Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

H-D Australia spokesman Adam Wright says they plan to have the Seventy-Two available for sale in September, but pricing is not yet confirmed. The lean Seventy-Two is highlighted by a large 21-inch spoked front wheel, giving it that hippy chopper look from the 1969 cult movie, Easy Rider, starring Fonda. It gets its name from Route 72 through LA where riders, inspired by the movie, would cruise on their customised choppers with their candy coloured metal flake paintjobs, highly polished chrome, white-walled tyres, chopped fenders, ape-hanger bars and laid-back riding style with forward-mounted foot controls. It's so Easy Rider, the peanut tank even looks like it could have some plastic tubing inside to stash rolled up Yankee greenbacks. The only thing missing is Fonda's Captain America paintjob. Harley has gone to a lot of trouble to make this bike look like a backyard chopper project. Industrial design manager Frank Savage says they even created logos and pinstriping that look hand-drawn. "Each was originally created by hand, and we recreated that art in a decal for production, so they still have the appearance of hand-applied graphics in that they are not exactly perfect," he says.  The graphics are then covered with a final clear coat. But there is nothing retro about the solo seater's new fuel-injected 1200cc Evolution engine with lighter aluminium heads and cylinders for better air-cooling. Harley will next month (APRIL) launch another lean bike. The Slim is a Fat Boy who's been on a diet. It's a stripped-down, old-school Softail Slim that should be on showroom floors for display in May and go on sale in September. Prices have yet to be confirmed but it should be somewhere around the Fat Boy ($25,878) or Blackline ($25,750). A highlight of the Slim will be the gap between the tank and the seat so the rider can see the top of the engine. "I like to be able to look down and see what's moving me," says senior H-D designer Casey Ketterhagen. "It's time to make the engine the focal point of the motorcycle." The Twin Cam 103 (1690cc) engine has polished covers instead of chrome, and the black cylinders are left unhighlighted. Front and rear fenders are "bobbed" so much that at the rear the struts are left exposed. It sports gloss black "Hollywood" handlebars so named because riders who mounted these in the '40s and '50s were said to have "gone Hollywood". The bars, which were originally an accessory for Harleys with a Springer fork, have a wide bend and cross brace to mount lights or dilly bags. Pivotal to the retro look is the narrow rear tyre and chunky front tyre, both with laced wheels. Other period styling cues include a gloss black "cat's eye" tank console with a retro speedometer face, half-moon rider footboards, tapered Fat Bob peanut tank, a round air cleaner cover, and gloss black headlight cover, wheel rims and hubs. The cover of the low-slung 605mm solo seat is stitched in a tuck-and-roll pattern. To promote an even wider variety of riders, there is a pull-back riser option that moves the handlebars back about 5cm without changing control cables and lines.  Carsguide will be testing the Harley-Davidson Slim in a few weeks time, so check back here for ride impressions.

The mining-rich states of Queensland and Western Australia are driving a boom in new vehicle sales - and that could trickle through to the used car buyer.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, says the boom in vehicles sales is mainly in rental vehicles which are 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 in those states," he says. "Companies would appear to be renting vehicles on demand rather than holding the asset."They are probably being sold at a corporate level in New South Wales of Victorian company headquarters and registered in Queensland and Western Australia where they are being used."Le Fevre predicts that the boom in rental cars will 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 may be good for buyers, 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.

