Articles by Neil McDonald

The company is not revealing too many details about the HSV E Series II upgrades but buyers can expect some visual and engine tweaks to deliver more power from the 6.2-litre V8 without sacrificing fuel economy.Power is believed to have been lifted from 317kW to around 320kW but engine emission tweaks have delivered slight gains in fuel economy.HSV spokesman, Simon Frost, says the company is focusing on fuel consumption but there will also be a number of significant visual improvements to the cars.HSV managing director Phil Harding says the multi million dollar program includes "major visual differentiation and introduces at least five Australian auto firsts, a huge shot in the arm for the local industry"."We know our customers want the latest technologies, as well as distinctive luxury and performance features in their HSV," he says."The new range delivers in improved economy, more power, some truly exciting driver enhancements and distinctive design themes across the board."The new HSV line-up arrives in showrooms around September.

The wraps are finally off the German carmaker’s latest on-road and off-road weapon.The X1 is due to arrive here around February with prices starting at $55,000.It will be the fourth wagon in the X lineup, joining the bigger X3, X5 and X6.The newcomer will share much with its larger siblings, including BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive technology and borrows its platform architecture from the 3-Series.However, BMW is expected to offer both all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive versions to help expand the brand's crossover appeal.BMW's ‘efficient dynamics' technology will also feature in the vehicle, including brake energy regeneration, auto start-stop and a gearshift point indicator.The X1 will be offered in Europe with a choice of one six-cylinder petrol engine and three four-cylinder diesels.The European range will kick off with the 105kW/320Nm 2.0-litre sDrive18d turbo-diesel with rear-wheel drive.Three all-wheel drive models will be available: the 130kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel xDrive20d; the 150kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel xDrive23d; and the range topping xDrive28i with a 3.0-litre petrol six cylinder developing 190kW/310Nm.The sDrive18d has an average fuel economy figure of 5.2 litres/100km and a CO2 rating of just 136gkm.The xDrive28i hits 100km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 205km/h.Visually, the X1 retains typical BMW X features, with a three-eye-look and elevated foglights.The kidney grille is upright, the short bonnet is deeply sculpted and the tail lights are a reinterpretation of the typical BMW L-shape.The wheel arches are squared and the rear window is steeply raked.BMW's trademark Hofmeister kick is also evident at the base of the C-pillar.Inside the cabin is generously appointed.The rear seatbacks can be folded in a 40/20/40 splits and the rear seat backrest can be reclined. Luggage capacity can be increased from 420 litres to 1350 litres.The X1 measures 4450mm in length and sits on a wheelbase of 2760mm. It is just 19mm shorter than an X3 and has a 45mm shorter wheelbase.The wagon will be built at BMW’s Leipzig plant in Germany.

Lower petrol prices have helped soften the hip-pocket hurt for Australian motorists.

The arrival of the stylish MiTo and 8C Competizione started the ball rolling and now Alfa is close to finishing off its 147 replacement, which is expected to borrow heavily from its stylish relatives.The MiTo's design has been a hit in Europe and Alfa is keen to capitalise on this success.Under the heavy black cladding the new 147, which could be known as either the 149 or Milano, gets the MiTo and 8C Competizione treatment.Some MiTo touches, like the headlights and grille, as well as the round LED tail-lights will appear on the Milano production car when it is launched early next year.However, despite the heavily disguised rear door, it may also carry over the 149's high-set rear door handles.The five-door prototype was caught testing at the famous and challenging Nurburgring, where carmakers go to finesse ride and handling.With an overall-length of 4300mm, the hatch has grown longer and wider but is lower and very close in size to the previous Alfa 156.The Milano is expected to be available as a five-door hatch initially but a three-door, as well as performance models are tipped to follow.Petrol power is expected to come from a range of both 1.4 and 1.7-litre turbocharged engines, delivering about 90kW and 120kW with a high performance 198kW V6 engine expected for the range-topping GTA.Alfa's 1.9-litre turbo diesel is also expected to be available, .Like the MiTo, the new 149 will receive a six-speed manual gearbox with an automatic available as an option for some engines.Prices are expected to be close to the current car, starting around $35,000 and rising to more than $40,000 for the GTA.The hatch will be based on the same platform as the Fiat Bravo, called the Ritmo here.Alfa Romeo is known to be toying with the Milano name for its Volkswagen Golf competitor as the company starts to move away from numerical model names.Details of Alfa's future name changes were outlined in the Chrysler restructuring plan earlier this year.It showed that the 147 replacement could be called the Milano and the 159 replacement the Guilia.The newcomer will be aimed right at the hearts of the typical Alfisti, statistically aged between 27 and 40.

