Articles by Peter Barnwell

CRV was an excellent concept for Honda to latch onto back in the late ‘90s. The first generation was a cracker and won a legion of converts to the compact SUV fold, aided by Toyota's RAV4. Now, these smaller softroaders account for a large slice of new vehicle sales in this country. People love the practicality, style and value when compared with say a small wagon.Honda's gen' four CRV has just lobbed and it ushers in the first front wheel drive CRV as well as a diesel mid-next-year. The "new" model is actually a "top hat" or new skin on the previous platform with extra goodies and a revised 2.4-litre petrol engine in addition to the ‘new' 2.0-litre in the front wheel drive variant. It's out of the previous model Civic Sport with revisions.The initial five model range comprises six speed manual and five-speed auto 2WD in low spec' VTi grade and VTi, VTi-S and VTI-L 4WD with the 2.4-litre engine and five-speed auto only. Prices range from $27,490 for the entry manual ‘twobie' up to $42,990 for the 2.4 L ‘fourbie.' The diesel will be a 2.2-litre unit already used in European Hondas and will probably cost more than the VTi-L.New kit in CRV includes reverse cameras across the range and a clever one touch rear seat folding system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. All models get a full size alloy spare and a comprehensive trip computer. The new CRV is actually smaller outside than its predecessor but available interior room is greater.Honda has attempted to make the CRV more car like in its drive feel and overall appearance. It's shorter, lower and has a lower ride height. But the look is derivative with a strong similarity to the previous model. It's inoffensive to look at but lacks ‘wow' factor, in other words, boring.The interior has a modern style and is functional but the entire dash is in cheap hard plastic and there are only two soft feel areas, the door armrests and the top of the centre console - not ‘premium' like some of the competition.Honda has made efforts to improve powertrain efficiency but the use of a five-speed auto puts that in question. However, engine internals and wheel bearings are friction reduced, aerodynamics are better, the vehicle now has electric power steering and there's an ‘Econ' mode that optimises some functions including engine ‘mapping' for efficiency.There's a driver coaching ‘Eco' mode too but no engine stop/start on Aussie CRVs. No hybrid either - anywhere. The 2.0-litre achieves 114kW/190Nm and 7.8-litres/100km while the 2.4 achieves 140kW/222Nm and 8.7-litres/100km.There's a paddle shift on the 2.4 model which gets plenty of kit across the range. There's no 4WD locking mode on the fourbie (unlike half the competition) because Honda says buyers won't need it. Tell that to the bloke trying to haul his speedboat up a slippery boat ramp.It gets a five star ANCAP rating partly due to the strong body/chassis construction, multiple air bags and stability control. Honda says the suspension and other vehicle dynamics have been refined this time around for better ride and handling. No local calibration though.We drove the entry level 2WD auto and the top of the range 4WD auto and have to say they feel, well, just like a CRV to drive. This was emphasised by a concurrent drive of the previous model at the launch function.The engines lack low-end torque and like to rev - a Honda trait. They have adequate performance making a bit of noise when you exercise the right foot. We got nowhere near the claimed fuel consumption figures. The 18-inch wheels on the top-of-the-line car generate too much road noise on coarse chip roads. Ride is comfortable and controlled and the new vehicle feels good to drive as a ‘normal' runabout.Next.

