Articles by Neil McDonald

But peak motoring body the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries believes consumers are confused enough to warrant a broad-ranging education program about what ESC is and what it does.The Transport Accident Commission has already been running an ad highlighting the merits of curtain airbags and ESC. It has been endeavouring to lift awareness among buyers about what they do, via websites like howsafeisyourcar.com.au.But with Victoria moving ahead for the compulsory fitting of ESC to all passenger cars from January, the FCAI believes now is the time to increase awareness among car buyers.Despite TAC's efforts some carmakers like Honda believe consumers are still confused by the different acronyms used to describe the various systems. However, FCAI spokesman, James Goodwin, believes it will be difficult to mandate a single naming strategy."It comes down to marketing," he says. "All systems are different to some degree."Goodwin also believes it would cost too much to standardise the terminology on imported cars because the volumes are relatively small. Carmakers use different terms for the proprietary electronic stability program invented by Bosch and co-developed with Mercedes-Benz.Subaru Australia spokesman, David Rowley, says Subaru's own research shows a higher awareness among buyers of its own electronic stability control system, called vehicle dynamic control."Our customers tend to look in depth at the features of our cars," Rowley says. He backs an education program as “something worth considering" but balks at a name change. "A lot a brands have invested a lot of intellectual time in creating a point of difference with their various stability systems," he says.What they call it -Electronic Stability Control (ESC) - Holden, HSV, JeepElectronic Stability Program (ESP) - Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Renault, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Skoda, Peugeot, SuzukiDynamic Stability Control (DSC) - Ford, FPV, BMW, Mazda, Land Rover, Aston Martin, JaguarVehicle Dynamic Integrated Management (VDIM) - ToyotaVehicle Stability Control (VSC) - LexusVehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) - Nissan, SubaruDynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) - VolvoElectronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) - Audi, VolkswagenActive Stability Control (ASC) - MitsubishiVehicle Stability Assist (VSA)- HondaAutomatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)  MiniMaserati Stability Program (MSP) - MaseratiPorsche Stability Management (PSM) - PorscheStability and Traction Control - FiatStabiliTrak -Hummer

It has added the Superb wagon to the local line-up in an attempt to sway buyers away from other Euro wagons and even the Holden Sportwagon.Costing $2000 more then the equivalent sedan models, Skoda Australia believes up to 60 per cent of Superb buyers will opt for the well-equipped wagon. With two petrol engines and one turbo-diesel, prices kick off at $40,990 for the well-equipped seven-speed DSG 118TSI Ambition, rising to $57,990 for the six-speed DSG V6 all-wheel drive Elegance.Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner believes the wagon has the ability to tackle the premium European wagons and some of its more affordable Japanese rivals. The big wagon has 'family' stamped all over it, from the commodious, well thought-out luggage area to the roomy back seat."Value is one of our key strategies," he says. "We’re finally beyond the 'we're here phase' and can now build the brand with even more desirable products like the wagon."The Superb wagon has a massive load area – 633 litres with the rear seats up and 1865 with the seats folded. The tailgate is also wide enough to accommodate bulky items and the car has a low loading sill, 600mm above the ground. There’s room enough under the load area for full-size spares on the front drive Ambition and Elegance while the Elegance V6 4x4 gets a space saver."It’s clearly aimed at families," Wiesner says. "I expect we will see a far higher degree of female drivers so that’s why it’s so well equipped."VARIANTS AND EQUIPMENTLike the sedan there are two models, Ambition and Elegance. Wiesner expects most buyers to opt for the $46,990 118 TSI Elegance model, with fleets tipped into the entry 118 TSI Ambition. At $57,990 the range topping V6 all-wheel drive is out to tackle the Audi A4 wagon and Volvo V70 T6 wagon.It comes standard with the VW Group’s park assist parallel parking system, which automatically parks the car into a given space. Other equipment candy includes an optional $790 electric tailgate, magnetic rear luggage bay light that also works as a detachable torch, luggage rails and optional $370 extendable luggage floor and $140 automatic luggage cover release.The entry Ambition is not short of gear. It boasts nine airbags, 16-inch alloys, stability control, dual zone climate control, foglights, tyre pressure monitoring, heated rear view mirrors, rear parking sensors 8-speaker CD stereo, heated front seats and rain sensing wipers.The Elegance ups the standard equipment list by adding satellite navigation, leater seats, electric front seats with memory, active