Articles by Peter Barnwell

There's something really intimidating about a vehicle that looks, sounds, goes and weighs as much as the new Mercedes-Benz ML63AMG.VALUEYou'll need a cool $177,900 - the price for the ultimate ML is tainted by Luxury Car Tax and other taxes escalating it to higher levels. There is a generous level of standard equipment that includes a whoppa of a touchscreen incorporating satnav, TV, car controls and multi media interface.Keeping you entertained is a superb Harman Kardon audio system.The amount of electrically assisted features is incredible: steering wheel adjustment, front seats, windows, tailgate, locking, keyless start and more. The ML63 rides on a set of striking 21-inch alloys with nice fat rubber. The test vehicle's AMG Sports suspension offered ride selection options and the huge brakes never dropped the ball.TECHNOLOGYIt will surprise you how much fuel this twin-turbo, petrol V8 doesn't use rated at an average combined 11.8-litres/100km. There's low rolling resistance tyres, low friction axle drives and electric steering helping to cut fuel use.Engine stop/start helps around town and the direct injection, 386kW/700Nm, 5.5-litre donk features a raft of high tech components to optimise efficiency.It drives all four wheels constantly through a seven-speed AMG Speedshift transmission — the one that blips the throttle on downshifts in Sport mode and functions almost anonymously under normal driving.DESIGNIt's a five seater with plenty of room in the back for luggage. Comfort levels are elevated by the heated front seats and leather upholstery.SAFETYThe five star safety arsenal is comprehensive and among the best available for primary and secondary crash avoidance/protection. Heck, it even tells you to wake up if you driving drops off the pace. The cruise control is radar operated and maintains a preset distance between cars in front - all pretty tricky stuff.DRIVINGPhysics dictate something like this shouldn't be capable of what it will do. Point it at a set of switchbacks, select Sport mode and manual shift and you will be absolutely astounded at how this big vehicle rampages through corners with nary a wriggle or a squirm. Boot it hard off the line and the ML63 accelerates like the best of them covering a 0-100kmh sprint in under 5.0 seconds - well under.Wind down the windows and revel in the exhaust ‘explosion’ between gear changes under full throttle - it's almost a primal experience - fear and awe. Then, when you want to cruise around town with the kids, do some shopping, commute to work, dial the ML back to ‘eco’ and Comfort mode and it's like a luxury saloon car - supple, quiet, smooth, extremely well appointed.VERDICTImpressive truck. Takes something really serious to see it off in a straight line — or through corners. Practical, stylish (though we prefer the look of the previous model), luxurious and safe. Has the most in-your-face exhaust outlets of any car.ML63 offers the best of both worlds in a big, boxy, practical package.Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMGPrice: from $177,900Warranty: Three yearsEngine: 5.5-litre 8-cyl 386kW/700NmTransmission: seven-speed automatic, 4x4 constantBody: 4804mm (L), 1926mm (W), 1796mm (H)Weight: 2345kgThirst: 11.8L/100km, 276g/km CO2

