Articles by Neil McDonald

One of Europe's most respected carmakers, Saab, is teetering on the edge of collapse.  Its future is in doubt after suitor, Swedish sportscar maker Koenigsegg cancelled plans to acquire the struggling brand.Scott Whiffin, a spokesman for Saab Australia, which operates under GM Premium Brands locally, said the company and the 14 local dealers were still digesting the news.  "It wasn't something that was being anticipated," he said."What's happening now is that the GM team at the pointy end of this process have said they'll take a couple of days to work it through.  "So we won't see any next-step type developments until at least next week."Whiffin said the local operations would continue business "as usual".  "Warranties will continue to be honoured, servicing arrangements remain unchanged and there will be no issues with receiving spare parts," he said.The decision by the Koenigsegg Group AB has shocked General Motors executives.  US reports are suggesting that when GM meets next week the 60-year-old brand will be wound down. "We're obviously very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase," GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson, said."Many have worked tirelessly over the past several months to create a sustainable plan for the future of Saab by selling the brand and its manufacturing interests to Koenigsegg Group AB.  "Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation."Koenigsegg head, Christian von Koenigsegg, said delays in completing the deal "have led to risks and uncertainties that prevent us from successfully carrying out our business plan for Saab Automobile".  Saab has struggled globally and locally, with sales plummeting in recent years.Local sales have dipped 34 per cent this year with the company selling just 653 vehicles.  Globally it sold just 93,300 cars last year with Europe accounting for the bulk of sales.  Along with Saab, GM has been offloading its underperforming brands.In September a deal to sell its Saturn division to the Penske Automotive Group fell through and GM axed the brand.  It has decided to hold on to its European Opel group but the sale of Hummer to Chinese heavy-equipment maker Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery Co is still pending.GM acquired a 50 per cent stake in Saab in 1989, buying up the balance in 2000.

The locally built Electron - an electric version of the Getz - is the first vehicle to pass Victoria's tough new crash rules for electric cars.The test was performed by national crash testing authority, Autoliv Australia.  The Electron is built by central Victorian electric car company, Blade Electric Vehicles.  The car is minus the Getz's petrol engine, replaced with an electric motor that gives it a range of 200km.BEV founder, Ross Blade, says the crash test results were encouraging and will help spearhead a concerted export push for the car.  Exports have started to New Zealand and Blade has South-East Asia in his sights.  "We were all on tenderhooks with the crash test because so much is riding on it," Blade says.The Victorian Government contributed half the cost of the testing for the $48,000 car.  "This is Australia's first electric vehicle to be successfully crash tested and, according to Autoliv's engineers, the Electron's results were excellent," he says.The hatch passed all crash testing criteria by significant margins.  It was conducted to Australian Design Rule standards at 56km/h, 8km/h less than the Australian New Car Asssessment Program.  Blade will follow up with a full ANCAP test next year.One of BEV's earliest customers, Alan Gray, has just completed 20,000km in his Electron - unserviced - and without the car being off the road for a single day in the past 18 months.  "The car is amazing. I have to fight my wife Judith for a drive," Gray says.  "She loves it more than I do and it never lets us down."Gray says the Electron is charged from the solar panels on the family home and is used for the family's sustainable living business.  "We do about 60km a day in it," he says."The most we've travelled is 90km.  I estimate that it will pay for itself in four years - even without petrol prices rising," Gray says.His own figures show the Electron has cost just 97c for every 100km, versus a petrol Getz's $12 for every 100km.  More than 20 Electrons have been sold with seven going to local Victorian councils.  The Mk III version is now capable of being fully recharged in just an hour.Blade says he would like State and the Federal governments to back their green credentials by buying the car.  "We don't want money, we want orders," he says.  BEV has recently hired a former chief scientist for GM-Holden, Dr Larry Jordan."Dr Jordan joins the staff of BEV at an exciting time," Blade says.  "Now that we've had a successful - and very expensive - crash test, we are licensed as a second stage manufacturer for volume production."Jordan's specialist experience will be vital "as we further develop the Electron and sell it into new markets", Blade says.

