Articles by Peter Barnwell

Not surprisingly, there's price resistance to cars above the 60 grand Luxury Car Tax trigger price. Most dinkum Aussies want to dodge it, and if they can, they love it.Logical really because the LCT is an onerous and ill-conceived tax partly on new safety systems among other things. So called luxury cars lead in the adoption of new safety equipment.But there's an LCT loophole governed by how much fuel a car uses. Under 7.0-litres/100km and the LCT comes right down - often by thousands of dollars.One wonders how long it will take the Federal Government to lower the rating to 6.0-litres/100km because more and more "luxury" cars are coming in under the 7.0 mark due to clever technology.The Mercedes-Benz E250 is a good example and the beneficiary of perhaps a $5000 tax break due to its ability to sip petrol at a mere 6.6-litres/100km. It's a "green" carbon minimisation machine. It's a very low figure for a large car the size of the E-Class.How does Benz do it? Well, they call on their century plus experience at making automobiles and get a small capacity engine to do the work (easily) of a large capacity unit with attendant fuel savings.You may think a 1.8-litre four cylinder is the province of a Corolla but when Benz produces one for its E-Class, it delivers power and torque commensurate with a 3.5-litre V6. How does 150kW and 310Nm grab you? Bit better than a Corolla. Performance is enhanced with the seven-speed automatic hooked up to the rear wheels and a variable geometry turbo force feeding the engine which also scores direct injection and variable cam timing. It produces excellent acceleration across the entire engine rev' range and is almost imperceptible inside the cabin - or outside for that matter.This is middle of the E-Class range at under $100K and a pragmatist wouldn't need anything else. It's comprehensively equipped with luxury kit upgradable with an extensive array of options. There's plenty of room for five and a large boot. It puts away long distances with ease and has light controls with a well modulated ride. Oh, looks good too...

On multi-lane roads, hands up anybody who isn't sick and tired of the brain-dead right-lane hog holding up other traffic and forcing them into dangerous "undertaking" manoeuvres.Lane hogs aren't tolerated in Europe, neither is undertaking. But drivers there know what to do and move out of the centre lanes as soon as thay have overtaken.Could our Aussie problem with driving discipline in general hark back to convict days when it was "every man for himself, or dog eat dog?". Or are we simply very bad -- and very selfish -- drivers in Australia.What do you think? 

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 Peugeot's penultimate new 4008 all wheel drive small SUV - a Pug version of the Mitsubishi ASX with better styling and different spec'.How much?Retails for $30,990What are competitors?Numerous; ASX, Nissan Dualis, Hyundai iX35, Skoda Yeti, Ssangyong Korando, Sooby XV, VW Tiguan perhaps.What's under the bonnet?Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder lifted from the Mitsubishi Lancer small car- and ASX. It's good for 110kW/197Nm output and features variable valve timing but not direct fuel injection.The manual is a five-speeder while the CVT auto has six 'steps.'How does it go?Acceptable performance is available from the manual but it needs another cog to make highway cruising easier and also give better fuel economy and acceleration through the gears.Is it economical?We got into the low 8.0s without really trying so the claim of 7.9 litres/100km seems right.Is it green?Greenish with a Euro 4 rating - needs to get better in a hurry to keep up with other makes.Is it safe?Five stars.Is it comfortable?Very. The suspension is softish, the seats are a good shape, there's adequate sound deadening and it runs smoothly and quietly. The Active scores plenty of kit despite playing second fiddle to the high spec' Allure.What's it like to drive?A good all round hack for commuting, general driving, even venturing off road (dirt roads, sand and snow) thanks to the selectable all wheel drive system with lock-up.Is it value for money?Pretty good compared with similar sized and styled cars from other European makers - thousands less actually. But it needs a diesel and a proper auto.Would we buy one?Possibly. Like the styling, the size, the features and the price is competitive but the petrol engine struggles a bit and when you work it, uses much more fuel. Perhaps a 1.6 turbo petrol is the answer.

