Articles by Neil McDonald

JANUARYAUDIThe A3 Sportback gets some variants in the 1.4-litre TFSI S-tronic and 2.0-litre TFSI quattro S-tronic.Audi Australia is also finalising timing for the TT 2.0 TDI but it will definitely be a starter in '09.FORDAlready garnering rave reviews abroad for its style and safety, the Fiesta could be Ford Australia's small car star.The price is spot on, starting at $15,750 for the CL and topping out at $22,490 for the Zetec automatic.Buyers have a choice of 1.4 or 1.6-litre four cylinder engines driving the front wheels.HOLDENWith fuel economy on most people's minds, Holden's new high-tech Active Fuel Management V8-powered Commodore, Ute, Sportwagon, Statesman and Caprice will be welcome.AFM enables automatic V8s to operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions, until power is needed, saving up to 1.0litre/100km.KIAThe budget Cerato sedan represent a styling leap from the Korean brand.With a new corporate `H’ grille to its wedge-shape design the Cerato is sure to attract a new class of buyer.Power comes from a 2.0-litre four cylinder driving the front wheels.Prices should be close to the current car but with more equipment, quality and safety. FEBRUARYAUDIExpect minor facelifts of the A6 sedan and Allroad.Performance sedan fans will appreciate the arrival of the V10 RS6 sedan to sit beside the hot family oriented RS6 Avant.CITROENThe French have something for everyone, even shop-owners and delivery folk.They will appreciate the arrival of the new Berlingo, which will be available in two versions, the L1 and L2.Both models share a common 2728mm wheelbase but the L2 is 248mm longer than the L1.Buyers can expect either a 1.6-litre petrol or HDi turbo-diesel front drive four cylinder powerplant.LEXUSThe next-generation RX350 V6 has grown up.Arriving in time for the Melbourne Motor Show, the petrol V6 gets some new technology, safety and more space.Powered by the same V6 that propels the Aurion, Kluger and other Toyotas, in the RX it should develop about 205kW and have a six-speed automatic with active torque control.By mid-year the RX450h hybrid gets a 3.5-litre V6 with a combined petrol/electric power of about 220kW, 20kW more than the current model.Visually, the RX450h has distinct styling cues like a curved grille, a front bumper with an extra cooling slot, a blue-trimmed hybrid logo, blue-tinted tail-lights and LED headlights.NISSANThe Murano gets more muscle. The V6 soft-roader has speed-sensitive power steering, the new-generation Xtronic-CVT with manual mode and new multi-link rear suspension.Xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys and comprehensive safety kit. Expect prices to start around $50,000 for the entry model.VWThe sleek Passat CC four-door "coupe" joins the Mercedes-Benz CLS but with cheaper prices.The CC will be available with either a 2.0-litre TDI diesel producing 125kW/350Nm or direct injection 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine producing 220kW/350Nm.Both engines come paired with six-speed DSG transmissions, which feed the power to either the front wheels in the TDI or or VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive in the V6.Prices should start from $60,000. MARCHCADILLACARGUABLY the most important launch next year.GM-Holden didn't particularly want it but the luxury Cadillac brand is making a bold return.The CTS sedan is the comeback car, which has been acclaimed overseas for its handling, design and quality.Expect high equipment levels and a 3.6-litre direct injection V6.The V6 develops 227kW/370Nm and is mated to a six-speed automatic.Prices should be around $70,000.Once the sedan beds in, a Sport Wagon should follow.The company has also previewed the SRX crossover, which goes into production in 2010 and this is likely for Australia too. CITROENA refresh for the C4 hatch and coupe to keep it contemporary.Styling changes at the front bring the C4 into line with its larger C5 sibling.The new bonnet is more rounded and curvier, while the grille gets integrated chevrons, Citroen's signature look.The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol and economical HDi turbo-diesel engines will carry over.FORDThe refreshed Focus hatch and sedan arrive, taking the styling cues from the recently updated XR5.The big news will be a new six-speed PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.HONDAHonda's Jazz gets a sedan brother, the City.Expect similar expect similar equipment levels and pricing, with the added bonus of a huge boot that can carry 506 litres, about four golf bags.Moving up a model, the chic-Euro styled five-door Civic hatch finally joins the family, as well as the new Odyssey.HYUNDAIAfter the success of the i30 hatch, Hyundai plans to add the i30 CW.CW is Hyundai-speak for Cross Wagon.Like the hatch it will be available in both 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre CRD turbo-diesel models, with an expected slight price premium above the hatch.KIASoul is Kia's way of becoming hip. The chunky five-door wagon will be available with a wide array of accessories.It will also get both a petrol and turbo-diesel and should drive more people into showrooms with its off-road looks and versatility.Expect prices to start in the low-$20,000s.MAZDAThe refreshed MX-5 takes on the styling cues from the Mazda6 and new Mazda3.That means a big, gaping mouth and wheel-arch blisters but the mechanicals remain the same.That means a peaky 118kW/188Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder engine driving the rear wheels, driving through a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic.Inside the trim has been upgraded but everything remains largely the same, which is good.RENAULTA Laguna wagon finally arrives, in both 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel guises.A $41,990 diesel six-speed manual hatch will