Articles by Neil McDonald

Called the 5, the concept sedan is being joined by the SR1 sports car concept at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. Its flowing exterior design conceals Peugeot’s HYbrid4technology, which will be launched in Europe on the 3008 from 2011. The 5 is expected to be launched as the 508 early next year. It uses a 120kW 2.0-litre HDi diesel engine up front combined with a 27kW electric motor at the rear, delivering a maximum output of 147 kW. It also benefits from an electric-only mode at low speeds, four-wheel drive on demand, and low levels of fuel consumption and emissions - 3.8 litres/100 km or 99 g/km of CO2, or 0 in ZEV mode. The 5 also represents Peugeot’s new styling direction and is expected to be aimed at the VW Passat, upper end Mondeo models and will also tackle the compact Germans from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The 5 will combine the large 607 style of vehicle with the current 407. The design features a new take on the Peugeot grille and a BMW style kink in the rear C-pillar. Compared to the current 407, it is more harmonious and streamlined. The 5 is 100mm longer, 69mm wider and has a 90mm longer wheelbase, which should translate into more interior room for the production car. At the front, the finish of the feline expression is spectacular with LED tube lights highlighted by a luminescent surround that blends with the body. A new lion logo naturally takes its place in a sculptured section at the end of the long aluminium bonnet. In profile the car gets beveled, brushed-aluminum window surrounds, door handles in the same material, and sculpted 19-inch alloys.

BMW has come up with the answer – the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid – the third BMW model to combine electric drive with a conventional petrol engine.The 5 Series ActiveHybrid is being launched in Geneva this week to coincide with the debut of the new BMW 5 Series sedan at the Geneva Motor Show.One of the car’s high-tech features is the ability to calculate and forecast future driving conditions from data saved in the navigation system. This is designed to prepare the drivetrain components and electronic system for a possible change in requirements and driving style.To analyse driving conditions up front, the system uses data provided by engine and chassis management as well as the sensors in the driver assistance systems on board the car. For example, if the system determines that the freeway ahead is about to lead downhill, the charge level of the high-voltage battery is controlled in advance to regain brake energy upfront with maximum efficiency. Similarly, the battery may be fully charged in good time before the driver reaches his destination, enabling the system to switch off the combustion engine at an early point and change to all-electric drive along the final stretch of road, which can extend the cruising range on electric power by up to 30 per cent.The Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid represents an ongoing development of the ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production. It uses a straight six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission and electric drive. The combination of the two power sources helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions by 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor has a boost function to add more power for the petrol engine when needed. Around town the car can operate on all-electric power with zero emissions, and a hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function aids economy even further by switching off the engine at traffic lights.Drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car, the electric motor develops maximum output of 40kW. An automatic clutch connects the petrol engine and electric motor. When decelerating and using the brakes the electric drive system acts as a generator to feed power back into the battery pack, converting kinetic energy otherwise wasted as heat in the brake system into electric power later. In principle the system works the same as the brake energy regeneration system already available in BMW production cars. The high-voltage battery pack has been specially developed and sits near the rear axle of the car. Apart from the electric motor, the battery pack also delivers electric power to the car’s on-board network, working the climate control system remotely if needed.

