Articles by Neil McDonald

Although just 137 were sold, HSV managing director, Phil Harding, says the car was still a success. “Some journalists and commentators seem to suggest that because we didn't make our volumes - whatever number that was, the program failed, he says. “As far as I am concerned, the program was a success.” Harding, who was involved in all stages of the W427s development, says the business case for the car always focused on three possible build numbers - 100, 150 and 200. Even if we had have built 125, the program would still have been a financial success, leaving aside the brand benefits and engineering know-how the W427 program has brought to HSV. Harding says that building and selling - to order - the 137 W427s was a major achievement. Particularly given we launched the car into the market in July 2008, just weeks before the entire world financial system almost ground to a halt, he says. Harding says he would like to do another W427-style car but not for a few years. “Absolutely,” he says. “I would like to do another hero car but there needs to be some breathing space between the W427 and another program.” The 7.0-litre V8 W427 cost $155,500 and was ordered by a handful of HSV fans for its high-end engineering. HSV chose 427 as the model designation because thats the cars non-metric cubic-inch capacity.

Timing is everything in the car industry. Which means the arrival of Kia's two-door Cerato-based coupe - called the Koup - is primed to take over where the Hyundai Tiburon and Holden Astra three-door have left off.The Koup will also slide into a segment long since deserted by the likes of the Honda Civic coupe, Lancer coupe and the much loved Toyota Celica. Kia Australia's national marketing manager, Steve Watt, says the car fills a void with its $23,690 starter price and its more responsive handling will win buyers looking for something extra.Like the handsome sedan upon which it is based, the coupe was designed by Kia's global design chief Peter Schreyer. However the frameless two-door gets a more aggressive grille and flared mudguards to complement its sportier look.Drivetrain The coupe shares the sedan's 2.0-litre four cylinder engine, five-speed manual and underpinnings but the only common exterior sheetmetal is the bonnet. With many rivals moving to six-speed manuals, Kia is also working on adding an extra cog.A six-speed automatic is expected to arrive towards the end of next year but in the meantime the four-speed automatic, which is expected to account for most sales, has been reworked for sharper shifts.In the US the two-door is available with a more powerful 2.4-litre four cylinder engine but this engine is not available for right-hand drive markets. The original showcar also boasted a direct-injection 216kW/390Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder, which Watt says Kia would love to have but it is not yet available."Engine development and more hard-core, high performance isn't in our lineup at the moment, but certainly we know those technologies are in the pipeline," he says. "We know direct injection is in the pipeline. "We're definitely developing engaging engine packages going forward." Watt believes there is a place for a low-cost coupe in the small car segment.Equipment and fit-out The Koup grabs features from the up-spec SLi sedan, including six airbags, stability control, sports seats, parking sensors, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, alloy pedals and trip computer.To distinguish it from its four-door cousin, Kia has added five-spoke 17-inch alloys, alcantara-style upholstery, sports exhaust, black grille and vertical-style foglights.Compared to the sedan, the Koup sits 10mm lower, is 50mm shorter and has a 60mm lower roofline but retains the sedan's 2650mm wheelbase. This means cabin and boot space is comparable. The boot has room for 358 litres of luggage. The lower roof, shortened boot and sweeping shoulder line provide a strong on-road presence and from any angle the Koup looks good.Because of its competitive pricing, Kia Australia's national sales manager, Alan Crouch, expects some leakage from SLi sedan buyers because the two-door is just $500 more. A special edition pack, with leather and a sunroof, is expected early next year.Sales and market Watt says Kia research shows that many hatch buyers and coupe buyers are similar. "We actually think we can conquest sales from people looking for a hatch alternative," he says. "There aren't a lot of competitors in this market." Like the Soul, Watt expects Koup sales to be modest. "But like the Soul, it is a bold statement for the brand," he says.DrivingAfter a quick glance at the Koup, we suspect Kia Australia will have to revise its sales forecast. After driving it, we'd put money on the company selling more than the expected 600 a year. Not only does it look good but the suspension and steering tweaks will win enthusiasts who possibly have not even considered a Kia previously.It will also provide a place to go for those people hanging on to their old Celicas and Lancer coupes. On the road, the modest tweaks to the Koup's suspension and steering transform its on-road behaviour. The car has been developed for Australian conditions and changes to the suspension have improved the ride handling and the steering feel.There is a thicker front stabiliser bar, firmer damping and the steering rack ratio is quicker for better turn-in. You can throw the Koup into corners and it will remain flat and secure. The steering is meatier and feels better connected to the road. The tighter body also feels more substantial even though it is 20kg lighter than the sedan.The 2.0-litre Theta engine, shared with some Hyundais, is revvy and surprisingly capable in the smartly packaged two-door. In the higher rev range the new sports exhaust delivers a deeper note than the sedan. Even though the engine outputs remain the same as the sedan, the 2.0 does not feel underdone and most owners will appreciate the compromise between power and economy.However, we suspect the much-talked about turbocharged engine would add some icing on the performance cake. As the Koup shares the sedan's wheelbase, there is plenty of cabin room and the presentation, quality and standard equipment will embarrass some rivals.The large doors open wide and both front seats tilt and slide in one motion to allow easy access to the rear seats. Because of its shortened body, the boot opening is narrower than the sedan but the load-through versatility is still useful.The cabin's piano black console is smart and the car comes well equipped with MP3 compatibility and Aux/USB inputs with iPod compatibility. The sports seats are comfy, supportive and again lift refinement and quality levels. Like the sedan, it has a 60/40 split fold rear seat to increase luggage space.The Koup also benefits from the 2010 model year upgrades to the sedan, with better trim and cloth inserts on the doors. Perhaps the only complaint is that even on the lowest setting the driver's seat cushion still feels too high. Like the sedan, the five-speed manual is a tad notchy and the clutch action too light for a car with such sporty pretensions. However, the Koup is a strong indicator of where Kia is going - building competent distinctive cars with mass appeal.Kia Koup Price: from $23,690 (auto $25,690)Engine: 2.0-litre CVVT four cylinder, front wheel drivePower: 115kW at 6200 revsTorque: 194Nm at 4300 revs Transmission Five-speed manual (four-speed automatic)Economy: 7.8 litres/100km (combined), 6.1 litres/100km (highway), 10.7 litres/100km (city)

