Articles by Kevin Hepworth

Under the ministrations of after-market and performance equipment specialist Mopar's Underground team, four of the giant Rams were given the full bling treatment for their stint at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.Mopar chose the new Dodge Ram 1500 as the subject for its makeover and came up with the TRXtreme, the Sportsman, the R/T and the Mopar Street Package.Each has its own character but each also underscores the off-road capability of the core product.The TRXtreme started life as a quad-cab TRX-4 off-road truck before the boys from Mopar went to work. First up was an extra 12cms of ground clearance to fit in the forged 20-inch wheels wrapped in knurly BFG 37X12.50s.Making sure the big truck doesn't go unnoticed is a bright yellow paint job with mudsplash theme, a set of flares, tube step, telescoping mirrors and a special tray accessory system to store all the off-road kit.For the R/T the theme was performance and to that end the donor Ram Sport's 5.7-litre HEMI V8 was just the ticket. A cold-air intake kit to keep the engine breathing and a Mopar dual exhaust system with a performance rumble lifted the game while an air suspension kit dropped the ride. The classic B5 Blue colour scheme with carbon fibre accents worked with the body kit to elicit a Dodge Charger look.For the Sportsman it was about the unique blowing-leaves paint scheme and lots of storage options for the active outdoorsman. There is the exclusive RamBox storage system, filled with plenty of outdoor gear. In addition, the bed rail system holds a cargo rack for additional cargo capacity.The vehicle gets the right stance with 20-inch wheels and 33-inch tires.For the Street Package Mopar looked at the urban warrior. Again using the Sport as a starting point the addition of Blackberry paint, a body kit, 22-inch polished Alcoa forged wheels, high-style hard tonneau cover and tuned dual exhausts take it to the next level. 

Thousands of pedestrians are risking death and injury every day by using mobile phones and MP3 players while crossing busy roads.NRMA Insurance research shows that a significant number of pedestrian/car accidents are the result of people using technology on the run."The main concern is that the technology forces us to split our attention between two tasks, which can be dangerous if were crossing or exercising on busy roads," NRMA Insurance spokesperson John Hallal said."If you're listening to an MP3 player while walking, you're not likely to hear what's happening around you. Hearing is important for pedestrians, especially those using roadways to exercise because it can alert them to approaching danger."Warning noises like car horns and emergency sirens are used for a reason and they need to be responded to quickly."Mr Hallal also said mobile phones could be as big a distraction for pedestrians as they are for drivers."Talking on a mobile phone can cause pedestrians to take unintentional risks on the roads such as crossing against a red signal or stepping out between vehicles."Most people have seen examples of pedestrians who are talking on their mobile phones and just walk out into the path of an oncoming car because their attention is on the conversation rather than on the traffic," he said.Texting is a particular risk as most people look at their mobile screens to either read or send the messages."We recommend pedestrians don’t use MP3 players while walking or jogging in busy traffic and stop to have a conversation on a mobile or write a text," Mr Hallal said. 

