Articles by Neil Dowling

The equipment is part of a complex system called 6D-Vision developed by Mercedes-Benz and winning for its inventors a nomination for Germany's prestigious technology and innovation prize. Mercedes-Benz research director Dr Thomas Weber says 6D-Vision was a milestone along the road to accident-free driving and will form the basis of the company's future safety systems. "The 6D-Vision project opens up whole new possibilities for future assistance systems that will make our roads safer for all road users," he says. "Key to bringing about reductions in accidents is a timely and full understanding of the often very complex issues going on around a vehicle and of the traffic situation. Other road users have to be recognised within split seconds and possible collision hazards reliably identified. For the first time in a car, 6D-Vision is able to convey the three-dimensional perception of a person and the identification of potential risks on a small, powerful piece of hardware that is absolutely viable for series production." Mercedes says that animated objects - for example children running unexpectedly into the road - are perceived by 6D-Vision within 200 milliseconds across a broad range of vision. It can then apply brakes or make steering changes. "Even the most alert person takes twice as long to do so; and should he or she be distracted, a further 500 milliseconds may be added to this time," the company says. "In purely mathematical terms, one second at a speed of 50km/h equates to a vehicle covering a distance of around 15m. The computer works twice as fast as the driver and initiates safety measures after just 7m. In an emergency braking situation, the vehicle therefore comes to a standstill more than a whole vehicle length sooner." Mercedes says in a statement that the technology will be available in the future to other manufacturers.

... designed to minimise ownership costs.The B-Class range, due early next year, is classed by Mercedes as a "quantum leap" over both its previous model and existing rivals. New fuel-frugal engines, fresh dual-clutch transmissions, radical interiors with multiple seat options and a body that is both sporty and space efficient are coming.Mercedes will show the B-Class at this month's Frankfurt motor show. But Carsguide has accessed most of the details.Mercedes-Benz's head of research, Dr Thomas Weber, says: "No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop"."Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."VALUENo pricing yet but Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says price changes from the previous model will mirror that of other recent model updates."If you look at C and E-Class models, for example, you'll see we get the price as sharp as possible and equipment levels as high as possible."The recent SLK update dropped the price of its SLK200 model by nearly $10,000 and its SLK350 by about $2000. It indicates a start price of less than $40,000 - maybe starting at about $35,000 - for the entry-level B-Class model.DESIGNThe car is described by the company as "a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon". Its aerodynamics are very low - it has a drag coefficient of cd of a mere 0.26 - making it more fuel efficient while touring. Mercedes will offer an "Eco Technology" version that will further lower the drag to 0.24 - the same as its E-Class Coupe. Aerodynamic design innovation includes patents pending for the serrated wheel arch spoiler.Though the new model sits lower to the ground than the current B-Class - the seat height is 86mm lower - it doesn't mean that Mercedes has abandoned the idea of an alternative drivetrain.While the current "sandwich" floor platform - which allows room for a battery pack for an electric drive or hydrogen tanks for a fuel-cell drive - will go, Mercedes says its new "energy space" concept will still accommodate the future powerplants.The B-Class is 48mm lower than the outgoing model. It is 89mm longer and 9mm wider yet now boasts the biggest headroom in its class and has more rear legroom than Merc's own S-Class and E-Class models.It gets an optional "Easy-Vario-Plus" seat adjustment system that allows rear seat fore-aft movement of up to 140mm to boost luggage space from 488 to 666 litres. The front passenger seat has a backrest that can be folded forward.onto the seat cushion.TECHNOLOGYThough pushing its very frugal and ease-of-ownership advantages, Mercedes is yet to quantify those claims. Full details are being held until the official release at the Frankfurt motor show.Expected variants for Australia are the 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol - an all-new engine - in the B180 (with 90kW/200Nm) and B200 (115kW/250Nm), with maximum torque in both versions arriving at a very low 1250rpm. There are two turbo-diesels - both 1.8-litre - with either 80kW/250Nm or 100kW/300Nm. It is the first time Mercedes has fitted a transverse diesel in one of its cars. These engines are on hydraulic mounts for quietness and are mated to new transmissions, a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch automated manual with seven ratios.Chassis and suspension are changed to promote a more engaging drive. There's a new four-link rear axle, electric steering assistance, a 20mm lower centre of gravity, an upgraded electronic stability control system and an optional sports suspension package.SAFETYMercedes plans a five-star crash result when tested. Standard equipment includes six airbags standard, a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive brake assist, Pre-Safe, Attention Assist and brake hold for the automatic models. It is not known which other available safety features - which are the gamut of Mercedes' huge offering - will also come at no extra cost. These include adaptive headlamp assist, blind-spot assist and lane-keeping assist, active parking assist and Distronic Plus.