The hot-hatch brigade is a relatively exclusive club. There are plenty of pretenders but few actually make the grade with the right combination of performance, handling and equipment.

Yes toymaker. German toymaker Herpa Miniaturmodelle unveiled the electric Trabant nT at last week's Frankfurt Motor Show.

The company has also axed its Astra VXR on the back of GM-Holdens decision to can the four-cylinder pocket-rocket and concentrate on the Cruze. HSV had previously looked at introducing both the Insignia and Corsa VXR models from Europe.However, Phil Harding says a hot performance pair will now not happen because they would be too expensive. "The basic issue is we can't launch these cars here and place them in a competitive pricepoint,” he says.Harding remains a big fan of both the hot supermini Corsa VXR and mid-size Insignia, having driven the Corsa in Europe, but says he will not walk into another program that would have a high price point.Harding says the 140kW 1.6-litre turbocharged Corsa had all the attributes expected of a HSV car with a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 6.8 seconds and top speed of more than 220km/h.The company’s experience with the slow-selling $43,000 Astra VXR is also believed to have had some bearing on the decision not to go ahead with the other Euro models. Harding admits the Astra was always going to be a low-volume car.With the Corsa, Insignia and Astra out of the picture, HSV is looking at the prospects of building a HSV Cruze. "I have said previously that we are very excited about Holden's decision to make a locally built Cruze," Harding says. "We are looking at what to do as a business on this model. "Remember we have three brand pillars - performance, driving enjoyment and the look."Harding says both the Cruze sedan and hatch are being studied for HSV. “Our styling department is working on it,” Harding says. “But we have not ticked all the boxes.” Harding would not elaborate on what engine lineup could be expected but says any choice would need to meet HSV performance parameters.

