Articles by Neil Dowling

A recent survey by Ford reports that 58 per cent of men and women say the condition of their date's vehicle would impact their on-going attraction to that person. So what does your car say about you -- and what do other people's cars tell you about them.... Feel free to add to our growing research at the end of the story.... Ford's "Life In Drive" survey says the smart way to find the person of your dreams may be to start looking at who is sitting inside the car of your dreams. The Ford "Life In Drive" survey, first commissioned in 2007 and recently upgraded, joined with US dating consultant Evan Marc Katz declares that your car can be the key to getting you connected with the opposite sex. Or not. Nearly all males and females are impressed when their dates pick them up in nice cars (84 per cent male respondents, 89 per cent female respondents). "Not only can a good car make a better impression than even the best of pick-up lines, it may also have an equal affect on both men and women," says the Ford survey. "Securing a hot set of wheels may actually be one of the best methods to secure a hot date," says Katz, the CEO of online dating consulting service E-Cyrano.com and author of Why You're Still Single: Things Your Friends Would Tell You If You Promised Not to Get Mad (Plume/June 2006). "Like joining a rock band, there's something about a fast, shiny vehicle that simply exudes sex appeal," he says. The Ford survey finds that one truth behind the "chick magnet" concept is that certain cars create an air of excitement. "Really, whose heart isn't pounding just a little bit harder after watching Steve McQueen's Mustang fly around the corner in Bullitt?" the survey asks. Ford says that the ability to get your heart racing is an important quality for car designers and engineers. "Part of our job is to understand exactly what elements make a car attractive to both men and women," says Marilyn Parrett, Ford's Customer Intelligence Manager. Ford's research shows that women, for example, are undeniably drawn to cars that are reliable. Exterior styling - how it looks - ranks as a very close second for both genders. "Women want a car that, like a good man, makes them feel safe and beautiful," says Katz. Female drivers who want to invest in a dependable "dude magnet", however, may also want to think about acquiring a nicer set of wheels - maybe even a brand that is sexy not only by design but because of the way its marketed. Katz says that a good car can be an equally effective magnet for both men and women as it serves as a tangible vehicle for self-expression. "There's nothing wrong with driving a people mover," says Katz. "But isn't the woman with the sleek shades who has the top down in a Mustang convertible more likely to get a second look?" Megan Crosby, 19, is all you'd expect in a Hyundai Accent owner - young, pretty, outgoing and with more interest in things in life other than her car. But she bends the stereotype - she's a single mother who's gone back to high school to allow her studies to access university. And it's not the car she would have chosen. "I should have got a car with four doors," she said. "Getting (baby) Leon in and out of the back seat sucks. I bought the Hyundai because it had air-con. I had just had Leon and it was a really hot summer. I couldn't drive around with him in my old Mazda 121 because it was so hot. So my baby made my decision for me." YOU AND YOUR CAR TYPE Hatchback: I love shopping.V8 sedan: I like to make a lot of noise.V8 ute: I wanted to be a carpenter.4WDs: You're in my lane... it doesn't matter what lane you're in, you're still in my lane.People mover: My wife and I like children... lots of children.SUV: I want adventure and want everyone to think I'm adventurous... I have been to Busselton.Convertible: I am losing my hair. YOU AND YOUR CAR BRAND Alfa Romeo: Maintenance isn't an issue - it's a lifestyle.Aston Martin DB7: What do you mean 'It's a Ford Mondeo?Audi A4: What do you mean 'It's a Volkswagen?'BMW X5: Indicators? What indicators?BMW X3: I couldn't afford an X5.BMW X1: I couldn't afford an X3.Chrysler 300C: I am a pimp.Citroen C6: I am completely different.Daihatsu Charade: I deliver pizzas.Fiat 500: I am cute. I love cute things.Ford Falcon: My company makes me drive it.Holden Commodore: (see Ford Falcon).Holden Monaro: I don't have kids. Really.Honda Jazz: I am pragmatic and boring.Hyundai Excel X3: If my rear fog light is on, nobody is home.Hyundai Grandeur: I remember Menzies.Jaguar XJ6: My parking bay is my mechanic's hoist.Jeep Wrangler: I like to drive around topless.Lexus: I yearn for status. I really wanted a Mercedes.Mazda MX-5: I have no fear of semi-trailers.MGB: I am dating a mechanic.Mitsubishi Colt: I think I'm hip.Peugeot 308: I am a little bit different.Porsche Panamera: I am devoid of any fashion sense.Proton: I am devoid of any sense.Saab Convertible: I am a trophy wife.Skoda: I operate a lathe and enjoy beer.SssangYong: I'm not sure what a car is.Subaru WRX: I moonlight as a rally driver.Toyota Avalon: My previous car was a Volvo.Toyota Camry: I am still in the closet.Toyota Corolla: Please don't notice me.Volkswagen Beetle: I watch Partridge Family reruns.Volkswagen Convertible: I am out of the closet.Volkswagen Kombi: I am tripping right now.Volvo: All the other drivers are out to get me.