Porsche Cayman S and Lotus Evora S go head-to-head in this comparative review.

SWEAT is running down the back of OPEC and it's not caused by the heat of the Arabian Desert. Seriously clever engineering is at work to quickly reduce the fuel consumption of our vehicles and, at the wheel of Volkswagen's new Golf Bluemotion. I am stunned at the speed at which the trip computer is pulling down the fuel average numbers.It is so easy to drive and save on costs that it's a wonder motorists have been avoiding eco-cars. Better, this is a very simple car and not a complex laboratory experiment.So I've taken it on a test in the real world for a real world car-not a hybrid but just a diesel engine and a five-speed manual gearbox, lots of comfort and features and a $28,990 price. Think hybrid? Think again.VALUEYou'd expect to pay less than $29,000 for a manual car with a diesel engine. Though there's some clever - though subtle - stuff in the Golf Bluemotion, I can see motorists baulk at the manual gearshift. The rest of the car is fine because it's based heavily on the $29,990 77TDI Golf Trendline (which comes only as an auto) with almost exact features. The Bluemotion differs by having no spare wheel (sad) and no auto option but has a stop-start system, aero bodykit, weighs 100kg less and gets 3.8 L/100km compared with 5.1 L/100km. If you're not a fan of diesels, I have included a petrol Golf in the comparisons below.DESIGNIf you don't know what a Golf looks like you've been hiding under a rock along with Port Adelaide supporters. It's neat, practical and classy but at the same time the styling is a bit bland. I love it because it works so well. It is one of the few cars that feels right-the seating position and especially the way it sits on the road. The Bluemotion has all the great things of the other Golfs and that includes space for four adults, a decent boot and a tall roofline so with folded rear seats, it will swallow a lot of gear.TECHNOLOGYThe 77kW/250Nm turbo-diesel is identical to the Trendline model. The fuel saving is achieved by opting for a lighter five-speed manual with wide-space ratios (Trendline gets a six cog box), addition of a stop-start system, aerodynamically-focused body kit, low rolling-resistance tyres and weight reduction that includes ditching the spare wheel (it's now an option). Other than that - it's all Golf so it's all good.SAFETYFive-star crash rating, electronic stability control with ABS brakes and extras like brake assist and anti-slip regulator, plus seven airbags. Just like a regular Golf.DRIVINGGetting the fuel consumption down becomes a game. I'm on a relatively long test run of 350km, through the hills - lots of hills - and following both major town-link roads and tiny backroads. I started at my city office and 15 minutes later the trip computer was tumbling down to average 7.1 litres/100km.An hour later, winding up through the hills, it had hit 4.5 L/100km and I wasn't holding back from the 80km/h and 110km/h speed limits. It dropped to 4.1 L/100km halfway through the journey and despite becoming more aggressive with the accelerator, slipped and lodged at 4.0 L/100km - sufficient for me to travel 1375km before refuelling.But it's not all about the fuel. The Bluemotion is a delightful handler and through the bends you can feel the tautness and strength of its chassis. Stay in the 2500-3500rpm range and there's heaps of tow in the engine.Ride comfort is great and the tyres - small 15-inch units here - notably produce less road noise than the low-profile rubber on more upmarket Golfs.VERDICTHigh quality and simple engineering make this a winner. An auto version would be interesting, especially as Volkswagen claims its dual-clutch automated manual (dubbed DSG) is more economical than a manual. Aside from its target as miserly transport, it's also fun to drive and comfortable.

