Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

IF you lost some of that weight around your rear end, you would probably handle better. Well, the same goes for the new-generation Renault Megane. It has lost the flabby rear end, smartened up its appearance and gained better handling and improved ride.Megane now comes in several different formats from family hatch to hairdresser-friendly hard-top convertible and a couple of hot hatches for the backwards-baseball-cap wearers, so there's something for almost everybody.VALUEAs well as the rear end, prices for the hatch have been trimmed. They now start at $22,990 for the Dynamique manual two-litre Hatch with a drive-away price of $25,990. That's the same price as the 2003 entry model 1.6-litre model before on-road costs.That pitches it right into the ballpark of other two-litre five-door hatches such as the top-selling Mazda3 (from $21,330), the new Ford Focus (from $21,990) and Hyundai i30 (from $20,590). Not bad considering you get some French flair thrown in plus standard equipment not on the original model such as six airbags, cruise control, ESP, hands-free keycard and Bluetooth.But it's a quantum leap to the Coupe-Cabriolet at $45,990 whose class competitors are the two-litre turbo-diesel-powered Volkswagen Eos ($46,990-$48,990) and 1.6-litre petrol Peugeot 207CC (from $33,490-$56,490).The hot hatches are priced at $41,990 for the RS250 Cup and $46,990 for the RS250 Cup Trophee, which is a far cry from the very worthy Focus XR5 ($36,490) and Mazda SP25 ($29,255-$31,575), but more closely aligned with the Honda Civic Type R ($39,990) and long-time class-leading VW Golf GTI ($40,490).TECHNOLOGYThe 1.6-litre engine has been replaced by a two-litre four-cylinder engine in Megane Hatch and Coupe-Cabriolet. It has output of 103kW of power and 195Nm of torque, which is capable but no match for the new Focus with 125kW/202Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual or one of the best six-step continuously variable transmissions we have come across. The Coupe-Cabriolet comes with CVT only.Turbocharging lifts the power in the RS250 to 184kW/340Nm with a six-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes. The technologically clever cabriolet roof goes up and comes down in 25 seconds, but cannot be operated while moving.DESIGNThe trimmer rear end of the hatch is a far less polarising design than the previous model. It's quite an attractive car inside and out with plenty of French flair. In three-door hot hatch format, it is scintillating with its swoopy roof and dazzling body lines. However, the Coupe-Cabriolet is almost laughable having no sense of proportion with the cabin pushed way forward and too much rear end.The glass roof is the only stylish redeeming factor, but in all practicality it is a liability in our hot climate. The thin "flyscreen" will not help keep out the heat.SAFETYMegane has always been a top safety car with a class-leading four-star Euro NCAP safety rating for the first model in the late '90s thanks to its safety cell. All new models have a long list of safety features such as six airbags, automatic headlight and wipers, ESP, ABS, emergency braking assist, and on the CC there is rollover protection. There are also energy-absorbing bumpers to protect pedestrians. Forward visibility is good in all, but rear visibility is limited.DRIVINGOnce you get past the quirky controls, including the maddening stubby audio stalk behind the steering wheel, the hatch is quite a comfortable and pleasant place to conduct the business of driving.The seats are not the usual lounge-chair French seats but are comfortable and supportive and the steering wheel is sporty and the cockpit inviting. There is good room for four adults and a convenient cargo area. It's a quiet and refined ride with plenty of steering feedback and excellent road manners.The two-litre engine is lively without being startling and the economy is a healthy 8.2 litres per 100km and an even better 7.9L/100km for the CVT model. If you want more power, the hot hatches have plenty, but they are sprung way too hard for the output. I expect such spleen-blendering suspension in a Subaru STI which has almost 20 per cent more power, not the Megane.Meanwhile, the Cabrio weighs a whopping 200kg more and really feels the lard. It's like driving with two front-row rugby forwards sitting in the back seat; not that they'd fit as there is no leg or head room for a fully grown adult. That hard-top roof also creaks and clicks where it joins the windscreen which is annoying over potholed roads The most surprising combination was the hatch with CVT.When pushed hard it screams as expected, but if punted around town doing the daily battles with traffic, it is a clever transmission that does what its told. plus it has better economy than the manual.VERDICTStyling and pricing are much better for the new Megane hatch and it should persuade some buyers from Japanese or Korean brands. But those same two factors let down the Coupe-Cabriolet and the hot hatches.

