Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

The constant all-wheel-drive is a wider and taller vehicle with more cabin space.It makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne Motor Show in February and goes on sale in March.Australia is the biggest market for the Forester after Japan, which helped secure a quick on-sale date, according to Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior.Australian specifications and pricing details have yet to be announced.The 2008 Forester, right, will debut in Europe with the world's first diesel boxer engine, a 2-litre with about 110kW and 320Nm of torque.Subaru Australia corporate affairs manager David Rowley said they had not ruled out the diesel engine for the Forester or other vehicles.“We still don't have any firm time frame for diesel, but we'd definitely be interested in evaluating the engine in various models for our market,” he said.Currently, the Forester comes with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, with a five-speed manual or four-speed sequential automatic in X, XS and XT trim levels.The new Forester's 85mm taller roof line makes the vehicle look a little gawky, but its 45mm wider stance helps balance that impression.The vehicle is also 75mm longer and, together with the 90mm longer wheelbase, should improve legroom.Inside, it appears to get the same stylish dashboard and centre stack treatment as the new Impreza.Subaru Australia also launches the Impreza STi hatch in February.It loses the big wing, gold rims and over-sized bonnet scoop but gains a menacing body shell with pumped-out front and rear guards.The six-speed-manual Subaru has gone from 206kW to 221kW from the 2.5-litre turbo boxer with 407Nm of torque and goes 0-100km/h in 5.2sec.

Specialist car builder and former racer Erich Bitter has been using General Motors cars for some time and from this month is making a performance Bitter Vero model from a Statesman donor.Holden exports variants of the VE and WM sedan ranges around the world, mainly as Chevrolets and Pontiacs.However, GM Holden media relations national manager John Lindsay said Bitter bought the cars directly from them."I believe he was a friend of (former Holden boss and now GM Europe's product planning head) Peter Hannenberger which is how the relationship was established," he said."We just sell him the cars and he then customises them and resells. We don't get involved in the tech or design side."At the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Bitter displayed a Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO based coupe, called the CD II.However, the prototype, which was rumoured to have a V12 engine, never went into production.Bitter this year took the wraps off his Statesman-based Bitter Vero in his former hometown of Schwelm. The company also unveiled a new philosophy, 'Bitter Horsepower.'Under the sculpted hood sits GM's six-litre V8 engine, which produces 270kW of power.The all-aluminium power plant is mated to a four-speed automatic and from May 2008 a six speed automatic will be an option.The biggest visible modification is the new nose with a large, low-mounted grille and massive Bitter logo.Bitter has also modified the suspension, brakes and interior.The Vero can only be ordered directly from Bitter in Germany where it will cost almost as much as a Maserati Quattroporte. 

Since the introduction of diesel-powered vehicles began with the introduction of the X5 in 2003, BMW diesels have risen from just 671 vehicles to 3342 or 21 per cent of total sales.In some models, such as the X5, it represents up to 70 per cent of sales.Now BMW has added its first four-cylinder diesel engine to the X3 and 5 Series to bring its total diesel models to seven.And, for the first time, they are the entry level vehicles in their range.The X3 2.0d costs $62,900 and the 520d $79,900.They join the 120d ($48,000), 320d ($56,700), 530d ($115,000), X3 3.0d ($75,900) and X5 3.0d ($96,300) with the most powerful diesel model, the 200kW/565Nm twin-turbo X5 3.0sd arriving early next year costing $102,800.In Europe, BMW offers diesels in every model range except the Z4, including a new twin-turbo 210kW 645d coupe and convertible.However, BMW Group Australia public relations and corporate communications manager Toni Andreevski said he could not foresee a 6 or 7 Series diesel coming to Australia as it was not what customers wanted.The third-generation two-litre turbo diesel engine powering the X3 and 5 Series is a lightweight unit with an all-alloy block and cylinder head.It produces 125kW of power and 320Nm of torque and on the national launch, along dusty roads in the Victorian wine district, the engine proved a worthy addition to the dynamic BMW range. Being lightweight, yet torquey, it does not make them nose heavy nor do they seem to be outweighed by the cars, even the 1750kg X3.There was no dramatic understeer, while oversteer could be easily provoked past the corner's apex with a judicious amount of throttle, thanks to the torque on tap.Fuel economy for the X3 is claimed to be 7litres/100km, but we recorded about 8l/100km on the launch, while the 520d is claimed to be 6.1 and we recorded 7.1.They are still good figures considering the vigorous driving they copped on the launch.BMW also claims the emissions from the vehicles are just 162g/km for the 520d and 185g/km for the X3 thanks to a particulate filter on the exhaust.The engines are also particularly quiet and smooth, even at idle with the bonnet up.There is the usual clattery sound, but it is not as loud or obnoxious as some other diesels because they are fitted with two balance shafts.A few revs brings the noise down even further and, surprisingly, when given full throttle there is not the usual disharmonious double-sound.Instead, there is a muted, almost V8 burble.Both vehicles are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, which are smooth and fast in auto or manual sequential mode.The X3 comes with the same level of specification and equipment as the 2.5si petrol model which includes front and rear parking sensors, stability control, hill descent, six airbags, leather seats, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, cruise control and more.The 520d comes with eight airbags, Dakota leather, control display with colour monitor, USB connection for iPod and more.  