The German carmaker and its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp chose last week's Guangzhou motor show to unveil a freshened Tiguan, complete with Chinese language badging.The changes are minor, but front of the baby VW off-roader gets a new grille and bumper that brings it into line with the Polo and Golf and just-upgraded Caravelle range in Europe.  However, don't expect the facelift to make it into other markets, including Australia.VW Australia spokesman, Karl Gehling, says at this stage the facelift is for the China-only Tiguan.  The car has only been on sale here for the past 18 months and is still relatively young in the local market, he says.  "We won't see anything for another year or so," Gehling says.Although details are scarce, the Chinese Tiguan is expected to carry over the same petrol and turbo-diesel four cylinder engines and Haldex all-wheel drive system.  However, a six speed DSG gearbox is expected to replace the six-speed automatic.Inside the cabin gets the Golf's new three-spoke steering wheel and white dials, while the switchgear for the heating and ventilation has also been upgraded.  Reports out of Europe also suggest VW is also working on a longer seven-seater Tiguan to join the lineup in 2011.However, Gehling says this remains speculation."I've heard it but nothing has been confirmed," he says.  Nor is VW Australia likely to follow other carmakers by introducing a front-wheel drive version of its off-roader.Gehling says there would be little price advantage over the all-wheel drive version.  The Tiguan has been on sale locally for about 18 months and has been a solid contributor.   Initial supplies were restricted because of the car's popularity overseas but almost 4000 have been sold this year.Year-to-date VW sales are down 3 per cent against and overall market drop of 12 per cent.  China remains one of VW brightest markets.Over the next three years, the VW Group China will launch 20 new models there.This year VW's China sales have grown by 37 per cent this year to more than 1 million cars, exceeding last year's total sales figure.  The Chinese auto market is set to exceed 13 million sales this year, eclipsing America for the first time.

From January Nissan's GT-R supercar will deliver a better ride without losing any of the hard-edge performance from its 357kW twin-turbocharged V6.  Apart from the suspension, Nissan engineers have fine-tuned the brakes, gearbox and cooling system.Nissan Australia spokesman, Jeff Fisher, is unsure of the specific suspension improvements and has asked Japan to clarify what work has been done.  "We've sent a request to Japan for confirmation on just exactly what the engineers have changed," he says.What is known is that the front spring and damper rates have been revised to soften the car's harsh ride.  At the back the latest Godzilla gets stiffer rear suspension radius rod bushings, designed to improve feel and responsiveness during cornering.  At launch the 310km/h coupe was criticised for its hard ride but Fisher says this has not held back customers.The $155,000 GT-R has been a sales winner locally.  The company had originally expected to sell 200 a year but 240 have been sold since its April launch.  "We're looking at doing a constant 200 a year through it's model life," Fisher says.  "The early signs are that demand will continue to exceed our expectations."Pricing for the 2010 car will remain the same, despite the favourable Australian dollar.  "Pricing is set several months in advance and manufacturers hedge on the exchange rate," Fisher says.Fisher says GT-R buyers are migrating from Euro brands like Porsche but others are adding a GT-R to their high-performance garages, which often include Aston Martins and Jaguar XKs.  The GT-R's drive system has also be revised to reduce rear-axle binding when the all-wheel drive components are cold while better cooling is provided for the exhaust and gearbox.The six-speed dual clutch transmission has been altered to give a later downshift from sixth gear to fifth when being driven in automatic mode. A more aggressive downshift pattern has been provided from fourth to third and third to second.  The front transmission mount has also been stiffened to reduce vibration through the driveline under hard acceleration.Nissan engineers have moved the electronic brakeforce distribution bias rearwards for better braking stability in dry conditions and changes to the rear air deflector design has improved rear brake cooling.  The twin-turbo V6 now complies with tough Euro 5 emissions requirements without any power or performance loss, while CO2 emissions having dropped 3g to 295g/km.Visually, the front and rear bumpers get a double coat of clear paint, giving a deeper finish.  Inside the speedo and rev counter now sport metallic finishes.  The audio and navigation system gets 40GB of storage space, three-dimensional navigation, voice-control and higher resolution 7-inch screen.

