Articles by Neil Dowling

Nissan's global parent has just ticked off its right-hand drive Infiniti G37 Convertible — the fifth model for the right-hand drive UK market — that launches in September.But Nissan Australia says it's placed Infiniti on hold.Spokesman Jeff Fisher says the luxury brand was not in Nissan Australia's ‘action’ box because of the global economic slowdown."It's coming but we'd term it a work in progress," he says."Infiniti is an international brand but is built in very small volumes. Europe, for example, would only get 25,000 units."Australia has to make a business case work and that's not going to happen just yet."The latest Infiniti Convertible gets a raft of high-end features including Connectiviti+ — the brand's infortainment system including HDD navigation with the Michelin Green Guide for European connoisseurs.It can also add Bose Personal speakers — with outside noise reduction, airconditioned seats and adaptive climate control.The Convertible comes in two models — the GT and GT Premium — both with a metal folding three-piece roof.The GT gets 19-inch alloy wheels with sports brakes, a wind deflector, leather seats, active cornering bi-xenon headlamps and LED rears, dual-zone adaptive climate control with automatic air recirculation, the Infiniti Intelligent Key, heated and electrically adjustable front seats and Infiniti's "self-healing" Scratch Shield Paint.The GT Premium adds Connectiviti+ which upgrades the system to 30Gb and a 3D Points of Interest information bank supplied by Michelin Green Guide. That's claimed as a world first.Options are few, topped by a seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters.Infiniti says the 238kW 3.7-litre V6 is good for a 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 250km/h — enough to claim it as one of the world's fastest four-seater convertibles. 

Under the ClearTec label, Mitsubishi this week started in the UK with its new-generation Colt.Within three years, all Mitsubishi models except Triton and Pajero will have the option of low-emission, high-efficiency features.Mitsubishi says that diesel was no longer cost effective for motorists who cover low annual distances.In Australia, Mitsubishi will soon unveil low-emission systems for its range. Spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says ClearTec was not on Australia's near-term radar.The UK-spec Colt ClearTec 1.3-litre petrol reduces CO2 emissions by 24g/km (17 per cent) to 119g/km compared with the standard Colt 1.3.It costs about 5.4 per cent more than a standard version in the UK.That means Australian buyers would pay $16,590 (plus on-road costs) for a ClearTec Colt compared with the base Colt price of $15,740 (plus costs).Mitsubishi claims the 1.3-litre (the Australian 1.5-litre is not available in the UK) ClearTec will get up to 4.3 litres/100km — with an overall average of 5 l/100km — and argues it is a less expensive car to buy and run than small-capacity diesel cars.The key to ClearTec is a list of low-emission features, primarily auto stop-and-go that in traffic or when stopped, switches off the engine.It restarts primarily when the clutch is engaged, though there are six other sensors that can restart the engine. For safety reasons, the engine will stop only if it doesn't detrimentally affect other functions such as the windscreen demister or airconditioner.It is only offered on models with manual transmissions.Mitsubishi says the stop-and-go system will reduce emissions and fuel consumption by 25-30 per cent over the standard car.ClearTec also adds low rolling resistance tyres (with an 18-33 per cent reduction); higher final drive ratio (16-26%); high-efficiency alternator (11-15%); low viscocity oil (2-3%); and low resistant engine fittings (10-13%).It results, at best, in a car that has a CO2 reduction of 24g/km.

Private ownership is likely after Mercedes-Benz successfully won the Australian Defence Force contract for a fleet of khaki G-wagons. The necessary homologation for the ADF has opened the door to importing vehicles for the public.Mercedes-Benz Cars spokesman David McCarthy says it could be on the cards."There is certainly the possibility that we will bring in the diesel V6 and the G55 AMG," he says."We are currently investigating the volumes and pricing to make a business case.""This window has been made possible after the G-wagon received certification for Australia because of the military orders."The military G-wagons will be six-wheel drive versions with most of the chassis work contracted out to a firm in Newcastle, NSW.New private-sale G-wagons will arrive in 2009 guise, with a new three-bar grille and a chrome grille surround.The 2009 Mercedes G-Class wagons come in three body variants — short-wheelbase wagon, long wheelbase wagon and ragtop — powered by a 165kW/540Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel; 285kW/530Nm 5.5-litre V8 petrol; or for the AMG version, a supercharged 373kW/700Nm V8 petrol.There is also a 5-litre V8 petrol for some commercial applications.The wagon is no slug, either, with the G55 AMG capable of a 0-100km/h time of only 5.9 seconds and on to a top of 210km/h.Only one transmission — Mercedes' ubiqitous seven-speed sequential automatic — is offered and is mated to a two-speed transfer case with constant all-wheel drive.The brick shape — a legacy of the commercial application of the vehicle and its 30-year age — hints at the G-Class' off-road ability.All models have three electromechanical locking differentials that can be engaged on the move.Other standard equipment is a full ladder chassis, solid-axle front and rear suspension, recirculating-ball steering and high ground clearance. All can climb slopes up to 80 per cent gradient and can tow up to 3200kg.The G55 AMG will have 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, burl walnut or maple wood trim, Harman/Kardon premium 10-speaker audio and a sunroof.The vehicle has seating for five adults — there is no third-row option — and while it borrows luxury components from other Mercedes models, it still regarded as being noisy, has some bodyroll and is awkward to enter because of its tall stance and narrow door openings.But it is likely that if it makes it to Australia, the tiny quote will make it a rarity on our roads.