Bi-Xenon headlights, 10 speaker premium CD stereo, alarm, heated front and rear seats and 17 inch alloys. The V6 rides on 18-inch alloys. The running gear of the wagon is based on the sedan – which shares much with the Volkswagen Passat – but Skoda has made some modifications to cope with the extra weight and load-lugging characteristics. The rear axle housing is attached to the body with anti-vibration dampers.DRIVINGWe were already won over by the sensible Superb sedan. Now the wagon, particularly the turbo-diesel, is helping reshape the options for many families. It’s roomy like the sedan, particularly in the back seat. But out back is where it makes a whole lot of sense. Physically the wagon has better proportions than the sedan.It looks a whole lot more resolved from a design viewpoint and looks smart and contemporary. The sedan may have its quirky hatch-and-boot in-one but the wagon kicks you up a whole new level with a sensible load area, plenty of tiedowns and hidden cubbies for storing valuables.Being from the VW Group means there is plenty of well thought out switchgear and the engines too are proven and well matched for the car. The ride, handling and steering all have that familiar VW touch to them, which is a good thing. The 3.6-litre V6 – shared with the Passat - is punchy and the quad exhausts are a neat touch for Dads who want to remind the world they’re still enthusiasts even if they drive a wagon.The 2.0TDI would be our pick for long distances. It’s amazingly quiet and frugal yet has plenty of mid-range urge to keep things interesting. We didn’t get a chance to try out the 118TSI but our experience in VWs and the Octavia have been favourable. The overall fit and finish of the Superb wagon was, well, superb.The wagon is yet another brand builder that is clearly going to prove to many people that this Czech brand is no longer a poor cousin to its German parent.

It has added the Superb wagon to the local line-up in an attempt to sway buyers away from other Euro wagons and even the Holden Sportwagon.Costing $2000 more then the equivalent sedan models, Skoda Australia believes up to 60 per cent of Superb buyers will opt for the well-equipped wagon. With two petrol engines and one turbo-diesel, prices kick off at $40,990 for the well-equipped seven-speed DSG 118TSI Ambition, rising to $57,990 for the six-speed DSG V6 all-wheel drive Elegance.Skoda Australia boss Matthew Wiesner believes the wagon has the ability to tackle the premium European wagons and some of its more affordable Japanese rivals. The big wagon has 'family' stamped all over it, from the commodious, well thought-out luggage area to the roomy back seat."Value is one of our key strategies," he says. "We’re finally beyond the 'we're here phase' and can now build the brand with even more desirable products like the wagon."The Superb wagon has a massive load area – 633 litres with the rear seats up and 1865 with the seats folded. The tailgate is also wide enough to accommodate bulky items and the car has a low loading sill, 600mm above the ground. There’s room enough under the load area for full-size spares on the front drive Ambition and Elegance while the Elegance V6 4x4 gets a space saver."It’s clearly aimed at families," Wiesner says. "I expect we will see a far higher degree of female drivers so that’s why it’s so well equipped."VARIANTS AND EQUIPMENTLike the sedan there are two models, Ambition and Elegance. Wiesner expects most buyers to opt for the $46,990 118 TSI Elegance model, with fleets tipped into the entry 118 TSI Ambition. At $57,990 the range topping V6 all-wheel drive is out to tackle the Audi A4 wagon and Volvo V70 T6 wagon.It comes standard with the VW Group’s park assist parallel parking system, which automatically parks the car into a given space. Other equipment candy includes an optional $790 electric tailgate, magnetic rear luggage bay light that also works as a detachable torch, luggage rails and optional $370 extendable luggage floor and $140 automatic luggage cover release.The entry Ambition is not short of gear. It boasts nine airbags, 16-inch alloys, stability control, dual zone climate control, foglights, tyre pressure monitoring, heated rear view mirrors, rear parking sensors 8-speaker CD stereo, heated front seats and rain sensing wipers.The Elegance ups the standard equipment list by adding satellite navigation, leater seats, electric front seats with memory, active Bi-Xenon headlights, 10 speaker premium CD stereo, alarm, heated front and rear seats and 17 inch alloys. The V6 rides on 18-inch alloys. The running gear of the wagon is based on the sedan – which shares much with the Volkswagen Passat – but Skoda has made some modifications to cope with the extra weight and load-lugging characteristics. The rear axle housing is attached to the body with anti-vibration dampers.DRIVINGWe were already won over by the sensible Superb sedan. Now the wagon, particularly the turbo-diesel, is helping reshape the options for many families. It’s roomy like the sedan, particularly in the back seat. But out back is where it makes a whole lot of sense. Physically the wagon has better proportions than the sedan.It looks a whole lot more resolved from a design