Getting a D for your new Mini does not mean you have failed. Actually, the new Cooper D is a winner. The D badge on the bum stands for diesel and the installation of the latest-generation common-rail 1.6-litre turbodiesel in the nose of the new-age Mini means you can travel more than 1000 kilometres between refills.The diesel is the third turbo Mini motor, joining the petrol-fuelled Cooper S and John Cooper Works models which both have twin-scroll turbocharging for more go. The turbodiesel D is very different, and since it was launched in Australia back in May the D has been a moderate success for the brand. But interest is growingOrders are now double the original showroom forecast - even if it was a low target - and around one-third of total Mini sales down under. And the car's frugal economy continues to attract strong interest. According to Mini, the D is a compelling hatch for anyone looking to drive their dollar further.If an average owner travels 15,000km a year in the Mini D, the fuel bill is under $15 a week at current metro diesel prices.Economy The 1.6-litre diesel has a combined fuel sipping figure of 3.9 litres for every 100km, which made it the country's most fuel efficient car back in May. However, Ford has since claimed the title with its Fiesta Econetic, which gets 3.7 litres/100km and BMW has also done better with its 118dStill, the arrival of other fuel misers does not diminish the Mini Cooper D's appeal.Styling The Mini Cooper D looks almost exactly the same as the 1.6-litre petrol models. Trainspotters will notice that the bonnet gets a more muscular curve to accommodate larger induction plumbing and of course the rear badge signalling it's an oil-burner. The large intake below the bumper, which feeds air into the engine, has a different grille and is split by a slim, body-coloured bar.Equipment The D gets the same equipment as the petrol Cooper, which means stability control, six airbags, 15-inch alloys, air conditioning, CD stereo, trip computer, multi-function sports steering wheel, cruise control and height-adjustable front seats.Drivetrain The 80kW diesel engine delivers a punchy 240Nm between 1750 and 2000 revs, 70 per cent available at just 1250 revs. Like the Cooper S petrol engines, the lightweight diesel engine's turbocharger also has a torque overboost feature. This extra 20Nm pushes peak torque to 260Nm at short notice, for swifter overtaking. The D is good for a 9.9-second sprint to 100km/h and will run out to a top speed of 195km/h.Mini has borrowed the car's economy features from some BMW models, which is not surprising as the German brand owns Mini. There is an auto-stop-start function on the six-speed manual, which means the engine stops when the car is stationary and in neutral.The car also has brake-energy regeneration, which helps lower the car's C02 emissions to just 104 grams for every kilometre. There is also a gear change indicator light, which shows up on the dashboard to indicate the ideal gear. The car also gets a streamlined underbody aerodynamic panel to help reduced drag, and on-demand engine equipment such as electric power-assisted steering, a switchable water pump and flow-regulated oil pump that only operate when needed.Driving Mini is stretching the limit on the fuel economy of the D. It says 3.9L/100km and splashes the figure on the driver's door like a giant racing number. For me, it is a 4.1 car. Not that it's a bad thing. And I didn't miss the target by much. It is massively frugal yet still gets along very briskly, retaining the zip-zap cornering character of the petrol-powered Mini with a solid surge of overtaking torque at any time.It's not as brisk as you might expect from a Mini, and as I remember from the Cooper S and John Cooper cars, but is still quick enough for most people. And fine around the city or suburbs.The best thing is that, provided you shift early and often in the six-speed manual, you can have signature Mini fun. That means quickish sprints, good go around corners, and enough punch to chirp the tyres on a 1-2 change.The fuel-saver gear on the Mini D is barely noticeable, apart from the engine-off system when you stop at traffic lights. It's a good idea that is catching on fast, and the re-start on the Mini was quicker than a Land Rover Freelander I drove earlier this year.The upshift indicator in the dash is another good idea, hinting when it's best to shift for economy, although it's impossible to check the electric steering or on-demand water pump. The braking performance was a bit sharper than I remember from the John Cooper car, but that could be me and not the brake-energy regeneration.The overall Mini package is just as I remember, from the funky dash to the tiny boot (although there are folding rear seats) and the click-clack positive gearshift.The only real downside