Articles by Paul Gover

In a world dominated by hulking SUV family haulers, Mercedes-Benz is bucking the trend with its CLS Shooting Brake.

When Dick Johnson hit The Rock at Mount Panorama in 1980 his Tru-Blue Falcon won an instant place in Australian motorsport history.  Now, on the 50th anniversary of the Bathurst 1000, the Tru-Blue Falcon is back - with a twist. It's one of a series of retro liveries that will be run this October including, if rumours are true, an FPR Falcon for David Reynolds that will mimic an XR Falcon from 1967.  The Tru-Blue livery is unveiled today thanks to Dick Johnson and the current sponsors of James Moffat's DJR Falcon, including Norton.  They have agreed to the retro look that includes the same bright blue bodywork and Tru-Blu sign writing on the sides, although the use of Johnson's signature racing number - 17 - is likely to be changed to Moffat's regular number by Bathurst time.  The Rock is also likely to make an appearance at the press call this morning, as it lives in a display case at Johnson's workshop and museum on the Gold Coast.

This is the rock-solid prediction of Audi, which is working on a wide range of new green technologies that take in everything from battery-electric cars to methanol and diesel fuels produced by special bacteria. It is almost showroom ready with mild hybrids that promise significant economy and CO2 improvements by boosting the electrification of cars, as well as electric turbochargers, cylinder-on-demand engine controls and even a tiny three-cylinder engine that's used - much the same as the Holden Volt - to create an extended-range electric car. Audi's window on the future of cars is open in Munich this week at an event called the Audi Future Lab: Mobility. It's an even that takes in everything from its Le Mans winning hybrid racing cars to a new A3 Sportback compact that runs on compressed natural gas created from renewal resources, as well as new energy developments in Europe and city planning in giant metropolises as diverse as Mumbai in India to Sao Paolo in Brazil - which has the world's largest density of privately-owned helicopters to beat traffic snarls. "By 2050 there will be well over nine billion people living on this planet. All of these people will want a roof over their head and to be mobile," says Johann Gessler of Audi's advanced technology unit. "Today we are addressing the target of CO2 neutral mobility. It's more than just a battery moving along, we must understand the identity of a society and ask the right questions." For Audi, that means everything from understanding the future development of mega cities - it claims there are only three today with more than 15 million people but this will become hundreds - to converting renewable energy into fossil-fuel replacements for combustion engines and the electric cars that will follow. "What is the role of the car? We all want a bespoke solution … the right solution for each of us," Gessler says. "We do not have one size that suits all. So we are working flat-out to provide the mobility of tomorrow." Audi is part of the giant Volkswagen Group, which aims to be the world's top carmaker by 2015, so its technology could eventually flow to budget-priced Skodas and on up to Bentley and Bugatti flagships. Audi is convinced that the growing importance of green motoring, and especially the battle to cut CO2 emissions, will bring much more efficient cars to the world's roads. But it is still not giving a prediction on the total demise of internal-combustion engines, even though Audi says the world has passed the peak oil threshold and demand will eventually outstrip supplies of fossil fuels.  

It's a huge boost for the tin top tussle and a big tick for the Car of the Future rules which have made it possible.

Officially it's called the LF-CC - standing for Lexus Future Compact Coupe - but it has the same size and style as the all-new IS that will be in showrooms in 2013.Not just that, but it packs an advanced new hybrid driveline that's also almost certain for production. Lexus is in the final stages of renewing its IS and going all out to give it more punch and personality to pick up buyers who would otherwise take a traditional trip to an Audi, BMW or Benz dealer.The CC concept is intended to get them thinking about a Japanese alternative and also prove that Lexus is serious about a reinvention that's being driven by Toyota chief Akio Toyoda and began earlier this year with a new mid-sized GS sedan, complete with the 'spindle grille' nose that's the company's new front-end signature.But the head of Lexus Australia warns about reading too much into the Paris tease, especially the car's two-door coupe body. "It's not the IS. It's a coupe. It definitely shows the design intent for Lexus," Tony Cram tells Carsguide. "It's about the same size as the IS, I can say that for sure, but it's not the IS. I think it's more of a pointer for the design direction for Lexus. It's a stunning car. "I think you'll find the IS is gorgeous, but this coupe is a concept and not a production car." Under the skin, the LF-CC is powered by a new hybrid drivetain that pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine - using an Atkinson combustion cycle, with both direct and port fuel injection - linked to an electric motor. Lexus is keeping outputs secret until Paris, but everything points to around 147 kiloWatts with CO2 emissions of less than 100 grams/kilometre.Lexus currently sells the IS as a four-door sedan and two-door convertible in Australia, with prices from $55,800 and $94,300, with the hotrod V8-powered IS-F at $126,300. It's likely the same lineup will continue, although there is an obvious opening for a coupe to rival the three German brands and to continue the Lexus commitment to two-door cars as image machines.But, again, Cram is talking conservative on the IS program. "We haven't announced timing yet for he IS, but it's not far away. It will be sometime next year," he confirms. "The cars will be bolder. We're signalling that with our concept cars. "We've definitely got to be more bold and have our own look. You see cues in this concept car, but it's not the IS." 