That’s Hyundai’s revised focus on the premium Grandeur.With sales of the Korean manufacturer's top-end offering averaging just 10 a month to the end of September, the price `adjustment’ and new powerplant are sorely needed."How the segment will take to a diesel is a bit of a mystery as there isn't one at the moment," Hyundai's product planning manager Manuel Tyras says. "There should be an attraction for people who drive considerable distances ... people who commute from semi-rural communities."The revised Grandeur was revealed this week along with a gentle cosmetic makeover for the Santa Fe SUV.Tyras says Hyundai hopes the refreshed model can lift sales to around 40 a month, taking the Grandeur back to the level of popularity it enjoyed when the current shape was first launched in 2006.The new pricing structure will see the Grandeur available in a single specification level with the choice of the current 3.8-litre V6 and the new 2.2-litre turbo diesel.The base price for the petrol model drops $3000 to $39,990 while the diesel is a $2000 premium at $41,990."There is no longer a Limited trim level and there has been a re-think on standard equipment with the sunroof, Xenon low-beam headlights and the pop-up rear headrests deleted," Hyundai's Ben Hershman explains."The car gains rain sensitive wipers, heated front seats along with a more stylish interior trim. Overall the value adjustment is an extra $4500-$5000 over the old model."The diesel, shared with the Santa Fe SUV, develops 114kW of power at 4000rpm and 343Nm of torque from 1800rpm to 2500rpm. Drive is through a 5-speed automatic with the option of manual selection.The petrol V6 is a carry-over from the current range with the same 194kW at 6000rpm and 348Nm at 4500rpm. It shares the 5-speed auto with the new diesel.Styling changes are minor with the exterior highlighted by a new chrome grille treatment, the addition of indicator flashers on the side mirrors and a new style of 17-inch alloy wheel.For the interiors the biggest visual changes are a revision of the beige leather option with a more subtle treatment of the wood trim.As far as equipment is concerned there is an upgraded eight speaker JBL audio system with an USB audio input with iPod compatibility, new subtle blue interior illumination and an auto-lock system that locks all doors above 45km/h and unlocks them when the ignition key is removed.Electronic stability control is standard — the life-saving safety feature is standard on more than 80 per cent of all Hyundai's sold — as are eight airbags, active headrests and pre-tensioning front seatbelts.On the road it quickly becomes obvious that the transition from SUV to large family car has not fazed the diesel.Apart from a little rattle on start-up the Grandeur offers noise isolation levels that should be the envy of more than a couple of other luxury pretenders.There is a slight hesitation under initial hard acceleration but once the engine gets down to business it pulls strongly right through highway overtaking.The only real noise intrusion into the cabin is from the tyres over rough and broken surfaces.Steering feel is still light — not of itself a major issue — and quite vague on turn-in. It is not something that will concern an average driver but it is also not a car that lends itself to any real enthusiasm through the twists.Ride quality is good — on the plush side but without any uncomfortable floundering — and interior space and comfort in the cabin are unchanged from the previous impressive levels.For the mid-sized Santa Fe the spit-and-polish makeover for 2009 really is a case of pick it if you can.The exterior upgrades mirror those for the Grandeur with a chrome grille treatment and indicators in the wing mirrors while on the inside there are some fresh interior trims, an upgrade to the sound system and integration of i-Pod and MP3 compatibility.Prices remain unchanged with the base 138kW/248Nm 2.7-litre V6 petrol starts at $33,990 with the 114kW/343Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder CRDi turbo-diesel from $36,990.The gearbox options are a 5-speed manual or auto for the diesel while the petrol drives through a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.Gone — at least for the time being — is the 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine but Hyundai plan a similar capacity replacement early next year, but only in a front-wheel drive model.The Santa Fe continues its three-trim strategy — SX, SLX and Elite — with five or seven-seats in both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.If you are planning to take the Santa Fe off the beaten track — and it is quite capable of moderate bush bashing — the new Trek 'n' Tow kit is a useful addition offering an extra 20mm in ground clearance, a slight increase in towball load (to 180kg) and better towing balance.All Santa Fe models come standard with ESP, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, active head restraints for the two front occupants, and six airbags including curtain bags extending to the third row. 

