Articles by Neil Dowling

The best road for the Vanquish Volante twists through a steep-sided valley. Dial up "sport" mode, set the driver-select suspension to "track" and proceed at pace

Slicing two cylinders off BMW's hot M-Series mid-size machines has had a remarkable effect - not only does it boost performance but it also slashes fuel consumption. Replacing the 4.0-litre V8 with a bi-turbo 3.0-litre inline six, the BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe arrive in September in their fifth generation with lightweight cladding and race-tuned drivetrain.They were shown at last week's Geneva motor show - though, strangely, set at the back of the stand to give prominence to the i8 and the front-wheel drive Touring hatchback. The M3/M4 six-cylinder replaces the V8 introduced in the 2007 E90 model, returning the cylinder count to that of the E36/46 that started as a 210kW 2.0-litre.Model designations now pick up BMW's ostensibly clearer coding of odd numbers for sedans, evens for coupes and convertibles - hence M3 for the sedan and M4 for the two-door. BMW Australia says it's champing at the bit to get the pair. No prices or final specs are available though it's unlikely they'd be an increase on the existing models.The current entry-level Pure coupe costs $131,945 as a dual-clutch automatic. Developed for the M3 and M4, the new bi-turbo engine pumps 317kW and, more importantly, 550Nm of torque - up 40 per cent on the outgoing V8-engined M3.It will be available as a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the latter being as quick as the manual but more frugal.The optional dual-clutch auto includes an integrated launch control and a "smoky burnout" function to allow some rear-wheel spin while the car is moving at low speeds. The BMW also engages the clutch when the car is understeering, to return it to the cornering line. The dual-clutch versions claim 8.3L/100km (8.8L for the manual), down 25 per cent on the current model.The 0-100km/h sprint takes 4.1 seconds in both variants, down from 4.6 seconds. Both cars have carbon-fibre roof panels and components to reduce weight. The coupe, for example, is only 1497kg which is down about 80kg on the existing two-door M3.For the first time, the track-specification cooling setup keeps the engine, transmission and turbochargers at the optimum temperature. Externally, the cars carry the wider stance of the donor models and add subtle aerodynamic aids to maintain downforce and ease fuel consumption.The M3 has a larger rear spoiler than the boot lip of the M4. Both have a smooth underbody and large front spoiler, both succeed in reducing lift equally at the front and rear axles.BMW M Division head of development Albert Biermann says air is channelled through the grille, then the oil cooler to create a Venturi effect that reduces front-axle lift and improves steering feel. Even the distinctive side mirrors, unique to these models, are on twin stalks to reduce drag.This reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling

Through the snaking bitumen circuit the carbon-fibre coupe skips and twitches, grumbles and roars and arrests every gram of the driver's attention.

Priced at some $50,000 a seat, Alfa Romeo's tiny new flagship isn't cheap — but it's one of the stars of the Geneva motor show. The roadster take on the beguiling 4C coupe follows the hardtop into local showrooms early next year, from $100,000 to as much as $120,000 for a special launch edition. The coupe arrives late this year priced from about $80,000.The launch edition features bigger wheels, sports bodywork, extra carbon-fibre components and upgraded cabin trim. Fiat Chrysler spokeswoman Karla Leach says 120 customers have paid deposits for the coupe without knowing the final price. The Spider was confirmed as an addition to the range this week."Some people who have paid deposits for the coupe may change to the Spider," she says. The 4C is the Mini-Me version of Alfa's limited-edition 8C, which was built by Maserati with a Ferrari engine.Despite its relative diminutive size, the 4C emulates the 8C's high-performance mandate and light weight with a carbon-fibre body and a 1750cc turbocharged petrol engine, dual-clutch transmission and rear-wheel-drive. The Spider sticks with the formula, weighing only 895kg and measuring less than 4m long and 1.2m high.The engine, an evolution of the Giulietta hatchback's turbo four, is tuned to 177kW/350Nm for a 0-100km/h sprint time of only 4.5 seconds. The 4C's power plant has redesigned intake and exhaust ports, direct fuel injection, continuous variable valve timing for inlet and exhaust and a scavenging control setup to eliminate turbo lag.The dual-clutch transmission has six ratios, selected by paddle-shifters. New for the brand is the 4C's DNA selector - it has three standard drivetrain settings, dynamic, natural and all-weather. A "race" mode sharpens engine, steering and transmission responses.This reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling Watch the desktop version of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider trailer video here. 