Four models will wear the SLK badge before the end of the first quarter of 2012. But for now, there's two - the SLK200 and SLK350 - separated by power, features and a wide $36,000 gap.VALUEThis is in the eye of the beholder and yet even the "cheap" SLK200 is well kitted out. Standard is a seven-speed automatic attached to a 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. The electric steel roof goes down (and up) in less than 20 seconds, there are 17-inch alloy wheels, iPod/USB friendly audio, heated seats, solar-reflective leather seats and a 147mm colour screen. It's only when you factor in the extras in the SLK350 ($118,900) such as HDD sat-nav, multi-media Comand system, bi-xenon headlights and that big engine that you recognise the reason for the price difference.DESIGNThe SLK is basically the previous model with some heavy styling changes to the nose. It picks up the SLS design for the grille and the aluminium bonnet. From behind it looks a lot wider than the outgoing model, yet appearances deceive because the difference is only 33mm.The single-bar grille looks more masculine - an image Mercedes admits was the aim, yet was coy about putting that in words - and the use of LED running lights literally sparkles up the front. The cabin also takes hints from the SLS - big, round air vents, for example - and while it looks good straight out of the box, looks a whole lot better with the optional AMG kit.TECHNOLOGYThe supercharger in the Kompressor models of the previous SLK has been given the flick. Now it's a turbocharger doing all the blowing. And the whole car is better for it, particularly the reduction in engine noise. The Magic Sky roof - which changes from clear to heavily tinted at the switch of a button - is a $4550 option. Perhaps it's worth it for cities with extreme climates.The Airscarf, which blows warm air on your neck, gets approval for its value, as does the flip-out acrylic panels behind the head restraints that dramatically reduce cabin turbulence. The seven-speed auto - there's no manual unless you make a specific order - is an important inclusion . Same applies to the AMG package option which is $5900 for the SLK200 and $3200 for the SLK350.SAFETYFive star crash rating, six airbags (including a proper head-protecting curtain bag that rises from the top of the door) and all the best electronic aids for the chassis and brakes are standard Mercedes fare.DRIVINGThe package of a front engined, rear driven two seater pretty much indicates how the car will drive. The SLK and BMW Z4, for example, are similarly balanced. But the detail splits them apart. The SLK200 impresses with its strong little engine and impressive power spread from around 3000rpm to 6500rpm. The seven cogs in the auto play a big part in getting the best from the engine, but it won't disguise engine noise - which can get raspy despite a special acoustic box that introduces a more dramatic sound into the cabin.Ride and handling are designed for smooth roads - something lacking on the test route around Ballarat - so rutted bitumen really shakes the body (YOUR  body). Roof down in the SLK200 without the deflector is too breezy to hold a conversation. Steering is very good and, road surface dependent, the little car hangs on really well through fast corners. But though there's a huge financial yawn between the SLK200 and the SLK350, the later is a completely different car. It's fast, sounds like a sports car, has wind deflectors that allow comfortable roof-down touring and has a (slightly) better ride. Slightly, probably because of the weightier V6 eng ine up front.VERDICTAn improvement on the outgoing model but still a specialised purchase which puts it in the same league as the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4. But its powertrain offering - four cylinder, V6 and from early 2012, a 5.5-litre normally-aspirated V8 - widens its market and creates a convertible for nearly all needs.MERCEDES-BENZ SLKPrice: $82,900 (SLK200), $118,900 (SLK350)Warranty: 3-years/100,00km, roadside assistResale: 56% (est.)Service interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-starEngine: (SLK350) 3.5-litre V6, 225kW/370NmBody: 2-door 2-seat convertibleWeight: 1540kgTransmission: 7-speed auto, rear driveThirst: 8.3L/100km, 95 RON, CO2 194g/km"Family nose is only part of the evolution of this desirable roadster"

