Articles by Neil McDonald

In the rush to high-riding soft-roaders, many families have largely ignored a more practical route - wagons.  Heavy off-roaders have taken over the roll as the family bus but in reality a conventional sedan-based wagon will fulfil most duties, unless you absolutely need a seven-seater.For many, a car like the five-seater Holden Commodore Sportwagon will fulfil most duties.  It's a good looking, purpose-built wagon with a roomy, comfortable cabin and a five-star crash safety rating.The Calais V Sportwagon adds a little more bling but serves a similar purpose. The integrated DVD system in the roof is a bonus for keeping the kids quiet and the rear-view camera is a welcome addition to the parking sensors.Under the bonnet the biggest new arrival with the latest Commodores is SIDI - or Spark Ignition Direct Injection - which improves fuel economy and the overall smoothness of the V6.Unlike the previous raucous six, the SIDI engine also sounds quieter. The refined engine is now at a point of its development that it has become a world-class unit.  The economy from the big locally built six is also impressive. We managed in 12s around town with the promise of better highway economy.The changes from the six-speed auto also feel smoother than we remember.  The only mark against the Commodore is the cabin. It has been around since 2006 and is due for a freshen this year.We're use to the thick A-pillars and the guillotine handbrake action but the Calais interior and dashboard is looking tired, particularly when you line it up against Ford's effort with the Falcon G6E.  The wagon's swoopy rear also eats into luggage space but there is no denying it is a handsome vehicle, particularly the Calais V version with its stylish 18-inch alloys.

If it looks familiar that is because the all-electric C-Zero is based on the micro-electric Mitsubishi i-MIEV as well as sister company Peugeot's iOn.  It goes on sale in Europe later this year and is destined for Australia in mid-2011. A spokesman for Citroen importer, Ateco Automotive Ltd, Edward Rowe, says the pioneering homologation work that Mitsubishi Australia went through for the i-MIEV could mean a relatively easy path to launch for the Citroen.  "The small car market here is obviously very fluid," Rowe says. "Because of the joint-venture with Mitsubishi, the C-Zero has some obvious appeal for us and it's something we will keep an eye on."  Rowe is not talking price but he is confident the car will attract strong interest.Mitsubishi has already flagged a $60,000 pricepoint for its micro car but Rowe does not believe a high price is a hurdle. "I expect that early adopters, who are less price-sensitive, will look at the C-Zero," Rowe says.  "It will attract people who want to make a definitive statement about the environment." Citroen already has a lot of experience with electric vehicles in Europe.  It already builds commercial electric-powered Berlingos for France and the UK and has built more than 10,000 electric vehicles since 1995.  "Electric vehicles also make a lot of sense in France because most of the power generation is nuclear or hydro electric," Rowe says. Rowe says the C-Zero will also appeal to the Citroen heartland.  "Most of our sales are in the metro areas, which makes it ideal for that market," he says.  "A our traditional customer base is also concerned about the environment and aware of new technology." Citroen and Peugeot pioneered diesel-engined passenger cars in Australia long before they became fashionable.  Like the i-MIEV, the C-Zero's permanent magnet synchronous motor is powered by a latest-generation lithium-ion batteries. The electric motor delivers 47kW and 180Nm, giving the car a top speed of 130km/h and range of more than 130km.  The batteries can be charged by plugging into a conventional household power outlet or via a fast-charging system that gives the car an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. The C-Zero made its global debut at this week's Brussels motor show, along with 25 other new Citroens.