The newest Pug is expected to hit local showrooms late this year. Peugeot Automobiles Australia spokesman, Mark McCartney, says the company is in the process of working out specifications and pricing. However, he expects the updated 207 range to be close in price to the existing models, which means an entry starter around $20,990. Outside, the car's overall shape is the same but there is a new grille, LED tail-lights, door protection mouldings and more chrome detailing. At the front the car's gaping grille has been cleaned up and softened while the foglights on the upper-spec models have been moved from around the grille to the extreme corners of the front bumper. The XT, HDi, SW and GTi range also boasts a new set of Australian-themed 15-inch, 16-inch and 17-inch alloys, interestingly named "Brisbane", "Canberra" and "Melbourne". Inside there are new materials, a one-touch indicator for lane changing, remote controlled window closing from the ignition key, easier to use air conditioning controls and soft-touch plastics on the dashboard and around the cabin that are designed to lift quality levels. European versions are also likely to get a standard USB connection as well as Bluetooth. In Europe 12 different engines are available but Australia is likely to stick with the existing 1.4-litre entry models as well as the mid and top-range 1.6-litre HDi, 1.6-litre petrol four cylinder and turbocharged units. However, all the 207 engines will now be Euro V compliant. Peugeot has also launched a "green" low-emission 207 for Europe with a 66kW HDi engine, low-rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamic aids. The ultra-efficient HDi FAP has CO2 emissions of just 99g/km and fuel economy of 3.8 litres/100km. The 207 has been Europe's top selling small car for the past two years. In Australia it is the most popular Peugeot after the 308.  

Over the past few weeks we've sampled some interesting turbo-diesels.The Jaguar XF S impressed with its whisper-quiet operation, performance and fuel economy, while the Renault Laguna turbo-diesel delivered impressive levels of refinement.Now it is the $198,800 BMW 730d's turn.After overcoming the doubt that anyone spending $200,000 on a car would not necessarily be worried about fuel economy, the refined 730d makes a compelling case for frugal luxury motoring.On the road, the 730d behaves as you would expect of a luxury limousine with a performance edge.The 3.0-litre diesel delivers its silky torque from so low down the rev-range that you do not feel like the poor cousin in performance or driveability terms.Response is instantaneous and the ground-swell of torque builds right up to the legal speed limit.Overtaking in the critical 60km/h to 100km/h area is dispatched with haste but without drama.With the dynamic driving control activated, the 730d feels like an agile and much smaller car.If you prefer your driving experience to be sharp but still with an eye on economy, you can leave the shift change points the same but stiffen the dampers and degree of steering assistance.Over a mix of country roads and constant highway cruising we managed 7.6 litres/100km with the promise of better.Perhaps most importantly for a luxury buyer, the BMW diesel sounds like a regular six cylinder petrol engine.It is so quiet at idle that few people would have any idea there's a diesel under the aluminium bonnet.Inside the cabin is suitably equipped to justify the pricetag.There are lashings of soft leather, wood trim and the quality and ambience you expect.The latest generation runflat tyres too have come a long way from the harsh-riding examples of a few years ago.Improvements to the controversial iDrive system have also streamlined the systems functions. It's far easier to navigate now and even the car's manual, with easy to use pictorial reference points, is available via the system.BMW says it is not expecting a huge number of converts to luxury diesel motoring in the 7 Series.But perhaps they are preparing for the day when engines like the six-cylinder 3.0-litre turbo diesel start making some petrol V8s redundant.The 730d also goes some way to redressing the whole ‘hybrids are better’ argument.Around town hybrids may well rule but the 730d is born to run a long way before you need to refuel.Our 730d showed we had 1288kms to go before needing to top up the tank.Until now, the hype over hybrids has overshadowed the fact that many diesels deliver just as good fuel economy, without the need for two drive systems.So German carmaker BMW is prepared to dive into the whole hybrid argument by declaring that its new 3.0-litre 730d returns better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions that the hybrid Lexus LS600hL.It has some compelling figures to back up its claims.The 730d emits 192g/km of harmful C02, compared to the LS600hL's 219 g/km and consumes 7.2 litres/100km compared to the LS600hL's figure of 9.3 litres/100km.And then there's the question of weight. The more you have the harder the drivetrain has to work.But the 730d makes extensive use of alloys and tips the scales at 1865kg compared to the Lexus's porky 2375kg.BMW Australia spokesman, Toni Andreevski, says more luxury buyers are becoming conscious about fuel economy and emissions."With a car like the 730d they can make a quiet statement about these things," he says.To add fuel to the flames it also says the 730d has more standard equipment at a $54,000 lower price that the $252,900 Lexus.The 730d's equipment list is similar to the 740i, but comes in $4200 under its petrol sibling.Standard features include head-up display, high beam assist, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with daytime running lights, active headlights, soft-close doors, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels with runflat tyres, automatic variable light technology that controls headlight beam intensity in city and country driving, rear view camera, and cruise control with brake function.The 730d also gets four-zone climate control, sunroof, full leather cabin, heated and cooled front seats and a 250 watt 12-speaker CD stereo and a USB audio interface.BMW also parrots the fact that some features standard in the 730d, like the automatic boot, soft-close doors, sunroof and rear view camera, are optional on its two key rivals, the Audi A8 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class diesels.Like the 740i, the 730d gets dynamic damping control including dynamic driving control. At the flick of a button on the centre console the dampers, gearshift pattern and throttle and degree of steering assistance can be changed to suit the driver. There is a choice of comfort, normal, sport and sports-plus settings.Dynamic damping control allows infinitely variable control of the damping effort for compression and rebound, across all settings.The 730d shares its next-generation in-line alloy 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo diesel with the 330d, which arrives next month.It is has third generation common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and a maximum injection pressure of 1800 bar.The turbocharger uses variable turbo geometry with a diesel particle filter as standard.The 3.0-litre diesel generates 180kW at 4000revs and 540Nm between 1750 and 3000 revs.Even in the heavier 730d, it will still hit 100km/h in 7.2 seconds.Like all of the 7 Series models the 730d gets a six-speed automatic equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics for faster shifting.The car also comes with a host of efficiency measures, including BMW's ‘efficient dynamics’ technology that has active air vent control ahead of the radiator and brake energy regeneration.To keep weight down, load bearing body components are steel, while the roof, doors, bonnet and side panels are aluminium.The alloy roof alone saves 7kg in weight over conventional steel, and the doors save 22kg.The 730d has a double-wishbone front axle and integral V rear axle, made largely of aluminium.

