Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

Although the world hurtled toward double-dip recession last year, luxury vehicles saw strong demand. Bentley has reported a record sales increase of 37 per cent and Rolls-Royce is also expected to post record sales with half-year sales already up 64 per cent.  Both credit strong sales in China for their results and Rolls-Royce is expecting to continue its growth despite the Euro crisis by entering the South American market this year and expanding its Goodwood factory and bespoke service.  In Australian, luxury car sales have dropped up to 10 per cent and luxury sports cars are down almost a quarter, but luxury SUV sales have rocketed by a fifth, compared with the total market drop of about 2-3 per cent.  The biggest winners in this category are Range Rover and Porsche Cayenne with sales up by as much as a third.  Official industry sales figures will be released tomorrow, (THURSDAY) however luxury and exotic marques such as Audi, Bentley, Ferrari, Land Rover, Lotus, Porsche and Volvo are expected to post sales growth higher than the industry average.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. Ever since James Bond drove a Lotus Esprit under water in the 1977 film, The Spy Who Loved Me, motorists have dreamed of amphibious cars. Now one Chinese inventor has gone further with an affordable, eco-friendly car that will drive on land, water, sand and ice. Designer Yuhan Zhang, 21, created the truly all-terrain vehicle for a VW competition to build a Chinese off-roader. The Volkswagen Aqua looks like a sporty Scirocco hatch, but works like a hovercraft with four fans and airbags to move it smoothly from surface to surface. The VW Aqua is powered by two hydrogen fuel cell engines, one which inflates the airbags and the other which propels it forward at speeds up to 100km/h. Mr Zhang said he hoped that one day the the Aqua would become "an affordable supercar that is available to the general public''. It may not be all that cheap to build, but it could alleviate the need to build more bridges and maybe save a few lives during floods.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Ian Chalmers has welcomed a Queensland Government review of ATV protection safety standards but has warned about including rollover potection bars (ROPs) and crush protection devices (CPDs) on ATVs or quad bikes. He said these devices do not have a safety standard and can cause more injuries than they prevent. "Under some conditions of use or misuse, all ROPs and CPDs examined were found either to be ineffectual overall or to increase the number and severity of injuries," he said. "We also caution against the assumption that ATVs are similar to tractors and that similar safety benefits can be gained from fitting rollover protection devices to ATVs. An ATV is a bike and is designed as a rider-active machine, which is quite different from a tractor. CPDs and ROPS perform differently on ATVs." There are at least a dozen deaths a year involving all-terrain vehicles in Australia. Farmsafe figures for the 10 years from 2000 recorded 124 deaths. Most were in NSW (40), followed by Queensland (30), Western Australia (19) and Victoria (17). A previous study in 1989-1992 showed just four deaths a year. Most of those killed were males (103), mostly aged 46-65 (32), but 27 were children under 16. The most common fatality was the result of a rollover (50). Most occurred on public or forestry roads or tracks. Rider injuries are mainly from rolling (22.8 per cent), hitting a stationary object (18.2 per cent) or human error (11.4 per cent). Mr Chalmers said the FCAI had consistently supported mandatory helmets, prohibiting children under 16 operating adult quad bikes and training ATV operators. "FCAI will always support moves that are proven to enhance the safety of people using ATVs," he said. The FCAI was not consulted by the Queensland Government prior to the release of the draft safety amendments, but will provide a response to the proposed changes.

Honda Civic and Renault Megane go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The missing round is scheduled one week after two races at Abu Dhabi and is expected to be held somewhere in the Mid East or Asia. However with the calling of a second tender this week for the stalled Changi project, it is now unlikely to be completed in time for the V8 Supercars round in November. Other possible venues for the round are in Malaysia and India.

