Articles by Neil Dowling

Canny buyers can slice through the red tape of new car ownership and pick up a few thousand dollars in savings on the way out.  It's not rocket science - all it takes is a keen eye, knowledge of your desired car and ambivalence to some specifics - like colour, trim and even location.This is the backyard of the price-conscious and bargain-hunting motorist - a person who is willing to go the extra kilometre to save some money. But though it sounds easy, there are some pitfalls. Dealers often market new-model vehicles aged about three months or less and with no more than 5000km on the clock. It doesn't have to be customer demonstrators as dealers also clear cars used by service personnel, loan cars, business directors and sales staff."It's an opportunity for new-car customers to save some money,'' says AHG general manager of WA Operations, Tony Salerno. "They get instant delivery of a vehicle that may be packed with accessories for which the buyer would normally pay a lot extra."One of the savings is a potential reduction in stamp duty if the car is aged less than 60 days.'' Stamp duty costs are difficult to quantify - it depends on many factors including the purchase price, accessories fitted and so on and even which state you live in. Every case is different but savings could be there. The most expensive the car, the higher the stamp duty and so the higher the possible savings to the buyer.''Demonstrators are registered by a dealership, usually in conjunction with a subsidy from the manufacturer. In some cases, where for example a model is rare or hard to get - as with the supply problem with the 2011 tsunami - then a dealer may register a demonstrator for the convenience of prospective buyers. But buyers are cautioned that savings may not be significant.The dealer principal of major WA Ford dealer Lynford, Henry Brown, says the days of big savings were over. "Perception is greater than reality,'' he says. "A decade or more ago, buyers would expect a demonstrator or dealer fleet vehicle to be significantly less than the new retail price. "That's not the case anymore. Manufacturers are very, very price conscious as they drive for market share."You can see that by the fact that cars cost today roughly what they did 20 years ago, yet equipment levels and safety features are far better. "That's not to say there aren't savings to be had - merely that they're not as big as history once told us.''Many dealers prefer only to put on top-end demonstrators. Mr Brown says his business has 20-25 vehicles and says many are the better-equipped models that were better suited to what buyers aspire to drive. They are also much quicker at finding a new owner when it's time for the dealership to sell it."The market for an entry level car as a demonstrator hasn't the strength  of a well-equipped model,'' he says. "The demonstrator market is more about potential value, not so much the price.'' Car buying service company, Sydney-based Private Fleet, says buyers must consider a demo as being a used car. "Buyers must compare the price against a brand new one and make an informed decision,'' says director David Lye."Though a demonstrator may have only 2000km on the clock and look as good as new, remember that the average test drive is around 10km max which means 200 people have probably put this car through its paces, giving it a real workout. "Combine this with a likely build plate of the previous year and a compromise or two - such as a less-attractive colour - and suddenly the deal may not seem as rosy as first thought.''THE GOOD OILCheaper (usually)  Drive away now (no waiting weeks or months and the car is already licensed)  Demos are usually the upper-spec models.  The savings are real, but watch the deal.One price (no extra payments for registration, insurance and dealer delivery)Well maintained (peak condition because it is a test car for buyers)Run in (all the bugs are ironed out)Better resale (less loss on life of ownership)THE BADLess time left on the new-car warranty. Be aware that many manufacturers start the warranty from the time the car is made - not when its sold. So if you're buying a 2011 model car in 2013, be aware that it may have been made in late 2010.Watch the deal. Some aren't as discounted as you'd first think.Be aware that some car distributors and dealers register cars early to inflate sales figures. This can create a glut of like-model cars hitting the market. This will damage resale values.You may not get the engine specs, colour, trim levels or options that you want.Demonstrator cars are just that - they're driven by a lot of people over short distances and sometimes with harsh treatment.DEMO EXAMPLES2012 Suzuki Alto GLX Odometer: 20kmDemo price: $11,788 drive awayNew-car price: $12,490 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $3500  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 