Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

ATVs and quad-bikes were responsible for 23 deaths nationwide last year, with 18 of these occurring on farms, according to research of media reports by the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety. For the first time, tractors were not the leading cause of death on farms, being responsible for 10 fatalities. Three of the farm deaths on quad-bikes involved children under 15. Among non-fatal farm incidents, quad-bikes were also the main cause with a third of the 81 incidents.The report found that rollovers are responsible for half of all quad-bike deaths and suggested rollover protection bars (ROPs) and crush protection devices (CPDs) on quad bikes would reduce deaths and injury, a move reflected in the Queensland Government's draft safety amendments for ATVs and quad-bikes.However, manufacturers and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries have rejected the move, claiming such devices can cause more injuries than they prevent. They say that ATVs and quad-bikes are different from tractors because they frequently require riders to stand up and shift their weight around to stabilise the vehicle, rather than remaining seated all the time. The FCAI supports mandatory helmets, prohibiting children under 16 operating adult quad bikes and training ATV operators.

There are two big surprises in the new locally made Camry Hybrid. The petrol-electric car is not only more economical than the conventionally petrol-powered Camry, but also sportier with more power and better handling.VALUEThe other big surprise is that the price premium over the standard Camry has come crashing down about $6500 (compared with the Altise $30,490) to $4500. Toyota sales and marketing director Matthew Callachor said Camry Hybrid sales had dropped last year from 6400 to 5300 because of supply disruptions but he is confident that in a full year they could sell as many as 10,000. "Price is no longer a barrier to the success of Camry Hybrid," says Callachor.The H model is down $2000 or 5.4 per cent and has $2000 worth of features above the Altise, including smart entry and start, dual-zone air-conditioning and a large-screen display audio with reverse camera, plus metallic paint (currently $400) is now free. The HL is now $41,490, down $3000 or 6.7 per cent, yet has about $3000 worth of extra features than the current model including larger touch-screen display, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, digital radio, front fog lamps, a rear lip spoiler, leather trim, power front passenger seat, rear sunshade, blind spot monitor and automatic high beam.Adding to the value of the Camry Hybrid is the extended $130 capped price servicing deal which has been extended from four to five service, from three to four years and from 60,000km to 75,000km. The servicing price is also the same as the Camry petrol model.Toyota product planning corporate manager Greg Gardner says they will also offer special commercial discounts and expects fleet sales to account for half of all their Camry Hybrid business.Compared with the current model, Camry HL adds a 10-speaker JBL audio system with a seven-inch touch-screen display, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, digital radio, 17-inch alloy wheels, an electric rear sunshade, exterior mirrors that dip when reversing and memory settings for the electric driver's seat. Options include a moon roof, rear spoiler and tow bar. TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of the Camry is the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine as in the new seventh-generation Camry, but purpose-built for the Hybrid. Significant changes include reducing the weight and friction and increasing the compression rate from 10.1:1 to 12.5:1. There is also new software in the hybrid synergy drive system. What all this means is more total power (151kW from 140kW), improved fuel economy (5.2L/100km from 6L/100km) and lower emissions (121g/km from 142g/km). It now sprints to 100km/h in 8 seconds neat, which is down by almost a second. Importantly, it gets five stars in the government's Green Guide with a city cycle economy of 5.7L/1090km which is down 17 per cent and better than most diesels, even on the highway (4.9L/100km).Drivers can choose from three driving modes: Normal, Eco and EV. Normal provides full power, Eco softens throttle response and reduces power losses through airconditioning and EV mode drives for a short distance on the silent-running electric motor.Gardner says it's good for about 1km. If needed, the petrol engine will cut back in. For the first time, Camry Hybrid is rated to tow. Although it's only 300kg (braked and unbraked), it will at least pull most small trailers. DESIGN The Hybrid has all the delicious design upgrades of the new Camry that convert it from standard bowls club transport to dynamic sedan. Blue around the Toyota badge is the telltale sign that this is no ordinary Camry.The differences are subtle, rather than blurting out the hybrid badge. Instead there is a bit more chrome here and there and some small hybrid badges. Inside, there is brushed aluminium, overlapping soft trim and stylish controls and instruments. It no longer looks like a hire car in here. Build