In a move that shows the strengthening position of the Indian car market in the world, Suzuki will unveil its A-Star Concept at the Auto Expo in New Delhi next month and build the production version on the sub-continent.The five-door hatchback concept will form the basis of its next global production car and Queensland Suzuki importers think it would do well here.Suzuki Auto Co general manager Keith Carroll said the A-Star would go into production in two to three years.“It will get a name in the next 12 months and we'd love to have it here,” he said.The concept car is powered by a Euro 5-compliant 1-litre aluminium petrol engine with CO2 emissions less than 109g/km. Suzuki Powertrain India produces a 1.3-litre diesel engine, but Suzuki does not plan to use it in the new production car since the new 1-litre petrol engine is environmentally superior.The hatch was developed jointly by Swift designers Maruti Suzuki with Suzuki Motor Corporation in India. Like the slightly bigger Swift; our 2005 Carsguide Car of the Year, it has a distinct European design.The global compact production car will be manufactured in Maruti Suzuki's plant in Manesar near Delhi.Suzuki Motor Corporation invested in India 25 years ago and now has 56 per cent of the market, selling 750,000 cars a year in the country of 1.2 billion people.Maruti is spending $2.2 billion over the next five years in a new car plant to start production next October, a diesel engine manufacturing unit, a new engine series and new models.Suzuki is also planning to build a car plant in Rayong Province in Thailand, which has a free-trade agreement with Australia.Carroll said the plant would build cars for domestic use, but eventually he expected it would export cars to Australia. With no duty on Thai products, he said he would expect Suzuki cars made in Thailand to be excellent value. Other companies such as Honda export cars to Australia from Thailand.Meanwhile, Suzuki will kick off 2008 with a diesel-powered Grand Vitara SUV.It will be only the third diesel in the competitive compact SUV class, after the launch this year of diesel versions of the Kia Sportage and Jeep Patriot and Compass.Powered by a Renault 1.9-litre common-rail turbo engine, it will be married to a five-speed manual gearbox only.The Grand Vitara will receive a “minor” update in June, powered by a choice of 2.4-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre V6 petrol engines. 

Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf said it would arrive around July 2008, but there are no prices or no specifications yet."The engines are not yet agreed but we will look into a mix of petrol and TDI," she said.There are four engines to choose from, including two diesel.All are direct injection units with turbocharging. The performance range extends from 77kW to 147kW. The S tronic dual-clutch gearbox will be offered as an option.Audi has stayed with the classic fabric top for its light weight and tight fit.The hydraulically operated top will open in lightning fast time – nine seconds – and can also be opened and closed at speeds of up to 30km/h. It will fold away to take up little space and be flush with the body.Between the outer skin and the inner lining there is a synthetic fibre mat that improves thermal insulation and soundproofing – at a speed of 140 km/h it is only 1dB (A) louder inside the Audi A3 Cabriolet than in the A3.If only the front seats are occupied, a wind deflector can be erected above the rear bench seat in a few simple steps from one side of the vehicle.The hood is available in semi-automatic and fully automatic versions, in the latter instance as a specially soundproofed acoustic hood.The four-seater's body structure has a high proportion of high-strength, ultra-high-strength and hot-formed steels, as well as a large number of reinforcing measures to retain rigidity and crash safety.The rear seat backs can be folded down, increasing the luggage capacity from 260 to 674 litres whether the hood is up or down.It comes with responsive electromechanical power steering, four-link rear suspension and an optional sports suspension.