One of the technical innovations of the Mercedes-Benz F 800 Style research vehicle on show at the Geneva Motor Show uses a system called Traffic Jam Assistant that is capable of automatically following the vehicle in front of it.The hands-off steering system also recognises the difference between driving along curving roads and turning. This means it does not ‘blindly’ follow the vehicle up in front if it suddenly changes lanes in order to exit the highway. The result is that at speeds of up to about 40km/h, the Traffic Jam Assistant takes care of the steering so drivers do not have to steer themselves. The driver can just sit back and relax — with hands on the steering wheel. When the 40km/h is exceeded, the steering torque that keeps the vehicle in its lane is gradually reduced to a point at which the Traffic Jam Assistant smoothly disengages. Drivers can override the system at any time. Sensitive sensors notice active steering movements, thus automatically deactivating the system.Apart from its fuel-cell and electric technology, the F 800 Style is also a pointer to the next-generation CLS sedan and a future look at Mercedes Benz’s styling direction. The car also features an all-new multi drive platform, which is suited for electric drives with fuel cells with a range of almost 600km as well as the use of Plug-in Hybrids that can drive for up to 30km solely on electricity.“We are dedicated to reconciling our responsibility for the environment with practical customer utility in a fascinating automobile,” says Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “The new F 800 Style research vehicle combines this commitment to providing the leading innovative drive concepts with our traditional Mercedes strengths in the areas of design, safety, comfort, and outstanding performance.”The F 800 is 4750mm long and manages to install all the alternative drive components in a space-saving manner in the engine bay and gaps within the chassis to allow plenty of room for five occupants. Various fuel cell components have been downsized to help maximize passenger space.Mercedes calls the F 800 Style a dynamic expression of the concept of “fascination and responsibility”. Its drive unit consists of a 220kW V6 petrol engine with next-generation direct injection and a hybrid module with an output of about 80kW, delivering total power of 300kW. The lithium-ion battery can be recharged either at a charging station or a household power socket. The car can also be run exclusively on electricity for zero emissions for up to 30km.Because it also has a high torque right from the moment it starts, the car has the same driving performance as a car with a V6 petrol engine even when operating in electric mode. The F 800 signals another step in the creation of a market-ready plug-in hybrid, which Mercedes-Benz plans to build with the next-generation S-Class.Due to its efficient drive system and a CO2 bonus for the battery-electric driving mode, the vehicle has a certified fuel consumption of only 2.9l/100km and C02 emissions of only 68g/km. The car has a top speed of 250km/h and zero to 100km in 4.8 seconds. In electric mode its top speed is 120km/h.Apart from its environmental advantages the F 800 Style has some innovative touches for safety and comfort. It has a new operating and display concept and a human-machine interface (HMI) with a camera touchpad. The display shows many additional functions not found in conventional instrument clusters.The HMI unit here consists of a touchpad on the centre console and a camera that records video images of the user’s hand as it works the pad. The live image of the hand is presented in transparent form in the central display above the console. The user sees the contours of their fingers glide across the image without covering anything but showing up all the menu function, which operate via slight pressure on the touchpad.The cam touchpad HMI unit recognises finger movements on the pad surface such as wiping, pushing, turning, and zooming, thus enabling intuitive regulation of the climate control system, telephone, stereo and navigation systems, and Internet access. Unlike conventional touchscreens, the HMI touchpad does not get smudged with fingerprints.Another function is the “range on map” function that shows the remaining possible travel radius on pure electric mode.A particularly customer-friendly innovation of the F 800 Style is its rear doors. Whereas the front doors are attached to the A-pillar in a conventional manner and open wide toward the front, the rear doors slide backward when opened, as they are suspended from an interior swivel arm. This is designed to make getting in and out of the car much easier. The F 800 Style also has no B-pillar, making the entire space between the A and C-pillars completely accessible when the doors are opened.The headlights are divided into individual segments for daytime running lights, turn signal indicators, and primary headlights, with state-of-the-art LED tail-lights. Inside the car’s innovative lightweight-construction, seats consist of a magnesium shell, carbon fibre laminate seatback and wood veneer shell.

As part of its 2015 performance strategy, AMG is committed to trimming down its engines that power Mercedes-Benz cars, in the pursuit of better economy and lower emissions, without compromising performance.A raft of new technologies, including cylinder deactivation, hybrid drivetrains, direct injection and possibly turbocharged, supercharged and four cylinder engines are being considered. However, head of vehicle development at AMG, Tobias Moeres, has ruled out the demise of the V12 engine. “Some of our customers still want that level of performance,” he says.The first engine to get the ‘small is better’ treatment is an all-new V8 bi-turbo, which will headline the S-class based AMG S63. Despite the new engine being ‘just’ 5.5-litres in capacity (down from 6.2-litres), AMG will continue with the S63 model name.The new engine is being shown for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show today. However, what it loses in outright cubic capacity, it more than makes up for in power and torque thanks to twin turbocharging. In its basic form, the new engine develops 400kW/900Nm, yet delivers a significant economy improvement to 10.5 litres/100km, compared to the current S63’s 12.9 litres/100km.AMG is also building a performance version of the engine that lifts outputs to 420kW/900Nm. The current S63 sedan develops 386kW/630Nm. The new V8 will appear in the S63 and CL coupe first.