Honda CR-V DTi-S and Mitsubishi Outlander LS diesel go head-to-head in this comparative review..star {width:135px;}#article-corpus {width:100%; padding-right: 0;}

How do you transport a bike or three in a way that is safe, secure and easy to unload? The best way depends on what sort of car you have, how many bikes you want to carry and how often.There are five main options: - in-car storage - two-bar bike racks - roof racks - strap-on racks and - floor mounts for utes. For the sake of security and for people who just won’t buy a rack, there’s a choice of vehicle that can fit a bike or two. As a (part-time) cyclist, here’s my favourite five.I’ve ignored van derivatives because I don’t want to drive a van. My selections will carry two people, two bikes and do it within a locked cabin. Some disassembly - removing the front wheel - may be required.TOYOTA PRIUS VCarsguide likes people-movers for their ability to carry not only people but combinations of passengers and cargo. This longer version of the Prius hybrid can seat seven or carry a clutch of bikes. The wagon is also easy to drive, economical and affordable. Performance is modest, as is fuel consumption.Price: from $35,990Thirst: 4.4L/100kmSeats: 7Luggage: 200L (all seats up), 505L (five seats), 1905L (two seats)Vehicle length: 4.6mHONDA CR-VExceptional cabin room for a compact SUV, which is why this and not the more fun to drive Mazda’s CX-5 was a 2012 Car of the Year finalist. New diesel model is the one to watch.Price: from $27,490Thirst: 7.7L/100kmSeats: 5Luggage: 556L/1648LVehicle length: 4.5mSKODA OCTAVIA WAGONNew Octavia gets a pretty face and even better refinement; flexibility. Well priced and the economy is excellent. A left-field choice is Skoda’s Roomster. Yes, we know what it looks like but it’s a unique compact people/bike-mover.Price: from $23,040Thirst: 5.7L/100kmSeats: 5Luggage: 588L/1718LVehicle length: 4.7mHONDA JAZZYes, you can have a city and bike-friendly car. Unlike most of its rivals, the baby of this selection has a versatile interior and the "magic seats" allow the rear pews to be split, flipped and folded. Two bikes can be fitted upright, with the front wheels removed. Not bad for a car that fits in the tiniest parking spaces.Price: from $15,990Thirst:  5.8L/100kmSeats: 5Luggage: 337L/1320LVehicle length: 3.9mMITSUBISHI OUTLANDERThe SUV’s bland, almost bulbous styling fits seven seats and the potential for hauling lots of cargo. The flexible folding seats are perfect for loading bicycles. Again, the diesel is the pick.Price: From $27,640Thirst:6.9L/100kmSeats: 7Luggage: 477L/1608LVehicle length: 4.7m

The pace of new and so-called "all-new" models is so dizzying that it's almost gratifying to find one that's endured. Make no mistake, this is an old car, one whose underpinnings and drivetrains long predate its 2007 shape. Though it will be replaced later this year, the package is surprisingly contemporary

Toyota Camry Atara SL vs Nissan Altima Ti go head-to-head in this comparative review. .star {width:135px;}#article-corpus {width:100%; padding-right: 0;}

Ford Fiesta Sport and Fiat Panda Easy go head-to-head in this comparative review..star {width:135px;}#article-corpus {width:100%; padding-right: 0;}

Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI and Volvo XC60 T6 go head-to-head in this comparative review. .star {width:135px;}#article-corpus {width:100%; padding-right: 0;}