About two years ago I bought an iPod. Now, our family of four has six, no seven. Hang on, wait until after Christmas and I'll do another count. What's more amazing is that I own three of them and my wife doesn't have any.Furthermore, every single one of the iPods is different. Not just different in colour, but different in size, capacity and/or capability. There are handy little iPods that fit into your pocket and play podcasts of The Chaser while you're on the train.There are bigger iPods that are flat and have massive memory and battery capability.And there is my first iPod, a fat and now antiquated second-generation 40GB unit that plays more songs than I have in my entire CD library and, I'm sure, on the playlist of any of the FM stations that claim 'no repeat workdays.'Apart from video capability, they are all there to provide musical entertainment.So why do we need so many?Not sure how that happened, but they just seem to accumulate. Of course, now everyone has one (except my wife, that is) and we don't know what we would do without them. Not only have we all got one (again excluding my wife), but we all want the latest one.I'm sure someone at Apple is employed to simply come up with different designs, sizes and colours of iPods just to make us go out and buy another one. And do we really need all this variety when my 40-gig iPod still works and does exactly what the others do? Which brings me to the just-as-ubiquitous BMW 3 Series.Since they began in 1975, when I was a pimply faced, long-haired, nose-picking git, I've wanted one, mainly because it was the entry point for the aspirational brand. That is, before the baby 1 Series came along in 2004.In 2000, I almost bought an E46 3 Series, but realised it would be too expensive to maintain on my wage. More than 40 years have passed since I first lusted after a 3 Series and now we are up to the fifth generation.And, of course, now I am a motoring journalist I seem to be driving a 3 Series every second week on test.Yet they are never the same.There are at least five different petrol and diesel engines each available in sedan, convertible, coupe and wagon, plus a variety of various packages of extras.In fact, there is only one breed of car that has more varieties than the 3 Series and that's its sworn enemy, the C-Class Mercedes-Benz.It seems you can go into a BMW dealership and say, “I want a 3 Series and this is how much I have to spend.” And it doesn't matter if it's $51,000 or $300,000, the salesperson will find a 3 Series to suit you from a pov-pack 320i to an M3 with all the fruit. Now, with salary sacrificing and user-chooser packages, it seems every aspiring blue, white and no-collar worker can afford a 3 Series.And benevolent BMW can supply you one that will fit you right down to your inside leg measurements. Even the basic model can be tucked here, let out there, this gizmo added and that one coloured and leathered a little differently. But watch out, because BMW, like Benz, charge a small fortune for any extras. It would not be impossible to double the cost of your 320i with the addition of sat nav, TV, M pack suspension, etc.This is either Germany's expression of capitalism providing the customer with exactly what they want, or some Teutonic plot to drive us all stark raving mad.One of the most recent 3 Series I tested was the middle-of-the-pack 325i auto sedan.This came shortly after I experienced the hot 335i at the Carsguide Car of the Year testing.That car cost $104,500, but after the extras, the real price was $113,550.The 325i I drove with six-speed auto normally costs $76,400.However, this one had the $3300 'Innovations Package,' which includes Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights with washer system and high-beam assist, USB audio interface for MP3 integration, colour monitor and Professional Navigation System including TV and voice recognition.On top of that, BMW has kitted this out with a multi-function sports leather steering wheel ($200), metallic paint ($1600), glass electric sunroof ($2750), 17-star spoke alloys with with run flat tyres ($300).That means the car actually cost $84,550.I wouldn't have got the TV, although it comes with the sat nav as part of the Innovations Package.The voice recognition system was fun, but a gimmick that takes a long time to set up. If you really can't deal with the complex iDrive system, this is going to be easier, if you can work out how to set it up.I also wouldn't bother with the run-flat tyres which make the ride harsher, nor the fancy headlights although they are safer.Nor would a true Queenslander, especially one with no hair like me, bother with a sunroof.But I would definitely have the USB interface which gives complete control of your iPod through the sound system. Very safe and convenient.However, it rankles that you have to either pay $3300 for the 'Innovations Package,' which includes MP3 connectivity or pay $650 separately for the function.Meanwhile, it is standard across the model range in the budget Hyundai i30, one of many reasons it won Carsguide's Car of the Year. Are you listening, BMW?So, how did the 325i go?Like most other 3 Series, pretty good. Better than the 320i and not as good as the 335i.Although, I believe the new C-Class now has its measure in many aspects.In fact, Benz has even copied the overly complicated and utterly annoying iDrive control.   SnapshotBMW 325i sedanPrice: $76,400 ($84,550 as tested)Engine: 4 starsCreamy smooth and lustyHandling: 4 starsExemplary, but ride is compromised by run-flat tyresSafety: 5 starsNot much more you could wantValue: 2 starsExtras add a lot of cost Tech specsEngine: 2494cc, 24-valve straight 6Power: 141kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 245Nm @ 3500rpmTransmission: 6-speed sequential autoDimensions (MM): 4471 (l), 1739 (w), 1415 (h), 2725 (w'base)Fuel: 63-litre tank, 9.8l/100km combinedTurning circle: 10.5mKerb weight: 1455kgTowing: 1700kg (braked), 720kg (unbraked)Acceleration: 0-100km/h 8.2secVerdictFor: Driving dynamicsAgainst: Yet another 3 SeriesOverall: 3 starsMid-pack in the 3 Series 