viewpoint and looks smart and contemporary. The sedan may have its quirky hatch-and-boot in-one but the wagon kicks you up a whole new level with a sensible load area, plenty of tiedowns and hidden cubbies for storing valuables.Being from the VW Group means there is plenty of well thought out switchgear and the engines too are proven and well matched for the car. The ride, handling and steering all have that familiar VW touch to them, which is a good thing. The 3.6-litre V6 – shared with the Passat - is punchy and the quad exhausts are a neat touch for Dads who want to remind the world they’re still enthusiasts even if they drive a wagon.The 2.0TDI would be our pick for long distances. It’s amazingly quiet and frugal yet has plenty of mid-range urge to keep things interesting. We didn’t get a chance to try out the 118TSI but our experience in VWs and the Octavia have been favourable. The overall fit and finish of the Superb wagon was, well, superb.The wagon is yet another brand builder that is clearly going to prove to many people that this Czech brand is no longer a poor cousin to its German parent.

Even Toyota admits its newest car is designed to create a ruckus. And it is more than just its name, which also happens to be Rukus.Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, admits the boxy wagon is "the most un-Toyota car we have ever sold". "I understand the looks will polarise people," Buttner says.Buttner also says Toyota needs to attract a new style of buyer, one who is youth oriented or at least younger than the global demographic for Toyota cars, which is aged 54. "If it provides us with a chance to attract a younger buyer we believe the investment is worthwhile," he says.The Rukus is expected to attract two types of buyer, urban trendies and those whose car is an extension of their personalities. Buttner says the Gen Y car is designed to be different. "Rukus is set to invade our automotive culture, just as it has done in Japan and the United States."The car has reached cult status in its home Japanese market and also has a strong following in the US. Toyota says the car defies automotive design conventions, particularly the modern trend towards curvy, streamlined shapes. "Suddenly, it's hip to be square," Buttner says.Based on the Corolla, the Rukus shares its architecture with the hatch but borrows its 123kW 2.4-litre four cylinder engine from the RAV4. Buttner describes the boxy wagon as a Tardis – spacious on the inside and compact on the outside. Its on-road footprint is similar to the Corolla hatch, while it gains an extra 40mm of rear overhang to provide plenty of luggage space.Buttner says the car straddles the market between a wagon and a compact off-roader. Despite the quirky design, Buttner is confident the newest wagon will appeal to urban trend-setters and young couples and families. "Rukus will appeal to many people who have never previously considered a Toyota. In that sense, it's the most un-Toyota vehicle we have ever introduced," he says. "It's not for everyone – and that's OK. It's an acquired taste."Prices start at $27,490 for the opener and three models will be available, known as Build 1, Build 2 and Build 3. The Rukus accent is on safety as much as in-your-face styling and strong performance with six airbags, stability and traction control and anti-skid disc brakes all standard.Other features in every Rukus include air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, power mirrors and windows and an engine immobiliser. The quirky design details continue on the inside with centrally mounted gauges and high-mounted gearshift. Audio and cruise-control switches are also on the steering wheel. The boxy shape affords plenty of room for gear. There are plenty of handy storage spaces throughout the cabin, including underneath the luggage floor.The Build 1 sound system has six speaker CD stereo, Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio streaming, USB and 3.5mm audio input. The $29,990 Build 2 adds leather-accented seats, steering wheel and gearshift, plus upgraded air conditioning. Nine speakers for the sound system include a sub-woofer, and there's a six CD-stacker plus a 4.3-inch colour screen for the audio. The aircon gains climate-control and push-button operation. Build 3 is effectively the range topper and adds a tilt-and-slide moonroof for a further $1800.Toyota is expecting to sell between 150 and 200 a month with buyers split 50/50 between private and fleets. Buttner admits it is a low volume car but it remains an important addition to the Toyota lineup. He expects most buyers to be conquests from rival niche vehicles, small hatches, small wagons and compact off-roaders. Buyers will also have the opportunity to dress up their cars with various decals which include stripes, flames and bricks, as well as alloys. An additional lure for buyers is a fixed price servicing deal of $130 for the first six scheduled services.DRIVINGPassion is more than just a box on wheels. Although Toyota is to be applauded for getting out of its design straightjacket, they are trying a little too hard with the Rukus. The company that brought us the evocative Celica and MR2 needs to revisit these cars to try and