Not wanting to be left behind in the SUV craze, iconic British prestige marque Bentley has joined the fray.  The Crewe coach builder reveals its EXP 9 F all-wheel drive luxury Sport Utility Vehicle concept at the Geneva Motor Show this week. However it's turned out to be an awkward design project that -- if blinged-up not a great deal more -- could become the ostentatious bad taste icon of rap royalty. Bentley Motors boss Wolfgang Dürheimer says they know that many Bentley customers already own SUVs. "With EXP 9 F, Bentley is making a clear statement of intent that we have both the expertise and desire to meet and exceed their expectations,'' he says. It wouldn't be a Bentley without the full monte of luxury touches. Open the two-piece tailgate and there is a luxury picnic hamper set including silverware and pewter champagne flutes. Inside are silk wool floormats and handcrafted elements in wood and leather from their Crewe craftsmen. The interior trim also features polished aluminium, bronze and gunmetal. It's a five-seater, although it's best suited to four as the rear armrest lifts to reveal a cooled compartment for champagne and glasses. The EXP 9 F is powered by a six-litre, twin turbocharged W12 engine married to an eight-speed transmission although the new four-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 or a hybrid drivetrain are also expected to be offered. Although the company is not yet saying what will drive all wheels, it should be expected to use a 4Motion system from its parent company Volkswagen. Design boss Dirk van Braeckel says the EXP 9 F retains Bentley style cues such as the matrix grille, round lamps and muscular haunches. However, there is little they can do to disguise that fat back, even with that famous "B'' badge and ultra-wide built-in chromed exhausts. Without the badge, it could easily be mistaken for a Touareg from the rear. Design themes include the shape of turbine fans in the day-time running lamps and 23-inch alloy wheels, and fighter jet engines in the rear lights. Bentley Motors Australasia spokesman Ian Churchill says they are “keen to gain public reaction”.  “This will determine the car’s future in the Bentley line up,” he says. “Unfortunately there are no plans just yet to bring the concept car to Australia post the Geneva show.”

after a serious crash on the Triumph Tiger 800 XC adventure bike launch in the Victorian alps a year ago, it was time for me to mount up again.

To get back on the horse that bucked you is to "attempt the same challenging action after failure", according to the Urban Dictionary. It doesn't mention anything about tigers.But after a serious crash on the Triumph Tiger 800 XC adventure bike launch in the Victorian alps a year ago, it was time for me to mount up again.The Tiger is Triumph's first foray into adventure bikes and will soon be followed by a 1200cc-plus Tiger Explorer and possibly a smaller model. It finished last year just behind its closest competitor in style, size and ability - BMW F 800 GS - but with only 10m months of sales.I own a GS, so after a year of licking my wounds and dented pride, it was time to compare the two combatants.VALUEThe Tiger triumphs in the price war starting at $16,290 compared with the GS at $17,490. ABS costs an extra $1000 on the Triumph and $1150 on the BMW. But the BMW wins in the features list. It comes standard with a more comprehensive on-board computer with a convenient toggle button on the left handlebar, handgrip warmers, centre stand and self-canceling LED indicators.The Tiger has standard plastic handguards but most adventure riders will probably opt for sturdier guards on both these models. BMW has also released a Triple Black ($17,715) with black forks etc and a GS Trophy edition ($17,990) with blue and white livery, black and grey seat, aluminium engine guard and solid hand protection bars.TECHNOLOGYThree cylinders should be better than two, but the figures don't necessarily stack up. The Tiger's triple-cylinder heart pumps out 70kW of power, but it needs 9300 revs to reach that peak. By comparison, the Bavarian's parallel twin only has 63kW, but reaches that peak at 7500rpm.More importantly for an off-roader is grunt at low revs. Here, the BMW wins with 83Nm of torque at just 5700rpm compared with the Triumph's 79Nm at 7850rpm. On paper and on the road the Triumph is a more potent machine at higher revs. It's also a little thirstier but has a similar effective range with a 19-litre tank; three more than the Beemer.DESIGNThe designers at Hinckley obviously had a poster of the F 800 GS on the wall of their studio. Both are purposeful machines where practicality outweighs prettiness. Triumph has a slightly cleaner look with a less bulbous nose and matching eyes rather than one big headlight and one small one. Also, the exhaust pipe is on the right, not the left.Apart from that you could easily mistake one for the other, especially now that the 2012 Tiger has gone from a grey frame to black like the BMW. SAFETY Stopping power is excellent on both with big twin discs up front. Triumph features Nissin (CORRECT) calipers, while the BMW has Italian Brembos with braided lines and about 8kg less weight, giving