also become the Laguna price leader.VWThe heavily reskinned Golf VI is destined to arrive in time for the Melbourne Motor Show and will be on sale soon after.With new engines and transmissions, including a 7-speed DSG gearbox, the Golf takes an evolutionary path with its design.Visually it is sharper than the old car but dimensions remain largely the same. Interior quality has taken a step up though.VOLVOThe XC60 has car-like handling backed up with a solid load-lugging capabilities.Buyers will have a choice of a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine producing 210kW/400Nm, or with its 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder turbodiesel producing 136kW/400Nm.The XC60 uses a high-tech instant traction system while Hill Descent Control is part of the car's off-road armoury. Prices from around $60,000. APRILBMWThe new 7 Series has evolved into a contemporary, less-polarising look than the previous model.The petrol models arrive first with the 730d landing in July.Pricing starts at $203,000 for the 740i while the 750i is $274.000.Long wheelbase versions add $15,000 and $17,000. The 730d is expected to cost around $200,000.FORDIt has been four years since the Ford Territory went on sale and now its time for a facelift.The Territory series two arrives with a new interior and some exterior cosmetic tweaks.Buyers can expect the FG Falcon dashboard to find its way into the car, along with some minor suspension and engine updates.JEEPThe slow-selling battleship Commander off-roader gets a spruce up and the refreshed Compass and Patriot arrive the following month.NISSANIf you haven't heard about it yet the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 GT-R finally arrives in April.But if you have not already got your order in then you'll have to be patient as the first batch has been quickly snapped up.Nissan has already taken more than 130 orders. Price? From $148,000 for the tarmac burning all-wheel drive sportscar.SKODAThe Czech carmaker is slowly building some momentum.This year the Octavia gets a nip-and-tuck and some new engines.The freshen-up gives the car a bolder grille and simpler tail-end treatment. Interior quality and trim levels are also improved.VW's seven-speed DSG gearbox is expected to be available in some models. MAYAUDIThe Q5 is Audi's answer to the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60.Styling echoes the smooth shapes of the Q7 so the mid-size Q5 is sure to attract fans.Three models are available, a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and two diesels, a 2.0-litre four cylinder TDI and 3.0-litre V6 TDI.The TFSI develops 155kW/35Nm while the 2.0-litre TDI develops 125kW/350Nm and the V6 176kW/500Nm.Expect pricing to start around $60,000.HOLDENThe Cruze is the replacement for the slow-selling Viva.With the sleek new shape comes improved equipment levels, safety and driving experience.There will be a choice of 1.6-litre or 1.8-litre petrol four cylinder engines and perhaps a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.NISSANThe new, more sharply styled 370Z should start around $64,000 while the Roadster will be about $75,000.Although the ingredients stay much the same, but the V6 engine gets more power and torque _ 245kW/366Nm.Visually, it is sharply styled with a shorter wheelbase and more emphasis on its sporty heritage. Inside the cabin gets more quality. JUNEAUDIThe new S4 sedan moves down in capacity but up in green credentials.Gone is the 4.2-litre V8, to be replaced by a 3.0-litre turbo-charged V6 in both the S4 sedan and Avant.The V6 delivers 245kW and a zero to 100km/h time of just 5.1 seconds but on average only uses 9.7 litres/100km.Standard will be a host of performance upgrades, including quattro permanent all-wheel drive.A seven-speed S tronic changes gears with lightning speed, and the new sport differential distributes torque as needed between the rear wheels.HYUNDAIThe five-door i20 hatch is close to being signed off and should arrive mid-year.In Europe it replaces the Getz but Hyundai is expected to position it locally above the Getz.The hatch is available in Europe with a frugal 1.4-litre CRDi diesel engine that produces 66kW/220Nm and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox instead of the standard cars five-speed unit.It sips fuel at a rate of 4.0l/100km and has a CO2 emission rating of of 99 grams per kilometre.MAZDAThe new Mazda3 is the Hiroshima-based car company's most important local launch this year.The volume-selling car gets a significant visual makeover but underneath the old car's superb chassis carries over, except for some modest tweaks to the suspension and steering.Importantly cabin noise levels, a problem with the current car, have been lowered.Expect a fresh new cabin, improved quality and the SP23 model to move up to the SP25, which means a 2.5-litre four cylinder with 125kW on tap.The volume model will stick with a 2.0-litre four cylinder which develops 110kW/187Nm.Price should remain close to the outgoing car, if exchange rates improve.NISSANCardigan wearers will appreciate the arrival of the new but more-of-the-same Maxima V6 mid-year, just in time for winter.PEUGEOTThe 308CC joins the lineup, along with the facelifted 407 sedan and wagon.But do not expect too much in the way of improvements to the 407.Expect some mild cosmetic tweaks and improved interior trim levels but the overall shape remains the same.TOYOTAThe Camry and Aurion will get a minor nip-and-tuck. JULYALFA ROMEOTHE MiTo hatch is one of the most stylish Alfa's to come out of Italy in recent years.Sitting below the current 147 five-door, the MiTo brings back memories of the Alfasud with its 1.4-litre engines, in either turbo charged petrol or diesel form.The turbo petrol engine delivers 114kW at 5500 revs and 230Nm at 3000 revs while the JTDM diesel has 88kW at 3750 and 