Articles by Peter Barnwell

There's some really good tech' stuff in the new Honda Accord but not much in this particular model, the entry level $31,490 VTi.

Mazda makes a habit of building excellent medium size sedans and wagons. It was the case even before the advent of the Mazda 6 more than a decade and three generations back. But they've never really cracked it in terms of big sales volumes, a problem exacerbated by the super popular, smaller Mazda 3. If you are

The Isuzu SUV looks like a decent thing against a sea of rather uninspiring competitors out of various Thai factories.It's basically a D-Max with a wagon body and is roughly, Isuzu's version of the Holden Colorado7 but with Isuzu underpinings including a proper 3.0-litre 'truck' engine and much more attractive styling.Three rows of seats accommodate seven passengers with a bit of luggage space down the back. Isuzu says it has a passenger car-like driving experience but we are sceptical given its specification. There's an obvious link style-wise with the D-Max especially around the frontal area with the rear end being something new.And there's plenty of plastic around the body for protection and to get that 'tough' look so coveted by people who buy these things. When it comes to hauling, MU-X has a 3 tonne towing (braked) capacity available on both 4x2 and 4x4 variants.ENGINEPower comes from the familiar 3.0L four pot Isuzu diesel engine with 130kW/380Nm output. It runs a high-pressure common-rail fuel injection system and an intercooled VGT - variable geometry turbocharger. Isuzu says it designed this engine with fuel consumption and low emissions front of mind claiming 8.2-litres/100km.The MU-Xs five-speed automatic (a cog too few) transmission has sequential sports mode. The auto also has hill descent and hill-ascent modes. With its D-Max heritage, the 4x4 version of MU-X would have impressive off road capabilities and selectable high and low range four wheel drive as well as two wheel drive. The 4x2 is rear wheel drive and shouldn't really go off road at all.LADDER CHASSISThe vehicle is on a robust ladder chassis and the 4x4 versions have a front steel plate skid/splash shield as well as steel plate guards to protect the sump and transfer case. Various electronics modulate the 4x4s drive system for optimum grip, with a "Terrain Command" dial select system available on the top model.It has 230mm of ground clearance, and sensible design sees no low-slung components -- the front lower control arms don't hang too low, and the air intake is hidden within the front fender. In the engine bay, the ECU isn't exposed and the alternator sits up high. These features show that Isuzu has protected all the vulnerable parts and a bit of mud isn't going to cause trouble.SUSPENSIONIt rides on double wishbone front suspension with coil springs, gas shocks and stabiliser while down the back is a five-link suspension configuration also with coil springs, stabiliser bar and gas shocks.PRICE AND FEATURESIt's offered in three variants in both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains. Pricing starts at $40,500 rising to $53,500. Kit includes a premium audio system, Bluetooth phone, aircon', folding rear seat rows and a suite of safety kit. Nothing doing on fixed price servicing yet, Bluetooth audio streaming only on some models and 'expected' 5 star crash rating.

Suzuki will display several lightweight concept exhibits at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show including this gem -- the Crosshiker -- which looks like a new version of the ugly, egg-shaped Suzuki X90 from last century.It's a total contradiction of Suzuki's show theme which is "Let's Create a Brand New Story". That doesn't compute given the styling of this vehicle which is a throwback.Crosshiker is a compact crossover with weight reduction and fuel-efficient technologies. It uses the next-generation lightweight Suzuki platform. Crosshiker is the size of a compact car while weighing 810kg - the weight of a minicar. It runs a newly developed 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine which Suzuki says strikes a good balance between power and environmental performance.Suzuki is a small car specialist with strong sales based on well priced, sensible vehicles. Perhaps this is just a bit of fun, something to create a bit more interest in the brand in the face of stiff competition. 

You've got to respect Audi for their commitment in producing 'only' soft top cabriolets.

The popularity of large motorhomes escaped us until this week when we actually experienced one first hand.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars and answer the questions, including the biggest --  would you buy one?What is it?This is one of Audi's most potent cars and it's a wagon, hardly a "family" wagon but yes, it shares a carry-all body with more mundane A6 wagons - but little else. This one's a replacement for the previous tech-overkill V10 RS6 Avant and is a much better vehicle.How much?Deep breath, deep pocket, $225,000 much of which is straight to the government(s) in taxes.What are competitors?None that we can think of unless BMW brings out a hotrod 5-Series M5 wagon, or Benz brings out an E63 AMG wagon. The nearest thing would be an HSV Clubbie Sportwagon -  about a million miles away.What's under the bonnet?Prodigious power comes from a 4.0-litre, V8 petrol engine with two, twin-scroll turbos nestling in the vee between each engine bank. The engine has cylinder deactivation which cuts four pots on cruise and plenty of other efficiency technology designed to boost performance and cut fuel use and emissions. Variable valve timing, friction reduction, on- demand ancillaries, direct injection, heat management, you name it. The donk is good for 412kW/700Nm output. Egad!How does it go?Like you wouldn't believe. Cuts a 3.9 second 0-100kmh sprint and has enough kick at any speed to make you light headed under full throttle. It's Ferrari performance in a family wagon and is extremely handy through the twist bits too despite tipping the scales at 2010kg..Is it economical?Pretty good considering with 9.8-litres/100km within reach - using 98 of course..Is it green?Greenish achieving a Euro5 rating for the engine.Is it safe?Five stars with plenty of additional driver assist features... and option packs with more.Is it comfortable?Covers most bases thanks to drive select with about five choices ranging from comfort through to race modes - soft to hard and everything in between for most dynamic functions.What's it like to drive?Emits a pyrotechnic bang at every gear change in sport mode - got to love that and oh, yes, eye wateringly quick and composed as well. Ticks all the boxes. Eight speed auto and quattro all wheel drive. Looks awesome riding on 21-inch alloys crouched low on its adaptive air suspension. The interior is premium luxury with all that brings including leather sports seats and Bose audio, digital TV, high end satnav, full connectivity.Is it value for money?Measured against what? Huge money for the average punter but against vehicles with similar performance that are nowhere near as practical, it's good value..Would we buy one?Sell the kids, not a problem.... Price: from $225,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited, roadside assistCapped servicing: NoService interval: 12mths/15,000kmSafety: 10 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCEngine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 412kW/700NmTransmission: 8-spd auto; constant AWDThirst: 9.8L/100km; 98RON; 229g/km CO2Dimensions: 5.0m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.5m (H)Weight: 2010kgSpare: spacesaver 

There's a rash of new one tonne utes and SUV derivatives on the way due to unprecedented demand so Holden has got in early with a mild update to its Colorado one tonner and derivative Colorado7 SUV.

We answer the big questions about the BMW M6 Gran Coupe, including the most important one -- would you buy one?

You'd expect a car the size and weight of Mercedes-Benz's CLS 250CDI to suck a bit of fuel. It's a big, rear drive, four-door 'coupe' with swoopy lines crammed with luxury kit weighing in at 1785kg.