it the edge in stopping ability.The switchable ABS works well on both, but works best when turned off for the dirt.RIDINGThis Tiger doesn't growl. Its smooth-running triple-cylinder engine makes more of a whizzing sound. The triple promotes rapid progress when you feed it plenty of revs, while the BMW has a lazier and lumpier power delivery. That makes the Tiger a good proposition on the road.Off-road or dirt-road adventures require too much fancy footwork to keep the revs high. It is easier to manage the BMW's big torque in the dirt and it has the better roll-on power for passing.The Triumph is more comfortable on the long haul with a softer seat, wider footpegs, lower buffeting from the windscreen and a smooth and quiet engine. With big 21-inch front wheels neither turns quickly on the tar, but both have a sure-footed feel on the dirt.Suspension is a little plusher on the BMW to soak up the off-road hits. The Tiger has less fork dive and less rear squat under power.Triumph Tiger 800 XC3.5/5Prices: $16,290, add $1000 for ABS Warranty: 2-year unlimited kmService: 10,000kmEngine: 799cc, 3-cylinder, 70kW/79NmFuel tank: 19 litresTransmission: 6-speed, chain driveTyres: 90/90 ZR21; 150/70 ZR17Wet weight: 215kgBMW F 800 GS3.5/5Price: $17,300, add $1265 for ABSWarranty: 2-year, unlimited km with roadside assistService: 10,000kmEngine: 798cc, parallel twin, 63kW/83NmFuel tank: 16 litresTransmission: 6-speed, chain driveTyres: 90/90-R21; 150/70-R17Wet weight: 207kg

The mini range of Minis is becoming a maxi range with the addition of its first two-seaters. When the new Mini was launched 10 years ago, it arrived as a hatch, followed shortly by a soft-top and that was it for body styles for several years.About 15 months ago a five-door Clubman wagon was added and last year a jacked-up, all-wheel-drive version, the Countryman, arrived. Now Mini has added a two-seater Coupe and Roadster with a Paceman (coupe version of the Countryman) coming next year and possibly a Clubvan (solid-sided Clubman) which is yet to be evaluated for Australia.Prices start at $42,990 for the six-speed manual Cooper S Coupe and $52,600 for the John Cooper Works Coupe. While the convertible version of the Hatch costs a premium of more than $8000, the rag-top variant of the Coupe is only an extra $2010 for the Cooper S and $2500 for the JCW making the Roadster an attractive option. Six-speed auto adds $2350 to the price, which is the same across the Mini fleet. The JCW only comes in manual. Mini Australia boss Kai Bruesewitz believes the new two-seater competes in a narrow class of vehicles with a wide range of prices, from the Honda CR-Z (from $34,990) to the Audi TT (from $70,400). Other competitors are the Peugeot RCZ (from $54,990), VW Eos ($49,990) and Mazda MX-5 (soft top $44,265, coupe $47,200). While this is unchartered territory for Mini, they believe about two-thirds of buyers will opt for the Coupe and about 10 per cent will want the JCW which is one of the highest rates in the world, says Bruesewitz.Given its sporty body shape, it makes sense that the Coupe and Roadster only arrive n Cooper S and JCW variants. The Cooper S comes with the turbo 1.6-litre with 135kW of power and a thirst of 6.3 litre per 100km, while the JCW has 155kW and 7.1L/100km. The chassis in both Coupe and Roadster are based on the stiffer and heavier Cabrio. While the Coupe weighs 1165kg which is a surprising 15kg more than the Hatch despite its lack of back seat and roof, the Roadster weighs an extra 20kg than the Coupe but is a surprisingly 45kg lighter than the Cabrio. Engineers have stiffened the springs on Coupe and Roadster and there is an even stiffer sports suspension available in the Cooper S to match the JCW. All the usual tech features of the Mini are available, but a glaring omission in a market obsessed with with phones is Bluetooth audio streaming. This is what the new variants are all about. They are a design exercise, with few technological changes from the Hatch and Cabrio. Designers specifically intended for the strange Coupe roof line to look like a backwards-facing baseball cap. It looks ridiculous from the side view, but works from the front and rear. The overhanging lip or cap peak also has a practical use, acting as a roof spoiler. There is also an auto boot spoiler on both models which deploys at 80km/h and retracts at 60km/h with a switch inside to manually deploy. Roadster has more appeal from all angles, accentuating Mini's first three-box silhouette. Apart from the obvious roofline, the new models feature a 13 per cent greater raked windscreen. Dimensions are roughly the same as the Hatch, but it sits slightly lower. Inside is standard Mini fare, although the rear seat is gone and there is a small storage area for a couple of shopping bags or briefcase. The big surprise is the cargo area which has more room than the Hatch, while the soft top, which can be manually deployed in about half the time of electric roofs, does not steal precious boot space. The boot is also wide for easy luggage access.The Coupe's roof has been scalloped out so this will suit the tallest of drivers. Product and pricing manager Sue McCarthy says the usual interminable