But Victorian Saab enthusiast Steve Bunton was one of 35 Melbourne owners who rallied at the weekend to show their support for the embattled brand.  There were also similar sized protests in Queensland and South Australia.The Australian "Save Saab" campaign was part of a global initiative by 30 Saab clubs around the world to protest plans by General Motors to axe the Swedish company if a buyer cannot be found.In Trollhattan, Sweden, where the 9-3 and 9-5 are built, more than 2000 Saab owners converged on the factory to rally.  Other protests were held in Russia, Britain, North America and Holland.Bunton says the Melbourne rally was "very positive".  "It was great to be a part of it and the mood was very upbeat.  We'd like to see Saab stay in business."Bunton, who owns a classic 900 Aero, is a life member of the Victorian Saab club and edits the club magazine.  He believes if the brand can be sold "there's a good chance its future will be secure".One of the co-ordinators of the global event, Steven Wade, who runs a Saab enthusiast website out of Hobart, said the protest was not one about resentment towards GM."There is a lot of passion about Saab so this event is about showing solidarity, not protest," he said.  "But I'm cautiously optimistic a buyer can be found."  Wade says GM "didn't have a clue about Saab".  "It's very frustrating that a board of old people in Detroit will close it rather than sell it," he says. GM has been trying to sell Saab for more than a year.A deal with Swedish supercar maker Koenigsegg collapsed last month.  Both Bunton and Wade are now hopeful an 11th hour bid by Dutch sports car maker Spyker could save Saab.  They say that if the brand is seen to have support of thousands around the world, a potential buyer may see the value in keeping it alive.More than 35,000 Saabs have been sold here since 1971.Last year it only sold 663 cars locally because of the global speculation about the brand's future.  The company employs 3400 people in Sweden and about 8000 globally.  It has failed to return a profit since 2001.However, the brand is on the verge of a big product offensive, with the new 9-5 sedan and wagon due out this year.  A four-wheel drive is also planned and work on the next-generation 9-3 is also believed to be under way.Saab firstsPioneered mainstream turbocharging (1977)Ignition in the centre console (1967Headlight washers/wipers (1970)Energy-absorbing bumpers (1971)Heated front driver's seat (1971)Cabin air filter (1978) 

Both the range-topping 12-cylinder DBS and Vantage coupes have received a sinister-looking makeover to deliver the Carbon Black limited-edition series.  The pair are meaner and leaner with lashings of carbon fibre to reduce weight and enhance handling.Just four cars are earmarked for Australia, three Vantages and one DBS.  Aston Martin's sales manager for Australia and New Zealand, Marcel Fabris, says the cars will arrive around April."At present, this allocation of special edition vehicles remains unsold, however we don't expect them to last long now that their availability has been announced," he says.  Fabris says pricing has not been finalised."However they will be priced within 5 per cent of the normal vehicles' prices," he says.  This should push local pricing for the DBS Carbon Black above $500,000 and the 6.0-litre V12 Vantage should nudge $400,000.The V12 Vantage coupe is normally $379,251 and the V12 DBS is $485,606.  Fabris says the prices will include the drop in duty, which came into effect from today.  "Aston Martin is passing on the full 5 per cent duty reduction for all vehicles delivered from January 1," he says.Each Aston has a specially formulated Carbon Black metallic paint scheme that takes 50 hours of hand painting to complete. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10-spoke diamond turned alloys.A bright finished grille and front parking sensors complete the exterior detailing.  Inside, the black theme continues with lashings of rich black hand-stitched leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch.  The cars lightweight seats are made from carbon fibre and kevlar, saving 17 kg over the standard seat.Throughout the cabin there are piano black trim highlights on the centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme.  The Aston Martin 700 watt premium audio system is standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts a high-end Bang & Olufsen system.The DBS, which already makes extensive use of aluminium and carbon fibre, was launched in 2007 and the V12 Vantage arrived last year.  Both engines deliver 380kW/570Nm, giving the Vantage a zero to 100km/h sprint of 4.2 seconds and top speed of 305km/h, making it one of the most powerful production Aston Martons.  The DBS hits 100km/h in 4.3 seconds and has a top speed of 307km/h.

As importers rush to slashed prices and pass on the 5 per cent import tariff drop others are putting more equipment into their cars.

Underneath the liquid white paint scheme and bright blue pinstriping, this 1 Series is powered by a new high-tech all-electric engine.  In place of a regular petrol or diesel engine is a synchronous electric motor that pumps pump out 126kW/250Nm.Called the Concept ActiveE, BMW will unveil the car next week at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit.  Unlike other concepts though, the ActiveE is far from a flight of fancy.The German carmaker plans to allow a select group of private and fleet buyers to drive the car and evaluate it before committing to production.  The design brief was to provide a zero emissions green machine without sacrificing the driving experience BMW drivers expect.BMW engineers positioned the heavy electric motor to provide a similar weight distribution and agile handling as the 1 Series.  The motor is integrated in the rear axle and the electronics are above the motor.Despite being a porky 1800kg, the ActiveE will reach 60km/h in 4.5 seconds, 100km/h in nine seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 145km/h.  Like the Mini E, it has a range of about 160km on a single charge.The high-tech theme carries over to the stylish cabin.  Smartphone technology allows the driver to perform some functions remotely.  Drivers will be able to use their mobile phones to check the car's battery status, search for public charging stations or turn on the heating or air conditioning remotely.Inside the cabin gets a lift with bright white and blue accentuated leather trim and back-lit three-dimensional dials.  The dashboard and console also display information about the electric drive system.The motor draws its energy from a new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack jointly developed by BMW and SB LiMotive.  BMW has also solved to problem of cooling the battery pack by developing a new temperature regulation system.  Importantly too the ActiveE has enough room for four and a 200 litre boot.The battery pack can be recharged in as little as three hours by a normal power outlet at public charging stations or via a special wall-mounted box.  The car's drive components were developed as part of project i, BMW's newest research division set up in 2008 to explore high-tech transport solutions.  Company officials say the technology is likely to appear in mass produced cars from about 2015.