When you've been making cars for more than a century you pick-up a thing or two. Mercedes-Benz has a rich history in the automobile world and brings this expertise to the new, small, A-Class five door hatch.Such a car would have been almost unthinkable from Benz of old but not now. This is a high-tech, super stylish offering that brings access to the Benz badge and technology right down into the mid-$30,000 bracket. It creates a conflict for possible buyers at this price point.What would you prefer, a “normal” car or a Benz? It's a no brainer really.ORDERSThis is reflected in the order book which shows plenty of pent-up demand for the new A-Class which, by the way, this one has absolutely nothing in common with the previous A-Class apart from the name. Extremely efficient engines range in power from 90 - 155 kW with low emissions and frugal fuel consumption. The car has a best-in-class drag coefficient of Cd 0.27.SAFETYNew A-Class doesn't compromise on safety either with standard safety spec' including a reversing camera, Pre safe crash preparation and the radar-based Collision Prevention Assist.STYLEThe A-Class is completely new, down to the last detail. Its development started with a clean sheet of paper. They came up with a dynamic, “two box”, distinctly Mercedes-Benz external design complete with a high-quality feel to the interior.All trim elements have been given an electroplated finish, resulting in real metal surfaces with “cool touch” effect. The work has been executed with considerable care and attention to detail, so that they appear to have been moulded in one piece.The instrument cluster comprises two large round instruments, each with a small dial set within it. The 3-spoke steering wheel comes with 12 function buttons and an electroplated bezel. A-Class is a five-seater despite the rear pew looking like two individual seats. With the rear seats folded, boot capacity is 1157 litres.POWERTRAINSA wide choice of engines meets nearly every power requirement. All have ECO start/stop function as standard. The engines are combined with the 7G-DCT dual clutch automatic transmission as standard, which ideally combines comfort and sportiness.The 1.6-litre petrol A180 BlueEFFICIENCY achieves 90kW/200Nm output and consumes as little as 5.8-litres/100km. The 1.8-litre diesel A 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY achieves 100 kW/300Nm and consumes 4.6 litres/100 km.The 1.6-litre petrol A 200 BlueEFFICIENCY achieves 115kW/250 Nm and sips a mere 6.1 litres/100 km. The 2.0-litre A 250 Sport achieves 155kW/350 Nm using 6.6 litres/100km. All engines are new as is the transmission.Thanks to the modular system it has been possible to select the optimally designed transmission for each diesel and petrol engine.DYNAMICSRefined yet sporty dynamics are aided by the car's four-link rear axle, electromechanical power steering with assistance functions and ESP with “Extended Traction Control” (XTC).The new A-Class has passed a rigorous program of crash tests. This includes not only some 30 different impact configurations, which are laid down as requirements for safety ratings and international type approval, but also nine proprietary crash tests, such as the roof-drop test or the pole impact test, developed by the brand itself.GOODIESThe Becker Map Pilot makes a low-cost 3D navigation function available for the Audio 20 head unit. The navigation system boasts voice-controlled input of destinations and an intuitive user interface.COMMANDOnline now provides internet access via various web-enabled mobile phone, plus various Mercedes-Benz services on the move.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?This is Ford's top dog Ranger ute, the orange one for shrinking violets - ha! Comes out of a Thai factory but don't hold that against it, the build is pretty good, the look is "tough truck."Goes for $57,390 for the six speed manual two grand more for the six speed auto plus on roads. Ouch.Too many to mention. Hilux, Triton, Navara, Amarok, Colorado, D-Max and so say all of us.This is the 3.2 five pot turbo diesel with a healthy 147kW/470Nm output though these figures are pretty low considering the capacity of the engine and what other makes are getting out of smaller capacity units. Should mean the Ranger will last a long time - understressed.Plenty of poke, loaded or unladen you won't be disappointed. Gets out of the blocks quickly and has strong pull right up to about 4500rpm.Not particularly due in part to the 2200kg kerb weight. Add a tonne in the tray and a full tank and it's approaching 3.5 tonnes. That's why you get an averahge of 9.6-litres/100km. Still, the 80 litre tank means a decent range between refuels.Not particularly. Churns out plenty of carbon, wouldn't be the greenest in manufacturing either.Gets a strong  five stars. Has additional stuff like rollover mitigation,Hill Descent Control, Emergency Brake Assist, Trailer Sway Assist and more.Rides well, a tad firm perhaps but the seats are a good shape and noise and vibes are minimal. Plenty of kit makes wheel time pass quickly - Bluetooth, voice control, 5-inch colour screen with satnav, reverse camera, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights, dual zone climate control, power driver's seat heated front seats, roof rails, roller shutter for tray.Easy controls, smooth shifting six speed auto, supple but controlled suspension, better with a load in the back. Minimal turbo lag off the mark but large turning circle a hassle.Not at 60 grand. Get that tax deduction form ready.

