Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

The bikes are starting to arrive in Australia but already about half the country's supply of bikes have been sold. That's despite the fact that the bike starts at $26,990 for the standard model with ABS, $33,990 for the S model and $39,990 for the S Tricolore. That compares with a BMW S 1000RR at $24,490 and MV Agusta F4 at $24,300. However, it's the same price structure as the previous Ducati 1198 model prices.  And it's a bang-for-your-buck bargain when you consider it has almost the same power as the Desmosedici, a limited edition modified street version of the MotoGP bike which fetched more than $100,000 in 2008.  Add to that the fact that major services have been extended from 20,000 to 24,000km and it's almost worth using as a daily commuter, albeit one that will rocket past even a $1m Bugatti Veyron with a 0-100km/h time of just 2.2 seconds beating the Veyron by 0.26s. Panigale also comes packed with technological wizardry and acronyms - ride modes, power modes, RbW, ABS, DES, DTC,  EBC, DQS and DDA+/GPS - to keep it out the front of the pack on the track. Ducati Australia marketing manager Alison Fraser says a customer placing an order today could "realistically expect to take delivery around late August/September". "It's about meeting the demand as quickly as possible and also based on a very sound and optimistic sales expectation due to the calibre of the Panigale," she says. "Based on current customer orders, the trend is pretty much as we've anticipated and predicted; 45 per cent 1199 S ABS version, 30 per cent 1199 Tricolore ABS and 25 per cent 1199 ABS." This is Ducati's first superbike with a name.  Borogo Panigale (pronounced "Pan-ee-gah-lee") is the location of the Ducati factory in northern Italy, known as Motor Valley, home to other great motoring marques such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Pagani and the famous Imola race track. It is also the first Ducati superbike with a quiet wet clutch, rather than the noisy dry clutch, and the six-speed box has a quickshift for faster cog swaps and a slipper function to prevent lock-ups on down shifts. Another Ducati first is the use of LED headlights. Figures tell the big story of the Panigale with power up from 127kW in the 1198 to 145kW and dry weight down by 10kg to 164kg. Weight reduction is aided by the diminutive aluminium monocoque frame attached only at the front of the engine. Ducati has moved away from the underseat exhaust that started with the legendary 916 in 1994 to a low-slung exhaust with a beautifully curved header pipe visible in the massive gap between the seat and back wheel. That gap, unfortunately, is bound to be "uglied up" by the ADR requirements for mudguard, taillight and number plate. Panigale project director Ernesto Marinelli says the wheelbase is 7mm longer for more high-speed stability, yet the rider sits 30mm closer to the handlebars.  Together with a weight bias of 52 per cent to the front it provides more front grip for sharper cornering and improved acceleration. The down side is it should make the bike more suitable for shorter riders. There are three basic rider modes - Wet, Sport and Race - which vary systems such as ABS, traction control, suspension damping and engine braking. It arrives with factory settings for each mode which can be tailored to suit the rider. The multi-colour instrument screen uses thin film transistor technology like a mobile phone screen that varies with ambient light. It also has a self-preservation mode that lowers the red rev limit line when the engine is new, or when starting off on cold mornings.  In race mode, the lower end of the rev counter scale closes up and the important higher rev end spreads out so you can see it more clearly, while the rest of the layout changes to give lap timing priority over speed. Panigale comes shod with new Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tyres. Ducati 1199 Panigale Prices: ABS $26,990, S ABS $33,990, S Tricolore ABS $39,990 Engine: Superquadro L-Twin 4-valve per cylinder, Desmodromic 1198cc 145kW Transmission: 6-speed slipper, wet clutch Suspension: Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD fork, Sachs fully adjustable rear shock Dimensions: 1435mm (WB), 822MM (Seat) Tank: 17litres Wet weight: 188kg  