The company’s managing director, Phil Harding, admits some work still needs to be done to convince HSV dealers and customers to get onside with a dual-fuel LPG HSV. I am doing this program without solid customer demand, Harding says. My philosophy is that we have to have this in the cupboard.Harding says the LPG car is one of a range of initiatives being looked at by the company as the drive for fuel economy and lower emissions builds momentum. "We have been looking at a range of alternative powertrain solutions to complement our existing range, including LPG, diesel and E85," he says. "There hasn't been much we haven't studied in detail."Despite a dual-fuel LPG car emerging as a HSV priority, the company's own research shows that fuel economy is not a high priority among its buyers. Harding says the 6.2-litre V8 LPI — liquid propane injection — sedan and ute will have all the driving attributes and performance of a petrol car.Most people would not know that it is an LPI car, he says. Under full throttle the car accelerates on petrol. HSV has sent three test cars for cold weather testing in recent weeks and the reports back from the engineering team are encouraging, Harding says. Engines are also undergoing durability testing.If all goes well, HSV expects to have the LPI car in dealers in the first quarter of 2010. "That's a little later than I planned but it's still an exciting program," Harding says. "We are very excited about the potential for high performance LPG-powered HSV."Harding says the LPI sedan will have a fully trimmed boot with the LPG tank hard up against the rear seat. In the ute, the tank will be set into the load bay. Harding says he is very excited about the potential for high-performance LPG-powered car after HSV bypassed a turbo-diesel engine. The diesel fell over because the profit returns could not be generated from the investment required.HSV has been working hard to make sure the LPI HSV has comparable performance to a conventional petrol engine. Acceleration is as quick as the petrol-only car. Harding says the payback for an HSV LPI owner would be 12 months. We have not set a price but we are not going to subsidise it, Harding says.At this stage a diesel is unlikely, even though Holden is pushing ahead with its own diesel program. "We looked at it seriously and the business case does not stack up," Harding says. The diesel most likely for the Commodore is a 2.9-litre V6 with 184kW/550Nm being developed in Italy.With a torque output of more than 200Nm above the 3.0-litre petrol SIDI V6 now used in the Commodore, the turbo-diesel is expected to have lively performance and good fuel economy. The engine is being developed as part of a General Motors partnership with VM Motori, which specialises in diesels.

With the Liberty Exiga wagon due in November, the company is aiming to position it away from people-mover territory, describing the six-seater wagon as a ‘versatile utility vehicle’ with ‘multi-seat functionality’.It is deliberately not using the term people-mover to describe the wagon because it believes the newest entrant is sportier and will be a more engaging drive than conventional people-movers.Subaru Australia boss, Nick Senior, says the 2.5-litre Liberty Exiga will leverage its link with the Liberty wagon, sharing its 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer’ engine and all-wheel drive underpinnings. "Exiga is on same wheelbase as Liberty and will have same dynamics," he says. "We'll be able to leverage the Liberty name and save a considerable amount of money trying to establish a new nameplate into the Australian market."As a new model, Subaru is forecasting modest sales of around 100 a month. Senior says the Exiga will have very targeted equipment levels, including standard DVD player and car-like driving dynamics. Subaru has built its success on the back of its wagons, which remain a critical part of the line-up. Last year wagons accounted for about 30 per cent of all Liberty sales. "Moving forward we will continue to offer customers what they want, not what we think they want," Senior says. "Because of that we're going to introduce a four-tier strategy with our Liberty wagons and Outback."This strategy is built around having four-cylinder economy, Sports/GT models, the Exiga and the Outback. "That range enables us to speak to more customer segments than we have been able to do previously," Senior says The Exiga is expected to be available as an entry and Premium model with prices starting under $45,000.Like the Liberty Premium models, the Exiga Premium will get leather and satellite navigation. Senior says the company is taking a six-seater Exiga from Japan because the middle seat in the second row is only available with a lap-seatbelt. Like other people-movers, the third-row seats fold into the floor.In Japan the Exiga is sold as a stand-alone model.Apart from the Exiga, Subaru will also roll out a 112kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel Outback in November. 