The lap in Brock's Torana A9X is part of the fifth episode of the six-part, fourth series of Top Gear Australia. Details about the Australian version of the popular BBC series - and even whether there would be a fourth series - have remained secret for months. Now, the series is back on our screens and some of the content has been revealed, but the show's producers are not revealing the identity of the surprise pilot of the Brock car. However, they have revealed that Shane Warne will not be making a reprise. The series returns with last year's presenters, Shane "Kenny" Jacobson, Ewen page and Steve Pizzati who has been in every series so far. Highlights of the series include a 24-hour endurance test of Australia's cheapest new vehicle, the Chinese-built Chery; seven-time world champion surfer Layne Beachley breaking the world record for towed surfing; a V8 engine used to mix a cocktail for 4000 thirsty partiers; and a movie car stunt sequence costing just $300. Guests who test their driving skills against the clock include footballers Wendell Sailor and Shane Crawford, TV presenters Jamie Durie and Natalie Gruzlewski, and jockeys Damien Oliver and Glen Boss. Launching in 2008, Top Gear Australia was the first international version of the BBC show. It has since been recreated in the US, Russia and Korea.

Hyundai Australia CEO Edward Lee says the company's plan is no longer centred on entry-level pricing, but values such as safety, driving experience and ride quality. With the exit of the Getz and the introduction of the Accent, the company now has a full five-star safety rating on all of its passenger vehicle fleet. "We're not concerned with leaving the bottom of the market," Lee says. "I think we changed people's perception of the brand a lot already. Five-star safety is our new strategy. Australian people think safety is one of the most important things along with driving and ride." Sales and marketing manager Oliver Mann says the Getz name has gone the way of the Excel and doesn't expect to see either model name returned to the brand. Hyundai produced 1,390,084 Getz models between 2002 and 2011 and Australians bought 153,000. There are only about 400 left after production ended last year. That's less than half the 1000 they sell each month. The entry level Getz 1.4-litre three-door is listed at $13,990 and the base model Accent starts at $16,990. It's a big hole for Hyundai to fill, but Mann is not concerned. "Even though it was our entry level car, we mainly sold the 1.6-litre five-door model, anyway," Mann says. "We're not planning to fill the entry level price again. We're getting out of the bottom end of the market. Getz won't be replaced directly." With the introduction of the 1.6-litre, slightly larger Accent, the 1.6-litre i20 models have been deleted and the $15,490 1.4-litre three-door is being sold at $14,990 driveaway. Hyundai also does not have room in its five-star strategy for the four-star i10 as a replacement bargain car. "We looked long and hard at the i10 business case, but it wasn't profitable and didn't fit in with our five-star safety rating strategy," Mann says. Product planning senior manager Roland Rivero says supply of the Indian-made i10 also could not be guaranteed with the factory able to build 450,000 a year and the domestic market taking 400,000. "That would leave Europe and ask to argue over the remainder," he says. Cars that were killed off THERE are more famous nameplates than Getz that have been killed off in Australia over the years. Perhaps the most famous is the Monaro, although Holden says "never say never" in regards to bringing it back. Other nameplates killed off that could make a re-appearance include Celica, Integra and Prelude. Nissan canned the Pulsar in 2007 worldwide but in 2006 in Australia and many a backwards-cap-wearing youth bemoans that fact. Nissan not only axed the Pulsar, but also its changed its company name from Datsun in 1986. More recently Ford chopped the Fairlane from its line-up in 2007 and Mitsubishi excised Magna from its fleet in 2000. Other beloved nameplates to disappear over the years include Kingswood, Premier, Futura, Valiant, Charger, Skyline and Bluebird, while nameplates that have been replaced include Rodeo (now Colorado) and Courier (now Ranger).