lure a younger buyer back to the brand.The Rukus is not that car. It's good but it's hardly exciting. It drives predictably and the Toyota badge will be enough for many. It has the same 2600mm wheelbase as the Corolla but gets a 40mm longer rear which translates into a very practical and roomy luggage area.The 123kW/224Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder is a perky performer for the size of the car. The Rukus will hurtle away from the traffic lights with plenty of zip courtesy of the standard four-speed automatic.Our time with the Toyota Tardis was all too brief but if you're familiar with the Corolla's steering, brakes and handling you will feel right at home. What we really like about the Rukus is its commodious interior. The windscreen stretches out in front of the driver like a panoramic cinema screen. There is plenty of room for even the heftiest people up front as well as in the back seat.The standard equipment list is good and the safety kit runs to six airbags, stability control and a strong body. Given that the Corolla wagon is no longer available, the Rukus could fill that niche. But as Kia is finding out with the Soul, there's more to flogging a car to Gen Y than just looks.Perhaps the most important thing about the Rukus is that it heralds a change in culture at Toyota. It could be the first of many different and interesting Toyotas to head our way.

A quick glance at this year's off-roader sales figures reveals two things. They are going gangbusters and there are plenty of choices out there in buyer land. This is good news and bad news for Honda's popular CR-V. Honda has reacted to the challenge from newer rivals by giving the CR-V a modest facelift for 2010.Although it has been around in various guises since 1997 and grown to be a formidable competitor it faces fresh challenges. The Mazda CX-7 and the Volkswagen Tiguan have been edging the likable CR-V out of the sales limelight this year.It also has to go head-to-head with the strong-selling Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4. Other well-specified arrivals like the Hyundai ix35 and repackaged Nissan Dualis will not make things easy for it either.Honda Australia spokesman, Mark Higgins, says despite the competition the CR-V remains one of the company's more popular core models with a strong owner loyalty base. It consistently ranks as one of the brand's top-three sellers. "It's essentially mum and dad's taxi," he says.Higgins says the little off-roader wagon has a strong following among families because of its practicality and economical four-cylinder engine. "The loyalty rate for the CR-V is very high," he says. "Owners tend to upgrade out of one into another."As before, there are three models, a starter, mid-range Sport and range-topper Luxury. The Sport remains the best seller, closely followed by the Luxury, Higgins says. "The mix is quite rich for us towards to top-end models," he says. Prices kick off at $30,990, rising to $42,790 for a loaded Luxury. The Sport is $38,790.Honda has improved the CR-V in several key areas, tweaking the steering, ride and handling. The entry model also gets full-length curtain airbags as standard, while the Sport gets upgraded seven-spoke alloys and the range-topper Luxury has new five-spoke alloys and automatic headlights and wipers. Extra sound deadening has been added around the engine bay and in the cabin to reduce road and engine noise.There are some cosmetic touches outside and inside, like new door handles and interior surfaces, upgraded fabrics and plastics that help create a premium finish. The front end also gets a new bumper and updated grille.Higgins says the feedback from buyers on the improvements has been favourable. "Many remark on how much quieter it is and the sedan-like ride," he says.All CR-V models share the same carry over 125/kW/218Nm 2.4-litre i-VTEC engine four cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. The auto is standard on the Luxury.It's been a while since we've driven the CR-V. However, friends who own them are really committed CR-V owners and love them. We can see why. It manages to master the dual roles of family duties around town while being a compact and economical off-roader if you want to go bush. A five-star crash rating also provides some reassurance.The 2010 updates have delivered improvements to two specific areas, the steering and suspension. The revised steering feels more direct and meatier. The end result is that it now more communicative.The suspension has also been massaged to improve the ride and handling. It works.The CR-V no longer feels slightly floaty when swinging through roundabouts or driving through winding mountain roads. It is more secure and that's a big positive. The 2.4-litre four-cylinder, mated to a five-speed automatic in the Luxury, remains a sweet unit that has ample power and is reasonably economical.However, some of its rivals are now opting for six-speed automatics over a five-speed. The fully automatic 'real-time' all-wheel drive system remains. It uses a multi-plate clutch to push power to the rear wheels only when needed. In the past we've found it reacts too slowly when you hit soft gravel but it will fulfil most light duty off-roading needs.The curvy design, a marked departure from the boxy look of pervious CR-Vs, has grown on us but the front-end still lacks enough visual presence. Like all Hondas, the CR-V's cabin is appealing and modern. The switchgear has a quality feel, the dials and trip computer are easy to read and there is plenty of room for passengers and luggage.The neat, twin-height luggage shelf is a bonus for families with small children. You can pop a stroller under the luggage shelf and put groceries above it. It's a neat trick and typical of Honda's design thoroughness, just like the 40/20/40 split rear seats, which slide and tumble forward to increase the load area.

But Mitsubishi has taken the letters and massaged them into its newest off-roader and called it the Active Sports Crossover, or ASX.  The newest member of the Mitsubishi team arrives in local showrooms in August.It will line up next to the Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35, Holden Captiva 5, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Nissan Dualis in the ultra-competitive sub-$30,000 compact off-roader arena. Mitsubishi Australia Ltd president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, says it will be sold as a manoeuvrable city car that could bring new buyers into the Mitsubishi family.  "It also has the added benefit of being very smart, especially in terms of the technology that drives its engineering, design and all-wheel drive ability," he says.The ASX was originally born as the cX concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.  The finished product has links with both the Outlander and Lancer Evolution X and borrows the ‘family’ look front end.  In size, it is 345mm shorter than the Outlander and 200g lighter.The production car also uses a one-piece hatch instead of the two-piece doors on the concept.  Japanese versions are powered by either 1.8 or 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.  Although local specifications are yet to be released, both petrol and diesel engines – as well as front or all-wheel drive versions – are tipped.Takahashi says as an entry off-roader, the ASX has the potential to drive strong sales to supplement the Triton, Outlander and Pajero.  It will be pitched into the profitable compact off-roader segment, which is experiencing massive growth.Off-roader sales are up 35 per cent this year as buyers move out of family sedans and into lifestyle vehicles.  "The global trend is for smaller compact off-roaders," he says.  "We believe this trend will become very noticeable in Australia as well."With the appeal of front-wheel drive crossovers growing, the new Mitsubishi chief says the company is also looking at adding a front-drive version of the bigger Outlander later this year.  "It's under consideration," he says.

For the first time wealthy owners of the updated German limousine can request a high-quality perfume flask for their cars. At the touch of a button the flask sprays a fragrance of the owner's choice around the cabin.The perfume dispenser is one of several lavish new touches. Buyers can also specify hand-braided piping on the seats with insets of Swarovski crystals, wireless internet access and a 19-inch high-resolution colour television for rear passengers. Egocentric owners can even have their name embossed into the rear glass privacy screen.Despite only a handful being sold here, Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesman, Peter Fadeyev, says both the short-wheelbase 57 and longer wheelbase 62 and S versions are still available."We have a dedicated Maybach department to deal with customers who want the car," he says. Because of the unlimited range of paint, upholstery and trim options, customers are guided through the fitout process on a one-to-one basis.Globally the super luxury flagship of the Daimler range has never enjoyed the same success off the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The Phantom has outsold the German car around the world by a significant margin. Even the "baby" Ghost, at $695,000, already has more than 30 committed Australian buyers.In an effort to move the Maybach further away from the premium long-wheelbase S-Class sedan, Mercedes has finessed it with new wheels, paint schemes and other cosmetic touches. The grille is bigger and now cuts into the bumper to give the car more presence while LED daytime running lights have been added under the bumper.Power is up 13kW to 463kW/1000Nm for the V12 in the 57 S and 62 S, but the standard 57 and 62 make do with the twin-turbocharged 410kW/900Nm 5.5-litre twin-turbo Mercedes-Benz V12. However, the Euro 5 compliant 12-cylinder engine has been tweaked for slightly better economy and lower emissions.Fadeyev says few customers cross-shop against a top-end 6.0-litre S-Class 65 AMG, which costs $482,900. "They really are two completely different cars with different customers," he says. "And the Maybach is double the price."According to VFACTS sales figures, since it was launched locally in March 2004, just 10 Maybachs have been sold. If the perfume bottle does not get them over the line Maybach buyers also get the security of a four-year/unlimited warranty that includes all scheduled services.