PARKING German luxury in your driveway has rarely been as affordable or as property-enhancing thanks to Mercedes-Benz.It may be the world's oldest car maker but it couldn't better capture style and elegance with wallet-cheating economy demanded by today's buyers. And with its pricing, you don't have to be a zillionaire to own one.Mercedes recently stopped production of its CLC and CLK coupes, now filling the gap with its newcomer, the C-Class Coupe. Though it has two doors, the coupe seats four, has a boot almost as big as the sedan and comes with a new generation of frugal four-cylinder engines - and one V6 - with an even more explosive AMG model ready for duty later this year.VALUEThe pretty coupe comes with a pretty price. There will be five models of the C-Class when the line-up is filled out by early next year. For now, there’s the C180 entry-level at $58,900 (which is only $400 dearer than the more compact CLC Evolution model); C250; C250CDI (the only diesel in the range); C350; and next year, the C63 AMG. The standard equipment level is as impressive as the prices, including a Command control system with Suna traffic management for the C250 and C350. Unusual for a new model poised to hit the market, Mercedes will launch Edition 1 - a limited edition package that costs $4360 extra (a bit extra for the C180) for gear including 18-inch seven spoke alloys and stitched leather upholstery in black.DESIGNThere’s a lot of CLK in the profile and indeed the way the C-Class Coupe is designed traces its predecessors intended clientele. The nose and front fenders are basically C-Class sedan, but externally the lines involve all new sheet metal and - in the case of the bonnet - aluminium. Trainspotters will note the Coupe’s two-bar grille, LED running lights and LEDs for the tail. There’s also a fat Mercedes star emblem within the grille. The cabin is from the C-Class range with the big exception of the sculptured two rear seats. Mercedes claims the boot shaves only 15 litres off the luggage area compared with the sedan. Trim and finish are excellent though there’s typical Mercedes restraint. The closest its gets to letting its hair down is the silver finish of the dash and door trim which is called "galvanised".TECHNOLOGYThe three four cylinder engines are a treat. They’ve been around in other models in recent times but Mercedes just keeps honing these comparatively small engines to get more economy and yet still deliver a smile on the driver’s face. The C180 and C250 petrols share the basics of a 1.8-litre capacity and a turbocharger. But tweaking lifts the C180’s 115kW/250Nm to 150kW/310Nm, cuts the 0-100km/h dash to 7.2 seconds from 8.9 seconds and yet the quicker, more powerful unit gets better fuel economy and puffs less emissions.The C180 claims 7.3 litres/100km and 169g/km CO2 while the C250 sips 7.0 l/100km and emits 163g/km CO2. The 2.1-litre turbo-diesel four is fractionally quicker to 100km/h than the C250, substantially more economical at 5.1 l/100km and 134g/km CO2 and delivers 150kW/500Nm. Otherwise, the Coupe is all C-Class sedan, including the "sports" button that firms the suspension. It is standard on all models and optional on the C180.SAFETYSame as the C-Class sedan and wagon, the Coupe gets a five-star crash rating and has the full suite of chassis and braking system electronics. You wouldn’t expect anything less.DRIVINGUnexpectedly, the C-Class Coupe feels like a much bigger car. Yes, it’s physically bigger than the CLC that it sort-of replaces and is smaller than the E-Class based coupe. But on the road, and indeed within the cabin, it feels the same size as the E-Class. Which is biggish. That means decent cabin room, reflected by the expansive width and ability to fit two adults in the rear. The design and placement of instruments and switches follow Mercedes style, which means familiarisation is needed.Crank the C250 petrol over and the idle is a bit harsh. The turbo makes it a lot quieter than the supercharger used on previous Kompressor models, but it’s still not the smoothest unit around. But there’s no complaints with the performance. There is a bit of lag off the mark but the seven cogs in the transmission make it easier and quicker to pluck the best from the engine’s powerband and get it to the ground. The gearbox is, by the way, excellent. Its rapid shifts feel more like a dual-clutch automated manual.While the C250’s powerplant is a surprise - Mercedes predicts it will be the biggest seller in the Coupe range - it is the diesel that is outstanding. Pity that most buyers will dismiss it because it is such a powerful performer and so easy to drive quickly - and economically. The C180 and C350 weren’t available to test. On drives through Victoria’s Otway mountain range and along the Great Ocean Road, the Coupe showed confident road holding and a compliant ride from a very rigid chassis.MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPEPrice: $58,900 (C180); $69,900 (C250 and C250CDI); $99,900 (C350); $154,800 (C63 AMG)Warranty: 3-years/100,00km, roadside assistService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-starEngine: (C250) 1.8-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged petrol, 150kW/310NmBody: 2-door coupe Weight: 1470kgTransmission: 7-speed auto, rear driveThirst: 7.0L/100km , 95 RON, CO2 163g/km"New star combines frugal engineering with sleek styling. C250 the one to watch''

The un-named concept sedan from the pen of Kia's design head Peter Schreyer is more likely to reach production as a coupe using the drivetrain and platform of the Genesis two-door from sister company Hyundai. Schreyer has made no secret that he wants a high-performance coupe in the Kia stables. "No matter from which perspective you look at it, this concept car is roaring with energy and ready for take-off," says Schreyer. "I believe the car is a strong statement from Kia: We are ready to fast forward to an all new chapter." The sedan will go on display at the Frankfurt motor show from September 14. Kia Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth says the concept may not see the light of day as a four door - at least, not initially. "This is a step towards Peter Schreyer's wish to have a rear-drive sports coupe from Kia," he says. "You could guess it sits on the Genesis platform." While Kia says the concept sedan represents a "distinctive new design direction", it shares lines with the current Optima sedan and grille shape of the new Kia family. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which will arrive late 2013 in Australia in its second generation form, is a rear-drive four-seater with a 157kW/302Nm 2-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder - which shares components with Mitsubishi's Evo X engine - or a 228kW/361Nm 3.8-litre V6.

