Articles by Peter Barnwell

The model rejuvenation frenzy at Hyundai continues apace with a new Santa Fe large SUV out this week. It's gen' three of a vehicle that's progressively won greater favour with mum and dad family buyers seeking a practical, value solution to the family transport issue.Pricing starts at a tempting $36,990 for the six-speed manual Active 2.4 petrol. Six-speed auto adds two grand and the diesel is a further 3K. Prices rise to a snip under fifty grand for the auto only Highlander diesel. The petrol engine is only available in the entry Active version and both Elite and Highlander are diesel auto only. Hyundai may introduce a front wheel drive of the new model down the track.All are seven seaters and come with auto headlights, rear view camera, park assist, electric lumbar support adjust, front and rear aircon, locally fettled suspension and steering, Bluetooth phone and audio and dial select 4WD lock.The direct injection 2.4 petrol is good for 141kW/242Nm output while the 2.2 diesel, featuring variable geometry turbo charging grunts out 145kW/421Nm. It's the performance engine in the range by a long shot. Hyundai has adopted all wheel drive across the board in the three model lineup with the availability of a new 2.4-litre petrol four cylinder from the i45 sedan (suitably modified) to go with the carry over 2.2-litre turbodiesel.Hyundai took pains to reduce noise inside the cabin adopting specially thickened windscreen glass and additional sound deadening material but at the same time reduced weight by 70kg. More high strength steel goes into the chassis/body this time around and the suspension features dual flow dampers for consistent response under heavy use.There's a full size alloy spare in all three models Active, Elite and Highlander. The two rear rows of seats have a one touch fold flat mechanism for easy operation. But the real stand out thing about this vehicle is the lengths to which Hyundai has gone to deliver a premium look and feel.The interior is as good as some vehicles costing nearly twice as much and looks better than most with modern styling and functional switchgear. Most surfaces are soft touch and we counted four different textures to the various fascia and pad facings.All Santa Fe models get torque vectoring safety systems and five star crash ratings.We drove all three variants back to back and liked all of them. The 2.4 acquits itself better than you'd think but the diesel is strong and silent offering impressive performance, minimal noise and as low as 6.6-litres/100km. Local tune suspension delivers the right mix of comfort and sporty feel while retaining the ability to sort out our crappy roads unobtrusively. We tried the three mode Flex-steer and it was good but unnecessary.Of all three and if it was our money, we'd pick the mid-spec Elite because it gets nearly as much kit as the Highlander at a lot less money. Leather is included as is SUNA satnav and the large touch screen as well as everything else mentioned. Wheel sizes are 17, 18 and 19-inch in ascending order. And we did drive it off road without any problems.Hyundai can do no wrong at present. It’s a vehicle that ticks all the boxes and makes them feel at ease with their choice. New Santa Fe is a fine example.

Totally decadent is how we'd describe the new Mercedes-Benz SL and that's the way buyers would like it. Gen’ 6 of the big Benz sports coupe is as much about image as it is about sporty driving and style.The SLS is an AMG product and is hardly “mass production.” We get the SL350 and SL500 initially to be followed by an SL 63AMG and an SL65AMG. If you buy one of these, it tells everyone you are at the top of your game. Why else would you be in a large, two seater, drop top sports car selling from a starting point of $225,000. Beats driving an S-Class limo every day.There's plenty of other new stuff in SL this time around including relatively simple magic view control (wipers fitted with numerous washer nozzles), electric draught stopper (a large screen behind the seats) and ‘Front Bass’ technology developed by Harman Kardon that places sub-woofer speakers in chassis voids within the firewall.Higher up the technology food chain is stuff like hands free access to the boot, and SUNA satnav. There’s also a myriad of goodies like an 18cm info screen, electric park brake button, rear view camera, 40 gig hard disc drive with a 10 gig music register, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and much more.This new car is something special in the Benz family being the only all aluminium mass production model in the lineup. And true to the SL (Super Light) acronym coined back in the early 1950s, this new gen' car actually sheds up to 140kg compared with the previous model. The entire body/chassis is only 256kg.The new model is slightly larger overall than the previous model but is still relatively compact. The interior is up to S-Class Benz standard but in the latest idiom with stitched leather dash, four