Holden Cruze CDXOdometer: 20kmDemo price: $26,990 drive awayNew-car price: $31,040 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $3500  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 Mazda CX-5 Maxx AWDOdometer: 512kmDemo price: $33,990 drive awayNew-car price: $32,300 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $2500  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 HSV Senator Signature E3Odometer: 1511kmDemo price: $79,990 drive awayNew-car price: $83,990 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $9000  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2011 Lexus IS250 PrestigeOdometer: 5703kmDemo price: $49,990 drive awayNew-car price: $55,800 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $11,000  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 Hyundai i20 ActiveOdometer: 159kmDemo price: $12,990 drive awayNew-car price: $16,590 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $3000  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 Ford Falcon XR6Odometer: 3250kmDemo price: $34,490 drive awayNew-car price: $39,990 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $10,000  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 Holden Commodore SV6 SportwagonOdometer: 1800kmDemo price: $37,999 drive awayNew-car price: $45,790 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $12,000  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car  2012 Volkswagen Golf 90TSI Odometer: 356kmDemo price: $26,770 drive awayNew-car price: $27,490 (plus on-road costs)Saving: approx. $4000  Find similar cars - Read reviews on this car   

According to the global car valuation firm Glass's Information Services, demand for small cars has grown to the extent that small car owners now recoup thousands of dollars more than prestige car owners when they sell. Traditionally the value of small cars has depreciated quicker than big cars and luxury models. Glass's said that a 2012 Mazda3 small car had the same retained value that is, how much of the purchase price you will get back from 56 per cent. That was the same percentage as a Lexus LS460 originally costing almost $200,000. Glass's research analyst, Rushad Parkar, says a 2012 Mazda3 bought for $26,490 had a three-year retained value of 54 per cent, or would sell for $14,305 in 2015. That's a loss of $12,185. But a 2012 Lexus LS460 bought for $191,250 would have a retained value of only 44 per cent in three years and be worth $84,150 in 2015 - a price plunge of $107,100. Glass's said today's buyers wanted fuel-efficient cars and manufacturers were now making small cars that had features, safety and style associated with many prestige cars. An ever-expanding population has led to more traffic congestion and a premium on parking spaces, which also benefit smaller cars. Glass's said that compact SUVs have also shown strong resale values. A Toyota RAV4 bought today would hold 52 per cent of its value by 2015. By comparison, a Ford Falcon would retain only 31 per cent of its value - a loss of $20,000 dollars and indicative of the trend away from big-car ownership in Australia. Of the top 10 best selling models in July, five were small cars including the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Holden Cruze.    

Two decades ago Peugeot started to lose the plot. Its armchair-soft ride and sense of toughness - both in feel and in its chunky styling - drifted into mainstream and suddenly the French car was easy prey for the Asian car makers.Thanks to its 508, I think it's back to the old days. There is a return to that elegance yet strength of design, the comfortable chairs and a cockpit that appears simple yet is quietly comprehensive.This is Peugeot for the masses, unlike some previous models that appealed only to Europhiles. The 508's contemporary styling, sensible cabin and dash and a sweet drivetrain make it a very attractive buy for a broad range of motorists.VALUEVery good. The Allure HDi (turbo-diesel) isn't the top-line version yet has an excellent equipment list including leather, four-zone airconditioning, Bluetooth with audio streaming, keyless start and entry, front and rear park sensors, cruise control with brake function, panoramic glass roof and a “parking assistant” that calculates if the car will fit a chosen parking bay.Clearly, eyeballs are now redundant. It matches the endearing Volkswagen Passat wagon in price (but beats it on features) and is more expensive than the pragmatic Skoda and spacious Mondeo. These big-hitting rivals make it a close call. Peugeot's capped service plan (Ford also has one for six years but Volkswagen has none) helps it here.DESIGNYou'll miss this on the road and probably never find it again in a shopping centre carpark because it has few distinguishing features. Bland is a word that springs to mind yet it still has appeal for its clean lines and simplicity.The wagon shape is less boxy