Articles by Neil Dowling

A decade ago fundamentalist greenies accused SUV owners of damaging the planet's climate and plundering fossil fuel reserves.Today, a 5m long, near-$180,000 Range Rover SUV uses the same amount of fuel as an automatic 2012 Toyota Corolla. Argument over. The Range Rover Vogue - even in its entry-level TDV6 version - may be out of financial reach for most people but nothing can deny it a place as one of 2013's most remarkable motoring exhibits.The all-alloy Vogue's versatility, perfect form and outstanding function will arrest prospective luxury-car buyers. The equipment level, the superb ride comfort and spaciousness put it above saloon cars and its performance smothers many so-called sports cars.Show it the dirt and it'll plunge through where no normal SUV would dare. It is, in fact, the motoring equivalent of Inspector Gadget - a car that is everything to all buyers. Damn shame it costs so much.My wife wants a Thermomix because it's one kitchen appliance that does everything so we don't have to buy five devices.The Range Rover falls in the same category. Of course, like the Thermomix, the price is five times the price of a single-purpose appliance. So at $178,900 (plus $13,420 of options) the 3.0 TDV6 Vogue isn't cheap but can be all cars to all men. And women. The warranty is ordinary, the service costs are high-ish but fuel costs are low.Hot features include massage and heated front and rear seats, huge sunroof ($3080 must-have option), dual-view touch screen ($1300 option) and superb audio. Your neighbours will hate you.This 2013 model softly reflects the original Range Rover silhouette but does so with a bigger, more accommodating body.There is more subtly with the styling - note the neater grille, headlights and tail lights - while 21-inch alloys ($3240 option) give power to the design. Cabin design is beautiful. Lots of leather and wood, excellent graphics and switchgear, superb seats and a wide field of driver vision.It's also big inside with giant-size leg and headroom in the rear and an expanded cargo area that fits a mountain bike without removing its wheels. The electric tailgate, electric fold rear seats and rear-seat control panel adds icing to the cake.The big news is its all-aluminium body that shaves up to 400kg off the old model. The 190kW/600Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel may pale against the optional V8 diesel and Porsche's new 4.2-litre oiler, but it's the right choice for owners who don't tow heavy gear.It's mated to an eight-speed auto that goes through a constant all-wheel drive system. Unlike most rivals, it has a low-range gearbox. The suspension is air adjustable, electric-assist steering, there's Terrain Response to electronically dial in the wagon for different off-road conditions and even stop-start to save a bit of fuel. Brilliant.It's (only) a four-star crash-rated car with nine airbags, electronic stability and traction control enhanced with roll-stability and cornering brake control, cruise control (adaptive is $3240 extra), all-wheel drive and a full-size spare wheel.Boat lovers will salivate over the aquatic bent of this vehicle. It moves forward like a luxury launch, cutting a fluid path and gently pitching and rolling with an unseen ocean's swell. That underbody cushioning - attributes of air suspension - and leather armchair comfort create the feeling that your loungeroom is suddenly capable of motion.There's a cautious vagueness about this marshmallow ride but even when thrown into a corner, the wagon reacts immediately, hardening the suspension and steering so it unrelentingly follows its confident line through the bend.The engine is quick to respond, though there are moments when it gets caught napping and the turbo fails to quickly ignite the engine. In terms of response though, it's a better engine than the optional V8 turbo-diesel that in comparison feels almost truck like.Acceleration to 100km/h is a quick 7.9 seconds and it feels like being pushed in the back by a powerful, velvet-encased glove. It's an incredibly quiet car as well. Electronics run this wagon, from the steering to the optional adaptive cruise to the ride-height air suspension and the five-mode Terrain Response system.In the sand and gravel this never even looked like slowing down. The low-range box, gobs of torque and diff locks sneered at sand. Pump the air suspension up to the max (from 220mm to 295mm) and while wheel travel is reduced, the wagon will clear some really big hurdles.Towing is rated at 3500kg so it may suit a lot of holiday haulers.This is a clever vehicle. Few cars come close to its flexibility while being luxurious, secure and even fun to drive.