array of Mini options and accessories are available for customisation.There are four airbags and all the usual passive and active safety features of the other Mini models. While they have not yet been crash tested here or in Europe, the Mini Cooper has a maximum five-star rating. Roadster gets two permanent but stylish chromed rollover bars. Rear vision in the Coupe is scant and worse in the Roadster. The boot spoiler only makes matters worse.As expected, it handles like a go-kart, torque-steers like a banshee and the suspension crashes through harsh surfaces. However, the suspension adjustments for the heavier chassis have livened up the steering so there is less understeer and even sharper turn-in. On the down side, ride is further compromised and the car tended to skip sideways over high-speed bumps such as corrugations in corners.On the national launch through the Yarra Valley, both cars were an exciting drive, but after a couple of hours of hitting the bump stops over some of the more gnarly sections of road, my neck and head began to ache. It also didn't help that the cabin is quite noisy, probably because of the lack of sound dampening with the absent rear seat. We also found the flimsy parcel shelf developed an annoying rattle and the rag top vibrated against the metal ribs. Mini's famous "look at me" value is increased, especially in the radical Coupe. People stop, stare, point, but mostly smile and wave. 

Company spokesman Max Mayo says Australia's biggest motorhome company expects to record its second successive record financial year after topping 600 sales last year. "Our main customers are retirees or those heading to retirement and with seven million baby boomers or one third of the population, we have ahuge wave of our market heading towards us over the next few years," he says. The 47-year-old family owned company has built a second factory on its Emu Plains site and is now producing one motorhome every three hours with a staff of 250. "We've doubled capacity and still have the capacity to manufacture more than that," Mayo says. "We're only doing one shift at the moment." Winnebago has just updated its Birdsville range which had been unchanged since 2007. Prices start at $119,990, rising between $500-$1000, which Mayo says is less than 1 per cent of the total price. "We try to keep our prices competitive, but we're under a lot of pressure from other products made in China, Taiwan or Korea," he says. "With the advent of the new Fiat chassis we felt we could make enough changes in the spec, the construction method, larger fresh water tanks, extra storage - almost double - and general ambience. "We do listen to customers and take a lot of feedback from our dealers and the Winnebago RV club members. The changes made are largely as a result of their comments." The 2012 Birdsville range offers six living plans accommodating two to eight people using permanent and temporary bedding. It is based on the new Fiat Ducato X251 chassis with 13 per cent better fuel consumption, 25 per cent more power to 132kW and 6 per cent less emissions. Outside, the Birdsville has a streamlined shape to aid aero and fuel economy. In testing by the NRMA, the Birdsville range recorded fuel consumption of 11.34 litres per 100km which is little more than a large family car and less than the 20.52L/100km recorded by a car towing a caravan in the same test. On the safety side, each motorhome comes with four lap/sash seatbelts with the two passengers seated at the dinette with their heads protected by high-back seat cushions. Two child restraint anchorage points are also provided.The motorhome features double-glazed windows, light timber furniture and a mix of energy saving LED lights and bright reading lights operating off the motorhome battery. The kitchen comes with a gas cooktop, deep sink and "intelligent" refrigerator that can run on battery, 240 volt or LPG gas bottle and can select the appropriate energy source itself. There is also an LED TV with built-in DVD player, electric start gas/240 volt hot water system and flushing toilet that does not get splashed by the shower. Winnebago motorhomes come with a two-year one-million-kilometre warranty and five-year structural guarantee.

Within the next month, satnav will be standard in all Platinum trim Sorentos and Sportages and by mid-year in the Optima.  The Korean-made LG satnav system will also be available as an option in the SLi trim level of Sportage and Sorento.  Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth says the touch-screen sat nav will integrate features such as Bluetooth, audio and rearview camera.  "There is a price associated that we can't reveal as yet, but it will be less than you'd think," he says. Kia has been without a satnav system because the company did not have the hardware or "intellectual property for local mapping", Hepworth says.  "The last 12 months we've been working on the system that has been tested and tuned here," he says.  There will be no option for retro fitting, but Hepworth says the system should eventually flow down to other models.  "It's not as simple as just whacking a unit in. You have to totally change the wiring loom," he says.

