Articles by Neil Dowling

Hauling people isn't a fun job. That's why people in yellow cars get paid to do it. When the passengers are your family, everything changes. Comfort and safety, not revenue, are prime considerations. A vehicle that is versatile conjures up images of a lumbering people-mover van which may live uneasily with an ability

The next-generation C-Class, expected on global markets at the end of next year, will include a convertible for the first time. Mercedes-Benz Australia says it’s on the radar. “Considering the popularity of the C-Class range in Australia we would certainly consider any new variant offered to our market,” says spokesman Jerry Stamoulis. It will be the cheapest Mercedes convertible until the expected 2014 launch of the smaller A-Class convertible, one of five A-Class derivatives announced in 2011 by company CEO Dr Dieter Zetsche. The C-Class Cabriolet aims to fill the price and size gap under the E-Class Cabriolet (which sells from $107,850) and the future A-Class convertible. The next C-Class will be the second to wear Mercedes' MRA (Modular Rear-wheel Architecture) platform. This flexible design, similar to the two platforms for the Volkswagen Group's front and rear-drive cars, will be seen first in next year's S-Class. The new C-Class and S-Class are two of 19 new or refreshed models to be launched by 2020. Eleven of the 19 models are new segment entrants.  

General Motors says the V8 won over heavy support for a bi-turbo V6. But Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter told Automotive News that the V8  “could deliver better power with improved fuel economy by improving the iconic small block V8 with new technologies that allow it to run more efficiently”. He says that swapping the small-block V8 for a V6 “probably would have been a tough sell to the Corvette's rabid fans”. “When you talk to Corvette customers, the most important part of the car for them is the engine,” Juechter says. “They want their Corvette to have a V8.” This is the fifth generation of the small block that was introduced in 1955 on the first Corvette. The new engine - which will dribble down the GM range including models for Holden - will feature several firsts for Corvette including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation to shut down four of the eight cylinders when idling or coasting. GM engineers say the new engine will deliver better power and responsiveness when it is running at lower speeds. The torque on the standard 2014 Corvette at less than 4000rpm will be comparable to the current Corvette Z06, which has a higher-displacement 7-litre engine. The overhead valve engine, which GM has named LT1, was under development for five years. It replaces the fourth-generation small block, which has been produced since 2005, and will be made at GM's engine facility in Tonawanda, New York State. GM admits that the LT1 is 210kg - about 14kg heavier than the outgoing engine - but says the new efficiency technologies more than offset the fuel economy penalty. Versions of the new engine will be used in GM's next generation of pickups and SUVs, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, to be launched mid next year. Holden says it will not comment on if or when the engine will arrive in Australia.  

It vindicates the rumours the VW was shrinking its Golf-based Tiguan SUV have, with the little Taigun concept SUV unveiled at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil. It appears to be based on the New Small Family platform which only just made its debut on the Up. That makes the Taigun - a name that is also in concept stage - small on the outside at 3.86m long and 1.73m wide. But it sits on a long 2.47m wheelbase to improve cabin space. As shown on the motor show stand, the four-seat Taigun has Volkswagen's new 1-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 82kW/175Nm. The engine is based on Volkswagen's latest EA211 series and has direct fuel injection and turbocharging to maximise fuel economy. Volkswagen claims 4.7 litres/100km and yet the SUV is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint time of a respectable 9.2 seconds. However, the concept wagon was shown as a front-wheel drive. It is not known if production versions will have all-wheel drive. The Taigun reflects Volkswagen's family design and shares the lines of the Tiguan and Touareg. But it adds a horizontally-split tail gate. The boot is small with 280 litres with the rear seats up and 987 litres when down. Like the Up, cabin detail is minimalistic. The front air vents, for example, not only individually control the direction of the air flow but also double as the control for the fan speed and temperature setting, which is displayed within the nozzle. The central infotainment system is designed to pair with a smartphone. The official statement from Volkswagen is that it will “monitor public reaction to this vehicle” before taking a decision about putting the Taigun into production.  

New car buyers only fear buying a lemon and missing out on a discount.

