Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

The 2007 models now have fuel injection, a slick-shifting six-speed gearbox, a lighter clutch, shorter shift throw, a longer-stroke engine and more vibration isolation, all of which means the Softails are smoother running.Blip the throttle and there is none of that Harley jerk or lunge, just smooth and fast revving, it no longer sounds like two tractors trying to mate when you engage first gear, and on the road, the mirrors are vibration-and-blur-free.It may be a little "softer", or at least less lumpy, but it has heaps more grunt and together with the smoother ride, it makes long-distance hauling less of an effort.Frankly, I like my porridge without lumps and, similarly, I enjoyed the smooth-running Softail through the New England tableland in northern NSW this week on the national launch.Harley is in a purple patch with baby boomers, young professionals and cashed-up tradies pushing sales up 30 per cent in the past 12 months.But rather than the company resting on its laurels, it has chosen to be brave, making considerable changes right across the range, especially Softails which represent about half of all Harley sales.Typically known for evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, model changes, Harley has been shaking the tree over the past few years introducing such "mod cons" as water-cooling and six-speeds (in last year's Dyna range).But now comes the biggest change in Harley's history — a no-carb diet of fuel injection.The new fuel-injected Twin Cam 96 engine replaces the carby Twin Cam 88 introduced in 1999. It features in the Softail, Touring and Dyna range.The 96 has been stroked, not bored out, to increase displacement nine per cent from 1450cc to 1584cc. It also has an increased compression ratio and up to 19 per cent more torque, depending on the model. (Harley never talks about power, only torque.)For those who reckon there is no replacement for even more displacement, there is an easy upgrade to a 1687cc big bore kit.The Softail is the biggest winner with a 19 per cent torque lift to 118.6Nm at a lowly 2750rpm. And with the taller sixth gear in place, it will cruise at a naughty 120km/h ticking over just 2859 revs, compared with 3227 on the previous five-speed model.First gear has been dropped to provide slightly better launch, but the real performance lift is in highway roll-ons for safe passing. Here you can expect to pass a dawdler at least a couple of seconds faster than before.On the launch from Armidale to Grafton and back this week, Harley provided a Softail Standard, Softail Custom, Deuce, Heritage Softail and Fat Boy.Missing from the launch were the Night Train, Deluxe and Springer Classic, while discontinued from the range are the FLST and FXSTS cruisers.Apart from the engine and transmission changes, there is a host of minor mechanical and styling changes and they now come with a proximity key used in many luxury cars.This means you only have to have the key in your pocket to be able to start the bike. You use the key just to lock the ignition and steering.When you walk away from the bike, it automatically arms its security system, then disarms as you return.What a blessing for Harley owners who have been losing keys because of the old system of removing the key after unlocking the ignition. Forget to remove the key and it simply fell out and got lost.Even the sound of the bike has changed. Always one to spend more time, money and effort on sound and feel than on chasing outright performance figures, Harley has introduced new intake and exhaust technology to emphasise the "good" sounds, while reducing mechanical noise to reduce the "bad".As a Harley cruises by, you can hardly hear any mechanical noise, just a rhythmic throb of beefy engine.From the fat and contoured seats of these bikes, the sound is a warm and friendly blatt at cruiser revs and a fierce and angry roar at higher revs.Speaking of seats, the Fat Boy now gets a nameplate on the seat, right where your tailbone sits.It's a matter of form over function, or in this case art over . . . well, you know.In less than an hour, it became painful thanks to an injury I sustained in an episode of high school high-jump hijinks I'd rather not talk about.The other seats were exceptionally comfortable for the long haul.The Fat Boy is now fatter, sitting on a low-profile 200mm rear tyre with matching wider and shorter tail.It also gets a bigger 17-inch front wheel with 140mm tyre, a two-tone seat and internal wiring in the handlebars for a cleaner look.The Softail Custom gets new "ape hanger" bars that lift the hands to heart level, not higher, so you don't have to keep dropping your hands to get the blood flowing again.The biggest change on the instruments is a green figure "6" which lights up when the bike is in sixth gear.Something that hasn't changed is the need to think about your corner approach, slow down and arc-out the bend to reduce lean.Clearance is still an issue, although good fun on the Heritage Softail and Fat Boy with their running boards which touch down on most corners.Surprisingly, despite the Softail Standard having much more clearance, one motoring journalist on the launch managed to scrape the gearbox casing which then leaked oil.The best news has been saved until last. Despite all the changes, Harley has managed to keep a lid on prices.Softail, Dyna and Touring increase just 1.5-2 per cent, while V-Rod and Sportster have no increases. The Fat Boy starts at $28,995 (up $775) and the Softail Custom $28,995.And Harley now has a new entry point bike, the $10,995 XL883 Low Sportster with a low seat height for the vertically and financially challenged.Key 2007 changes* Twin Cam 96 engine (Touring, Dyna and Softail);* lower reciprocating weight in pistons, pins and connecting rods;* new smart security system with proximity key;* reduced clutch effort (Touring, Dyna, Softail);* 30% tougher belt drive (Touring, Dyna, FL Softails);* electronic sequential port fuel injection;* six-speed transmission with helical-cut gears;* lighter clutch and shorter shift;* eliminated primary chain adjustment;* eliminated external oil lines and bolt-on oil filter adapter.