spoke vent covers and a high tech centre stack.Comfort is boosted by the inclusion of heated seats and the airscarf seat-based neck warmer system. The tiller is chunky in your hands and is equipped with paddle shifters and a number of other controls for the audio, cruise (radar controlled), phone and other stuff. The entire interior is a study in modern function and attractive design.They are all petrol engines starting with a 3.5-litre V6 in the 350, a 4.7 twin turbo in the 500, a 5.5-litre twin turbo in the 63 and a 6.0-litre V12 twin turbo in the 65. Power and torque ratings for the first two are 225kW/370Nm and 320kW/700Nm of the V8. The other two will have much more of both and will cost a lot more too.Fuel economy is better than ever thanks to BlueDirect technology a reference to the direct fuel injection in the V6 and V8 engines as well as auto stop/start and numerous other refinements designed to reduce fuel consumption and cut emissions.Of course, safety is rated at five stars but the SL gets many more active and passive safety systems than a five star rating demands. Pre-safe collision preparation, pop up roll bars, active park assist, blind spot warning, lane keeping assist and an active bonnet for improved pedestrian safety are some of them.Power goes to the rear wheels via a seven speed automatic transmission with multiple modes. Dynamic responses are also dial up offering a range from comfort to sporty. As you'd expect, the SL in either V6 or V8 form is superlative to drive offering convincing handling with luxury at a high level and super performance. The V8 is a missile in a velvet glove.

Everyone loves to dream about owning a BMW M3, M5 or Z4 but the truth is, not everyone has that sort of budget to play with.VALUEThe good news is you can get into a 'real' BMW in distilled form - the 116i hatch entry level car from as little as $36,900. Far from being a bog-stock, boned-out, budget model, the rear drive 116i actually delivers the requisite sporty BMW drive feel in spades and is a desirable car in its own right especially if you are single or a couple and have space constraints where you live. Or if you simply like the car - as we did.The test model had extra stuff like 18-inch alloys and some tricky lighting and luxury goodies but it didn't escalate the price that much. Standard kit includes Bluetooth phone, 6.5-inch colour screen, keyless start and LED lights. Satnav is optional at around $1800.DESIGNApart from the 1-Coupe, we never really warmed to the styling of the previous 1-Series or to this one for that matter but it's not offensive and is pretty from some (rear) angles. The five door hatch body is longish offering decent interior room and an acceptable (expandable) boot. Four adults can travel in the 116i in comfort but they wouldn't want too much luggage.TECHNOLOGYMotive power comes from a 1.6-litre twin scroll turbo, four-cylinder petrol engine good for 100kW/220Nm output. It's the same engine as in Mini Cooper S but detuned for better fuel economy and more flexibility. BMW optimises the engine with variable valve timing called Valvetronic and variable valve lift called Double Vanos. It also runs high tech injection and other tricky stuff to get the most from its 1.6-litres.The six-speed manual has a slick change mechanism but the optional eight-speed auto would be our choice for predominantly city driving especially when the auto stop/start is operating. In the manual, you have to slip it into neutral, clutch out for stop/start fuel savings.But the car itself is a real fuel miser thanks to a range of simple, effective technology such as disconnecting aircon compressor, low rolling resistance tyres, brake energy regeneration and electromechanical power steering. It's collectively called BMW EfficientDynamics and helps this particular car sip as little as 5.7-litres/100km.Three drive experience modes are available; Comfort, Sport and Eco-Pro. We tried all three and all have relevance but Sport is better if you like the car to respond a tad quicker.SAFETYSafety rates five stars with all that brings. One feature we particularly liked was the cruise control with brake function. It slows the car from a set speed if other traffic impedes directly in front.DRIVINGThe drive experience is all good thanks to sporty responses, rear wheel drive and the strong engine. It's no powerhouse but there's plenty of zip from the willing engine and it delivers maximum torque from a low 1350rpm - just off idle.VERDICTShop it every day against Audi A3, Lexus CT200 and Volvo C30. Now with free servicing too.BMW 116iPrice: from $36,900Warranty: 3 year roadsideSafety: n/aEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl petrol, 100kW/220NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, RWDBody: 4324mm (L), 1765mm (W), 1421mm (H)Weight: 1290kgThirst: 5.7/100km, 132g/km Co2