In a year when motorcycle sales rebounded, bike manufacturers have led with a host of new road-going models. Of the new bikes to hit our showrooms there have been some hi-tech machines with ABS, selectable engine modes and traction control while at the other end there are retro models that plunder the considerable heritage of manufacturers. The highest of hi-tech bikes is the BMW K 1600 GT and GT-L which not only feature all of the above but also the world's first adaptive motorcycle headlights which follow the curve of the corner as the rider tips in.  Ducati features in the tech stakes with the Multistrada and the Diavel which are bikes for opposite ends of the riding spectrum. The Diavel, in particular, won our vote for the most striking design of the year ... and then ripped our arms off with its sheer aggressive acceleration and exhilaration.  The retro models included the return of the Vespa PX150 in virtually unchanged styling including the spare wheel, plus two well-built Japanese models (Kawasaki W800 and Honda CB1100) that rekindle fond memories of the 1960s and '70s. Australia's vast continent and thousands of kilometres of dirt roads were also explored by an ever-increasing array of multi-road bikes, including Triumph, known over the past few decades for its road bikes.  The choice was wide, too, ranging from the value-packed Suzuki V-Strom 650 with ABS right thoroughly to the Multistrada with all its hi-tech gizmos. We also loved the clever diversity of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback which goes from a cruiser to a tourer in seconds with the quick attachment of windscreen and panniers, while the Victory Vegas 8-Ball is simply a wolf-whistling beauty with superb build quality. Last year's winner was the BMW S 1000 RR sportsbike which introduced safety and performance in one technological tour de force that scorched our eyebrows. In 2012, the Bavarians have done it again. This time with the K 1600 GT and GTL which welds hi-tech safety and performance with a big, comfy tourer that defies the laws of physics by its handling and maneuverability. CARSGUIDE BIKE OF THE YEAR 1 - BMW K 1600 GT -  ($34,990-$36,990): Nothing has come close to matching the Honda Gold Wing luxury tourer for agility, power and features. Until now. BMW's new six-cylinder 1600 GTL has more power and torque, more features, less weight, better economy and a cheaper price tag. And it takes bike technology to the next level. 2 - Ducati Diavel - ($23,490-$36,990): Drool all you want, then throw a leg over if you dare, because this macho machine is not just a showroom showoff, but a genuine power cruiser. The AMG model is bound to cause marriage problems. 3 - Aprilia Tuono - ($21,990): All the go of the RSV4 sportsbike, but without the committed riding position. It also features Aprilia's finely-tuned version of traction control and engine management. 4 - Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback - ($26,990 ride away): Clever marketing from Harley to take a good-handling, compact Dyna and fit it up with some natty touring gear to create a "convertible". The icing is the pricing. 5 - Triumph Tiger 800 - ($14,390-$17,290):T A value package, but still just a BMW F 800 rip-off without the sophisticated suspension and brakes. Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery. 6 - Kawasaki W800 - ($11,990): It out-classes the Bonneville. And at $500 less than the British bike, it comes with extras such as traditional chromed guards, rubber tank pads, fork gators, lockable petrol cap and a centre stand. The Honda CB1100 ($14,990-$15,490) and Vespa PX150 ($5990) are not far behind in the retro stakes. 7 - Suzuki V-Strom 650A - ($10,890): Still one of the best value propositions on the market with bulletproof performance that is tried and tested. Now it comes with better styling, more protection, upgraded fuel injection, improved economy and lighter weight. 8 - Victory Vegas 8-Ball - ($18,495): Watch this space. This American brand is starting to make in-roads with its well-price and well-made cruisers and tourers. This model is a shining example of quality workmanship from the States. 9 - Yamaha Super Tenere - ($19,990): This comes with Dakar credentials and a yearning for the Aussie outback. Unfortunately, it's a bit too heavy and the ABS is not switchable for off road. 10 - Honda Crossrunner - ($14,990): Sharp styling in a practical all-roads adventure bike with Honda build quality. We're still waiting for the more aggressively off-road Crosstourer coming early next year.

