Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

School's out for summer. School's out for ever!And now it's time to get a job, go to university and, most importantly, get your first car.High school leavers are now facing one of the most important, daunting, yet exciting decisions of their life in buying their first car.There are so many factors to think about: price, safety, economy, running costs, vehicle age, insurance; all on limited funds and with limited knowledge about cars, and finance.To most young people, the most important thing is probably looks.After all, you don't want to be spotted by all your mates in a white Camry in the drive-through at Maccas.And who can blame you?That's why so many young people buy old grey-import Silvias instead of Camrys. It's because they are red, they look fast and they were featured in one of the Fast and Furious movies.However, often the car ends up spending most of its time being repaired, waiting on a part to come from Japan or simply getting it to start, steer and stop.But is used the way to go?There are many small new cars on the market from as low as $13,990 which have the latest modern safety features, plus advantages of new car warranties.My first car in 1975 was a 1957 Morris Major Elite in army green with occasional windscreen wipers, stockings instead of a fan belt, a hole in the passenger seat, dubious mechanicals and copious amounts of rust.But it cost only $400 and didn't need insuring.You probably also have your stories of first-car lemons.We asked around the industry for advice about buying a first car, new and used.The best three tips were research, research and more research.AAMI state corporate affairs manager Mike Sopinski said the first port of call should be the Office of Fair Trading website."Before you hit the street to look for a new or used car I'd recommend you take the time to check out the Office of Fair Trading website," he said."In fact, I'd say it should be compulsory for all first-time buyers as this government site provides a host of useful and easy to read information about buying a car."Other research young buyers can use is classified ads in newspapers and on the internet.Comparisons will give the buyer a good feel for the true price of a car.The RACQ advises young buyers to work out what they need in a car even before they start looking for one.Whether they ask for it or not, young buyers will certainly get a lot of advice; from friends, relatives and car salespeople.Two Brisbane school leavers on the hunt for their first car both claim a big influence from their family, particularly their fathers.Justine Townsend, 16, of Forest Lake, is looking at a 2000 or 2001 Honda Civic "because they are supposed to be the safest car on the road so my dad tells me".Her father, Peter, drives a Honda Euro, which has "always been reliable".Michael Freeleagus, 17, also of Forest Lake, goes car-shopping with his father, Leon, "because he knows a bit about cars"."He will support my decision on a car so long as it doesn't have a big motor like a V8 or a turbo," he said."He also cares about the looks of the car so it doesn't attract the cops."NRMA Insurance Queensland state manager Brett Robinson said young drivers should think about more than just look and feel."While many factors need to be considered when shopping around for a new car, safety and security should be the number one priority for all drivers," he said.Townsend agrees.There are choices people can make when buying a new vehicle that may significantly reduce their risk of injury and theft and can even result in savings when it comes to car insurance, he said."The most important thing is safety and that it won't break down on me because I am a girl," she said.It seems she is not alone. A Just Car Insurance survey has found 93 per cent of young people rated value for money as an important factor when buying a car, followed by safety and security on 85 per cent.Case study No 1, Justine TownsendAge: 16Shopping list: considering a late-model Honda Civic or Mitsubishi MirageBudget: $5000-$6000Dream car: BMW 5 Series or Nissan Skyline"THE most important thing for me is safety and that it won't break down on me because I am a girl."Safety is imoprtant because the thought of being in an accident is pretty scary. Fuel economy is also important."Justine has narrowed down her car choices to the two Japanese models and will buy through a broker "who is a friend of my dad".She has had her learner's licence for six months and has been working at a Coffee Club outlet for 2 1/2 years to save up for a car."I've nearly got all the money, but the formal put a few dents in the savings account."I need a lot more work to pay for the car. I'll probably start full time work when I finish school."Her budget is between $5000 and $6000 and she is aware that insurance will put a big hole in her running costs."I got a quote for comprehensive insurance and it is nearly $2300 a year from RACQ."I rang them about deals where I get on my parents' policy but because I am the main driver I have to start my own policy."I'll