Scootin need not be joyless just because it's practical. The Taiwan-made Sym Firenze 300i maxi-scooter is economical and practical, but it will also take you places you wouldn't normally go on a scooter with plenty of comfort and fun built in.VALUESym has 17 models in Australia from 50-300cc starting from less than $2000, while this is the flagship at $6295 plus on-road costs. With a frugal fuel-sipping habit of 3.3L/100km and a relatively big 12-litre tank you have range of almost 400km which is unheard of in most scooters.TECHNOLOGYThis scoot is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve 264cc four-stroke engine that is quiet, smooth and refined with 0-60km/h acceleration that will see you safely zoom away from traffic at the lights.It revs out to 8000rpm and reaches 100km/h in a modest 10 seconds topping out at around 130km/h depending on rider weight, load and wind conditions. Instruments include an analogue speedo, LCD screen for trip, odo, fuel and clock, plus a tacho which is a rare sight on a scooter.SAFETYUnlike many scooters, this comes with linked disc brakes front and rear, providing amazing stopping power, especially from the back brake where all the weight is. It also has two fog lights for night safety, Audi-style daytime running lights up front for daytime visibility, large vibe-free mirrors and an immobiliser in the underseat storage area for added security.STYLEThis smart-looking scooter has a number of handy design features that make it a practical solution for the commuter and tourer. There is a switch that releases the seat latch to access the massive, carpeted storage area so you don't have to take the key out of the ignition.There is room in there for a full-size helmet and a jacket. It also contains a light and the immobiliser switch. The Firenze has plenty of other storage areas - one in the footwell, a big lockable glovebox in the front cowl and another by the right handlebar. Plenty of space for gloves, neck warmer, change, mobile phone etc.RIDINGWide handlebars, dual adjustable rear shocks and big 13-inch wheels are the secrets to the ride comfort and handling of this scooter. They make city commuting a breeze where it will maneuvre through tight spots and soak up big potholes while also providing plenty of stability on the highway. Passing trucks will cause a bit of instability, but nothing scary.Take it into the mountains and the engine will pull strongly and the 110-130mm tyres provide stacks of grip for radical lean angles and rapid cornering. Unlike many scooters, the rider isn't cramped. Even tall riders will appreciate the seat comfort, leg room and reach to the handlebars. You can ride with your feet on the floorboards, or on the tread of the front cowl for highway comfort.Pillions get a wide and deeply padded seat with a confidence-inspiring padded backrest. Our only gripe is that although the windscreen provides plenty of weather protection, it is a bit too big and steep, causing some buffeting around the helmet at more than 80km/h.VERDICTThis scooter will not only solve your commuting and parking hassles, but also prove a fun weekend getaway vehicle.Sym Firenze 300Price: $6295 (+ORC)Warranty: 4 years/unlimited kmResale:  42 per cent (3 years)Service interval: 3500km/12 monthsEngine: 264cc, single cylinderTransmission: CVT autoBody: 2165mm (L) x 870mm (W) x 1380mm (H), 755mm (Seat)Fuel: 12-litre tankTyres: 110 90/13; 130 70/13Brakes: 240/220mm discsDry weight: 184kgThirst: 3.3/100km 

Back in 1969, the Yanks stripped down a Pontiac GTO to make a low-cost muscle car they called the Judge. Now they are at it again, but this time the Judge is a Victory muscle motorcycle. VALUE Like all Victory bikes, the Judge will be priced between its direct competitor and compatriot, Harley-Davidson, and the Japanese. Victory Australia sales and marketing manager Peter Harvey says it will cost $22,995 ride away when it arrives in May. That's $2000 less than its main style rival, the Harley Fat Bob, which is the fifth-best-selling cruiser on the showroom floor. But the value is also in Victory's standout level of fit and finish and the quality of components. There are no rusted or dull bolts to be found anywhere. Yet it's built to a price, so there are no extras either, and the white-lettered tyres look good, but they have a hard compound and as external relations manager Robert Pandya confesses, they are cheap. TECHNOLOGY All Victory motorcycles are powered by a "106" or 1731cc V-twin engine with the cruisers tuned down a bit. Still, it has about 13 per cent more torque than the Harley. It is driven by a six-speed overdriven gearbox and a quiet and low-maintenance belt drive. So, nothing too radical. There is no technology to speak of although there are options such as heated grips and a 25mm longer rear shock for greater clearance and sharper handling. It's basically the underpinnings of a Victory Vegas with different wheels and styling cues. SAFETY Only Victory's touring models have ABS, which is a shame. The brakes are one big 300mm disc up front with stainless steel lines for feel and performance. There is also a 300mm rear rotor that is very effective. It has cartridge forks and a progressive single rear shock with pre-load adjustable for heavy or aggressive riders and the extra load of a pillion. DESIGN  The Judge is all about a menacing, muscular design like the Pontiac and even comes with a hero orange "suede" color option and five-spoke "mag" wheels like its namesake '60s muscle car. This no-frills "brat" bike features drag-style handlebars, small cast headlight, mid-mount foot controls, a flatter-than-usual rider's seat and that high and fat front tyre with