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 upmarket diesel Benz ML, generation three of the big US-built SUV. It's new from the wheels up with more kit, more room, better drive feel, luxury - everything.How much?This one goes for $99,900 - of which 17 grand is GST and Luxury Car Tax. If Benz could have squeezed 0.3 litres/100km more out of the engine, there would have been less LCT.What are competitors?BMW X5, Audi Q7 and now diesel Infiniti FX.What's under the bonnet?A wonderfully punchy 3.0-litre, V6 turbodiesel with variable nozzle turbo. Drive is permanent all wheel drive through a seven-speed auto. An AdBlue tank feeds urea into the exhaust to minimise emissions.How does it go?Like a train. There's 190Kw/620Nm available from low in the rev range to give performance on par with a big petrol V8 - with four cylinder fuel economy. Competent off road too.Is it economical?Amazingly so - rated at 7.3-litres/100km. It gives a range of over 1000km from the 93 litre tank.Is it green?Extremely - passes Euro 6 regulations not due for implementation until 2014. Extensive fuel/emissions reducing technology like friction optimised bearings, decoupling ancillaries, low friction axle drives, low rolling resistance tyres. Eco stop/start.Is it safe?Five star with a bullet thanks to clever technology like lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, reverse camera, pre-safe collision preparation, attention assist.Is it comfortable?Similar luxury feel as big S-Class and E-Class Benz sedans. Minimal noise, vibration, harshness. Plenty of luxury kit, killer audio, leather, electric assistance left, right and centre, clever lighting package, rake adjust rear seats, big multi-media screen.What's it like to drive?Impressive, especially the get go from that turbodiesel engine - whoosh. Has a more sporty nature than expected, decent handling, quite nimble for a 2.0+ tonne SUV.Is it value for money?Would be if you could avoid the tax element. Fairly generous standard equipment, 20-inch alloys.Would we buy one?Absolutely...luxurious family vehicle, goes like the clappers, looks classy and uses minimal fuel.Mercedes-Benz ML350 BluetecPrice: from $99,900Warranty: 3 years roadside assistWeight: 2175kgEngine: 3-litre, 6-cylinder turbo-diesel, 190kW/620NmTransmission: 7-speed sports auto, constant 4WDThirst: 7.3L/100Km, CO2 192g/km

We are going out on a limb here by saying the new Hyundai i30 CRDi (diesel) is barking at the heels of VW's Golf diesel to drive and is better in some respects.Oh, and it costs a few thousand less as well as enjoying low-cost, fixed price servicing and a swag of other customer tempters such as three years satnav map updates, five years unlimited kilometre warranty, seven years roadside assist and a $1000 Myer gift card. Hyundai has yet to cross the bridge into zero per cent finance but it will most likely happen.The German designed i30 diesel Premium auto we drove sells for $32,590 and includes a raft of goodies like the panoramic glass sunroof, leather, multi media connection box, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, SUNA traffic warning satnav, heated seats, electrochromatic rear view mirror, xenon low beam, electric park brake, dual zone climate control and plenty more.Power comes from a twin cam 1.6-litre turbo diesel good for 94kW/260Nm from 1900rpm. The Hyundai's powertrain is aided by that super smooth, compact and slick shifting six-speed auto made by Hyundai itself. And it's relatively easy to clock 4.7-litres/100km.It's the second generation i30 and as such benefits from refinements learned on the original -- itself a pretty good thing. It rolls on a set of gorgeous 17-inch alloys with chrome highlights and has a full size alloy spare under the load space floor.We like the look of the i30 from all angles - different, modern and quite funky. The shape also lends itself to a high level of comfort inside though rear seat legroom, which can be an issue with large front passengers. There are plenty of storage hidey holes and the lighting system on a car in this category is striking with LED running lights, the xenons, puddle lights under the mirrors and lights everywhere.Safety is rated at five stars with seven airbags to protect occupants and stability control as well as a range of other primary and secondary safety systems.The fact that Hyundai Australianises its car’s dynamics makes a world of difference to the drive feel and the four pot diesel, though giving away 400cc (1.6 vs 2.0) is almost the Golf's equal. There’s an ‘eco’ mode you can select to optimise fuel economy but it feels like someone has put a tennis ball under the accelerator - with the desired effect.It doesn't like much but in practice, the i30 diesel is quite a sporty five door hatch in performance and handling terms thanks in part to the European Sachs dampers. Of course, there are limitations but off the mark and roll-on acceleration is strong and the engine makes minimal noise on the move - or when stopped for that matter.This is an impressive car pitched right in the middle of a cluster of really good small diesel hatchbacks.