It found that eight out of 10 motorists (79 per cent) claim to be concerned about the effect of their motor vehicle on the environment, up from 73 per cent in 2005 and 64 per cent in 2003. However, the Australian Automobile Association survey also found that, on average, motorists estimate that cars contribute 32 per cent to Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions. The AAA claims the actual contribution is less than one quarter of that (7.8 per cent). AAA executive director Mike Harris said their eighth national survey of 1500 motorists showed people were becoming increasingly conscious of the environment and greenhouse debate but needed better information. "It is now accepted that if Australia is to take on the climate change challenge, cuts in greenhouse gas emissions will be needed," Harris said. "Efforts are under way to improve the effect of cars on the environment, with the introduction of new vehicle technology to reduce fuel consumption, alternative fuels like LPG, and advice for motorists on how to change their driving behaviour to reduce fuel use." "But it is important that the community, policy makers and motorists have an accurate understanding of the facts." The biggest contributor to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions are power plants with 51 per cent, followed by agriculture (17 per cent), then passenger cars. Tasmanians expressed the most environmental concern, with 83 per cent concerned, compared with 79 per cent in Queensland. Motorists in the Northern Territory were the least concerned at only 73 per cent. When asked to estimate how much cars contribute to total greenhouse emissions in Australia, nearly half (46 per cent) believe they have a rough idea, but their estimates are significantly overestimated. Those respondents who said they had no idea of their car's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (an estimate of 30 per cent emissions) were more accurate than those who said they had a rough idea (estimated at 32 per cent). Younger motorists are especially likely to overestimate the contribution of cars to Australia's greenhouse emissions, with their average estimate being just over 35 per cent.

Now you can own the car that leads the Formula One cars; a Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series based on the official F1 Safety Car.According to Mercedes Car Group Australian managing director Horst von Sanden, the company had secured 50 CLK 63 AMG Black Series for the Australia Pacific region, despite strong demand overseas."Our allocation of 50 will be among the last to be produced in this strictly limited run of vehicles," he said.Since orders started in mid-November more than half of the allocation has been sold with delivery in the first quarter of 2008.Each vehicle will be individually numbered with a compliance style plate and a certificate of authenticity, along with a signed letter of provenance and despite the name, comes in colours other than black.Owners also will have access to special hospitality and driving events.The $299,000 coupe is powered by the AMG 6.3-litre V8 with its performance boosted to 373kW and 630Nm of torque.Thanks to the extra 19kW of output, the black Benz races to 100km/h in 4.3sec, making it .3sec faster than the standard 354kW model. The top speed is electronically limited to 300km/h.The extra power of the high-revving, naturally aspirated 6208cc AMG engine was extracted through an overhauling of the intake and exhaust systems.Power is transmitted through the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic gearbox with a shortened final drive ratio for better acceleration.Outside there is '6.3 AMG' and 'Black Series' badging, side sill panels that extend back to the rear wings and two twin AMG tailpipes.The new AMG sports exhaust system with full-length twin pipes features new silencers and a lower exhaust backpressure.Benz claims this also produces a deeper V8 bass rumble.The black Benz sits on 19-inch AMG forged lightweight wheels shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa sports tyres size 265/30 R 19 (front) and 285/30 R 19 (rear).Carbon fibre abounds on the diffuser fins, spoiler boot lip and enlarged intake ducts.The interior also gets plenty of carbon fibre trim, AMG logos, aluminium door handles and a start/stop button in matt black with AMG Black Series lettering.This car has been specifically designed for use at track days.It is a dedicated two-seater sports car with no rear seats and front AMG sports bucket seats covered in flame-retardant nylon velour with white AMG logos.It also has new AMG sports suspension featuring adjustable ride height, adjustable compression and rebound shock absorbers, rear-axle track and front axle track and camber, allowing drivers to personalise the setup for competitive driving.The carbon fibre AMG instrument cluster features a race timer to record lap times and distances along with average and top speeds. 