than most yet is remarkably spacious. But it's the cabin that gets more attention. It boasts a subtle blend of quality materials, upmarket design and comprehensive features.But personal storage space, especially in the tiny centre console, is poor. Clever ideas are the puddle lamps that shine at night beneath the mirrors, soft orange cabin lighting and backlit controls on the steering wheel. There's some discreet chrome edging trim to piano black highlights and quality carpets for the cabin and boot floor. The rear windows get sunshades to protect occupants, which is great for children.TECHNOLOGYThere's a lot of clever stuff hidden beneath that simple, aerodynamic exterior. The bonnet is aluminium, the 508 is 85 per cent recyclable and materials from sustainable sources make up 14 per cent of the car's 230kg of green polymers. These green materials are used in 30 car parts.The 120kW/340Nm turbo-diesel has a particulate filter (called FAP which reduces hydrocarbons) mated to a six-speed auto with paddle shifters. The 508 Allure gets MacPherson front suspension yet, oddly, the more expensive 508 GT has double wishbones.SAFETYThere are six airbags, a five-star crash rating, high pedestrian safety, automatic headlights and wipers and even a full-size spare on an alloy wheel. The Allure also gets cruise control with sensors to brake the car automatically.DRIVINGEverything points to a great drive but though the 508 wagon is very capable, there are a lot of soft corners. The engine is strong and well mated to the six-speed auto. This box tickles the engine's capabilities best by using the paddle shifters and the only downer is the typical turbo-lag at low revs and a gearshift pattern that changes up too quickly.It is a quiet, long-distance machine well suited to highways but isn't a sharp handler when pushed. The electric-assist steering is too vague to relay much information to the driver and though the car grips well through the bends, becomes a bit uncomfortable as the compliant suspension leads to bodyroll. Peugeot's switchgear has come a long way in the past few decades and now equates to the Asians in terms of ease of use and simplicity. The driver's seat could do with more padding or support.VERDICTPut this on your shopping list.

Mazda 3 SP20 and Honda Insight VTi go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The carmaker is following the theme of Mini by expanding its baby 500 model range and Fiat Australia says it "can't wait''. Fiat sells three 500-based models here, including the hot-hatch Abarth, but gets the four-door 500L in August next year followed by the SUV version, dubbed the 500 Fouristrada, in 2014.  The 500 SUV is the equivalent of the Mini Countryman, a high-riding all-wheel drive wagon that's based on a core three-door hatchback design. "We will look at everything that is coming up with a view to establishing its suitability for the Australian market,'' says Fiat Australia spokesperson Lenore Fletcher. The 500 Gucci, a fashion-inspired special edition shown earlier this year at the Beijing motor show, is also on the cards. "Gucci represents a great partnership in style and it's on the cards. We're very interested in taking that for Australia and we see that theme extending to other partnerships with Italian companies.'' Ms Fletcher says Fiat-Chrysler Australia only has held the Fiat distributorship for three months and says business cases were still being built. But cars like a 500 SUV are "of extreme interest''. "The 500 is distinctive and very suited to city life,'' she says. "The bigger 500L is also definitely for Australia - it has great potential here.'' The 500 Fouristrada (Italian for all-road) was shown as a scale model by Fiat recently in Turin ahead of its planned production schedule. It has aggressive wheelarch cladding, a high ground clearance and stronger bumpers than the regular 500 hatch but retains the family nose. The stretched model - now 4.2m long - will be available as a front-wheel drive or an on-demand all-wheel drive and powered by a choice of a 1-litre TwinAir or 1.4-litre petrol and some diesels. The two-cylinder TwinAir engine has already been engineered for all-wheel drive duty in Fiat's upcoming Panda 4x4. A production-ready 500 Fouristrada concept is expected at next month's Paris motor show. Ms Fletcher says she hasn't heard about reports that Jeep may share the all-wheel drive 500 Fouristrada's platform to create an SUV beneath the size of the Compass. Plans for a small Jeep - to be called the Jeepster or Scamp - were confirmed last year by Fiat-Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne who said a small, Fiat-based SUV was among three new SUVs planned to debut around 2013. The Fiat 500 family may also grow with the further additions of the XL seven-seater and a coupe version, the 500 Zagato, which is based on a concept car shown at the 2011 Geneva moor show.  