German sportscar maker Porsche has dropped another hybrid bombshell on the Geneva Motor Show. In a shock move earlier today it revealed a mid-engine V8 hybrid supercar called the 918 Spyder, the spiritual successor to the Carrera GT. The car, along with a new Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, stole the show in a special preview of VW Group vehicles, which Porsche was invited to.The 918 Spyder is the third hybrid in the Porsche stable and CEO, Michael Macht predicts that more will come. Although just a concept at this stage Macht has hinted that the Spyder 918 3.4-litre V8 plug-in hybrid will go into production. “Porsche has never before shown a concept car that wasn’t built,” he says. However, Macht says Porsche will wait for the show reaction before making any decisions. “But the Spyder points the way of future sportscars,” he says.Porsche Australia spokesman, Paul Ellis, says that if there is enough interest from other right-hand drive markets, particularly the UK and Japan, Australia might get the car. “The drivetrain is extremely realistic,” he says.The 918 Spyder prototype produces just 70g of CO2 per kilometre on fuel consumption of 3.0 litres/100km, combined with a zero to 100km/h sprint of under 3.2 seconds and top speed of 320km/h. In simulations the car produces a lap time on the Nordschleife of the Nurburgring of less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Carrera GT.The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world debut at the show. The other two are the new Cayenne S Hybrid SUV with parallel full-hybrid drive and the 911 GT3 R Hybrid racing car with electric drive on the front axle and a flywheel mass battery.

The Melbourne-based performance car builder has turned back prices nine years with the arrival of the limited-edition GXP sedan and Maloo ute. The ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP headline the HSV lineup with drive-away pricing of $61,990 for the six-speed manual sedan and $55,990 for the manual ute. Not since 2001 has HSV had an entry model at these prices. Just 400 sedans and 350 utes will be built, with small numbers heading to New Zealand.Although the cars are based on the high-end Pontiac GXP, which sold for a brief period in the United States, it also shares some ClubSport R8 cues.HSV executives are mindful that as an entry level car, both the sedan and ute are expected to sell out quickly. However, HSV general manager sales and marketing, Darren Bowler, says it is unlikely the GXP will join the lineup as a mainstream model. "We don't want too many variants in our model range," he says.But the company's general manager product planning, Tim Jackson, has left the door ajar for a similarly priced entry level model at some time in the future. "We will learn a lot from this exercise - it's been a while since we've been at this pricepoint - and if there is a strong response we'll re-evaluate it."Bowler is mindful that HSV does not want to repeat the experience of the VL Group A cars of 1988. "We made 500 of those and they sold very quickly," Bowler says. "Then we thought, let's build another 250 and got stuck with stock. We don't want to be in that position again."HSV managing director, Phil Harding, says the GXP is designed to bring new customers to the brand. Importantly, both cars also adhere to the HSV brand pillars of performance, handling and unique design, he says. "It was always our objective to find a solution for the model that sat below the ClubSport R8," he says. "We received a lot of customer inquiries for a model like that and GXP provided us with that opportunity."What does it have?The GXP and ClubSport R8 share some crucial parts, including the 317kW/550Nm 6.2-litre V8 and some interior trim. The 19-inch alloys will be familiar as they were available on the Series I HSV cars. The sedan gets a unique rear bumper with a blacked-out diffuser and quad exhausts with alloy tips. The ute follows a ‘less is more’ treatment with the rear end and looks similar to an SS ute. Instead of the Maloo hardcover tonneau, the GXP ute opts for a soft-cover. Both also gets unique suspension settings, a Brembo brake package, E Series 2 daylight running lights, E Series 2 front bumper and bonnet and mudguard vents. Harding is quick to point out that the GXP is not a result of "left over" components from the Pontiac parts bin."There is a great danger that you might refer to this program as inventory user," he says. "It’s absolutely nothing of that sort. And certainly companies these days don't end up with stuff left over; certainly we don't. "In terms of building these