Christmas cheer goes out the car window when it comes to grabbing that elusive vacant shopping centre position. More than two-thirds of drivers (70 per cent) say another motorist has stolen a car park while they were waiting for it, according to an RACQ Insurance survey. It is so frequent, one in 20 drivers say it happens to them more than half the time they go shopping. RACQ Insurance spokesman Mike Sopinski said the holiday shopping rush created "an astonishingly high number of drivers who admit to inconsiderate and even illegal behaviour in their attempts to grab a shopping centre car park". "It's all part of the stress that snowballs at this time of year with last-minute shopping, noisy kids in the back, increased competition for the available car park spots in large shopping centres; it all adds up to frustrated motorists," he said.  "I went to the shops last Saturday and had to do a dozen laps of the carpark just to find a spot. When you finally find a spot and someone steals it these sorts of things raise the frustration levels of motorists and lead to car park rage." Worse than stealing car park spaces is the number of drivers who damage other vehicles and don't leave a note. The research reveals almost one-third (29 per cent) have had their car damaged while parked in the past 12 months and the offender did not leave contact details. One-in-five drivers said they would think twice about leaving their contact details if they damaged a vehicle in a car park and no one saw them. "That's a pretty malicious thing to do," Mr Sopinski said. Females are more likely to leave contact details (94 per cent) if they damaged a parked vehicle and no one saw them as opposed to males (86 per cent). Honesty levels improve with driving experience as 93 per cent of drivers over 30 would consider leaving their details, compared with 86 per cent under 30. "It could be worse at Christmas time because time constraints may influence motorists. All they want to do is get in and get out ASAP."  Males have problems safely navigating car parks with nine per cent admitting they collided with another vehicle in a car park over the past 12-months, compared with four per cent of female drivers. "I think males operate cars with greater confidence levels which may not translate into actual driving ability," Mr Sopinski said. Damage to parked cars accounted for about 15 per cent of all RACQ Insurance car insurance claims last year, with repairs costing an average of $1655. "It can be quite a substantial cost, depending on the model of car," Mr Sopinski said. Almost one in five (19 per cent) suffered scratches to their car from shopping trolleys, 11 per cent copped dents, and 15 per cent had scratches from car doors being opened on their car while 10 per cent copped dents.

FOR more than 70 years, BMW has been making coupes. They are often the prettiest of their fleet and currently the sexiest Bavarian coupe is the new 6 Series which has just arrived in our showrooms."Coupes are always about looks," says BMW product and pricing analyst Christoph Priemel. "This car has a brand-shaping function for BMW."It arrives with a choice of either 640i six-cylinder or 650i V8 with no plans to bring in the 230kW/630Nm six-cylinder turbo diesel. "We don't see any market demand for a diesel model here," says Priemel.VALUEHe says the competitors are naturally the Mercedes-Benz CL and SL, but also more exotic models such as the Jaguar XK and Maserati GranTurismo. With its bounty of hi-tech features, power and acceleration figures it is also now a serious competitor against the Porsche 911 Carrera.We're not sure many would go from a Porsche to a BMW, but the new 650i might just attract those intimidated by the Stuttgart sports car. On paper, the Bimmers (from $178,300 for the 640i and $232,300 for the 650i) are cheaper and less powerful than the exotic competitors, but the six-cylinder alternative adds some choice. Priemel won't comment on sales figures, but says the 640i will become the higher seller. Like most German vehicles, some of the optional extras can hit the hop-pocket nerve.Some are worthwhile such as headlights that follow the corners ($2800), while others such as ceramic surrounds on a few knobs ($1100) are a pointless  excess and options like Bluetooth music streaming ($220) are standard even on most of today's small cars.TECHNOLOGYThis is where the BMWs have the edge with hi-tech efficient engines, the most advanced suspension in the segment, Connected Drive with colour head-up display that shows a realistic presentation of the road ahead, optional active four-wheel steering, new night vision with pedestrian awareness, active cruise control, parking assistance with birdseye view and smart phone integration with email capability.Options include a 14-speaker, heart-massaging B&O sound system ($14,000), digital radio ($950), LED headlights ($2800) for the first time in a BMW and active cornering lights ($2800), a first for the 6 Series.  