320Nm from 1750 revs.Alfa also has a "power limited" 58kW/120Nm 1.4 petrol engine as well.Expect prices around $30,000.BMWTHE hot 3.0-litre six cylinder turbo-diesel from the 7 Series makes an appearance in the 330d sedan, making it one of the fastest 3 Series models available.With 180kW/520Nm on tap, the 330d promises petrol engine performances with diesel economy of 6.8 litres/100km on the combined fuel cycle.The car will hit 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds and has a electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.FERRARICalifornia is not only a place but also a thundering V8 from Ferrari. The 2+2 boasts a 4.3-litre V8 with 338kW on tap. Price? A comfortable six-figures around $450,000.Joining the California is the 430 Scuderia inspired Scuderia Spider 16M. Roof off motoring for a select few.FIATThe baby Fiat 500 gets a performance injection with the hot Abarth with a direct-injection turbocharged 1.4-litre engine.The light-weight hatch will hit 100km/h in less than 8 seconds and has a top speed of 205km/h.The larger Punto also gets an Abarth makeover.MERCEDES-BENZA GROWN up C-Class or a scaled down S-Class?The new E-Class sedan and coupe borrow the best bits from both models.There's a new face, with split headlights flanking the traditional grille.Mercedes-Benz says the E-Class will be the safest car in its class.A new E-Class coupe is destined to replace the CLK. It is bigger inside and takes on a bigger on-road stance.Both the two door and four-door sedan will be available with a range of four-cylinder, V6 and V8 engines.SUZUKICute as a button and also frugal, Suzuki has opted for the Alto over the Splash.The five-door hatch is powered by a 50kW, 993cc three-cylinder petrol engine, driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.Expect good equipment levels and pricing around $13,000. AUGUSTSKODAThe Superb should help spread the message about the competent Czech brand.It packs the most sophisticated powertrains from the Volkswagen Group in a car that is bigger than an Audi A6 but is expected to be about $10,000 cheaper than an A4.The probable price for the Superb will start about $40,000 with a 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine.A 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre TDI unit is also tipped. SEPTEMBERAUDIThe sleek A5 and S5 Cabriolet join the Audi ranks just in time for summer.With quick-folding fabric soft-tops, the cabrios also have plenty of luggage room left with the tops down.BMWSlightly bigger and more frugal, the Z4 has taken an evolutionary approach to styling such as the long bonnet and flat belt line, as well as rear-drive powertrain.The low seating position just in front of the rear axle continues too but for the first time the Z4 will get an automatically retractable hardtop.A range of three of BMW's silky in-line six-cylinder petrol engines will be available with power outputs ranging from 150kW to 225 kW.KIAWITH the Cerato sedan bedding in, Kia will unveil a stylish two-door version.Based on the Koup concept shown at New York Motor Show last March, the two-door coupe is tipped to bring younger buyers to the brand with its hip styling and possible turbo-charged four cylinder engine.The third-quarter will also see a facelifted Magentis and next-generation Sorento off-roader.LEXUSThe 250C coupe-cabrio joins the IS lineup.Initially available with the silky 2.5-litre six cylinder out of the IS250 sedan mated to six-speed automatic.The three-part light-weight aluminium roof folds in 20 seconds and Lexus says the car is a true four-seater.SUBARUThe Exiga wagon is slightly wider, longer and taller than an Outback but like all Subarus shares engines and suspensions.The front suspension is from the Forester and rear sophisticated multi-link system from the Impreza.Subaru Australia is still finalising details but expect a naturally-aspirated, 2.0-litre four-cylinder that delivers 108kW at 6000 revs and 191Nm at 3200 revs.In Japan, Exiga goes head-to-head with the likes of the Mazda CX-7 and Toyota Kluger.TOYOTAThe Prius gets a major makeover. New more aerodynamic body, more frugal engines and better performance.Safety and interior packaging have also been improved.Expect a 1.8-litre four-cylinder driving Toyota's hybrid drive system.Prices should be cheaper than the current model.Toyota will also update the Prado off-roader. OCTOBERSubaruThe next-generation Liberty and Outback arrive around October with new, bigger bodies and more technology.Like the Forester and Impreza, the new Liberty and Outback will have more styling differentiation to separate the pair.Expect new six-speed manuals as well as the 108kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.The 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre "boxer" petrol engines will be tweaked for better fuel economy and the range-topper is expected to get the Tribeca's 3.6-litre boxer engine.MITSUBISHIThe Triton-based Challenger will be available with either five or seven-seat capability.Mitsubishi Australia is finalising specifications but expect 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common-rail turbodiesels well as a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine. NOVEMBERVOLVOThe Swedes will expand its lineup with a range of fuel-efficient DRIVe models, including C30, S40 and V50 models.Using a range of aerodynamic aids these models can achieve consumption and CO2 emissions figures as low as 4.4 litres/100km and 115g/km. DECEMBERHONDAThe Japanese carmaker launches its Insight petrol electric-hybrid and it is getting aggressive on pricing.Expect it to be under $30,000.The Insight will spearhead a range of hybrids, including a CR-Z two-seater and a small city car based on the Jazz.HYUNDAIThe Korean carmaker's i10 micro hatch will sit below the i20.In Europe, the i10 is available with a choice of two petrol and turbo-diesel engines.Australia is expected to get the 58kW/118Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol but the 56kW/155Nm 1.1-litre turbo-diesel is also an option.PEUGEOTAn off-roader from Peugeot? Yes. The 4007 will be the company's first foray into the lifestyle off-road segment.Although still to be confirmed, the Peugeot Automobiles Australia is hopeful the 4007 will land before Christmas.Based on the Mitsubishi Outlander, the 4007 shares much with its Japanese twin.However, the ace up its sleeve is the 115kW/380Nm 2.2-litre common rail turbo-diesel.This engine should enhance the 4007's potential among rural buyers and snow bunnies looking for Euro chic on the slopes. 