New import Opel has unveiled its mid-size Cascada convertible in the lead up to European sales in early 2013 and likely for Australia at the end of 2013. While it effectively replaces - though is bigger than - the Opel Astra TwinTop, it doesn't have that model's metal folding roof.  Instead, the Cascada - to be sold under the Vauxhall and Opel nameplates and be clones into a Buick version - has a taut fabric roof that can be opened in 17 seconds up to 50km/h.The two-door, four-seat is nearly 4.7m long - bigger than an Audi A5 Convertible - and Opel says it positions it in a sector it hasn't occupied since the 1930s. The Cascada sits on an Astra platform and shares its drivetrain. It is 26mm longer than the Astra sedan but shares its wheelbase. But it's not all Astra - the front suspension and the HiPerStrut geometry that reduces torque steer are borrowed from the Insignia.This system separates damping and steering functions, reducing torque steer, while also improving steering feel and cornering control. Opel is pushing the Cascada's safety credentials, claiming it to be an exceptionally rigid open-top with 43 per cent more rigidity than the smaller, steel-roofed TwinTop.Safety technology for Europe that is likely to drain down to Australia - either standard or optional - includes adaptive forward lighting, a front camera system with traffic-sign recognition, lane departure warning, a following-distance indicator, blind-side monitor and forward collision alert.Opel Australia hasn't committed itself to the car but it's on the wish list. The A-pillars supporting the windscreen are made from press-hardened steel while in the event of a roll-over, pyrotechnically activated, spring-loaded high strength bars automatically deploy behind the rear seats. These rollbars are also triggered during other severe impacts, for example, when airbags are deployed. With the roof raised, boot capacity is 350 litres - only 80 litres less than the Astra sedan - and when the roof is down, drops to 280 litres.But for extra room, Opel has an optional FlexFold system that electrically releases and folds down the 50/50 split rear seats, allowing longer objects to be stored. As announced last night, the European-spec Cascada initially will be sold with the choice of three four-cylinder engines. One is the 121kW/380Nm 2.0 CDTi turbo-diesel engine - also in the Insignia - with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. But the highlight of Cascada's engine line-up will be the all-new 125kW/280Nm 1.6 SIDI Ecotec turbo-petrol engine. This is the first of Opel's new MGE (Mid-Size Gasoline Engine) family. The other engine is Opel's 103kW/220Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol. It may not make the boat to Australia given Opel's endeavour to lift the car closer to the prestige market. Opel originally planned to launch the Cascada as a convertible and coupe however it's delicate financial position in Europe has put the steel-top on hold. 

Turbocharging comes as a fresh blast of air to Proton and literally boosts its new sedan and people mover ranges. The show is the debut for the Preve (pronounced prevay) sedan in GX and turbocharged GXR versions. Proton Australia’s general manager of sales and marketing Billy Falconer says the Preve is the first of Proton’s new generation cars. The Preve GX is powered by Proton’s 1.6-litre Campro engine mated to a five-speed manual. A CVT automatic, with six preset ratios will be optional. The car, which will be priced under $20,000 and goes on sale directly after the show, has an expansive feature and safety list. This includes 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, park sensors, LE D tail lights, electronic stability control and six airbags. The GXR version, with its turbocharged engine giving it the grunt of a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, comes along in a few months. It will be the first in the Proton fleet to be fitted with a seven-speed ProTronic CVT with steering-mounted paddle shifters. Additional features in the GX include push-button engine start, automatic airconditioning, automatic headlights and wipers, leather interior, satellite navigation and electric folding mirrors. It’s the sort of offering to make people pay attention.  

Including a Space Cab “Showtime FMX’’ model with sports bars, big wheels and bold decals. The Space Cab is the same body type used by off road rally champs Bruce Garland and Harry Suzuki in international rallies, including last month’s Australasian Safari Isuzu features high on the Safari entry list, with Garland joined by four other D Maxs, including three teams from the Thai factory. The most popular model is the dual cab, available as a 2WD or 4WD, while custom and factory trays are available for the single, Space Cab and dual cab chassis versions. All models use the same 130kW/380Nm turbo diesel engine but the five speed manual delivers its torque over a longer rev band (1800 3000rpm) compared with the five speed automatic’s 1800 2800rpm spread. The automatic replaces a four speed unit. The five speed auto is more sophisticated, with sequential shift and fuel saving lock up torque converter on the four top gears. It also holds third gear in varied gradient ascents and, to improve off road ability and safety, selects third gear on steep descents touse engine braking to maintain speed. The ute also introduces a new Terrain Command 4WD select dial, allowing the driver to adjust between 2WD and 4WD modes while travelling at speeds of up to 100km/h. A longer (the wheelbase grows by 45mm to 3095mm) and wider chassis means a larger cabin interior while the wider door arches and A pillar assist grips make access easier. All models get safety features including four channel, four sensor anti lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control and brake assist. There are also six airbags and a high strength welded passenger safety cell for increased occupant safety. The new model also gets a new seat design with wrap around bolsters for increased shoulder, back and base support. Standard equipment across the range includes air-conditioning with a fine particle pollen filter and a new audio system with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Some upper spec models also have Isuzu’s new Sky Sound roof mounted surround sound system, and the LS Terrain has a touch screen multimedia and navigation system that features 10,000 offroad destinations.  