cars new parts have had to be ordered."DrivingIf the ClubSport R8 and GTS have too much bling for your liking then the GXP sedan makes a natural, easy choice to move into the HSV arena. The sedan and Maloo ute's other strong argument is pricing. Both are designed with just enough HSV baubles to bring new enthusiasts into the fold and get existing owners back into showrooms. Both the sedan and ute steer, brake and accelerate just like a HSV should but without the "look at me" styling reserved for the GTS and Maloo R8 ute.That does not mean each car misses out on the nicer visual touches, from the mudguard vents and bonnet vents to the skilfully crafted diffuser treatment on the sedans rear bumper. Inside there are traces of the ClubSport R8 around the cabin, and that's a good thing. However, to keep the price down it misses the competition electronic stability control, extended cruise control and launch control function found on the R8.The sedan is a smooth operator when it comes to the nip and tuck of every day traffic. The steering is nicely weighted and communicative. For a performance car the ride borders on surreal, even on the bigger tyres. It is firm but compliant and comfy. The GXP's Gen IV V8 is quiet, smooth and will help dispatch slow-coaches easily and without drama. The dulcet tones from the quad exhausts remind you its a bent eight.The most surprising thing about the Maloo is that it is a ute. You have to keep checking the rear view mirrors because until you drive it, you'll dismiss it as just another ute. It's not. And that's the key to all HSVs. Don't dismiss them as just performance Commodores. There is some serious under-the-skin engineering dedicated to the suspensions, engines and steering to back up the go-fast looks.HSVs general manager sales and marketing Darren Bowler refers to the GXP as a sleeper. He might be right because if you hang around too long this HSV will rocket out of showrooms.HSV GXPPrice: $61,990 sedan, $55,990Features: Leather steering wheel, sports seats, multi-function computer, daylight running lights, HSV bonnet and mudguard ventsEngine: 6.2-litre LS3 Gen IV V8, 317kW/550NmTransmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

The X6 was the answer to a question nobody asked.

Raised in the digital age, they expect to have 24/7 accessibility to their friends and family as well as the must-have iPods and internet savvy smart phones.  Their needs also extend to their cars. They want the latest in-car gadgets but in many cases are not prepared to pay for it, according to a JD Power survey published in the US last year.The survey of more than 19,000 car buyers also found that today's buyer expects standard features but may not necessarily use them.  About half of car owners surveyed us an auxiliary input jack for their portable digital music player in their vehicle, while about 20 per cent use a wireless FM transmitter.Almost two-thirds want the ability to listen to a portable digital music player through their vehicle's speakers, while 27 per cent say they want ‘smart’ phone music capabilities mated to the car stereo.Other findings show that 68 per cent of owners use their vehicle's in-car Bluetooth, compared with 47 per cent who have this feature but do not use it.Entertainment and connectivity related devices are among the most desired technologies for buyers, leading to companies like Ford introducing Bluetooth and voice activation controls as standard in its Fiesta LX and Zetec.To test the JD Power theory, Carsguide gave four Gen Y buyers an opportunity to try out several cars specifically aimed at them.  After spending a few days checking them out, they came back with some surprising findings.What Gen Y wants in a carSteering wheel mounted audio controlsPowerful amplifierSub-wooferMood-lightingMetallic finish dashboardPrivacy glassPersonalised seat trimAirbagsiPod connectivityUSB/CD/MP3 connectivityVolkswagen Beetle CabrioKatherine FirkinThis car looks so cute I easily got as much enjoyment out of seeing it parked in my driveway as I did actually driving it.  With its chic exterior and sleak styling, the VW Beetle Cabrio looks more like a fashion accessory then a practical mode of transport.Getting behind the wheel for the first time is a bit daunting, unless you're used to driving in a bubble.  The curved dashboard seems to stretch out endlessly, making it difficult to perceive the distance between yourself and the car in front of you.And like every good fashion accessory, what it adds in looks and style, it lacks in practicality.  