is engine noise, particularly at start-up. The diesel rattles and clanks and the Mini does not have the sort of countermeasures in the latest all-new diesel cars, such as the Benz E-Class. It will come, but not yet.Some people will miss the zippy performance of the go-faster Mini models, but the D is more than good enough to pace city traffic and can get up for go in the country. And the chassis has plenty in reserve at any time, so you don't get the edgy feeling or the steering tug of the high-powered Mini models.It's not as refined as a Golf diesel, but the Mini is still a Mini and now it's possible to have your fun and drive past most service stations with a smile.Score 79/100Bottom line: A combination of fun and frugal that is unique today, and very appealing for some people.Mini D Price: From $33,750Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel four cylinderOutputs: 80kW at 4000 revs, 240Nm at 1750 revsTransmission: Six-speed manual (six-speed auto optional)Economy: 3.9/100km combinedRIVALS Peugeot 308 1.6 XSE HDI 75/100 (from $34,690)Volkswagen Golf 2.0TDI 81/100(from $33,190)Hyundai i30 1.6 SLX CRDi 77/100 (from $26,390) 

Dirty, dozy diesels are well and truly a thing of the past. Today's modern high-tech diesels, like the Mercedes-Benz BlueEfficiency range, hum like a bee yet still have plenty of sting in their tail when you need some serious performance.The latest 2.1-litre BlueEfficiency powerplants in the E-Class range may be smaller in size than previous engines, but direct injection and high-tech turbocharging have increased efficiency and performance.DrivetrainsThe newest four-cylinder Mercedes turbodiesels are the first four-cylinder diesel E-Class sedans to be sold here.  Despite having the same 2.1-litre capacity, each BlueEfficiency E-Class gets a different state of tune.The E220 manages 125kW/400Nm while the 2.1-litre E250 delivers 150kW/500Nm, the type of performance figures once the domain of hot petrol engines.  Two BlueEfficiency models are available, the E220 CDI and E250 CDI, as well as a more conventional 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 in the E350 CDI that develops 170kW/540Nm.The 2.1-litre uses an upgraded common-rail injection system with high-precision piezo-injectors and a new turbocharger.  To make the engine operate more efficiently there are newly-developed fast-acting ceramic glowplugs and twin balancing shafts for smoother idling.Both are frugal. The E220 CDI has a combined fuel economy of 6.1 litres/100km while the E250 CDI uses 5.3 litres/100km.  The engines are significantly stronger, yet at the same time thriftier and emit less carbon than older turbo-diesels.But BlueEfficiency is just part of the new E-Class story.  Apart from the turbodiesels, three petrol models bring the E-Class sedan count up to six, not including the super-hot E63 AMG V8 muscle car.Fuel-saving measuresApart from six-cylinder petrol-like performance and four-cylinder economy, the BlueEfficiency pair gain a variety of econo-measures to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gases.  There are newly developed tyres designed to reduce friction and energy-saving generator, fuel pump, air conditioning compressor and power steering.As well `intelligent' aerodynamic aids allow the cars to slip through the air more easily.  There is underbody paneling to streamline airflow under the car and a partially covered grille helps smooth out the car's shape and lower wind resistance.Pricing and variantsAcross the new E range, each variant gets more equipment yet prices have effectively dropped while more standard equipment has been added to better match the E-Class's German rivals from BMW and Audi.Mercedes-Benz Australia says the E350 is $2965 less than the outgoing model, with more than $10,000 in extra standard equipment. The E500 has risen by $11,232 but gets about $21,000 worth of additional standard gear.  The range starts with the $80,900 E220 CDI and $96,900 E250 CDI, with the range topping CDI being the $131,900 E350 CDI V6.The petrol mix consists of the $128,900 E350 V6, high-tech $93,900 E250 CGI and $178,900 E500 V8. The E350 develops 200kW/350Nm and the E500 ups the ante with 285kW/530Nm.  The surprise package is the new 1.8-litre four cylinder E250 CGI, which requires more than a second glance. It uses turbo-charging, variable valve timing and direct injection, to pump up the performance to 150kW/310Nm.  This translates into a fuel economy figure of 7.6 litres/100km and greenhouse gase emissions of 179 g/km.The E350, which is expected to be the volume model, gets front and rear parking sensors with parking guidance, seven-speed G-tronic automatic, the lane-keeping package with blind-spot alarm, attention assist, 18-inch alloys, bi-xenon headlights with adaptive high-beam assist and cruise control.  