Though it's been a huge success, there was a sticking point with the good looking Mazda CX-5 - the underperforming 2.0-litre petrol engine. It struggled under the CX-5's bonnet detracting from what is unquestionably a good vehicle.That has been addressed with the arrival of a new 2.5-litre petrol four cylinder complete with an array of efficiency-boosting Skyactiv technology. It's the same engine as in the new Mazda6 sedan and wagon and forms the basis of a cracking good powertrain in that car and in the CX-5.Prices for the CX-5 Maxx 2.5-litre start at $32,880 with the range-topping petrol Akera priced at $45,770.Bluetooth has now been upgraded across all models. The new mail function enables SMS, MMS and email to show up on the large 5.8 inch touchscreen monitor with messages read out by an automated voice via Bluetooth connected smartphones.The address book now also holds up to 1000 contacts enabling calls to be made instantly by voice command. The ability to replay, shuffle and switch folders via Bluetooth continues.Skyactiv has been adopted throughout CX-5 with new petrol and diesel engines, new manual and automatic transmissions, a new body and chassis all contributing to a high level of dynamics, fuel efficiency and safety.The compact SUV is now available with a choice of three engines, all with i-stop: the new Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre petrol and the Skyactiv-D 2.2-litre diesel mated to all wheel drive, while, the (improved) Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre petrol is retained in the front wheel drive.These engines deliver impressive fuel economy and outputs are commensurate with or better than other brands. The 2.5-litre engine makes its debut in a new range-topping CX-5 Akera variant which includes blind spot monitoring (BSM), high beam control (HBC) and lane departure warning system (LDW) as standard features.The 2.5 litre petrol engine achieves 138kW/250Nm of torque making it one of the better performing cars in the competitive medium SUV category.Improved performance is also matched by fuel economy gains with 2.5-litre CX-5 models returning 7.4 litres/100km, a figure other medium SUVs struggle to get near.The front-wheel drive (FWD) models benefit from performance improvements with the updated 2.0-litre petrol engine now delivering increased acceleration.On the road, the new 2.5 offers sporty performance and a willingness to spin out to redline freely. It actually feels a lot like the Mazda6 2.5 wagon in terms of acceleration and sound and is close to that car in fuel efficiency terms.Diesel CX-5 had been the preferred option with its strident performance and excellent fuel economy but that's now not as clear cut as the 2.5 is an impressive thing to drive and it won't make your hands stink at the bowser. New exterior colours have also been added to the CX-5 palette.

They've changed distributors, cut prices and altered the lineup and quite possibly, better things will come SsangYong's way this year. First thing of interest under Ateco Automotive stewardship is the arrival of a petrol Korando small SUV. Previously, all SsangYongs sold here were diesel.VALUEBetter yet is the price for the front wheel drive model which starts st $23,990, add two grand for the six-speed auto that we drove last week. There's no all wheel drive petrol model but most people don't want or need it and like the lower purchase price of two wheel (front) drive models.Standard kit on the S model is pretty good with aircon, cruise, trip computer, heated side windows, power ancillaries, front and rear fog lamps, rear park sensors decent audio and Bluetooth connectivity included. A reverse camera would be handy as would reach adjust on the steering wheel.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is a 2.0-litre, twin cam unit achieving 111kW/191Nm output. We wouldn't be surprised if it's sourced elsewhere like the diesel which comes from VM Motori.What we do know is the six-speed auto box is the same as Hyundai and Kia's, a compact, efficient transmission that well suits the 1532kg petrol Korando by efficiently tapping into available torque without hunting and also changes up and down in small increments.There's a sequential change mode too. The engine makes a reasonable fist of pushing the Korando and is capable of using as little as 7.5 litres/100km. It rides on a strut/multi-link suspension that feels well calibrated for urban duties offering a reasonable level of handling and good ride comfort.The turning circle is commendably tight and minimal road noise intrudes into the Korando's cabin. It rolls on 16-inch alloys with a full size spare in the back.SAFETYIt gets six airbags, remote keyless entry, hill start assist, rollover protection, active head restraints but no stability control. No ANCAP test results are available.DRIVINGWe drove the Giugiaro-styled Korando on a 100km urban and rural loop and could have been in a Japanese or other Korean compact SUV. It feels pretty much the same as other offerings in the class.Performance is acceptable as is fuel economy and it's comfortable enough for everyday driving. The styling is attractive inside and out  one of the first SsangYongs to be so blessed.VERDICTAteco has pitched the Korando at the same level as the Great Wall SUV. Which one would you prefer? It's clear cut as far as we are concerned and the money would go on the Korean product every day.Ssangyong Korando 2.0SPrice: from $23,990Warranty: 5 years /100,000kmEngine: 2.0-litre petrol 111kW/191NmTransmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automaticThirst: 7.5 L/100km