Choosing the right car can open the door to the executive floor, or confirm your corner office and that overdue promotion to the big league. Just as the right suit, tie, shoes or watch send a message to management, so does the right car.Working on the basis that you should always dress for the job you want, not the one you have, there are some impressive buys around in the prestige class. And, better than anything, a smart second-hand purchase is a great way to reward yourself.You still need to think about the obvious stuff -- maintenance and repair costs, insurance, fuel economy and resale value -- but driving a tasty import doesn't have to mean a second mortgage. Buying near-new, with just a couple of years on the clock, can open the doors to some impressive cars.Here are three that tick the boxes for the Carsguide undercover crew:(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSIf out of warranty use a brand specialist mechanic. If you can find a manual you're sure to save even more. Prestige cars cost to maintain so budget for this.2009 BMW 323iEngine: 2.5-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 8.8L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSA BMW badge is enough for many people and it needn't break the bank. The upmarket E90-model 3 Series sedan has balanced and subtly arresting style. The 323i (or the E92 325i if you spend $50K) gets a six-cylinder engine and earns more street cred than the four-cylinder 318i and 320i. It's not cheap to own or run, but the 323i still has lots going for it. It has room for four adults, is an exhilarating drive with solid handling, and even the fuel use isn't too bad. A thorough service history is mandatory and new owners are expected to continue this trend.2009 Lexus IS250 PrestigeEngine: 2.5-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.7L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSAn underestimated car that's perfect for first-time executive buyers. This particular example is the desirable 2009 upgrade model and gets extra kit such as the heated and cooled front seats and satnav. The IS is similar in size to a 3 Series but more focused on comfort and equipment than performance or rip-roaring cornering. Lexus builds beautiful cars and owners report very good customer service.2009 Mercedes-Benz C280 AvantgardeEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 9.4L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSThis C-Class variant is a cut above the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.1-litre diesel models that sold best in 2008-10. Its 3.0 V6 gives punchy performance, at the cost of a greater thirst, as well as a distinctive exhaust note. There is commendable safety and reasonable equipment, although it's not a match for the Lexus.