Australia can be a tough nut to crack, but persistence and an appreciation of the price-conscious buyer is producing some staunch stayers. Skoda has made inroads since it first showed its face in the form of the conservative Octavia and the more radical Roomster at the 2007 Sydney Motor Show.The Volkswagen-owned Czech brand sold 146 cars in its first year but broadened its range, pushed its corporate logo and shared its practicality to win friends. Persistence, price and practicality last year won it 3501 sales.Now Skoda ups the ante. It will show its spacious, neatly sculptured Rapid liftback – and later, a hatchback version – before future launches of the Citigo light city car, a larger SUV and a new midsize sedan and wagon wearing the Octavia nameplate.The Rapid is a pragmatic solution to budget family motoring. The remarkable – and that’s a word not used lightly – Skoda Rapid can seat four 180cm-plus people and their luggage, yet the car is city-friendly compact. It is the sedan – a hatch will follow – that Skoda wants because its fresh styling is crisp and broadly agreeable.That it looks pretty, is perfectly proportioned and almost perennial in its style are qualities that Skoda hasn’t had before. Yet despite its delicate unity of design and engineering, it is in fact one of the Frankenstein’s monsters of the car industry that has been cobbled together from the Volkswagen Polo and Golf parts bin.But the proof isn’t in the assortment and diversity of ingredients, but the pudding that comes from the oven. The dichotomy of Skoda’s latest car – making its public debut in Australia at the motor show – wasn’t lost on me as I drove a Rapid loaded with myself and two 180cm-plus journalists, plus luggage, from Slovakia to Austria.At times, the 77kW 1.2-litre, four cylinder engine cleanly swept the speedometer needle past 160km/h, though my passengers weren’t aware of that speed. The car is quiet, solid and simple to operate. The sum of its parts, conditional to the parts being above-average quality, was proof that the Rapid works so well in Europe it is sure to make a big statement in Australia.The name Rapid implies performance . But this is no neck- snapping thriller. Rather, it’s a clever and practical, family sedan that has a huge liftback tailgate, making it a versatile hauler. It has more room than its sister model, the Octavia – indeed, Skoda claims the biggest in its class – and its boot takes more luggage.Engines start with a 1.2-litre four-cylinder that’s remarkably fuel efficient and responsive. The vehicle in which we crossed two European countries averaged 6.9 litres/100km – yes, with the three adults, the luggage and at speeds from 130km/h to 160km/h. We will also see a 1.6-litre diesel and a 1.4 petrol turbo with manuals or dual-clutch DSG autos. Clever ideas from the factory’s suggestion box include a plastic square for scraping ice off the car and pockets in the side of seats. 

Call it a sign of the times: the new Suzuki’s Grand Vitara has a two-wheel-drive version. Suzuki was the last Japanese SUV maker to retain a full chassis and a low-range gearbox. The two-wheel-drive version, called Urban, comes only with a 2.4- litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Unlike its competitors, the two-wheel-drive Grand Vitara Urban drives the rear wheels. Two main benefits for buyers who don’t intend to take the vehicle off the bitumen are a cheaper price – saving $4500 over the 4WD version – and because many drivetrain components have been removed, a lighter weight and lower average fuel consumption of 8.9 litres/100km compared with 9.9 litres/100km. The Urban is priced from $26,990 driveaway. Its rear-drive layout makes it ideal for buyers wanting a 2WD but still aiming to tow. The Urban maintains the 1850kg tow capacity of the 4WD model. Features include cruise control, rear park assist, Bluetooth and remote locking, six airbags and stability control. Two-wheel-drive models now account for almost half all SUV sales.