So well in fact that some customers are buying two of HSV's most-powerful weapons, the W427, one to drive and one to keep as a collectors' item and investment.HSV spokesman, Simon Frost, says the Clayton-based performance car builder is on target to deliver 90 W427s this year and has 30 forward orders already for the first quarter of next year."Our experience is that it's not marginal customers who are buying the 427, it's really passionate car enthusiasts who love our brand," he says.In a sense the W427 is HSV's crisis proof car.Frost says the plan is to build “up to" 427, a number that refers to the 7.0-litre V8's old-fashioned cubic-inch capacity.However, he says that the car does not have a "never-ending" lifespan."These will be built to order," he says."At some point or other there will have to be a decision about the final build but it won't be any more than 427."That means there's a good chance the 427 be HSV's hero car for future generations despite the unveiling of the 7.4-litre Pontiac GXP Street Concept at the recent SEMA trade show in Las Vegas.Frost says HSV has no plans to slide the massive 7.4-litre V8 _ codenamed LSX454 _ under the bonnet of a local HSV for an even brawnier performance car.The show car is a made for America car only, he says."We have no plans to look at that car from an HSV perspective," he says."Our hero car is the 427 and the two-year research and development program to bring that to market was expensive and it's produced a car that we're excited about and has a good reception in the market despite all the doom and gloom around."The W427 shares its V8 with the Chevrolet Corvette and is hand-made on a separate production line at GM in Detroit, the same line that built the 7.4-litre Street Concept engine.The W427 develops 375kW at 6500 revs and 640Nm at 5000 revs.The LSX454 cranks out 476kW and a whopping 813Nm, 101kW and 193Nm more than even the hottest HSV.Frost says HSV is conscious of growing green concerns about fuel-guzzling V8s.HSV is looking at different technologies as well as their conventional V8s as part of the wider approach to deliver greener cars."It's not about producing bigger and more powerful engines," he says."And we still want to have that core HSV DNA in any vehicle."But other options that use less petrol or different forms of combustion are under consideration." 

In welcoming the Federal Government's investment in the car industry and extra $1.3 billion for the Green Car Innovation Fund, the chairman of the Biofuels Association of Australia, Neil Rae, says seed funding is needed to build an alternative fuel industry. This will help develop the ethanol and biodiesel industry, he says. Rae admitted that the fledgling biofuels industry had received some bad press but he believes the consumer mood is changing. Several companies are pushing ahead with refining plants for both ethanol and biodiesel but more work on infrastructure is needed, he says. Rae believes that with industry support Australia's greenhouse gases can be slashed and our dependency on imported oil reduced. Australia currently imports 40 per cent of its conventional oil needs at a cost of $12.5 billion last year alone, according to the CSIRO. "I haven't seen the details of the green car innovation fund but I'd certainly like to think there's room for the alternative fuels industry," he says. Rae, who was in Melbourne last week for a national biofuels conference, said the industry faced many "speed bumps" to growth, including existing government policy. "The suggestion is that the market will bring biofuels to the people," he says. "It's not as easy as that. "It's going to take a little bit of encouragement for government." Among the BAA priorities is infrastructure support to compete effectively against conventional fuels, direct and indirect tax benefits and convincing consumers that biofuels were a viable and sustainable fuel. The BAA also wants the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme broadened to include biofuels. "There's no silver bullet," Rae says. In Australia, transport represents 14 per cent of all greenhouse gases. "Yet ethanol can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 37 to 60 per cent and biodiesel by 75 per cent, according to the CSIRO," he said. "We have alternative fuel sources that instantly have a positive effect on greenhouse gases so why isn't it being embraced?" Rae accepts that consumers, and governments, are still in the dark about the advantages of ethanol and biodiesel. "There is no doubt that the industry and investors need to get clearer signals from the Federal Government," he said. One of the more immediate concerns was that biodiesel loses access to Federal Government fuel tax credits from July 1, 2011. The association wants a five-year extension to the credits until 2016. From 2011, the tax rate on biodiesel will be 3.8c a litre, increasing 3.8c a year for five years. Privately, many biofuel heavyweights at the conference believe both carmakers and oil companies have a vested interest in making it hard for the emerging fuel alternatives, waging campaigns that ethanol-blended petrol will harm their cars.  