Get the sunscreen out because Citroen has the answer for all those sun-worshippers. A panoramic windscreen will be standard on the new C3 when it lobs in Australia in 12 months. The French carmaker has borrowed the panorama windscreen idea from its C4 Picasso people mover, called the Zenith, and given the new C3 an expansive view of the world. Combined with slimmer A-pillars, the exceptionally long windscreen expands the front occupants’ field of vision by up to 80 per cent. But those worried about excessive glare need not worry. The glass has a progressive tint that smooths the transition from the clear frontal view to providing sun protection from above. Like the Picasso, large visors can be flipped forward to block out the sun. A five-door will arrive first in Europe with a coupe and Pluriel convertibles planned. Ateco Automotive Pty Ltd spokesman, Edward Rowe, says it is too early to talk specifications or pricing for the new five-door hatch but he expects it to be competitive. Pricing and drivetrains Pricing is tipped to be close to the current car, around $23,990. Australia is expected to get a range of four-cylinder petrol and HDi diesel units but is unlikely to get the newer frugal three-cylinder engines planned for Europe that emit less than 100g/km of CO2. "These cars are designed for tax regimes that do not exist in Australia," Rowe says. Appearance and fit-out On the outside, the C3 adopts an evolutionary approach to its design but borrows some cues from the DS Concept hatch. It gets a flatter roofline, more pronounced grille and headlight treatment. Inside the trim moves up a notch in quality, with new materials like a thermo-coated colour dash, highlighted with grey or gloss brushed aluminium and chrome detailing. In Europe, the C3 five-door hatch is one of the most compact vehicles in its segment. At 3940mm long, the new car is 90mm longer while width has grown 43mm while luggage space remains around 300 litres. Citroen has managed to keep the C3's weight the same as the outgoing model while its turning circle has been reduced from 10.7m to 10.2m. Equipment Other fuel-saving features are second-generation stop-start systems, plus new five and six-speed electronic gearboxes. In-car features include USB connectivity, iPod compatibility, Bluetooth and satellite navigation on high-end European versions. Citroen has sold more than 2 million C3s globally but apart from Citroen fans here, the car has not sold in strong numbers locally. Last year, just 423 were sold, against a 2007 figure of 696. The current 1.6-litre HDi turbo diesel has hybrid busting fuel economy of 4.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 120g/km.  

