Articles by Peter Barnwell

We've been punting this cute little number around the streets and highways near home for the past three months, making irregular visits to the servo and making a big impression on the neighbours.

We turn the spotlight on the Mazda BT-50 XT 3.2 cab-chassis and answer the questions, including the most important -- would you buy one?This is Mazda's workhorse, the new generation BT-50 ute in a wide range of  variants, in this case, the bottom spec 4x4 manual XT cab/chassis.This one goes for $36,810 but if you don't need 4x4 capability, the 3.2 twobie goes for $28,740 but if you're happy with the 2.2-litre four plonker diesel twobie it's $25,570 in cab chassis.Heads on them like white mice - Ranger, Hilux, Triton, Colorado, D-Max, Amarok, Navara.This is the 3.2 litre, five-cylinder turbo diesel shared with Ford Ranger. It's good for 147kW/470Nm output and sips fuel from an 80-litre tank.Like a shot. A performance ute even - once you get out of first cog. Even with a load on board it's a good goer. But the springs are stiff and she bounces a fair but unladen as you'd expect from a leaf spring rear end.Not bad at 8.9-litres/100km for this one, less for the twobie 3.2 and less again for the 2.2 four cylinder but the six speed auto is up around the 10 mark.Not really.Five stars with all that brings in terms of primary and secondary safety kit - air bags, stability control and so on..OK for a ute, with big seats unless you're in the 'third' middle pew which isn't really a seat at all. Plenty of handy kit in a base model like Bluetooth phone and audio, power windows and mirrors, trip computer, cruise control, aircon, hill hold and downhill assist, rake only steering adjust and cloth seats. No satnav which should be mandatory in a working vehicle.We liked it apart from the notchy six speed manual transmission. Whacked a tonne in the aluminium tray and it went like a train. Has a full size steel spare as well as practical steel wheels. The auto is arguably a better proposition for mixed driving, fully captures the diesel's grunt and is better in the city.We'd probably go for the 2WD at a lot less money unless 4WD was absolutely necessary. There's eight grand difference but if you talk sternly to a dealer, we are told you'll probably get a sharper price.Maybe depending on the price. Great engine, big 3.3 tonne towing capacity, 1411kg payload,  200mm ground clearance and under body protection. Plenty to like.

Hyundai has taken a leaf out of Kia Australia's book with progressive localisation of its vehicle lineup.

It would be foolish to disregard Falcon if you are shopping for a large family sedan especially concerning the XR6 Turbo at around $46 grand.

We turn the spotlight on the Mercedes-Benz A250 Sport and answer the big questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one? WHAT IS IT? This is the penultimate Benz A Class with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and front wheel drive. It's a practical five door hatchback and this one gets the ultra-cool diamond

Our long term Aspire Premium has all the driver assist aids you can get in the new Outlander and it's a better everyday vehicle as a result.

Two variants are offered in GX and GXR spec, and the car is the Malaysian company's most comprehensively equipped model introduced here. Suprima S runs yet another version of the Campro 1.6 litre, DOHC engine, this time with a low boost (11psi or .80bar) turbo attached for a significant boost to torque and power. The turbo system features an intercooler for added efficiency and the engine achieves 103kW at 5,000 rpm and 205Nm at 2,000-4,000 rpm.Suprima S will be available with a seven-speed Protronic CVT transmission with paddle shifters, followed by a six-speed manual transmission from next year, at a $2,000 saving over the CVT.Ride and handling was looked after by Lotus which promises tidy dynamics. Suprima S also has an ANCAP five-star safety rating.FEATURESThe sporty exterior styling theme continues inside the cabin starting with steering wheel audio and phone controls and a dark grey upholstery tone.Kit includes Bluetooth, USB and iPod connectivity, Smart Information Display which includes a trip distance and time meter, instant fuel consumption and distance to empty, gear shift lock, car a keyfob low battery warning, seat belt reminder, intrusion alarm, service reminder and the usual array of warning lights.The GXR gets piano black highlights on the steering wheel, gear knob and centre console  and leather upholstery.It also gains push button start/stop, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, cruise control, automatic headlights, automatic front wipers and climate control. Satnav is also included along with park sensors and hill hold assist.Suprima S hits the road here from January 1 priced from $21,790 drive away with CVT transmission.

Ford might be in a bit of a pickle with Falcon but other products are forging ahead and now, another tempting model is available - the EcoSport small SUV.

We turn the spotlight on the Mitsubishi Challenger LS and answer the important questions, including the biggest -- would you buy one?

How much Audi do you really need? Think about it.