The sixth distinct new-age Mini model makes its mark. Not since the Suzuki Mighty Boy has such outrage hit the bitumen.In yet another variation on a theme, the Mini franchise has produced a pocket-book two-door model that appeals to anyone who wants to be seen. There is no classification for a buyer of this car and, indeed, probably competes with cars that tend to be a little on the quirky side of the street. Like the long-gone Might Boy and the Suzuki Move. The Mini Coupe appears short, yet is based on the original hatchback platform, and wide, snub-nosed in arrogance and beetle-tailed - a rear styling quirk that looks like the proceeds of an incident with a large truck or a randy Land Cruiser. Not a lot, but who can put a price on being distinctive? It's well built and the feature list is average. The option list is huge, but that's what creates the exclusivity of the car. The Coupe makes some sense for single buyers, even couples, but at $45,340 it's an expensive two seater and there's probably more than a few dozen rivals that'll do the transport aspect of the job better and cheaper.But not as obvious. There's four models - Cooper, Cooper S, a diesel and a hot John Cooper Works - with the tester being the S with its turbo-petrol engine and auto gearbox. Price is $45,340, up $2350 on the manual gearbox, and includes 17-inch alloys, sport button, bi-xenon headlights, climate aircon and cloths seats. Options include leather ($1560), the must-have Harman-Kardon audio ($1500) and metallic paint ($900).Different. As the platypus of the Mini family, the Coupe looks convoluted and even awkward, but hides a neat liftback to access the expansive room once used by folded rear-seat passengers. It's a better solution to the near-zero space offered by the hatch model's rear seat. There's a centre hatch to prod long objects from the boot into the cabin, a main glovebox and a secondary "secret'' dash compartment. The pop-up rear spoiler is merely a talking point.The biggest surprise about the dashboard is that Mini hasn't changed it (though future models get window switches on the doors) and it remains a mish-mash of switch gear designs and locations set beneath an enormous, perspex-covered and highly reflective speedometer that harks back to the original Mini's folly. It's 2012 guys.The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a highlight here. It works well with the power characteristics of the S-model's turbo engine, is responsive and doesn't have the chasms of indecision that often plague Volkswagen's DSG system. The engine, made by PSA and seen on its Peugeot RCZ, is also a top-notch powerplant. The suspension is firm yet not too hard on the body, while the electric steering is nice and sharp.This is a five-star car with four airbags (there's only two occupants) and all the BMW-inspired electronic aids. That 's stability and traction control, rear park sensors, a hill-holder and auto bi-xenon headlights and wipers. There's no rear wiper and no spare wheel as it uses run-flat tyres. Predictable, firm and reminiscent of a go-kart for kids, the Coupe loses none of the precision of the other (except Countryman) Minis. It is a very enjoyable drive, the only distraction being the need to keep a few brain neurons free to memorise the erratic switch placement. The coupe roof crimps the cabin space a bit and thanks to a multi-pillared C-section, reduces visibility to the rear three-quarters - not helped in lane changing by the small mirrors.It's not particularly quiet with some wind noise and even more tyre noise over coarse bitumen. But the engine cooling fan wins the gold medal for noise. It runs after engine switch and produces colourful language from neighbours when arriving home late at night. But I love driving Minis. The handling is so confident that you can change tack mid-corner, while the engine just keeps on giving.