probably just get third-party property and theft."Justine needs a car for work and uni. She is hoping to go to The University of Queensland to study international hotel and toursim management.And when she gets her car, she will keep it fairly standard."I wouldn't get it done up, I'd keep it clean and perhaps put a sound system in it."Case study No. 2, Michael FreeleagusAge: 17Shopping list: Mitsubishi LancerBudget: about $7500Dream car: HQ Monaro"I love Holdens. I like the HQ because it's old school. Anyway, it's a Monaro which speaks for itself."Back to reality and he is in the market for Mitsubishi Lancers."I have had my eye on a 1994 Lancer but it didn't pass the RACQ check. lt was fully done up."I'm now looking at a 2001 model that is standard for $7500.”He chose the Lancer "because I always liked Mitsubishi" and because his father, Leon, has a Triton which has never given any trouble."The two door gives it a sporty appearance and the 1.5litre motor makes it cheap to run."I just want something that is reliable and cheap to run."When you are going to uni and have a part-time job you need to keep costs down."Michael, who wants to be a PE teacher, said he got a $1400 quote from Just Car Insurance for comprehensive cover."They look after young people and it is insured in my parents' names, nominating me as one of the drivers."After buying and insuring the car, Michael wants to do some modifications."I'd probably change the exhaust. I'd like to make it sound more like a four-stroke motorbike."I'd probably do the rims, a sound system, custom pedals, steering wheel and gear knob.Michael has been researching used cars on the internet and in the paper.Michael has had a learner's licence since January and has been practising in his mum's automatic car."I want to get a manual and practise in that before I go for my test."

According to research and statistics, it seems they are making pretty sensible buying decisions.In a national survey of young drivers, 93 per cent rated value for money as an important factor when buying a car, followed by safety and security (85 per cent).More than half (52 per cent) of the 1053 drivers aged 18-25 years polled in the Just Car Insurance survey rated environmental friendliness as a key factor.Items such as brand, colour and how the vehicle looks to others rated lower on the scale.It comes as no surprise that the most popular car for young drivers is the Holden Commodore.Except for a couple of months this year and last year during high petrol prices, the Commodore has also been the biggest-selling car over the past 10 years.That very fact means there are a lot out there and that reduces second-hand prices, making them more affordable and attractive to first-car buyers.Commodores make up about 8 per cent of the 32,000 vehicles registered for road service under the RACQ's free2go youth membership program.Second favourite is also no surprise. The Toyota Corolla, which was the car that pipped the Commodore for sales and is consistently the second-highest seller, accounts for 6.25 per cent for free2go members.Next were the Ford Laser at 5 per cent and Hyundai Excel at 4.75 per cent.The financial realities of first car ownership is reflected in the average ages of those vehicles: an average 12.1 years old for the Commodore, 14.8 years for the Corolla, 15.7 for the Laser and 9.2 for the Excel.The average age of the top 40 models driven by free2go members is 12.4 years, with the Toyota Corona — number 20 on the list — soldiering on at an average 21.4 years.The free2go program offers free RACQ membership for three years to all Queensland residents from the age of 17 or school year 12.Roadside assistance on any vehicle being driven by a free2go member is included in the first year. In the second and third years, members can opt to nominate a vehicle for road service at half the full RACQ membership fee; or simply maintain access to all other standard RACQ services at no charge.While sensible factors are top-rating among young people in the Just Car Insurance survey, car image still plays a major role with 27 per cent believing you can tell what somebody is like by the car they drive.The poll also found 30 per cent saying they are more likely to take notice of somebody who has an expensive car.However, 38 per cent claim the look of the car doesn't matter — it only needs to get them from A to B.Sex appeal is also important with 18 per cent more attracted to someone who drives a nice car and 40 per cent claiming a nice car helps attract the opposite sex.Some of the results differed between the sexes and overall the guys were more interested in vehicle style and the impression it gives: 57 per cent rated how it looks to others as important versus 40 per cent young women; 91 per cent of women were more interested in safety and security compared with 79 per cent of men.Contrary to the perception that youth drive modified vehicles, 72 per cent drive standard vehicles without modifications.Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) believe young drivers are unfairly criticised for their driving.