There's precious little difference between Toyota's 86 and the Sooby BRZ except for the two model range offered by Toyota - 86 GT and GTS. The latter has pretty much identical spec' to BRZ. The 86 GT is thousands less at an incredible $29,990 and offers the same drive feel. You'd be happy with the GT unless

Compared to driving a Ferrari 458, getting behind the wheel of a Citroen Berlingo van might not hold a lot of attraction but plenty of people spend a large slice of their lives in vans such as the Berlingo.The trouble is many of these small, bonneted vans aren't nearly as good as the little froggy freighter. That's because Citroen `invented' the passenger car based small van decades ago with its pig-snouted TUB that was built on the Xsara coupe platform of the day.The latest Berlingo is a bigger vehicle spawned from Citroen's C4 Picasso people mover platform and it's a good `un offering a passenger car drive feel, incredible fuel economy and surprisingly good dynamics and ride for a work a day commercial vehicle. Pity it only gets one airbag as standard and stability control is optional.HOW MUCHTwo versions are available here, a short body 1.6-litre petrol for $19,990 and subject of this test, the long body turbo diesel 1.6 that goes for $22,990. A variety of options is available that will add a tad to the bottom line.WHAT YOU GETBoth have a five speed manual transmission driving the front wheels and both can fit in two standard pallet loads in the back on a rubber floor mat and with waist high internal panel protection.The rear barn doors open nearly 180 degrees and are 60/40 split fold enabling Berlingo to nuzzle up close to loading docks. There's also a side slider and all doors are centrally locked from the key fob.LOADEDBoth short and long body models have the same wheelbase with the latter getting more rear overhang to accommodate the extra length. The petrol's payload is 850kg while the diesel takes 750.INSIDEIts compact dimensions don't mean a compromise on useable interior space which is generous in the long body we tested. It even had two and a half seats with three seat belts and a fold-up passenger seat squab for extra storage.Not that it needs any extra with storage options liberally scattered throughout the cab including a parcel shelf behind the sun visors and a flip up glove box atop the instrument console. Plenty of thought obviously went into Berlingo's design to make it as practical a work vehicle as possible.They tried to make Berlingo like an office on wheels.  That's why it has Bluetooth, a trip computer, MP3 slot, air conditioning, cruise control, heated exterior mirrors, rake and reach steering adjustment, large front doors and a protection frame behind the driver.On the outside, the front and rear bumpers are designed to protect Berlingo from inevitable bumps and scrapes encountered on its delivery rounds.ENGINEIn terms of actual driving the thing is quite impressive with plenty of pep from the single cam turbo diesel engine rated at 66kW/215Nm output. It can sip fuel at around 5.8-litres/100km from a 60 litre tank. The gearshift is high mounted in the centre console rally car style.MISSINGBut they didn't fit a reversing camera or reversing park sensors, the latter being an option along with auto headlights and rain sensing wipers, the second air bag and stability control. It rides well unladen of with a load thanks to the well sorted front strut rear torsion beam suspension. It could do with a tighter turning circle.VERDICTCould we spend a working life in Berlingo? Possibly. It would be a darn sight better than a one tonne ute with a canopy or some of the other alternatives.Citroen BerlingoPrice: from $22,990 (diesel)Engine: 1.6L turbodiesel, 66kW/215NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, FWDThirst: 5.8L / 100Km

