Articles by Neil McDonald

As the company moves ahead with plans for a V6 turbo-diesel Territory, a liquid-injection gas version is not likely any time soon, according to Ford Australia chief, Marin Burela.  Burela says Ford is looking at LPG for the Territory but "we want to make sure we get the petrol and diesel right first".  "The LPG becomes another opportunity for us," he says.  "But it will be market driven."The Falcon will be the first Ford to get the new liquid-injection LPG engine from early next year.  The engine comes as a significantly revised six-cylinder petrol engine and new V8 arrive later this year to comply with Euro IV emission standards that come into effect from July 1.The more fuel efficient engines are part of a $230 million investment by Ford into sustainability initiatives.  The newer liquid-injection LPG Falcon will deliver better fuel economy, lower C02 emissions and significantly improved performance over the existing engine.Ford has not revealed numbers, but engineers expect better performance and driveability than the current 156kW/371Nm E-Gas Falcon.  By comparison Holden's dual-fuel LPG 3.6-litre Commodore delivers 175kW/318Nm.Apart from the six-cylinder petrol upgrade, the new V8 is expected to provide a performance shot in the arm for enthusiasts.  The current "Boss" 5.4-litre V8 is expected to be replaced by a hot supercharged 5.0-litre V8 - codenamed Coyote - when the existing engine is put out to pasture.Ford is in the final engineering stages with its turbo-diesel Territory, which arrives next year.  The diesel promises significant fuel economy gains over the petrol six.Apart from economy, the diesel is expected to get a particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions.  Ford says the "clean" diesel version of the 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel, shared with Land Rover, will reduce C02 emissions by 25 per cent compared to the existing six-cylinder petrol engine.Burela is not talking Territory diesel sales numbers but he is confident it will be successful, particularly given an expected output similar to the Land Rover engine, which develops 140kW/440Nm.  "We haven't refined the numbers but clearly the whole concept behind the diesel Territory is to have an uplift in volume on the total Terrtory vehicle line," he says."We're very confident we'll achieve that.  "We'll have a petrol Territory, a diesel Territory and we can hardly wait."

They are among almost 1000 suggestions already put forward to name the town's famous 'ute on the pole' - a WB V8 Holden ute. The iconic Australian car has sat on a 6m pole in the centre of Deniliquin since 2000 but until now it has never been formally named. Deni Ute Muster organisers and the Deniliquin Council are running a competition to name the ute ahead of this year's ute muster on October 1 and 2. Rural and city folk, including pollies such as National Party leader Warren Truss and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, have sent in suggestions. Truss's suggestion was Ute of Repute and Albanese came up with Pole Position. V8 Supercar champion Will Davison, reckons Red Dragon would be a good name. The competition is being run through auto industry magazine, Australian Automotive. The names will then be put to a vote at the Deniliquin Council. The southern NSW town is regarded as the Ute Capital of the World. In 1999 it entered the history books, claiming the Guinness Book of Records title for the largest parade of utes in the world, with 2839 drivers participating. Australian Automotive editor, David Dowsey, says he has been surprised at the level of interest. "There has been a lot of interest, particularly from women," he says. The winner will be announced in September. Entries can be sent to Dowsey via fax (on 03-9867-3159) or email (editor@australianautomotive.com).