This is probably the only photograph you will ever see of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 in the wild.This is no bush basher. It's a pavement poseur.After all, SRT stands for "street and racing technology" and the 8 stands for the 6.1-litre Hemi V8 under the bonnet.Street, not fire trail. Racing, not mudlarking.This is the sort of 4WD you have when you really want to stick it up the nose of Harold Scruby the self-appointed president of the Pedestrian Council of Australia.This is the sort of car you drive past the local Greens candidate's house and spin the tyres.You get the picture. It's socially unacceptable, it's a menace to society, it's the biggest, baddest mutha of the lot.And I love it.Just like I love eating too much pizza and drinking too much beer. I know I shouldn't do it, but it's absolutely addictive.Those huge dollops of power right off the line. That grunting double-barrel exhaust system. Those fat and low tyres.Just don't go thinking it's an off-roading 4WD, because it isn't. It does have active full-time four-wheel-drive capability.However, if you go charging off into the dunes, there is such low clearance in the front air dam that you will simply turn it into a grader and plough a path.The Jeep technical specifications tell us that the ground clearance at the front axle is 190.5mm. However, the plastic front air dam sits just 150mm off the deck and is going to come clean off well before the axle bottoms out.Besides, the 245mm wide tyres are so low profile (45 per cent) that you won't be able to let them down for extra sand grip anyway.Don't go rock hopping either, because the SRT suspension uses Bilstein monotube dampers that make it so stiff the 20-inch wheels don't have the articulation to crawl over some shopping centre speed bumps, let alone craggy bush rocks.And leave the fire trails alone, because the lack of clearance will have you picking up the plastic and chrome bits of bodywork as you break them off through the forest.Instead, enjoy the Hemi's 313kW of stonking power and 569Nm of stump-pulling torque in its natural environment — tarmac.Here the five-speed auto responds immediately to right-foot provocation with a rapid-fire kick-down through the gears. No delay, just instantaneous go.The SRT8 also features a stack of extras that give it macho looks, power and performance.Apart from the suspension, exhaust system, five-spoke alloys and Hemi heart, the SRT8 also has creature comforts such as dual-zone airconditioning, rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers and electric memory seats, radio presets and mirrors.On the safety side, there is electronic stability program, all speed traction control and electronic roll mitigation that adjust the brakes and throttle to help prevent you from rolling or sliding off the road.Inside, the SRT8 is more accommodating than the standard Grand Cherokee with plenty of leather trim replacing acres of cheap and nasty hard plastic, and plush leather seats replacing the cloth upholstery.However, the steering wheel is still only tilt adjustable, some of the controls feel a little brittle and there is no room for your left foot beside the pedals.Handling is greatly improved for the road with a positive, if heavy, feel at the wheel and reasonable handling for a two-tonne beast with a modicum of pitch and roll.The brake pedal requires a firm push, but the Brembo units respond with plenty of feel and progression.The 4WD capability may not get a good hit-out in the bush, but it provides a safe and sure feel on wet roads — that's if it ever rains again.Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 $85,990ENGINE: 4/5 starsIt deserves the legendary name "Hemi" with its neck-snapping power and grunty roar.TRANSMISSION: 4/5 starsOnly five speeds, but with this much torque, it doesn't need any more.ECONOMY: 1/5 starsForget about it. I got 20litres/100km on weekly duties.HANDLING: 3/5 starsNot bad for a two-tonne-plus beast with a high centre of gravity.SAFETY: 3/5 starsVery good for occupants, but I wouldn't want to be hit by one.VALUE: 3/5 starsThe cheapest and biggest luxury V8 4WD on the market, but has limited use.VerdictFOR: Power and macho looksAGAINST: Pedestrian Council of AustraliaFINAL: 4/5 stars. Makes a bold statementTech SpecsENGINE: 6.1-litre petrol pushrod V8, 10.3:1 compression, bore x stroke 103 x 90.9mm, 2-valve head.POWER: 313kW @ 6000rpmTORQUE: 513Nm @ 4800rpmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed auto with sequential shiftDRIVE: Electric on-demand 4 x 4SUSPENSION: Bilstein monotube dampersKERB WEIGHT: 2171kgTOWING: 1587kg (braked), 750kg (unbraked)WHEELS/TYRES: five-spoke 20 inch alloy x 8, 245/45 R 20BRAKES: BRAKES: 360x32mm ventilated discs (front), 350x28mm discs (rear),SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability programmeFUEL: Tank 77 litres, 98 RON PULP, 20L/100km (tested)TURNING CIRCLE: 11.3mHOW IT COMPARESAudi Q7 qattro4.2L, 257kW/440Nm$116,800Toyota LandCruiser Sahara4.7L, 170kW/410Nm$84,200Mercedes-Benz ML5005L, 225kW/460NM$116,900Volvo XC904.4L, 232kW/440Nm$84,950

And he's not joking.Leno helped bankroll the ultra-light two-seater EcoJet which was built and developed in collaboration with motoring giant General Motors at Leno's garage in LA where he houses his 100-odd collection of cars.It began with a sketch Leno drew on the back of a napkin. He showed the drawing to GM global design director Ed Welburn who authorised a model.Eight months later the partially-completed EcoJet was unveiled last week at the Special Equipment Marketers Association show in Las Vegas.Leno's main design principles were that it had to be "green", modern, but not drive like a hybrid Toyota Prius.The car runs on biodiesel made from vegetable oil and Leno joked that he would probably only drive it "during harvest season".Biodiesel is a popular fuel source in Europe, becoming increasingly common in the US and now available in Australia with two production plants at Narangba north of Brisbane.EcoJet is powered by a Honeywell LT101 gas turbine engine expected to produce 650 horsepower (484kW) and 786Nm of torque which compares with a VE Commodore Omega's 180kW and 330Nm.However, while the Commodore sips about 10.9 litres of unleaded petrol every 100km, the Ecojet will drink 39 litres of biodiesel over the same distance.Leno, Alcoa and GM bankrolled the project but no one is divulging the cost."I'm not sure. I'm afraid my wife would find out," Leno said. "I am president of the more-money-than-brains club."The final version of the EcoJet will have a skin of carbon fibre and Lexan, a strong and lightweight glass alternative.It sits on an aluminium chassis and aluminium wheels developed specially by Alcoa, and features suspension, brakes, and transmission from the Chevrolet Corvette C6 sportscar.Even the duco is "green" using eco-friendly waterbased paint from German chemical and manufacturing company BASF.