It's a long way from the green hills of Bavaria to the parched plains of Bourke in Australia's outback.

There is no need to hand in your driving gloves and Sparko boots just because the fuel prices are driving you into a "light car".This segment of the market includes a host of choices such as the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Getz, Suzuki Swift, Holden Barina and Toyota Yaris.All quite capable cars, but hardly a rewarding driving experience.But for a little bit more, you can still have some driving fun.Swift will soon release a "GTI" version, called the Sport, while Fiesta already has the Zetec squirting around.We recently tested several light cars and found the Fiesta one of the best to punt around vigorously.It comes with a sweet little chassis, precise and light steering, high grip and sporty road manners.But the Zetec ups the ante further with substantial suspension changes that make this car even more precise and true on the road.Ford has stiffened the damper settings, springs and rear torsion beam, and bolted on a thicker anti-roll bar.And it is now shod with the previously optional 16-inch alloy wheels and 195/45 R16 ContiSports rubber, instead of the 195/50 R15 Bridgestone Turanzas.It won't jar your spine, but it certainly rides a little harder.While the engine retains the same output (74kW at 6000rpm and 146Nm at 4000rpm), the five-speed manual gearbox now has closer ratios for more around-town go. First is 8.6 per cent lower than the previous Zetec for greater launch away from traffic lights, while fifth is higher for easier highway cruising.Apart from mechanical changes, the European-designed Zetec gets some style updates inside and out.The new seat trim has a bit more zesty colour, the centre entertainment stack gets a stylish Focus-like update and an MP3 auxiliary jack, and the various switches and controls are higher quality that you can feel.It is one of the smallest of the light cars and interior room is understandably "cosy".Yet the surprising little package has big boot space with the back seats in position and a big flat cargo area with the 60-40-split rear seats folded down and the seats tumbled forward out of the way.The exterior has a slightly restyled front, with the ubiquitous sporty honeycomb grille, big-eyed headlights and a fatter bumper.It still looks cute and overall it is the same "sexy" shape that turns on that white-coated female engineer in the ad that sends up the potting scene from Ghost.It now comes in three new colours (green, blue and grey) and still comes in under $20,000.The European design means it suffers from right-hand conversion with the bonnet release in the passenger foot well and the indicator stalk on the left.But one Euro feature I love, which is now in many European cars and is standard in the new VE Commodore, is the handy passing indicator that flashes three times at just a nudge. It flashes just long enough for most drivers of this spirited little car to merge or change lanes.Ford Fiesta ZetecEngine: 1.6litre, 16-valve, 4-cylindersPower: 74kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 146Nm @ 4000rpmTransmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed autoPrice: $18,490 (man); $19,990 (auto)

Are we ready for a return to large car coupes?Holden pensioned off the Monaro in December, but may return with a Camaro in the next few years; Ford president Tom Gorman says there is not enough demand for a return of the Cobra but is “seriously looking” at a hardtop convertible version of the Focus; and Chrysler is considering a Dodge Challenger.With fuel prices at record highs and the large car market decreasing about 22 per cent, large car coupes would seem like dinosaurs.However, one Ford Falcon coupe is up for sale and the asking price is $250,000.Few people have seen the one-off Falcon coupe, built in 2001 as a showcar and intended to be the precursor to a full-blown production program.That potential, sadly, fell by the way. The sole coupe, featuring coachwork by Millards in Victoria and a 4.6-litre Cobra engine built and supercharged by