It also has split/fold rear seats, cupholders, cable for the iPod input, multi-contour front seats and multi-zone climate control airconditioning.The E500 ups the ante with keyless entry and go, more luxurious front seats, alarm and sunblinds for the rear window and side rear windows.Driving — PAUL GOVERWhat's not to like about the new E250, short of the pricetag? It's as creamy as a bar of lovely, Swiss Lindt chocolate, supremely safe and the sort of car you would happily use to cruise from Melbourne to Sydney or beyond. With a terrrific fuel consumption as the sidebar bonus.Ok, the front-end styling is a bit chunky and it takes a while to learn to like the creases and folds in the body panels. That's typical of Benz, which comes late to a styling trend — BMW has been doing this sort of stuff for a generation — and then goes its own way with the sort of look that will endure for at least 10 years.The new E-Class is a little confronting, though still nowhere near the latest Subaru Liberty, to make it stand out in traffic, but the cabin is terrific and relaxing and effective and . . . nice.  My first shock is the 250's engine. At first I'm not convinced it's a diesel, and I still struggle to believe it is so small. And a four-pot.  It has terrific shove from a standing start, great overtaking power, and will easily run 6L/100km economy on the highway.It's not a match for something like the Mini D or the miserly petrol-powered Suzuki Alto, but the car is also big and luxurious and the  engine must be working harder than it would in a city runabout. I don't care about the BlueEfficiency tag because you don't need to label something that gives great go with sensible overall economy in the 7.2L/100km range just to get my attention.The test car comes loaded with stuff that takes its price past $100,000 and that's not good, but do you really need a sunroof and keyless starting and the other fripperies? For me, any car where you don't have to put the key into the dash — with the potential to misplace the key or leave it in the car when you park — is annoying and a step too far on the luxury path. And that's the new E  . . .There is good space for five in the new E and the overall package is exactly the sort of thing that first won me to the mid-sized Benz, back in the 1980s. It is more refined than ever, with more gear than ever, but still the same basic deal.  The boot is roomy, the car is easy to park, and it's surprisingly good to drive.Yes, the E rolls a bit in corners, but it holds a good line and will cover a twisty road with surprising pace and balance. It has abilities most owners will never tap.  Compared with a 5-Series or A6, the Mercedes feels bigger than the BMW and more solid and impressive than the Audi. You expect that in an all-new model, but I also know the Benz will keep on keeping on.It's now also commendably quiet, has a useful new dashboard screen for things like sound and satnav — with a brilliant surround sound package in the test car — and a safety package that matches or betters the best in the world. The attention-assist system alone, which reminds you to break long journeys, is a huge deal for Australia where fatigue is an unrecognised problem for most people.The latest E does not rate any maximum scores, except on safety, but it is a 9-from-10 car in just about everything. That makes it sensible, sublime and a star. It is so good it qualifies easily for our Car of the Year contest, and would be my first choice — for the money — for any interstate or holiday run.  And I still cannot believe that punchy diesel engine is only a four.Score 83/100BOTTOM LINE: More of the good stuff in a mid-sized BenzMercedes-Benz E250 CDI BlueEfficiencyPRICE From $96,900ENGINE 2.1-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinderPOWER  150kW at 4200 revsTORQUE 500Nm from 1600 revsTRANSMISSION Five-speed automaticFUEL CONSUMPTION 7.2/100km combinedCO2 EMISSIONS 139g/kmRivalsBMW 530d 79/100 (from $116,250)Audi A6 2.7 TDI 77/100 (from $84,500)Jaguar XF 3.0 V6D 78/100 (from $116,250)

 In an effort to deflect some of the flak for the Tokyo no-show, Mitsubishi has now released a sketch of its newcomer ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut in March.As the sketch reveals, the production version gets the same ‘jet fighter’ front end now rolling out across the brand in the Lancer and new Outlander.  The car will be heavily based on the cX concept, except the rear end has be redesigned to allow a bigger luggage area.The twin-piece tailgate from the showcar - shared with the Outlander - has been replaced by a one-piece hatch.  The cX, which will have a new global name for Geneva, is tipped to arrive here late next year with pricing around $25,000 for the 2.0-litre petrol model.A 1.8-litre direct injection turbo is also in the pipeline.