With a whole new generation of sharper, sportier bikes in its repertoire, BMW is shaking off its image as an old rider's bike company.And now comes the F 800, BMW's first parallel twin; an entry level sports-oriented bike.BMW Motorrad Australia national sales and marketing manager Cameron Cuthill suspects the main competition for the F 800 S half-faired bike will be the Ducati Monster while competitors to the F 800 ST fully faired sports tourer will be the likes of Honda's ageing VFR, Suzuki's SVs and maybe even old Yamaha TRX850s.He says they are not particularly targeting young 600cc supersports riders.Just as well, because the F 800 is not a firecracker supersports machine.Instead, on the Australasian launch last week in New Zealand, both versions of the new twin proved to be smooth and torquey, rather than raucously racy.They are refined and sophisticated machines that also have plenty of go and adequate handling.The S comes in solid red or yellow and the ST in metallic grey or blue. There are no race replica graphics here.Prices, which were released in the weeks before the launch, are strongly competitive.The S costs $14,500 (Ducati S2R $14,995) and the ST $15,000 (VFR $17,490, SV1000S $13,990)."We fought pretty hard to get good pricing on this," Cuthill says."The Germans now recognise that we are a very competitive market for bike prices."The S is a sportster-style bike with low screen, clip-on handlebars, steering damper, black wheels and a half fairing.It also has creature comforts such as heated handgrips and an on-board computer that gives all the usual details plus average and instantaneous fuel economy, ambient temperature and distance to empty.The ST adds a centre stand, higher screen, rear rack, silver wheels, bigger fairing and one-piece handlebar.Despite the introduction of the first parallel twin in a BMW bike, Cuthill draws more attention to the belt drive also used in the now-defunct F 650 CS (Scarver)."The belt drive is the key to this motorcycle," he says."It is quieter than a chain and has a longer life," he says, claiming it will last until 40,000km with a check and adjustment at the first 1000km service and then only a check every 10,000km service.A replacement belt will cost about $300 to fit or less if you do it yourself.Cuthill claims fitting the belt is easy as there are few parts that need to be dissembled to remove it.New marketing manager Miles Davis also points out that a belt is cleaner as there are no lubricants to fling off on to the wheels or your clothes.The belt also has covers all the way around it, so it would be highly unlikely that a stone could get in and ruin it.Don't worry about the belt handling the bike's power; Harley has been using belts for years and features belt drive in its powerful V-Rod.On the F 800, it delivers power with an instant surge, rather than a vicious snap, and together with the pure-shifting six gears that rarely need any clutch to engage, it makes for an enjoyably smooth experience.However, there is a drawback: It is impossible to change the gear ratios.The other big feature is, of course, the fuel-injected parallel twin.It is similar in design to the Rotax in the F 650 range with its 30 degree angle, but it has two cylinders side by side firing alternately, instead of a single cylinder.It features a third conrod on the crankshaft which is fixed at one end to offer a counter balance to the two cylinders moving in unison.This is what makes the twin run smoothly rather than lumpy like most parallel twins and it is a lighter option than most other counter-balance solutions.At idle there is hardly any vibration and the mirrors are still.As you wind on revs, the engine tingles, rather than vibrates and the mirrors are hardly affected.However, after a long day's riding, you will feel the tingle in your backside and hands.Its rev limit is 9000rpm, so it's no Supersport screamer, although it does have a rorty induction roar.Despite the tingle in your hands and bum, it is more of a relaxed tourer with a sporty bent.Another sign that BMW intend this for sporting use is the use of sports-oriented 180mm, 55 profile rubber such as Continental Contisport Attack and Dunlop Battlax.Three cheers for BMW: The brakes are non-servo. They are hydraulic and work well with good feel and strong bite. Non-switchable ABS is also offered as an option at $1250.I found the ABS worked a treat, especially on the many road works we rode through. Plus it tends to keep the rear from hopping out under hard braking on entering a corner.Like the F 650, the fuel tank is under the seat for a lower centre of gravity and easier filling without having to take off a tank bag.The bikes tended to wallow in the tight and bumpy corners of the launch ride around the Firth of Thames and the beautiful hills of the Coromandel Peninsula, south-east of Auckland.However, after a couple of turns on the hand-adjustable and easy to reach preload and rebound damping, it handled much more predictably.Up front there is no adjustment, but the conventional forks worked well and accounted for my 75kg weight quite well. Heavier people may need to seek out heavier fork oil.Turn-in is a little slow, but on the other hand, the bikes hold their line beautifully and can be readjusted mid-corner without drama.As usual, BMW offers a comprehensive range of accessories such as satellite navigation, panniers that expand to whatever size you need and white indicators.If you want one, order now, because BMW has sold out of all its orders already and the bike is likely to join its other models on the four-month waiting list."We have more customers than motorcycles," Cuthill says.FAST FACTSEngine: fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, 4-valve 30degree parallel twinBore x stroke: 82 x 75.6mmCompression: 12:1Power: 62.5 @ 8000rpmTorque: 86Nm @ 5800rpmTransmission: 6-speed, belt driveBrakes: 320mm dual discs and 4-piston caliper (front), single 265mm, single piston caliper (rear), ABS optionalSeat height: 820mm (790mm no-cost low-seat option)Dry weight: 182kg (S) 187kg (ST)Tyres: 120/70 ZR 17 (front), 180/55 ZR 17 (rear)Fuel: ULP, 16L tank, 5.5L/100km (tested on launch)Emissions: Euro 3Colours: solid red or yellow (S), metallic blue or silver (ST)Price: $14,500 (S), $15,000 (ST)

The Dodge Nitro rolls on down California State Highway 74 from San Diego to Palm Springs turning heads and looking macho with its imposing grille and boxy Hummer-like body.

