Articles by Peter Barnwell

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 penultimate Lancer, one rung below the Evo but a whole lot more liveable on a day to day basis. It has the Evo engine (detuned) and sports suspension but not race spec'. Generous equipment level gives plenty of luxury and it looks pretty good in the Sportback version.You can have the sedan or the Sportback for the same price - $44,490 both with six-speed dual-clutch manumatic called SST with wheel mounted paddle shift.A "luxury" pack that includes leather, xenons, premium audio and the excellent Mitsubishi Multi Communications System is optional at around four grand taking the price horribly close to $50K.It sells against a swag of Euro models - VW,  Alfa, Renault, Volvo and Mazda MPS, WRX.Plenty of power comes from the 2.0-litre turbo four rated at 177kW/343Nm. It's basically the same donk as the Lancer Evo with a different turbo and variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust sides. The multi mode all wheel drive system gives additional grip, drive and safety and the SST six-speeder flicks quickly between gears but has smoothness issues at parking speeds.Impressive performer with strong off the mark acceleration, strong mid-range and strong top-end. The exhaust sound is disappointing.Two-mode transmission offers Normal and Sport.Allegedly capable of 9.8-litres/100km (of 98 octane) but we couldn't get that. The best was 10.3 on cruise on the highway.No.Yes, scores a five star ANCAP rating and has seven air bags as well as specially reinforced body, stability control and other life saving technology. Responsive dynamics also help avoid a collision in the first place.Surprisingly good for people who don't want the hard riding, much more expensive Evo. Noise is at a minimum inside the well appointed cabin now with more soft feel surfaces. Excellent driving position, decent audio, roomy for four, five at a pinch.An alternative to a WRX but not as quick. Has a classy feel to it. Quick steering response, corners well and has powerful brakes. Flick it into Sport and it becomes a lot more focussed on fast.Pretty good but some of the competition is super sharp - Renault Megane RS250 (front wheel drive only) for example and Golf GTi (same). Gets plenty of kit including auto headlights and wipers, 18-inch alloys, reversing camera, Bluetooth 2.0, smart key ignition, auto fold exterior mirrors and Ralliart front seats.Would definitely be on the "look at" list especially with fixed price servicing.

What a crock — yet another petrol price enquiry — presumably to give a pack of useless Canberra bureaucrats a leg-up while they have nothing to do, instead of spending all their waking hours deciding who to invite to their wife/husband swapping fondue party on Saturday night.Who are these people and what do they expect the public to think of them? In my opinion, they're all talk and no action — "paper tigers'' as Chairman Mao once coined.On past performances the "inquiry'' certainly won't have any effect on the rampant oil companies (another bunch of despicable people) who have this market by the short and curlies to the point where they can get away with just about anything short of kidnapping and armed robbery.What we need is what one far-sighted oil company flack suggested —  a witch hunt to burn all the aberrant oil company crooks at the stake. Use their own petrol on them. That would make them toe the line and hopefully free us financially challenged punters from the tyranny of the black slime.

Why? Because it’s roughly the same amount us taxpayers handed over to Holden after they held the employment gun to our head.It's doubly rude when you consider GM in the US last week announced a massive first quarter pre-tax profit of $1.7 billion. Multiply that by four and it's close to seven billion in one year. And they are still asking for handouts from the Australian Government -- for which read: the Australian taxpayers?Holden will go all Aussie pride and say it's about maintaining a manufacturing industry in this country, maintaining specialised skills and "the multiplier effect''. But many people would argue that money could be better spent on new and high technology industries, health and education rather than on uneconomically making cars.Then there's the national broadband network - a worthy candidate for extra funding if ever there was one. One wonders how many other local industries would get generous handouts if they went bleating to the government every time there was a blip in their profit line. Perhaps Holden has photographs... we'd like to see them. 