At least that is how it felt as we roared Mazda's massive CX-9 seven-seater SUV/people mover up the twisty road to Mt Beauty in the Victorian Alps; during the media launch.Here, the road beckons the spirited 204kW V6 engine to press on, but the dynamic stability control steps in with brute force almost as soon as a wheel begins to step out of line and shuts everything down as if the invisible hand of God has grabbed the car.If you want to play, you are out of luck. But if you want a safe people mover, this is about as safe as you can get.The biggest and most powerful Mazda yet is also the first in its class with rollover stability control and the first Mazda with a reversing camera. It also features side curtain airbags that go all the way back to the third row. Safe and almost as big as houses.The CX-9 is a massive piece of sheet metal that replaces Mazda's MPV people mover and will compete in the medium SUV segment against the new Toyota Kluger, Ford Territory, Hyundai Santa Fe and updated Subaru Tribeca.It sits above the CX-7 compact SUV which costs $39,910-$45,560.The Classic model starts just under $50,000 and features a long list of standard features such as rain-sensing wipers, reversing camera, fog lamps, touch-screen entertainment system, 18-inch wheels, three-zone airconditioning, cruise control and trip computer.The $57,265 Luxury model adds leather, sunroof, powered and heated front seats and 10-speaker Bose sound system.A retro-fittable satellite navigation accessory item costing $3000 will arrive in January.Mazda global marketing chief Dan Morris says; the CX-9 takes the company in a new direction.“It opens up a new section of the market we have not been in before,” he said.“It really is tailor-made for Australia. We know you like big engines. We know you like big interior space.”CX-9 program manager Hideaki Tanaka from Hiroshima said the car was designed to be sporty, prestigious, versatile and safe, having earned top marks in American crash testing.He said Australia was the first market to get the right-hand-drive version.It was tested here by Hiroshima and Australian Mazda engineers for steering, handling, comfort, noise, vibration and harshness.Several standard features were fitted for the Australian market including the reversing camera, touch-screen display and trip computer, while the 60/40 second row split and middle seatbelt were reversed.Tanaka said the distinguishing feature of the CX-9 was the amount of room in the second and third rows and the easy one-handed access to the rear seats.Mazda Australia marketing manager Alastair Doak said they would sell about 400 a month, about 80 per cent Luxury models.He refused to call the CX-9 a soccer mum's car.“Our potential customers would be horrified by that term. They want a performance car with lots of space,” he said.In the boring colours offered it looks like a beached whale or at least an over-inflated CX-7. To be fair, it is difficult to make such a big slab-sided car look sleek, but Mazda has done a reasonable job.It is also difficult to make such a big car responsive, economical and dynamic. The 3.7-litre engine has plenty of top-end power. It is Mazda's first mass-production car with more than 200kW of power and it is claimed to reach 100km/h from standstill in 8.3sec.But while it lacks some low-end torque, the super-fast and smooth six-speed Aisin gearbox makes the best of the engine's strengths. It is the same gearbox as in the CX-7, but with a taller top gear to maximize economy.Mazda quotes 13 litres/100km, but on the launch we managed 14.4 and most others fared worse. Still, it's better than our experiences with the Ford Territory.The auto transmission tells you what gear you are in and slips quickly into sixth gear for more economical driving. If you lightly touch the throttle, it immediately drops back to fifth almost imperceptibly. Dab the throttle a little more vigorously and it drops two gears instantly.There is a fair ratio gap between second and third which, on top of the interventionist DSC, made our charge up Mt Beauty even more difficult as we were either over or under-revving.Around town the big machine feels light and easy to manoeuvre despite an 11.4m turning circle. Manoeuvrability is aided by very light steering that becomes heavier with speed.Out on the highway the power-assisted steering has a bit of an American dead feel in the middle.The quiet cabin becomes rather tiresome with plenty of tyre, road and wind noise, especially from the wing mirrors. Yet the cabin is a comfortable, roomy and a classy