quality has also been improved with more precise engineering drawings, leading to a higher degree of product and jig accuracy. What that means is the panel gaps have gone from 5mm to 3.5mm. It's now so tight they even have to worry about the thickness of the paint to ensure doors open and close properly.The result is not only a great-looking finished product, but also one that is quieter. To further improve the cabin hush, there is an acoustic glass windscreen and extra sound absorbing material. It has 46mm of extra legroom in the back, while the boot has more space thanks to the relocation of the DC converter to the front and the battery being moved forward 100mm.SAFETYGardner expects the Camry Hybrid to retain its full five-star ANCAP crash safety rating with its raft of improved active and passive features. There are now seven airbags, adding a knee bag for the driver, seat belt warning indicators for all five seat belts, a reversing camera, reverse parking sensors, hill start control and a bake override that gives priority to the brakes if the driver hits both pedals at the same time. The HL adds rain-sensing wipers, auto high beam dipper and a blind spot monitor from the petrol Camry. Gardner said the dippers required special testing in Australia because the reflectors on our roadside posts triggered the headlight dipping function. It had to be adjusted to only pick up car headlights. Meanwhile the blind spot monitor was adjusted for Aussie lane widths. DRIVINGWhile the new petrol Camry is more powerful and dynamic, the Hybrid is even more so. The Camry Hybrid used to be the puny young sibling. Now it's the sporty elder brother. Gone is the lifeless steering and lumbering handling, thanks to a team of Aussie techs who tuned the suspension for our atrocious roads. Suspension nerd and motorcycle fanatic Stuart Morse led the team who did such a good job accounting for the extra 105kg and different weight distribution characteristics of the hybrid that the US has taken the suspension specs for the sports version of their petrol Camry."We targeted the damping particularly for high speed impacts and I think we got the handling closer to the SX," he says. "The balance is also better. Not better grip but better balance." Camry Hybrid also features a quicker steering ratio and new electric power-steering map which gives it better turn-in and better feel. However, the extra power from the updated engine and motor combination still provokes some mild torque steer on acceleration. Throttle response is crisp in normal mode, even chirping the tyres if you are on white paint or turning a corner. ECO modes smooths that out without making it feel doughy. Despite extra power and more solid suspension, the cabin is remarkably quiet at all times except under heavy acceleration and the final stages of braking when the regenerative brakes make a slight whirring sound.Although it's not strictly a continuously variable transmission it behaves like one, but much better than most. It doesn't scream when you accelerate and seems to react quickly when braking or accelerating.VERDICTThe sums finally add up. You can pat yourself on the back for saving fuel and reducing emissions, while at the same time pat your back pocket where your wallet has been saved from a hefty slug for going hybrid. Passengers will enjoy the extra comfort, quiet and room while the driver will be surprised by the dynamics.SIDEBARIt's hybrid season at Toyota. The Camry Hybrid will be closely followed on to the showroom floors this month (MARCH) by a facelifted Prius and a Yaris-sized Prius c. In the second half of this year, Toyota will add a Prius v wagon.  Toyota sales and marketing director Matthew Callachor says they are expanding their range of hybrids. "By the middle of this year, we will be offering hybrids priced from around the mid-$20,000s all the way to the mid-$50,000s," he says. "Greater affordability, familiarity and sales will help us achieve real market acceptance. "At the moment, hybrids are bought mainly by innovators and early adopters. They are turned on by technology, fuel and the environment." He says most of these innovators and early adopters are aged under 35 as they have a better understanding of hybrid technology. "They are more likely to believe it is worth paying a premium for hybrid," he says. "They are more likely to trust hybrid technology and they certainly understand that hybrids are better for the environment than diesel cars." Callachor says the novelty of hybrids had worn off now that the company had sold more than 3.5m hybrids worldwide.  "And many of the world's major manufacturers, including Holden, are promising hybrids," he says. "We welcome that development. "From the earliest days, Toyota has actively encouraged all carmakers to embrace hybrid technology - and we have licensed our technology to several other companies." Callachor says Toyota is also introducing its hybrids to motorsport with a return to Le Mans this year with a pair of new hybrid race cars and the first hybrid vehicles to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship. "Motorsport improves the breed and our target this year is to demonstrate the performance level of these cars, and particularly the hybrid powertrain."