Sprintex in Perth, has sat forlorn in Sprintex's showrooms.Sprintex marketing manager Stephen Wilkinson said the car was up for sale because they were moving away from playing with big-engined, big-horsepower vehicles and on to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and motorcycles.The Millard-built coupe is based on a Falcon TE50 and sits on the standard sedan platform and wheelbase, but with a 4.6-litre 370kW Cobra V8.The late Howard Marsden, then heading Ford Motorsport, oversaw the project though Mr Wilkinson said there was never any official agreement with Ford.The original intention was to make 100 cars and orders were taken for 20, however, Ford withdrew from the project.Coachwork changes to the coupe started with the sloping roofline, the lengthened doors and the new bootline. Inside there's seating for four.Ford 300+ coupeBody: Falcon AU-based coupe, body kitEngine: Cobra SVT-spec 4.6-litre, V8, quad-cam, 10psi superchargerPower: 370kWTorque: 660Nm0-100km/h: 4.6secTransmission: 6-speed manual, TremecBrakes: Brembo 4-piston calipers, 365mm vented discs (front); Brembo 2-piston calipers, 330mm vented discs (rear)Tyres: 245/35ZR19; 275/30ZR19Weight: approx 1665kgPrice: asking $250,000 

The ubiquitous 3 Series has never been so popular with young executives salary sacrificing to get into one of the iconic luxury cars.Just because someone owns a BMW, does not necessarily mean they earn a lot of money these days. Salary sacrificing has put the car within easy reach of many middle-class motorists.And these motorists still have to watch their pennies and will be mindful of fuel economy.Therefore, I reckon the 320d is going to be a sales winner for BMW.And so it should.It drives and handles like any 3 Series; and that's damn good.It is put together just as well and, of course, it looks the same.But the diesel difference is also noticeable.There is that slight clatter at idle. Not intrusive, but it's there. It goes away under a few revs, to be replaced by quite a masculine gargling and a deep-throated roar on full noise.There is also a good amount of torque launch off the line, with easy overtaking acceleration, without the six-speed gearbox having to kick down as you would normally expect in a petrol-engined car.On the spirited launch drive through the Adelaide Hills a couple of months ago, the on-board computer claimed fuel economy was 7.6l/100km, which is more than the claimed 6.7l/100km of combined tests, but still pretty good.After a week of driving in peak-hour traffic, suburban errands and a small amount of highway running, it returned a more realistic 6.9l/10km.On a highway run, you would just about get from Brisbane to Sydney without having to refuel.It comes in six-speed automatic with Steptronic sequential shift and no manual option, plus cruise control, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, trip computer, cloth seat trim and multi-function steering wheel. The Executive, which I drove, also gets 16-inch alloys, leather and fog lights.Standard safety features include ABS, six airbags and a host of driver aids such as brake controls for added assistance and braking in corners, plus traction and stability controls.An option is active steering, which is different from speed-sensitive steering which changes the load according to speed. Active steering varies the load according to understeer and oversteer to aid the driver who overcorrects or doesn't respond strongly enough.The feel is simply neutral, which is good.BMW Group Australia managing director Dr Franz Sauter predicts BMW will sell 3000 diesel-powered vehicles in Australia this year.Six months after the 530d was released with expectations of 10-15 per cent of 5 Series sales, it is accounting for more than 20 per cent.Dr Sauter conservatively expects the new 320d to represent only 7 per cent of 3 Series sales; about 280 units this year, but I think he's wrong.If I am right and Dr Sauter is wrong, he said there should be no supply problems as the more technical, time-consuming and expensive diesel production processes had been streamlined.