the white lettering. Another strange feature is the board tracker styled number plate on the side. Without a number or some sort of decal it looks strange. Victory head designer Greg Brew says they came up with a range of sticker designs, but only four will be available as options because he believes people will want to design their own. The rear LED taillights are modern and cool, but not quite retro like the rest of the bike. RIDING Polaris makes its Victory motorcycles at Spirit Lake in Minnesota in the frozen north of the US, but for this launch, we headed to the much warmer climate of Palm Springs and its famed canyon passes. Here, the issue of clearance was quickly highlighted. The aggressive riding position encourages the rider to dig into corners, but the footpegs protest by grinding into the tarmac. Many owners should be opting for that longer rear shock. The footpegs can also be adjusted which may provide slightly better clearance angles. Victory's engines have become smoother and quieter over the years and this is yet another step up. It comes on with a seductive frisson of torque - as much as some small cars. We climbed over 1800m into the San Jacinto mountains and the fuel-injected engine never protested once. The brakes may seem underwhelming, but they perform well if you apply front and rear stoppers together. Like the engine, the transmission has become smoother and quieter, although it is difficult to swap cogs on any big V-twin without a clunk Despite the aggressive riding position, it is easy to get comfortable but after a long haul, your shoulders and backside may need a good rub. The low seat should widen the bike's appeal. Victory promises 13 new accessories specifically made for the Judge such as luggage and a solo seat, but there are also 70 in the catalogue that will fit including heated grips. VERDICT Be the coolest dude on your street. It's a great bike even though its purpose - aggressive cruising - is an oxymoron. Victory Judge On sale: May Price: $22,995 (ride away) Warrenty: 2 years, unlimited kms Service: 8000km Engine: 1731cc V-twin, 73kW/153Nm Fuel: 17-litre tank Transmission: 6-speed, belt drive Dimensions: 2337mm (L), 1647mm (WB), 658mm (Seat), 120mm (Clearance) Dry Weight: 300kg Suspension: Telescopic forks, single shock rear Brakes: 300mm floating rotors Tyres: 130/90 B16 (front), 140/90 B16 (rear) Colours: Black, "Suede Nuclear Sunset", "Sunset Red"

The signs could save the lives of dozens of motorcycle riders a year, reduce damage to vehicles and lower sign-maintenance costs, according to a Brisbane manufacturer. Peter Nuttall, boss of RUD Chains which manufacturers steel anchor points for and distributes Glasdon Chevroflex Ultra safety signs, said the signs had been approved for trial at two motorcycle black spots in Queensland. The signs, which are made in the UK where they have won road safety awards, are being trialled at Cairns and on the Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd in the Gold Coast hinterland where two motorcyclists died and two were seriously injured at the weekend. "It looks like that crash was a head-on and may not have been prevented by our signs, but this tragic incident highlights how important it is to do something about biker safety, particularly in government-identified blackspot areas such as this," he said. He cited Queensland Transport figures which show one in three (33.2 per cent) motorcycle fatalities is the result of riders running off the road and hitting roadside obstacles. "There doesn't seem to be any specific data related to road signs, but roadside furniture has been identified as a significant contributor to motorcycle rider casualties," he said. Unlike conventional signs, the plastic Chevroflex signs bend on impact to reduce damage to vehicles and injury to motorists, especially motorcycle riders. Mr Nuttall says the signs remain in place and unamaged in most accidents, reducing high maintenance costs and leaving important safety signs in place to warn other motorists. The signs can be installed quickly, slotting into a steel assembly base made by the Brisbane company. Repairs can be done with a key and often require only one person with no excavation or lifting required. He also claims the signs will prevent accidents because they are more visible and encourage motorists to brake earlier. RACQ technical and safety policy executive manager Steve Spalding said the RACQ supports the use of more-forgiving roadside signage in high-risk crash locations. "Whether someone drives the safest SUV or rides a motorcycle, if there are innovative new products that can improve safety in the event of a crash then we support their evaluation," the motorcycle enthusiast said. Transport Department motorcycle safety mass action program manager Melvin Eveleigh said the signs would be evaulated over five years to test their durability and maintenance. Nuttall said he hoped the signs could be rolled out across Australia at other motorcycle black spot areas.