Everything from an A5 cabrio, A5 Sportback, A4 Allroad wagon, A7 four-door sports coupe, A1 Sportsback, Q3 off-roader and R8 convertible is on the books.But Audi Australia is not revealing just what is likely to head to Australia.Audi Australia general manager of marketing, Immo Buschmann, is giving little away on the new arrivals, only confirmed the early 2009 launch of the Q5 off-roader.However, he hints that an A5 Sportsback and maybe an A4 Allroad were on the cards."But we have not decided," he says.He says he is unaware specifically what the Germany headquarters has in store for Australia regarding new models.Recently, Audi AG's product development chief, Michael Dick, revealed to European media that Audi's range of 22 vehicles will grow with another 18 "in our heads".It is believed the A5 convertible will be unveiled in Europe before the end of the year with an A5 Sportback arriving next year, followed by the Q3.The A5 Sportback will be designed to fill a gap between the A4 Avant and A6 Avant.Performance derivatives are believed to be among the mix, with an R5 and RS5 mooted.One thing is clear though, the huge investment local dealers have taken in new "Terminal" showrooms will pay off.The first "Terminal" dealership cost $12 million and is located in Sydney's Five Dock.It is the first of a design that will be adopted globally."Our dealers have invested heavily to be able to display and sell these new cars," he says."The Q5 is our next big launch."Audi is expected to launch the car with a tough Trans-Continental drive through Outback Australia like the successful Q7 launch.Speaking at the launch of the RS6 Avant, Buschmann, says although the focus on RS is to maintain exclusivity, he admitted that in the future, the company may have to broaden the RS thinking."If there is demand to broaden the RS portfolio then we will look at it," he says."The ethos of the RS is entirely up to our product strategists."But I imagine we would look at a top-down approach when we look at eligible RS cars, those that have the necessary DNA." 

Buyers can expect heavy discounts as the slump in new car sales takes hold.One analyst, Tony Robinson, of the SurePlan Lease group in Melbourne expects the January sales to start early."They could start as early as this month," he said."Many companies ordered stock three to five months ago when things were buoyant and now that stock is starting to arrive."Many dealers are stuck with unsold inventory, which could be a bonus for end-of-year bargain hunters.New car sales were down 10 per cent last month, according to the latest VFACTS car industry figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.The FCAI is concerned the stock backlog will create a fire-sale mentality."I think it is well understood that inventory levels have been rising," FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar, said."There is no doubt there have been rising stocks."The softening in demand was affecting the ability of some dealers to secure floor-stock finance, McKellar said.The industry was monitoring the impact of liquidity constraints on the availability of wholesale finance to dealers.It was hoping to find "alternative solutions" to avoid the risk of further problems, he said.The VFACTS figures show that the new car market is in severe decline, with 79,105 vehicles sold last month, down 10,184 vehicle sales or 11.4 per cent on October 2007.Many brands have been hit hard, among them Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.Mazda, which has been a sales star in recent years, reporting a 24 per cent sales drop last month.Budget Koreans, Hyundai and Kia experienced a 35 per cent and 31 per cent sales plunge.Lexus sales fell more than 60 per cent last month and Mercedes-Benz sales were off 43 per cent.Many luxury marques blame the negative impact of the new Luxury Car Tax, which rose 8 per cent to 33 per cent from July 1.Local carmaker Holden also reported an 11 per cent drop for the month.Overall, Toyota remains the top seller for the year.It's workhorse HiLux outsold even the Holden Commodore last month and the Corolla again performed strongly.It is the second month this year where the HiLux has been the country's favourite car.Nissan's Navara ute surprised the industry with a solid result and Suzuki recorded an all-time sales record."It's a fantastic result, particularly given the tightening economic situation," Suzuki Australia general manager, Tony Devers, said. WHAT'S SELLINGTOP 10 MAKES1 Toyota 18,7052 Holden 10,1713 Ford 85674 Mazda 55295 Nissan 52196 Honda 51547 Mitsubishi 44508 Hyundai 30399 Subaru 270810 Volkswagen 2021 