Yet the Jeep Commander also has a soft and almost environmentally friendly side for a big, ugly Yank tank.Oh yes, there are two powerful, fuel-guzzling V8s in the line-up: There's a 4.7litre V8 that pumps out 170kW of power and 410Nm of torque and costs $54,990 to $66,990 depending on specification; and an even bigger $71,990 5.7 litre V8 Hemi that roars with 240kW or power and 500Nm of shaft-twisting torque.But they churn through fuel like there's no tomorrow, even the Hemi with Multi-Displacement System where half the cylinders shut down when not under load to improve fuel economy.In between these two, in terms of money and power, is the three-litre V6 turbo diesel at $59,990 in standard trim and $69,990 with bells and whistles, pumping out 160kW of power.Where this oil-burner exceeds expectations is in its fuel economy and its enormous 510Nm of hill-climbing, cargo-pulling, meat-grinding torque.And yet, inside this big ugly beastie with all that grunt is a tame suburban seven-seater people mover that mum can use to take half the soccer team to the big game.I had a standard diesel for a week and found it had sensible around-town manners that will win over just about any driver with fuel economy between 12.3litres per 100km on the highway and 13.9 around town. Might sound like a lot, but not for a vehicle this size.The only problem is poor rear vision.Inside, the second and third row of seats are higher than the front row. It's called stadium seating and it's great for the rear passengers. No claustrophobia here, especially if you get the two rear skylights as a $2700 option.But there is simply no rear vision and without rear parking assist, you will need a signal man with those big lollipop sticks to guide you into a parking bay. That is the downside of such a big ugly mother.Chrysler's 300C has paved the way for big ugly Yank tanks and this is about as big and ugly a Yank tank as you can get.Actually it isn't. In the US, it would look kinda puny compared with a Silverado and some other huge pick-ups and SUVs. Besides, despite its imposing looks, the seven-seater is shorter, lower and only 24mm wider than Toyota's seven-seat Prado.But it's longer, wider, higher than a Grand Cherokee and $1000 more.Despite appearing to have the streamlining of a brick, Jeep claims it has the same drag co-efficient as the Grand Cherokee.There is little wind and road noise on the highway, so they could be right.It certainly sounds quite civilised around town and all those who got into it were astounded to learn it was a diesel. There is hardly any discernible diesel rattle audible in the cabin.Drive is supplied by the Grand Cherokee's competent Quadra-Drive II system which is more than enough for shopping centre speed bumps and mounting the kerb to park on the grass beside the soccer field.On the national launch a couple of months ago in the middle of Outback NSW, it also conquered big rocksand steep hills, so we thought it wouldbe a good idea to let some air out ofthe Goodyear Wranglers and run it up the beach to see how it went.It wasn't much of a test as rain had hard-packed the sand on the Freshwater track at Rainbow Beach.The Commander simply tackled it like it was a suburban carpark. I didn't even need to engage low range for the charge on to the beach or through any of the steeper sections.And on the Cooloola forest track, the slippery clay hardly rated as the sophisticated traction controls kept the nose straight.So it's a pretty handy brute of a truck that will carry seven people in luxury to just about anywhere you want to go.That's not to say I don't have some concerns: Lack of rear vision. No room for the driver's left foot. You need two feet on the brake to get some pressure, then they grab. Tyres feather quickly on the road because of the weight of the car. No audio controls on the wheel and the volume knob is way over on the left. Handbrake is on the left of the centre console. Bonnet release is in the passenger's foot well. Steering wheel is not adjustable for reach. It's a long reach to adjust the rearview mirror or the visor. A lot of hard plastic on the dash and door trim. With the third row of seats up, there is no luggage room. Still, if you want to make a bold statement, there are few other options as exciting.