Without trying to sound macabre - which we are - here's some of the famous people no longer with us because of the car. On a brighter note, lots of people are still with us because of the car - or more specifically, the ambulance.1. James Dean (Porsche 550 Spyder): Dean's status soared to cult levels after his untimely death in September 1955. In fact, so did the status of the car he was driving, a Porsche 550 Spyder that was the predecessor to today's Boxster. Dean died while driving when an approaching car turned in front of him. His passenger, mechanic Rolf Wutherich, survived that accident but died in a car crash in 1981.2. Diana, Princess of Wales (Mercedes-Benz S280): On August 31, 1997, the world woke to the shocking news that Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in a car accident in Paris. Her partner Dodi and driver were also killed. The accident is alleged to have been caused when the Mercedes was avoiding pursuing paparazzi.3. Princess Grace Kelly (Rover SD1): The former American actress and princess of Monaco died in 1982 after suffering a mild stroke at the wheel of her car, causing it to roll down a mountain in Monaco. Coincidentally, revered British motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood (1940-1981) was killed in a car accident a year earlier driving a similar car.4. Marc Bolan (Mini GT): Bolan, lead singer of glam rock group T-Rex, was killed instantly in 1977 when the purple Austin Mini GT in which he was a passenger failed to negotiate a bridge and hit a tree. Ironically, Bolan never learned to drive, fearing his untimely death in a car. The driver was his girlfriend, Gloria Jones.5. Peter "Possum" Bourne (Subaru Forester): Amiable New Zealand rally driver Possum Bourne was on a course inspection in 2003 on the "Race to the Sky" track at Cardrona in NZ's South Island when he collided head on with a Jeep Cherokee. He never regained consciousness. A statue of Possum is set on the mountain on an isolated rock overlooking the Cardrona village.6. Jackson Pollack (Oldsmobile 88): The reclusive artist crashed his 1950 Oldsmobile convertible while under the influence of alcohol, killing both himself and his passenger instantly in 1956. Pollock was aged 44.7. Jayne Mansfield (Buick Electra): In the early hours of June 29, 1967, Hollywood sex symbol Jayne Mansfield, died after the 1966 Buick Electra 255 in which she was a passenger smashed under the back of a slowing semi-trailer. Mansfield, her boyfriend Sam Brody and the driver were killed instantly. Her three children including Mariska, all in the rear of the car, survived with minor injuries.8. Desmond Llewelyn (Renault Megane): In 1999, one of the UK's most recognisable figures; Desmond Llewelyn, better known as Q in the James Bond films, died in a car crash aged 85. He was driving home from a book signing when his car collided head on with a Fiat.9. Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez (Mitsubishi SUV): In 2002, Lopez - singer with popular RnB group TLC - was thrown from the vehicle and died from injuries. The Mitsubishi was forced off the road by an oncoming truck that was trying to overtake a car on a Honduras road.10. George S. Patton (Cadillac Series 75): The famous United States general died from complications 12 days after a car accident near Mannheim, Germany. He was aged 60 years.

Subaru Outback 2.0D and Skoda Scout 103TDI go head-to-head in this comparative review.

... at the world's leading classic and performance car event, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the US. Lotus says the concept is a road-going version of its planned entrant into the new global motorsport GTE category, which includes the Le Mans 24 Hours. The hot Evora runs a 315kW-plus engine that mates to a sequential AMT racing gearbox. Wheels are ultra-lightweight forged alloys with centre-lock hubs shod with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres. "The Evora GTE Road Car Concept isn't merely a paint scheme or homage to a race car - this is a serious race car that makes for a very serious road car,'' says Lotus. The GTE Concept will this week be shown within the Lotus exhibit at Pebble Beach this week before being moved onto the Concept Car Lawn for display throughout the remainder of the weekend. It's black and mean and not coming to Australia. The Exige Matte Black Final Edition - which does exactly that: marks the end of an era of Exige production - has a power upgrade to 190kW, an exclusive matte-black paint finish, black Alacantara sport seats and a higher level of standard equipment. Only 25 examples of this Exige will be built, each with their own numbered plate, which Lotus says will help make these cars instantly collectible.