The Japanese brands like Subaru and Mitsubishi give you a choice of both from the all-wheel drive WRX and Lancer Ralliart to the pipping hot STi and Evo. The Europeans find a middle ground with cars like Volkswagen's R32 and the silky 3.0-litre sixes that BMW slots into things like the 130i. Audi's distinctive S3 three-door leans towards the pipping hot category. Now the S3 range has just gotten a whole lot warmer with the arrival of the five-door S3 Sportback. Priced at $68,310, the S3 Sportback is $1907 more than the three-door and a whopping $11,820 more than VW's R32 all-whee drive five-door hatch. Along with the extra doors, the S3 Sportback is available for the first time with Audi's magnetic ride system and a parking assist system similar to that available in some Volkswagen models. The Sportback shares its turbo-charged direct injection 2.0-litre four cylinder with the three-door, mated to Audi's quattro Haldex all-wheel drive system and a six-speed manual transmission. An electronically-controlled, rear-mounted hydraulic multi-plate clutch, distributes the torque as required. The 2.0-litre delivers 188kW at 6000 revs and 330Nm between 2500 and 5000 revs. The Sportback can hit 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite the grunt, the high-tech four delivers a combined economy figure of 8.5 litres/100km. Apart from the engine, the five-door shares much underneath with the three door, from its aluminium swivel bearings and wishbones that reduce unsprung weight to the stiffer chassis bearings, 25mm lower ride height, beefy brakes and electro-mechanical steering. At 4303mm the five-door is 72mm longer than its three-door stable-mate and 3mm higher while width remains the same at 1765mm. Visually, the Sportback shares the “S” styling cues of its three-door brother including the chrome-plated radiator grille, vertical double bars, and a front bumper with powerful spoiler lip. The foglights get chrome rings, there's a platinum grey rear diffuser and twin oval exhausts at the back, along with redesigned tail-lights. S-specific exterior mirrors with indicators round out the design. Fitted as standard are new S design 18-alloys and Xenon-plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. Inside, there are Nappa leather sport seats, S design multi-function leather sports steering wheel, Bose stereo speakers and Bluetooth. Aluminium-look pedals and door sill strips complete the look. There is a full complement of safety gear, from airbags to electronic stability control incorporating anti-skid brakes, traction control, and an electronic differential lock. The S3 Sportback goes on sale next month. Audi Australia expects the five-door to account for almost 70 per cent of all S3 sales over the next 12 months. Since 1999, 650 S3s have been sold nationally. The current generation S3 three-door, which was launched mid-2007, has sold more than 260 to date. The magnetic ride suspension is a $2400 option, along with the $950 parking assist system.

BMW might like to disagree, given its V10 M5, but it's hard to disagree with Audi when you look at the spec sheet that includes a twin-turbo V10 engine, quattro all-wheel drive and Audi's dynamic ride control suspension.The RS6's 5.0-litre V10 engine also packs a considerable punch, with 426kW and 650Nm.Like all Audi RS models, the Avant _ Audi speak for station wagon _ was developed by quattro GmbH.It will cost $270,946 when it hits local showrooms next month.An RS6 sedan will follow early next year.The newest RS6 Avant comes with a long heritage attached to it.The very first Audi RS2, launched in 1993, was built exclusively as a wagon.With 1660 litres of luggage space, not only is the newest Avant versatile but it will challenge its fellow German rivals for power and performance.The 5.0-litre V10, sourced from Lamborghini but reworked by Audi, bundles together FSI direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication and twin turbochargers.With up to 1.6 bar of boost, these technologies provide a smooth delivery of power and performance.Peak torque of 650Nm comes in from 1500 to 6250 revs while peak power of 426kW is generated between 6250 and 6700 revs.The V10 catapults the car to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h.Power flows through the new-generation quick shifting six-speed tiptronic transmission with paddle shifters.The dynamic ride control has three damper settings, sport, dynamic and comfort and also reduces pitch and roll using purely mechanical means via hydraulic lines and valves that connect diagonally to opposing pairs of shock absorbers.When cornering, the flow of fluid to the damper of the compressing outside front wheel increases, providing firmer support and reducing roll.The electronic stability control has a higher activation threshold and in Sport mode it can also be deactivated entirely.The Avant gets 20-inch alloys shod with 275/35 tyres.Up front, six-piston fixed aluminium calipers, painted black and decorated with RS badges, clamp down on 390mm brakes front and 356mm rear.The rear axle features single-piston floating brake calipers.The brakes have large cooling ducts and axial perforations for enhanced performance and less weight.Visually the Avant sports several distinctive RS features.There is the single-frame grille, large air intakes, Xenon-plus headlights, adaptive light and LED daytime running lights, flared mudguards and deep side skirts, rear diffuser, a spoiler integrated into the rear hatch and the twin exhausts.Standard equipment includes a colour monitor and TV reception, advanced key entry, electric glass sunroof, satellite navigation, dual-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning plus, front and rear parking sensors, three-spoke, multi-function leather sports steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and a Bose surround sound system.A boost pressure indicator for the two turbochargers in the driver information system rounds out the instrumentation.

