Articles by Peter Barnwell

Despite runaway popularity, some people simply don't like boofy SUV-style vehicles. They prefer a sleeker carry-all in the shape of a traditional (station) wagon. We really don't get it because an SUV is so practical and the new ones drive just like passenger cars, certainly not like 4x4 “trucks.'' Perhaps we are style challenged.But Audi reckons it has identified a vein of new car buyers prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of not being identified with the hoi-polloi in their SUVs and has imported a limited number (150 each) of delectable Audi Allroads in A4 and A6 size. They are essentially Audi's version of the Subaru Outback — a semi-tough wagon on stilts with off road styling and some dirt/sand/ice road cred'.PRICE AND MODELSThe A4 Allroad is a newcomer to Australia selling for $69,900 with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch auto. It's the only way to get an A4 turbo diesel wagon with quattro all wheel drive in this country.The A6 Allroad model has been here for some time first appearing back in the early 2000s and running through two generations before this latest effort. It goes for a sizeable $117,900 and runs a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo diesel with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and quattro all wheel drive.If you are prepared to lump yourself in with the SUV bogans, you can get an Audi Q3 2.0 TDi for $54,500 and an Audi A5 3.0 TDi for $75,000.They are similar size vehicles to the Allroads with the same power trains and roughly the same amount of interior room. What price style?It must be said the Allroads are a delight to drive and are also feature-rich though you can easily bump up the price substantially with a few ticks on the options list. Standard kit on the A4 variant includes xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear park assist, rear view camera, leather, 10 speaker audio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, decent satnav, electric front seats and steering wheel controls as well as a 20 gigabyte hard drive. The A6 gets a lot more including adaptive air suspension.The A4 Allroad is based on the recently facelifted A4 Avant and is pretty much identical inside and similar on the outside except for wheel arch flares, a raised ride height, stainless steel exterior garnishes, underbody protection and reinforced wheels with higher profile tyres. The A6 Allroad is a similar story but bigger and is built up from the A6 Avant.TECHNOLOGYThe A4 2.0-litre donk is good for 130kW/380Nm while the A6 3.0-litre generates some 180kW/580Nm both achieving these outputs at low engine revs. The smaller unit consumes 6.0-litres/100km while the larger one drinks sparingly at 6.3-litres/100km. That means both benefit from the fuel economy triggered Luxury Car Tax reduction of up to $4000.Audi's efficiency technology is used in both vehicles with auto stop/start, regenerative braking, low energy aircon, reduced friction engine internals, low rolling resistance tyres and on-demand engine cooling (thermal management) all contributing to better fuel economy and lower emissions. Off road capability is improved with a self locking rear differential, off road stability control and reinforced suspension subframes. But they have space saver spares — better than nothing.THE DRIVEWe drove both cars on and off road and felt the smaller vehicle is much better value though the A6 has superb engine performance and economy and is substantially bigger. We drove them through creek crossings with about 500mm water flowing, over rocky fire trails and on graded dirt roads — none of which posed a problem. We doubt any Allroad owner would drive their car in these environments.On the highway, both cars are just like the normal wagon variants in drive feel — in other words, rewarding, smooth, quiet and responsive. Even on fast mountain pass roads, the Allroads are quite adept. We found the controls to be intuitive and the level of luxury inside comforting.VERDICTThese cars are consumate “inbetweenies'' fulfilling multiple roles with aplomb — at a price.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,000Engine: 2.0-litre diesel 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