The Pure ED4 is where the Evoque model lineup kicks off - at $49,995 but we seriously doubt you'd be able to find one in base spec. Range Rover has a "client customisation program" with Evoque that lets buyers choose what they want (at extra cost).EXCLUSIVEIt means no two Evoques will be the same - they'll all be "exclusive." We got hold of a new front wheel drive super economical eD4 five door and have to say we really like it. Apart from the striking looks, the thing goes like a train - and it's the fuel economy model.ECONOMYWe saw 5.5-litres/100km easily and didn't really try for economy. Range Rover equips the car with a swag of fuel saving technology like engine stop/start (not foolproof), low rolling resistance tyres, low friction engine internals, low aerodynamic drag and electricity regeneration when decelerating.Nothing really ground breaking but hybrid challenging economy and emissions from a 1600kg small luxury SUV is pretty impressive.POWERTRAINThe engine is a 2.2-litre Peugeot unit with 110kW/400Nm output. Extra response is gained from the water cooled, variable nozzle turbo and it's smooth and quiet thanks to a double walled engine block and dual balance shafts. But the really, really good thing is the slick manual gear change.It feels electrically operated with short throws between each cog - snick, snick, snick, and the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts are close ratio. It's the first time we have experienced a close ratio manual diesel and we like it.TORQUE ABOUT ITWith a big whack of torque belting through the front wheels some torque steer is evident under heavy throttle applications but that's quickly doused by the stability control system and other electronics.SHARPIt has sharp, sporty steering that's most un-SUV-like and a sporty ride from the chassis. You can have a good old play on a winding road in full confidence as the Evoque carves a neat, flat arc through corners.As the Pure, it has a relatively conservative interior treatment, attractive and functional capped by a large touch screen in the centre stack. We couldn't figure out what was standard kit and what was optional and gave up. The test model was kitted up to $61,340 with bigger alloys (19-inch), touch screen, audio connectivity, satnav, metallic paint, contrast roof and other stuff.TOURERIt's an excellent touring car with a luxury air others simply can't match. Then there's that styling - motorshow concept for the street. And no, we didn't encounter any rear visibility issues. There's something incongruous about a front wheel drive Range Rover but who cares, the majority of these vehicle won't go off road so the additional weight and cost of all wheel drive is a waste.VERDICTWould have one in a flash. Surprisingly good performance from a diesel four pot, low fuel consumption, excellent six-speed manual, sporty dynamics. The queue starts over here.Range Rover Evoque eD4 PurePrice: from $49,995Warranty: 3yr roadside assist, 100,000kmEngine: 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel, 110kW/380NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 5.0L / 100Km, 133 g/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?This is Toyota's new generation range-topping YRX five-door, auto-only hatch.Goes for $21,390 plus on roads.Too many to list but competition in this neighbourhood is stove hot - hotter than that even. Suzuki Swift, Fiesta, Barina, Mazda2, Polo, etc.There's a 1.5-litre, twin cam, four cylinder, petrol donk under the bonnet - no direct injection though but variable valve timing for efficiency gains.It's good for 80kW/141Nm output.Surprisingly well with plenty of punch across the entire rev range, smooth, quiet(ish), willing little unit.The four-speed auto teams nicely with the engine - doesn't really need more cogs apart from potential fuel economy gains with a five or six speeder.Good for 6.3-litres/100km but using 91 RON - a big plus especially given what many of the competitors use.OK, only gets a Euro 4 pass - bit old school now, time for a new engine really - based only on emissions.Five stars with all that entails - seven air bags, stability control and so on.Again, surprisingly so, roomy, plenty of kit in the package, excellent SUNA satnav that even warns of school zones, red light and fixed cameras, level crossings and more. Every car should have it. Hard dash.Nippy, comfortable, plenty of pick-up as needed, easy to park, comfy, sporty(ish) ride. Quick steering but the drum rear brakes look like they came out of the ark, the torsion beam suspension works well but is old, old tech, space saver spare a disappointment. Good for city and country driving.More than $2400 extra value included compared with previous equivalent model. Gets climate control, decent audio, auto headlights, multiple wheel controls, trip computer, large touch screen controller, cruise fog lights.Yes, would be an ideal second car - cheap to buy and run, low fixed price service costs, reliable, plenty of zip, five doors decent load space, four adults can fit, undoubtedly reliable, resale. Like the style too - cheeky and fun. Crash repair costs a real worry though.

Once you get past the predictable jibes and the plasticky smell inside, the new Mahindra XUV500 is something decent from the big |Indian manufacturer - light years ahead of the rather horrible Pik-Up ute.At $30,000 - $33,000 for front wheel drive and all wheel drive respectively, buyers get plenty of vehicle for the money, but no bargain basement prices.The new compact XUV (SUV) is pitted against some classy competition in the small soft roader segment and arrives fighting, loaded with goodies that add considerably to its appeal.It's an entirely new vehicle on a new platform with a new powertrain from Mahindra itself which also happens to own Korean outfit SsangYong.You can already see discernible cross pollination - coming from the SsangYong side into Mahindra. The engine feels just like a SsangYong to drive and bits of the interior including the door locking system are familiar. The monocoque body is about the same dimensions as a RAV4 and it's slightly larger inside allowing for a third row of seats for seven pews in total.That's a lot of bods in a not very big vehicle but they all fit pretty well thanks in part to the upright rear roof section and tailgate. The car looks impressive on the street, certainly not as hokey as the Pik-Up.This one is quite pukka especially from the front and sides. To their credit, Mahindra developed their own styling for XUV and it's distinctive. But the interior is outdated in style and function, looking years old - like earlier Korean and Malaysian efforts in its design, materials and function.Despite being a throwback there's plenty of modern technology like voice control, Bluetooth and satnav among a generous list of goodies. The faux woodgrain is a tad tacky and the dash panel fit is only OK. You'll need spectacles to see the tiny writing on the controls that dot the cabin capped by a set of retro looking but high-tech dials sticking up in front of the wheel.Mahindra has put attractive two-tone leather upholstery into the vehicle along with climate control, tyre pressure monitor, auto headlights and wipers and a reasonable audio system. Some touch screen functions are provided.The engine is an in-house effort as is the six speed manual-only transmission. XUV is sold in two variants - front wheel drive and all wheel drive and only one high spec' W8 level. The diesel is a 2.2-litre with variable geometry turbo and is good for 103kW/330Nm output - no complaints there. Fuel economy is a respectable 6.7-litres/100km from the 1785kg all wheel drive model and on demand system.Safety rates four stars from ANCAP thanks in part to six airbags, stability control and roll-over mitigation system.It's an interesting thing to drive, good in parts like the curate's egg. There's a daft engine stop/start system that can be easily tricked into stopping and then not starting again without a full shut down. But the engine itself has plenty of pull from low in the revs aided by pretty good gearing from the rubbery shifting manual box.Our test vehicle had an annoying drivetrain rumble from 80-110kmh. The Mahindra is a reasonable thing to drive, bit coarse, bit old school actually. But it is practical, has an excellent turning circle and easy to fold flat seats. We reckon 1000km range would be achievable.