There's a war brewing in the hot hatch segment dominated for years by VW's Golf Gti. Already, Ford has chimed into the action with a hotrod Focus ST at a very sharp price, Opel has its Astra OPC waiting in the wings and as of early March, Mercedes-Benz will be targeting the Golf with its own version of a hot hatch called the A250 Sport.And what a car it is thanks in no small part to input from performance outfit AMG which had a big hand in A250 Sport development. Better than the current Golf?Probably though we would have to drive each back to back to really find out suffice to say the Benz is better equipped in “standard” trim and has a lot more torque rated at 350Nm from a low 1200rpm.The Benz also out powers Golf Gti by 10kW on overboost which achieves some 165kW over 4000rpm. A new generation Golf Gti is seven months away.EVIDENCEIf you need any more evidence Benz has Golf Gti firmly in its sights, look no further than A250 Sport pricing which starts at $49,900 - line ball with Golf Gti spec' adjusted.Benz offers four accessory packages with the A250 Sport that can add up to 10 grand to the price if you tick all the boxes. But you don't need to be given the level of kit provided from the ‘base’ car.KITIt includes 18-inch alloys. A seven speed dual clutch manumatic, reverse camera, auto head lights, active park assist, sports seats, high end audio with extensive media interfaces, nine air bags, an electric parking brake, Pre-safe crash preparation, attention assist among an extensive list. The Sport has requisite “sporty” kit inside including red rimmed vents, a carbon fibre-look dash, sport AMG wheel and sports pedals.THE LOOKIt's easy to pick on the outside because of the diamond-like grille that is a defining feature of the car and the face of the stunning concept on which the new A-Class was based. There's the usual front and rear air diffusers, body aero aids and a selection of attractive colours.ENGINEThat new generation engine is a 2.0-litre and will form the basis of the forthcoming AMG45 super hatches powertrain.In the Sport, it has a single turbo, direct injection and variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust side boosting output.The turbo is conventional not twin scroll nor variable geometry. Given this fact, the level of available performance and flexible delivery is quite surprising.PERFORMANCEIt pushes the Sport from 0-100kmh in 6.6 seconds and will consume as little as 6.6-litres/100km of premium. Drive is to the front wheels modulated by electronics to eliminate any torque steer effect under full throttle something that can cause problems with high performance front wheel drive cars.The underpinnings feature liberal use of aluminium and some clever technology designed to deliver a high level of sporty handling and responses coupled with a satisfying drive feel. AMG spent a lot of time at Germany's Nurburgring race track refining the A250 Sport's dynamics and it shows, right down to the throttle blip on down changes.They added stiffer roll bars to the car and dialled in more toe-in than usual to achieve what is quite stunning handling characteristics for a front drive five door hatchback. The rorty sounding exhaust is AMG tweaked, steering ratio is more direct, brake cooling is enhanced and sports stability control added to the package.ON THE ROADWe took the car on a searching drive near Melbourne and loved it. The firm suspension might not appeal to everyone but those who buy this car for drive feel will love it. The steering through corners is impressive, body control is flat and the engine has plenty of kick to pull the car hard out of tight corners. Big brakes make light work of repeated hard stops.The paddle shift is quick and the three mode drive select system offers Manual, Eco and Sport covering most applications.VERDICTBlink, love it.Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250 SportPrice: from $49,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 165kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clutch manumatic, FWDThirst: 6.6L/100Km, 152g/km CO2