The Paceman, which was only a motor show concept at Detroit in 2010, hits Australian showrooms early next year. It follows the Countryman, Clubman van, and a long string of other teases including the Mini Coupe and Roadster from the spotlights to the stop lights.The production Paceman is based on the biggest of the existing Mini models, the all-wheel drive Countryman, and is likely to be the last addition to the Mini lineup before BMW Group - which owns the iconic British brand - gives it a total renewal.The production Paceman continues almost unchanged from the styling of the concept car, with the emphasis on performance including a Cooper S model that will sprint to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. “It's the seventh body shape in the mini range,” the spokesman for Mini in Australia, Piers Scott, confirms to Carsguide.“It's March next year for Australia. We're pretty solid on that. The cars are being built in Austria in November.” He will not discuss prices or equipment but confirms the Paceman's position at the top of the local lineup, and a likely price tag of more than $55,000.“It will sit above the countryman. It's the flagship,” says Scott. “It will have a small premium over the Countryman.” The body of the Paceman is a three-door hatch but it is much bigger than the basic Mini that opens the action, and its interior is focussed on a luxury four-seater cabin that provides individual chairs for two people in the back. These include armrests for back-seat passengers, extra leg and knee room, and a central storage system.Mini confirms a sporty focus for the Paceman chassis, but also reveals a luggage capacity of up to 1080 litres. “It's the largest platform and the sportiest iteration of what the Mini brand currently offers. This is the furtherest extrapolation of the Countryman,” says Scott. The large central speedometer continues as a Mini signature, although it could be the last model with this emphasis as the upcoming replacement for the Mini Cooper is believed to have a more-conventional dashboard design.European sources point to a preview of the car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in almost exactly a year's time. “Yes, there is a replacement for the Mini hatch to come. That will, no doubt, bring new design elements,” confirms Scott. “There are certain elements that every Mini must have, so I wouldn't expect anything too radical for the new hatch. We should get a look at it next year. I believe it will be later in the year.” 

A Volkswagen at $13,990 seems too good to be true. But the Up is not just another Volkswagen and, in many ways, has more in common with the original Beetle than the Golf that has set the benchmark in the small-car class for more than a decade.The baby Up - it's even smaller than Volkswagen's Polo, it's previous starter car in Australia - is intended to be starting-price motoring for anyone who wants to hit the road. The Up comes as a three-door hatch at $13,990 in Australia, or a five-door for $14,990, but the basics are the same and quite basic."One engine, one transmission, two boy choices," says Anke Koeckle, managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia. "I think this is the people's car again. The Beetle was all about making it affordable to the whole world and the Up is also focussed on mobility and affordability."VALUEThe Up is a global car and that means - just like the Big Mac - that it's the same taste but tweaked to the pockets of local buyers. So that means $13,990 for Australians, well below the Polo and right into the range of cars like the Nissan Micra and Holden Barina. It's more costly than the current bargain-basement leader, the Suzuki Alto at $11,990, but there are plenty of obvious reasons why it costs more.The standard specification for the Up is nicely meaty, with everything from remote central locking and power steering to aircon and front electric windows. But the rear windows only pop out, they don't wind, and there is no automatic gearbox.The big bonus comes on the safety front, with a five-star Euro NCAP rating that's expected to be repeated in Australia, and a radar-guided anti-collision system that's a major breakthrough at this price. By the end of the week it's also likely that Volkswagen will have welcome news for Up shoppers about the running costs of their car, too.TECHNOLOGYThe Up is straightforward and simple: a 1-litre, three-cylinder engine in the nose, a four-seater cabin that's just big enough for the job, a reasonable boot and full-sized spare. The big technology tweak is the City Emergency Braking system, which uses a forward radar to detect imminent collisions and car brake automatically at up to 30km/h. VW says it is a major advance and it's standard for Australia.The engine makes a meagre 55 kiloWatts of power and 95 Newton-metres of torque, but it only has to move 880 kilograms. VW says the fuel economy is 4.5 litres/100km running on 95-octane unleaded.DESIGNThe Up is a box. Nothing special at all about it. The nose has a bit of personality, with a smiley face, but otherwise it's all about jamming the biggest possible cabin into a car that's less than three metres in length.The cabin is typically Volkswagen and typically Germanic, which means efficient and not particularly inviting. But when you look around it has everything you need, with a couple of nice touches - like the flat-bottom steering wheel - to relieve the hard plastic and painted metal surfaces.SAFETYThe Up has already hit the five-star standard in Europe and VW says the result will be mirrored in Australian testing, which is already underway. It only has four airbags, with no head support for the rear, but there is that radar system, audible seat belt warnings, and the usual ESP and ABS, but with only drum brakes on the rear.DRIVINGThe first impression of the Up is good - the doors shut with a thunk, not a Coke-can clink like most of the true tiddlers sold in Australia. The cabin is nice enough, with reasonable seats - and height adjustment for the driver - clear instruments and typically-VW controls and switches.It all works, and that's all you really need. The engine has the irregular beat of a three-cylinder but propels the Up well enough, at least for its size and price. It's no fireball, and sometimes you have to row the gears to get it up a hill, but it is what it is.The same is true for the suspension, which thumps a bit over city potholes but smooths out when you get to 80km/h. The handling is, well, what it is. The brakes are fine. The level of road and noise is fine.If this all sounds to be a bit underwhelming, it's not. But no-one shopping in the sub-$15,000 class - and often considering a better deal than a secondhand car - is expecting a Rolls-Royce or Ferrari.The Up is a good deal at a good price, although the lack of an automatic gearbox is a big negative and anyone who wants Bluetooth connectivity for their phone - with the bonus of satnav and a classy trip computer - will have to spend more for the $500 Map+More package. For what it is, and what it costs, and what its up against, the Up cannot fail. Right now, it looks like a four-star car in Australia.VERDICTThe spiritual successor to the Beetle, in everything but shape, is a good deal at the right time.Volkswagen UpPrice: from $13,990Engine: 1-litre 3-cyl petrol, 55kW/95NmTransmission: 5 speed manualThirst: 4.5L/100km (95 RON)