There's no V8 in the Ford Falcon lineup (you'll have to go to FPV for that) so the top dog Falc' is now the G6E Turbo priced at $56,235. No V8 Falcon gives Holden a serious leg up with petrol heads but truth be known, the turbo Falcon is probably a quicker car than the V8 Holden and uses less fuel. One reason for that is the Falcon's peak torque delivery comes in at a low 2000rpm, thousands lower than the Holden donk so it's pulling  hard while the V8 is still winding up. Ford recently upgraded the FG Falcon to Mark 2 spec' which brought more goodies for less money. The G6E Turbo now has a reversing camera, upgraded audio and SUNA satnav system fatigue warning, improved sound deadening and a styling revamp including a handsome new grille.The G6E is an "executive express" for want of a better term - a bit of a Q ship, a wolf in sheep's clothing to mix metaphors. It has a softened version of the eye-watering XR6 Turbo's underpinnings with a raft of premium goodies taking it into serious luxo-land. The leather clad seats are soft, the sound system is sweet and there are plenty of assisted functions including the electric driver's seat, auto wipers and headlights, voice command to the multi-media and phone system and dual zone air.Get over the taxi exhaust note and the G6E has superb performance capable of stopping the clocks in the low 6.0 second bracket or better - even with the six speed auto (no paddles). It has monumental mid-range response that allows you to overtake in a blink. Then, adopt cruise mode and it's a mild as a lamb and quite as a mouse.This engine is an absolute cracker that we rate as one of the best in a local car. What we have reservations about is the ability of the auto to cope long term with that truck load of torque (533Nm at 2000rpm). Another reservation is with the ride which is supple and soft and quickly gets out of its depth when you ask for sporty response. Two modes for the suspension and transmission would be the go - Normal and Sport. As it stands, the G6E is quite handy - to a point and is a superb long cruiser.There's a version of the 4.0-litre turbo six under the bonnet that's good for 270kW and 533Nm  - right in V8 territory and we saw less than 10.0-litres/100km on the highway which a V8 would struggle to achieve. It has a stirring exhaust pop on up-changes under full throttle and as already mentioned, throttle response is muscular - to say the least.The mild tweaks inside and out have improved the G6E's look especially the new upper grille. The "Aston" lower grille remains and is looking a bit dated. Our car had optional 19-inch alloys and the optional alloy full-size spare. It looked classy and gleaming on the road in a deep blue. In white it's a shocker. The interior is similarly classy with soft touch surfaces predominating and a discrete use of shiny and metal highlights. The locally developed SUNA satnav is excellent.

Facing serious competition from all quarters, it looks a lot like a rescaled version of other Audi passenger cars in the extensive lineup. Audi says the new model is a high-tech car full of innovations in all areas. Versions with hybrid and alternative drive systems such as natural gas and Audi e-gas are currently in development. A version with an efficient 1.6 TDI engine will launch on the market in 2012 which consumes 3.8 litres/100 km. Audi ultra lightweight technology has helped to trim weight in the body of the car by 80 kg compared to the previous model. The chassis is tuned for a sporty and agile driving style. The engines are powerful yet highly efficient, and the interior offers an ambience of dynamic style. In driver assistance systems and infotainment, the new A3 offers a portfolio of technologies. Helping to keep weight down to a relatively low 1175kg in the A3 1.4 TFSI are aluminium body panels including the front guards and bonnet while the chassis/body integrates a high share of ultra-high-strength and hot-formed steels. The interior has been completely redesigned while the colour display of the driver information system (standard on the Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines) presents graphics in highly detailed 3D images. The electrically retractable Multi Media Interface (MMI) monitor with a seven-inch diagonal in the top version is only eleven millimetres thick. The new electromechanical parking brake creates space on the console over the centre tunnel for the terminal of the optional MMI operating system. Audi is offering the Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente equipment lines as selections on the new A3. The new Audi A3 will launch with three four-cylinder engines, all of which are essentially new developments. The two TFSI engines and the TDI work with 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0 litres of displacement. Their power levels are 90 kW, 132 kW and 110 kW. Compared to the previous model, fuel economy of the new A3 was improved by about 12 per cent on average with some engines the savings are greater. The new Audi A3 will go on sale in the European spring, and first deliveries to customers will be this summer (Europe). The base price of the A3 with the entry-level engine, which will follow around the end of the year, will be 21,600 euros in Germany. Australian launch date, pricing, and specification is not yet available. 2012 Audi A3 TFSI  Price: $43,400 Warranty:3 years, roadside assist Engine: 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder Transmission: 6 speed,manual, front wheel drive Outputs: 118kW/250Nm Thirst: 6.7 / 100Km  