But the arrival last week of the Lancer Ralliart is a bellwether of things to come from the importer.Mitsubishi Australia executives believe the Lancer Ralliart will send a strong performance message to enthusiasts and enhance a lineup that already consists of the Lancer Evo, Colt Ralliart and soon a Triton Ralliart.The company is also looking at the possibility of a Outlander Ralliart but more work is needed before it becomes part of the lineup.In Europe Mitsubishi has just announced that the 2.2-litre Di-D turbo-diesel Outlander, an engine still under consideration locally, will soon get the Evo's SST six-speed gearbox.On the back of an energised Ralliart business, Mitsubishi Australia present, Rob McEniry, is looking to the future, with the prospect of a bigger commitment to local rallying.McEniry admits competition is a key part of Ralliart's future, "but not just yet"."We'd love to," he says."Where we can we support some privateers but it's very low key."But we'd like to get back to being a little more up front about it."But to do that you really have to put a team together and get sponsors and a team."McEniry believes a performance side of Mitsubishi's business "is very important"."That's what attracts people and it certainly acts as a halo for the brand," he says.McEniry is confident he can sell 3000 Ralliart models a year.Dealers are confident too.There are 80 TMR dealers nationally, up from the original 27 at launch.The arrival of the Evolution has spurred interest.The company's manager, product strategy, Chris Maxsted, says the $71,690 Evolution MR sedan has become hot property, selling out until next month."It's running ahead of our plan," Maxsted says.Maxsted says he expects to sell about 150 Lancer Ralliarts a month, against about 150 Subaru WRXs and 200 Golf GTis.In the short term, McEniry sees exchange rates and the slump of the Australia dollar as critical to the car business."I think the market will take some price increases and I don't think that's a bad thing as the market has taken some hits with specifications and pricing," he says.However, he has ruled out de-specing cars to achieve competitive pricing."Quite the contrary, at least for us," he says.As an importer, Mitsubishi is tracking well this year despite the recent new car slump.It has an overall market share of 6.1 per cent."We have been well ahead of the market for most of the year and we expect to stay well ahead of the market," he says."We are lineball with 2007, just a couple of hundred units off and considering we had 5000 380s in the '07 figures, things are pretty good." 

With sales down 25 per cent this year on the back of the fallout from the new luxury car tax threshold and now the global and local economic situation, Mercedes is hoping the facelifted M-Class will reinvigorate interest in its off-roader.The five-model lineup remains unchanged, starting with the $81,000 ML 280 CDI and rising to the stellar $167,500 ML 63 AMG.Prices have shifted slightly, up $255 to $3022 depending on the model but equipment upgrades make up for the differences.Apart from more equipment, the big wagon gets a distinctive remake of its front end and revised rear. Larger exterior mirrors complete the exterior makeover.Inside there is a new four-spoke multi-function steering wheel with standard shift paddles, new trim, redesigned seats with four-way lumbar support as well as the option of new two-tone dashboards.There are also new wheels _ 18-inch alloys on the ML 280 CDI _ with the option of 17-inch wheels for off-roading, as well as 19 and 20-inch combinations.Mechanically the car remains unchanged with the same V6 petrol and diesel engines and V8s as previously.The latest generation of Mercedes-Benz telematics system has been improved with an integrated iPod connection with steering wheel controls and displays on the instrument panel and centre console.A premium 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound package with an output of 610 watts is $1600.The range opens with the 140kW/440Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel ML280 CDI, which gets an upgraded audio system with a colour monitor and Bluetooth.The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel develops 140kW at 4000 revs and 440Nm from 1400 revs and returns 9.6 litres/100km.The 3.5-litre V6 petrol ML350 and 3.0-litre V6 diesel ML320 CDI boast the latest voice activated COMAND APS system, which adds navigation, an SD card slot and 4GB hard-disc.The 3.5-litre V6 develops 200kW at 6000 revs and 350 Nm between 2400 and 5000 revs, returning 11.7 litres/100km.The ML 320CDI shares the same 3.0-litre V6 as the 280 but develops 165kW and 510Nm.Moving up to the 5.5-litre V8 ML500 and buyers get a wood and leather steering wheel, sunroof and 20-inch alloys.The ML500 delivers 13.4 litres/100km.The range-topping ML63 AMG carries over the 6.2-litre petrol V8, while returning 16.5 litres/100km.The ML63 develops 375kW at 6800 revs and 630Nm at 5200 revs.In keeping with its AMG heritage the big V8 gets a more muscular front end treatment and larger grille. 

