beasts in the bullfighting annals. If any car company can find that kind of connection, it's the one with the bull on the badge.

The Impreza range has been a success story for Subaru over its 19-year life. But while the hot WRX and STI variants won plenty of young fans, that crowd has never really warmed to the more suburban end of the range.Those mainstream models have now been separated from the performance strand, given some updated restyling and a new focus on performance and fuel economy. The automatic sedan tested here is still on the conservative side of design, but has enough street appeal to give it a better chance among the hard-fought field of close to 20 rivals in the small car showroom.VALUEThe Subaru Impreza 2.0i is $23,990 with the six-speed manual and $26,490 as tested here with the Lineartronic CVT. At this entry spec level you still get six speaker iPod/USB audio, Bluetooth, cruise, climate-control airconditiong, and a 4.3-in multifunction display trip computer. That's a good equipment list, but the steel wheels with covers still say 'base model'.But still, the Impreza stacks up well against a lot of the competition. The Mazda3 -- Australia's 2011 best-selling car -- in Neo spec at $22,330 is the main rival, although you would have to go to the new Skyactiv drivetrains to match the Impreza's fuel economy.The class leader -- and 2010 Carsguide Car of the Year -- is the Volkswagen Polo, and for $21,490 you can get a 77TSI five-door hatch in Comfortline spec with a 1.2-litre turbo engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission.Toyota's enduring Corolla Ascent at $22,990 also matches close on equipment but with a weaker engine, an aged four-speed auto and style so sleep-inducing it's a danger to surrounding traffic. Mitsubishi's Lancer is a dependable alternative, at $24,190 for Activ spec. But it's getting on a bit and desperately in need of a makeover.The Holden Cruze CD will set you back $25,040 with similar spec, and with a smaller but slightly more powerful turbo engine and six-speed sports automatic, but with a dreary interior.DESIGNAfter a few years in the doldrums, the Impreza has finally returned to some individuality. Nothing extreme to startle the horses, mind you, and more of an evolution than a revolution. It borrows a lot from the Subaru Liberty around the nose -- but that's not a bad thing.And together with pronounced character creases along the sides and over the wheel arches, and a fresh take on light clusters and accents, the Impreza looks notably more interesting than the previous model.The sedan gets a big 460-litre boot, and the only disappointment in that area is the space-saver spare in a space that could easily take a full-size one. That decision's been made on cost and fuel economy weight-trimming, but there'll be few Aussie drivers who wouldn't prefer a proper spare if asked.TECHNOLOGYThe Impreza sedan tested gets a new 2.0 litre four-cylinder flat -- or 'boxer' -- engine, developing 110kW at 6200rpm and 196Nm of torque at 4200rpm, with a little more low-speed torque on tap than in the previous model.The four-speed auto has been binned, and the engine outputs now get to all four wheels via a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) -- basically a box without gears, relying on bands to change through a continuous range of gear ratios. You can force changes with the manual mode, flicking the paddle-shifters on the steering wheel.The CVT and the addition of stop-start technology are behind the official fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km, which Subaru says is an improvement of 22 per cent.SAFETYThe Impreza gets a five-star crash rating, with a safety list that includes seven airbags, stability and traction controls and anti-lock brakes with helpers for panic stops and to distribute varying force to each wheel to counter uneven loads.DRIVINGRide quality is excllent and the sedan cabin is roomy and comfortable, with more space particularly for rear passenger legs. Moving the A-pillar forward and adding a quarter panel to the door improves visibility -- although we couldn't help wishing this base model also had the next level's reversing camera.You can feel a tad of the extra low-rev torque on take-off, but it's not huge and this is not set up to be a performance leader. The drivetrain is angled more at laid-back than laying rubber, and the aim is to keep the fuel figure low. Impatience with the CVT undermines that if you fall into the habit of using the paddles for changes -- which had us finish a mixed run at 8.9L/100km, destroying Subaru's hard work on improving economy.The CVT can be hesitant, but otherwise is much more refined than you'd expect -- and its low drone not as noticeable as in rivals. But coupled with the larger body, it doesn't really wring any sparkle out of the engine.The steering wheel sends accurate instructions and returns decent feedback, and the Impreza gets through corners happily with little body roll until it's pushed beyond normal behaviour. And with Subaru's signature all-wheel drive system taking care of business, the Impreza never feels anything but confidently stable on the road.VERDICTIt looks better, feels solid and gives the impression of good quality -- a bit more than a base model would suggest. A comfortable and calm little sedan that won't wreck your wallet at the checkout or the servo.

Since the photos first appeared last year, there’s reportedly been a great deal of interest in the car, which is being held at a Dubai police station.That interest reached near fever pitch this week – and reportedly sparked a non-stop string of calls to the police station – when word got around that the car would be listed in a police auction.But before you race to your phone, be prepared for a cruel disappointment. The car is not truly abandoned, and is not going to be sold.The Enzo and another Ferrari were seized in a theft case, and is being held as evidence to be presented in court – whenever that happens.The reason it looks abandoned is that it’s been sitting out in police yard, bearing the full brunt of Dubai weather since the middle of last year. That means it quickly became coated with dust, dirt and who-knows-what.That kind of treatment for an innocent Fezza is in itself is a crime, we reckon.