You can pick the month circumstances changed for Nissan's Dualis urban crossover. Last September Nissan Australia slashed prices and introduced a two-wheel drive version to help bolster sales. The competent crossover had languished since its 2007 launch and was not striking a cord with buyers who continued to bypass it. But since Nissan's spring offensive, sales have been on the up. The company is now regularly recording more than 400 sales a month with the prospect of more now the sharply priced Series II version has arrived.Nissan Australia managing director, Dan Thompson, is confident that with good supply from Europe, Dualis sales can hit 500 a month and possibly go higher. "Our aspiration is to be over 500 a month," he says. "But we have supply constraints and in reality getting supply out of Europe is a challenge because the car is so successful there." He says the arrival of a two-wheel drive Dualis was helping sales. "People enjoy the high-up driving position, space and amenity compared to a normal hatch," he says.Who is it for?Thompson and his team have continued to refine the Dualis range but even he admits getting it on buyers' radar remains a challenge because of the market dominance of the X-Trail and Pathfinder. He says the marketing message for Dualis will be better broadcasted and targeted at compact crossover buyers. "We will fix that," he says.Thompson says the Dualis is aimed at two segments, the upper end of the small car segment and the compact off-roader segment. He sees people cross-shopping between cars are diverse as a Mazda3 and Hyundai ix35. "The sub-$30,000 pricepoint will bring in many different buyers," he says. "We expect to mix things up in the hatch and crossover segments."PricingThis time around, the ST all-wheel drive has been dropped from the Series II makeover. The front drive Dualis starts at $24,990 for the ST six-speed manual, or $26,990 driveaway. The front drive luxury Ti manual is $29,690.All-paw traction it is now only available in the luxury Ti, which starts at $31,890 for the six-speed manual. Minor aerodynamic improves have delivered a small gain in fuel economy from the carryover 102/198Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder. Likewise, the six-speed manual and CVT automatic continue.Styling and equipmentVisually the mid-life update brings a new grille and tail-lights, revised interior and more equipment. The entry ST gains new 16-inch alloys, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth added to the already extensive standard equipment list. The luxury Ti gets the bulk of extra gear, from panoramic sunroof, keyless start, 18-inch alloys and dual-zone climate control.On the wayA Seven-seater Dualis will join the range in July. Like its five-seater sibling, the Dualis+2 will be available in either front or all wheel drive in ST and Ti models and shares its 2.0-litre four cylinder engine.The seven-seater is 211mm longer and has a 135mm longer wheelbase, which translates into more rear seat room. The third row seats fold flat and are suitable for children. Luggage space has also increased to 550 litres with the seats up and 1520 litres with the third and second row seats folded flat.At $29,990, the seven-seater is $2500 more than the ST five-seater. The front-drive Ti is $34,690 while an all-wheel drive Ti Dualis +2 is $36,890.DrivingThe Dualis has never reached the dizzying heights of its European brother, the Qashqai – which has notched up more than 500,000 sales in Europe.The Dualis struggled initially when it was launched here in 2007 but it's finally gaining traction after a rethink and repositioning by Nissan Australia. It's the right size, it is well built and well packaged, and Nissan has finally given it a pricepoint to seriously challenge the compact crossover segment.This time around, with the two-wheel drive gaining momentum, the Dualis is moving out of showrooms in increasing numbers.We drove the top-end Ti AWD model, which won't break the bank even if you spring for the extra luxury. The six-speed manual Ti AWD is $31,480, right at the starter end of some notable rivals like the Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. You need to move up a grade or two with its rivals before you get the gear you see on the Ti.The Ti gets all the fruit, incl. heated leather seats, climate control, panoramic glass roof, keyless start, smart 18-inch alloys and lots of other gear. The ride and handling is what you expect of a well-sorted Euro-compact off-roader. The steering has the right amount of feel and the suspension copes easily with our roads.The initial firmness gives way to a well-composed ride at highway speeds. Like the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Dualis has a precise, almost hatch-like ride and does not wallow about. The acoustic windscreen and extra sound deadening between the engine and interior has made a noticeable difference in lowering cabin noise. The easier-to-read trip computer and instruments are also welcome.The biggest letdown, if you could call it that, is the 2.0-litre engine. With 102kW to push around a pretty hefty, but safe, body that weighs around 1482kg in the Ti, you need to use the most of the six-speed manual to keep it on the boil. The 2.0-litre is fine around town but ask for some eager overtaking and you'll have to push it high into the rev range to get some action.The Dualis is the right price, right specifications and now all it needs is the right engine. Nissan Australia should fast track the Renault-sourced 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre European turbo-diesel engines, which are still about 12 months away.Nissan Dualis Series IIPrice: From $24,990 ST 2WD, $29,690 Ti 2WDOn sale: NowEngine: 2.0-litre four cylinderOutput: 102kW at 5200 revs, 198Nm at 4400 revsTransmission: Six-speed manual or CVT automaticEconomy: 8.1 litres/100km (8.2 CVT)Emissions: 192 g/km (195g/km CVT)

The Mercedes-Benz Shooting Break concept has aired ahead of its debut at Auto China in Beijing. Although Mercedes executives aren't revealing too much, the Shooting Break shows off the future direction if the German carmaker chooses to make a station wagon version of the CLS. With Audi’s A7 hatchback arriving soon and BMW’s recently introduced 5-Series GT, a CLS wagon could be on the cards. Even though the Shooting Break is a concept the long, low and sleek design looks production ready with a roof that tapers towards the rear of the car, providing an almost coupe-like shape. At the front the grille and headlight treatment borrows some cues from the SLS AMG. The grille is flanked by LED headlights on each side - the first time Mercedes has used LED technology to such a dynamic effect. The side profile and shoulder line is sharp and leads down to a Pontoon-style curve above the rear wheel arches at the rear doors. The coupe-like profile is emphasized by the shallow window design. Inside the concept gets plenty of wood and leather and an eye-catching full-length centre console, which dictates that this is a four-seater only. The wooden floor of the luggage area gets contrasting silky oak highlights and aluminium highlights and protective strips. Powering the Merc is one of the next-generation V-engines.