The pedestrian-protecting safety feature will be included as standard in the V40 five-door hatchback which is due for release here late this year or early next year, says Volvo Car Australia spokesman Oliver Peagam. The airbag technology unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show pops the rear of the bonnet when the vehicle strikes a pedestrian. The angled bonnet deflects the pedestrian who then strikes a U-shaped airbag released from the rear of the bonnet. It inflates high enough to soften the blow of the windscreen but still allow the driver to see over the top. Other manufacturers have released vehicles with bonnets that crumple or pop up to deflect pedestrians and soften the blow, but this is the world's first vehicle with an outside pedestrian airbag. Volvo's pedestrian airbag will be paired with their pedestrian-avoidance system which debuted on the 2010 S60. It alerts drivers of pedestrians stepping into the vehicle's path and automatically stops the car. Peagam says the pedestrian airbag will be one of several "unique selling propositions" for the V40. "It's also the first time we've had a five-door, five-seater hatchback since the 300 series," he says. "We don't know how much it (the airbag) will affect the price. We're still doing the business case on the pricing and spec. I think the airbag is part of the evolution of Volvo's strong history in all things safety. "The company is making sure we stay at the forefront of auto safety." The V40 is the only new Volvo planned for release in the next year. Airbags were invented in 1951, but the first passenger car with the safety device installed was the 1973 Oldsmobile Toronado. The unveiling of the new airbag comes as Volvo Australia has issued a voluntary safety recall of 1255 of its current models over a possible failure of front seat airbags to deploy in a crash. Vehicles affected are 2012 model XC70, V60, S60 and XC60. The fault is caused by the wiring harness under the front seats not being properly attached to the seat frame and may come loose. This could cause the SRS warning lamp to illuminate or the airbags to fail in a crash. Owners will be contacted by letter and should contact dealers for inspection and a free fix. Volvo Car Australia spokesperson Laurissa Mirabelli says there have been no reported incidents involving faulty airbags here.

