Articles by Michael Turner

The German manufacturer will start rolling out the four Coupes and three Cabriolet E-Class variants, starting at $79,990, which they say will ‘represent excellent value in the luxury car segment.’“The new E-Class indicates our commitment to safety, technology and equipment without compromise.” Mercedes-Benz spokesman Richard Emery says.Standard features on all E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet variants include Active Park Assist, 19” wheels, parking sensors, keyless entry and push to start, an LED intelligent light system, and an automatic climate control system. The Cabriolet also comes with an ‘Airscarf’ neck-level heating system.The top level E 400 Coupe and Cabriolet both come with a Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system and 360 degree camera.Mercedes have held true with their commitment to safety, with a host of safety features. Autonomous cruise control with Steering Assist, Active Blind spot assist, collision avoidance system with active pedestrian protection, rear sensors that detect an imminent rear-end collision and Emergency brake assist with Junction assist come standard in all variants.From $79,990 the entry level E 200 Coupe and Cabriolet carries a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with outputs of 135kW of power and 300Nm of torque. The two consume 6.0 and 6.5L/100km respectively.The E 250 variant has outputs of 155kW and 350Nm of torque – 40Nm more than the previous model. The E 250 CDI Coupe is powered by a two-stage turbocharged diesel engine producing 500Nm of torque, while consuming only 4.7L/100km.The top of the line E 400 Coupe and Cabriolet is powered by a 6-cylinder bi-turbo engine, producing 240kW and 480Nm of torque. The coupe can go from zero to 100km/h in just 5.2 seconds, with the Cabriolet a second slower.

Honda have unveiled their 2014 Honda Accord Hybrid for the US market, which boasts a 4.8L/100km fuel economy – making it one of the most frugal cars to hit the market.The fuel figure is just 0.9L/100km more than the most economical Toyota Prius model. However, Honda have given no indication yet that we’ll see it as a contender against the Prius here.The new Hybrid, revealed in California for the US market, is being considered by Honda Australia, but no decision has been made.“The Accord Hybrid is under consideration for Australia however we have no time frame,” said Honda Australia spokesperson Melissa Cross.Honda however have announced the hybrid for the Japanese market, meaning that there will be a right-hand drive model manufactured.So prospective Australian customers have to wait, but the car’s reveal gives us a peek into what Honda have in store.Both the US and Japanese Hybrid’s will sport a 5-star safety rating, super low fuel economy and a comprehensive line up of interior technology as standard.The Accord Hybrid features the same styling as the standard Accord Sedan, but has an added unique hybrid badge, blue-accented light lenses and grille, LED daytime running lights, a unique wheel design and a spoiler.The Honda Accord Hybrid has the new two-motor Hybrid powertrain, which we have already seen in the Accord Plug In, released earlier this year. The Accord Hybrid has an added ‘Sport Hybrid Intelligent Multi Mode Drive’ powertrain, which allows the car to move through three driving modes.‘EV Drive’ is for off the line starts and normal cruising. ‘Engine Drive’ is for high speed cruising on the highway. ‘Hybrid Drive takes charge of the 124-kW electric motor, and a 2-0 litre DOHC i-VTEC 4 cylinder engine, while remaining efficient in stop-start situations. Honda say the result is smooth, powerful acceleration.Honda have introduced more tech to its already long list, with instantaneous fuel economy and energy flow information joining Honda’s LaneWatch, lane departure warning and forward collision warning on an 8-inch colour display.Interior comfort hasn’t been withheld, with HondaLink and Aha radio making its way into this Honda after its 2013 debut. The technology allows you to browse Facebook, News, Twitter and more content in your car – while it’s not moving we hope. ‘Aha’ radio from Harman brings your favourite music content to you on the go, syncing up with your phone for your favourite tracks, playlists and stations.As well as being economical, the Accord Hybrid is also safe. It boats a 5-star NCAP Safety rating, due to its ‘ACE’ body structure which debuted in the 2013 Accord, along with Honda’s new ‘SmartVent’ airbags.The Accord Hybrid goes on sale in the US in October 2013, with no word yet on an Australian release time frame.