Volkswagen has unveiled the taxi of the future, an electric concept called the Milano. It chose the Hanover Trade Show in Germany this week to showcase its take on tomorrow’s taxi.The styling draws heavily on the Space Up! Blue concept Volkswagen that first aired at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show.This time around though VW’s designers have taken off the rear door on the driver’s side so passengers can only get in and out of the car at the kerb, which will be great for left-hand drive markets.The new kerb-side door cantilevers out and away from the passengers, giving them access to a luggage area next to the driver.The taxi concept also has a touch screen monitor already being used in New York taxis.Like the production electric vehicles VW plans to build from 2013, the Milano uses high-tech lithium ion batteries. A 45kW battery pack is mounted in the floor and provides a range of almost 300km.

Two HiLuxes were used to transport scientists on to Iceland’s now violently unstable Eyjafallajokull volcano just hours before it erupted and brought chaos to the skies across Europe.The four-wheel drives were used to transport monitoring gear to the summit of what once was a very dormant mountain.  The subsequent eruption has sent plumes of ash and rock more than 13,000m into the air.The legendary red pickup that the Top Gear television show used to drive across the Arctic to the magnetic North Pole was one of the cars used.  The vehicles were prepared by specialist extreme off-roader company Arctic Trucks, the same company that prepared the Top Gear vehicles.  

Decked out in wild paint jobs, ultra-low profile tyres and edgy alloys, these two funky cars are spreading the word that Toyota is walking on the wild side with its new Rukus.  "It's Rukus by name and rukus by nature," according to Toyota Australia's marketing manager Scott Thompson.Toyota Australia is using the racy pair to snare interest from the car's target market of Gen-Y buyers.  They received a big reaction at the recent Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne and will be showcased at various dealers ahead of a June 1 on-sale date.Thompson says Rukus will appeal mainly to young, urban trend-setters, many of whom have previously never owned a Toyota.   "Rukus is anything but a standard car," he says.  "That's exactly why we're introducing it."He admits the boxy shape will polarise opinions and is likely to spark spirited debate.  "Rukus is not a mass- market car," he says. "It's an acquired taste."  However, Toyota is confident its space, performance and quirky looks will win over younger fans.The Rukus is based on the bB in Japan and re-badged in the US as a Scion xB.  Toyota has rummaged around its parts bin for its newest hatch.The Australian car is expected to use the same engine as the US version, a 118kW/220Nm 2.4-litre four cylinder shared with other Toyota models.  The front-wheel drive five-door wagon also sits on the same 2600mm wheelbase as the Corolla hatch.However, compared to the Corolla, the Rukus is marginally longer and 128mm higher.  Like the grand prix show cars, owners will be about to pimp their rides with a long list of equipment upgrades available from Toyota.Toyota is drawing on similar customisation ‘packs’ available in youth-oriented models like the Kia Soul, Mini and Smart.  Australian models will be imported from Japan, receiving the latest updates seen in the US version.  In the US the Scion xB has been named a ‘top safety pick’ in each of the past two years by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, scoring its highest safety designation.Although local prices and specifications have not been released, the xB is tipped to be available in two trim levels with entry prices from around $22,000.

And now he is giving it away. he former security manager is flogging off his $120,000 classic and donating the entire proceeds to charity.The highly collectable 1971 Ford will be sold in Melbourne this weekend. The proceeds of the Sotheby's sale will go to Soul4Give, a non-profit indigenous advocacy group run by Georgiadis's mate Rob Batzke. Soul4Give promotes forgiveness, mental, social and physical health for indigenous communities.Georgiadis, from Kingsgrove in Sydney, admits he could do with the cash himself to help pay his mortgage. "But I do believe it will come back to me," he says. "Rob does great work for Soul4Give and I want to help out."He has owned the pampered car for the past 20 years. Apart from a new yellow ochre paint job, it is totally original."It's a great car but it's time to move it on," he says. Georgiadis says Batzke had been there for him when he experienced his own problems. Both his parents died recently and other family members have been plagued with health problems. Before his mother died, Georgiadis was forced to quit his security job to care for her."I'm pushing 50 and have been through a few tough situations so I understand what forgiveness is about," he says. "Rob's been a good mate and he's helped me so I wanted to help him."Sotheby's national head of collector cars, James Nicholls, says Georgiadis's generosity has stunned staff. "It's really quite an amazing offer," he says. "It makes you feel quite humble." Nicholls says the car was one of the best examples of the XY GT series. "We expect spirited bidding," he says.Rare classic Falcon GTs are highly sought after, with six figure prices common. Some Falcon GT-HOs have even fetched more than $500,000 in recent years. Apart from Georgiadis's pride and joy, Sotheby's is auctioning off 28 cars, motorbikes and memorabilia.