Wouldn't it be excellent never to enter a service station again to buy fuel? To never pay the extortionate government taxes and oil company gouge at the bowser. If you could cut emissions to near zero, well, that would be icing on the cake.It sounds like a pipe dream but is now entirely achievable if you have a lazy 60,000 bucks to spend on Holden's new Volt extended range electric vehicle.Is it worth the dosh? Depends on your thinking. An "early adopter" or anyone with a green tinge is a potential buyer. More pragmatic types will say it's better spending that sort of coin on something like the super frugal diesel-powered BMW 318d.But the point about Volt is that it ushers in totally new technology in a quest to cut fuel use and reduce emissions. It is part of our driving future, here, now.Fully electric cars are practically useless because of extremely limited range and something like a Prius is just a petrol powered car with an electric helper engine. Volt is something else altogether.The US-made, four seat, five-door hatch drives solely on its electric engine(s). Yes there are two of them mounted concentrically, one inside the other, to one side of the engine bay. For the first 50-90km (depending on how you drive), Volt is on pure electricity from its lithium ion battery pack mounted under the rear passenger compartment floor. After that, the 1.4-litre Holden Cruze petrol engine generates electricity to pump into the battery and then into the electric motor(s) to drive the car. The second, smaller electric motor is engaged at higher speeds to take the load off the larger unit and to alter gearing through a simple gear set for more efficient operation. There are no gears to change and the petrol engine is not connected directly to Volt's drive system.The generator engine will not re-charge the battery once it's depleted. That has to be done by plugging Volt into a (domestic) or dedicated "charge point" electric power outlet. At home, Volt will take about six hours to fully recharge, possibly less and it can be set to only recharge during off peak times. There's a small petrol tank at the rear of the car to feed the 1.4-litre generator engine. Got all that?What you need to know is it all works seamlessly offering similar performance to a 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder car with Lexus like silence and smoothness - or better. If you live within say 30km of work or drive less than say 60km a day, recharge, and you won't need petrol. Drive further and you will - eventually.An unofficial competition among US Volt owners to see who can go without petrol for the longest time is attracting attention with some owners clicking over a petrol free year. But if you don't use the petrol in the tank or if the engine doesn't start once a month, Volt starts the engine itself in maintenance mode.It needs to run occasionally. The drive experience is one of a luxury medium size sedan. It has a sporty feel, plenty of acceleration and thanks to the low centre of gravity, excellent cornering characteristics.Volt is “fully loaded” with luxury kit that includes a centre stack with numerous iPod style controls. The audio is Bose, there's cruise control, full connectivity but no audio streaming. The interior is funky/modern with two-tone leather and looks nothing like any other car currently available. Just like the outside - an elegant looker, distinctive and functional with a five star crash rating.