The biggest increase on our roads in the past five years has been European cars, up 312,000 to just over one million (42 per cent), according to Roy Morgan Research data. Of the 14.9 million drivers on Australian roads about 8.7 million are in Asian cars, an increase of almost 22 per cent in the past five years, American cars are up 22,000 to 98,000 (29 per cent) while Australian cars have decreased 311,000 to 4.6 million (-6 per cent). Roy Morgan industry communications director Norman Morris rejects the swing is anything to do with a cultural cringe, pointing out that satisfaction levels are up for Holden (from 88 to 89 per cent) and Ford (86 to 87 per cent). "I think it's just that people's preferences are moving away from larger cars," he says. "Ford and Holden have been all about Falcon and Commodore and there has been a big decline in the large car segment while there has been a rise in SUVs and small cars. There is also more preference toward diesel and alternate fuels which again supports the European flood of diesel cars. For example, BMW last year sold more diesel than petrol cars which is the first time for any brand as far as I know. It took Ford a long time to get a diesel in their Territory. Ford and Holden have been slow to react to this trend, so it will probably continue." He says the rise of American and Asian cars could also be due to the free trade agreement with the US and Thailand making their vehicles more attractive on price. Morris says 44.9 per cent of buyers are now more concerned about how a car is put together rather than the company that makes it. "That's a very high number," he says. Honda drivers are the happiest customers with 94 per cent of owners satisfied with their vehicle, up from 92 per cent in 2006. Of the top 10 brands, Subaru and Volkswagen are the only ones to experience a drop in satisfaction levels. Both are down 1 per cent but Subaru is still the second highest, while Volkswagen is sixth. Toyota increased its satisfaction levels by 1 per cent to 92 per cent and third place, despite worldwide controversy in the past few years with safety recalls. Morris points out that Korean brands Hyundai and Kia have made positive gains over the past five years. Hyundai is in the top 10 at seventh place with 90 per cent satisfaction, up from 89 per cent in 2006. There are now 828,000 Hyundais in Australia, up 47.4 per cent from 578,000, while Kia has more than doubled from 115,000 to 235,000. Another brand to have increased substantially, but off a lower base is Volkswagen up 98.3 per cent from 119,000 to 236,000. Morris says the number of diesel models in the VW line-up had contributed to the growth spurt. Citroen and Saab had the biggest declines in driver satisfaction with Citroen dropping 10 percentage points and Saab five. Morris says it will be interesting to look at the results again when Chinese brands such as Great Wall, Geely and Cherry have established themselves in the marketplace.

... because she couldn't afford to have the nail taken out of her damaged tyre.She's not alone.National research released this week by Bingle Car Insurance shows that 55 per cent of Australians are cutting back on car maintenance."I was unemployed for six months so my little 1995 Mazda 121 took a back seat," says MacDonald, 32, now employed as a personal assistant."I got a nail in my tyre in March and I repaired it yesterday. I was driving around without a spare tyre for six months and trying to avoid glass and sharp things on the road. I had to wait for the cheapest day just to buy petrol and I took public transport for a while to save money."Almost 60 per cent of Australian drivers claim the cost of running a car is rising faster than other living expenses such as gas and electricity, according to the research.Bingle Car Insurance executive manager Ivan Owide says Newspoll research shows the average cost of running a car is $5556 a year including fuel, service, repairs, registration, insurance, and other costs, such as cleaning, detailing, tyres, parking and tolls."It's easy to see why people are already cutting back so they can stay on the road," he says. "The average Australian income is $67,000 per year before tax and $5556 represents a fair chunk of that, so it's not surprising that our research also found 75 per cent of Aussies think it's just too expensive."Despite the cost of motoring, Bingle's national online survey of 602 motorists found that 92 per cent of Australians believe having a car is a necessity. While almost 70 per cent declare they would never give up their car no matter how much it costs to run, 22 per cent said they would sell their car if costs continued to grow.The findings follow the release last month of auto car club figures on vehicle running costs which show costs have remained static over the past year. They claim falling finance costs and fixed-price servicing have offset rising fuel prices and new toll charges.

She's a little more than 21 years in the making and the Lancia Aurelia is about 20 years in the re-making. The two got together late last year when the Italian classic was a surprise 21st birthday present from Aurelia's parents Garry and Monique Connelly. The saga started in 1990 when friend and car restorer Wolf Grodd of Sleeping Beauties heard Connelly had christened his daughter Aurelia, the same name as the famous Italian rally and race car. "I had no idea of what the car was or looked like, but I had heard it was a rally car," says Connelly, a former rally driver who helped secure rounds of the World Rally Championship for Australia and was honoured in the 2009 Queen's Birthday honours list for service to motorsport. "Wolf said we should get one and give it to Aurelia for her 21st birthday," he said. The car came from England and was found on a dump in Woy Woy in 1990. Connelly paid $10,000 for the rusted shell. After 20 years of restoration at Sleeping Beauties it is now insured for $140,000. Aurelia didn't find out about the car until she was five years old. "Then it was hidden away from me until my birthday," she says. "I hadn't forgotten about it but I didn't know it was going to be my 21st present." The B20 Aurelia has a 2.5-litre V6 alloy pushrod engine, dual-throat downdraft Weber carburettor, drum brakes (inboard in the rear), four-speed H-pattern column-shift transmission and was capable of 200km/h when new. "I'm still learning to drive it because it's not easy to drive like my Yaris," she says. "It goes like hell, but it doesn't stop all that well." The Lancia was built from 1950-58 and competed in famous rallies and races such as the Monte Carlo, Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Le Mans. In 1954, they cost 4200 ($6550) in Australia while a Rolls-Royce was 5000 ($7800). Restoration may have been a long process, but it was meticulous with a lot of handmade parts required, such as the boot and dashboard. "They did a bit each year and the rest of the time it sat in the back of their garage," Connelly says. "It's amazing; you can still get parts from England, Italy and even in Australia." Aurelia says she will display the vehicle at classic car shows and attend Lancia Club events. "I'm very interested in motorsport and been to world rally and F1 events since I can remember. But I'm more on the organisational side rather than competing," says the masters student in organisational psychology who managed the media centre for the WRC round in northern NSW in 2009. Connelly is chairman of the FIA stewards and attends seven F1 events a year. He is also a member of the FIA Institute which researches motorsport safety. He retired from his WRC involvement at the end of 2009. 1954 LANCIA AURELIA Year: 1954 Price new: $4200 ($6550) Price now: insured for $140,000 Engine: 104kW 2.5-litre V6 Body: 2-door coupe Trans: 4-speed column shift, rear-wheel drive. Did you know: Lancia Aurelia introduced the front-engine, rear-transmission configuration later used by Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Porsche, GM, and Maserati, as well as the V6 engine.

AUSTRALIAN motorists love compact SUVs which have taken over as the new family vehicle. The segment is one of the few experiencing growth and it's no wonder with 25 models available with a range of variants with diesel power, manual and automatic transmissions, plenty of cargo space and room for a family of five and even their pooch.Today every maker needs a compact SUV in their range. Over at Volkswagen Australia managing director Anke Koeckler says:. "The Tiguan is one of the volume sellers in our plan to become a significant player in Australia."The current Tiguan's about to be replaced by a second-generation model and is in short supply as is the Toyota RAV4 so they couldn't make this comparison of five compact petrol-powered automatic SUVs that includes top sellers, a European and the two emerging Korean models.We asked the Tranter family - Ross and Julie and their children, Joshua, 7, and Samantha, 5 - to come with us for a drive through city traffic, highway touring, rural roads and a picnic in the country in our full-day comparison test. They own a Mazda2 and admit that in a couple of years they will look at an upgrade, possibly to a compact SUV.VALUEPricing and feature fit-out is keen in this highly competitive category. Our five vehicles are mid to high spec, according to what was available from the manufacturer, but they only vary in price by $5000 from the Hyundai ix35 at $35,490 to the Subaru Forester at $40,490 which comes with a comprehensive info/navigation/entertainment system with reversing camera.The Renault Koleos is listed at $36,990, but our test vehicle was fitted with a leather package ($2500) that includes black leather seats, electric driver's seat, heated front seats and quick-release rear folding seats. It also comes standard with a built-in Tom Tom navigation system, auto wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a chilled glovebox.The top-spec Kia Sportage Platinum is fitted out at similar levels to the Hyundai. It costs an extra $1230 but adds rain-sensing wipers. Both have rear parking sensors, sunroof, rearview camera, auto headlights, fog lamps (front only on Kia) and heated side mirrors.In the middle is the X-Trail at $38,490 with roof rails, auto climate control and cooled/heated cup holders.All come with what are considered essentials in a family car these days - remote locking, cruise control, comprehensive stereo connectivity for Bluetooth phones and iPods, fog lights and climate airconditioning.Resale values are similar, but slightly better for the Renault and Subaru at 54 per cent and the lowest was the X-trail at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYAt the heart of all these models are four-cylinder petrol engines of similar capacity. Even though the Hyundai and Kia share a 2.4-litre engine compared with the 2.5-litre units in the others, power and torque are almost the same across the group.Power varies only 5kW from 125kW in the X-Trail to 130kW in the Koreans and torque 9Nm from 226Nm in the Koleos and X-Trail to 235Nm in the Forester. All models also offer a diesel variant which are worth considering for economy if you're doing long distances and for their driveability. The Forester transmission is an old-fashioned four-speed auto, while the Koreans have six-speed torque-converter automatics; the X-Trail and Koleos have continuously variable transmissions with six selectable steps.Most are front-wheel drive switching to all-wheel drive when they sense rear-wheel slip, while the Subaru is permanent all-wheel drive. All have hill descent control and hill-start assist, but only the Renault, X-Trail and the Koreans have a locking diff function.Economy is fairly close across the group but interestingly the X-trail is the best at 9.1 litres per 100km compared with 9.5L/100km in the Koleos which runs the same engine, but weighs about 80kg more. The Koleos also requires 95Ron fuel.If towing is important, the X-Trail and Koleos have 2000kg capacity compared with 1600kg in the Koreans and 1400kg for the Subaru.DESIGNThe group can be split into two on styling - the boxy Nissan and Subaru versus the more curvaceous Hyundai, Renault and Kia. It comes down to taste, but the Tranters liked the "modern" look of the ix35."I like a car with a lot of curves," says Julie.To us the X-Trail and Subaru are starting to look a little old-fashioned, even though both have had major makeovers only a couple of years ago. Of the "rounded" models the Kia has a little more pizzazz with LED daytime running lights and coupe-like rear roofline.Statistics for cargo space never give a real-world indication of how much luggage can be fitted, but with picnic baskets, esky and our photographer's kit bags loaded, all seemed to hold a fair bit of gear. The Renault is the only model with a split rear tailgate which Ross liked, but Julie thought it would make it more difficult to reach luggage items at the back of the cargo area. However she liked the underfloor storage area with slide-out tray in the Nissan."I'd probably use it as a permanent storage area for sunscreen, the kids' hats and snacks," she says.The X-Trail's cargo floor was the only one in the group not carpeted, a virtue according to Nissan for outdoor types. In the cabin, the Nissan again looked a little tired, while the others appeared modern and fresh, although the Renault is a little quirky and difficult to get used to all those knobs and controls. The Tranters found cabin space good in all but praised the Subaru for having the best legroom space in the rear for the kids in their booster chairs.SAFETYAs a fire and rescue officer, Ross Tranter places a strong emphasis on safety."There are things I've seen at crash scenes that I'd rather forget," he says.The Tranters own a Mazda2 and bought the top spec just for the extra airbags in the back, so they were impressed that all models, except the XTrail, get a five-star safety rating with full-length curtain airbags and stability control.They also commended all for their good forward visibility and praised the Kia and Hyundai for their reversing camera conveniently located in the centre mirror. There was high praise, too, for the high driving position of all, which at least gave them a feeling of safety.All vehicles come with three anchor points in the rear, but the Tranters found the Subaru was the only vehicle that was easy to fit the seats as the belt clasps were not spaced wide enough in the others. On the theft safety front, the Subaru also has Data Dot protection.DRIVINGIt was the Tranters' ninth wedding anniversary but they enjoyed our test loop through Brisbane city and out into the country for a picnic, then later McDonalds for the kids. Stepping up from their Mazda2 to the compact SUVs was easy for the Tranters who commented that they liked the high seating position and good forward visibility of all models.They liked the Subaru: easy to drive, plenty of room in the back for the kids, a big boot and a quiet and comfortable ride. They found the Hyundai a bit noisy on some surfaces, comfortable with a lot of extras they enjoyed but they didn't feel it was as stable as the Nissan in the dirt. Praise came for the Renault's handling and steering feedback."I didn't feel like I wasn't in total control at any time. It's not wanting for power either. I could put my foot down and it was there when I wanted it," Ross commented. Julie found the Renault's quirky controls a bit confusing to start with. And Ross didn't like the Kia's seat. "It has good support down low but not up high."We found the Koreans' automatic gearboxes had to work hard to keep things humming along, while the Forester, Koleos and X-Trail felt more lively and responsive, even the Subaru with its four-speed box. We're no great fans of continuously variable transmissions, but the CVT boxes in the Renault and Nissan are among the best we have driven and kept the revs in the sweet spot for difficult terrain.Most of these will tackle a rough bush track and even a beach, but be aware they are not meant for heavy duty off-roading. Subaru is fitted with Yokohama Geolanders which we have found the best compromise between highway and track. The Forester also has the best ground clearance at 220mm while the Koreans have the lowest at 170mm (Hyundai) and 172mm (Kia), but you should take into account a load and passengers will reduce these clearances.VERDICTIf rough country roads were on our agenda, we'd pick the Subaru or X-Trail as both vehicles not only handled the terrain with poise but also gave a feeling of being solidly built and reliable. The Renault has the same X-Trail underpinnings and urges you to have a go at the rough stuff thanks to a pretty slick engine/transmission combination and slightly more compliant suspension. It is a much under-rated vehicle with only 310 sold fo far this year.Most of the vehicles in this class are suburban run-arounds doing the grocery, school and sports ground circuit. Here, the modern styling of the French and Korean models look the part. For the record, the Tranters liked the style of the Hyundai but when it came to family practicalities their vote unanimously went for the Subaru for its space, comfort and quiet ride.SUBARU FORESTER 2.5 XS PREMIUMPrice: $40,490Engine: 126kW/235Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 4-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.3L/100km  CO2: 220g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1400 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr, unlimited kmService: 12,500 or 6 mnthsResale: 54%NISSAN X-TRAIL ST-LPrice: $38,490Engine: 125Kw/226nM 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmisson: CVT, 4WDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.1L/100km  CO2: 214g/kmSafety: 4-stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 3-yr/100,000km, roadside ass.Service: 6 mnths/10,000kmResale: 50%HYUNDAI ix35 2.4 HIGHLANDERPrice: $35,490Engine: 130W/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 219g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr, unltd kmService: annual or 15,000kmResale: 52%KIA SPORTAGE 2.4 PLATINUMPrice: $36,720Engine: 130kW/227Nm 2.4L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed auto, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.2L/100km  CO2: 221g/kmSafety: 5-stars, 6-airbagsTowing: 1600 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd kmService: 1-yr or 15,000kmResale: 52%RENAULT KOLEOS DYNAMIQUEPrice: $36,990 ($40,290 as tested)Engine: 126kW/226Nm 2.5L 4-cyl petrolTransmission: CVT, AWDBody: 5-door wagonThirst: 9.5L/100km  CO2: 228g/kmSafety: 5 stars, 6 airbagsTowing: 2000 (braked), 750kg (unbraked)Warranty: 5-yr/unltd km, roadside assistService: 1-yr or 10,000kmResale: 54%SHOWROOM SUCCESSSALES success in the highly competitive compact SUV category is fickle, changing every month. Nissan X-Trail was the leader in June, Hyundai ix35 in May, Subaru Forester in February, April and July, Toyota RAV4 in January and March.So far this year Subaru Forester is the top seller with 7574, even though sales are down 13.1 per cent on last year. This repeats its top-selling success in the category since 2008. The new Hyundai ix35 was second with 6806, RAV4 third (6472), X-Trail fourth (6430) and Dualis fifth (5156). Despite the Renault Koleos being a Nissan X-Trail with French dressing, it has sold only 310 so far this year to rank 20th out of 25 models in the category.The compact SUV segment is one of the few recording growth with an increase of 2.1 per cent so far this year while the SUV category is down 2.9 per cent and the total new vehicle market is down 5.9 per cent. The only faster-growing categories are luxury SUVs (317.4 per cent) and utes (6.2 per cent).SAFE AND GREENOWNERS of any of our tested vehicles can rest assured they are safe and green. They all have six airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes as a minimum, while some have more driver aids such as Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management which adds steering assistance in low-traction situations. All get a five-star crash rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program, except the X-Trail which was last tested in 2007 and scored four stars.The Australian Green Vehicle Guide gives all vehicles better than average scores for greenhouse air pollution and economy. The Kia and Hyundai score closely because they basically have the same drivetrain. The Hyundai scores 6 greenhouse rating out of 10 and 8.5 for air pollution gaining four stars. The Kia scores a 5.5 greenhouse rating because its CO2 levels are 2g/km higher. Next is the Subaru with 6 for greenhouse emissions, 6.5 for air pollution for 3.5 stars and Koleos with 5.5, 6.5 and 3.5 stars. There are no results listed for the X-Trail.Most of these models have been around for a while in some shape or form and are good buying second-hand. Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V are the only used compact SUVs rated as a "safe pick" by the Automobile clubs of Australia. In their recent annual buyer's guide to used car safety ratings, they gave five stars to the Forester (02-08) and CR-V (02-06). Four stars were awarded to the Kia Sportage (98-03), Toyota RAV4 (06-09), Ford/Mazda Escape/Tribute (01-06), CR-V (97-01), Forester (97-02), Suzuki Grand Vitara (99-05) and RAV4 (01-06).

Hyundai Australia CEO Edward Lee says the company's plan is no longer centred on entry-level pricing, but values such as safety, driving experience and ride quality. With the exit of the Getz and the introduction of the Accent, the company now has a full five-star safety rating on all of its passenger vehicle fleet. "We're not concerned with leaving the bottom of the market," Lee says. “I think we changed people's perception of the brand a lot already.Five-star safety is our new strategy.” "Australian people think safety is one of the most important things along with driving and ride." Sales and marketing manager Oliver Mann says the Getz name has gone the way of the Excel and doesn't expect to see either model name returned to the brand. Australians bought 153,000 Getz in their model lifetime and only about 400 are left after production ended last year. That's less than half the 1000 they sell each month. The Getz 1.4-litre three-door is listed at $13,990. It's a big hole for Hyundai to fill, but Mann is not concerned. "Even though it was our entry level car, we mainly sold the 1.6-litre five-door model, anyway," Mann says. "We're not planning to fill the entry level price again.” "We're getting out of the bottom end of the market. Getz won't be replaced directly." However, with the introduction of the 1.6-litre, slightly larger Accent, the 1.6-litre i20 models have been deleted and the $15,490 1.4-litre three-door is being sold at $14,990 driveaway. Hyundai also does not have room in its five-star strategy for the four-star i10 as a replacement bargain car. "We looked long and hard at the i10 business case, but it wasn't profitable and didn't fit in with our five-star safety rating strategy," Mann says. Product planning senior manager Roland Rivero says supply of the Indian-made i10 also could not be guaranteed with the factory able to build 450,000 a year and the domestic market taking 400,000. "That would leave Europe and ask to argue over the remainder," he says.

After prototype models of the Hawkeye 400 were tested in Australia earlier this year, the first production run at the Polaris manufacturing plant in Roseau, Minnesota, finished in June. The first shipment has now arrived in Australia, the only country in the world to sell the model. The big brother of the Hawkeye 300 2x4 arrives at $7895 which is between the Hawkeye 300 ($5995) and Sportsman 400 4X4 ($8695). Polaris Industries Australia national marketing manager Neil Anderson says the full-size chassis 2x4 costs more than Asian-made machines, but is a "smooth-riding, American-Made, full-size ATV". Anderson says it will suit farmers who want all the towing, carrying and ride qualities of a full-size Polaris, but have flat country not requiring 4x4. He says there are limited production volumes this year and the product is backed by a Polaris-trained national dealer network with Polaris genuine parts backup and two-year warranty. "Most dealers will not get stock until September and most are likely to be pre-sold," he says. The Hawkeye 400 shares most features with the Sportsman 400 H.O, including the 455cc liquid-cooled engine and a radiator now mounted 7.6cm higher and angled rearward to keep it out of the mud. It features independent rear suspension with 24.1cm of travel and MacPherson strut front with 20.8cm of travel to minimise body roll and 28.6cm of ground clearance. There is a 81.kg capacity rear rack, 40.8kg front rack, inside storage compartments and it has 555.7kg hitch towing capacity. Anderson says summer rain in Queensland and Victoria has boosted sales of all-terrain vehicles in the first six months by 29.1 per cent to 10,544. "The farm sector is experiencing massive growth because of the rain, but the recreation sector is pretty flat since the GFC hit," he says. In Australia, Polaris has overtaken Suzuki for third position in ATV sales with 1882 in the first half, up 31.4 per cent. Sales leader is Honda (2780, up 42.6 per cent) followed by Yamaha (2434, 21.3 per cent). Anderson says customers can expect to see more electric-powered Polaris hitting the market in coming years. He says they are suited to wineries, dairies, organic farms, horse studs and other boutique agriculture properties, especially those with indoor facilities because they are quiet and don't emit any CO2. Polaris has one electric model, the Ranger EV ($19,999 driveaway) with 22kW of power, a top speed of 40km/h and 80km of range. "These vehicles are a good fit for an organic farm where the owners don't want to store fuel on the property," he says. "It fits in with the whole ethos of organic so there are no diesel fumes belching all over the livestock or plants." He says the vehicles are also popular at cellar doors and other farms with tourist attractions and eateries. "It's much more impressive for those operations to have something quietly taking stock from A to B without belching diesel fumes around." Anderson says the Ranger EV is also a hit at dairies and horse studs. "It doesn't scare the stock or put the cows off their milk," he says. "If you have a million-dollar thoroughbred horse the last thing you want to do is spook it. It also means you can have your staff zipping around an agistment property without waking up animals." Animals aren't the only ones able to sleep in while electric vehicles run their errands. Anderson says the Range EV is being used at mines. "There is a catering company in WA that bought a couple so they could deliver food to the mine site without waking workers," he says. "If you are in the middle of nowhere you want something that - rain, hail or shine - it can get to where you want. At mines you have people working 24 hours a day so you always have people sleeping." Polaris has loaned Ranger EVs to various agricultural operations to trial such as the Sirromet Winery in Brisbane and the Foster's Group of wineries. "Foster's have trialled and bought some for the Yarra Valley in particular and some wineries in the Margaret River area," he says. The American Polaris company started making snowmobiles in 1956. They now represent just 10 per cent of the company's $2 billion annual global turnover, with ATVs and side-by-side machines representing 67 per cent. In 1998, the company branched out into road motorcycles with the Victory brand which is just 5 per cent of sales and this year acquired Indian motorcycles and GEM electric vehicles. For more information, visit www.polarisindustries.com.au.

... during an official test day for the next round at Queensland Raceway in two weeks. Crusty Demon Matt Schubring from nearby Boonah helped promote the Ipswich event with a spectacular somersault jump over the Kiwi race driver and his Stone Brothers Racing team truck. Van Gisbergen, who is third in the championship, watched the stunt from the top of the truck and commented: "That's pretty cool.'' The quietly spoken driver owns a similar KTM bike, but says he rarely uses it despite many V8 Supercar drivers, such as Russell Ingall and Craig Lowndes, augmenting their training with motocross and trail riding. "I'm too young for that,'' the 22-year-old joked, referring to veteran drivers Lowndes and Ingall. "I'd rather go around the track, anyway.'' Surprisingly, 29-year-old Schubring says he's getting too old for the extreme sport. "The peak for this sport is about 22,'' he says. However, yesterday's stunt was a breeze for the extreme games expert who practices similar jumps almost daily on his property. While the famous American Crusty Demon stunt bike team is taking a year off touring, Schubring is busying himself opening the Wyaralong trail riding facility near his home town. He is also coaching riders in Perth, travelling Australia to shot a video of his stunts and will show his skills at the Ipswich V8 round from August 19-21 and at the Brisbane Exhibition.