Volkswagen is seriously considering importing the Golf Estate, a wagon based on the Golf hatch. It will join a diminishing small-wagon sector occupied now only by the Holden Astra and Viva, Hyundai i30, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Roomster.Volkswagen Group Australia spokesman Karl Gehling says the Estate is definitely under consideration but it was "too early" to talk about when it could arrive.Effectively a Jetta with a longer roofline, the Estate sits on the Golf/Jetta wheelbase. It is the same length and width as the Jetta though is 45mm higher.The Estate was announced this week in the UK as a right-hand drive model that is expected early in 2010. Though Volkswagen doesn't say it, the new Estate appears to be a Gen 5 model with Gen 6 grille and headlight details.It does, however, get all the latest Gen 6 Golf drivetrain options. It will share engines with the Golf including a new 77kW 1.6-litre turbo-diesel that squeezes just 4.5 litres/100km from the tank and emits only 119 grams of CO2 per kilometre.The latest Golf Estate will be the fourth generation of the model.It was first launched in 1993 and has since sold more than 1.2 million examples to make it one of Volkswagen's most popular models.

I have a bookshelf made by me when I temporarily became a subcontractor to Ikea. You can tell I built it because there are some flaws.The nail holes in the white plastic coating on the shelves, for example, is where I missed the instruction that indicated nails should go into the side without the pretty plastic finish.While I waited for my wife to come down from the ceiling, I figured white paint or Liquid Paper would coat the holes and no-one would notice. It didn't work and every guest notices. If they miss the holes, then my wife is sure to point them out.Life is supposed to be simple but you can see that we face frequent complications. Which is why I spent far too long looking for any flaws in Volvo's prestige saloon, the S80.Like Ikea, it comes from Sweden and is refreshingly simple. So simple that the S80 is a hassle-free joy to drive yet so simple that in many people's eyes, it doesn't instantly reflect its near-$80,000 price tag.That ignores the fact that the S80 — now in a petrol six-cylinder version to compliment the diesel and the V8 — is very well equipped and more than competitive with its BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes C-Class and Jaguar X-Type rivals.Externally the S80 cleverly uses round-edged wedge and scalloped flank shapes to disguise its size. It is neat and, in an Ikea-ish way, so similar to the half-price S40 model as to be twins.While it may look too much like its cheaper sister, it shares none of its drivetrain components or philosophy. This is a Volvo to fang. The turbocharged, inline six-cylinder engine stretches transversely between the MacPherson strut towers and drives through a six-speed sequential auto to all wheels. That's the first indication of its potential.The 3-litre engine may sound a tad smallish but it's lively and thanks to the turbo and its intercooler, piles on the torque at low revs for sparkling acceleration. It is always relaxed and even near the top end of the tacho, you know it's breathing hard but it isn't suffering.This is a better deal than the V8. Firstly, you'd save on fuel and on the $9000 price difference. And you won't be a lot worse off in performance. Certainly the in-line six cylinder is smooth and quiet — more so than the V8 — so the ride experience meets the car's price tag.No need to slow too much for the corners, either, as the all-paw grip is prodigious in the dry and safely hangs on in wet conditions. Arguably, it'll beat its rivals hands down through the bends in the wet and probably in the dry as well. Yes, surprise, surprise, it's that good.It's not as if you feel a lot of the action inside the cabin for the bodyroll is minimal. All this is quite unexpected. Especially as the cabin is so delicately trimmed and decorated to be more like the corner of a loungeroom. I have indicated the simplicity of the interior but it's also the use of colours and materials that makes it so appealing.Some German rivals like black-on-black with dark wood as cabin decor but Volvo prefers pale pastels with satin-varnished and light-coloured timber trim and a bit of brushed metal as an accent. There is no central button to access the features, rather simple and well signposted switchgear.The car is accessed and started by a keyless system. The parkbrake is an electronic button and the audio is a simple one-touch button arrangement. There is significant sound deadening so underway if there is virtually no engine and wind noise which means you can turn down the radio volume.The seats are upholstered in soft leather and while I'd wish for more side support, are easy to get in and out. They also have heaters to produce possibly your only early morning winter smile.It really is a surprisingly good car that has the round pole into round hole simplicity we've come to expect from the land of the meatball.Just be sure to read the instructions.SnapshotPrice: $79,950Engine: 3-litre, inline 6-cyl, turbo, intercoolerPower: 210kW @ 5600rpmTorque: 400Nm @ 1500-4800rpmPerformance: 0-100km/h: 6.9 secondsEconomy (official): 12.0 litres/100km, tested): 12.2 litres/100kmEmissions: 286g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)Transmission: 6-speed automatic, sequential; all-wheel driveRating: 88/100Rivals: Audi A6 2.8Q ($92,000) — 87/100; BMW 523i ($86,530) — 85/100; Honda Legend ($79,990) — 81/100; Jaguar 3.0 Luxury AWD ($79,150) — 79/100