The sporty Audi TT gets a modest makeover but like the revised Q7 off-roader, the big news is under the bonnet. New engines have improved fuel economy and lowered emissions.The TT's 2.0-litre TSI engine receives a 8kW power boost to produce 157kW while torque is up 70Nm to 350Nm compared to the current engine. Despite the power lift fuel economy has gone from 7.7L/100km to 6.6L/100km for the six-speed manual. The six-speed manual TT hits 100km/h in 6.1 seconds and has a top speed of 245km/h.In the TT, the most obvious visual additions are 12 white LED daytime running lights on the lower edge of the headlights, new 17-inch alloys and lattice-look of the grille. At the back there is a larger diffuser set into the bumper and redesigned tail-lights.The Q7 gets new forced induction and direct injection V6 petrol and TDI engines and an eight-speed automatic gearbox across the range, except for the V12 TDIIn Europe, the new 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol is supercharged for better efficiency and available in two states of tune as part of Audi's engine downsizing strategy. It replaces the 3.6 FSI engine.Audi Australia spokesperson, Nadine Giusti, says both engines are under consideration for Australia. "However, we are still working through how they will fit into the line-up," she says.The milder tune 3.0 TFSI develops 200kW/400Nm. It accelerates to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 222km/h. A more powerful version delivers 245kW/440Nm and is a second quicker to 100km/h with a top speed of 245km/h. Both off-roaders are reasonably frugal, delivering 10.7L/100km.Compared with the current 3.6 FSI and the 4.2 FSI engines fuel consumption has been reduced by 1.4 and 2.0 l/100 km respectively, a 12 per cent and 16 per cent improvement. The Q7 also gets a new second-generation 3.0-litre TDI V6 that is 20kg lighter and more fuel efficient than the current 3.0 TDI. Audi has achieved the gains by reducing internal friction, fitting a new turbocharger and improved common rail injection system. A new stop-start system switches off the engine at a standstill, further saving fuel.The 3.0-litre TDI delivers 176kW/550Nm, hits 100km/h in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 215km/h. Fuel consumption is 7.4L/100km, 1.7L/100km better than the old engine. Consumption has been cut in the 4.2 TDI too, from 9.9L/100km to 9.2L/100km. Power remains at 250kW but torque is up 40Nm to 800Nm.Both the TT and Q7 arrives in local showrooms around Christmas.

The tricked-up green and yellow hot hatch belongs to Proton. Called the R3, the track-ready car has been specifically developed by Lotus Racing. An initial batch of only 25 cars are being made for Malaysia in full Lotus Racing F1 livery. The car has reignited Proton Australia managing director, John Startari's appetite for a performance Proton in the local line-up. He says company executives agree that the R3 could be a much-needed ‘halo’ car for the brand. "This would be perfect but we have to work up a business case," he says. The hot Proton is being built by the company's R3 (race, rally, research) division. Three are going to the Formula 1 Lotus Racing team and two will be given to race drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. The R3 makes extensive use of racing technology to reduce weight and help performance. It has a carbon-fibre bonnet, custom light-weight wheels, R3 bodykit for enhanced aerodynamics, AP racing brakes and expensive Ohlins adjustable dampers. And the engineers have not stopped there. Stiffened rubber bushes and revised suspension geometry delivers racecar-like direct steering and improved cornering precision. Lotus has shaved 62kg out of the standard car's weight by using carbon fibre, delivering a better power to weight ratio. Power comes from worked version of Proton's CamPro 1.6-litre four-cylinder, which develops 108kW at 7000 revs and 168Nm at 5000 revs. The car reaches 100km/h in 9.2 seconds and has a top speed of 200km/h. Startari says the R3 costs the equivalent of $35,000 in Malaysia and this could work against its appeal locally. A similar car for Australia will need to be "in the mid-$20,000 range", he says. Electronic stability control, which is absent on the Malaysian car, would also need to be added. "And that calibration work can take up to eight months," he says. Apart from price, there are engineering hurdles to overcome before it's road ready. "We hope to get it but there is a lot of compliance work to be done in terms of emissions," Startari says. "Australia may not use the same identical car because there is a lot of expensive hardware on it." Startari is even considering a lower-cost R3-style car without the expensive modifications but sporting the Lotus body kit. "That could be an option," he says. He says the engine may need to deliver more power to compete with other local hot hatches. Proton is currently working on a turbo-charged four-cylinder which could be more suitable.