The i30 three-door hatch has just been revealed in Europe and the car looks ideal as a addition to the best selling five-door hatch and wagon already sold in Australia. It even comes with right-hand drive. But, because the car is built in Czech Republic and development has been focussed on Europe, Hyundai Automotive has ruled it out of their local model lineup. “We can confirm there are currently no plans to bring the three-door i30 to Australia,” says Oliver Mann, direct of marketing at Hyundai Automotive. He admits the car looks appealing but says there are too many hurdles for a successful local launch. The biggest conflict is pricing, as the cost of getting the car from Europe - including shipping - would have to be balanced against Korean sourcing of the other i30 models. And it would have to come in below the five-door, which currently starts at $20,990, to fit correctly in the local lineup. “It would be very complicated. We don't see how it could work for us,” Mann says. But Hyundai has not said ‘never’ and admits it will continue to monitor the success of the three-door i30. For Europe, the car has a big job. “The New Generation i30 three-door has been conceived solely for Europe, and will strengthen Hyundai’s presence further in the segment where we have seen our greatest success since 2007,” says Allan Rushforth, the chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor Europe. “Just as important, its sporty looks - offering a fresh interpretation of fluidic sculpture - will generate greater brand awareness and enhance consumer perceptions of Hyundai in Europe.” The car will be officially unveiled in a fortnight at the Paris motor show alongside another Euro-foccussed Korean contender, the Kia Cee'd. Both are design-driven additions to the lineup from the Hyundai-Kia juggernaut that is aiming to eventually topple Volkswagen Group to become the world's biggest carmaker. The Cee'd has never been seriously considered for Australia even though it is a popular compact in Europe, and even gets flogged on the Top Gear television show as the Reasonably Price Car for celebrity guests. Looking to the i30 three-door, the new hatch is style driven with a sharply-raked windscreen and rising belt line behind a revised grille. For Europe, there are four engines with six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, and the front-wheel drive chassis already under the five-door. The three-door will be powered by a choice of four engines in five power outputs, mated to either six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, unlike the Australian hatch and wagon which are only fitted with 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines.  

The breakthrough baby from the German brand rises to $14,990 if you want five doors, but creates a new price point for a European brand that also puts it well below the $16,990 starting money for the Polo. The Up is described by Volkswagen Australia as a sub-light car, which puts it into the same size category as the Suzuki Alto. It comes in at just 880 kilograms, is powered by a 1-litre three-cylinder engine, and has space - but not a lot - for four people. Judging from a brief introduction today in Melbourne, the car feels commendably chunky apart from some suspension clunking over potholes. It gets along well enough for the size and price, and has a couple of neat tricks - like a full-sized spare - to win buyers. But … there is no automatic and no Bluetooth connection unless you pay for an extra navigation pack and, despite the value drive on the car, the Up does not come with capped-price servicing. The Up is the cheapest Volkswagen in Australia since the original Beetle back in the 1980s but the company denies it is gambling by taking it on. "It's not a gamble at all," says Anke Koeckler, head of VW Australia. "This is about a premium car in the sub-light category." Positives include a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which VW expects to be mirrored by ANCAP, and a laser-based city safety system that applies the brakes automatically to avoid a crash at up to 30km/h.  

... and this test mule points to a potential +2 model with a bigger cabin. The new ForTwo stays as a tiny two-seater but the +2 is expected to add back seats for two more.