What we won't get is speed limit information - Australia's constantly varying speed limits are too confusing. There is no in-car internet, except through pairing a smart phone. The 640i and 650i are called "twin power turbos". In the V8 it means two turbos working together while in the six-cylinder it is a single twin-scroll turbo. In other BMWs, a small and large turbo work in sequence.The 650i has 300kW of power and 600Nm of torque, but the 640i is no slouch either with a good combination of performance and economy. In fact, it accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds which is the same as the SL500.The 640i includes a driver mode called "Eco Pro" that adjusts the throttle and transmission for more frugal driving and gives the driver hints on conserving fuel. In conjunction with the satnav option it also suggests the most economical route.It comes with the new eight-speed automatic transmission as standard with steering wheel paddles and M Gearshift logic for faster shifts, while at low revs it goes into an economy mode. Both models are rear-wheel drive. Australia will not get the all-wheel drive version, a first for a non-X model BMW, as it is only available in left-hand drive.STYLINGThe previous model was bloated and lethargic looking. Even though the new 6 Series coupe is 120kg heavier, it appears sleeker thanks mainly to the nose that looks like a great white shark. It's also lower, longer, wider and meaner looking with slit-eyed headlights and muscular rear quarters.Priemel says group design director Adrian von Hooydonk was inspired by the way water flows around objects such as rocks in a stream. You can see it in the way the bonnet crease flows around the blue-propeller emblem.The interior features overlapping layered surfaces and a cosseted feeling. Some may find it a little claustrophobic and will elect to raise the seat as high as possible. It was also designed with golfers in mind, so it can fit three sets of golf clubs in the back. The satnav-info screen is high on the dashboard for ease of viewing, creating an aircraft instrument appearance.SAFETYThe head-up display is one of the most visible and useful safety features in the car. There is also a wide array of standard and optional driver aids to keep the 1770kg beast on the black stuff, including stability control, ABS, cornering and dynamic brake control, dry braking function and hill-start assistance.Lurking underneath is a combination of lightweight chassis and body parts together with enough high-tensile steel to increase rigidity by 50 per cent. Passengers are surrounded by six airbags and inertia-reel seatbelts with latch tensioners.Up front there are seat belt force limiters and crash-activated head restraints. There are not plans yet for a Euro NCAP crash test but Priemel says it would "meet all the requirements" for a maximum five-star rating.DRIVINGAt the world launch in Munich this year the sun shone on the fleet of 640i coupes. The reverse was true at the national launch in Queensland last week - drizzling rain and only 650i models. It felt like a recipe for disaster as we carefully tip-toed our way over the twisting switchbacks of Mt Glorious and Mt Mee.With all that brutal turbo power cutting in so radically, the order of the day was a delicate right hoof and prayers that the driver aids were on full alert. The result was that the car twitched quite severely on occasions as traction broke very suddenly then just as suddenly the stability and traction control systems intruded.While it felt like a chore to drive safely, a quick and short glance down to the handy head-up display revealed rapid progress on the glass-like road surface. We left the suspension settings on "comfort" for more stability in the wet, so there was no opportunity to fully test the suspension.There was also little opportunity to push the engine and transmission, but the V8 rumble and growl was an audible joy. In fact, it sounded better in the standard model than in the variant with the $7500 M Sport option pack which, among other things that are mainly cosmetic accessories, also features an exhaust system with "characteristic" sound. To my ears it was a bit too muted.The