The VW-owned Czech brand has given its strongest hint yet that it will take on the small car market in Australia next year as it looks for a way to increase its volume after what has been a mediocre rebirth of the brand in this country. Skoda has been struggling as a niche player in the increasingly crowded Down Under market - its sales volume so far this year of just 575 units puts it behind its established European rivals Alfa Romeo, Saab, Fiat and Jaguar. Skoda sells the Octavia liftback and wagon, Roomster hatch/people mover and Scout crossover wagon. An upbeat Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner says the brand will weather the financial crisis and should finish the year with about 850 sales, which is well down on its earlier market penetration forecast. He admits the range is predominately top heavy and needs an entry in the light or small car market to increase volume. "The next step is to broaden our range; obviously we need a smaller entry car, that's where the volume will come from," he told CarsGuide. The availability of a direct shift manual/automatic transmission (DSG) across the range is also expected to win the hearts of buyers, especially women. He revealed at the launch of the Octavia RS Tdi this week he had meet with Skoda officials at the Paris Motor Show - the one hour meeting extending to three hours as he successfully argued the case that Australia needed to diversify. The small Fabia, a five-door hatch and wagon, will likely go sale here by the third quarter next year to take on the likes on Peugeot's 207/307, Honda Jazz and Citroen C3/C4. "It's looking (the arrival of the Fabia) more likely. We had a good and long meeting in Paris. We are now down to talking about models, transmissions, engines and specification," Wiesner said. But price may be the sticking point. `We would love to get the Fabia at $19,990, that seems to be the starting point nowadays, but the spread of models will fit in the low to mid $20,000 bracket." And a slow down in production at the Skoda plant near Prague because of a fall in demand for new cars in Europe due to the economic crisis may work in Australia's favour, he said. It would free up space on the production line for right-hand drive models. Mr Wiesner says Australia still has its hand up for Skoda's forthcoming Yeti, the brand's first proper SUV. Meanwhile, Skoda Australia is planning to freshen and widen its existing line up next year. From February, the existing petrol Octavia RS will come with the availability of a manual/automatic DSG gearbox for the first time; it and the diesel version will gain audio controls and DSG paddle shift mounted on the steering wheel. Skoda will add the larger four-cylinder Superb mid year and follow that with a V6 flagship model at the end of next year - a saloon which will be optioned with a self parking guidance system. Meanwhile a restyled Octavia, shown at the recent Paris Motor Show, will arrive in March and will feature a new 1.8-litre engine and a seven-speed DSG transmission A new RS model, based on the new Octavia, will come later in the year but retain its six-speed DSG gearbox, not the seven-speed which will be fitted to base models.  

But it may be some time before it reaches Australia.“At the moment it is only being produced in left-hand drive,” Hyundai Australia's Ben Hershman says. “We're anxious to convince head office the the Coupe is important to us here.“It is the car that will show just how far Hyundai has come and how exciting the brand is.”The replacement for the ageing Tiburon Coupe takes Hyundai into new territory with its rear-wheel-drive architecture and sports performance.Powering the top end Coupe is an all-aluminium 231kW 3.8-litre DOHC V6, while at the entry level the engine is a 166kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four.The V6 features dual continuously variable valve timing and with 361Nm of torque on tap the car will set behind a 0-100km/h sprint 6.3 seconds.The V6 is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic. A six-speed manual is also available and features a short-stroke shifter, optimised gear ratios and triple cone synchronisers.The optimised chassis makes for dynamic handling and more accurate steering. Dual MacPherson struts control the front and the rear has a five-link set-up. High strength steel give a stiffer, lighter body structure.Safety fare is likely to include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, six airbags and active headrests. 

GM's Chevrolet Volt extended range electric vehicle was the surprise of the opening day of the Australian International Motor Show as Holden made the definitive statement it will sell the car here.GM Holden has been building toward an Australian future for the Volt and yesterday chairman and managing director Mark Reuss confirmed a 2012 on sale date. The announcement was the culmination of feverish behind the scenes to ensure the car is manufactured in right-hand drive and therefore available to wear a Holden badge.Reuss says Volt's surprise Sydney appearance gave audiences an early view of one of the most important technologies shaping the future of sustainable transport.