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 the sedan version of Hyundai's striking, German-designed i40. It joins handsome i40 wagon that's been around for a while now but there's a new generation diesel (also petrol) under the bonnet. Premium model drive is top of the range.Price is $44,590 but it's jammed with goodies; premium audio, premium SUNA satnav, leather, full glass panoramic roof.Plenty, top of the range Mazda6, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Peugeot 508, Accord.The diesel is a 1.7-litre unit with variable geometry turbo and twin cams. It is good for 100kW/320Nm and is generation II of this particular engine.Really well with plenty of acceleration across a wide rev range, super quiet and smooth running, can't hear or feel a thing most of the time.Rated at 6.0/100km. We achieved 5.0 without really trying.Yes, Passes Euro 5Yes gets a five star rating and has a raft of primary and secondary safety systems and features — nine air bags, stability control and plenty more.Like being in a BMW. Heated seats front and rear. Soft leather, attractive styling inside and out, premium audio, dual zone climate control, rear view camera (crystal clear image), bending headlights, ECO indicator. Get the picture?Really enjoyed it. Did some long distance work and commuting. Easy to spend a long time in the car without fatigue. Sporty feel to the localised dynamics, Sachs German suspension, grippy rubber, responsive electric steering.Like the paddle shift too. High beam a bit dull. Audio system refused to accept chosen set up for speakers and sound.Yes, even though it's at the upper end of the i40 spectrum. Ticks nearly all of the luxury boxes in a right size package. Fixed price servicing and unbeatable warranty are icing on the cake.Would definitely look at one against other offerings in the segment. The diesel engine holds strong appeal for economy and performance. Six speed auto is standard. Honestly, we'd be looking at the mid range Elite at five grand less.

They don't follow through with this philosophy as much with their cars but in the new Swift Sport you can see the link.It spins out to 7500rpm for starters, has a close ratio short shift manual gearbox and now, features more weight saving technology such as the "hollow" lightweight alloy wheels.As it stands, the new Swift Sport, at 1060kg is quite svelte compared to five door competitors. And it shows in the drive feel and agile handling delivered by this cheeky looking customer.PRICE AND EQUIPMENTAt $23,990, Suzuki Swift Sport is a fair old hike up on the $15,990 get-go for garden variety Swift GA but the cars are like chalk and cheese.It has a range of "go-fast" bits attached to the body - front, side and rear skirts, rear spoiler and diffuser with integrated dual wide-spaced exhaust tips, striking multi-spoke 17-inch alloys and big, bixenon headlights but no LED daytime running lights.There are seats for four and small but functional (expandable) boot space. Inside is totally in keeping with the car's intent. It looks modern, funky and functional even if there are minimal soft touch surfaces. The instruments are conventional as is the switchgear. But the sporty seats look the business and it has a sweet shifting close ratio six speed transmission along with metal faces pedals.It gets Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, keyless entry and button start along with a chunky multi-function wheel. Suzuki has done enough inside to impart the right sporty flavour to the Sport. Safety is five star thanks in part to seven air bags and stability control.ENGINEThe Swift Sport is something of a performance car with 100kW/160Nm from its 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine, a revised version of the previous unit. It doesn't score direct injection but does have variable valve timing and variable intake systems to boost efficiency. We saw the claimed 6.1-litres/100km but the Suzuki Swift Sport prefers premium fuel.It would be great to have a turbo 132kW donk but realistically, Swift Sport doesn't need it. There is always the insurance issue to bear in mind with a turbo car and besides, you can drive the wheels off the little Zook and have nearly as much fun at lower (legal) speeds.THE DRIVEThis is limited a tad by skinny tyres that lose grip too early in the fast cornering process making Sport skittish especially if the road is a bit rough. But most other dynamic aspects of the car are good with quick(ish) electric steering, strong brakes, relatively flat ride and a solid chassis featuring judicious use of high strength steel. On our favourite drive road we were looking for more from the Zook but after a reality check realised the thing was actually going at a cracking pace.VERDICTHard to beat for the money. Great little city car, impressive out on the highway too. Cheeky but cute appeal in spades.Suzuki Swift Sport Price: from $23,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 58 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: five starSpare: aerosol repair kitEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl petrol 100kW/160NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; FWDBody: 3.9m (L); 1.7m (w); 1.5m (h)Weight: 1060kgThirst: 6.5L/100km; 98 RON; 153g/km Co2 