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 all singing, all dancing new generation medium large Lexus sedan that ushers in a raft of new technology as well as the new Lexus family look. We drove the GS350 F-Sport - about three from the top but unequivocally the best in the range.How much?Pricey at $99,400 but better value than before when comparing standard equipment levels and everything else.What are competitors?Numerous; BMW 5-Series, E-Class Benz, Audi A6, Jag XF, Infiniti M, HSV, FPV.What's under the bonnet?This one gets a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre petrol V6 with variable valve timing good for 233kW/378Nm output. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sports automatic transmission.How does it go?Really well, performance is not an issue at all because there's heaps of kick across a wide operating range. Puts away a 0-100kmh sprint in 6.0 flat. Excellent paddle shift, flat torque curve gives instant response.Is it economical?Not really at 9.7-litres/100km - premium preferred.Is it green?OK on the carbon dioxide, clever air-conditioning system. Should crack around three green stars.Is it safe?Full five star car with 10 air bags, dynamic safety systems and even driver assessment systems to make sure you are on the job and not goofing off.Is it comfortable?Super comfy even with the sporty flavour and adaptive suspension. Full array of goodies inside like premium audio, heated and cooled seats, premium satnav. But not as quiet and smooth as we can remember earlier mid-size Lexus models.What's it like to drive?Really liked driving this car for a whole range of reasons, not the least being the rear wheel steering system that transforms it into a super responsive sports sedan with possibly the smallest turning circle in the class.F-Sport not only brings the look, it also brings the feel which is filtered through to the driver through the steering, (bigger) brakes, ride quality, transmission function.Is it value for money?One hundred grand - ouch. Good if it's a company car or in a "package"...as they all are.Would we buy one?See above. It is different, handsome, well equipped, crammed with goodies and technology, wonderful interior, super big touch/info screen. Sumptuous interior. Hmmmmm.Lexus GS350 F-SportPrice: from $99,400Warranty: 4 years roadside assist, 100,00kmWeight: 1740kgEngine: 3.5-litre 6-cyl, 233kW/378NmTransmission: 6-speed sports auto, RWDThirst: 9.7L/100Km, CO2 225g/km

This is Mini's baseball cap car because the roof looks like one. It's also been described as looking like someone dropped a brick on it and also as a helmet. Whatever, they all seem apt enough.The gold and black striped test car would cost more than the kick off price of $42,990, probably a lot more when you tally up all the options but the good news is, you won't be disappointed.Why? Because the Cooper S Coupe has excellent performance and handling and is generously equipped in standard trim. Mini has plenty of options to add but you might only be tempted by a couple such as the stripes.Satnav is an option and there are numerous other goodies.  But you do get Bluetooth phone, multiple audio connections, climate control, power assisted ancillaries, park distance control and other stuff.Our test car was a six speed manual with a sweet shifting action and close intermediate ratios for sporty driving. It will put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 6.9 seconds bet feels quicker. Fuel economy averages 6.3-litres/100km - quite impressive when you consider the Mini's performance potential. The engine, from PSA (Peugeot) also used in various BMW models, is a 1.6-litre, direct injection turbo petrol with 135kW/260Nm output (on overboost). The look inside is modern and classy and the interior offers plenty of comfort and sporty seats. It's all soft feel and multi textures with a huge speedo in the middle that's fairly useless because of the position. Lucky there's a digital read out directly in front of the driver on the instrument pod.The Coupe is a real attention grabber that takes onlookers one way or the other, no fence sitters. We love it because it's so whacky in a cute/tough kind of way. The active rear spoiler pops up at speeds above 80kmh adding to the sporty effect generated by those imposing black alloys, the squat appearance, the muscular rump and the large tailgate covering the surprisingly big load space.There are two interior roof bubbles to give more headroom and there's enough seat adjustment for people over 185cm to get comfy.But what you need to know is how good this car is to drive. It's a step back from the hard core JCW model but is arguably a better day to day drive -- a real hoot.  There's a Sport button just in front of the gear stick that optimises a number of functions including throttle response, steering and suspension as well as opening flaps in the exhaust to give a muted 'pop' on the over-run. It sounds excellent and we had the Sport button on all the time.Though relatively small in capacity, the engine delivers maximum torque from as low as 1500rpm which translates into superb throttle response across a wide engine operating range. You can feel it in the seat of your pants and under your right foot. It's addictive. So is the way this car corners. Like a kart is no exaggeration.It sits flat and through fast corners and simply scuttles through with barely any body or wheel deflection. The brakes are right up to the task and the steering is quick and well weighted. Having a wheel at each corner is a big advantage for a front wheel drive hot hatch like this.