The Japanese car giant says the expansion - which will include the Lexus CT200h to debut at this month's Paris Motor Show - answers increasing customer demand for greener cars and a rising number of hybrids from rival car makers. The six will be two Lexus variants and four with Toyota badging. A Toyota spokesman - who is not named - says the models are all-new and not upgrades of existing hybrids.  They will be launched to capitalise on the success of hybrids in select global markets. Toyota's Prius, for example, has been Japan's best seller since May 2009.  The announcement comes as rivals such as Nissan go public with plans for greener cars. In Nissan's case, it has ignored hybrids and wants all-electric vehicles. It will sell the Leaf all-electric plug-in hatchback in Japan and Europe later this year and, possibly, Australia next year.  Mitsubishi now sells its all-electric i-MiEV baby five-door hatch in Australia and Subaru sells electric cars such as the Stella on the Japanese market. Toyota also has electric plans. It will debut a fully-electric version of its RAV4 at the Los Angeles motor show in November.  The electric RAV is the product of Toyota's partnership with US-based zero-emission carmaker, Tesla.

Proponents of the ancient Japanese sport of kendo dress up and repeatedly and earnestly beat each other with bamboo poles. Though any form of human activity in our lethargic world should be applauded, this one just doesn't seem to be as inspirational as anything else bar marbles. If the point of kendo is repeatedly hitting things, may I suggest taking up roof carpentry and earning money while you perspire.It is one of those pursuits that could be as pointless as, er, buying a 4WD for shopping in the suburbs. But, like kendo, people do it. Which makes the latest Mitsubishi 4WD, the ASX, pigeon holed as pointless. Except that it isn't.It is one of the few compact SUVs that actually making sense - even more than the Outlander on which it's heavily based. The reason for its approval rating is that it is what a suburban car should be - smallish, versatile, sprightly, affordable and amazingly economical. And a lot better than beating up people in dresses and Darth Vader hats with a bamboo stick.To a lot of people, including me, $36,990 plus on-road costs is a really good overseas holiday. But I could be swayed. The ASX starts at $25,990 but that buys only a gently-amusing 2WD model with a manual gearbox and petrol engine. The diesel is far, far better in terms of driveability, performance and economy.The killer is that it costs the same as the petrol model and has more power - 110kW - and lots more torque. But it only comes with a manual gearbox. The Aspire version tested is the most expensive of the line-up and comes only as an all-wheel drive. The 2-litre petrol is only an automatic and the 1.8-litre diesel is only a manual.Mitsubishi has stolen a lot of the Outlander bits - the chassis, for example, including the wheelbase - to create the ASX, but don't feel cheated. There may be something borrowed here but there's nothing blue. Turbo-diesels are as common as noses now but there's something a bit inspiring about the Mitsubishi oiler including the fact it has variable-valve timing, is an awful lot of fun to drive and drinks like a budgy.The 1.8-litre - which is exclusive to the ASX though should be spread across the Mitsubishi small-car range - dumps 110kW/300Nm through a six-speed manual gearbox. The drive is selectable. In the 'burbs, pick 2WD from the centre console rotary switch. If things get wintery, or the road surface is slippery, click the switch to 4WD Auto. And when maximum traction is needed - for slow speeds only - there's the third option of 4WD Lock.Looks are subjective. That's why I think Jessica Marais is sensational but you may not even notice her. Which is potentially good for me. The ASX looks good primarily because, unlike the Outlander, its shape is balanced. Short nose with near-vertical grille, compact passenger cell with lots of glass, and an abrupt tail with very short overhangs.It shares the Outlander's 2670mm wheelbase but is 370mm shorter. That makes its seating room on par but will lose out to its bigger sister in cargo room. The Outlander will swallow up to 1691 litres and the SX only 1193 litres.The ASX's interior looks great. It's simple, accommodating with lots of personal storage space and is easy to use. The Aspire gets the big central screen