``It is a reflection of the importance of the Australian market for General Motors that a vehicle as significant as Volt has been provided for this show,'' Reuss says. ``This technology is potentially the most exciting addition to GM's range of alternative fuels. As we move forward, it will be innovative solutions such as Volt that will sustain global motoring by reducing our dependence on foreign oil.''Volt, the production version of which was unveiled just weeks ago in Detroit and shown in Paris last weekend, will be on sale in the US by 2010. The difference between Volt and other hybrid fuel/electric vehicles is that while there is a small internal combustion engine in the Volt it is used only to drive a generator and recharge the batteries. All motive power is through electric motors.When operating solely on its battery, Volt can drive up to 64km without using any fuel or producing any emissions.Once the battery energy is depleted, a small petrol engine generates electricity to power the vehicle for hundreds of additional kilometres.The battery can be fully recharged in three hours while plugged into the household electricity grid. GM estimates that compared to similar sized petrol-powered vehicles, Volt will save motorists almost 1900 litres of fuel a year.It also calculates that charging the vehicle at night through a standard power outlet will use less electricity annually than an average fridge.Holden also announced at the show new branding for its alternate fuel vehicles and fuel-saving technology. EcoLine badging will be attached to a range of Holden models to signify their economic and ecological advantages.Reuss says the EcoLine branding gives a name to Holden's commitment to developing more sustainable and cost-saving solutions. ``The energy challenges we face require many answers. For Holden, the future of sustainable motoring is a clear strategy of energy diversity,'' Reuss says.The badging will appear on all LPG and dual fuel models, diesel versions of the Astra and Epica and all of the new Active Fuel Management models.As part of the EcoLine launch it was also announced that all Holden V8 automatics will come with AFM from next January. AFM, also known as cylinder deactivation, allows four of the engines cylinders to shut down under suitable conditions such as when cruising at a steady speed. When acceleration is needed or the engine comes under load the cylinders are automatically reactivated.Holden claims the system can provide fuel savings of up to one litre per 100km.Reuss says AFM delivers the best of both worlds to performance enthusiasts; improved fuel efficiency with the power they want in a V8.GM also put on display its new Cadillac CTS, which will share the company's premium brand marketing with Saab and Hummer.After a 70-year absence for Cadillac, the CTS will be on sale in Australia before the end of the year with the sedan to be joined by the sleek Coupe version early next year.To give showgoers a taste of what's to come, GM has flown out the Coupe Concept shown in the US earlier this year. GM Premium Brands director Parveen Batish says Cadillac will appeal to prestige car buyers and offer an alternative to the traditional European brands.A little more left field but still with the plenty of top-end GM genes is the Elfin Type 5, mixing it with the Pagani Zonda and Koenigsegg CCX at Supercar Central.The Type 5 is a world away from the marque's previous V8 monsters, the MS8 Clubman and Streamliner.

Not that the end result is always what the rest of the world desires.Renault learned that with its quirky Vel Satis - altogether too different for anyone outside France - and even the decisive big-butt Megane. This time, however, the French polish on a decidedly non-French segment could see Renault on a winner.The Koleos is claimed to be the first French off-roader on the Aussie market -true, if you ignore Renault's failed soft-road makeover of the Scenic.“This is the most important product for Renault since the relaunch into Australia in 2001,” Renault Australia boss Rudi Koenig says. “It doesn't matter who you are, you have to have the product. For us, it's the Koleos.“We tried with the Scenic but that didn't really work. With the Koleos we will go from competing in 34 per cent of the market to 40 per cent ... that is very significant.”Renault has thought long and hard to give the Koleos every chance in one of the most competitive segments in Australia. Renault hopes to sell 150 Koleos a month, sales Koenig is confident will be largely incremental.It will launch in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations with a mix and match of petrol and diesel engines with manual, automatic and CVT (continuously variable transmission) gearboxes.The end result is not as complex as it may seem with two levels of trim and six variants.The entry-level 4x2 comes in Dynamique trim with 2.5-litre petrol and 6-speed manual at $29,990. You can add $3000 for the CVT.The 4WD version of the trim, also in petrol and coupled to the CVT, is $36,990. The twin diesels, essentially the same engine but in 127kW trim for the 6-speed manual or a detuned 110kW to stop the 6-speed automatic box overheating, are 4WD at $39,990.At the top of the tree is the petrol CVT in Privilege trim at $41,990.Standard fare is six airbags, stability control, electronic handbrake, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and dual-zone airconditioning.The Privilege steps up