Few mainstream cars have the same visual cut-through on the street as the Subaru BRZ. Other drivers see it and the rubber necking starts, or the chasing, or the phone camera comes out. It wears thin after a day or two.It's Subaru's version of the joint venture sports car developed with Toyota that was designed to cater for a specific market at a sharp price. Such is the appeal of this new, compact rear drive sports coupe that you will have to put your name on an order list before actually getting behind the wheel.THE PRICEToyota's near identical 86 starts at an incredible $29,990 plus on roads for the GT, rising $5500 for the better equipped GTS.Subaru's BRZ is available in one spec' only at $37,150 drive-away with a six-speed auto adding $2600. It will only be sold online and is specified to a similar standard as Toyota's GTS.Subaru offers the BRZ with three years free servicing along with the three year unlimited km warranty. It has a five star crash rating and plenty to make you feel good about your choice including auto on/off bi-xenon headlights, a full size alloy spare, alloy pedals, dual zone aircon, keyless start, Bluetooth, Datadots and power operated ancillaries.THE LOOKThe only external difference we could see between the two cars side by side is a small faux bumper at the front of the BRZ with attendant grille changes. Everything else looks the same except for minor body hardware and badges.Which one looks the best? Toss a coin. The same applies to the way the two drive — close your eyes and you couldn't pick it, open them...ditto.We really like the look of the BRZ (and the 86) inside and out. The Sooby has some minor interior differences and some additional metal look fascia finishes. But the instrumentation is relatively simple and uncluttered and other aspects of the package are impressive. Satnav and leather are optional.THE TECHNOLOGYLike the 86, the BRZ runs a horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated, four-cylinder with twin cams per bank and variable valve timing.The Atkinson cycle (delayed valve closing) engine is quite highly specified in component terms and spins to about 7300rpm. It passes Euro 5 emissions regulations with help from port and direct fuel injection —  yes, a dual, sequential fuel system.Power output is a handy 147kW with 205Nm of torque — both delivered at the upper rev limits. But it's good enough to propel the 1256kg BRZ from 0-100kmh in a reasonable 7.6 seconds.The six-speed manual version we drove offers short, sharp shifts with close intermediate ratios to keep you where the power is, adding a sporty feel at the same time. here's a clever engine pipe feeding a raspy note into the cabin for aural appreciation. But you'll need to feed it 98 octane only, due to the high 12.5:1 compression ratio.The rear suspension is a lift from Subaru's WRX STi as is the tail shaft design and other bits and pieces. Extra traction is provided by a Torsen diff' and there are two modes for the stability control system.THE DRIVEDynamics are firm and sporty aided by electric steering, stiff springs and dampers and the rigid chassis. Wheels are 17-inch with sporty rubber.On the road the BRZ delivers reasonable performance and sounds pretty good as long as you are prepared to rev it.Adequate torque is available in the mid-range for everyday driving. As suggested by the power and torque curves, everything happens above 6000rpm — great for sporty driving. The five mode stability control isn't too intrusive and all dynamic functions are calibrated to be sporty.THE VERDICTImpressive car. It is a viable everyday driver with seats for four at a pinch and a reasonable load space -- expandable with the rear seat back folded (flat). But where's the turbo?Subaru BRZPrice: $37,150 (man) $39,730 (auto) drivewayEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed man or auto; RWDSafety: 5 star ANCAPDimensions: 4.2m (l); 1.8 (w); 1.2 (h)Weight: 1216kg (man); 1238 (auto)Thirst: 6.4l/100km 181g/co2 km (man); 5.6l, 164g (auto)Spare: 17-inch