This is grand touring, gangsta-style; the two-wheel equivalent of a Chrysler 300C.The new Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom is not only a pimped-up attention-getter but also a handy machine for chewing up the highway kilometres. It started life as a Tour Glide in the US in 1996 and later became the Road Glide, but this is the first time it has been included in the Australian line-up. Basically it's like a Street Glide with the half-fairing attached to the chassis, not the forks.VALUEHarley-Davidson salesman Adam Wright admits they couldn't get the bike for the price they wanted, but it comes loaded with gear at $31,995. That is only $500 more than the Road King yet it has an integrated stereo system and massive "bikini" fairing with twin headlights.It also comes with cruise control and wiring for accessories such as spotlights. And don't forget the cigarette lighter, although there is no ash tray!TECHNOLOGYAt its heart is the big 103cu (1690cc) fuel-injected engine which is now used across all Touring, Softail and most Dyna models. In the Touring family, the engine also gets an oil cooler.Cruise and basic audio controls are on the handlebars, but some of the audio controls such as station presets are on the console which is a bit of a reach forward for the rider. There is a "nav" button on the console, but sat nav is only available on CVO models. The sound system an auxiliary socket for an MP3 player, but only the CVOs have iPod connectivity. A 12 volt outlet to power an external audio device is located under the left weather-proof glovebox.DESIGNStyling is polarizing. Some may think the nose looks a bit too prominent from the side angle but the twin headlights provide an appealing front-on look like the old Holden Premier.With a lot of surface area on the bike, especially the fairing, it is a blank canvas crying out for custom paintwork. There are lashings of chrome in the engine, forks, exhaust pipes and protection bars.At the rear are fixed, weather-proof and lockable hard-plastic panniers. The rider gets a full floorboard, while the pillion gets pegs.The matte-black rubbery surface on the console is claimed to withstand cracking in the summer heat and is a nice contrast to the six silver and chrome instruments which includes an ambient temperature gauge, still in Fahrenheit. While the bars aren't ape hangers, the riding position is similar with the arms out straight from the shoulders.SAFETYAll Harleys, except for the Sportsters, get ABS. It is a smooth and effective system that uses a discreet magnet in the wheel bearing rather than an ugly mechanical ring around the brake disc that would have spoiled the clean look of the five-spoke alloy wheels. The brakes also have powerful Brembo calipers derived from the V-Rod family. RIDINGThe key to the Road Glide Custom's handling characteristics is that the fairing is attached to the chassis, not the forks, like the other Touring bikes. Advantages are that the steering is lighter for low-speed maneuvering and the bike is more stable at high speed.Wind blasts from passing trucks also don't provoke any oscillation through the bars. The short windscreen can be replaced with a higher screen, but I prefer the look-over screen with reduced buffeting. A further advantage is the airflow under the fairing that blows engine heat away from your legs.Like all Touring models it also has an engine cut-out system to switch off the rear cylinder while waiting in traffic so your legs don't sizzle. Riding position is comfortable, although shorter people may find the reach to the bars - especially the front console controls - a little too far.VERDICTThis bike makes a bold statement on the road with its prominent nose and twin headlights. On the practical side, it is a comfortable way for two people to see a lot of Australia.Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom FLTRXPrice: $31,995Warranty: 2yrs, unlimited km, roadside assistService: 1600/8000kmEngine: air-cooled 1690cc v-twinEconomy: 5.6L/100kmTransmission: 6-speed, belt driveDimensions: 2457mm (L), 663mm (Seat), 1630 (WB)Tank: 22.7LDry weight: 367kg 

Motorists are suffering "green fatigue" and service stations are pulling  E10 from pumps. In the past two years, use of biofuels and ethanol blends rose only 4 per cent while the number of people considering a car's environmental credentials when buying a new car has stagnated, according to research released yesterday (APRIL 20) by insurer, AAMI. Only one in three (36 per cent) fill up with the alternative fuels and half (51 per cent) say they think about fuel consumption or air pollution ratings before buying their car. AAMI spokesperson Reuben Aitchison says there is a large number of Australians who want to reduce the impact of their car on the environment, but this number appears to have stagnated over the past few years. "Availability of biofuels and ethanol blends has increased over the last two years, and cost is not a major barrier according to AAMI's research," he says. However, ethanol demand in NSW has drawn supplies from other states where some service stations have shut down E10 pumps. Biofuels Association Australia chief Heather Brodie said E10 bowsers are not being withdrawn in NSW because it has a mandate that 6 per cent of total petrol volumes must contain 10 per cent ethanol. "Bowsers have been removed, which is unfortunate, because there is a growing consumer awareness and desire to be able to purchase the fuel," she said. "Unfortunately biofuels need to be mandated to encourage their use." Brodie says motorists may also be suffering from "green fatigue". "Coupled with a dip in the number of drivers who say green factors are front of mind at the car dealer, as well as the number of drivers actively changing their driving style to reduce their environmental impact, it seems as though Green Fatigue has well and truly set in," he says."We know that Australians care about the environment and their impact on it, but it seems as though other pressures, like cost of living, are taking a priority."