Nothing gets the weight off quicker than a car company chasing the best fuel economy. Until recently, cars were like a sweet-tooth in a lolly shop, greedy for more and failing to heed a burgeoning paunch.Now, like a sadistic personal trainer, the threat of excessive fuel thirst means the weight has to come off. Mitsubishi carved more than 100kg off its new Outlander and though it lost a few centimetres in length, created an SUV that has a much larger cabin, more equipment and an improved safety package.Even its base model gets it all. Losing weight hurts - in this case the pain is that the newest Outlander is subjectively less attractive than the old model - but it's possible.VALUEMitsubishi fires the front-wheel drive, manual gearbox Outlander with its 2-litre petrol engine right amongst its rivals. At $28,990 this base-model is affordable, spacious, economical and well equipped but you'll need to add $2250 for the auto.Disappointingly, there's no seven-seat option and no diesel in this model. Resale demand is strong with a 51 per cent retained value after three years and the capped-price service is a reasonable $340 a year for the first four years.Standard gear includes rear park sensors, Bluetooth with hands-free phone service, six-speaker audio, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning and a full-size spare wheel.DESIGNAt 4655mm long this is the biggest front-drive SUV in its class, 100mm longer than the next longest, the Honda CR-V. But rear park sensors and its square silhouette don't make it a hard car to park while the size rewards with a spacious cabin.But it's not the most stylish SUV on the block with a conservative plumpness - a return to its 2003 roots - at odds with the sharp lines of the RAV4, for example. The Outlander's dash is, however, refreshing. Soft materials, easy-to-read and use switchgear, a good driving position and the sense of space make it a comfortable car.The single lift-up hatch isn't as handy as the old model's horizontally split tailgate. The spare wheel is carried in a under-chassis cradle so its access doesn't disturb any luggage.TECHNOLOGYThe 2-litre engine is a single-overhead cam design - rivals are all twin-cam - and has been around for a while, though from last year adds an improved valve train. At 110kW/190Nm it's on par with rivals and claims 7L/100km, beaten only by the miserly Mazda CX-5.Sparing fuel is helped by the Outlander's “Eco Drive” mode that prompts the driver to watch a dashboard score chart. The five-speed manual is one cog less than rivals - though drivers may appreciate the omission - and electric steering is now standard.The Outlander is externally smaller and significantly lighter - up to 100kg - than the old model yet the cargo bed is 340mm longer at 1690mm.SAFETYIt gets a five-star rating, has seven airbags and all the normal electronic aids. It also has hill-start assist - appreciated in the manual version - and reverse sensors. The Outlander has a full-size spare wheel.DRIVINGFrom the expansive cabin, you wouldn't guess this is the entry-level Outlander. The dash looks and feels quality and leather trim to the steering wheel and gear knob add class. The petrol engine is quiet and its delivery smooth and tractable from low revs.It's no powerhouse but even with three adults aboard it gets along without fuss. Ride comfort is one of the best in its class and road noise is relatively low, more than likely because of the less-expensive high-profile tyres.Fuel-saving electric-assist steering isn't as precise as some others, especially through quick corners, but you get used to it. Better is its touring ability. The ride quality and the leisurely engine make it lope along with ease at 100km/h.Fuel use on test was 8.2L/100km, not bad for predominantly city and suburban  driving. However, the auto is more fuel efficient (6.6L/100km compared with manual Outlander's official 7.0L/100km) and the idea choice for suburbia.VERDICTDespite its price, it's not low rent and offers lots of room for the bucks. Want more space? CR-V has even more cabin room.Mitsubishi Outlander ESPrice: from $28,990Warranty: 5 years/130,000km, roadside assist Resale: 51% Service Interval: 12mths/15,000kmSafety: 7 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 110kW/190NmTransmission: 5-spd manual; front drive Thirst: 7.0L/100km; 91RON; 161g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.7m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 1395kgSpare: Full-size steel 

All Nissan Australia will commit to is that Nismo “is under assessment”. But the hot versions of Nissan's models - currently the Juke, 370Z and GT-R - are being integrated into the company's productio

Two of a limited 55-car batch of the red-hot $56,900 Mini JCW GP Editions have set down in Australia.

BMW X3 30d and Audi Q5 3.0TDI go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Now the seven-seat wagon that capably pounded the outback as easily as cruise the city is being replaced by a sponge-cake version based on the Murano SUV and Maxima sedan.Australia gets the fourth-generation Pathfinder late this year, more than 12 months after it went on sale in the US. The US gets only a 194kW 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and though Nissan Australia spokesman Peter Fadeyev can't reveal our final engine choices, it's likely we'd follow suit with this sole offering. “The engine line-up, along with Australian prices and specifications, will be announced closer to the time of Pathfinder's local release,” he says.The problem may be the engine layout. The next Pathfinder is based on the Murano platform - also shared with the Maxima - which has a transverse-mounted engine, unlike the longitudal layout of the current model which also supports a turbo-diesel. No global Nissan market sells a transversely-mounted turbo-diesel engine in the Murano platform.However, Nissan associate company Renault uses the platform with a 180kW/450Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel (or 2-litre four-cylinder oiler) in the Korean-built Latitude sedan. The upcoming Pathfinder will come only with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) and will no longer have a low-range transfer case.Carsguide visited the Pathfinder on the Nissan stand at last week's Chicago motor show. It's longer, wider but considerably lower than the current model, while its 50mm wheelbase extension - now 2900mm - gives adult space in the third-row seat.More cabin room comes because the intrusive ladder-frame platform is gone. The signature “invisible” rear door handles of the current model have been replaced with the more conventional door handles while the grille styling moves away from the truck-like look and will become more passenger-car in appearance.The cabin is also more like a car, picking up Maxima-like controls while emphasising family-oriented storage spaces. The introduction of the soft-roader Pathfinder won't change the more workhorse ute version, the Navara, which will remain a diesel and retain the longitudal engine layout on a ladder-frame chassis.Nissan Australia's Fadeyev also says we won't get the bigger Titan ute - a 5.7m long dual-cab or extended-cab model using a 5.6-litre petrol V8 or Cummins diesel - and instead will remain with the smaller Navara.