But being the middle child in the Lancer sports family has never been so good because like the VRX and hot-shot Evolution X, the turbocharged Ralliart Lancer all-wheel drive is an amalgam of all that's good about its siblings.Available as a sedan or hatch — Sportback in Mitsubishi speak — the Ralliart is aimed squarely at the Subaru WRX, as well as the Golf GTi, Astra SRi turbo, and Ford Focus XR5.In the 11-model Lancer line-up it sits between the mild-mannered 2.4-litre VRX and the uber-hot turbo-charged 2.0-litre Evolution.Mitsubishi hopes enthusiasts who aspire to the $59,490 Evolution but are guided by their hip-pockets, will settle on the Ralliart, which costs $42,490.Mitsubishi's manager, product strategy, Chris Maxsted, says the turbo Ralliart is a strategic car for the brand."Particularly as it's available as a sedan and hatch," he says.Like the Impreza WRX, having a choice of body styles will appeal to a broader range of buyers, he says."The hatch looks more sporty but the Ralliart sedan looks like the Evo sedan so it will appeal to a few wannabe Evo owners," he says.Maxsted sees the Ralliart as is neither a hotter VRX, nor a despecced Evo."It carries elements of both in specifications but it's a unique car, a unique model," he says.The mild-mannered Ralliart shares a detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled twin-cam four-cylinder engine from the Evolution.Despite being retuned, the engine still delivers plenty of punch with 177kW at 6000 revs and 343Nm at 4750 revs, down 50kW and 23Nm over the Evo.A single-scroll lower boost turbocharger replaces the twin-scroll unit of the Evo.But like the Evo, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder is mated to a Getrag-sourced six-speed twin clutch sport shift transmission (TC-SST), complete with steering wheel paddle shifters.In its Ralliart application, the TC-SST offers two driving modes, Normal and Sport, losing the track-ready S-sport mode.The Ralliart's sports suspension is similar to the VRX but gets thick stabliliser bars and the sedan gets fold down rear seats in place of the bracing of the Evo.Then there's the Evo's aluminium bonnet, active centre differential all-wheel drive system and a mechanical limited slip differential rather than the Evo's electronic yaw control rear differential."In essence, the Ralliart driveline is probably like the Evo VIII," Maxsted says.Mitsubishi is aware some drivers may prefer the five-speed manual, but it is not expected to be available in the short term, according to Maxsted.But he has not ruled it out longer term."Autos account for about 30 per cent of the high-performance small car market," he says."I think the market will move to which is the better transmission."Externally both the sedan and hatch gain some distinct styling and enhancements above the VRX.Inside, the Ralliart gets distinctive "Ralliart" sports trim, aluminium pedals, three-way adjustable front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and climate control air conditioning.Stand-alone options include the high performance $750 Rockford Fosgate stereo while metallic or pearlescent paint is $350.The Rockford Fosgate system can also be packaged with a sunroof for $2350 as well as the sunroof and navigation system for $4750.Have a go with the Lancer Ralliart and you wonder why any self-respecting performance enthusiast would bother with a manual gearbox.The TC-SST transmission, similar to Porsche's PDK twin-clutch, is a joy to use and provides enough excitement in "sports" mode to keep all but the most diehard turbo hot-rodder engaged.Unlike some twin-clutch arrangements, the six-speed gearbox is smooth around town, seamlessly preselecting gears.It mates well with the turbo four but things do not really start happening until you're beyond 2500 revs.This may have something to do with the move to a single scroll turbocharger in place of the Evo's twin-scroll unit because in full automatic operation, the Lancer needs some revs on board to give its best.Once above 2500 revs though the bells and whistles start singin' and ringin' in the sweet revving four.The Ralliart will quickly reach double-demerit points territory in a flash.Settle down to some highway cruising though and the car is stable and surefooted and quiet inside.Only some wind-rush from the exterior mirrors interrupts the cabin's ambience.In the twisty bits, there is plenty of steering feedback, reassuring turn-in and both the sedan and hatch remain neutral whether under full power or brakes.Visually, both the Ralliart sedan and hatch are tidy cars and an exercise in discretion.The body kit is subdued, the air intakes blend into the bonnet and the 18-inch alloys, shared with the VRX, look good.Only the sedan's high-set spoiler upsets the visual harmony, and restricts rear visibility.The hatch is also 2mm shallow than the sedan but rear headroom and legroom remains good. The hatch's versatile 60/40 split flat folding seats and nifty release mechanism from the boot will appeal to many.From the rear doors forward both the hatch and sedan are the same.Overall, the Lancer Ralliart has a well-sorted chassis and in some respects more liveable than the full-blown Evo and more exciting than the garden-variety VRX.That's exactly what Mitsubishi set out to achieve.MODELS Sportback and sedan