with front and rear parking sensors, hands-free entry and engine start, seven-speaker Bose sound system, leather trim, heated front seats and easy-fold rear seats, 12V socket in the boot, removable centre bin and various storage options.Metallic paint is an $800 option, a panoramic glass sunroof is $1890 and bi-Xenon headlights (for Privilege only) are $1950.Based on the Nissan X-Trail platform, using the selectable Nissan 4WD system and a petrol engine from Nissan - the twin-tune diesel is from Renault's own stable - it is what Renault has done with the style and character of the Koleos that sets it apart.There is nothing boxy and off-road about the look of the Koleos. It retains a good degree of SUV - command seating and higher ride - but in a manner that won't draw snarls and glares around the school gate.“While the Koleos is capable of getting off-road, it is the urban jungle that it will occupy most,” Renault Australia marketing boss Christophe di-Perna says. “There is no reason why you should have to sacrifice comfort.”While the exterior differentiates from the X-Trail, it is on the inside and on the move that the gulf widens. There is little about the cabin that is truly quirky. Stylish is about as long a leash as the Renault fashionistas were allowed.The materials look and feel richer than the price suggests, particularly in the lighter trim. The instrument binnacle is well set out and easy to read and most controls are readily to hand.Space is good, although rear leg room is not for anyone planning a career in basketball. Headroom is generous throughout.There are no such caveats with cargo space. The 450 litres available behind the seats - 1380 with the rear seats folded - gains from easy access through the horizontally-split tailgate.On the go the Koleos is no sports car, though it doesn't claim to be. The suspension is compliant to the point of softness, yet on extremely broken suburban roads it behaves admirably. Pushed along on open sections there is significant body roll, but it is not an environment where many Koleos will spend significant time. Neither is it that disconcerting.Steering is vague but, with exceptions such as the Mazda CX-7, is the norm for the urban SUV.All three engines have their charm. The pick is the 127kW and 360Nm 2.0-litre diesel but that comes coupled only to the six-speed manual - a considerable deterrent to many.So if you are not towing - the manual is rated at two tonnes while the auto drops to just 1350kg - there is little given up by choosing the lesser automatic diesel.The 126kW 2.5-litre petrol, coupled to the CVT is likely to be the top seller, not only because it is the only combination availablein both 4x2 and 4xs4. It is a fine light-duty combination around town with good take-off and acceptable mid-range. If you take the Koleos away from made roads the 4x4 models won't disappoint - and why should they, using the same capable system used in the X-Trail.

The electric Volt is a Commodore-sized car which General Motors claims can be run for as little as just over a cent a kilometre — less than 20 per cent of the cost of running a conventional petrol-powered vehicle.First unveiled as a concept at the Detroit motor show in January 2007, the Volt moved to real-world status this week with the announcement from GM that it would be in full production by the end of 2010.“Revealing the production version of the Chevy Volt is a great way to open our second century,” said Rick Wagoner, GM Chairman and CEO. “The Volt is symbolic of GM's strong commitment to the future — just the kind of technology innovation that our industry needs to respond to today's and tomorrow's energy and environmental challenges.”Powered by a bank of lithium-ion batteries GM says the Volt is capable of running for a little over 70km before needing to be recharged, either by the on-board generator or by plugging in to the electric grid — the same way you would recharge a mobile phone.The crucial difference between the Volt technology and existing hybrid vehicles is the small internal combustion engine — which has the potential to be fuelled by petrol, diesel, bio-fuels or hydrogen — used to run the generator but which plays no part in propelling the car, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.GM says the Volt is capable of a fuel efficiency equivalent to 1.6 litres/100km, can reach 160km/h and cruise at a constant 115km/h without loss of efficiency.With GM research showing 78 per cent of daily commuter travel in the US is less than the Volt's 70km electric range most drivers would never again need to use petrol on a day-to-day basis. The Volt can be recharged in as little three hours plugged into a household power point.“That means that the owner of an average current vehicle using 7.8 litres/100kms and travelling 25,000km a year would save 1900 litres of fuel and reduce by 4.4 tonnes the carbon dioxide emissions from the tailpipe,” explained GM vehicle line director Tony Posawatz.While GM says the initial production plans for the Volt are only left-hand drive it is inconceivable that a right-hand drive version is not in the offing.“With technology this exciting we are going to be keeping a very close eye on it,” GM Holden's John Lindsay said. “It is certainly something we would love to have in right-hand drive.” 