When it comes to luxury cars, are we spoilt for choice or confused by options? Audi claims the former as it launches its updated 21-model range of A5 Coupes, Cabriolets and Sportbacks with six engines, three transmissions, 15 exterior colours, 10 wheel designs and a staggering list of options to "customise" your car. That's up from 12 variants previously, and together with the A4 sedan and wagon, Audi now has as many model variants as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.VALUEThe range, which began in 2007, now features a new entry level 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder model at $66,990 which slots in closer to the BMW entry model coupe. Importantly, the new range features 13 variants with fuel consumption under seven litres per 100km which means they avoid all or a portion of the punitive luxury car tax.Audi has also "repositioned" its pricing which means some models are cheaper and some are slightly more expensive than before, but all sport more creature features and driver aids, improving overall value.Audi Australia boss Uwe Hagen says customers are moving to smaller engines and believes the new entry model 1.8-litre TFSI could become the top seller. The new A5 range will be available in May with the flagship RS5 coming mid-year.As usual there is a wide range of not-inexpensive options such as satnav and infotainment systems for $4550 and three-zone climate air for $1250. But the most unpalatable is $1695 for metallic paint which may be lustrous but is difficult to justify when Subaru charges no extra and includes anti-theft Data Dot technology.TECHNOLOGYThere are no longer any naturally aspirated models and the six forced-induction line-up now include two new four-cylinder models; the 1.8 TFSI with 125kW and 2.0 TDI with 130kW. All feature improved fuel economy, thanks to stop-start technology which is standard in all engines, new gear ratios, reduced engine friction, more efficient airconditioning and a new lightweight electro-mechanical steering.But Audi product planning spokesman Peter Strudwicke says the most impressive aspect of all the engines is the improved torque, up as much as 21 per cent in the 3.0 TFSI which replaces the naturally aspirated 3.2. Even the 1.8-litre TFSI has "diesel-like torque" of 320Nm which is 30Nm more than a 3.0-litre V6 Commodore."Most of our customers got their licence in a Commodore and love the extra torque," Strudwicke says.At the same time, the entry model sips fuel at just 5.8L/100km and has greenhouse emissions of 134g/km.Like the new BMW 3 Series, there are now driver modes available, both with an economy mode for fuel-efficient motoring.The economy mode changes the airconditioning, throttle response and even effects cruise control bringing the car up to the set speed more smoothly and slowly. In dynamic mode, even the headlights are affected, turning quicker.But while the BMW offers four driver modes, Audi Drive Select offers five.There is also a choice of six-speed manual, eight-speed multitronic (CVT) or seven-speed S tronic, quattro with torque vectoring and a sport differential in the 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.0 TFSI quattro and all S models.Strudwicke says other technological improvements include better voice control for the phone system, iPod cover art display in the audio system and a digital radio option.DESIGNItalian designer Walter de Silva says his favourite design is the A5."The key reason people buy the A5 is design," says Strudwicke.It's certainly much more striking than the rather boring A4 and the new model features slightly bolder bits and pieces, including wedge-shaped Xenon headlights with LEDs now front and rear, high-gloss black single-frame grille and a new bumper. The horizontal front end makes it look more screwed down to the road.Inside is a revised instrument cluster, more simplified controller with fewer buttons and a new steering wheel with optional flat-bottomed wheels now available. Strudwicke says these have been a popular option.Apart from the three body shapes, six engine choices and three transmissions, Strudwicke says there is a wide range of colours, trims and options to personalise the vehicle."We think it's important that we offer a huge amount of choice. Customers tell us this," he says. "We can even paint the car almost any colour you want." But expect to pay as much as $4500 for the privilege.The A5 Cabriolet's three-layer soft top is available in black while the acoustic roof, which has an extra layer of polyurethane foam, is also available in grey, red or brown. Both soft tops are lightweight and open in 15 seconds and close in 17.SAFETYAs expected, the A5 has an extensive array of primary and secondary safety gear. One interesting item that is standard in all models