for everything from sat-nav - which has less-than aspiring graphics - to audio and has upmarket stuff including leather seat facings, trip computer and cruise control.Mitsubishi's Lancer - on which the Outlander and ASX are based - has been criticised by me over its tinny doors. Slam them and it sounds like rattling stones in a baked bean can. The ASX continues this tradition. Please fix it because the solid thump sound of a closed door reflects build quality.Seven airbags, electronic stability control, traction control and a hill holder for the manual transmission models ticks all the boxes. The high seating position aids in visibility and presumes you will be safer in a crash. Unless, of course, you are hit by another SUV.The manual gearbox can be like a wooden stake to some motorists but here, in the ASX, it works a treat. The cogs mesh nicely, are well suited to the torquey diesel and come with long fifth and sixth ratios for low-rev highway cruising that slashes fuel consumption. In many ways, it's like driving a Lancer sedan. The Outlander feels, by comparison, a bit ponderous.Mid-range torque is the diesel's party trick and it can be hauled out and exploited for rapid overtaking times. It also makes a few gearchanges redundant so you find corners are taken in third or even fourth, and freeway onramps see you skip from third to sixth.It's comfortable, quiet and compliant though the seats never feel very supportive. The ASX goes into the dirt quite well and can even traverse sand patches. If it gets a bit soft, select 4WD Lock. If the ground gets softer, you shouldn't be there.Climate airconditioning; 9-speaker CD/iPod audio; 7 airbags; sat-nav; rear camera; leather.

GM Holden next year plans to wheel out a refurbished Captiva SUV to an increasingly discerning crowd of Australian families.  Expected here early in 2011, the five or seven-seat Captiva stars in its global reveal at this month's Paris motor show as a Chevrolet - GM's mainstay brand that turns 100 year next year.The four-year-old SUV built by the Korean Daewoo arm of GM gets upgraded with a polished face and more power choices for 2011, but most importantly, aims to add more value for family buyers.GM Holden in the year to August 31 has sold almost 11,000 Captivas, giving it the lead in the softroader field – and making it for overall SUVs second only to the more 4WD-oriented Toyota Prado's 11,650 figure.Externally it wears a bigger, two slot grille under a muscled bonnet, new slim-line headlights and repeater indicators in the wing mirrors. GM Holden is keeping quiet about the SUV."We're not in a position to discuss powertrains or features for our local model at this stage," says GM Holden spokesman Jonathon Rose.  "But the styling does give a clue as to what an updated Captiva for Australia may look like when it reaches our shores."The Captiva goes on duty in Europe with four powerplant options and new transmissions. It is expected in Australia with the same choices as the current model.  The basic model range of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, petrol and diesel, will remain but the drivetrains are expected to be more advanced.Global markets have the choice of two petrol engines (a 127kW 2.4-litre variable-valve four and a 192kW 3-litre V6) and two 2.2-litre turbo-diesels rated at 121kW and 136kW.  The turbo-diesels and the 2.4-litre petrol can be ordered in front or all-wheel-drive configurations. It is unlikely we will get the V6.Transmissions are new six-speed manual and six-speed automatic units.  In acknowledgment of its market, the next Captiva accents new cabin colours and finishes, a wrap-around instrument panel and ice-blue backlighting.For the first time, it gets an electric park brake that allows more room in the centre console for storage.  The new manual transmission Captiva has "hill-start assist" to prevent rolling back on hills.Other cabin improvements are an audio system with iPod, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. European buyers are to have a touch-screen sat-nav option with rear view camera. This feature is expected on the Australian-bound models.GM says a new, more rigid chassis and attention to sound deadening have resulted in a Captiva that, in comparison with the current model, has more positive handling and reduced road, wind and engine noise.  Safety features include standard electronic stability and traction control, brake assist and six airbags.