Originally for solar vehicles only, the 3000km trial from Darwin to Adelaide now runs a parallel Eco Challenge. Carmakers are falling over themselves to include their latest models as fuel consumption and emissions become more important to consumers. Holden is the latest carmaker to put a car on the grid for the event. It will run a direct injection 3.0-litre V6 Commodore Omega Sportwagon on the 3000km drive from Darwin to Adelaide. Holden chairman and managing director Alan Batey says the decision to field a Sportwagon will serve as a practical demonstration of the car's fuel-saving capabilities. "Our strategy of providing customers with better fuel efficiency today, and next-generation fuel advances for tomorrow is driving everything we do," he says. Arch-rival Ford is running a Falcon XR6 and its yet-to-be-released Econetic Fiesta hatch, which promises real-world economy of 3.7 litres/100km. Ford Australia chief, Marin Burela, says it is not a publicity stunt. "We wouldn't be entering unless we had something to say," he says. It will be the first time this particular Fiesta will be seen on Australian roads as it does not arrive in showrooms until November. Apart from Ford and Holden, Hyundai, Kia, Peugeot, Mini, Skoda, Suzuki and Volvo are all participating. The world's first production fully-electric sports car, the Tesla, is also entered. The Eco Challenge is aimed at giving carmakers with conventional and alternative-engines an opportunity to showcase their advances in economy and low-emission technologies. A spokesman for the Global Green Challenge, Mike Drewer, says there are about 20 practical family cars taking part. "There is a greater emphasis on alternative fuel-efficient cars coming on to the market," he says. However, Drewer says the Eco Challenge part of the revamped Global Green Challenge will not take anything away from the 44 pure solar cars participating. "It's important for the solar cars to showcase new technologies," Drewer says. Since the South Australian Motor Sport Board took over the World Solar Challenge last year it has rebranded it and broadened its appeal. "There has been a push to get available relevant technology," Drewer says. Burela welcomes the Eco Challenge's broader take on new technology. "The have shifted as the market as shifted as fuel economy is more important." The Eco Challenge covers a series of set stages with overnight stops at Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, and Port Augusta. The event kicks off from Darwin on October 24, ending in Adelaide on October 31.

BMW has followed up its the coupe concept by rolling out a two-seater Mini roadster. Like the coupe, the roadster provides a new take on the Mini brand, which is celebrating its 50th birthday this yea