A fiery division of Nissan is back on the track and expanding its global sales to Australia. A 147kW/249Nm Nissan Juke Nismo, shown this week at the Chicago motor show, could make it here to complement this year's release of the more subdued 140kW/240Nm of the standard Nissan Juke. Australia is said to be interested in the Nismo (it stands for Nissan Motorsport International) lineup that includes the Juke and a hot 370Z. Nissan Australia boss Bill Peffer says he'll wait until the market reacts to the standard Juke before making a decision on the Nismo version which is expected to cost about $36,000. The move pre-empts Nissan's push to overhaul its compact SUV models - Dualis and X-Trail - within 18 months while including the front-wheel drive Juke into the Australian market. But in Chicago, Nissan's global communications manager Simon Sproule indicates the Nismo sales in Australia are a done deal. He says that while the latest Nismo makes up only about 5-10 per cent of Juke sales, it had potential and was considered vital to showcase Nissan's sports-oriented aspirations. "This is really the re-launch of Nismo,'' he says of the release of the Juke edition. "The Juke and the 370Z show Nismo's abilities.'' The Juke Nismo was shown at Chicago with a full body kit that creates 37 per cent more downforce than the standard car. It also has bigger 18-inch wheels and a lowered suspension. Sproule says Nissan is also planning to go one step further with a planned 162kW RC version of the Juke Nismo, with a lowered body, choice of front or all-wheel drive and a more aggressive body styling. "The Juke Nismo was developed and priced to be accessible,'' Sproule says. "We focus on value. "But the RC is coming in about 18 months and it's less compromised car for the more performance-oriented owner.'' Sproule says Nissan has been approached by rally teams that wanted to use the Juke Nismo in competition. "We are very keen to see the Juke enter rallying - it's a sport that has a lot of heritage at Nissan. "But it's not a priority for us to have a factory presence. "We have our hands full with V8 Supercars, Le Mans, Super GT in Japan and through Infiniti, Formula One. "Now is our biggest presence in motorsport ever. "Rallying is undergoing a transition and there are a lot of factory teams competing in WRC. But for now, we can supply the Juke Nismo for independent teams but not for our factory - not yet.'' The 370Z Nismo was launched at Chicago with minor updates over the previous year's car. Compared with a standard 370Z, it has a firmer ride thanks to spring rates that have been increased by 15 per cent, rear spring rates up by 10 per cent, the front stabilizer bar rate is firmer by 15 per cent and the rear stabilizer bar is 50 per cent stiffer. Nissan says the roll stiffness rate has been increased by 15 per cent and front and rear dam ping factors have been increased by 40 per cent and 140 per cent, respectively. It was shown at Chicago with five-spoke Nissan-branded 19-inch RAYS forged aluminium-alloy wheels (19x9.5-inch front, 19x10.5-inch rear) mounted with Yokohama ADVAN Sport Y-rated high-performance tires (P245/40ZR19 front, P285/35ZR19 rear). Brakes are standard Nismo Sport Brakes with larger diameter (than standard) 350mm front and 345mm rear vented rotors with four-piston front and two-piston rear aluminium calipers. The calipers are painted red. No confirmation of sale or price has yet been announced for the 370Z Nismo but in Australia, it's expected to be about $90,000, a $15,000 premium on the standard coupe.  