This is ute country. The macho machines are lined up out the front of the Birdsville pub, resplendent with pig-shooting lights, roll bars, oversized tyres and jacked up suspenders.Our basic no-frills Isuzu D-Max LS-M crew cab almost looks the part with its optional roof racks and standard all-terrain tyres. It certainly helps nullify the embarrassment of turning up to a gun fight with three blunt sticks - in this case our three luxury SUVs.The Isuzu is our insurance policy and is set to be the real hero of the piece if the other vehicles require rescue.In the end it's not needed for that, but it is still our pack horse, carrying three spare wheels, camping gear, gas bottles, extra fuel, even a dinghy.The heavy load doesn't faze it at all. It actually rides better over the lumps and bumps, never hitting the bump stops. Together with the comfortable seats, it was actually the most comfy ride of all four vehicles.As for the dunes, it was a piece of cake in high-range four-wheel drive with 14psi in the tyres.Despite the heavy load, it returned 9.7 litres per 100km which is only slightly above the claimed 9L/100km. That makes it good for range of more than 750km out of the 76 litre tank.For the off-road fanatics, it has 225mm of clearance while approach, departure and breakover angle are 34.6/23.3/21.For those who don't care, it will tackle just about any obstacle.Isuzu D-Max LS-M Crew CabPrice: $42,800Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 52%Service interval: 10,000km/6 monthsSafety rating: 3 starSpare: full-sizeEngine: 2900cc turbo-diesel 4-cyl, 120kW/333NmTransmission: 4-speed auto; AWDBody: 5m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1874kgTowing: 3 tonneThirst: 9/100km; /237km CO2Options: towbar ($484) and roof racks ($340)

Yet Rad Guerin's turbo-charged 1985 Mitsubishi Starion starts first time, drives sedately in the traffic and doesn't fizz, pop or blow back."I take it back to the same mechanic every time," the 73-year-old retired builder says. "I told him I didn't want the power to come on like a light switch and he's done a fantastic job so no one else touches it."The former rally driver was on the lookout for a Mazda RX-7 in 1992 but couldn't find one at the right price. His son then alerted him to the Starion which he bought for $12,000. Guerin says Shannons Insurance still values it at $12,000."I've always been a four-cylinder man; never had a V8," he says. "That's probably because I couldn't afford a V8." The Starion started off with a two-litre engine developing 90kW at the wheels.When Guerin blew the head at Queensland Raceway he bought another engine and had his mechanic work it over.The mechanic stroked it to its maximum over-bore (230x230mm) and added lumpy Kelford twin cams, a GT35 turbo with 18psi boost and a custom-built intercooler. It has recently been dynoed at 243kW and at 1260kg Guerin reckons it has a better power-to-weight ratio than a V8 BMW M3.But Guerin and his mechanic have also been conservative. It has a 7200 rev limit and a cautionary oil pressure light for QR's high-G corners."All the engine mods are blue-plated so they are compliant and I can drive it on the streets," says Guerin who is now a part-time advanced driver trainer to fund his motorsport addiction."I used to even drive it to and from race events until it broke down one day and left me stranded. I've now got a trailer for it."The Starion has also received a full suspension revamp with coil-over struts, urethane bushes, heavy adjustable sway bars and Koni shocks. It's shod with Falken 225/45 R17 semi-slick tyres and has Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IV 290mm discs so he can replace the 15-inch wheels, if needed.After the engine's 583Nm of torque played its part in breaking the gearbox, Guerin fitted a tougher five-speed manual from an RX-7 that "virtually bolted straight in" with some minor tweaks.Inside, it has race seats and harnesses, plus various gauges, but the passenger seats and carpets remain. It even retains the original radio with power-up antenna on the back.Outside there are few changes except for a bonnet from a JA and rear spoiler from a JD. "I wouldn't like to say what I've spent on it as the walls have ears at my place," Guerin jokes."But I did a bit of building work for my mechanic, so we've bartered a bit on the price." Guerin is happy with his Starion. "It was previously jerky and snatchy, especially in traffic, but now it drives like a factory model." Guerin says only 250 JB Starions were sold in Australia and only about 20 remain.In their day, Starion was the fastest car over the famous Mt Panorama and Kevin Bartlett and Peter McKay drove one to ninth place in the 1985 Bathurst 1000 behind exotics such as the Jaguar XJ-S, BMW 635CSi, Ford Mustang and Alfa GTV6, and ahead of all the Commodores, including Peter Brock who failed to finish.Mitsubishi JB StarionYear: 1985Price New: $28,028Price Now: $12,000Engine: 2323cc, 4-cylinder, turbo, 243kW/583NmBody: 2-door hatchTransmission: 5-speed, 3.9 limited slip diff, RWD Did you know: Mitsubishi built a special Starion for actor Jacky Chan who drove one in the 1984 Hollywood film Cannonball Run 2.Got a special car you'd like featured in Carsguide? Modern or classic we're interested in hearing your story.Please send a pic and brief info to mark.hinchliffe@carsguide.com.au. 