Carbon fibre is tough and light which makes it ideal for shedding some weight in race cars and bikes.But mainly it just looks great. So when one of our top three Carsguide Bikes of the Year became available with a range of carbon fibre bits and pieces, we couldn't resist the chance to throw our leg over just one more time.VALUEThe Aprilia Tuono V4R APRC is listed at $21,990 which slots in between the Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO ($20,990) and Ducati Streetfighter Sports ($23,990) and compares well with the Triumph Speed Triple R ($22,290), although the beautiful MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR ($19,400) wins the price war.Our test bike was fitted with a range of carbon fibre that pumped up the price to $24,821. It includes carbon fibre front guard ($349), under seat panels ($273.19 each), tank cover panel ($295.84) and slip-on pipes ($1640). Value is enhanced by a high resale value.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of this naked bike is the 1000cc v-twin based on the RSV4 which won the 2010 World Superbike Championship. It produces 119kW of power, but is tuned differently for more usable power and better midrange torque. There is more grunt here than you will ever need on a naked bike -- and two superfluous cogs, unless you take it to a track or ship it to Germany to ride their autobahns.The show stoppers are the electronic rider aids. There's Aprilia Performance Ride Control, traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift. It also comes with ABS and a Sachs steering damper.SAFETYThe rider controls not only allow you to extract the utmost performance from the machine, but also save your bacon in tricky situations. During our test, we encountered wet roads and emergency stops in commuter traffic which would have ended differently without the safety gear.The controls are easily accessed through neat switches on the left handlebar as well as the ignition switch which doubles as a toggle for the three rider modes (Road, Sport and Track) after the bike is started. Not only can you switch all the gear off, if you really want, but you can also vary the levels of traction, wheelie and launch controls.DESIGNThis is basically the sports bike without the fairing. But rather than looking naked and ugly, it looks tidy and svelte. Like the new Monster and Brutale, the plumbing has been neatly tucked away. It also has a small headlight cowl which acts as a low screen that provides surprisingly good aero over 100km/h, if you duck down a little.Together with the two polyelliptical headlights, it gives the bike a menacing alien look. The Tuono comes in black, silver and yellow.RIDINGDiscretion is required when starting out on this "monster". Select R for Road mode, dial in all the controls and take it easy until you get used to that throbbing and excitable engine.Once you get comfortable, start dialling out the controls and switch up to Sport and Track settings which will set your trousers on fire and singe your eyebrows. Steering is stable thanks to the Sachs damper and the bike is firmly planted thanks to Sachs suspension.It's quite abrupt over urban lumps and bumps, so a few tweaks to the fully adjustable suspension are recommended for daily comfort. Brakes are dynamic with plenty of feel.Shortcomings are few: the cable clutch is heavy, heat pours out of the engine in commuter traffic, low-speed running is rough, starting can be problematic and the seat is very firm. Despite the firm ride and seat, it's a comfortable riding position and, with the suspension adjusted, can tour for long periods without too much fatigue.Not that you will ever want to get off once you fit the aftermarket pipes. It is the next-best sound to standing by the fence at a MotoGP race.VERDICTA dynamic ride that can be even more beautiful with the addition of some carbon fibre bits and pieces.Aprilia Tuono V4R APRCPRICE $21,990 + ORC ($24,821 as tested)WARRANTY 2 yearsSERVICE INTERVAL 1000/10,000kmRESALE 90% (2 years)ENGINE 999.6cc 8-valve V4, 119kW/110NmTRANSMISSION 6-speed, wet clutch, chain driveSAFETY Aprilia Performance Ride Control, traction control, wheelie control, launch control, quick shift, Sachs steering damperSUSPENSION Sachs upside-down 43mm adjustable forks, Sachs monoshock (rear)BRAKES 320mm/220mm discsTYRES 120/70 ZR 17; 190/55 ZR 17DIMENSIONS 2060mm (L), 800mm (W), 1100mm (H), 120mm (Clearance), 840mm (Seat)KERB WEIGHT 179kgTANK 17 litres

The superbike arrives in Australia in late April, 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 PanigalePrices: ABS $26,990, S ABS $33,990, S Tricolore ABS $39,990Engine: Superquadro L-Twin 4-valve per cylinder, Desmodromic 1198cc 145kWTransmission: 6-speed slipper, wet clutchSuspension: Marzocchi 50mm fully adjustable USD fork, Sachs fully adjustable rear shockDimensions: 1435mm (WB), 822MM (Seat)Tank: 17litresWet wieght: 188kg

The new Camry Hybrid being launched next week will be closely followed on to the showroom floors by a facelifted Prius and a Yaris-sized Prius C at the end of March. In the second half of this year, Toyota will add a Prius v wagon. Toyota sales and marketing director Matthew Callachor says they are expanding their range of hybrids. "By the middle of this year, we will be offering hybrids priced from around the mid-$20,000s all the way to the mid-$50,000s," he says. "Greater affordability, familiarity and sales will help us achieve real market acceptance. "At the moment, hybrids are bought mainly by innovators and early adopters. They are turned on by technology, fuel and the environment." He says most of these innovators and early adopters are aged under 35 as they have a better understanding of hybrid technology. "They are more likely to believe it is worth paying a premium for hybrid," he says. "They are more likely to trust hybrid technology and they certainly understand that hybrids are better for the environment than diesel cars." Callachor says the novelty of hybrids had worn off now that the company had sold more than 3.5m hybrids worldwide. "And many of the world's major manufacturers, including Holden, are promising hybrids," he says. "We welcome that development. "From the earliest days, Toyota has actively encouraged all carmakers to embrace hybrid technology - and we have licensed our technology to several other companies." Callachor says Toyota is also introducing its hybrids to motorsport with a return to Le Mans this year with a pair of new hybrid race cars and the first hybrid vehicles to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship. "Motorsport improves the breed and our target this year is to demonstrate the performance level of these cars, and particularly the hybrid powertrain."