Kia is pinning hopes on a US sales win while admitting its sleek SUV concept may be to big for Europe. The Cross GT, unveiled this week at the Chicago motor show, is the biggest Kia yet and if it gets the green light, will be the most expensive.  Its designer, Peter Schreyer, says it's a concept "that I think is realistic for production''. Schreyer, in Chicago to unveil the Cross GT, recently became the head of Hyundai design, a role which he takes while remaining in a similar position at Kia. The Cross GT concept was shown in Chicago with a hybrid V6 petrol and electric motor that together produce 298kW/678Nm and has an electric-only range of 32km. It is 4.89m long, 2m wide and yet only 1.66m high and sits on a long 3.09m wheelbase. Kia says that while its promoted as a concept, the powertrain "may one day find their way into a production vehicle.'' The Cross GT, actually designed in the US by Kia's California studio, is built on the company's rear-drive platform created for the GT saloon shown as a concept at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. This saloon is also yet to become a production reality though is slated as the next generation Quoros  - a 5m plus, left-hand drive only BMW 7-Series challenger with rear drive and a V8 petrol engine. The Quoros shares its platform with the Hyundai Genesis. Kia has no plans to import the Quoros into Australia, saying "it's too big''. But Hyundai spokesman Bill Thomas says the Genesis Coupe is confirmed for Australia within two years and possibly the sedan may follow later. Photographs of the next generation Genesis four-door saloon were shown this week, but the car won't appear in the US and Korea until later this year and then followed by the coupe. Hyundai Australia has confirmed it will take the next-generation Genesis coupe, and maybe four-door sedan, which will go on show at Detroit in January 2014. "It's still in business case stage,'' says Hyundai Australia's public relations manager Bill Thomas. "The price of the car will be critical. We are manufacturers of quality small and mid-size cars. "Genesis is very much a luxury car and we have to be very careful not to over extend ourselves into a new market.'' The car's designer, Schreyer, was also asked if he believed his role as the design head of both Kia and Hyundai would compromise future designs, disagreed. "I see it as a great challenge.'' he says. "They (Kia and Hyundai) take different directions. To me, they both make sporty cars. But Hyundai is elegant and cultured while Kia is sharper.''  

It's a sexy thing for Americans but Kia's big, bold and almost beautiful Cross GT hybrid has no place in Australia. The outrageous concept SUV, unveiled this week for the first time at the Chicago motor show, fills the large hole left when Kia dropped its big 4WD, the Borrego, in 2011. Dubbed a "premium crossover utility vehicle'' and bigger than the Sorento, the Cross GT exercises Kia's right to produce a hybrid for the US market.But Kia Australia's spokesman Kevin Hepworth says "it's not a car with any priority'' in Australia. "It's a very niche market,'' he says. "The concept was born and bred in the US.Maybe it was an opportunity for the US to get another model in production at Kia's Alabama factory. If that's the case, then it's likely to only be a left-hand drive vehicle. "It's not a car that we (Kia Australia) could imagine selling in any numbers.''The Cross GT is similar in concept and size to the Mercedes-Benz R-Class. It is based heavily on the styling and platform of the GT sedan shown at Frankfurt motor show in 2011. Kia design boss Peter Schreyer says the Cross GT "allows us to envision the GT in the form of a full-size luxury crossover."The GT sedan was designed at Kia's studio in Germany but the Cross GT comes from Kia's studio in California. Based on the rear-drive GT platform, the Cross GT's dimensions are similar with short overhangs, a long wheelbase and a wide stance.But its high-riding position allows it better driver and occupant visibility while its all-wheel drive system returns improved performance and all-weather capability. The SUV is powered by a hybrid that combines a 3.3-litre petrol V6 with an electric motor.Both drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined, the V6 and electric motor produce 678Nm of torque and 298kW. Kia claims an all-electric range of 32km. Kia says that while its promoted as a concept, the powertrain "may one day find their way into a production vehicle.''The Cross GT is 4.89m long - 210mm longer than the Sorento - and sits on a 3.09m wheelbase that exceeds the Sorento by 400mm. At 2m wide, it is also 120mm wider than the Sorento and at 1660mm high, is lower by 40mm than the Sorento.Kia says the Cross GT is designed to "easily accommodate four passengers and their cargo in luxurious surroundings, but the large greenhouse, airy cabin and gently sloping hood give the Cross GT a nimble feel that's at home in crowded urban environments.'' It has rear-hinged doors - known as "suicide" doors - to allow easy access to the rear bucket seats.