It has announced the end of its evocative, high-revving V10 engine and its M6 coupe and convertibles.  Once the revered powerplant of the M5, the 5-litre 373kW V10 is being chopped to rationalise - and economise - BMW's engine range. In its place comes a version of the X5M and X6M bi-turbo 4.4-litre V8 which, in the X5M, delivers 408kW/680Nm.  BMW Australia says the V10 - which pumps out its maximum power at 7750rpm with a redline peak of 8250rpm - is already out of production. The 6-Series coupe and convertible in M-spec are also finishing up and, as yet, there's no hint of a replacement.  BMW Australia spokesman Piers Scott says there's a new 6-Series poised for launch early next year. "That will come to Australian showrooms by mid-2011," he says.  "The first of the new 6 models will be the convertible and the coupe will follow later in the year." Mr Scott says there's no timing or details of a new M6 "at this stage".  Insiders say the all-new 6 presents a softer look than the current model, translating to the more feminine lines of the new Z4 compared with its previous, harder-edged model. BMW has previously stated that the design moves to temper the more aggressive lines is aimed at broadening its appeal. That is, more appealing to women. It is likely the next 6-Series may pick up some technology from the outgoing M6, including the carbon-fibre roof and bumper.  With its new models planned for 2011, BMW has left room at the end of the year for the M5. "The new M5 launches internationally towards the end of next year, and is likely to get a turbocharged V8," Mr Scott says.  It is expected to get a tweaked bi-turbo V8 version as it also downsteps in cylinder numbers from the V10. BMW has globally sold 14,152 units of the M6 Coupe and M6 Convertible. Since its launch in 2005, 9087 Coupes were built compared with the 2006 introduction of the Convertible that sold 5065 units. BMW reported that for two years in succession - 2005 and 2006 - the V10 won the international Engine of the Year Award and in the two years that followed, achieved first place on each occasion in the category for engines with displacement above 4-litres.

A generation ago, the Mazda 6 would be a large car and we'd load it to the gunwales with luggage and head out on motoring holidays.

The spread of the dealer network aims to keep up with demand caused by a booming population and Australia's strong economy.  Within two years, BMW will see $40 million spent on new or refurbished outlets as it shoots for 50 national dealerships.These include a second dealership in Perth ($15 million), expanded Doncaster (Victoria) premises ($10 million), a North Shore Sydney franchise ($8 million) and a new dealer at Tweed Heads.  The Perth dealership, to be built this year by the existing franchisee, is in the city's expanding northern suburbs.BMW Australia managing director Stavros Yallouridis says the expansion reflects the mechandising concept that takes the product closer to the buyer.  "We are, to a degree, a product for the impulsive buyer," he says."We have to go to the buyer and that redefines the distribution of our products. In many cases, as we expand our products with smaller cars, we have to be in city areas that demand small cars in order to sell to our target market."Yallouridis says the car market was aiming for record highs and, in BMW's case, highlighted by the 1-Series, X1, 5-Series and 7-Series."The X3 comes in next year and there's the 1-Series hatch and coupe, so sales will expand further," he says.The Audi Centre in Perth is more than doubling its floor area, taking over a neighbouring property in the high-end car retail suburb of Osborne Park. The suburb also hosts Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lexus, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.The additional building will accommodate the new 26-car showroom - effectively 2.5 times bigger than present - to display one of each of Audi's models.  Dealer principal David Collins says the investment of about $15 million was necessary."The customers demand it and we desperately need the space because of the growth in Audi sales," he says.  "In 2004 we had 120 new car sales. Now we have 1050."Audi's sales are higher than BMW's when you take out the SUVs.  "I've ordered 250 units of the A1 for 2011 because of demand."  Collins says the Q5 was "the most successful car I've ever been involved with".He says it reflects the growing trend of buyers seeking to downsize their cars yet retain quality and luxury.  BMW has recorded a 10.4 per cent national sales growth year-to-date and, with global sales this calendar year of 775,000, has surpassed Mercedes-Benz (735,000) and Audi (726,000).It has since January sold 1156 of its baby X1 SUV - now its third most popular single-body seller after the 3-Series (3326) and X5 (1955) - for 2 per cent of Australia's passenger-car market.Audi has 1.7 per cent of the car market, primed by sales year-to-date of 1458 A3s and 2521 A4s, and Mercedes-Benz has 2.6 per cent thanks primarily to its E-Class stranglehold of the $70,000-plus large luxury car sector and the robust 4242 C-Class sales.