The biggest shortfall is the size of the boot. The compartment is so small you'd be struggling to ever pack more then a plane's hand-luggage allowance, and trying to wiggle your bags in and out of the compartment is a nightmare.The visibility is also poor.  While you do eventually get used to guessing how much space is left in front of you, don't even try to reverse the car when the top is down.With the top lowered, rearward vision is almost totally blocked - which possibly explains why the car has such an outrageously loud horn.  Even with the roof up, over-the-shoulder visibility is still poor.Lowering the roof is also not as easy as you'd expect. It was disappointing to discover you have to muscle the roof on and off with a twist-and-rotate action - not the easy click-of-a-button motion I was expecting.But for all the difficulties getting the roof lowered, the drive well and truly makes up for it.  The Cabrio is relatively smooth and easy to drive.  Cruising along an open road with the top down is magic, and you can't help but notice admiring glances from other drivers.The stereo has good sound quality, and I was relieved to find an AUX port for my iPod and other bits and pieces.  The car also feels sturdy and safe, and seems to be fairly fuel efficient.The driver's seat is comfortable, although the same can't be said for your passengers - who'll either be squashed against the glove box in the front, or have their legs cramped in the back. It's certainly not the most practical car, but it sure is fun.  And if you value looks and personality over practicality - and who doesn't? - you'll be hard-pressed not to fall in love.LikesThe overall look and feelThe sound systemThe easy manoeuvrabilityDislikesThe tacky plastic flowers that come as standardThe poor visibility, especially when the top is downThe slight groaning noise the car often makes when you take your foot off the breakVolkswagen Beetle CabrioPrice: From $37,700Engine: 2.0-litreEconomy: 8.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front and side head airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, electronic stability control, vase with flower, 10-speaker CD stereo, iPod adaptor, electric windows If you like this try this: Peugeot 207CCNissan MicraNathan Mawby‘THAT'S so cute’ are not words most guys want to hear about their car.  If the veiled snickering from the men I showed it to and universal adoration from the women are anything to go by, the Nissan Micra is definitely marketed at young female drivers.Having said that, guys, if you're prepared to embrace your inner-woman (just borrow a Dirty Dancing soundtrack before you hit the road and you'll be right) this is a car that will grow on you.  A ‘make-up’ mirror in the driver's side sunvisor left my hair looking the best it has in years and a surprisingly gutsy 1.4-litre, four cylinder engine (hello, fuel economy!) was versatile enough to zip around the city and hit the freeway.The first thing to note is that the Micra is tiny, microscopic even.  Perfect if you're going to be driving around the city, or inner suburbs - not so good if you're the designated driver and need leg room to stop back-seat fights.Meanwhile responsive steering helps with maneuverability in traffic, narrow lanes, the fast food drive-through and parking.  I even found myself seeking out the dreaded reverse parallel park in heavy traffic just for funsies!Thanks to clever design you can see everything going on outside the car - unfortunately that also means everything inside is on display.  Nissan balance this with clever hidey holes: a sliding tray under the passenger seat and the boot is completely concealed from the outside world.But if like many Gen-Y's you run your life from your iPhone, hiding the AUX port in the back of the glove box could present a problem when you have to sift through it to find your phone.  But no matter what you listen to, a robust sound system means you can listen to it loud - a necessity for Australia's iPod affected youth.There are few basic issues, sacrificing your masculinity aside, that give you pause, however.  No tachometer, having to hit a button to see the time (how many Gen-Y's actually wear a watch?) and no obvious temperature gauge probably won't bother the targeted drivers.The absence of side and curtain airbags as a standard feature should (they are available as part of the City Collection Option, though).  