But it sounds like somewhere Homer Simpson would live and in relation to a motor vehicle the name conjures images of doughy performance.Best to mispronounce it "Deville", as do many who have come to discover the delights of this practical midweight touring motorcycle."Deville" kind of conjures more appropriate images of a classic 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville rolling down the highway.Better still, says Honda spokesman Rhys Griffiths, call it the NT700V.That really says a lot because the practical NT650 V-twin has been bored out from 647cc to 680cc.However, that is not the full story. The new Deauville, sorry, de Ville, sorry, NT700V, is now more powerful, quicker, more stylish, better handling, more comfortable, safer and has so many accessories, you can almost turn it into a mini-Gold Wing.In fact, here's a go. Since Honda has a 600cc Silver Wing scooter coming, why not call this the Bronze Wing, after all, it comes in two colours — black and a beautiful bronze. Gone is the Camry maroon.Despite all the improvements, the price is still $14,990.The new bike is so different from the previous model in so many ways, but even on first glance at the national launch in Sydney last week it was evident the bike has changed.It now looks more like an ST1300, with its V-shaped and more powerful headlight, ST-styled triangular exhaust and futuristic fairings. Almost every panel and fitting is different from the NT650V. The only remaining similarity is the front mudguard.From front to back, this is a radically different, and better, bike.Starting in the engineroom where there is more than just a capacity increase; it now comes with PGM-FI electronic fuel injection instead of a carburettor; four valves instead of three; and more power and torque.The result is smooth, burdenless grunt that gets the job done without any dizzying adrenalin rushes.There is no discernible throttle or shaft snatch off idle, making for easy low-speed handling, while high-speed roll-ons for passing are a doddle with a quick flick back one cog in that silky smooth five-speed box.In the comfort stakes, the new bike is a winner with a taller and two-way adjustable windscreen; a lower, wider and more contoured seat; and accessories to make the long haul a breeze.The windscreen can be adjusted 170mm in a matter of minutes. In the top position, I had to hunch my 185cm frame just a tad to get totally clean air. But the protective air bubble is so much larger than before as the seat is also 4mm lower.Griffiths said the low seat would be a selling point: "We will definitely target Ulysses women," he said referring to the mature-aged riding club.Even tall people will relish the low seat which makes it easy to paddle the bike in parking as we found out on the launch when we had to execute three-point turns on tight roads to make several passes for the photographer.Ageing Gold Wing riders who are sick of manhandling the almost 400kg monolith may want to investigate this.After all, there are few features the new NT700V goes without now that it has a car-style fuel gauge, Honda Ignition Security System and trip computer as standard.There is also a host of accessories including heated hand grips, well-integrated spotlights and rear red LED fog lamp, Honda satellite navigation, an iPod/CD amplifier and speakers, alarm, 12volt phone charger, wider pannier doors that increase carrying capacity by 17 litres, 45-litre top box and soft knee pads.If you go nuts and add every accessory, the new 50 per cent more powerful battery will cope with it all.The launch bikes had a variety of accessories fitted and the most important thing is they didn't look like afterthoughts.They look like standard fitment.The hand warmers were switched on and back off within five minutes. That's all it needed to make my hands toast.The sat nav screen was clear and it looked simple to use, as was the iPod amp, although the speakers sounded very trebly — great for country music.We headed northwest out of Sydney to Wiseman's Ferry where we turned left and headed across some 50km of dirt.Griffiths had given us the option of tarmac, but we bravely opted for the dirt, although it seemed an unwise decision since the new front forks felt stiffer and the front end a little choppy.However, the bike coped remarkably well, even with the road-oriented Bridgestone Battlax tyres.Turn-in was a little slow, but the bike maintained good line on the Hunter Valley high-speed sweepers and was unsettled only by large bumps.It felt light and manoeuvrable at slow speed in heavy traffic or on roundabouts, yet had a big bike's feeling of stability on the 110km/h freeway ride back into Sydney.If I was practical and heading off around Australia solo or two-up, this would be near top of the list.My pillion would be happy, too, as the rear pre-load is hand-adjustable for best ride and handling, the rear seat is wider and the top box provides back support.At a bargain $14,990 (probably a fair bit more with the accessories I'd chose), it means I'd have more money left over to spend on petrol.Yet even petrol prices won't be much of a concern as it yielded a healthy 19.5km/litre (5.1l/100km) giving it a 320km-plus range despite copping a flogging on the launch ride.