Volvo Cars Australia has given its refreshed S80 a visual edge by making the company's R-Design package a specific model in the refreshed S80 lineup. The sassy look is just cosmetic at this stage with no engine tuning part of the enhancements.  However, full-blown factory-fitted R-Design engine performance improvements are destined for the S80 and other Volvos and are likely to replace the Heico Sportiv-inspired cars here. Initially the more driver-focused R-Design S80s will get 18-inch wheels, lowered, sports-tuned suspension, colour-matched rear spoiler, matt silver grille and exterior mirrors, and chrome exhausts.  VCA spokesperson, Laurissa Mirabelli, says R-Design is aimed at enthusiasts who now have families. "The luxury sedan segment is also so competitive the S80 needed some differentiation," she says.  C30, V70 and XC90 buyers can already specify the cosmetic R-Design enhancements, which are optional.  Prices for the 2010 S80 remain unchanged, starting at $79,950 for the D5 and twin-turbo T6, topping out at $98,950 for the V8. Adding R-Design to a D5 or T6 costs $1500 extra over the standard car and $2500 more in the V8.  Visually the 2010 changes bring the big sedan inline with the XC60 and new S60, with a new grille and larger Volvo insignia. The D5 gains a new 151kW twin-turbo diesel and adds all-wheel drive as standard, the same as the T6 and V8.  The range-topping V8 adds lane departure warning with driver alert control, blind spot information system, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and auto brake function as standard. Inside there is a new four-spoke steering wheel with deco inlay, more ergonomic switchgear and alloy cabin trim.  Like the XC models, the S80's all-wheel drive system employs a Haldex clutch to distribute power between front and rear wheels according to road and driving conditions. The system can automatically move a small amount of torque to the rear wheels when starting on slippery surfaces.  As with all Volvo's the S80 has a comprehensive active and passive safety features. The car's navigation system is now more user friendly.  Volvo is hoping for a better year with the revised S80 and expects the D5 to be popular.  Last year it sold less than 100 S80s.  The company is hoping that the R-Design will make up 50 per cent of S80 sales this year.

The Ford Figo - based on the previous generation Fiesta - was designed by Ford Australia, lead by head designer Scott Strong.  It has been re-engineered tougher to compete in India's small car segment, which accounts for more than 70 per cent of the new vehicle market. The Figo is one of a handful of mini and micro cars launched to rave reviews at this week's New Delhi show.  Apart from the Figo, Honda's ‘new small concept’ and Toyota's Etios sedan made their world debuts.  Designed to tackle the Tata Nano, the low-cost production version of the Honda will initially be sold in India but other Asian export markets are planned.  The 1.2-litre front wheel drive five-door hatch is expected to go on sale in India next year, with a starting price of about $11,000.   Apart from India, the small Honda is tipped to be built in Thailand and could also be sold here. Maruti-Suzuki, which dominates the Indian new car market, showed off its R3 MPV six-seater concept which looks similar to the just-launched Opel Meriva.The Etios - which was codenamed EFC for entry family car - could make it to Australia as a replacement for the Yaris.  The entry four-door sedan is designed to compete against the Suzuki Swift and goes on sale in India later this year, with a hatch to follow in 2011. The Etios will be powered by two new 1.2 and 1.5-litre petrol engines, with production initially destined for the Indian market but exports are planned.  Toyota vice-chairman, Kazuo Okamoto, says India is a key market in the company's global small car strategy.  It was also one of the few countries experiencing growth, he says. Apart from a host of micro and small cars, electric vehicles also made a show splash.  Renault launched its two-seater Twizy electric ahead of its global launch in 2012.  The two-seater Twizy is one of four full electric cars that Renault unveiled recently and is being displayed outside Europe for the first time. General Motors India is working with the Indian-based Reva Electric car company to launch an electric version of the Spark - expected to be Holden's next-generation Barina - towards the end of this year and Hyundai Motor India, the country's second largest carkmaker is showing of an electric version of its i10 hatch. Maruti-Suzuki also unveiled the SX4 hybrid, using a 1.2-litre four cylinder engine and 50kW electric motor mated to a CVT transmission.