People are prepared to pay a fortune to look cool.The same applies on two wheels but learners can now do it for just $6000 with Suzuki's 1970s styled TU250X. It isn't going to win a drag race, but it doesn't need to ... it's styled like a cafe racer for beginners.VALUEThe Suzuki combines old school looks with old school pricing. The scrambler styling gives it a unique look in the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme pack and there's nothing wrong with the way its built either.TECHNOLOGYBeneath the retro looks, the little Suzuki is fuel injected and runs a front disc brake with a dual-piston caliper. The single-cylinder engine has a sporty but muted exhaust note and uses bugger-all fuel  200km is well within reach of the 12 litre tank.STYLINGModern bikes are multicoloured. To add to the contrast, the Suzuki runs subdued paint schemes  grey and black. The single round headlight is the big feature, along with chromed and spoked wheels and chrome rear shocks. It looks basic, just like it should.SAFETYOff-the-line acceleration will keep the TU250X away from the the traffic. Sounds simple, but it will keep a rider alive. And the slim bike will filter through most situations  it's no wider than a small scooter. That combination makes it a near-perfect urban commuter.RIDINGThe low seat height makes this an easy bike to throw a leg over. It's light, too, so smaller bodies will quickly come to terms with the Suzuki. And it runs smoothly and turns-in crisply at legal speeds. Go beyond that and there's a thrum through the frame and the shocks start to stutter over a sequence of bumps.VERDICTThis is close to ideal for learner riders who want something different but don't want the hassle of an old bike. The looks put a smile on people you pass and the price should appeal.

Retired rock band manager Chris Brown lives in Santa Barbara, California and calls himself an "early adopter" so it was no surprise that his choice of wheels is a Chevy Volt plug in, extended range EV (electric vehicle).OWNERSHIPChris says he has owned plenty of vehicles in his 55 years but the Volt takes the cake. "I though it would be pretty good by the spec' sheet and when I moved to Santa Barbara, I decided to fully embrace my new, more relaxed life and go green with the Volt," he said."But the ownership experience has been much better than I expected especially the fuel mileage and performance." "I have put petrol in the tank only twice since buying the Volt in February this year and that was only when I was going down to LA for business."THE COSTChris paid only US$34,500 for his car after the US Government slipped him a $7500 tax break with the purchase. Then on top of that, he says running costs are so negligible that it doesn't even register."I plug it into a domestic socket at home in the evening and it's ready to go the next morning." "And besides, if I forget, the petrol engine will kick in if the charge gets low to recharge the lithium ion battery." Chris said service costs are minimal basically because there isn't much to service.TECHVolt is what is called a "range extender" in which the car runs predominantly on electric power stored in its battery pack with a 1.4-litre petrol engine acting as a generator and acceleration booster if needed.The petrol engine hardly ever starts in general running around and then only for short bursts. Volt actually has two 55kW permanent magnet electric motors that give a range on electricity alone of up to 80km. Total range is well over 600km when the petrol engine generator kicks in. The available range on stored electricity is registered on a bar graph in the instrument console.PERFORMANCEVolt is no slouch and is capable of attaining a top speed of 160kmh and of accelerating from 0-100kmh in 9.0 seconds. It is the most practical electric vehicle currently available and the most fuel efficient with combined consumption of 2.5-litres/100km. And if you have solar panels on your house, running costs could be zero with minimal greenhouse effect. It looks good too, certainly not like a kooky cockroach as is the case with some other hybrid cars.THE DRIVEChris Brown invited us to take his car for a drive last week in Santa Barbara and it was a real surprise package. Firstly it has excellent acceleration off the mark right up to freeway speeds and there's only one gear which is eerie especially with no noise. There's plenty of kit inside including leather upholstery, Bluetooth, cruise, climate control, voice control to some functions, Bose audio and a 30 gig music register.It has a cyber style dash with info' panels in front of the driver and festooned down the centre console. The ride is comfortable and there's room inside for five at a pinch. It has a five star crash rating. Volt won't make it here until the end of 2012 at the earliest.PRICELocal pricing is unavailable but the European Volt (Ampera) goes for the equivalent of $58,000 so expect something similar here pity because Volt is a game changer given accessible pricing. Hopefully the federal government will start offering "carbon" incentives to Volt buyers as they do in all other countries where it's sold.NEED TO KNOW  Drives like a 2.0-litre petrol carSlightly bigger than PriusLooks great on the road Two versions likelyPrice is likely to be up around the $60,000 mark 