The five-door concept - called the Compact Activity Tourer - will be unveiled at the Paris motor show in September and go on sale in Europe in late 2013

Fuel prices have edged higher in the past week and that's the direction they'll keep going for now.This week the Australian Institute of Petroleum fuel price report shows the national average for unleaded petrol rose by 1.5 cents a litre in the past week to 137.7 cents.The metropolitan average rose by 1.8 cents to 136.3 cents, while the regional average rose by 0.9 cents to 140.5 cents.CommSec chief economist Craig James says: "The bottom line is that motorists should expect petrol prices to edge their way higher if the positive mood on financial markets continues.Filling up the car with petrol is the single biggest weekly purchase for most households, so the future course of petrol prices will be keenly watched by any consumer-dependent business."But surely not so closely as they're being watched by you. With that in mind, we've found the cars that on current prices can be fuelled for about $1000 in a 15,000km driving year.These cars get Carsguide's Triple-F rating - they are all family and fuel friendly. We've used the manufacturers' claims for combined conditions, so if you're driving is mainly urban you'll go north of these numbers; if there's a good open road component it will be south.We've taken broad averages to arrive at our round figures (see below) but they are indicative of what you can achieve with judicious driving and making your visits to the bowser on the days of the lowest pricing.ANNUAL JUICE USE TAKES INTO ACCOUNT:National average price in the 12 months up to Friday July 27 according to Australian Institute of Petroleum15,000km annual averageManufacturer's claim for combined fuel useULP: 134.7 centsDiesel: 137.9 centsFAMILY SEDANToyota Camry HybridPrice: from $34,990Thirst: 5.2L/100km unleadedAnnual juice use: $1068.60If Toyota is synonymous with sci-fi looking hybrids, its best one is cloaked in anonymity. Indeed it doesn't get much more anonymous than a Camry, the Hybrid version of which looks exactly like the common or garden petrol version.It shares the good bits - seven airbags, five-star crash rating and a full-size spare wheel - but its economy is staggering: 5.2L/100km versus 7.8L/100km for the petrol Camry.  It's also quieter. In addition to using one-third less fuel, it costs $130 for each of the five services for the first four years or 75,000km.The price premium - $1,500 more than an equivalent petrol-only model - might pay off but the Hybrid model can tow only 300kg and the boot is slightly smaller. The top version, with near-Lexus levels of luxury, costs $41,490.FAMILY WAGONHyundai i40 Tourer dieselPrice: From $34,490Thirst: 4.7L/100km dieselAnnual juice use: $1,001.10In contrast with the gormless i45, Hyundai has done a great deal of local adaptation work on the i40 sedan. Even if the wagon does not yet have its specially-adapted-for-Oz suspension settings, it is a much better proposition than the i45.That miraculous fuel figure is for the manual, the action of which is a bit like stirring a stick though thick mud. Yet while the auto is claimed to use almost a litre more per 100km, on open road run between Sydney and Brisbane Carsguide recorded only 4.4L/100km.In any case, the sheer driveability of a diesel combined with a good auto makes it preferable. In solely city duty, the i40 is more likely to use above 8.0L, which is surely still worth it given the diesel's open road flair.SMALL SEDANHonda Civic HybridPrice: $35,990Thirst: 4.4L/100km unleadedAnnual juice use: $937.20Honda does a couple of obvious hybrids and one that's far less so. And the Civic version is arguably the best of its breed. The new Civic is a big jump from its distinctly average predecessor. It is up on quality and is simply far better to drive.It uses two power sources - petrol engine and electric motor - but unlike the Camry (and Prius) which can separate the two when needed, in the Civic Hybrid they work in tandem.This is technically simpler but returns higher fuel figures. The Civic Hybrid gets 4.4L/100km against the Prius's 3.9. Still, it's more spacious than the old model and needs smaller batteries so the boot is bigger.The rear seats don't fold down to increase luggage space. It gets a five-star crash rating, electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and six airbags, but a space-saver spare.SMALL HATCHVolkswagen Golf BluemotionPrice: $28,990Thirst: 3.8L/100km dieselUnlinkAnnual juice use: $809.40Golf can be played in a range of colours but the most efficient is blue. In VW-speak, it's BlueMotion, the in-house term for those selected models tuned for maximum economy and minimum emissions.The Golf BlueMotion costs $28,990 $1000 more than the Golf 77TDI that it replaced but comes only with a manual gearbox. But you're prepared the shift for yourself in order to save the planet, aren't you?A plethora of fuel-miser tech here  low-rolling resistance tyres,  stop-start system, brake energy recuperation, slippery aerodynamics, tall gear ratios and a gearshift prompt indicator  are added to the already frugal 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. It's also a brisk performer with Golf's usual excellent handling and ride comfort. It works as well in city traffic as it does loping along a country road.COMPACT SUVMazda CX-5 Maxx Sport dieselPrice: from $39,040Thirst: 5.7L/100km dieselAnnual juice use: $1,214.10This slips us well over the grand mark, but torque isn't always cheap especially not 420Nm of it. CX-5s are selling like cold beers at the cricket because they are at least in diesel form very lively, economical and practical wagons.There's no doubt the CX-5's success is due to it enlarging in the appeal of the Mazda3 hatchback. But it's a better vehicle thanks to the SkyActiv tech that covers body, engine, transmission, suspension and platform. The bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine has class leading economy via its six-speed auto, despite the added weight of all-wheel-drive. Compact enough for comfort in city traffic, it's also very roomy with excellent rear seat leg and head space. The cabin could be a bit more stylish, but it’s simple and the controls are easy to operate. The rear seats split and fold flat. On the road the diesel version slaughters the petrol model.CITY CARFord Fiesta TDCiPrice: from $21,490Thirst: 4.4L/100km dieselAnnual juice use:  $937.10In any guise the Fiesta is well made, affordable and a driver's delight. As a diesel it's also lean running. Made in Thailand, it's big on value. The 88kW/200Nm make this lightweight city car something of a hot hatch, with steering and handling to match.As with other diesels originally derived from Europe, you have to change gear for yourself, though with the arrival of the next EcoBoost petrol engines next year, Ford's excellent twin clutch automatic could become available. Sedan and hatch are identically priced.Though the five door brings the extra load flexibility of its ilk, the sedan's boot approaches that of the next class up in terms of capacity. It'll swallow a monthly grocery shop all right. The diesel is specially calibrated for maximum fuel efficiency and features a coated particulate filter to keep emissions low. The Zetec spec, at $23,490, is worth the extra spend.

The title comes after it this week launched the industry's first five-year capped-price service program. It means motorists can save up to $400 a year compared with new cars without a capped service scheme. New Kia buyers will know exactly how much their vehicle will cost to service for five years. The program - the most expansive available - comes on top of Kia's five year, unlimited kilometre warranty and access to a new five-year roadside assist scheme. The capped price service program, called Kia Connect, applies to all new Kias and to most models still under warranty. The cost to service a Kia Rio 1.4 has been set at $1566 for five years or 75,000km - about $350 cheaper than servicing a Mazda2 for three years. A diesel Sportage over five years will cost $2160 in service costs. Kia's move follows Hyundai last week launching its “iCare” capped service program which is over three years. Hyundai iCare includes three-year capped price servicing; updated maps from Navteq for three years; roadside assist for 12 months for cars serviced under the program (for vehicles aged up to seven years); and Hyundai's quick, under one-hour service plan. “Hyundai capped price service will be available to all private and small business buyers and will last for 50,000kms or 40 months from the date of commencement,'' says Hyundai Australia's director of aftersales, Nick Aravanis. “Hyundai will continue to provide long service intervals of 12 months or 15,000kms to maximise customer convenience.'' The programs by the heavy-hitting Koreans add to similar schemes in place by Holden, Ford, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Nissan and Subaru. Industry experts said the benefit is not only to the motorists. They said car makers expect more sales while dealers will get more work through their service centre to maintain staff employment. VACC spokesman Murray Collins said the benefit to the motorist was peace of mind. “They know the cost of a service and where they are going to get their vehicle serviced,” he said. “Therefore, it is easier to budget for in terms of cost and effort. “For the dealer, they can budget for their volume because they know from the amount of vehicles they sell, how many vehicles they will be servicing over the year.” But he said the disadvantage for motorists is that fixed priced servicing restricts their choice of repairer to the dealer network. “This is the disadvantage for the independent repairer too, as vehicles are locked into fixed time periods thus reducing their volume,'' he said. Kia says about 50 per cent of new owners return their car to the dealership for the first service. But that retention rate falls to about 35 per cent by the third year. The Kia Connect program aims to significantly boost that retention rate. Kia's program is the only one in Australia which offers the capped-price service across a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with annual service intervals. Manufacturers steer away from extending any capped program beyond three years because the major service is generally at four years. Kia's annual service schedule is also a major factor ensuring low cost of ownership when compared to many other makes with six-monthly service schedules. Kia Australia's chief operating officer, Tony Barlow, says the program “adds another logical reason why Kia should be a front-of-mind consideration for any new car purchase.” “A capped-price service program, particularly where a service is an annual event, is an excellent tool for owners to have clarity and consistency of pricing when budgeting for keeping their new purchase in peak condition,'' he says. “This is about building a lifetime relationship with our customers, anticipating and providing for their needs while supporting their decision to join the Kia family.” In addition to the pricing clarity of a five-year capped-price program, Kia Connect will also offer a 24/7 roadside assist program at no cost to the customer. The first year's roadside assist will be automatic at the purchase of the vehicle and will be renewed at no cost with each annual service by a registered Kia service provider. The Kia Connect program will see annual service charges for all models clearly defined by engine type and year of service. COSTS TO SERVICE OVER 3 YEARS LIGHT CARS - * Fixed or capped price service program   SMALL CARS - * Fixed or capped price service program   COMPACT SUVs - * Fixed or capped price service program   KIA MODEL SERVICE COSTS   Note: Kia Connect is a five-year program.  