Rival car companies covet the brand loyalty that Subaru has among its followers. When it comes to trade-in time, more than 70 per cent of owners stick with the Japanese brand. With this carpark of committed Subaru owners in mind, that the company has taken on-board customer feedback about how to make the latest-generation Liberty and Outback better.Bigger, safer and more economical Both all-wheel drive models have grown slightly in all dimensions with the 80mm longer wheelbase in the sedan and 75mm longer in the Outback contributing to more rear seat leg and headroom and luggage space. Despite being between 17kg and 94kg heavier than the old model, new engines are more economical than those they replace and kinder to the planet.Safety has also improved, with a new engine ‘cradle’ to not only help the car crumple better in an impact, but reduce noise and vibration.New technology, like a continuously variable transmission on 2.5i models and new six-speed manual transmission feature. Subaru has also dumped the Liberty GT wagon but added a new model, the 2.5i Sport. Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior, says the company also looked for greater styling differentiation between the Liberty and Outback too. "They look more distinct now," he says.Drivetrains Two new engines are available, a 2.5i four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder, which replaces the 3.0-litre. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel arrives in the Outback in November. The 2.5i four-cylinder ‘boxer’ engine and CVT, which is expected to account for about 75 per cent of sales, has a combined fuel economy figure of 8.4 litres per 100km, compared to 9.5 for the old car. The 2.5i develops less power but more torque across the rev range than the old engine with 123kW at 5600 revs and 229Nm at 4000 revs on tap.The new 3.6-litre is the largest engine ever fitted to the Liberty range. The entry 2.5i and 2.5i Sports models get what Subaru calls its Lineartronic CVT. Also new on entry-level the 2.5i is a six-speed manual, shared with the turbocharged Liberty GT.All automatics, including Lineartronic CVT, have a sequential mode to suit driving style and road conditions as well as steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The turbo GT and 3.6R get an improved five-speed automatic. Prices for some models have decrease by up to 7.8 per cent while others cost the same as the superseded variants.Variants and pricing Entry-level Liberty 2.5i starts from $33,990, with the CVT auto adding $2500 to the price. The range-topping Liberty GT Premium is $52,990, $4500 less than the superseded GT spec.B, while the new Liberty 3.6R Premium is the same price as the superseded Liberty 3.0R Premium.Appearance and equipment Visually, the car has a more upright look with a flowing headlight design that sweeps high up the mudguards. Apart from the gains in cabin room, access to the rear seats is easier via larger opening doors. Standard equipment includes seven airbags - including driver's knee airbag - electronic stability control, dual zone air conditioning, hill start assist, trip computer, cruise control, six-stacker in-dash CD stereo and 17-inch alloys on the 2.5i.The 2.5i Premium adds sunroof, leather, CVT automatic, electric driver's seat and rear air vents. The 2.5i Sports opens the standard package with the Lineartronic CVT , 18-inch alloys, Bilstein suspension, sports grille and bumper, alloy pedals and Xenon headlights with washers. Premium models add automatic headlights and wipers, McIntosh stereo systems, reversing camera, SI-Drive, satellite navigation, keyless access and push-button start.The McPherson strut-type front suspension is now mounted to the cradle to improve steering response, handling and overall rigidity. The rear suspension is a compact double-wishbone rear suspension, shared with the Forester. The Liberty has followed the new-generation Forester with framed windows, which add to structural strength of the doors. Using an electric parking brake instead of a traditional lever has freed up more space between the front seats.DrivingThe gods did not shine kindly on the Liberty drive. The heavens opened up with lashing rain and blustery winds, leading to muddy and slippery country roads. But inside the Liberty sedan, all was serene. Subaru's relish being let lose in such conditions and the Liberty proved it has ability and confidence in spades. All-wheel drive is almost second nature and when you throw electronic stability control and traction control into the mix the Liberty is the perfect wet weather partner.We spent most of the time behind the wheel of the 2.5i CVT automatic, which is expected to account for the bulk of sales. What is immediately noticeable is how much room the car has, both in the front and rear seats. The front seats have also been redesigned and are more comfortable and supportive. Only the low-rent look of the seat fabric in the 2.5i let the interior down.There are some neat touches, like the levers to fold down the rear seats in the wagon, reversing camera on satellite navigation equipped models and the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Yes, other brands have them but the Liberty is more than a match for equipment up against key rivals like the Mazda6, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. The 2.5-litre four is quiet — almost too quiet for those Subaru fans who love the throb of the boxer layout — and the steering has plenty of feedback and feel.Developing 123kW, the new engine has lost 4kW but torque is up 2Nm to 229Nm and it is delivered lower in the rev range. This translates into more linear acceleration. There is little to fault about the dynamics or engineering. The Liberty is a very secure car to punt both on bitumen and gravel roads. The ride is composed and the multi-link double wishbone rear suspension provides the car with a surefooted stance over corrugated roads.The CVT, which has some links with Audi, is new and like these seamless transmissions, is smooth and can be used as a sequential six-speed - with paddle shifters - if you want. Fortunately Subaru has also managed to inject some conventional auto feel into the CVT via some trick software and there is no hint of the "slipping clutch" feeling of some CVTs.Cabin quality is as good as the best out of Japan despite some hard plastics around the cabin. The faux woodwork on the upper models is clearly meant for more conservative North American tastes. Despite the styling and interior presentation catering more to its biggest export market, North America, the grown up Liberty has lost little of its inherent Subaru-ness. And that should please Liberty owners who would not drive anything else.Subaru Liberty sedan and wagon Price: from $33,990 (2.5i manual) to $51,990 (3.6R Premium)Power: 123kW at 5600 revs (2.5i), 195kW at 5600 revs (2.5 GT), 191kW at 5600 revs (3.6R)Torque: 229Nm at 4000 revs (2.5i), 350Nm at 2400 revs (2.5 GT), 350Nm at 4400 revs (3.6R)Transmission: Six speed manual, five speed automatic and CVT automatic Economy: 2.5i manual is 8.9 litres/100km (combined), 2.5i CVT 8.4 litres/100km (combined), 2.5i GT manual 9.8 litres/100km (combined), 2.5i GT auto 9.7 litres/100km (combined), 3.6 R auto 10.3 litres/100km (combined).Emissions CO2: 209 g/km (2.5i), 198 g/km (2.5i auto), 230 g/km, (GT man), 228 g/km (GT auto), 242 g/km (3.6R)