Electrical engineering group manager Paul Gibson said one of the engineers sought the help of his mother to make sure controls for the information systems were easy to use. The result is an intuitive system that even includes a help button modelled on the Microsoft help button. When pushed, the help button will describe how to operate various functions. The new electrical functions are co-ordinated by a GM Local Area Network (GMLAN) which not only allows communications between functions, but also allows simple dealer retro-fitting of functions such as satellite navigation. Gibson said that although the system was twice as complex, it was also faster and more reliable thanks to substantial testing on a new $500,000 simulator. Features of the cars new electrics include: Three instrument illumination colours. A Saab-inspired night lighting system which only displays crucial information. Roof-mounted aerial for stronger AM reception. Roof-mounted DVD system which can be retro fitted in all models. Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity standard in most models and available in Omega. Fully integrated satnav available later this year. A more accurate fuel gauge system. Front and rear parking assist on selected models. Auto headlights and rain-sensing wipes on selected models. Holden has also boosted its telematics security systems through GPS and mobile phone technology with the addition of a fleet control system so owners can monitor whereabouts, speed and other information. The private security system has also been boosted with Holden Assist Ultra offering the ability to immobilise the vehicle if stolen.

That means people in the market for a new GPS can now get up-to-date maps.The previous version contained data 18 months out of date.Whereis 13 was released by Sensis in March and Voxson was the first to convert the data, test it, and release products with the data integrated into the Voxtrack 500 and Voxtrack 800.With more than 1000 vehicles sold with GPS systems each month and an explosion in aftermarket sat nav, many drivers are becoming frustrated with outdated mapping software.Every year, thousands of new streets are constructed around Australia, quickly making software outdated.On a recent national launch of the Mercedes-Benz S Class, the sat nav equipment showed the vehicle driving through a green field when we were actually on the new Hume Highway bypass.Voxson CEO Andrew Longginou said that with more than 1.3 million Australians having GPS on their shopping list, in-car navigation was their biggest growth area.Voxson, which began manufacturing car radios and audio systems 35 years ago, can also upgrade current customers to the latest Whereis software.Product design engineer David Hendriks said there would be a new version of the maps in 12-18 months.Upgrade maps will cost about $200 and come on an SD card."The user simply purchases the new map card and swaps it into their unit," Hendriks said.International maps can also be bought in this form.The Voxtrack 800 includes voice and visual prompts, plus a video player, MP3 player and jpeg picture viewer for $799.It quickly attaches to a mounting bracket that has a strong suction cup connector that will not only stick to shiny surfaces but also some hard vinyl surfaces.Some of the handy functions are audible alerts for fixed speed camera zones, red-light cameras and a predetermined speed limit; flashing light prompts for turns; and an illuminated anti-glare touch screen which worked well in all lighting conditions.I'm not sure why anyone would want a picture viewer function, but it's simple to operate and download pictures from a laptop via the provided USB cable.Similarly, videos and MP3 files can be downloaded. The unit comes with 256Mb map cards.The software and map data take up about 100Mb leaving enough space for about 50 songs or a short movie."We advise customers to use their own SD cards (the unit will accept up to 2Gb cards) for copying their music or movie files so as to limit the chances of corrupting or accidentally erasing the map data," Hendricks said."When copying movie files users generally use what's known as transcoders to convert the file to the correct format and screen size."As the screen resolution is quite low compared to that of a DVD, the video file can be significantly compressed with the transcoder and the final file size is quite reasonable."Voxson cannot supply transcoder applications with the unit due to licensing restrictions.However they are readily available online and anyone making movie files is often already using them.There is an audio output for headphones or connection to your car stereo if it has a headphone or auxiliary input jack.The Voxtrack 500 also has voice and visual prompts bracket system, illuminated anti-glare touch screen and costs $699.Visit: www.voxson.com.au; whereis.com.au

Twenty five of the Bespoke cars, called Phantom Black, have been hand built at Goodwood in England. They feature lustrous metallic "Diamond Black" paintwork, 21-inch alloy wheels and visible tail pipes. Under the bonnet the 6.75 litre V12 engine has gloss black inlet manifolds, chrome plated top covers and new black Rolls-Royce badges. The company boasts the motor is almost silent while pumping out 337kW and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.7sec with a limited top speed of 239km/h. It might be bling outside and muscle under the bonnet, but inside, it is still all gentlemen's club with soft black leather upholstery edged with "Seashell" piping, black ash wood veneer and silver pinstripe on the door capping. However, the steering wheel has a slightly thicker rim, hinting at its sporting dynamics. All 25 Phantom Blacks have been snapped up. Who knows; they could feature in the next hip hop video.