Sure there are "blokier" options out there - but if you picked one of them you'd probably have to give back that Dirty Dancing soundtrack...LikesManoeuvrabilitySound systemVisibilityDislikesNo tachometerNon-standard side and curtain airbagsGender biasNissan MicraPrice: From $15,990Engine: 1.4-litreEconomy: 6.8 litres/100kmFeatures: Four-speed automatic, Dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, MP3 player input, CD stereo, front seat storage draw If you like this try this: Holden BarinaKia SoulTravis KennedyTaking a brand new Kia Soul for a spin was easy to accept - especially given the fact my regular drive is an old Honda Legend with 300,000km on the clock and the squeaks and creaks that goes with the longevity. I'm very much an A-to-B type of driver.  I rarely venture into long drives, unless I have to. The Soul is not the type of car that would normally appeal to me -- a bloke in his early-twenties, who would probably call it "a bit of a girl's car".  It's just not the type of car most hot-blooded young men would choose if part of the buying criteria was to turn the collective heads of the opposite sex.It won't: But I swallowed my pride and hit the road. Without overstating the obvious, the car is a bit of a box.  It's almost as if it has an identity crisis -- on one hand it looks like a 4WD and, on the other, it has small car aesthetics.It makes a bold impression on the road with its unique look and, interestingly, I noticed many drivers paying it quite a lot of attention.  The Soul is the perfect commuter, giving great flexibility moving in and out of bumper-to-bumper traffic.Parking is a cinch, but beware blind spots caused by chunky rear end of the car. They can be dangerous, especially when reversing.  The 1.6-litre diesel engine makes a noticeably loud chugging sound, but all is forgiven by its excellent fuel economy. The Soul handles well on the open road.It does lack a little instantaneous grunt, especially when on the freeway, but it's still zippy for most regular traffic situations.  The lack of cruise control is a little annoying.Inside, there is a surprising amount of room for the driver, but back seat passengers may struggle for leg room. The boot is small, but the rear seats fold flat to open up reasonable amount of space for most items.  Tech-savvy buyers will love the interior features - the inbuilt USB port for iPod connectivity and the rather punchy sound system are impressive.I like listening to my music loud and this system more than met my expectations.  The speakers also have red lights that pulse to the beat of the music or can be toned down to a softer-mood setting -- a little bit tacky, but it makes night driving more interesting.The Soul won't appeal to everyone and, being a young man, I feel it's more suited to the female market or middle-aged singles looking for a nippy, economical car.  It's a bit of a grower, though -- the more I drove it, the more it won me over.LikesHandles very wellEasy to parkEconomical dieselDislikesRear blind spotsNo cruise controlRear passenger leg room is less than generous.Kia Soul Price: From $20,990Engine: 1.6-litre petrol or dieselEconomy: 5.2 litres/100kmFeatures: Dual front, side and curtain airbags, anti-skid brakes, air conditioning, central locking, MP3 CD stereo with six-speakers, Aux/iPod input If you like this try this: Fiat 500Honda JazzAntonia MageeBeing at the upper end of Generation Y, I knew the Jazz VT-i was not for me as soon as I pulled onto Swan St, Richmond in pouring rain on a Friday night only to see several saturated people stop and stare as I drove past in the blazing yellow vehicle.I know that is just the colour, but I am part of an apparently fickle generation and the way the car looked was important to me.  On first glance inside though, the Jazz had everything a Gen Y driver would be looking for.The extra windows, huge windscreen and big dashboard made me feel as though I was in a much bigger car, the back seat was roomy and the boot was much larger than it looked.  The technology was on the pulse, with a MP3 plug for one's iPod and a quality stereo and CD player.And as one would expect from any car in the new generation of excessive paraphernalia, the storage space was excellent.  There are several pockets and holders for coffees, phones, CDs, iPods and sunglasses.It was also extremely nifty driving around the streets of the CBD and parking in a tight spot was a dream.  But the real test for me was when it was pushed to its upper limits.Four months after selling my own car I was, finally, able to hit the open road without relying on someone else to pick me up and drop me home.  After the impressive feel while driving around the city, the car was a tad unimpressive on the freeways of Melbourne. The problem was once I hit 100km/h.That is the speed limit, I hear you say, but the VT-i just didn't feel completely comfortable going even that fast.  