Up to nine Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge models could be axed or redesigned by 2012, according to details leaked of a new Chrysler-Fiat business plan.  However, Chrysler Australia is taking a wait-and-see approach to changes proposed this week by new Chrysler-Fiat CEO, Sergio Marchionne.Marchionne is heading up one of the biggest product shakeouts in Chrysler's history to resurrect the embattled US carmaker.  But Chrysler Australia's general manager marketing and product strategy, Craig Bradshaw, says it is too early to assess the local fallout any proposed changes.  Chrysler Australia is taking a "wait and see" approach, he says."We have to wait to assess the impact on our local market," he says.  Bradshaw says the company has no advance information of Marchionne's proposed changes.  Some of the proposed changes have been already leaked by the Wall Street Journal in North America.  It says that Chrysler's North American model lineup will be slashed to make way for more Fiat-based cars.Some new Chrysler models will share Fiat platforms in an effort to cut costs and harmonise production processes.  The cars expected to die are the Chrysler Sebring, PT Cruiser, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger as well as three Jeep off-roaders, the Compass, Patriot and Commander.The survivors are said to be the Chrysler 300C sedan, Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.  Although the list of Chrysler's facing the chop is long, some like the Sebring and Avenger, are expected to morph into new Fiat-based cars.Under the new Chrysler-Fiat regime, known as Chrysler Group LLC, Alfa Romeo and Fiat are expected to return to America as soon as 2012.  Fiat was phased out in North America in the 1980s because of poor quality and reliability problems. Alfa Romeo discon tinued marketing cars there in 1995.Chrysler will continue to build its performance cars and pickup trucks while Fiat is expected to build a range of smaller fuel-efficient European-style models for the US market.  Locally Chrysler Australia is a factory owned distributor but still shares some backroom operations with Daimler.Daimler severed its ties with Chrysler in 2007 and the US carmaker was subsequently purchased by private equity group Cerberus Capital Management before Fiat stepped in last year.Chrysler's Asia-Pacific business, including Australia, is one of the few bright spots, despite Chrysler and Jeep sales being down 30 per cent this year.  Australia is Chrysler's largest right-hand-drive market and the No.1 Jeep Wrangler market outside North America.

Not only does the PX-MIEV plug-in electric hybrid's engine reduce harmful greenhouse gases, body odour and gases produced by passengers are broken down by the car's high-tech upholstery.   Mitsubishi calls its concept the "cocochi-interior" and is showcasing it at the Tokyo Motor Show.In its typically polite Japanese way, the company says the seats use special upholstery that "deactivates allergens, breaks down volatile organic compounds and offensive odours".  The seats also aircondition your backside.If that's not enough, the car's glass shuts out harmful UV-A radiation to protect skin from sunburn and ageing.  And to keep the family happy on long journeys and reduce driver fatigue the PX's cabin has a negative-ion aroma humidifier and oxygen enricher.Driver assistance does not stop at odour-eating seats or the humidifier, either.   If the driver becomes drowsy, the PX emits not only visual and audible warnings but a distinctive aroma will waft through the airconditioning system to wake them up. Not only does the PX clear the air but its four-cylinder petrol engine, when combined with electric power, returns a fuel economy figure of less than 3.0litres/100km.Make One Degree of difference today by calculating your carbon footprint and finding out what you can do to reduce it.

The $695,000 indigo blue Rolls-Royce Ghost - number four off the production line - landed in Australia to woo clients before being air freighted back to the UK. Even before it landed the buzz surrounding the newest Rolls has secured firm orders.  So far, of the 40 cars expected in Australia, more than 30 have been sold, even though deliveries do not start until next June.Rolls-Royce distributor, Trivett Classic, expects the Ghost to be one of the most popular Rolls-Royces available.  The factory is aiming to build between 2000 and 2500, more than doubling output at its UK factory in Goodwood.General manager, Bevin Clayton, says there has been a strong level of interest in the smallest and cheapest Rolls, even though it boasts a 6.6-litre 12-cylinder engine capable of 250km/h and a zero to 100km/h sprint of 4.9 seconds.  "It has certainly appeal to a wide number of Melbourne buyers, which has further strengthened the high demand we are experiencing in Australia despite the current economic climate," he says.Clayton says there are signs of a recovery in top-end luxury car sales, with Trivett selling three Phantoms in recent months.  He describes the Ghost as ‘business suit’ Rolls-Royce, where the larger Phantom is the ‘dinner suit’ Rolls.  Many Ghost customers are new to the brand, he says."It is luring people out of other high-end European cars," he says.  One customer is trading his $500,000 AMG Mercedes-Benz S-Class to go British.Ghost No4 may have been fresh off the production line but it boasts some exquisite features, from a silver satin bonnet, to 20-inch alloys, dual chrome exhausts, lambswool floormats, front and rear ventilated massage seats and picnic tables.As befits a Rolls, the Ghost uses the finest wood and leather materials.  Housed in the front doors are integrated teflon-coated umbrellas, while it borrows the Phantom's rear coach doors that open to a generous 83 degrees.For a limousine ride, the car rides on a high-tech air suspension that can detect even the smallest change in road surfaces.  For example, it will detect the movement of a single rear seat passenger from one side of the vehicle to the other and adjust the ride.