Though not admitting it outright, local Hyundai execs have hinted at a "GTi'' version of the i30 hatch. Called the i30 SR it could use a turbo engine and six-speed transmissions from the new Veloster SR.That means a 1.6-litre, direct injection, petrol four cylinder with a twin-scroll turbo generating around 150kW/265Nm output - close to the current Golf GTi. There is scope to up these outputs if required to more than match the Golf or alternatively, fit a 2.0-litre turbo. That would be something else again.An i30 SR would feature torque vectoring on the front drive wheels to counter the effects of torque steering and along with a short shifting six-speed manual, there would be a six-speed 'fluid' auto- not a dual clutch system. Interior fittings would be at the highest level currently available in i30. It would have a lower ride height, wilder wheels, twin exhaust outlet, body aero kit and sporty interior flavour.As is the case with the Veloster SR, the i30SR would have localised sporty dynamics and underpinnings reflecting the sporty nature of the car - bigger brakes, higher quality dampers, more responsive steering, larger wheels and tyres.The car is under consideration by Hyundai which is on a quest to jump up the ladder in terms of world car sales. The i30 SR would be one of a number of vehicles Hyundai would be looking at including a one tonne ute and other sporty models as well as luxury cars.Obviously there are no price details on an i30 SR… suffice to say: less than a Golf GTi. 

Camry Sportivo was a popular choice in the previous lineup. It had a bit of sporty sass about it (for a Camry) and the mandatory boot spoiler, alloys and mild body kit. The Sportivo name itself has a certain ring to it. That's why we find it perplexing that the name has been summarily dropped, replaced by the  Atara SX nameplate.VALUEBut it's the new Sportivo complete with alloys, boot lid spoiler and mild body kit. It's the penultimate Camry in the new lineup selling for $35,990 which is sharp pricing when you look at what you get. Paddle shift for one, a full size spare, fixed price servicing at $130 a pop, reverse camera and plenty more. Atara SX has sports seats to go with its sports flavour and partial leather upholstery along with a sports multi-function steering wheel, even the pedals have been given the treatment.Then there's that new dash — looks like it came from a car costing twice as much — looks like a Lexus dash in this case with a large 6.1-inch touch screen controller and a host of electronic and multi-media connections and systems.DRIVINGChanges have been made under the skin with sports suspension and other local input to make Atara SX a satisfying drive. It doesn't feel like Camrys of old, that's for sure. Even the 135kW/231Nm four cylinder petrol engine feels lively while drinking a scant 7.1-litres of regular unleaded per 100km. On the road it offers up sharper responses than other models in the range and it even feels like the six speed auto has been recalibrated to sporty.All Camrys are “Australianised" in terms of dust sealing, noise and vibration reduction, suspension setting, steering, brakes and other stuff. And Toyota does an excellent job of it — so good we wonder why our spec' cars aren't the standard international specification. But the yanks still like them mushy. Pity.We appreciated the ECO warning light in the dash that lets you know when you are driving most economically. It's all you really need rather than systems that deaden the car's response. That's going too far.VERDICTFive star crash safety, bluetooth, electric power steering and it's Aussie made — gotta like that.