Forget all the Mazda mumbo jumbo about Shinari, Takeri and Kodo style. What you need to know is the new Mazda 6 is one handsome devil of a car, arguably the best looking mainstream car

Those crazy Germans, they really put together a sledgehammer sedan when they put their mind to it. Think Audi RS6, Benz E63 AMG and BMW M5 - big, brash, bad and ballistic.The new M5 moves away from the previous V10 to a high-tech, "small block" 4.4-litre V8.... with two twin scroll turbochargers pumping at 1.5bar, variable valve timing and lift and direct fuel injection. It also has "eco" stop-start, brake energy regeneration and a number of other fuel and emissions saving systems that bring consumption down to an incredible 9.9-litres/100km in a car with 412kW/680Nm output. There's a seven-speed dual clutch manumatic putting power to the rear wheels via a multi-plate limited slip differential. It helps apportion drive to the wheel with the most traction. It's the most powerful M car ever to go into series production and points the way to the future for all performance BMWs - smaller capacity high-tech engines with more performance but reduced environmental impact.This one puts away a 0-100kmh sprint in a mere 4.3 seconds but more relevant is how it performs on the move and how it handles for such a big, heavy car tipping the scales at 1870kg. Featuring just about everything from the BMW technology arsenal, the new $230,000 M5 has electronic controls to all its dynamic functions, all with multiple modes ranging from normal to comfort, eco, sport through to track.It takes a while to set up the car to your particular calibration and annoyingly, some of them default back to nanny mode when you switch off. But we are told you can program that out of the car - given the know-how, inclination and time.We appreciated the low speed assist that smooths the congestion crawl and the aluminium, leather and suede interior is a place of beauty and style offering up a striking level of comfort with all the fruit. Our test car was in a matte grey that made it look even meaner capped off with a set of forged 20-inch alloys that made children and pets run away and hide.We sampled a few set-ups but essentially went for comfort/eco for general driving and "track" for the favourite sporty drive loop. The difference is chalk and cheese. In the former, it's a big supple luxury limo type of feel while in the latter, it's like a finely honed scalpel albeit, a weighty one.But you have to activate the MDM (M Dynamic Mode) to prevent all that technology from intervening prematurely to cut the action. It can become exceedingly annoying when the car is continuously applying the brakes and vectoring the torque when you are trying to get a roll on through a set of corners. We fixed that.The level of performance from the twin turbo V8 is awe inspiring.At no time is there a point when withering acceleration isn't available. It's point and squirt stuff. And the dynamics and transmission are up for it too. All very good. But when you boil it all down, the M5 is a supremely satisfying drive in terms of performance and handling. It also sounds incredible with a rolling thunder note from the quad exhausts; not a loud blatt as expected.But BMW went all conscientious with its new M5, showing a green tinge in a car that will basically blow just about everything else off the road.

In some people’s eyes, Honda may have already lost its sporty car manufacturer mantle but that could change with the appearance of a cracking little roadster at the Paris motor show this week. Called EV-STER - dumb name, it’s an all-electric effort shying away from Honda’s strength as a petrol engine specialist. Honda describes the EV-STER as a next-generation electric small sports concept model. It is nothing like the underwhelming CR-Z, the screaming S2000 or even the NSX. EV-STER is new and exciting - elements missing from Honda’s line up for years. It features extensive use of carbon fibre to cut weight and a lightweight 10kWh lithium ion battery rechargeable in as little as three hours. The styling is dramatic, dynamic and innovative cloaking a car with excellent environmental credentials and if it makes it into production, presumably finely-honed performance and handling. As a true convertible sports car should, two seater EV-STER drives the rear wheels... via an electric motor which Honda says propels EV-STER from 0-100kmh in 5.0 seconds. Because it’s so light (no figure available), the car has a range of up to 160km on one charge. One of its stand out features is an “easy-to-operate” twin-lever steering system that was adopted “in the pursuit of the joy of driving.” We wonder how it works and how it actually feels. Looks incredible though. Drivers who like to calibrate their car will love the EV-STERS dial up systems for engine performance, steering, suspension and other dynamics. The instrument panel of the EV-STER features a vehicle information display which provides the driver with an interface that accesses a network display used for the audio and navigation systems and also for using the internet. Hopefully this car or something like it will become a reality sooner rather than later.  