The latest VFACTSs report has found the resource states - in Queensland and Western Australia - are driving a sales bonanza in new cars bought as rentals, meaning there should soon be a flood of quality used cars hitting the market.While the nation has recorded a 5.2 per cent increase in new car sales so far this year, Queensland is scorching ahead with a 13.5 per cent rise, ahead of Western Australia on 10.1 per cent. Adam Le Fevre, boss of Suzuki Auto Co which imports Suzukis to Queensland, said the growth in vehicles sales was mainly in rental vehicles which were up 91.6 per cent in Queensland and 65.3 per cent in WA.''If you look at where the growth is, it's in the rental market and that's from the mineral and energy boom,'' he said. ''Companies would appear to be renting vehicles on demand rather than holding the asset. ''They are probably being sold at a corporate level in NSW or Victorian company headquarters and registered in Queensland and Western Australia.''Mr Le Fevre predicted the boom in rental cars would lead to a flood of bargain-priced used cars in the next few years. ''These cars have got to come back into the market at some stage as good-quality, low-kilometre, well-maintained cars.'' While that might be good for buyers, Mr Le Fevre said it would have a negative impact on new car sales.''Unless we can find a market offshore for these vehicles, like New Zealand or Papua New Guinea, then it is going to make it difficult for new car dealers,'' he said.Mr Le Fevre said the rental boom more than offset the 3.9 per cent decrease in government spending on cars as departments put sales on hold during the Queensland election campaign. The Queensland increase came after three years of being one of the worst-performing states.Small cars and utilities were the favourite choice with the Mazda3 (1306 sales) the most popular, ahead of the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Navara, Toyota HiLux and Hyundai i30. The Holden Commodore languishes in sixth place in Queensland.FEBRUARY TOP SELLERSMazda3 3733Holden Commodore 2991Toyota Corolla 2991Holden Cruze 2880Hyundai i30 2433Toyota HiLux 2272Nissan Navara 2017

In the wake of the recent Nissan announcement to compete in Australia's most popular brand of motorsport from 2013, the media is clamouring to find another auto manufacturer keen to sign up. But don't look to Audi, even though it has been prominent in sports endurance races here and overseas. With his head still buzzing and fizzing from the champagne success of a second Bathurst 12-Hour victory at the weekend, Audi Australia boss Uwe Hagen is firm in his response. "There is nothing in it for us," he says. "However, endurance racing is another thing. Endurance race success means a lot for the brand. We get our lightweight from motorsport, even LED headlights we got from racing. "The customer can see the value in us winning a race where you drive hard for hours on end. "The 12-hour race gives us street cred, especially for our used cars." While the first Bathurst win by the German team last year may have been considered a fluke and the second win this year even dismissed by some as a coincidence, Hagen believes a third win would emphatically seal the company's dominance as an endurance marque. He's hopeful Audi will compete again next year and seal the treble. "The board will make that decision in May or June," he says. He is also hopeful that V8 Supercar star Craig Lowndes will get another crack this year at an international endurance event after his failed attempt with Audi last year to qualify for Le Mans. The Aussie team of Lowndes, Warren Luff and Mark Eddy was leading the charge this year at Mt Panorama when a moment's inattention by Eddy ended their campaign with the car stuck in the wall on the mountain. Lowndes was dismissive of the incident. "That's racing," he says with his trademark grin.

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.VALUELike 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.TECHNOLOGYAll 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.SAFETYOnly 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.DESIGNThe 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.RIDINGPolaris 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.VERDICTBe the coolest dude on your street. It's a great bike even though its purpose - aggressive cruising - is an oxymoron.Victory JudgePrice: $22,995 (ride away)Warranty: 2 years, unlimited kmsService: 8000kmEngine: 1731cc V-twin, 73kW/153NmFuel: 17-litre tankTransmission: 6-speed, belt driveDimensions: 2337mm (L), 1647mm (WB), 658mm (Seat), 120mm (Clearance)Dry weight: 300kgSuspension: Telescopic forks, single shock rearBrakes: 300mm floating rotorsTyres: 130/90 B16 (front), 140/90 B16 (rear)Colours: Black, "Suede Nuclear Sunset", "Sunset Red"

VW Jetta 147 TSI and Kia Optima Platinum gp head-to-head in this comparative review.