In France, what the gendarmes want the gendarmes get and thank goodness for that. It has prompted Renault to produce arguably the best front drive sporty coupe currently available  in the handsome Megane RS 265.The gendarmes (police) have rapid response cars to get officers to crime scenes or collisions as quickly as possible and their latest vehicle tender specified 265 horsepower (195Kw) as the minimum for a rapid response vehicle. The Megane RS250 didn't measure up so Renault went to work, upping output to 265hp and implementing a series of other revisions along the way.The earlier RS250 was already an impressive piece of kit but this... this 265 is something else again.POPULARThe 250 has been popular in Australia with 700 units sold in the last two years. It makes Australia the third largest market in the world for the RS250 behind France and Germany. It has some stiff competition in the VW Scirocco R and the soon to be released Ford Focus ST five door hatch.PRICEThe Renault has a significant price advantage over Scirocco starting at $42,640 for the Cup model. Two other versions are available featuring more kit and larger wheels; the Trophy and the Trophy+ with a limited, 100 unit edition Trophy 8.08 celebrating the RS265's recent record for a front drive car around the legendary Nurburgring track in 8.08 seconds.CHANGESSubtle exterior changes mark the 265 over the 250 with dual lines of LED daytime running lights, black-out trim panels, gloss black body hardware and matte black 18-19-inch wheels. More changes are evident inside including a revised and classier looking dash with new carbon look fascia and piano black highlights. The instruments have white face dials and there's a range of new goodies, model dependent.ENGINEThe engine has been tweaked for more power and improved torque. It's a 2.0-litre petrol unit with a twin scroll turbo, variable inlet valve lift and other detail changes. Boost pressure has been upped to 2.5bar but the engine complies with Euro 5 emissions and uses less fuel than the 250 at 8.2-litres/100km.Outputs are 195kW/360Nm, the latter from 3000rpm. Renault claims a conservative sounding 0-100kmh sprint of 6.0-seconds. Feels quicker than that. Some work has been done on the exhaust for better flow and improved note.DYNAMICSThough the 250 had a reputation as one of the best handling front drivers around, the 265 is better again. It uses a mechanical limited slip front differential to apportion drive and a clever independent steering axis front suspension system to avoid torque steer under heavy throttle applications.Renault specifies the base car to the same chassis spec as the previous top line model adding superior rubber into the equation and a new `dial-up' dynamic management system offering Normal, Sport and Off. It acts on various functions including throttle response and power delivery.THE DRIVEWe drove the base model and the 8.08 on a good long fang in country Queensland in possibly the ideal RS265 environment - mountain switchback roads followed by country B roads with wide sweeping corners and short straights. It was eye opening to say the least.Front drive cars just don't handle like this - or they didn't. It makes all wheel drive redundant because not once did either car put a wheel out of place, even under extreme pressure on pitifully uneven and winding roads with rough bitumen.We guess being as intimately involved in F1 as Renault is pays dividends on the street. Surfing the wide torque band is a pleasure, hooking hard into tight corners a buzz. It sits flat and stays controlled all the time but the brakes did fade a tad on one downhill mountain run.VERDICTPity the 0% Renault finance deal doesn't apply on Megane RS265. That would make it even harder to resist than it already is. But why would you resist something as good as this?Renault Megane RS265Price: from $42,640
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km
Service interval: 12 months/10,000km
Safety rating: not tested
Spare: space saver
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged 4cylinder; 195kW/360Nm.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body: 2-door coupe
Weight: 1374kg
Thirst: 8.2L/100km, 190g/km CO2

Subaru UK has announced a mouth-watering price offer on its high-performance WRX STI model of just $41,130. At this price, the WRX STI becomes one of the performance car bargains currently available in the UK. An additional finance offer means the STI can be financed at under $457 a month. At the same time, Subaru UK has created a further engine upgrade for the STI so that customers can create a new high-performance All-Wheel Drive flagship, the WRX STI 340R. The new 340R power upgrade, which adds $2436 to the price, is available alongside the 320R (with 235kW and 450Nm) which was first launched last year. Both the 340R and 320R power upgrades can be applied retroactively without affecting a car's warranty. Available immediately, the WRX STI 340R boasts 250kW and 490Nm of torque substantial increases of 29kW and 83Nm over the standard WRX STI making the 340R one of the fastest point-to-point cars on the road. The 340R power upgrade features different ECU settings to allow the 2.5-litre horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder boxer engine to produce more power, while airflow has improved as a result of a new exhaust system, which also provides drivers with a thrilling soundtrack and the iconic Subaru burble.