BMW has revised their 1 series hatches, adding $5000 of extra value with all but one model dropping by at least $700.The revamped hatches, which will be available in Australia as early as July, will have increased specifications and amended prices.With the exception of the 125i, all 1 series hatches receive a price drop. The 116i gets a $1700 price drop, 118i is $700 cheaper, the 118d drops by $1400, and the M135i is $3500 cheaper than the pre-revamp models. The 125i is $1400 more expensive than the previous rendition.BMW says that every aspect of the 1 series hatch has come under review, to ensure the best product for their customers.“This revision has resulted in over $5000 of added value for the dynamic 1 Series hatch, in some cases much more,” Phil Horton, BMW Australia Managing Director said, “the entry point into the BMW brand has never been better value.”The entry level 116i, which starts at $35,600, gets an upgrade to ‘sensatec’ upholstery, and rear park distance control.The 118i, 118d and 125i also gets the ‘sensatec’ upholstery, as well as a high-resolution 6.5 inch screen, an upgraded navigation system with iDrive, and extended smartphone connectivity with voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming.The 116i, 118i and the 118d will now be equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the higher powered 125i and M125i receive an eight-speed sports automatic with launch control function as standard.The 125i will come standard with 18 inch double spoke alloy wheels, and sports line -- sports seats for driver and front passenger. The top of the line M135i M received the biggest revamp, with eight-speed sports automatic transmission, front and rear park distance control, a ‘Professional’ navigation system with touch controller function and internet functionality.BMW have restructured their option programme, grouping options into packages, which they say will simplify the choices for their customers, and reduce prices.Packages include the Convenience package -- available only in the 116i -- which comes with a rain sensor, anti dazzle interior mirror and extended smartphone connectivity.The Advanced Parking package combines BMW’s parking assistant feature, with front and rear parking distance sensors and a rear parking camera.The Visibility package comes with bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, high-beam assistance, adaptive headlights and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors.Those who enjoy great acoustics can take advantage of the Premium Sound package. A Harman/Kardon sound system with a digital radio teams up with a ‘Professional’ navigation system, bringing high-quality sound and internet functionality.Fans of ride comfort can grab the comfort package, with electric seats, memory function, lumbar support, and seat heating for the front seats.Extra options such as metallic paint, sunroof, and leather upholstery are all still individually selectable.The BMW 1 Series begins production in July, arriving in showrooms from September.

Ford has become the first company to use robotic modules instead of humans to test their vehicles.The American manufacturer has claimed their testing of the Transit van and F-Series trucks has been so strenuous, they have to limit the amount human drivers can undertake.That's where the robots come in. David Payne, Ford North America's vehicle development manager says the challenge is keeping their drivers comfortable and continuing to meet vehicle development times."Robotic testing allows us to do both," Payne said, "We accelerate durability testing while simultaneously increasing the productivity of our programs."Payne say this is achieved by redeploying these drivers to other testing areas, such as noise level and vehicle dynamics testing.The technology used includes a robotic control module. This unit controls the car's steering, braking and acceleration, and is set to a pre-programmed course.Ford claim that their tests can compress 10 years of daily driving abuse into a course just a few hundred yards long. However their press video shows a relatively tame testing course, and if their drivers find these 'strenuous', they should try driving through some Sydney car parks.Not displayed in the video are tests including broken concrete, cobblestone, metal grates, rough gravel, mud pits and oversized speed bumps.All North American Ford trucks must pass these durability tests before they are certified for customer use. With the use of robots, Ford say these tests can be conducted at a faster rate, and even give them a chance to develop more challenging durability tests then the Sydney carpark test on display.

To clear the decks for new Octavia stock on the way, Skoda has added a bundle of equipment to the Octavia 90TSI, dropped the price and added a sharp driveaway deal.The up-specced Skoda Octavia Special Edition rolls out $3,000 cheaper than the Octavia 90TSI it’s based on – and adds in a extra kit worth more than $5000.As well as the standard Octavia 90TSI features, the Special Edition comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, Columbus satellite navigation, eight-speaker audio, 30GB hard drive, dual-zone climate control and auto-rain sensing windscreen wipers. The wagon version also gets a silver roof rack.It is powered by the 1.4-litre, four cylinder engine that develops 90kW of power and 200Nm of torque, with fuel economy of  6.7-litres per 100kms. The Skoda Octavia Special Edition is available in both 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DSG Auto.The Octavia Special Edition goes on sale from June 1 at $21,990 for the manual liftback, and $23,690 for the manual wagon. The DSG automatic  is a $2,300 option. 