The 1.5-litre four felt a little buzzy and in need of a sixth gear to cope. It made me feel like I was straining the car.There is no doubt it is fuel efficient around town - Honda says the 1.5-litre manual VT-i will sip 6.4 litres for every 100km - but the little hatch ran out of legs while out on the open road.  This could be a problem for a young person doing a long daily commute, but for a student or worker not having to travel too far, you would be hard pressed to go past the Jazz for a zippy, modern city car.It felt just a tinge tinny, but to be fair it ticks all the boxes for a $18,000-plus car. All in all, this would be a great inner-city run around vehicle.LikesExtremely spacious for a small carGreat for parkingiPod accessDislikesGrunt- just didnt have anyFuel efficiencyLack of legroom when driver seat pushed backHonda JazzPrice: From $16,990Engine: 1.3-litre or 1.5-litreEconomy: 5.8 litres/100km (VTi/VTi-S 6.4 litres/100km)Features: Dual front airbags, anti-skid brakes, CD stereo with MP3, auxiliary jack, air conditioning, 10 cupholders If you like this try this: Suzuki Swift

If you’ve been dreaming of owning one of these rare high-performance cars, the Melbourne-based company has just made the move into performance territory more palatable. It has launched two new entry models, the ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP with driveaway pricing of $61,990 for the six-speed manual sedan and $55,990 for the manual.  The cars are based on the Pontiac GXP, which sold for a brief period in the United States.HSV says the sedan and ute are ‘limited editions’, meaning just 400 sedans and 350 utes will be built.  However, HSV executives are mindful that as an entry level car, both are expected to sell out quickly.HSV general manager sales and marketing, Darren Bowler, says it is unlikely the GXP will join the lineup as a new model, beyond the limited edition cars.  “We don’t want too many variants in our model range,” he says.However, the company has left the door open for a similarly priced entry level model at some time in the future.  “We will learn a lot from this exercise and if they work, we will look at it,” Bowler says.HSV managing director, Phil Harding, says the cars are designed to bring new customers to the brand.  “Importantly, both cars also adhere to the HSV brand pillars of performance, handling and unique design,” he says. Harding says it “was always our objective to find a solution for the model that sat below the ClubSport R8”.  “We received a lot of customer inquiries for a model like that and GXP provided us with that opportunity,” he says.There are many common parts between the GXP and the ClubSport R8, including the 317kW/550Nm 6.2-litre V8.  The cars also get unique suspension settings, a Brembo brake package, E Series 2 daylight running lights, E Series 2 front bumper and bonnet and mudguard vents.Harding is quick to point out that the GXP pair were not a result of left over components from the Pontiac parts bin.  “There is a great danger that you might refer to this program as inventory user,” he says.“It’s absolutely nothing of that sort. And certainly companies these days don’t end up with stuff left over; certainly we don’t.  “In terms of building these cars new parts have had to be ordered.”Body and appearanceIt’s no surprise the GXP looks familiar. It uses the same name as the Pontiac G8 GXP model sold briefly in the United States and phased out early this year.  For Australia both the ute and sedan get a mix of Clubsport R8 interior and exterior tweaks, including the same 6.2-litre V8 developing 317kW and 550Nm.The ClubSport GXP gets a unique rear bumper on the sedan with a blacked-out diffuser into which the quad exhausts are set.  The ute follows a less is more treatment with the rear end and looks similar to an SS ute. Instead of the Maloo hardcover tonneau, the GXP ute opts for a soft-cover.DrivetrainThe 6.2-litre V8 is already a well proven beast in the ClubSport and this engine is the one and only choice here.PricesBoth models will debut with driveaway pricing of $61,990 for the ClubSport GXP sedan manual and $55,990 for the Maloo GXP manual ute. Autos attract another $2000.  Options include satellite navigation, rear park assist, sunroof and roof-mounted DVD player for the sedan.InteriorClubSport R8 owners will recognize the cabin. The sedan gets HSV sports seats with cloth trim while the Maloo gets the performance sports seats. There is also a dual zone climate control system, 6.5’’ multi-function colour display screen, electric windows and Blaupunkt stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player. There are 11 speakers in the sedan and seven in the ute.EquipmentOutside there are projector headlights, daytime running lights, bonnet scoops, chrome mirror housings and chrome door handle surrounds, sports tail lights on the sedan, soft tonneau cover with HSV logo on the ute, 19-inch Series I alloys.  