Generation two of the practical Mercedes-Benz B-Class compact people mover has arrived.It's the first Benz to feature a new platform that will spawn five new small cars for the German manufacturer including the eagerly awaited new A-Class. The five seat B-Class is a popular conveyance in Australia and is the only premium compact people mover that's not SUV-based.It sells against a slew of competitors but none is as adept at its task as the new B-Class - moving people safely, efficiently and comfortably.PRICE CUTBetter yet, Benz has been able to slice more than $5000 off the price of the entry level B180 BlueEfficiency turbo petrol model that now starts at $38,950. And far from being a boned-out kick off model, the B180 is crammed with standard features including a seven-speed dual clutch manumatic transmission (with paddle shift), nine air bags, Bluetooth phone and audio, climate control and cruise - to name just a few.It's a clean sheet new model from Benz and ushers in a look that will permeate most the company's new small cars.THE LINEUPThree models are available, B180 and B200 turbo petrol and the B200 CDi turbodiesel. Benz offers six options packs with the new B but has been able to limit the price to a maximum of $2990. Some packs cost $1400. Prices range up to $43,950 for the 200CDi.UNDER THE BONNETThese are new four-pot, direct injection engines of 1.6-litres capacity in the petrols and 1.8-litres in the diesel. The 7G-DCT manumatic is the only transmission offered and drive goes through the front wheels.Power and torque ratings are 90kW/200Nm, 115kW/250Nm and 100kW/300Nm in ascending order ending with the diesel. The petrols deliver maximum torque at just 1250rpm which goes some of the way to explaining their impressive drive feel. Fuel economy from both petrols is 6.1-litres/100km with an incredible 4.7 from the diesel.SAFETYFive stars of course but more importantly, the new B-Class scores a full suite of active and passive safety kit like Pre-Safe crash preparation, collision prevention assist, attention assist, active park assist and nine air bags. All models have rear park sensors. INSIDEThis is our first look at the new generation interior styling and it gets a big tick.The look is  dominated by large vent surrounds and a nicely curving dash with a large centred info screen. The new wheel looks sporty and there are new switches and control wands on the steering column.The seats are large and comfortable, a little smaller in the back and there's plenty of load space expandable with folded rear seats. Ride height is lower than before as is seat height. The audio is good even in the base model and  the overall feel inside B-Class is positive.ON THE ROADWe sampled all three variants and realistically, all you need is the B180. It goes sweetly - aided by that brilliant dual clutch transmission, uses minimal fuel and apart from manual seats, misses out on precious little compared with the other two. The 16-inch wheels are infact a better proposition for rough and coarse chip roads.Performance is not lacking in any model with the edge going to the diesel which has excellent acceleration and roll-on performance. The ride is supple but controlled - a good compromise for average driving conditions with the family aboard.VERDICTClassy conveyance for the family, safe, stylish, well priced and refreshingly well specified.2012 Mercedes-Benz B-ClassPrice: From $38,950 (B180) to $43,950 (B200, B200 CDI) plus on-road costsEngines: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol or 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder dieselTransmission: Seven-speed double-clutch automatic, front-wheel driveOutputs: 90kW at 5000rpm and 200Nm at 1250rpm (B180); 115kW at 5300rpm and 250Nm at 1250rpm (B200); 100kW at 3600rpm and 300Nm at 1600rpm (B200 CDI)Body: Small hatchback

Subaru has really kicked a goal with its new Impreza-based XV soft roader with sales going through the roof. It's like Outback/Liberty  a wagon (hatch) on stilts with semi off road add-ons and buyers are loving it.That could be as much to do with value pricing as much as with the car itself though it looks tough out in the street and is certainly the best looking model in Sooby's current line-up. You wouldn't know it but there was an XV in the previous model but nothing like this one.ENGINEThe new car ushers in a new generation 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated petrol boxer engine code named FB20. It is designed primarily for low emissions and fuel economy and passes the stringent Euro5 regulations.It's good for 110kW/196Nm output and a claimed 7.3-litres/100km on regular unleaded. