Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

The annual RACQ Vehicle Running Costs Survey has found that the first electric car available in Australia - Mitsubishi's iMiEV - costs between $246.46 to $265.23 a week to run, spokesman Steve Spalding said. This compares with $256.50 for a Holden Commodore while the Toyota Prius C hybrid costs $159.79 a week. However, charging the electric Mitsubishi costs only 3.07c/km while the Prius C costs 6.78c/km. Spalding says their survey also takes into account other owner costs such as the purchase price, interest payments, registration, insurance, servicing and depreciation. "The main reasons for the higher total running cost for an electric vehicle is the higher purchase price which means higher interest payments, and the as yet unknown depreciation factor," he said. The Mitsubishi costs $48,000 while the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle has just hit the showroom floor at $51,000. "Before electric cars become viable there needs to be good demand on the second-hand market so there is a higher resale value," he said. "Plus over time manufacturers will reduce prices." It is the first time the survey has included an electric vehicle. The survey found the cheapest car to run is again the Suzuki Alto at $116.70, down $2.77 since last year, and the most expensive is again the Toyota LandCruiser GLX at $398.16 up $9.44. Spalding said that instead of buying an electric car, families could save thousands of dollars annually by choosing a lighter, smaller car. "You could save around $32 per week, or $1,707.92 a year by purchasing a medium-size car instead of a large car,” he said. “Downsizing from an all-terrain 4WD to a compact SUV could save you $111.67 per week, or $5,807 every year." Mr Spalding added that even switching between engine sizes in the same class could mean good savings on running costs - without sacrificing performance.  “High fuel prices are forcing many owners away from large vehicles into medium or smaller cars to save money. But Ford's four-cylinder turbo petrol 2.0 litre Falcon EcoBoost and the 4.0 litre LPG Falcon could help those looking to buck that trend,” Spalding said. “The EcoBoost has all the features and performance of a large car, but it will cost motorists $240.25 per week, compared to the Ford Falcon 4.0 litre petrol at $253.26 per week. That‟s a saving of almost $700 per year. “Meantime, Ford's 4.0 litre LPI Falcon, which runs on LPG, will cost motorists $232.42 per week, which is $400 a year cheaper than the EcoBoost and $1,100 a year less than the petrol 4.0 litre Falcon,” he said.     (source RACQ Vehicle Running Costs Survey)  

The illegal trade is the latest trend in vehicle theft in the wake of stricter guidelines on rebirthing. National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council boss Ray Carroll says light commercial vehicles such as the Toyota Hi-Lux are the main targets of professional thieves. "Your ute could be driving around Afghanistan now with a machine gun in the back,'' he says. "There is a huge demand coming out of Asia and the Mid East for second-hand parts and motors and where there's a legitimate market, there is also a thriving illegal market.'' Carroll says utes are being stolen from tradies rather than companies or mines. "The other down side is that when they get stolen they often take a whole bunch of tools; and then there is the down time for the tradie without a vehicle and tools.'' Carroll says the illegal export parts industry has been minor until recently. "As rebirthing has become more difficult because of the written-off vehicle review, export becomes the next best thing,'' he says. "If you are able to send out a container of parts as a parts recycler, customs has no facility to intercept that container.'' Carroll says container loads of parts and engines are shipping out of Australia daily. "Most of those are legitimate parts, but there are also illegal parts and that is a major challenge for us,'' he says. "It's like finding a needle in a haystack because there is such a large volume of stuff going. "It's almost impossible for the police and authorities to verify where the stuff came from.'' Carroll says the solution is regulation and licensing of the automotive recycling industry and better monitoring of exports. "At the moment anyone can do it. There is no regulation,'' he says. "We're being told by the legitimate industry that rogue operators are damaging their ability to run their businesses. "They are having trouble buying cars now for recycling purposes because rogue operators are undercutting them.'' The council has begun talks with industry groups about a formal "end of life'' vehicle scheme in Australia. Carroll says this would not only rein in theft, but also ensure the proper environmental disposal of harmful byproducts such as oils, lubricants and batteries. "People involved in illegal stuff don't dispose of batteries and oils properly. They just pull the engine out with a forklift and let the oil spill everywhere,'' he says. "There is a lot of support for regulation from the legitimate are parts industry.'' The council's latest "Theft Watch'' report shows short-term theft in the past year was up 5 per cent and profit-motivated theft up 4 per cent. Almost the entire rise is the result of significant increases in Queensland and Western Australia while only NSW and Tasmania recorded fewer thefts. A total of 11,268 vehicles was stolen for short term use such as joy rides in the March quarter, representing a rise of 876 (8 per cent) from the previous quarter. Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles represented 89 per cent of short-term thefts (10,030), 8 per cent motorcycles (866) and 3 per cent other vehicles (372). A total of 4814 vehicles were stolen by "professionals'' for profit, up 458 (11 per cent) from the previous quarter. Passenger cars and LCVs made up 67 per cent (3228) and rose 12 per cent from the previous quarter. Motorcycles made up 26 per cent (1274) and other vehicles 7 per cent (339). VEHICLE THEFT (Figures from National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council for March quarter)  

Former Victorian sports car manufacturer Bolwell is now making lightweight caravans such as its new Air compact expandable camper. The Air costs $32,990 drive away and is just like Bolwell's sports cars - small, light and aerodynamic. With a weight of just over one tonne and a ball weight of 100kg, it can be towed by a wide variety of vehicles. Together with its low drag coefficient, it adds up to good fuel economy for the tow vehicle. But the most novel characteristic of the compact caravan is its ability to expand the main body without canvas. The lack of canvas means it is quieter, more secure and better insulated from weather extremes with foam core insulation throughout. The caravan can be quickly expanded to create a big interior with wide opening windows on all sides. Air will sleep three with an oversize double bed and dinette seating that converts to an extra single bed. There is a lot of storage space in the small caravan. It has twin front storage pods with galvanised mesh utility tray, a rear tunnel boot, front and rear storage tubes for annex poles or fishing rods and clever external access to the under-bed storage. You can also add a large lockable front storage boot for $550 and roof racks for $395. It sits on 14-inch steel wheels with 16-inch alloys a $590 option. Standard features include blockout blinds, fly screens, three-burner cooktop and sink with draining board, 82-litre water tank, 105Ah deep cycle absorbed glass mat battery, microwave, CD/radio audio system and internal and external 12V accessory outlets. You can also customise the Air with items such as a better audio system, a bigger battery, Hitchmaster DO35 coupling, airconditioner and a canvas annexe. Bolwell also makes a Nautica V-nose that attaches to the roof. The alloy punt is 3.55m long and costs $1995. There is also a short-chassis option at no extra cost. Campbell Bolwell began making sports cars in his parents' garage when he was 16. In 1962 he opened the doors to his Bolwell company and built and sold more than 800 sports cars over the next 20 years. Since 1982 Bolwell has built cabins, hoods, fairings and other components for about 30,000 Kenworth trucks, plus Australian military vehicle components and aerospace products. Moving into caravans in 20120 was a natural progression as it uses similar materials and manufacturing processes. Their caravan bodies do not use rivets and screws. The separate parts of the body are bonded with powerful industrial strength glues that chemically weld the material at a molecular level, creating a strong, corrosion-resistant structure. The Air is the second caravan in Bolwell's range after the $59,999 Edge luxury rough-terrain tourer. It features similar lightweight body construction and aerodynamic design with a heavy duty chassis, independent trailing arm suspension, urethane stone chip protection, steel mesh reinforced door and foam core insulation.    

Over the past few years Honda has lost its mojo. It axed sporty cars such as the Integra in 2006 and the S2000 in 2009, it quit Formula One in 2008 and when the GFC hit it canned the next NSX supercar and sat on its hands while other car companies forged ahead with research and development.Honda has been left with a range of boring city cars and people movers with no more soul than a Camry hire car. But things are changing with the announcement of a return of the NSX, a spunky new British-made Civic hatch arriving in our showrooms now and rumours of a Type-R version down the track.However, in its 40th year in Australia, the rather boring Civic sedan remains the Japanese manufacturer's top-selling vehicle.In the lead-up to the launch of the attractively priced Civic hatch, Honda dropped its prices on the Thai-made sedan by several hundred dollars.Honda Australia director Stephen Collins says the Civic hatch and sedan prices are the result of the strong Australian dollar and "an aggressive pricing strategy" and follows massive price reductions of up to $4300 on the Accord.It comes in three variants - VTi-L, Sport and Hybrid. Build quality is excellent which is reflected in strong resale values, however servicing intervals are frequent and spare parts prices are high.The VTi-L we drove features the 1.8-litre VTEC naturally aspirated engine, with better fuel economy thanks to the ECO Assist button which reduces air conditioning drain, changes the characteristics of the throttle and displays how economically you are driving.But the fuel-saving auto stop-start function available in Euro models is not be coming to Australia to keep prices down. The engine has just 1kW more of power and the same amount of torque.Technology inside is presented on two information screens and there is USB and iPod connectivity plus Bluetooth audio streaming in the VTi-L which works well.While the hatch is a sexy swimsuit model, the sedan is the dowdy cousin operating the lights for the catwalk. The "boomerang" shape of headlights and grille is a nice touch but the rest of the car is rather plain.Inside Honda has tried a little too hard to look futuristic with its split-screen instruments. Unfortunately, when the steering wheel is in the right position for me, I can't see the speedo properly.The cabin has a feeling of quality without being luxurious, but the cloth seat trim is very "hire car".All Civics, except the four-star Hybrid, get a full complement of five ANCAP safety stars. Safety equipment includes six airbags, including full-length curtain airbags, stability control and rear parking sensors. Under the cargo floor is a temporary spare.Comparing the Civic sedan to a Toyota Camry is not completely fair. The latest Camry is a vastly better car while the Civic has made only marginal improvements.However, the two can be compared favourably in cabin noise. Both are eerily quiet and represent industry benchmarks. This makes for a relaxed and unhurried drive experience. Just as well because the engine isn't exactly fiery. Like most Honda engines it likes lots of revs and that's not possible with the automatic.With the ECO Assist button deployed it's quite asthmatic. Even with the button switched off it struggles on hills thanks to low levels of torque. Steering is light enough for traffic duties yet stable on the highway, however it has a disengaged feeling. The pedals feel a bit mushy and soft, also with limited feel.Suspension is compliant for a plush ride that doesn't give a lot of feedback when the car is pushed a little hard. Accommodation is comfortable all round for five adults and the seats are soft, but supportive, and adequate for long-haul duties.

The Italian bike maker's Cascina Costa factory near Milan is expected to more than double production this year from 4000 to 8500 says MV Agusta Imports manager Kevin Beale. "Naturally we'd like to grow at the same level," he says. Beale believes the new F3 midsized sportsbike will be one of the main keys in the sales boost. "The F3 has arrived and is going gangbusters," he says. "Our main problem is trying to keep people happy who have placed deposits. Some of those orders are a year old now and everyone thinks they should be first in the queue.It will be our biggest seller." The first shipment was the limited F3 Oro at $34,000 ride away which was sold out. It was followed by the "standard" F3 at $17,990. "We'll take all the F3s the factory can give us, but they are trying to fill the supply chain worldwide." The F3 sportsbike will be followed in October by a naked version called the B3 Brutale 675 which Beale has confirmed will be launched at $14,990 ride away which places it between the Triumph Street Triple R ($13,490) and Ducati Monster 796 ($15,990). In July, the updated F4 R 1000 Corsa Corta sportsbike arrives at $25,990 ride away. It now features the more powerful and higher-revving engine from the RR version which used to cost $34,000. For the first time on a mass-produced road bike the engine features titanium valves for lighter weight and higher revs. The Corsa Corta revs out to 13,700 and together with the new exhaust system, it should provide an entertaining soundtrack. The traction control system also comes with a new algorithm for better control and retains two rider maps controlled by a new switch on the left handlebar. It features a slipper clutch to prevent the back wheel from compression locking when going down the gears. Many consider the F4 the world's most beautiful bike. From its diamond-shaped headlight and aerodynamic flanks through to its signature "organ pipe" underseat four exhaust outlets, it is every biker's dream. The Corsa Corta comes in red/grey and white/medium grey and build quality should be superb as usual. We tested the previous F4 and found it an uncompromising track-oriented superbike with a "committed" riding position that makes it uncomfortable for street use but ideal on the track. The engine is smooth and responsive with an excellent gearbox that snicks through the gears with precision, no false neutrals and a super-smooth downshift thanks to the slipper clutch. Handling is razor sharp with fully adjustable Marzocchi upside down forks with 50mm stanchions derived from racing. The Corsa Corta gets a new forged ultra-light front axle carrier which has a rapid-release system for the wheel like the first F4. The rear Sachs shock is fully adjustable also with a ride height adjustment. Beale says they plan to increase their network with more dealers in mainland capital cities. MV Agusta currently has one dealer each in Victoria, Tasmania, WA and SA, and two each in NSW and Queensland. "Finding the right investor is not always so easy for this type of exclusive product," he says. MV Agusta F4 Corsa Corta Price: $25,990 ride away Warranty: 2 years/unlimited km Servicing: 6000km/12 months Resale: 58 per cent Engine: 998cc, 16-valve 4-cylinder, 145kW/114Nm Transmission: 6-speed, slipper clutch Dimensions: 2100mm (l), 750mm (w), 830mm (seat), 1430 (wheelbase) Dry weight: 192kg Fuel tank: 17 litres Tyres: 120/70 - ZR17 (front), 190/55 - ZR17  

The ride offer is part of a short-film competition called the Open Road Film Festival, promoted by Harley-Davidson Australia.Entrants will have to complete an unfinished film-noir thriller called The Queen of Hearts, created by Australian director Gregor Jordan whose credits include Two Hands, Buffalo Soldiers and Ned Kelly.Jordan has created an ending and film makers have to come up with the beginning. The film, which can be viewed at openroadfilmfestival.com, features a man in a helmet handcuffed to a motel bed.A woman steals his keys and rides off on his Harley, leaving behind a room key and a Queen of Hearts playing card. To help entrants make their films there are five $1000 production grants available, as well as the opportunity to be mentored by Jordan and acting legend Bryan Brown.Films submitted to the Open Road Film Festival will appear online for the public to vote on, while Brown, Jordan and other industry experts will also judge submissions based on film craft, storytelling and originality. Brown says the competition has "the potential to help new directors get noticed''.Prizes include a Harley-Davidson Iron 883 bike valued at $14,250 (ride away) and a $10,999 Canon EOS-1D C camera. Scripts must be submitted by July 13 and finished films by September 7.Entries will be available on the web from September 10 to October 17 for judging with the final 10 films screened at a venue yet to be announced in November. The competition launches Harley-Davidson's 24-hour test-ride program in Australia until the end of September. 

The driver was seen practising his trumpet while stuck in a Brisbane peak-hour jam. RACQ spokesman Mike Sopinski says it is the most bizarre traffic jam sighting their members have witnessed and according to one road safety expert it may not be as dangerous as it appears. "Among the more common complaints we have heard are drivers seen doing their hair, make-up, shaving/grooming, opening and reading mail, leafing through the newspaper and even eating breakfast," Sopinski says. "One motorist reported to have been observed eating cereal from a bowl with a spoon while stopped at lights. "However, the most bizarre report we have heard about is the one concerning the motorist actually seen practising the trumpet while behind the wheel in a traffic jam." Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q) Professor Simon Washington says distracted driving is more common among commuters. "Commuting is a routine thing and people get familiar and comfortable with the route so they become complacent," he says. "They tend to disengage a little more in the commute to the point where they are too disengaged and not aware of the real risks." However, Prof Washington says the risks of distracted driving are less severe in commuting traffic. "The good side is that in heavy congestion the risk of severe injury is less because it's slower traffic," he said. "But the big down side is if you have a crash in a commute there is an enormous economic cost of delaying hundreds of other commuters because of your distraction." Prof Washington, who has been researching distracted driving behaviour with the use of the CARRS-Q driving simulator, says the worst distractions are those that are not self-imposed such as receiving a mobile phone call. "That's because the person on the other end is not aware of your context," he says. "Your risk of a fatal accident in that situation is about four times that of normal driving.While no one has studied blowing a trumpet while you are driving, we believe self-imposed distractions are less risky." The average commute in Australia's major cities is only 20-30 minutes each way; hardly long enough for drivers to get bored enough to practise the trumpet.  

His co-driver, Warren Luff, has lapped Queensland Raceway in testing within just 0.1seconds of Lowndes. "He's a great universal driver and I'm glad he's sharing with me," said Lowndes at a recent test day on the Ipswich circuit. Luff finished last in the V8 Supercars series in the past two seasons and is without a full-time drive this year, but was snapped up by TeamVodafone principal Roland Dane to replace Mark Skaife as Lowndes's co-driver for the endurance rounds at Sandown and Bathurst. "My lap times have been quite good, but it's an easy car to drive so you don't have to overdrive the car to be quick," says Luff who is also a driver training instructor and stunt car performer at Movieworld. While he has only scored one podium in 59 V8 Supercars races, he has been in demand as a Bathurst co-driver, having paired with former champions Marcos Ambrose and James Courtney with whom he finished fourth in the 2010 event. "I've been lucky to score co-drives with three of the best drivers in the past decade and there is none better at the moment than Craig who is the Bathurst king," he said. "He's also a great guy, good fun and very helpful." The two have partnered for Audi in endurance races and hope to return to the notorious Nurburgring later this year to qualify for the famous Le Mans 24-hour race next year. "Once you get in that Audi racing fraternity they do so much racing there are a lot of opportunities," he said. "Le Mans is one of the races on my bucket list along with Daytona. "But top of my wish list is a win at Bathurst and this year is looking good.I'm not disappointed about not having a full-time drive in the series. "I would rather just do two races a year with TeamVodafone and have a chance of winning than just running at the back of the field filling up the grid." Lowndes's race engineer, Jeromy Moore, says Luff has big shoes to fill, stepping in after Skaife. "He doesn't give as much feedback on car set-up as Skaife, but he's been doing consistently quick lap times in practice and has been an easy fit into the team," he said.  

The Germans have come under fire from the British and are retaliating with a change of colours and some bling. BMW's R 1200 GS is now the top-selling bike in Europe and a popular steed here where many of our second-class byways demand all-road capability. Triumph is now attacking BMW's lead with its 1200cc Explorer, so the Bavarians have struck back with a couple of special edition models, the Triple Black and the Rallye which come with special paint and extras. VALUE We rode the new Rallye which costs $26,250 (plus on-roads), a whopping $4325 more than the standard GS. Cosmetic extras include red, white and blue paintwork reminiscent of the Paris-Dakar racers, a red frame, grey swingarm, chrome exhaust and two-tone handguards, seat and front shrouds. It also comes with the "Traction Package" which would cost $2235 if fitted to the standard GS. It consists of tyre pressure control, switchable ABS and stability control. There is also enduro electronic suspension adjustment ($1000) and spoked wheels ($580). There is also a raft of accessories that can be fitted such as panniers ($1263), top box ($1193), tank bag ($475) and Garmin Zumo 660 satnav ($1752 with fit kit). TECHNOLOGY Since the twin-cam engine was fitted a few years ago, the power and torque have been lifted marginally with most of the boost down low where it's needed, especially when dribbling along a gnarly forest trail. Triumph has launched their Explorer with a more powerful engine (101kW versus 81kW) but with more mid and top end. Torque on the two machines is identical. An advantage that Triumph can't match is the traditional BMW suspension combination of telelever/paralever. BMW has handlebar warmers as standard, but the Explorer has cruise control. DESIGN It's big, Bavarian and brutish, but somehow it works.Painting it mainly white with a flash of red frame is perhaps a little bit too pretty for such a macho machine. With its vulnerable chrome exhaust and pretty paint, you fear chips and scratches when riding on gravel roads. It's like taking a $100,00+ Porsche Cayenne into the scrub. SAFETY Triumph has matched BMW with the addition of stability control and ABS. The BMW combination is a proven system that works well on road and has limited success in some off-road or dirt-road situations. Where BMW forges ahead is with its electronic suspension adjustment that adjusts ride heights, spring rate and shocks for a combination of luggage, pillion and road conditions. This system works brilliantly and makes the bike a safe all-terrain machine. The option of a lowered suspension setting and low seat