The last of the modern water-cooled front-drive ‘New Beetle’ is being celebrated with the unveiling of a ‘Final Edition’ version.  Just 3000 powder blue coupe and convertibles will be sold in North America. Already hundreds have been snapped up by collectors since it was announced at the recent Los Angeles motor show.  However, the quirky two-door will soldier on in Australia at least this year before the next-generation car arrives in Europe in 2011. Volkswagen is not revealing too much about the new car, except to say it will continue with the famous bug shape.  But it is expected to be lighter, roomier and more fuel efficient with a range of alternative powertrains, including a possibly hybrid version to complement VW's new-generation petrol and diesel engines. The 2011 Beetle is expected to share its underpinnings with the new Golf and should promise better handling car.  Although the design will be evolution of the Beetle look, Volkswagen HQ is known to be looking at broadening the car's appeal from its mostly female fan base. Volkswagen Australia spokesman, Karl Gehling, says the car has been very popular with female buyers locally.  More than 50 per cent of buyers are women under the age of 30. Gehling says the ‘Final Edition’ will only be available in America.  "But we do have some plans for limited edition models here," he says.Locally VW has introduced the limited-edition Miami version and 2008 anniversary editions, which proved popular with buyers. In the US VW even sold a hot pink ‘Barbie’ version to celebrate the doll's 50th anniversary last year.  "It's the type of car that lends itself to special editions," Gehling says. Gehling says although it has not been a big seller locally throughout its life, the company is happy with sales.  "It is not a volume product but it is consistent," he says.  The ‘New Beetle’ is based on the 1994 Detroit show car called Concept 1. When it finally hit production in 1998 the car ditched the original's air-cooled rear engine layout for a modern water-cooled front engine and front wheel drive based on the Golf.  Instead of being built in Germany too, the modern Beetle came out of Puebla, Mexico. Each special North American Bug gets ‘Final Edition’ badging, special steering wheel, sports suspension, 17-inch alloys and special paint schemes.  In the US the car is powered by a 112kW 2.5-litre in-line five-cylinder engine through a six-speed automatic.  The same engine is used in some VW commercial vehicles and Audis.New Beetle sales 2009 403 (+ cabrio)2008 790 (+ cabrio)2007 790 (+ cabrio)2006 778 (+cabrio)2005 1043 (+cabrio2004 611 (+cabrio2003 741 (+cabrio)2002 7542001 9062000 1328

A prototype custom sports cabriolet, described as a ‘historically important Porsche’ has been listed for sale by Coopers Classics in New York. The 1948 car is considered by many as a forefather to the later factory 356 cars with such details as a curved windshield and swooping bodywork. It is believed to be one of two built in Zurich by the renowned Swiss Coachbuilder and one of the creators of the early 356, Hans Waibel. Waibel is said to have had close ties to Dr Ferdinand Porsche before and after World War II, including building two prototypes and a commission to produce two show cars in 1948. The 356 was originally first shown at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show and holds a special place among Porsche aficionados. Historians say it is the car that help defined the brand's sportscars and their shape. However, the prototype was never claimed to be a genuine Porsche, having been built on a VW chassis with a light-weight aluminium body. But the styling cues that marked the early 356s are clear, except for headlights that were sunk into the bodywork and the prototype's mesh grille, which had an opening to direct cooling air via an electric fan to the rear-mounted engine. Coopers says the prototype carries a unique provenance with ownership history including some of the major players in early Porsche history. These included the then president of VW AG Switzerland, a M Debrunner and Ruprecht von Senger. Von Senger financed and established the early Porsche dealership network in Europe. The car was last registered in Switzerland in 1959. It was put into storage for 20 years and eventually sold to a Californian restoration specialist Michael Rizzuto. Rizzuto sold the car in unrestored condition to Hollywood film director and producer Monty Montgomery in 1988. Montgomery commissioned a full restoration and upon completion in 1992 it was exhibited at the famous Pebble Beach concours in California. The rare prototype is finished in a metallic green with white and green interior. Coopers has not listed an estimated price for the car but when it was last sold in London in 1996 it fetched just $37,000. This time around the car is expected to fetch a much higher price.