People have the wrong idea about this car. It's not a direct competitor for the Renault Megane RS250, Astra OPC nor the VW Scirocco.It's close but not as hard edged. Think the previous Focus XR5 and you're close to the money though the new ST is a sportier drive and has more sting in the tail. Golf GTi springs to mind but the Ford has a lot more grunt.It also has torque steer (momentary loss of directional control in the steering) when you boot the throttle that causes the ST to wriggle around like a worm on a hook.There's no clever "RevoKnuckle" independent steering axis system on the ST instead, straight line control is down to a torque vectoring electronic system.It's partially successful and we have to admit, once you get the hang of it, the problem isn't as pronounced. In fact, you can use it to advantage cornering by letting the car pull you through. Takes a bit of getting used to though.Where the Focus ST has an advantage is in the price at $38,290 - about five grand under the others and those extra doors come in handy-up. To get the ST Ford essentially did a hot-up job on Focus - pinched the EcoBoost engine out of Mondeo and Falcon, enhanced it, lowered the car, fitted lower and firmer suspension with bigger wheels, bigger brakes, body kit.It's all text book stuff. There's more kit too, including satnav, premium audio, Bluetooth phone and audio, LED running lights, Recaro seats with partial leather upholstery, a super steering wheel with multi controls and a reverse camera among the generous feature list.The engine is a 2.0-litre four pot with direct injection, turbo charging and variable cam timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. No wonder it achieves a handy 184kW/360Nm output and can even drink lower octane 91RON fuel though premium fully unleashes the beasts.That's enough to propel the small/medium size hatch from 0-100kmh in a sharpish 6.5 seconds while sipping fuel at an average of 7.4-litres/100km. But the turning circle is atrocious often requiring four point turns in relatively wide streets.The drive experience is excellent with plenty of grip from the big Goodyears and strong stopping power from the large diameter discs. It sits flat through corners and has an overtly sporty feel - just what you want from a hot hatch.The exhaust note is strident aided by possibly the best designed dual tailpipe around short of a Boxster. We found the car easy to live with especially with folding rear seats, a decent boot and easy rear seat access.The seats hold you tight in corners and offer plenty of adjustment for the long haul. We would suggest it's a four seater and not five. The two mode stability control offers normal and sport which is all you need.Some neat touches include the capless fuel filler hidden on near the right tail light, the xenon headlights and auto wipers and lights. Not bad sound either from the Sony system.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?This is the recently upgraded flagship of the Lexus fleet, now available in four variants. The car we drove is one up from the 'base' model with a luxury slant as opposed to a more sporty flavour. It leaves precious little to be desired in terms of pampering passengers.How much?The Sport Luxury goes for $192,400, about ten grand up on the kick-off price.What are competitors?Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, Jag XJ.What's under the bonnet?Plenty of poke from a revised 4.6-litre petrol V8 with direct dual injection (like the Toyota 86), variable cam timing, variable cam lift on the intake side and other tech stuff to achieve 285kW/493Nm output. Transmission is an eight speed auto - silky smooth, adaptive and with paddle shift. Drive is to the rear wheels.How does it go?Quick for a big luxo-barge. Stops the 0-100kmh clocks in 5.9 seconds and has plenty of performance ready and waiting especially in Sport and Sport+ modes on the drive select system which also offers Eco, Comfort and Normal. Ride and handling is impressive too due in part to the adaptive air suspension, big brakes, and multi links at all four corners. Scores 19-inch tyres this time around.Is it economical?Surprisingly so for a two tonner. We saw better than the claimed 10.7 litres/100km. It dipped into the 8.0s on the highway but averaged mid 9.0s in mixed driving without trying too hard.Is it green?Moderately so, EU5 engine.Is it safe?Five star or equivalent.Is it comfortable?Supremely so right down to the front passenger's ottoman seat, seat heaters and coolers including the back seats which electrically recline, privacy blinds on the rear three windows, radar cruise control, awesome Mark Levinson audio with a bazillion speakers, largest info/satnav screen in the business. Multiple seat adjustment, electric wheel adjustment, supple ride, no noise at all pretty much.What's it like to drive?Felt like a chauffeur. But still pretty good from the driver’s seat. Unreal in the back pews if you can score a driver. Watch the Blu Ray, turn on the seat heater, recline and take a nap....Is it value for money?Against the competition yes.Would we buy one?No, unless we could afford a chauffer.Lexus LS 460 Sport LuxuryPrice: from $190,664Engine: 4.6-litre 8-cylinder petrol, 280kW/493NmTrans: 8-speed sports auto, AWDThirst: 11.1L/100km, CO2 261g/km 

Pragmatic buyers are opting to down-size but still want all the accoutrements from a larger luxury car.