also makes this a lot safer and confidence-inspiring for a wider range of riders with seat heights ranging from 790mm all the way through to a high 870mm, compared with the Explorer's 837-857mm range. RIDING We've ridden a lot of GS models over the years and the basic structure hasn't changed. It is a confident sportsbike-challenger on the twisty roads, it will beat anything across bumpy B roads and it is capable in the right hands off the beaten track. At the same time it will haul loads of gear and a pillion and still return excellent fuel economy with its lean-burn engine. BMW R 1200 GS Rallye Price: $26,250 Warranty:  2yr/unlimited kilometre, 2yr road side assist Service  10,000km/12 months Engine: 1170cc boxer twin, 81kW/120Nm Transmission: 6-speed, shaft drive Dry weight: 209kg Fuel: 4.6L/100km, 20L tank Tyres: 110/80 R19; 150/70 R17 Body: 2210mm (l), 915 (w), 1450 (h), 790/870 (seat)  

For the past two years Brisbane adventurer Danielle Murdoch has been through hell on her little trail bike. She's endured house arrest in Pakistan, been forced to dress like a Kurdish doll in Iran, had an underpants search on the Syria-Jordan border and had rocks thrown at her by Ethiopian children. But the plucky 31-year-old is not giving up on her plan to travel 70,000km through 44 countries and become the first woman to ride solo and unassisted across Asia and Africa. On Friday night, Murdoch will share her experiences with other world adventure hopefuls when she Skypes from Nairobi to the Dayboro showgrounds for the annual Horizons Unlimited Overland Travellers meeting. "I spent a lot of my spare time reading about other people's amazing life stories and adventures and wanted to forge my own story and make my own adventure," she said. "Coming up with the idea to combine travelling alone as a single woman and motorcycles wasn't easy. Not knowing how to even ride a bike scared me, but as soon as I told someone, that made the idea even stronger." Since leaving Brisbane 21 months ago, Murdoch has been to East Timor, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, North Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and back into Kenya to repair her bike's crankshaft. "I had to get towed 730km from Tanga in Tanzania to Nairobi with 10 per cent of that off road," the diminutive former office worker said. While actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode the latest expensive BMW motorcycles on their well-documented "Long Way Round/Down" adventures, Murdoch is riding a 13-year-old Suzuki 350cc single-cylinder bike with no support crew. "Harden up, that's just a holiday," she said of the actors' rides. Murdoch's adventurous spirit began in 2006 when she hired a motorbike in Laos and rode into the mountains only to be escorted out by machinegun-toting soldiers. She followed that with a 27,000km ride from Thailand to Moscow in 2008 and in 2009 she rode 3500km through South America where she was inspired by competitors in the gruelling Dakar Rally. "I'm not mad," she said. Her Suzuki had its first breakdown in Quetta, "the most dangerous city in Pakistan". "Under police guard and dressed like a local woman, I was placed under house arrest for 22 hours a day for my own safety for five days while my bike was consistently worked on," she said. "I could feel and hear bombs exploding all around the city." Murdoch had more police protection in Iran and believed she was drugged by "a kind caring local guy" before being taken in by a family in Sanandaj. "One night, while visiting their extended family, I was dressed up like a doll in traditional Kurdish dresses and made to prance around their house in high heels," she said. Crossing into Jordan from Syria, she had to hide her laptop down the back of her jacket and her camera in a sock. "Four hours later and after a close inspection of my underpants, I managed to get through without them finding them but under yet another police escort," she said. Children and cows gave her troubles in Ethiopia. "When the first stone was released from the hand of a small child and cracked against my sunglasses, my eyebrows lowered," she said. "Then cows started magically leaping off cliffs and landing right in the front of my bike. "Every time I stopped in a village I was overwhelmed by the whole village surrounding me and my bike all trying to open every bag. I would appoint a local to take care of my bike who would take a big stick and whack anyone who would attempt to come close." Despite all the problems with her bike, children, cows, police and border crossings, Murdoch insists she will finish her adventure and might even continue on to North and South America.