eight-speed transmission is a no-fuss box that copes well with steep grades and sudden throttle inputs, although we were conservative on the latter. Steering is the main concern. At high speeds the electric steering is numb and heavy while at slower speeds it responds better. Yet it never provides feedback or a feeling of connection with the wheels.On the international launch, the brakes popped my eyeballs out of their sockets in a panic stop for a Bavarian farmer on his tractor. Thankfully we had no such cause for a panic stop on the rain-soaked roads through the Kilcoy cattle properties.VERDICTPerformance, beauty, technology and efficiency collide in the new 6 Series coupe. No longer is it a lardy loper, but a worthy option to some Italian, British and German GTs.BMW 6 SERIES COUPEPrice:  $178,300 (640i), $232,300 (650i)Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo, 235kW/450Nm; 4.4-litre twin turbo V8, 300kW/600NmTransmission: 8-speed auto Thirst: 7.6L/100km, 177-181g/kmCO2: (640i ); 10.5L/100km, 245-246g/km CO2 (650i )Safety: ABS, stability control, cornering control, adaptive drive, 6 airbagsWeight: 1660-1845kg

Apart from the new 3 Series and updates across the range, the normally stagnant large cars are also in for a radical shake-up. Christoph Priemel, who is responsible for BMW's product and pricing in the 5, 6 and 7 Series says he is in for a busy year in 2012. BMW has just announced the new N20 four-cylinder turbo engine for the new entry-level 520i at $77,900, while the 528i also gets the four-cylinder engine instead of the straight six. Early next year we can look forward to the new M5 with a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 turbo engine. Priemel says they are also "looking hard" into bringing in the 5 Series ActiveHybrid. He says if it does come it would arrive in the second quarter. Read between the lines ... it is definitely coming. There will also be a five-door 6 Series that will keep the coupe shape. However, Priemel says it is not comparable to a 5 GT. "The design is totally different," he says. It will arrive late in the second quarter. There is also talk of M6 coupe and convertible variant, with no timing yet, but the convertible will arrive first. And the year will close with a substantial facelift for the flagship 7 Series.

This Swiss Breitling watch costs $290,000, but you can have it for free. Only one problem: you have to buy one of 100 limited-edition Bentley Continental ISR Supersports convertibles (pictured right) costing $553,000 in Australia. That's $42,000 more than the "standard" Supersports convertible, so the buyer potentially saves $250,000 on the value of the car and watch. Bentley Motors regional manager Ed Striebig says they have not yet received an order for an ISR, "but the order books are open". "We've been about 1 per cent of our worldwide sales, so on that basis, we should expect a car to come to these shores," he says. The car and watch are inspired by four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen's 330.695km/h world-record-breaking run this year on the perilous frozen Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland. He was driving an all-wheel drive, biofuel-powered 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible when he broke his previous ice speed record of 321.6km/h set in 2007 in the Continental GT. The ISR (Ice Speed Record) model is up 7kW to 470kW on the convertible driven by Kankkunen and is the most potent Bentley yet, reaching 100km/h in 3.8 seconds and 160km/h in 9.5 seconds. Power is transferred between the front and rear axles automatically via a Torsen center differential and it features massive 419mm carbon ceramic rotors up front and 355mm at the rear. It sits on 275mm wide tyres on 20-inch wheels. The ISR comes in three special exterior colours - Beluga, Quartzite, and Arctica White - with a dark grey metallic soft top. The 100 self-winding watches and Bentley convertibles have similar design cues such as red detailing, carbonfibre fascia and knurled finish on the buttons. Of course, the signature Breitling dashboard clock also has a red accent. And both the car and watch feature the same engraved number. Bentley Continental ISR Supersports convertible Price: $553,000 Engine: 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12, 471kW/800Nm Transmission: 6-speed automatic Performance: 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, top speed 525km/h Dimensions: 4804mm (L), 2194mm (W), 1388mm (H), 2745mm (WB) Kerb weight: 2395kg Tyres: 275/35 R20 Economy: 16.7L/100km (combined) CO2: 388g/km.