In a massive overturn for the company, it will shrug off its wide smile and replace it with a hard-edged trapzoidal mouth. In the Shinari concept, shown for the first time this week in Milan, the shape - called Kodo - is distinctly creased and shows sharp edges as new design chief Ikuo Maeda abandons the pronounced rounded fenders penned by his predecessor. The Shinari face will be rolled out in new Mazda vehicles from 2012, starting - in Australia - with the Mazda6. Other models will follow in quick succession, Mr Maeda says. The new look will combine with the complete range of new engines - Sky-G (petrol) and Sky-D (diesel) - and six-speed manual and lock-up auto transmissions. Australia will first see some of the new technology in next year’s updated Mazda3, which won’t get the new look but will have the 2-litre Sky-G engine. Shinari is intended to be merely a concept car but it is powered by a 2-litre Sky-G engine driving the front wheels. Mazda says the drivetrain is academic. The carbon-fibre bonnet features a U-shaped indent reminiscent of the RX-8 and the imposing centre tunnel in the cabin and four-seat design clearly shows it will accommodate a rear-drive layout, indicating it may have a future as a rotary-powered sports car. Inside, the glass-roofed cockpit surrounds the driver and side panels - sharp-edged and with deep recesses - form zones for the sat-nav, radio, switchgear and even the tiny button that controls the gearbox. Instead of a conventional gearshift lever, the concept has steering wheel paddles. "It’s our basic design philosophy," says Maeda of the Shinari. "It’s absolutely critical that this design for Mazda stands out. We also have to create an emotional link between the car and the owner." But though some elements of the shape will carry on through Mazda’s passenger car range from 2012, Maeda and interior designer Julien Montousse admit some features will be lost in translation. "The dashboard can be difficult to reproduce in production cars," Montousse says, "and it can be expensive. What you will see (in production) are elements of this design. So there will be, in all models, a binnacle that creates a cockpit for the driver and the horizontal line across the cabin to give space." Maeda says: "We have studied how this theme fits smaller cars and SUVs and we have a pretty good idea about how it will work." Challenges for Mazda in applying the Shinari concept include trying to make thin A-pillars, which support the windscreen. "Our desire is to have frameless doors and to have thin A pillars," Maeda says. "But the A pillars are a problem. We will have to find new materials to make the pillars strong and also to accommodate the airbags. We are trying different steel sections and high-tensile steel. Carbon fibre is ideal but is not affordable for a passenger car." Mazda will show the Shinari concept at a motor show early in 2011. It chose not to show it at the Paris motor show later this month, preferring instead to display production cars including the face-lifted Mazda2.