Alfa Romeo has expanded their Giulietta range with four new variants, with the base model starting at $25,000 – about $6000 lower than the previous entry level. The new pricing system - part of a new structure for Alfa Romeo and Fiat – is aimed at making the Italian vehicles more affordable for the Australian market and attracting more buyers. “The introduction of an expanded Giulietta range is the next step in our repositioning program for Alfa Romeo,” Fiat Chrysler Australia CEO Veronica Johns says. “We’re confident the significant improvements we’ve made to the value equation for this vehicle line will attract the attention of new car buyers.” The entry level Giuletta will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, outputting 88kW of power and 206Nm of torque. The Progression variant starts with a more powerful 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine also available. All Giuletta models come with the Alfa Romeo DNA system, safety features, electric windows, rain-sensing wipers, wheel mounted radio and phone controls, 6-speaker MP3 capable stereo and a ‘start and stop’ economic system. Model Line-Up  

The Great Aussie Road Trip should be one of the highlights of your family holiday, but factor in the kids’ music and game tastes and they can turn into a nightmare.  Persistent nagging rides shotgun with the whirr of pings and tings emitting from the latest iThing, an irritating combination that your kids are more than capable of exploiting. And some headphones doesn’t necessarily solve that. Most low end headphones still leak noise at low volumes; while the noise pollution from some can just make the kids’s music even more unpleasant. So, how can we turn the sound down and the relaxation factor up? Getting a decent set of headphones will be money well spent. Bud earphones come standard with most phones, however kids often find the adult sized inserts uncomfortable, and they tend not to last long. The best option is the earphone’s larger, more comfortable cousin. The headphone. Headphones are dropping in price, and increasing in variety. Studio quality headphones can be picked up for under the four digit mark, and two digit headphones are getting better. So what are the best options for your kids? Go for the top shelf, and run the risk of losing $600 in one misplaced footstep? Or the cheaper option, and potentially get a product lifespan smaller than your child’s attention span. Here are the best options for your peace of mind, and your kid’s entertainment.    

Great holidays, bad car trips. We’ve all been on those road trips with a soundtrack provided by the kids and their never-ending bleat of  “are we there yet?”  As their whingeing turns into an incessant drone, you can say goodbye to your sanity. Thankfully, the latest tech has you covered, keeping the iGeneration occupied – and letting you enjoy your drive and the scenery. There are plenty of in-car entertainment options, with everything from your compact handheld device to roof-mounted DVD player and screen. There’s something to fit every budget, family, car size and interest. Traditional head-rest screens still get a start in many luxury cars, with various designs, and features still available. Entertaining your kids however is easier thanks to the latest gen of handheld tech. Compact devices, from the average MP3 all the way to the top-end PlayStation Vita will always be among the kids’ favourites, and along with Apple’s iPod/Pad/Phone, provide an attractive and versatile option. Here are our picks of six of the best at a range of affordable prices    

Audi has launched an interactive app that lets you ‘virtually’ park the car in your driveway. The iPad app, called the ‘New Audi A3’, is designed to help you decide which Audi A3 Sportback you want to buy, and whether it will be a good fit for your lifestyle – or perhaps garage style.Audi says that the motive behind the app was to reach time-poor customers. With prospective buyers finding it difficult to make a visit to the showroom, Audi is taking the showroom to them.“Our customers are busy, and they’re also very connected to modern technology,” Audi’s General Manager for marketing Kevin Goult says, “so this application is a great way for them to experience the detail of the new A3 Sportback a month ahead of our national launch.”The app allows you to view the new A3 in a 3D showroom, paint it, tour the inside and of course share photos of it in your driveway. But you aren’t just limited to your driveway; As Carsguide found with this app you can view the A3 just about anywhere.You can see whether the A3 sportsback looks great on the sidewalk, driving up the harbour bridge, on approach to Sydney airport, or even see whether the Audi blue matches Museum station’s sepia tiling. You can also share your new A3 snaps with your friends on Facebook and by email.The app is out now on the iTunes app store now, and the A3 Sportsback national launch is on the May 24. The car will be available from $35,600. The app is free.

New South Wales, Queensland and Victorian Audi dealers were the leaders when Audi Australia has rewarded their top performing dealerships of 2012 in their ‘Mark of Excellence’ awards night.