The future for Lexus could be sprinkled with high-performance models as its F label becomes as important as an M badge at BMW. The chief engineer of the brand's breakthrough IS-F, Yukihiko Yaguchi, is already checking everything from the GS sedan to the RX soft-roaders for their potential for an F upgrade. He wants more and to do more, even if there is no firm plan. “It hasn't been decided yet but, yes, I would like to do that,” Yaguchi says at the Australian press preview drive of the IS-F at Fuji Speedway in Japan. “It is just an idea . . . but the IS F was just an idea, also.” Yaguchi made the $150,000 IS-F a personal campaign, battling management reluctance and limited support to produce a 5.0-litre V8 competitor for long-standing luxury performance vehicles from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. “I wanted to develop a new breed of animal for Lexus,” Yaguchi says. “In general our company produces rather rational cars and it was certainly a very difficult project . . . I cannot say what the future holds.” Lexus Australia boss John Roca hopes Yaguchi's IS-F will not be a one-shot wonder. “There is nothing on the drawing board at this stage, but you certainly wouldn't rule out similar performance derivatives of GS and LS in the future,” Roca says. “This (car) will also give our existing customers a boost. As much as we have had potential customers wanting to buy a Lexus had this type of vehicle been available, we also have existing customers who have clearly shown they are ready to move into a car of this type.”  

The second generation of the Honda Jazz has had its fanfare, and the music is expected to be just as sweet this time round.The new Jazz is still belting out the same tune that helped the original sell more than 2.5 million examples, but this time the Aussie-bound models are a little off-key.Bigger, sharper, more powerful, heavier and a tad less fuel-efficient, the new Jazz will also be missing any hint of an electronic stability program (ESP), despite the life-saving technology being available in Europe and Japan.“We would have liked it, absolutely, but I don't think it will cost us sales,” Honda Australia senior director Lindsay Smalley says.“There are a couple of reasons we can't get it at the moment.“First, we have a different engine and transmission configuration for the Asia-Oceania region (1.5-litre engine and standard automatic). ESP is designed for the European-spec with a 1.4-litre engine and CVT transmission, the same as in Japan.”Second, he says, ESP is not seen as much of an issue in Asia.However, it will be available within 12 months.Honda has stuck with the three-model strategy for the Jazz, starting with the GLi at $15,990 (plus $2000 for the automatic)and $19,170 for the VTi manual or $21,490 for the five-speed automatic.Topping the range is the VTi-S at $21,590 ($23,920 auto).The entry-level model comes with a new iVTEC-equipped SOHC 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine putting out 73kW and 127Nm, up 12kW and 8Nm over the outgoing model.Braking across the range has been upgraded with standard rear discs replacing drums. But the base car still comes with only two airbags standard. Side and curtain bags are a $1000 option.Generally, standard equipment levels are high for the light-car class, with rake-and-reach adjustable steering wheel, 15-inch steel wheels, power windows and mirrors, central locking and a single-disc four-speaker MP3-player compatible audio system with speed-sensitive volume control.There are plenty of storage nooks and crannies and the simple-fold rear seats allow fo reasonable luggage.Stepping up to the VTi and VTi-S brings a new 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC engine with 88kW and 145Nm. For an extra $3200 the VTi adds steering wheel audio controls, an information display and alarm.Go to the top of the class and the VTi-S adds 16-inch alloys and more aggressive exterior styling with a sports grille, side skirts and new front and rear bumper treatment.In addition to 16-inch alloys, the VTi-S gets a sports grille and front and rear bumpers (think Type-R shape and treatment).The interior of the Jazz was and still is a reasonably comfortable place to be.The addition of reach and rake adjustments to the steering — coupled with reasonable seat adjustment — make it simple to find the best drive position.Seats are comfortable without being outstanding and most of the ergonomics in the cabin are at the front of the light-car segment.Dials are large and easy to use and information delivery is simple and to the point.Some of the interior trim — the plastics in particular — show signs of cost-management, but the car is designed to sell at the lower end of the new-car spectrum.The short (very short) launch drive program concentrated on the city environs that most of these cars will travel in, and only the 1.5-litre was offered for assessment this time.Power is not a big factor in cars of this style, but the Jazz quickly shakes off any suggestion it's a slug.Away from a standing start the car will hold its own in city traffic.Around town the steering is light and precise enough but a long way from being engaging. Missing is the previous model's constantly variable transmission, replaced by a five-speed automatic.Changes are smooth and the ratios generally sensible.Around town the tall fifth gear is rarely utilised for long. It may well come into its own when cruising, but adds to hunting between fourth and fifth in city driving.Honda's engineers claim to have stiffened the Jazz for torsional rigidity but they have also been busy refining the suspension settings.Gone is the unsettling “bounce” from the previous model, a good thing in the city, where speed bumps and poor road surfaces will test any dampers.