We like this little Soul bus because it has plenty of cheek. The brutally cut-off rear styling is a cute standout and the frontal treatment, recently revamped, has plenty of attitude even if it's a tad "try hard" with over-styled headlights.The Kia Soul started out a few years back as something of an oddity and was available with silly graphics and paint schemes. A reality check and restyle by Kia's design gurus sees Soul present as a viable compact SUV alternative. It fits in among the likes of RAV4, Mitsubishi ASX and the like.We got hold of the top priced $29,990 diesel auto Soul + complete with 18-inch alloys, roof rails, fog lights and adjustable driver's seat height. It is a generously equipped car that goes extremely well using minimal fuel.Plenty of power comes from the 1.6-litre, turbodiesel, four-cylinder driving the front wheels through a six-speed auto. A six-speed manual is standard. Outputs are 94kW/260Nm  same as other vehicles in the Hyundai/Kia range that use this powertrain.The auto is a cracker and is used throughout the Hyundai/Kia lineup. It offers sequential change mode and is both smooth and efficient. The engine has a variable geometry turbo to reduce lag off idle and boost mid-range and top end performance.It's a twin cam engine capable of returning 5.9-litres/100km fuel economy meaning an 800km range from the 48 litre tank.Emissions are minimised through engine technology and a particle filter in the exhaust to give Soul a Euro 5 emissions rating. It also gets a five star crash rating. Hi fives all round if you include the fuel economy figure. Under the funky bodywork is a conventional vehicle with a strut front/torsion beam rear suspension capable of towing up to 1100kg braked.All Souls get numerous storage compartments, Bluetooth phone and audio, decent six speaker sound with power bass as well as a host of other goodies. Seats for five and a large load space give it a practical edge as does the amount of headroom and legroom.The drive feel is all good with plenty of at times noisy performance available at will and especially in the mid range of engine speeds. It has a decent turning circle for city work but the spare is a temporary unit. The vehicle seems to be built on the same platform as Kia's small Cerato hatch and it feels a bit like that to drive offering up a firmish ride, quick steering responses and impressive cornering despite the top heavy look.We found the ride a bit choppy with those low profile 18s but overall, the Soul is an adept little butter box. Kids love it. The whole box and dice is made even better with fixed price servicing and roadside assist.

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?Toyota needed to make a more affordable Prius and this is the result - a Yaris-based Prius. It uses the same hybrid technology, refined and lightened as well as featuring a cleverly designed body that has Tardis-like qualities.How much?The base is $23,990, the i-Tech is $26,990. We drove the latter and would recommend it for the extra dosh because it looks better and scores more kit.What are competitors?Possibly premium light cars such as the new Peugeot 208, Polo, Fabia, none of which can match the Prius C for fuel economy, possibly performance.What's under the bonnet?There's a version of the Prius powertrain with a 1.5-litre twin cam petrol engine and an electric assist motor. The petrol donk is good for 74kW so with the extra boost, Prius C is quite handy in the get go stakes. Transmission is by CVT but there's a paddle shift to stir things up when needed. Battery is still a nickel metal hydride jobbie and not the newer lithium ion.How does it go?Surprisingly well, better than we thought that's for sure. Even out on the freeway there's no need for concern as Prius C has strong roll on acceleration and blasts up hills without a hiccup. All while sipping fuel lightly.Is it economical?Toyota claims 3.0 litres/100km on the combined cycle, a bit better around town, yes, better around town thanks to engine stop/start and other technology that comes into its own in traffic.Is it green?Yes, five starsIs it safe?Yes, five stars.Is it comfortable?Yes, the higher grade i-Tech has better upholstery than the other car plus a host of comfort-related goodies such as automatic air conditioning, power operated ancillaries, keyless entry and start, large touch screen controller, SUNA traffic bulletin satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio, reverse camera and other stuff. It's well equipped for the money.What's it like to drive?Really good. We have a somewhat prejudiced view of hybrid cars but this one is impressive. It is zippy and nippy, easy to park and well specified. Add frugal into the equation and it's all good. The ride is comfort/sporty and it is practical as well as cute.Is it value for money?Yes, big tick and much better buying than a "real" Prius.Would we buy one?As a second car you bet. 