BMW this month launches its Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe in Australia with a price advantage. The 195kW three-litre Z4 Coupe will cost $87,900 in six-speed manual and $90,500 in six-speed Steptronic auto, which is $3300 less than the Roadster. It also compares favourably with the SLK 350 at $114,400 and the Cayman at $118,000. The 252kW 3.2litre Z4 M Coupe comes in six-speed manual only at $127,200, which compares with the SLK 55 at $163,400 and Cayman S $148,500. The price differential from BMW Roadster to Coupe is $3300. BMW also claims its Coupes are faster, lighter and more fuel efficient. The Z4 Coupes will arrive with similar features to the Roadster models such as dynamic stability control which can be totally switched off, cornering brake control, dynamic traction control and dual front and side airbags. The M model adds Bluetooth mobile phone capability, sat nav, TV and an audio system that makes a lot of noise. BMW claims the Z4 Roadster and Coupe are the first European vehicles with audio systems to receive THX certification. That accreditation is only given to audio output and speakers that are endorsed by Lucas Films, the makers of the Star Wars movies. BMW uses Carver speakers which allow high sound pressures from small speaker sizes. They use 10 speakers including two subwoofers and achieve a total output of 430 watts. BMW claims potential buyers are mainly males aged 35 to 45 years with an appreciation of high-end audio systems. But the Z4s are not just about noise; they are also about performance, boasting a stiffer chassis, stiffer suspension and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5 seconds. How the Z4 handles Australian roads will be revealed over the next few days of the Australian launch through the twists and turns of Tasmania.   FAST FACTS BMW Z4 and Z4 M Coupe Engines: straight 6, 2996cc (195kW/315Nm); 3246cc (252kW/365Nm) Transmission: 6-speed manual (Z4 , Z4 M), 6-speed Steptronic auto (Z4) Fuel: 55L tank, 8.9L/100km (man Z4), 12.1L (Z4 M), 9L (Z4 auto) CO2 emissions (g/km): 213 (man Z4), 216 (Z4 auto), 292 (Z4 M) Kerb weight (kg): 1320 (man Z4), 1350 (auto Z4), 1420 (Z4 M) Available: This month Price: $87,900 (6-speed manual), $90,500 (6-speed auto), $127,200 (M) Mark Hinchliffe is a senior roadtester on the CARSguide team and also editor of the Courier Mail CARSguide. A full review of the Z4, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear in the Courier Mail CARSguide this Saturday.

Fuel prices may be high, but Australians still love a big car.The launch last month of the new VE Commodore has catapulted the car back to the top of the sales charts after falling behind the Toyota Corolla the previous two months.GM Holden boss Denny Mooney said he was happy with the first couple of weeks of sales of the new VE Commodore and predicted they would beat the Corolla to return to the top of the sales charts by next month.However, the sales surge saw the family favourite return to the top in August after just two weeks of VE sales.Corolla beat Commodore in June by 903 and in July by 689, but VZ and VE Commodore sales in August beat Corolla by 839.And not everyone is buying the base model Commodore."We're seeing a richer mix with more interest in Calais and SS, than base models," Mooney said."Omega (the base model) will be a good fleet car, but not necessarily the volume seller."But don't expect major discounts on runout VZ Commodore stock.Mooney said runout sales of the outgoing VZ Commodore sedan had gone well with only about 1000 left.He said the VZ ute, station wagon and Crewman would continue over the next year and gradually be replaced by VE versions.However, he said the launch next month of the Captiva sports utility vehicle could spell the end for the fuel-guzzling all-wheel-drive VZ Adventra."Some people still want wagons, but the Adventra is pretty low volume," he said.He also said the Captiva would come with a more fuel-miserly diesel engine "soon" but would not confirm whether it would be available from launch.