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 Holden's hire car special, the long wheelbase V6 Caprice on gas. There's petrol V6 and V8 as well. Caprice is the only long wheelbase Holden these days following the demise of Statesman. Boohoo.How much?The gas car sits in the middle of the Caprice price range at $64,490 plus on roads. That makes it about five grand under petrol V8 and a couple up on the petrol V6. But there's a $2000 rebate from the government when you buy one. It makes the LPG car hard to pass up especially with LPG running at around 65 cents a litre. Who cares if it drinks the stuff...still much cheaper to run than either petrol model.What are competitors?None. At the money, Caprice has the extra rear seat legroom turf all to itself. Maybe the Skoda Superb as a dark horse. Falcon is only in short wheelbase while the others are way more expensive.What's under the bonnet?It gets a 3.6-litre, twin cam V6 with vapour LPG injection good for 180kW/320Nm. Transmission is a six speed conventional automatic with active select (sequential shift) on the selector stick.How does it go?Much better than expected. Past experience with vapour LPG Commodores wasn't favourable — they were doughy. Holden has done something tricky here because the big, weighty LPG Caprice actually gets up when you want it too. It is close to the petrol in accleration feel and roll-on from higher speeds. The sound is a bit strangled because it's on gas and there's only one exhaust outlet.Is it economical?Not at an average of 14.2-litres/100km but when you are paying less than half the price of petrol for gas, it means you are theoretically looking at a (petrol) Caprice sipping 7.0-litres/100km — pretty darn good.Is it green?Marginally better than petrol.Is it safe?Gets the same five star crash rating as Commodore. ESP, multi air bags and the like.Is it comfortable?The ride is supple but controlled and it doesn't make much noise but there was a rumble at speed in the drivetrain we have heard before in Holden products and the seats make you arch your back in a slouch after a short time even with maximum lumbar adjustment. Bluetooth phone and audio, leather, excellent SUNA satnav, auto wipers and headlights, multi function wheel, fiddly touch screen. Overall, pretty good though.What's it like to drive?We had a somewhat jaundiced opinion before we drove the LPG Caprice — reluctant actually but that attitude changed pretty soon. It's good to drive, will even hunt with conviction around moderately fast corners but the brakes are a limiting factor.Is it value for money?Yes, nothing similar comes close.Would we buy one?No, still too young for one of these. Boot compromised with full size spare. Would be on the short list If we were in the hire car business. 

There's probably a psychosis associated with being a van driver. It could well be their working environment. Let’s face it, how would you like sitting in a small moving box for up to 12 hours a day.  Not nice.VANNIESBut new vans out of Europe are making "vannies" lives a bit better with more multi-media connectivity, Bluetooth phones and even.... air conditioning and decent audio. They are becoming more like passenger cars in terms of features, drive feel, ergonomics and (little) luxuries.CUTIERenault's new Kangoo van - a real cutie to look at, benefits from obvious input by those in the know - the drivers. Renault must have lined up a platoon of drivers and pumped them for information about what they need in a vehicle.The result is Kangoo. It's a vannies delight that can make them some money, not cost them much money and keep them happy and safe. Gotta like that.ENGINEKangoo diesel manual, the one we are driving, is powered by a 1.5-litre, single cam turbo diesel four cylinder. It's good for a handy 63kW but more important, 200Nm from a low 1700rpm.What this means is strong acceleration pretty much from a standstill and strong mid range response for highway driving. The amount of kick from this engine surprises especially once you are on the move.LOADEDNo cringe factor at all. This of course translates easy load handling as the engine makes light work of lugging Kangoo's 800 kg payload.We haven’t been able to test it but have had half a tonne in there and it makes light of the load. It is ticking over the claimed 5.2-litres/100km fuel consumption with mixed driving meaning fill ups up around the 800-900km mark.Access to the load space is facilitated through the 180 degree rear barn doors and left side slider. Access to the passenger compartment is by two large doors that open right down to the bottom of the floor.COMFORT FACTORIt's comfortable for longish drives and the driving position is adjustable to suit. Renault has positioned some controls/switches in hard to find positions - to keep you on your toes. There's plenty of storage inside including an overhead shelf that will take up to about 50kg.All it needs is an auto transmission for city couriers - but that's only available with the petrol four...