The company's new president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, says the importer would not chase a quick fix to grab a bigger slice of the sales pie.  "I want sustainable, steady growth," he says. "But I want to improve the quality of our business in every sense, in terms of product, market share and sales."In 2008 the company closed its Adelaide manufacturing plant, only to be followed last year by the global economic crisis.  Despite two body blows, the company's local sales fared well.Mitsubishi sold 57,000 vehicles last year about 4000 vehicles shy of its 2008 result.  This year Takahashi is confident the company will match and possibly exceed its 2009 sales figure as the car market continues to surge.Mitsubishi sales are up almost 20 per cent this year, in line with the overall market.  The company's small Lancer remains a dominant seller but its four-wheel drive line-up is also strong.One of Takahashi's first tasks is to launch new products to help drive up the company's market share.  "But I also want to fine-tune our products to better suit Australian needs," he says.Apart from tweaks to its existing vehicles, Mitsubishi will add another crossover off-roader, the small ASX, in August.  It will be pitched into the profitable compact off-roader segment, which is experiencing massive growth.Off-roader sales are up 35 per cent this year as buyers move out of family sedans and into lifestyle vehicles.  "The global trend is for smaller compact off-roaders and we believe this trend will become very noticeable in Australia as well," he says.Takahashi, like other car company executives is also closely watching the emerging Chinese carmakers.  With Chinese carmakers like Geely on the Australian doorstep and Great Wall Motors vehicles now on sale local, he was not as pessimistic as other importers about these emerging low-cost cars."Competition will be tough but it will also open up opportunities," he says.  A 27-year veteran of Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Takahashi has worked extensively in Japan, the Middle East and Latin America overseeing marketing, distribution and sales for those regions.For the past five years he has held several key roles in the company's local operations.  Takahashi replaces Robert McEniry, who steered the company through the Adelaide plant closure.

The ute-exclusive, single-engine manufacturer has made minor changes to its 15-model range, expanding the availability of automatic transmission and cruise control while putting more aggression into its face with a toothy grille. Automatic is now available on the SX mid-spec 4WD and 2WD dual-cab utes and cruise is standard on all SXs.  But it is not available on cab-chassis variants because these have a longer wheelbase than the utes.  Option up the auto to the 2WD SX dual cab and it includes the 4WD's high-lift suspension that has 225mm of ground clearance, wheel arch flares and 16-inch wheels with 245/70 tyres.The jump seats - which fold down or up to maximise cargo room when not carrying passengers - adds an extra $700 though the price includes cruise control.Isuzu UTE Australia boss Mr Hitoshi Kono admits the changes are small but sees the auto as increasing appeal, especially among fleet buyers.  No decision has been made on expanding the range to include halo versions including the space-cab well-body ute similar to the one Bruce Garland successfully campaigns in off-road endurance events.Prices for the D-Max range between $25,100 and $44,500, the latter for a 4WD turbo-diesel dual-cab automatic.

Known as the Avante in South Korea, the MD sedan is expected to carry an 'i' designation here, in keeping with the rest of the latest Hyundais. The MD carries on Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design and looks like a smaller version of the i45 sedan. The front drive sedan gets a new 105kW/167Nm 1.6-litre direct injection four-cylinder mated to a six-speed sequential automatic. A manual is also tipped. Hyundai says it is about 10 per cent more economical than its closest competitors, thanks to direct injection and the six-speed automatic. In Korea, the MD will be available with high intensity headlights, LED tail-lights, heated rear seats, and a colour information display. Local specifications and prices will be confirmed closer to launch.