The US-based Tesla, which uses lithium-ion batteries and the Lotus Elise as its donor vehicle, is the only producer of highway-capable electric cars in the North American and European markets.Mercedes-Benz parent, Daimler AG, says it bought the stake and will form a co-operative to make and develop battery systems, electric drivetrains and vehicles.Tesla provided technology to create the Daimler-owned electric Smart car.Daimler has 100 Smart electric cars on trial in London and later this year will start production of 1000 versions.This year Daimler is also starting small-series production of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class with a fuel-cell drive system.In 2010 it will introduce its first battery-powered Mercedes-Benz and from 2012, Daimler plans to equip all Smart and Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles with its inhouse-produced lithium-ion batteries.In 2004, Tesla began development of its first electric vehicle, the Roadster, which remains the only highway-capable EV for sale in North America or Europe.The Tesla Roadster is the first production battery electric vehicle to travel more than 320km per charge. It accelerates from zero to 100km/h in about in 4 seconds.Tesla will start making its four-door Model S in California in late 2011.

The RAV4 may be seen as a small wagon and for enthusiasts, is generally dismissed at new-car shopping time.But the new engines and transmissions aim to change all that — well, in Europe at least.Punching high outputs yet fractional Euro-5 emissions, Toyota's Optimal Drive engine technology this week reached the new 2009 RAV4 range.The RAV4 gets a new diesel and new petrol engine, optional six-speed automatic transmission or a continuously-variable transmission and the return of a 2WD version.The diesel and six-speed auto come straight out of the European Auris (Corolla) and make the RAV4 the first in its class to emit less than 160g/km CO2 emissions. The all-wheel drive model with the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel D-4D has a CO2 rating of just 154g/km.The new petrol engine is a 2-litre with Valvematic — a system similar to BMW's Valvetronic that adjusts the intake valve lift to control how much fuel and air are allowed to enter the combustion chambers.Toyota claims it has more power, lower emissions and better fuel economy than the previous 2.0 VVT-i engine.Sadly, it's not for Australia — at least not yet.A Toyota spokesman says Australia will wait for a diesel and may never get the 2-litre Valvetronic in the RAV4."Never is a long time," says Toyota WA Distributor's Lindsay Taylor."All I can say is that the diesel is not on the horizon and that it's very unlikely that in the RAV4, we would come down from the current 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol to the European 2-litre engine."That's not to say Valvetronic isn't coming because we consider lowering emissions and fuel consumption as very, very important to our fleet."But as for timing, I can't say."The European RAV4 gets, for the first time, the option of a diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission.The package is also in the Avensis people mover and produces 112kW and 340Nm at 2000-2800rpm. Fuel economy is 7.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions are 189g/km.The six-speed manual version gets 5.8 l/100km.Toyota says the petrol engine RAV4 comes only as an all-wheel drive with a CVT transmission that it calls Multidrive S.It also has 112kW of power but 198Nm of torque and has an average of 7.5 l/100km and a CO2 emission of 177g/km.In the UK especially, any reduction in CO2 emissions attracts a lower road tax so improves the attractiveness of the RAV4.Even more economy is available with the 2WD version of the RAV4 in Europe.Taylor says this won't come to Australia.In Europe, however, the front-wheel drive SUV comes with the petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission for a slight improvement in economy (7.4 l/100km) and a decrease in emissions to 174g/km.Power, torque and vehicle performance are the same as for the AWD version.

Zoom along the centre lane on the autobahn out of Stuttgart in Mercedes new coupe and glance at the clinical LCD speedo in disbelief.It’s telling you 140km/h as you wind up the speed to overtake the crazy man in a Smart. They let anyone on an autobahn. Yet the tachometer is at 2100rpm and there’s simply no noise — nothing from the wind and nothing from the engine.That’s remarkable in itself but the sealer is that this E-Class Coupe is a diesel and the engine is a four-cylinder of only 2.1 litres.This is the world’s most aerodynamic production car with a co-efficient of drag (cD) of 0.24 in a motoring world of averages in the low 0.30s. The lower, the better.It has an awesome 500Nm of torque that seamlessly slingshots the car forward through the gears. It saw 200km/h with ease on the unrestricted zone of the autobahn and when switched off two hours later, showed a mere 6.4 litres/100km on the trip computer.The E250 CDI is one of five engines slotted into the muscular E-Class Coupe for its Australian debut in July. In fact, two models — the E350 diesel and E500 petrol — come in July. And the others: E350 petrol and E250 petrol and diesel, get here in September.The four-cylinder models have five-speed automatic transmissions and the six and eight cylinder versions have seven-speed autos.The new coupe ostensibly replaces the CLK. But a quiet chat to Mercedes reps and it seems the CLK — which was basically made of parts from a few different models — may reappear to be sandwiched between the E Coupe and the cheaper CLC.The E Coupe is based heavily on the E-Class sedan with about 100mm sliced out of the wheelbase. It shares some interior features — but not items such as the two-door’s superb seats — and no external panels.Engines and transmissions are identical, though its lighter weight means the Coupe can boast fuel savings of up to 17 per cent over the outgoing CLK.An example is the E250 CDI that officially is rated at 5.1 l/100km yet accelerates from rest to 100km/h in a brisk 7.4 seconds.The E350 CDI drinks at 6.8 l/100km and sprints to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds and the new direct petrol-injection E350 CGI posts 8.5 l/100km and 6.5 seconds.It may be substantially more economical and quicker than its predecessor, but Mercedes-Benz sees its latest coupe’s allure as being its captivating style.It is tailored specifically to lure buyers with its sleek, rounded tapered lines much in the same way as the feminine curves of the CLK made it a top seller.Project manager of the E Coupe, Rainer Tiefenbacher, says the appeal of the styling was balanced by the sophistication of the engineering.“When we asked groups of people what, for them, defined driving pleasure, 80 per cent answered it was a car’s comfort,” he says.“Only 10 per cent felt driving pleasure when going fast. So the E Coupe focuses on the look, the features and the comfort.“But,” he says with a smile, “we would never compromise performance.”The E Coupe gets a sophisticated Agility Control suspension system as standard. This has variable shock absorbers to provide the comfort or sporty handling depending on road conditions.But for the more enthusiastic owner, options include either a sports suspension system or a dynamic handling package. The latter has electronic shocks, two-mode ride levels and automatically sharpens throttle and gearshift responses.The bucket seats for the front occupants are beautifully sculptured and perfectly bolstered for the Coupes varied roles. Optional is seat air pumps to modify the cushions to suit varying body shapes.There is seating for two (not tall) adults in the rear and extended front seat travel to make easy entry and egress to the back seats.The E Coupe gets a surprisingly large boot, fold down rear seat backs and — for the Australian market — a full-size spare tyre. Incidentally, Mercedes Australia has specified a full-size spare for its E-Class sedan and S-Class range on the basis that it considers them safer than space-saver spares.Buyers can request AMG updates but these do not include engine enhancements. Mercedes has yet to officially reject a full-blown AMG Coupe — there was one in the CLK but it appears it won’t happen. It may be the future CLK reincarnate that will become the AMG model.Pricing is yet to be finalised though don’t expect much of a change from the CLK prices. The E250 diesel and petrol models, for example, will likely to be the same price which makes the diesel a low-cost entry to the brand.