We're spoiled for choice in the tiddler class with perhaps 15 different vehicle brands represented. Better yet, they are striving really hard to attract us to their lair.Just because we might be shopping sub-$20,000 doesn't mean we have to miss out. Take the new $18,990 Toyota Yaris ZR for example -- a cute little number with decent performance, plenty of kit and a cheeky face.This is generation three of Yaris and it comes with Toyota's fixed price servicing -- a big plus if you're on a budget. Yaris also gains a five star ANCAP crash rating and plenty more to attract attention.It shares equipment levels with the five door YRX meaning excellent SUNA satnav is standard along with Bluetooth audio and phone, climate control air, decent audio, multi wheel controls, cruise, automatic headlights and other useful stuff.The ZR is the “sports” Yaris though it's the same under the skin as other 1.5-litre models except you can only have it with a five speed manual -- no auto is offered.The engine is a twin cam unit with variable valve timing but out-dated port injection instead of the newer direct system. Still, it's capable of delivering respectable performance rated at 80kW/141Nm using regular 91 RON unleaded petrol. We saw 6.0-litres/100km and it would do better trying harder.ZR differs from the five door YRX by having only three doors and a funky looking body aero kit, 15-inch sporty alloys, driving lights, sports seats and a roof spoiler. The effect is chunky and purposeful though some criticism was directed ZR's way as being too much like a mini-people mover. That's a bit harsh.The shape is necessary to deliver above average interior room making the car more practical. Folding 60/40 rear seats creates a large load space almost like a small van.Ride is sporty/comfortable offering up flat cornering and adequate ride comfort with relatively quick steering from what are fairly simple underpinnings. The rear drum brakes look out of place but work OK and there's a space saver spare.It has a strut front and torsion beam suspension calibrated locally, thankfully meaning ZR is well screwed down and fun to drive. We like the interior despite the hard plastic dash whose reflective surface is a real issue when driving into the sun. The sports seats are good and there's an airy feel to the ZR created by large glass areas.We had a good old punt in the Yaris ZR and would definitely consider it. Trouble is there are some really hot items in this territory - in looks, performance, value and equipment. And that's how it should be.

Talk about leveraging one car platform, talk about 'theme and variations.' There are now three versions of the same car available here; Mitsubishi's ASX (donor vehicle), Peugeot's 4008 and now, Citroen's C4 Aircross.They are same-under-the-skin small SUVs out of a Japanese Mitsu' factory but with different front and rear styling and different interiors though the latter two are nearly identical inside.PRICEASX petrol wins on price and spec' particularly at the top end of the scale which is where the $36,990 ASX Aspire, $38,490 Peugeot 4008 Allure and $33,990 Citroen C4 Aircross Exclusive all play. Neither of the European brands offer a diesel donk.The ASX leads with standard satnav that isn't in either of the "Europeans', Rockford Fosgate premium audio, five year warranty and a reverse camera (standard in the Pug). A new, restyled ASX is due soon offering even more kit to attract buyers its way.BEAUTY CONTESTBut the Citroen wins the beauty contest brandishing a handsome face with a stylish rear end. It has more wow factor than the other two, particularly the current ASX which ain't pretty. This is the first SUV 4WD from Citroen and only two Aircross Exclusive models are available in 2WD and 4WD petrol with CVT auto.KITCitroen has been a bit cunning with the spec' making leather upholstery ($2000) and other goodies like metallic paint, xenon headlights, glass roof and reversing camera optional. Tick these boxes and it will add thousands.But it does get fairly generous kit including Bluetooth phone, striking 18-inch alloys, paddle shift, climate control, comprehensive trip computer, rain sensor, auto headlights and rear park sensors. Cruise control, a pollen filter and auto dim rear view mirror are also included. It's not a povvo pack that's for sure but leather would have been welcome.POWERTRAINAircross runs the same 2.0-litre petrol four out of Mitsubishi Lancer/ASX with 110kW/197Nm output. It has variable valve timing and is capable of returning  8.1-litres/100km on 95 octane. European Aircross has a 1.6 turbo four with more torque lower in the rev range that would probably make it a more responsive drive.DRIVINGAs it stands, the 2.0-litre needs to be treated robustly to get it going at a quickish rate and to overcome that 1450kg+ weight. Alternatively, you can use the paddle shift to flick it up and down through six "steps" that function as gears. It's reasonably quiet once you're up and running and the fuel use drops down quickly on cruise. We saw 7.1-litres/100km without really trying.But CVT.... we're still not convinced and those slurring engine revs are fairly annoying. The ride is controlled and in the comfort spectrum apart from some harshenss from the low profile rubber. You can push it a tad through corners but the limits are clearly defined. Besides, Aircross isn't intended as a sporty vehicle.It will, in 4WD variant, go some way off road thanks to selectable 2WD (front), 4WD and 4WD lock mode. That's all you need for mud, snow, sand and gravel driving. It seats five in relative comfort and has a decent load space expandable with 60/40 rear seats. The safety rating is five star.VERDICTInteresting one. The Citroen looks the part but options jack up the price and there's the Citroen name that's off-putting for some people (dunno why). When it all comes out in the wash, a new Australian distributor due soon might get the price right making this car a much more attractive proposition.Citroen AircrossPrice: from $31,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmSafety: n/aEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 110kW/197NmTransmission: 6-speed CVT, front wheel driveThirst: 7.9 / 100Km, 185 CO2 EmissionsDimensions: 4341mm (L); 1799mm (W); 1625 (H)Weight: 1395kgSpare: space saver