Top of the list is its new "one size fits all" philosophy as Mazda reveals it will next year make a single vehicle platform to suit different models.At its first showing in Berlin, Mazda previews its new diesel and petrol engines, new automatic and manual transmissions, and a raft of new chassis systems.Though shown within old Mazda6 bodies, the drivetrains will be seen - as early as next year in Australia - in the upcoming Mazda3, Mazda6, new SUV models including the future CX-5, commercial vehicles and further out, in the small B-class car bracket in which Mazda2 sits.Mazda also reveals it has achieved fuel consumption as low as 5.8litres/100km from a normally-aspirated 2-litre petrol four and 4.2-litres/100km from its new 2.2-litre bi-turbo diesel. More importantly, the engines meet future strict emission regulations including Euro-6. So here's what's new.ENGINESMazda rolls out its Sky-G (gasoline) and Sky-D (diesel) engine range. Technically, they represent a fresh wave of ICE development. For example, a diesel usually has a very high compression ratio of about 20:1 but Sky-D has an unusually low 14:1.The Sky-G also has 14:1 when normally-aspirated petrol engines are about 10:1. Powertrain Development Division head Mitsuo Hitomi says by raising the compression ratio and controlling cylinder head temperatures, it is possible to reduce fuel use. A side benefit - aided by a high-performance four-into-two-into-one exhaust system and long-stroke cylinder design - is a 15 per cent increase in torque while the longer stroker/smaller bore allows the cylinders to be placed closer and the engine block to be 20mm shorter and lighter.Sky-G is a 2-litre engine but Mazda is finalising a 1.3-litre version that is intended for the Mazda2. A smaller diesel is also being developed. Both diesel and petrol engines - and manual and automatic transmssions - come with Mazda's "i-stop" stop-start system.TRANSMISSIONSThere are four transmissions branded Sky-Drive: six-speed manuals and six-speed automatics for petrol and diesel applications. The big story is the lock-up system for all cars that Mazda claims allows up to 7 per cent fuel savings while delivering rapid shifts. Mazda is considering paddle shifters in some automatic models and even a "sports" shift button to accentuate shift points.CHASSISMazda shows the next Mazda6 body and chassis details and says it will be used across the board - with the same suspension design, steering and brakes. So Mazda3 would use identical Mazda6 components but sit on a smaller platform.In the case of the Mazda6, the body itself is only marginally bigger than the current Mazda6 but sits on a 50mm longer wheelbase. Front track is up 18mm but because of a new rear suspension cross-arm that can accommodate a rear drive system, the track is up 27mm.Mazda has dispensed with front double-wishbne suspension and will, from the new Mazda6 late next year, use MacPherson struts. The steering is all-electric assistance with the motor set within the cabin, halfway up the column.Total body weight is claimed to be down 100kg even though no aluminium is used.DRIVINGFour test 'mules' are available in Berlin with 2011 mechanical components under '06-model Mazda6 bodies.The first car I drive - a Sky-G petrol manual - is quiet and smooth. Mazda makes a lot of noise about the shift feel of the manual gearbox but it feels pretty much like the transmission in today's Mazda6. The petrol's outputs of 123kW and 210Nm feel irrelevant on the tight country lanes and open speed limit autobahns near Berlin. The engine has good response but perhaps its best feature is its smoothness and linear power delivery.The automatic petrol is a better drive. The automatic torque converter unit is far snappier on upchanges. But the Sky-D diesel is the standout engine. It has 420Nm of torque and that's possibly too much in the Mazda6. The manual transmission model can easily be short-shifted or gears can be skipped. In the auto, upchanges are quick and the engine would rarely need to exploit Mazda's engineering that allows it to spin to 5200 revs - unusually high for a diesel.Engines aside, the steering is a vast improvement. It has sufficient feel through the bends to come close to a hydraulic system and unlike many rivals, isn't overly light and vague.

Ikuo Maeda, general manager of Mazda's design team, says "it's my dream" to make a modern interpretation of the RX-7 that, incidentally, was penned by his father. But don't expect anything like the style adopted by his father. "We have totally opposite design tastes," he says.  "He likes simplicity of form - I like complexity."  Asked if an RX-7 was on the table, Maeda admitted there had been drawings but Mazda corporate was yet to give any go ahead. "Mazda will build it if people want it," he says.  "In Japan, the younger generation are less interested in cars and there's not much demand for sports cars. But in other parts of the world, I think there is strong demand." The coupe could follow the theme of the future Toyota-Subaru coupe and the introduction of the Lexus LFA.  But Mr Maeda says he wouldn't design a new RX-7 to compete with the Toyota. "Ours would be a much more serious sports car than the Toyota," says the designer who is a prominent touring car racer and pilots an MX-5 in sports car events.  It would be a more genuine sports car - lightweight, compact, rotary engine and rear drive.  A sports car should be rear-wheel drive." Maeda says the Shinari design theme would be used on all Mazda passenger cars except for the next MX-5.  `It will be applied to the MX-5 but it won't adopt all the ideas," he says. "The MX-5 has a separate history to the other models. So it will have to retain its own identity.  It will have a combination of designs."But Mr Maeda says he wouldn't elaborate on the design of he next MX-5 or its intended launch date.