place to be.Mazda is marketing it under the slogan “It can carry your whole life,” and that's not far wrong.There is plenty of legroom, although it should be noted that it really isn't a seven-adult carrier. More like four adults and three kids as the centre seat in the second row is narrow and the third row has limited room, although it is better than many in its class.Access to the third row is easy because the second row slides a long way forward and the floor is flat. But the third row suffers from a lack of headroom and a high floor that will have adults sitting with their knees up high. Also, unlike some other seven-seaters, the third row is actually lower than the second which, together with a low roof and small side windows, makes it claustrophobic.There are drink holders in the rear, but only floor air vents. The second row gets separate air controls and vents, while the third row is only for juniors; there is still more room behind the seat for luggage than in competitors' cars. The third row easily folds flat to reveal a very large and serviceable cargo area. The second row also folds flat, but a little higher and with a gap in the floor.Mazda could do with the Kluger's self-opening/closing rear door because the tailgate is quite heavy.Up front, there are comfortable seats, with plenty of easy-to-operate controls, but the raked windscreen allows in too much sun so your legs can bake.The Luxury model's small sunroof only extends over the front seats. It would be better placed over the second and/or third rows or with a second sunroof as some competitors have.Mazda claims the temporary spare tyre is not a bicycle tyre like most space savers. They say it is a very serviceable 17-inch spare that has a larger profile to provide the same diameter as the fitted tyres, It is also a reasonable 195mm wide compared with 245mm on the fitted tyres. Mazda says it is only called a temporary because of Australian Design Rules.Doak says there will be no diesel nor two-wheel-drive stripper model like some of its competitors.  Snapshot Mazda CX-9Price: $49,990-$57,265Body: 5-door, 7-seat, Classic and Luxury trimEngine: 3726cc 24-valve, V6 DOHCBore X stroke: 95.5 x 86.7mmCompression: 10.3:1Power: 204kW @ 6250rpmTorque: 366Nm @ 4250rpmFuel: ULP, 76-litre tank, 13L/100km (claimed)Emissions: Euro IV, 309g/kmTransmission: 6-speed sequential auto, AWDBrakes: 320/325mm ventilated discsTurning circle: 11.4mSuspension: MacPherson strut (front), multi-link (rear)Tyres: 245/60 R18 (Classic), 245/50 R20 (Luxury)Wheels: alloy, temporary spareDimensions (MM): 5074 (l), 1936 (w), 1728 (h), 2875 (wheelbase), 200 (clearance)Kerb weight: 2041kg (Classic), 2080 (Luxury)Towing: 2000kg (braked), 750kg (unbraked) 

Over the years, the motoring industry has been slow to latch on to changes in technology – from AM radio to eight-track, to cassettes, digital CDs and now computer files. There are three approaches to computer files. The easiest, cheapest and most prevalent is to play these files burnt on to a CD. Then there is the auxiliary headphone jack to play an MP3 player, or full compatibility through a USB port. The third is to fit a hard drive which can directly download and store your music from a computer or CDs. Chrysler does it and now Peugeot is introducing its RT4 Multi Media System in the Peugeot 207. Peugeot Automobiles Australia public and customer relations manager Mathew McAuley said they had not yet been advised when it would be available in Australia. He said it could be several months before it was fitted in 207s here. The system uses a 30GB hard drive to store up to 180 hours of music tracks downloaded from your computer or CDs. Hard drives are a lot more expensive than an auxiliary jack or even USB connectivity, but they are claimed to have better audio quality and more functionality. It also includes a satellite navigation system, which is also claimed to be much faster at processing a route because it doesn't have to access CD ROM-based mapping information. Being inbuilt, the RT4 system is also less prone to theft which plagues iPods and portable sat nav units left in cars. The RT4 system has evolved from the original Peugeot RT3 system launched in 2002 but uses the next generation technology with the use of a special disk designed to operate in a car environment. It also features an integrated hands-free GSM mobile phone including voice activation. And you can still use your iPod or portable MP3 player via external RCA/auxiliary sockets, rather than inferior quality mini jacks as used with headphones.