If you wan't to live out your American V8 muscle car fantasy with a new Chrysler 300 in the garage then it will have to be the top-whack SRT8 model at around $66,000.The previous 5.7 V8 has dissoed making way for a pair of less lively V6s with wheezy voices — the Pentastar 3.6 petrol (port not direct injection) and the (carry-over) VM-Motori 3.0-litre turbo diesel.This is version two of the chunky Chrysler 300  — essentially a comprehensive make over using the same chassis (from an earlier 1990s Mercedes-Benz E-Class) and sundry changes to the sheetmetal, interior and specification.Plenty of safety stuff from Chrysler's earlier links with Benz has trickled down into the new 300 some of it optional or available on higher grade models. The look has been influenced by Fiat which owns Chrysler so some elements of the Lancia Thema (European Chrysler 300) have transferred across.Is it a good lookin' "tough guy'' like the previous model? Not really. Put the two side by side and you'll see. The earlier one nails it while the new one looks like a committee effort, bit of this, bit of that with squinty headlights and overstyled tail lights.But Chrysler Australia has driven a hard bargain with its new Italian overlords and hits the market with a starting point of $43,000 for the 300 V6 Limited petrol complete with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, 18-inch alloys, decent audio, bi-xenon headlights, power front seats, rear view camera and the US equivalent of a five star crash rating.It is a serious temptation for someone shopping Holden Berlina or Falcon G6. The next step up is 300C which scores the leather treatment and more kit, then there's the 300C Luxury on top of that.The three grades are available with petrol and diesel V6 engines, diesel attracting a $5000 premium but with only a five-speed auto transmission. Those V6 engines are good for 210kW/340Nm on the petrol and 176kW/550Nm on the diesel. The 6.4-litre petrol V8 in SRT 8  generates 347kW/631Nm, comfortably out-powering anything from HSV or FPV.Fuel saving technology on the petrol V6 includes variable valve timing while the V8 gets cylinder deactivation and variable valve timing (on an overhead valve engine) but still only a five-speed auto. The petrol V6 is capable of returning 9.4-litres/100km, the diesel 7.1 and the V8 13.0.It's a weighty beast perched between 1800kg-2000kg model dependent. That's a lot of lard to be hauling around but Chrysler has honed the 300's suspension on all models to offer a surprisingly high level of comfort coupled with a sporty feel. The steering is also relatively direct and offers a respectable turning circle.But the smallish brakes on the SRT8 would last perhaps a couple of heavy applications from high speed before losing the plot. There's plenty of grip from the big tyres fitted to all models and  the venerable chassis has been reinforced with judicious application of high strength steel in key areas.On the road it's difficult to choose between the petrol V6 and the diesel, the former with a decided torque advantage offering strong roll on acceleration while the eight-speed tranny in the petrol captures available power and torque smoothly and efficiently to push the big 300 along with purpose.It's certainly a more engaging drive than a "Falcadore.'' The interior is a breath of fresh air with classic touches and splashes of the latest technology.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is exciting enough for the petrol blooded. But icing on the cake is driving there in a classic 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 Cabriolet - extracted in pristine, near new condition from the Benz classic museum collection in Germany.There were about 50 Benz classics on the drive from the old Brooklands race track in Weybridge near London to Goodwood and everyone wanted a spin in the 300SL Gullwing but we were happy with our lot. It had the quintessential Benz face with big round headlights moulded to conform to the curve of the mudguards and a big, tall Benz mesh grille with the three pointed star on top. The easy to operate vinyl roof had curving landau style fixtures at the back as part of the folding system and there were seats for five. Ashtrays in the back, no seat belts, rear hinged 'suicide’ doors, useable running boards, dipper switch on the floor, individual metal switches for each function, huge steering wheel, four forward gears and reverse “on the tree”, key and push button start, choke, blinkers on the horn ring, it was a real blast from the past to look at let alone drive.Which we did for two hours through London suburbs and then out into the lush countryside of the home counties en route to Goodwood. Power comes from a 2.2-litre straight six petrol engine driving the rear wheels. It has adequate power and spins sweetly up to about 130kmh which we did on a motorway stretch - not a problem.The ride is super plush and would put a good few modern luxury cars to shame. But the brakes were terrible - drums with no feel and not much bite. We quickly figured out why the wheel is so big – no power steering. It takes a fair old reef on the wheel at low speed to make a turn. It makes a man out of you.Reverse parking is a challenge made easy with the roof off thanks to clear all round visibility. We struggled to find first a couple of times because it’s on a tight parallel gate to reverse – oops. It was a wonderful experience wafting along in the old timer until we got caught up in traffic congestion near the destination.Radiator boiling is always an issue with old cars and became so in our Benz as the thermometer crept up to 100 degrees. We solved the problem by spearing off the main road for a quick high speed run along back roads. That got it down to 80 degrees and a margin of safety. The car attracted huge attention and we even started waving like royals in a motorcade heading for the hunt or some horsing around. Ha-ha. After a while the discussion came around to absconding with the car and forgetting about Goodwood. It had strong appeal - a sunny Sunday morning, roof off, 22 degrees, quaint English villages beckoning, winding country lanes, birds tweeting, roast beef cooking. Sensibility prevailed; we went to Goodwood - fabulous. 

