Articles by Peter Barnwell

took them ages to get it here but finally Honda has a diesel variant, (two actually) of the popular CR-V compact SUV

Audi's five-door RS7 Sportback is top dog in Audi's RS pack selling for an eye watering $238,500.But against the competition - it undercuts both the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG and BMW M6 Gran Coupe - the base RS7 is bargain priced.FEATURESThe RS7 rejigs the standard A7 sheetmetal with an RS-specific enhancements and add ons like the front bumper, rear diffuser, sideskirts and 21-inch wheels. Inside, Audi has gone the whole hog with honeycomb-stitching on the four sports seats, perforated leather flat-bottomed steering wheel, and hectares of carbon fibre trim.Standard features include leather upholstery and carbon fibre fascia, four-zone climate, front and rear parking sensors and cameras, heads up display, eight-inch touchscreen with satnav, 14 speaker Bose audio with digital TV and radio, electric sunroof and tailgate, LED headlights with auto high-beams, and standard adaptive air suspension. Extra carbon, driver alerts, coil suspension with adaptive dampers, ceramic brakes with a 305km/h top-speed upgrade are optional.ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONMonumental performance is unleashed by the RS7's twin turbo, petrol, 4.0-litre, V8 that achieves 412kW/700Nm. Maximum torque is available from 1750-5500rpm.It drives all four wheels through a quattro system via an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission. This is sufficient to propel the weighty fastback from 0-100kmh in a scant 3.9 seconds while combined fuel consumption is an impressive 9.8-litres/100km thanks in part to cylinder deactivation, engine stop/start and the high level of technology within the engine and around the car's body/chassis.SAFETYFive stars with all that brings, and a range of driver assist features to help you stay on top of the beast.DRIVINGIt's all you have a right to expect from a sports vehicle of this calibre and specification. The ride's impressively controlled and comfortable. There's minimal noise from engine, tyres or wind.Prod the throttle at any speed and the RS7 delivers awesome acceleration. All this to the accompaniment of a stirring exhaust soundtrack with snap crackle and pop emanating from the quad tips. Though no dual clutch transmission in terms of shift speed, the eight speed auto does a good job as it's accurately calibrated to suit the GT nature of the big Audi fastback.Braking power from the large disc and multi piston calipers is excellent. Everything is made better when the Audi Drive Select system is utilised. The price is high, so's the pleasure level of driving a sleek, sexy sports machine like this. It fully engages all your senses and gives you a feeling of superiority over lesser automobilia.VERDICTLooks the business, sounds incredible, goes like a flash.Audi RS7 SportbackPrice: from $238,500Engine: 4.0L twin turbo V8 petrol 412kW/700NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 9.8L/100km

The DS3 goes for $29,740 and that includes plenty of standard kit like climate control air, full Bluetooth connectivity, satnav, power ancillaries and gorgeous alloy wheels.

What we have now is a "softie" Pathfinder that is designed for so-called "urban cowboys/girls" who rarely if ever go further off road than made-up gravel or to the snow.

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Having engine stop/start on a car like the Benz CLS 63 AMG doesn't seem to fit.

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