We know what it is, where it is and how desirable it is but we can’t find the key to make it a reality.But the search to unlock the GLK’s heart is nearing.For more than 18 months — even before production started — it was seen as a natural addition to Mercedes-Benz’s Australian range, complementing the M-Class and rivalling BMWs X3.But European demand for the GLK caught out Mercedes. It sought volume and, because the engineering design wouldn’t allow compatibility between the all-wheel drive mechanism and right-hand drive, discarded thoughts of a right-drive version. Goodnight Japan, the UK, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Africa and Australia.But persistence by Mercedes-Benz Australia and GLK’s shrinking market because of new rivals in Audis Q5 and the Volvo XC60 means the brand is looking to keep the factory humming.Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says a right-hand drive GLK could now be seen as an important new model.Before Mercedes signed off the GLK, ready for production, the compact luxury SUV market was barely breathing, he says.Now its busy and getting busier.McCarthy says a 2WD GLK would suit the market segment which had few — if any — off-road ambitions.He sees the price being vital, allowing the GLK to slip under the M-Class and under the psychological $100,000 line.That may mean a 350 engine — diesel or petrol — may be too expensive, he says.If the 350 comes under $100,000, it could work. More likely is that we would take the 200, 220 and 250 engine range in diesel and/or petrol.The latest 250 diesel is regarded as one of Mercedes’ best four-cylinder engines because of its high torque — 500Nm — low fuel consumption and class-leading emission levels. The same engine is slated for the E-Class sedan and Coupe.But despite the current upbeat attitude, McCarthy admits it is still early days.He says that even if the green light for a 2WD, right-drive GLK was switched on today, it wouldn’t be seen in Australia

That is, as long as that buyer is not in Australia. The 220kW, 7.9-litres/100km limousine with a mere 186g/km CO2 emission level powers Mercedes-Benz into a new era of luxury.But the most disappointing feature of the S400 – Mercedes’ first production hybrid and the world’s first production hybrid with lithium-ion batteries — is that there are no current plans for a right-hand drive version.The closest one for which Mercedes would speculate about a right-drive model is for the next generation S-Class, due in 2012.That’s a long time to wait for a car, especially one that has only just been released in its home market.The disappointment showed on my face on a run in the car through Germany’s Black Forest region, where the undulating and twisting narrow roads have no patience for weak engines. The relatively modest 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is usually starved of brisk off-the-mark sprints, weighed down by the S-Class 1.9-tonne mass and its own leisurely power output.But mated with a n electric motor, situated between the engine and the seven-speed automatic gearbox, it becomes subtly more responsive and with a big boost to low-end delivery.As it caught the evening traffic snarl out of Stuttgart, it switched off its engine when stationary to save fuel. I had expected it to crawl forward with the snail’s pace of the traffic, quietly using only its motor in a similar fashion to the Lexus and Toyota Prius. But it didn’t, instead always silently starting the engine and letting petrol fuel the ride.The lithium-ion batteries are considerably smaller — about 10 per cent of the size and weight — than its rivals. But they may also be less powerful to act as stand-alone power.The battery box sits under the bonnet so there’s no change to the luggage area in design, layout and available space. That is a big bonus compared with its rivals that use the bigger, heavier metal-hydride batteries.Why has Mercedes-Benz grasped the hybrid concept and set it free in its latest S-Class saloon? Simply because it believes performance and luxury can co-exist with a more environmentally-conscious powerplant.In wheeling out the S400 Hybrid, Mercedes takes on Lexus and for the future, a potential stream of upmarket rivals.It will lead to more hybrid examples and, within two years a diesel-hybrid version that promises much greater emission and fuel use reductions, predicts the company’s high-voltage energy manager Dr Martin Hermsen.So impressive is the S400 Hybrid that it overshadowed the concurrent launch of the 2009 S-Class make-over model. This is the car that leads into the 2012 next generation model.For Australia, the S400 will be only a dream. But eight models will lead the S-Class into the Australian market starting in August with the S350 and S500 petrol-engine versions. These will be followed by the S350 CDI turbo-diesel, the S350 and S500 long wheelbase versions, then the S600, S63 and S65.Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman David McCarthy says prices will remain about the same as the current range.In a similar vein, little has changed about the 2009 S-Class in comparison to the outgoing series. Yes, a closer look sees restyled head and tail lights, a new grille and mirrors.New systems are included inside the car and theres new technology such as the split-image monitor that allows the driver to see the satellite navigation map while the front passenger enjoys a movie.The S-Class is still a big car yet retains a conservative style that lures a mature market. Undoubtedly, it’s impressive and — as the S-Class has since 1951 — speaks without words about the importance of its owner.