Blood banks give you a cup of tea, a biscuit and a lie down in exchange for a litre of your best red.Giving blood helps out your fellow man and the only downside is you feel a bit drained after the exercise. You won't be alone. The Audi TT 2.0 TDI is the automotive equivalent of the after-effects of donating blood. Pity is, the effects aren't temporary.Adding a turbo-diesel engine to the TT coupe effectively, completely and irreversibly changes it from a lithe, nimble and lustful coupe into a bloodless carriage. Honestly, a Corolla could be more fun.Not a lot. My calculator says the $68,950 petrol-fuelled version is streets better. For example, the petrol TT costs $4850 less than the $73,800 TDI tested here. The price difference in fuel per year is $107. That means it'll take 45 years for the modest fuel economy benefits of the diesel to pay for itself. But I admit that, the drivetrain aside, the TDI is as sweet as any TT, is a wonderful handler, is comfortable (for two) and perfectly made.It just looks like a work of art. That raked tail, slim headlights and in-ya-face vertical and impossibly overdone grille are disparate design cues that, remarkably, meld into an iconic shape. Most people love the TT. It signifies perfection, style and performance and indicates the owner has a few spare dollars in his pocket.The cabin is beautifully minimalistic. Some switches are so small and so randomly placed that it may take hours to find them. Ah, those Germans. How many other carmakers make a game out of operating the car? Bad news includes the useless rear seats and the lack of a spare wheel.The 125kW/350Nm engine drives all wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch auto, assisted where necessary by paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The body is a blend of aluminium and steel which gets the coupe's weight down to a trim 1280kg.Well, at least for the 2-litre petrol model because the diesel version is a porky 140kg heavier. It has a six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission. That's one cog less than the petrol engine's seven-speed box but the diesel copes thanks to its prodigious torque.Surprisingly, this is rated as a four-star car. Partly that's because there's not much difference to the first-generation TT.There's also four airbags - I hate to be fussy but six is now considered the bare minimum - but no complaints about the sophistication of the brake and chassis components and electronic aids. No spare tyre but there's aerosol sealant and a compressor. Good luck with that.You've probably noticed I'm a little peeved. The concept of a diesel in a sports coupe probably makes sense in Europe where diesel is about the same price as petrol and the extra fuel economy reduces refuelling stops as one cruises the autobahns.Maybe some driver's prefer the punch of the diesel's torque. But no, it doesn't work in Australia and even the calculator agrees. The TT's handling is predictable and the all-wheel drive “quattro” system is so secure, especially in the wet. But pick a tight series of corners and you can feel the extra weight of the diesel version, especially in the nose. The diesel also makes the wrong exhaust noise - it's more a dull, low-speed vibration than the petrol's full symphonic range - and that sours the drive.It's a car you want to love. But your wallet - and your ears - win here and make the petrol model a far sweeter proposition. Or two 86s.Audi TT 2.0 TDIPrice: $73,800Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, roadside assistResale: 51%Service interval: 12 monthsSafety rating: 4-starSpare: noneEngine: 2-litre 4-cyl turbo-diesel 125kW/350NmTransmission: 6-spd dual-clutch auto, AWD Body: 4.2m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1420kg Thirst: 5.5 1/100km; 144g/km Co2