The range drops the Acclaim, Executive and SV8 models, but there are still three more models than the VZ.Omega is the new base model, taking over from Executive and Acclaim, and a new V variant has been added to the SS and Calais models. And for this year only, the Omega also comes in a V variant for private buyers.The V6 Berlina will remain as the "step up" from the base model with a few more creature comforts thrown in.However, with the up-spec Omega V available, sales of the Omega and V6 Berlina initially might be a little sluggish.Just look at the prices and specification levels.The four-speed auto Omega sells for $34,490 without airconditioning. With air, it costs an extra $2000.However, the Omega V costs $34,990 and includes air.For just $500 more than the base Omega you also get 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, and a rear spoiler.The Berlina sells for $39,990, substantially cheaper than the VZ at $43,890.Over the Omega V, what you get for the extra $5000 is additional cluster displays and multi-function screen, side airbags, rear park assist, six-CD unit, leather steering wheel and dual zone air. Depending on what features you need, you could option up an Omega V for less money.I recently had the Berlina for a week and found it just as delightfully quiet, easy to drive, comfortable and reasonably economical as all the other VEs, with just two major concerns.The first is aesthetic. I simply do not like the plastic imitation woodgrain that runs laterally across the dashboard.It is a pale wood colour with darker grains that look like tiger stripes.Even Holden boss Denny Mooney admits it takes some getting used to. A week certainly didn't make it any less offensive to my eyes.The other major concern is the four-speed auto box. It thumps, bumps, hunts and grinds.Holden may have made improvements, but it is still inadequate.

Dodge has made a return to the Australian market after two decades with its crossover Caliber. However, the ram's head brand is better known for its Dukes of Hazzard muscle cars and it could be some time before we see those cars in Australia. Dodge unveiled its Challenger "pony car" coupe concept at the Detroit Motor Show in January and recently announced it would go ahead with production in 2008. Chrysler Group Australia boss Gerry Jenkins has already declared his interest in importing the Yankee muscle car. Dodge will also unveil an Avenger four-door mid-sized sedan concept at next week's Paris Motor Show. Chrysler Group Australia spokesman Simon Johnson said it would also "make an exciting addition to the brand in Australia". "It would certainly add some attitude to the segment, but at this stage it's just a concept," he said. "In concept form it's a two-litre turbo diesel and this would be very relevant in today's market. "We're looking forward to gauging public reaction, but the initial reactions to the release of photos is very positive." Chrysler Group design senior vice-president Trevor Creed said the Avenger concept was "another expression of where the Dodge brand is headed". "Avenger brings Dodge brand American muscle car heritage into the global mid-size car segment. It does for the global D-segment what Caliber has done in the global C-segment — it offers an alternative to the competition." It features a bold front with the familiar crosshair and ram's head logo, a long bonnet, short rear deck and muscular rear shoulders with a sleek rear spoiler. It has a wide stance, low ride height, deep side sills and sits on 19-inch five-spoke painted satin silver wheels with a glimpse of deep red brake calipers. The Dodge Caliber sold 85 units in August and will be followed next year by the Nitro mid-sized SUV and possibly a high-performance Caliber SRT4. The SRT4 will feature a 2.4 litre turbo engine with 224kW of power, 353Nm of torque and a Getrag DMT-6 six-speed box. The all-wheel-drive Caliber is available only in the US.