Inside there is a leather wrapped HSV multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, alloy faced pedals, tyre pressure monitors, HSV sports instruments and triple centre mounted gauges.Both models are available in Heron White, Nitrate, Sting Red, Phantom, Voodoo and Karma. The ClubSport GXP is also available in Evoke.SafetyDual front, side and curtain airbags with seatbelt load limiters, limited slip differential, four piston Brembo performance brakes, electronic stability control, anti-skid brakes and traction control.DrivingIF the GTS has too much “bling” for your liking then the GXP sedan is a natural choice.  The car steers, brakes and accelerates just like a HSV should but without the “look at me” styling.  That doesn’t mean it’s not without some nice touches, from the mudguard vents and bonnet vents to the skillfully crafted diffuser treatment on the sedan’s rear bumper.Inside there are touches of the ClubSport R8 around the cabin, and that’s a good thing. To keep the price down it misses the launch control function.  The sedan is a smooth operator when it comes to the nip and tuck of every day traffic. The V8 will help dispatch slowcoaches easily and without drama.The most surprising thing about the Maloo GXP is that it is a ute. You have to keep checking the rear view mirrors because until you drive it, you’ll dismiss it as just another ute. It’s not.And that’s the key to all HSVs. There is some serious under the skin engineering on the suspensions, engines and steering to back up the go-fast looks.  HSV’s general manager sales and marketing Darren Bowler calls the GXP a “sleeper”.  He might be right but if you hang around too long this sleeper will rocket out of showrooms.At a glanceEngine: 6.2-litre LS3 Gen 4 V8Price: $61,990 sedan, $55,990 Maloo ute.Power: 317kW at 6000 revsTorque: 550Nm at 4600 revs. 

Up to a quarter of the cars on Victorian roads are unsafe thanks to a lack of maintenance and ignoring the warning signs on everything from tyres and brakes to shock absorbers and rust. People need to be shocked into realising the consequences of these problems, according to the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce. It tracks the dangerous and unroadworthy cars on Victorian roads and says a growing number of vehicles are being discovered. "It's getting worse," says David Purchase, executive director of the VACC. "We've got to drive this home to people to check their cars regularly." He has horrifying pictures of worn brake parts and tyres uncovered by repairers. One car was driven 200km from Melbourne to Benalla with a bald tyre that was worn through to the metal casing. That owner was told the tyre was too dangerous and had to be changed immediately. In another case a woman tried to get three garages to pump up her flat tyre, not realising the tyre's inner wall had completely disintegrated. Another had the wrong brake calipers fitted. "This could have led to the wheel seizing, the caliper to lock and brakes to fail," Purchase says. "You would expect a driver to be alerted that something was wrong with their car by the screeching noise of brake discs running metal on metal." The chamber's own research shows that one in four Victorian vehicles are unsafe. However, Purchase believes the number is higher because of the data coming through VACC repairers. The VACC has been pushing its own five-point vehicle safety check program for five years but in the past 18 months has ramped up its efforts. "Despite this our repairers are now reporting more and more unsafe cars. The message about vehicle safety is obviously not getting through" Purchase says. Some motorists are far too blase about vehicle safety, he says. The VACC released the photographs because it wanted motorists to see the alarming things "we see on a daily basis". "You would hope an alarm bell would ring in a driver's mind when they saw the tread on their tyres was worn through and you would think a driver would spot a death crack in their wheel," he says. "Of course, if a vehicle is regularly maintained, these issues are rectified before they become dangerous." Purchase is also mindful of highlighting the problems. "I don't want to inflame the situation but we are worried that we keep seeing these cars," he said.