The CEO of a bank in the US has announced that it will be offering an account that gives customers a brand new Mercedes-Benz as pre-paid interest.Trevor Burgess heads up the Community Bank, which is changing its name to C1 Bank on May 1, and has come up with the car stunt to help promote the new branding.The catch – and isn’t there always one – is that the account is a five-year term deposit of $1,000,000.And if you’ve got the juice to have that kind of money lying idle for half a decade, we wonder whether you actually need another Mercedes.The cars on offer are the 2012 SLK350 Roadster, 2012 E350 Sedan, 2012 ML350 SUV, and 2012 E350 Convertible."C1 Bank is offering its clients the ability to drive off in their own brand new Mercedes-Benz just for moving their money to C1 Bank.  In this interest rate environment where the five year CD has an APY of 1.20% it is thrilling to change the game with the instant gratification of a spectacular Mercedes-Benz that our client will own including tax, title, and license."No doubt. There is about a kilometre of terms and conditions attached to the deal of course. But it sounds like a reasonable deal if you want a (slightly) cheaper Merc.The pre-calculated interest in advance amount $61,294.00 can only be used towards the purchase of one of four specific Mercedes-Benz vehicle models. with a MSRP of $59,585.00 and includes $3,488.34 sales tax, $687.70 delivery fee, $2.50 Florida Lemon Law fee, $6.50 Florida tire and battery fee, $500.00 registration/tag and $24.00 electronic filing fee with a total purchase price, net of $3,000.00 discount, of $61,294.04. Client will be responsible for any other fees or charges incurred in connection with purchase.But the most interesting condition is that the offer is limited to two (2) Mercedes-Benzes per household.  Meaning they think that somewhere in the US there is a household with a very lazy $2 million possibly stuffed into the mattress. 

The buxom roof cleavage of the Peugeot RCZ sports car revealed at Beijing motor show has been reprised in SUV form.  Unveiled at Beijing motor show, the Peugeot Urban Crossover Concept is the French brand’s take on a car for the teeming termite mounds that will be the cities of the future. A style collaboration by Peugeot’s design centres Paris, Shanghai and Sao Paulo, the compact SUV - 4.14m long and 1.74m wide - is based on the 208 platform.  It weds the RCZ cues of with metal roof bars arching along sides and aluminium spoiler with the new brand signatures of floating grille, ‘feline’ headlamp effect and pronounced boomerang rear light clusters with triple ‘claw’ lines. SUV skills are suggested by a raised body shape with rounded arches nesting large wheels, but boxiness is dodged with a raked windscreen that melts into the roof, and character sculpting along the flanks.  Peugeot has an acknowledged history with small and compact vehicles - not least of which is the total 15 million 2-series sales since the 205 appeared in 1983. It is also starting to build a foundation in the AWD market with the 3008, 4007 and intends to shore that up with the imminent 4008.  So it makes sense to meld the two streams together in a 208-based softroader. And while it is presenting the Urban Crossover Concept as a show car, there’s little doubt it’s destined for the showroom floor. It may ditch the roof cleavage along the way, but will likely wear a 2008 monicker, and there might be news on that at its Paris debut later this year. Peugeot sees the ultra-compact as part of vehicle solution for the city morphing into a megopolis. “At the start of the decade, 30 cities in the world had populations of more than 10 million. By 2050, 5.3 billion inhabitants of the planet will live in mega cities,” the Urban Crossover Concept’s press blurb warns. “Humanity becomes more and more urban, at a rate not seen before. A new generation of city dwellers is being born.” And the French carmaker plans to give birth to the cars the new urbanite will want to drive: small, economical and stylish. Pass le cigars around, s’il vous plait.  

Hot hatch fans, rejoice. The Peugeot 208 GTi is about to be given the green light, according to a source at the French carmaker’s headquarters. During a visit to the Peugeot-Citroen design centre in Velizy, the source said the 208 GTi would be confirmed for production at Paris motor show in September and go on sale in Europe shortly after. With Peugeot Australia’s current practice of getting cars here about six months after overseas launch, that would mean a showroom appearance here about this time next year. “Given the popularity of hot hatches in Australia, the GTi version of the 208 is something that we would want in our portfolio,” local spokesperson Jaedene Hudson says. “It would not only give a flagship model to 208 range, but also build on the iconic GTi that started life in the form of a 205 and also play a part in re-establishing Peugeot’s performance presence in Australia.” And the man responsible for the 208 GTi concept unveiled at Geneva motor show in March, Peugeot design director Pierre Authier, says there is nothing he would change – or that needs to be changed – to put the car on sale. “Everything you see here on the concept is feasible (for production),” Authier says. “We do this job on a real 208, we just put the design, and everything is very realistic – inside also. So if they said we can go, it will be very quick. If we have a ‘yes’, it takes only some months.” The only thing that could change is the size of the alloy wheels, tipped to shrink from 18-in to 17-in but retain their gunmetal spokes with one picked out in a red accent. Also staying are the sporty cabin fit-out scattered with red accents and the GTi badging on the chrome body tab. The ‘tricolor’ flag accent under the grille thankfully may become an optional extra, offered as a range of national flags. The RCZ-shared 147kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder and six-speed manual in the front-driven show car is also staying, although it may be detuned slightly – possibly saving the full outputs for a special sport edition. The Volkswagen Polo GTi is the first rival people will picture against the Peugeot, but it will also face off against the RenaultSport Clio and Ford Fiesta ST.   “I think if we want to make the legend we have to be different and have to embody the new kind of sportivity, but without being derivative of some of those cars,” Authier says. “It will be sportivity without aggressiveness… much more agility, much more pleasure.” Hot hatch lovers will be hoping the 208 GTi can restore the mojo of the legendary 205 GTi that appeared in 1984 and became a benchmark in the class – much as the overall 205 range also did, gathering a swag of awards that included CAR magazine’s Car of the Decade in 1990. “We know very well our culture and 205 is very important for Peugeot in our history,” Authier says. “When we presented the 208, a lot of people talk to us about the 205 but we really don’t want to make a new 205 when we do the car. “But I think there’s a lot of similarity because the 205 was a new generation of design, it was a revolution. And the 208 is also.”