Given the chance, would you go for the Audi Q5 or the Audi A6 Avant (wagon)? Both are practical carry-alls, same powertrain in the four cylinder variants.But SUVs rule right now possibly because they take practicality to high levels while neatly side stepping all that prestige palaver. They also offer impressive value for money. Audi has just expanded its medium large A6 lineup with the $81,880 Avant in 2.0-litre petrol turbo TFSi and the $82,900 2.0-litre TDi turbodiesel tested here.DESIGNIt's a real glamour that's for sure - looks much sleeker and sexier than the boxy Q5 and therein lies the attraction. Not everybody wants a prestige SUV to drive around in. Some will pay a premium to look cool or to drive something different.That's because it drives the front wheels efficiently through an eight step Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) that slurs initially but hooks up nicely once you're underway. And there are paddles to click it up and down if you feel the need.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is good for 130kW and 380Nm output - not earth shattering in diesel terms but sufficient to give the A6 Avant a decidedly sporty feel for a largish, luxury family wagon tipping the scales at over 1700kg. Part of that pork is due to the generous level of standard kit inside the sumptuous interior.Audi really does stylish interiors and this one is up there featuring a large info' screen with Audi's excellent MMI Navigation + system, Bang and Olufsen audio and all the rest. Naturally there's metres of supple leather and seats for five with a large expandable load space. Like the clever 360 degree parking camera and assistance.DRIVINGWe took the Avant 2.0 TDi for a good squirt last week covering some 800km. We were still on the same tank of fuel which showed a further 200+ kms in reserve. It's amazingly frugal and yet, dealing with the trucks and lunatics out on the open road, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel doesn't give anything away in the go department.Driving the Avant you forget it's a wagon such is the composure with which it negotiates corners and rough roads. Audi was able to shave weight from the new Avant compared to the previous model thanks greater use of aluminium.There's drive select and efficiency mode to get the most out of the car as well as an electronic limited slip differential for greater grip. We love the sensor tailgate operation, LED driving lights and benefits of auto stop/start.Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDiPrice: from $82,900Warranty: 3 year roadsideCrash rating: n/aEngine: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl petrol, 130kW/380NmTransmission: CVT; front-wheel driveThirst: 5.1L/100km; 135g/km CO2Dimensions: 4926mm (L), 1874mm (W), 1461mm (H)Weight: 1640kg

Despite manufacturing more cars in a year than are sold in total here annually, Chinese manufacturer Chery has a tiny Aussie profile.That could change following the arrival of the new J3 small five door hatchback. Why? Because it's up a rung or two on other Chinese vehicles we have so far seen in this country.At $14,990 drive away the Chery J3 gets a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine and is available in manual only.  Standard features include a decent audio system, air conditioning, power windows, remote central locking, MP3 player and reverse sensors.Power comes from the twin cam, fuel injected, 1.6-litre petrol engine driving the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission with appropriate gearing and a pleasing action. The engine's good for 87kW/147Nm output but it's a tad thirsty at 8.9-litres/100km partly due to the J3's 1350kg weight.Inside it's totally different to anything we have seen from the Chinese and is generously equipped with leather upholstery. There is a little too much plastic but this is softened by different textures and colours. Fit and finish is also better than most we have seen from the Chinese to date and we were pleasantly surprised at how functional it was with a decent size boot, adequate rear seat head and legroom and driving ease. It also comes with 16-inch alloys including the spare.And it's easy on the eye particularly from the rear view with a neatly curving roofline ending in a pair of feline-looking tail lights. The whole car bears some resemblance to the previous model Ford Focus hatch but only in passing.The J3 features six air bags, ABS and a basic form of stability control that should go close to scoring a five star ANCAP rating when tested. That's a relief considering what has come before from some Chinese brands.The ride is comfortable via a MacPherson strut front set-up and semi independent trailing arms at the rear. Steering is hydraulic power assisted rack and pinion with a smallish turning circle. We scored Australia's first drive of the J3 last week and can report the experience to be positive. It's much better to drive than say, a Great Wall ute or the Chery J11 small SUV.The company is fair dinkum about selling cars here and spends lots of loot on R&D as well as equipping its cars with plenty of kit as standard. The “asbestos issue'' in earlier Cherys has been dealt with... there isn't any in the new cars. The drive feel is much like most of the other small hatchbacks on the market in terms of performance and ride. It won't win any traffic light derbies but that's irrelevant to most buyers. The funky controls are also easy to identify and use.We drove the car around the ‘burbs, parked and had a coffee, drove on major urban roads and then the motorway at 110kmh. It delivers acceptable performance and is both smooth and relatively silent in operation.You keep coming back to the money which makes this particular car a real bargain among small hatchbacks, some of which cost twice as much or more. Do they go twice as well and look twice as good? Unequivocally no. Budget conscious and used car buyers should check this one out.