A report has revealed tens of thousands of used cars have been "clocked". The illegal practice is most common in South Australia and Tasmania with odometer tampering in one in 100 vehicles according to consumer vehicle research site, carhistory.com.au. It found that in the 12 months to the end of March, 0.82 per cent of used cars checked on their website had their odometers wound back, representing tens of thousands of vehicles across the country. Queensland used car sellers were third most likely to rip off buyers at 0.9 per cent of total used car sales, followed by Victorians at 0.8 per cent, New South Wales sellers at 0.7 per cent, West Australians at 0.4 per cent and the ACT at 0.2 per cent. Carhistory boss David Scognamiglio says their report indicates that every state has undetected groups of shonky sellers evading detection and prosecution for misrepresenting odometer readings. "Many sellers fail to provide statutory warranties, falsify log books and other documents to car buyers," he says. "No one wants to buy a car to find out in the next few months that they've been ripped off, the warranty is void or they are having issues due to the vehicle's extensive use." Individual offenders face up to two years in jail and fines of $40,000 to $60,000, depending on the state, while organisations face fines of about $200,000. For example, Queensland's Operation Turner in 2010 collected total fines of up $400,000 from about 13 offenders, Mr Scognamiglio says. Clocking can also endanger lives, with mechanical issues more likely to be overlooked with owners misinformed about the regular service needs of their car, he says. "Owners are also clearly getting ripped off, paying too much for their car, as well as having to deal with more common breakdowns due to extra wear and tear of their vehicles. "The best way to protect yourself from getting ripped off is to get an independent inspection by a mechanic, check logbooks, do a finance check and also get a car history check, which is the only vehicle report that covers odometer readings," he says, pointing out that odometer readings are not included in the new Personal Property Securities Register. Carhistory presented two case studies of clocking: Peter was looking at buying a Lexus coupe until he made a check and found it was wound back 70,000km. He knocked back the sale. Anish knocked back a repairable write-off that had a 190,000km reading in the past and at his test drive showed 125,000km. He lost his $50 deposit by not going ahead with the sale. Mr Scognamiglio also warns that if buyers do not check the odometer reading when they buy a car, they could be accused of being the "clocker" if they sell the car later on and the new buyer finds it has been wound back. Contrary to the belief of many motorists, modern digital speedos are not tamper proof, he says. Software is available over the internet that can "wind back" the odo reading on a digital speedo. "There are businesses that are allowed to service odos such as accident repairers," he says. "It's a situation where it is legal to buy the software, but it is illegal to use it."  

The women's version of the World Car of the Year awards has honoured the sleek compact SUV with its top design award, best luxury car as well as the outright award. The triple crowns follows a win for the Evoque in the best designs category of the recent World COTY awards and a nod from Carsguide COTY judges for its elegant style. However Carsguide judges also noted it has issues with rear visibility and front-side view because of its large wing mirrors. The 12-woman jury of Women's World COTY, gave second outright place to the BMW 3 Series and third to Audi Q3. The voting procedures were audited by international accountancy company, Grant Thornton. Director Paul McCormick says it was a close-run race but there were some clear leaders in each category as votes arrived. "The results for second and third, however, changed back and forth and with each addition of votes the differing opinions from the judges changed the results with every entry," he says. Women's World COTY Family car: BMW 3 Series, Audi Q3, Ford Focus Luxury car: Range Rover Evoque, Jaguar XJ, Audi A6 Sports car: Porsche 911, Jaguar XKR, Mercedes Benz SLK Economy car: Honda Civic, VW Up!, Ford Fiesta