Truth be known, the Lexus RX270 is all you really need in the RX range of medium large SUVs. We would bet a week's wages, 99 per cent of RX owners simply never need all wheel drive. They might tow sometimes but their vehicles would not see anything dirtier than a gravel road to the hobby farm. So, why pay more when you don't need to?They still don't offer a diesel RX but Lexus reckons it covers that base with the hybrid model and this four cylinder petrol variant. The RX270  is unashamedly aimed at urban SUV buyers but features most of the kit on other RX models including a six-speed auto transmission with sequential shift mode.More buyers are discovering the advantages of two wheel drive SUVs and Lexus is in there kicking with its RX270 at an affordable $69,990. That's the lowest price the RX has been ever and just because it's (relatively) low priced doesn't mean cheap and boned-out. Far from it.The RX270 scores a swag of goodies expected in a Lexus - stylish dash, smooth leather, near silent operation, incredible reliability, even "badge power." When you think the top of the range RX450h at over 100 grand, this is a bargain. Looks the same, goes well, plenty of kit.Handy kit includes a reverse camera, a large format info/satnav screen with the SUNA traffic warning system, premium audio, auto tail gate operation, eight way adjustable front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio, climate control and the excellent remote touch control system that's a bit like a computer mouse in the centre console.Lexus upgraded the RX lineup late last year introducing the family “spindle” grille as well as a host of under the skin improvements.All are palpable in the RX270 complete with its Toyota family sourced 2.7-litre, petrol four cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a six speed auto with sequential change mode. For tech heads, the engine is a "stroker' meaning the cylinder bore is smaller than the piston stroke which has benefits in terms of torque feel.It achieves 138kW/252Nm output but feels better than that thanks to appropriate gearing and various technical features to boost launch and mid range response. It does a great job of moving the 1950kg RX270. Once up and running, the vehicle adopts the expected Lexus level of smooth and quiet.We know Lexus has put its eggs in the hybrid basket but can't help feeling a good low emission 2.2-litre diesel with 500Nm and sub 7.0-litre economy would be the ideal set up for the RX 0- all of them. It would also put Lexus on a firmer footing with its main competition all of whom have turbo diesel power in their line-up.The look is different enough to take your eye especially from the front but is unmistakably a Lexus RX. Inside the leather clad interior is plenty of room for five passengers and their luggage capped off by a classy looking dash and switch gear and a new you beaut version of the already handy Remote Touch Control system.It is engineered to score a five star crash rating and boasts 10 airbags, stability control, a reinforced passenger cell and all the usual safety kit expected in a 2013 vehicle.We have chalked up quite a few kays in our RX270 because it's so comfy and a good size. Long trips are a breeze and there's no issue with luggage space for five. We have also achieved better than the claimed fuel economy dipping under the 10 mark on trips and just nudging over around town.Lexus stiffened the chassis on RX this time around giving a better platform for all the dynamic functions to work off. It rides and steers better and has a sporty feel though still comfy. The 18-inch wheels carry chunky, grippy rubber.The lack of all-wheel drive is irrelevant for potential buyers of this vehicle who will use it as a practical wagon for general duties while saving on purchase price and running costs.