is the new driver information system with break recommendation that monitors the driver's behaviour to detect if they are getting tired and then warns them. Audi side assist uses radar to monitor the blind spot for drivers changing lanes while active lane assist will not only shake the steering wheel if you move across a lane without indicating, but will also intervene and steer the vehicle around a corner.Audi's optional adaptive cruise control will now apply the brakes even below 30km/h, pulling the car to a stop in an emergency. However, safety standards are compromised by the provision of a spacesaver spare tyre under the cargo floor instead of a full-size spare.DRIVINGUnfortunately, Audi's freshening up of the A5 range comes as BMW has released its new 3 Series which bodes well for the coming coupe and cab variants. While the BMW provides a quantum leap forward in driving dynamics, refinement and ride comfort, the A5 presents only an incremental improvement in these areas. Much of the past criticism has been about the lifeless steering and heavy understeer. These have both been watered down by the new model. However, ride comfort and certainly suspension noise, are not the equal of the new BMW.On the national launch across some good and bad country roads around Bathurst this week, the cars handled with confidence and the new raft of engines provided plenty of drivable power, although the 1.8 TFSI is only adequate - just. There is now a lot of technology in the vehicle and most seemed to work well, but the optional active lane assistance only operated intermittently.Strudwicke says it needs solid white lines on either side of the vehicle to operate properly, but even when we had those lines, it didn't always work. When it did, it was brilliant. Rather than a heavy handed tug, it gently pushed the steering wheel in the appropriate direction. It may be difficult for some people to swallow such intervention but those who choose the option will appreciate it - when it works.VERDICTThe Sportback is the body shape to get if you want generous rear room and access, practical hatch carrying capacity and the sportiness of the coupe-like roof line. As for the preferred power plant, we'd go for the 2.0 TDI which is less than $2000 more than the rather lifeless entry model 1.8 TFSI.AUDI A5Prices: $66,900 (1.8 TFSI Coupe/Sportback) to $161,900 (RS5 Coupe)Warranty: 3 yrs unlimited kmService interval: 15,000kmEngines: 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 TFSI and 2.0 and 3.0 TDI, 125kW-331kWTransmissions: 8-speed multitronic, 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic, FWD and AWDDimensions: 4.71m (Sportback), 4.63m (Coupe, Cabrio), 1,85m (W), 1.37-1.39m (H)Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP, 6-8 airbags, stability control, ABS, optional lane assist, side assist, adaptive cruiseThirst: 4.7L/100km (2.0 TDI Coupe) to 8.5L/100km (3.0 TFSI Cab)RIVALSAlfa Romeo Brera coupe (from $64,900)BMW 3 Series coupe (from $66,500)Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe (from $58,900).

We all thought so when the BMW engineers wheeled out the Mini pie van concept, a Mini wearing Wellies and a Mini coupe with a baseball cap on backwards. But then we noticed those wacky lederhosen-wearing Bavarians weren't laughing. Consequently we have the Mini Clubman, Countryman and Coupe which arrives this month.Now those boys in their funny leather shorts are making us laugh again with a five-door two-seater Clubvan concept to be released at the Geneva motor show next month. It is designed for small business owners who want a two-seater van with some carrying capacity - but not too much - yet they still want five doors. In short it's the answer to a question no one asked.BMW Group Australia spokesman Piers Scott agrees."I can rule this one out for Australia," he says.The Clubvan concept is nothing new. Back in 1960, Mini released the Morris Mini Van with an extra 10cm of wheelbase. The new Clubvan is basically a Clubman with front seats only and unbroken side body panels so business owners can signwrite them. Unfortunately, it also has the Clubman's suicide doors on the wrong side of the car that empty their passengers out into the traffic - suicide doors, indeed.Inside, is a flat floor cargo area which is roped off from the cabin by an aluminium and steel partition grille.BMW proudly proclaims it is the "first premium model in the small car-based van segment". Sort of like an expensive Twingo.If it does go into production, undoubtedly it will have Mini characteristics such as go-kart handling, it will turn heads in traffic and will be the must-have car for Gen-Xers. And there will be a host of accessories to personalise the car and probably a range of petrol and diesel engines, and maybe even a JCW.