Mercedes-Benz is about to take a club to Golf with the new, German made A-Class premium hatchback priced from around $36,000.It is one of five new buggies on the same new platform coming from Benz in the next two years. Some have front wheel drive, some drive all four wheels to get you out of the rough. A coupe and possibly two compact SUV variants are on the way.The baby Benz has a handicap advantage over Golf in standard equipment scoring a seven speed dual clutch ‘manumatic’ auto (DCT) across the range along with engine stop/start, self- park function  and nine air bags.Additionally, the crash preparation system Pre-safe is also included. A clever Apple- developed communications system that even chats to the driver is available as an option for about $2000.It makes A-Class into a virtual smart phone on wheels and includes 3D satnav with traffic information and allows seamless iPod or iPhone integration into the car. An Android version should be available when the A-Class arrives in Australia March 2013.THE RANGEWe’ll be getting turbo petrol models; the A180, A200 and A250 Sport and one turbo diesel; the A200CDi. Local cars will likely be available in two spec’ levels or alternatively, with locally developed feature-rich ‘packs.’ The 250 Sport will be highly specified as standard and is likely to come in at around $50,000 or about the same as an equivalently specified VW Golf GTi.THE ENGINESNew generation engines make their debut in the A-Class. The 180 and 200 petrol are 1.6-litres while the 250 is a 2.0-litre. Power outputs across the range go from 90-166kW while torque is rated between 200Nm-350Nm. A250 Sport has an overboost function to achieve and additional 11kW over the ‘normal’ output when in sport mode. The petrol engines are all direct injection with a new cam system called Camtronic that alters valve lift on the inlet side and also has cylinder cut-off for fuel savings.It’s the first time this system has been used in a production car. The A200 CDi is a 1.8 – again a new engine specifically developed for this new class of Benz and is good for 100kW/300Nm. All these engines pass the 2015 Euro 6 emissions regulations with extremely frugal fuel use (down into the mid 4.0 litre/100km range) and low carbon dioxide output.SAFETYDesigned from the outset to deliver a full five star level of crash protection, A-Class can be specified with a full suite of safety equipment from the Benz inventory including lane departure system, speed limit recognition and warning, Distronic radar cruise control and blind spot warning. All our local cars get the collision prevention system that takes control of braking in a potential crash situation if the driver doesn’t react and attention assist if you start to nod off behind the wheel.THE LOOKIn its metamorphosis from stunning concept to production car not that much changed with the A-Class. It has an aggressive frontal appearance, truncated rear and sculpted side panels that really command attention. Even the pointillist grille made it through to the Sport model while the others get a two bar diamond grille housing distinctive headlights and wild LED driving lights. It looks ‘the biz’ on the outside.INSIDEInterior styling marks a new trend for Benz with elements carried through from both the SLS and SL sports cars. It’s dominated by three metal ringed air vents atop the centre stack and a funky instrument console with metal face dials. The dash itself in Sport is something to behold with its carbon fibre finish.THE DRIVEWe got hold of the A200 petrol and diesel in Slovenia this week and also had a squirt in the A250 on a disused airfield marked out like a race track. You’d be happy with any of them especially their drive feel and the way they sit on the road. Benz has done a great job of engaging a driver’s senses in all dynamic aspects of the car especially the steering and ride. It feels almost predictive.A-Class will satisfy the enthusiast driver and then back up as a competent and easy to drive town hack. The DCT transmission is impressive with multiple modes available and quick changes up and down the range.  Noise levels are at a minimum partly because of the car’s Cd 0.27 aerodynamics. The Sport has strong power available at will and even sharper dynamics than the other cars as well as more purposeful looks and sound.But our pre-production test drive A250 Sports were a tad tardy off the line, something that will be addressed in the months before it goes on.Mercedes-Benz A-classPrice: from $36,000 (approx.)Safety: 5 starsEngine: 115kW 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol,155kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, 240kW turbocharged petrol 2.0-litre engine, 100kW 1.6-litre diesel engineTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 5.5l/100km, 6.4l/100km, 4.4l/100km 

Tell people you drive a Camry and they look down their nose at you.