...after posting a $70.2 million loss for 2008.Faced with a parent in Chapter II bankruptcy in the United States and the collapse of new cars sales locally, Reuss, said the company's senior leadership team was doing everything possible to get the company back into the black."This includes attacking the revenue and cost sides of the business with equal enthusiasm," he said.Reuss said GM-Holden had a small after-tax net profit of $6.6 million for the year ending December 31 before a series of special, on-off charges wiped this out.The charges amounted to $76.8 million, which related mainly to the decommissioning of the Family II engine plant in Melbourne."In addition to this we made top-up contributions of $50.3 million to our Defined Benefits Scheme as the world financial markets began to deteriorate," Reuss said.Softening Holden Commodore sales, as well as other Holden models, reduced revenues from $6.1 billion in 2007 to $5.8 billion last year."This result was disappointing because the organisation was well placed to make a healthy profit in Australia before world markets fell in the third quarter of 2008," Reuss said.The company's total sales revenue was $5.4 billion compared to $5.7 billion in 2007.Commodore and V6 engine exports held up well, helping lift revenue from $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion, reflecting a full year of Pontiac G8 sales in the United States.Reuss said GM-Holden remained committed to research and development locally, spending $360 million.He said the company was focused on its long-term future.It intends rolling out more fuel efficient Commodores powered by LPG and E85 ethanol as well as introducing other fuel saving technologies and building the Cruze four-cylinder sedan from next year at its Adelaide plant.After the collapse of its G8 exports to the US, it is also pursuing new export markets for its cars. 

From November 2011, all passenger cars and four-wheel drives must have ESC as standard. Other vehicles have until November 2013 to make it standard. The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, says the new regulations bring Australia in line with international standards. "In fact, we are fully phasing in ESC one year ahead of Europe," he says. The device is slowly becoming more widespread but remains an option costing up to $1500 on many vehicles. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says Australians clearly want the technology. Almost seven out of 10 new vehicles are being fitted with the device as standard but many brands still ask customers to pay for it in optional ‘safety packs'. The latest FCAI figures show that 66 per cent of new passenger cars and off-roaders are now fitted with stability control, a 12 per cent increase in the past year. "Manufacturers and motorists have moved quickly to embrace this lifesaving technology," the FCAI's chief executive, Andrew McKellar says. McKellar says the car industry has worked with the Federal Government to ensure the technology becomes available as soon as possible. "It is vital that there are nationally consistent regulations in place for ESC fitting and that these are harmonised as far as possible with international standards," he says. Safety agencies welcome the decision, saying that the technology is the single-most practical safety advance since seatbelts were made compulsory in the 1970s and airbags became widespread in the 1980s. Monash University research shows that stability control can reduce the incidence of single vehicle accidents by 27 per cent in cars and 68 per cent in off-roaders. Stability control uses sensors to compare differences between the car's actual course and the driver's steering wheel input. If the onboard computer senses that the driver is about to lose control, the system applies braking to individual wheels to bring the car back to its intended course and avoid swerving out of control. Local carmakers Ford, Toyota and GM-Holden have welcome the move. GM-Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss praised the decision to introduce a standardised national approach to vehicle safety rather than allow a state-by-state rollout. "Mainstreaming ESC technology in passenger cars and SUVs will save lives, it is as simple as that," Reuss says. Like Ford and Toyota, GM-Holden is committed to rolling out the technology in its next-generation vehicles and adding it to those cars that do not currently have it as standard. Once the domain of luxury European cars, demand for ESC is likely to accelerate ahead of the deadline as carmakers push to include the lifesaving technology in its vehicles.

The Peugeot 308 RC-Z bears a striking resemblance to the previous-generation Audi TT, particularly at the rear. But the French car-maker is pressing on with plans to introduce the sexy 2+2 next year.Our spy pictures of this black prototype caught by Carparazzi in southern Europe reveal an almost production-ready sportscar.Peugeot lifted the wraps of the 308 RC-Z Concept to an enthusiastic audience at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.The production RCZ is almost identical to the concept, with the sloping roof line and kink in the shoulderline behind the doors. From the front the car borrows heavily from the existing 308 hatch, with the wide-opening grille and feline-like headlights that reach back along the car's flanks. At the back the RC-Z gets a centrally mounted exhaust and rear diffuser.When it does go on sale, the smart coupe is tipped to line up against a wide range of rivals as diverse as the Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi TT, Mini Cooper S and Alfa Romeo GT coupe.However, pricing is expected to be significantly under these cars.The RC-Z is expected to hit showrooms with the same engines as higher-level 308 models.A range-topping turbo 186kW four-cylinder expected from the same stable that builds the John Cooper Works Minis is also likely. Peugeot's 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbo diesels will also be part of the model mix.Inside the RC-Z's cabin will mimic the 308CC, with a high-quality leather interior, sports seats and 2+2 seating.The PSA Group, which consists of Peugeot and Citroen, is realigning itself with Citroen going up-market and Peugeot chasing the performance tag.Citroen's DS-line clearly shows its new direction but Peugeot is expected to continue to refine its sports line-up with cars like the RC-Z and continue its involvement with the Le Mans 24 hour race.The 308 RC-Z is tipped to be part of Peugeot's Frankfurt Motor Show arsenal in September, along with the face-lifted 207 range.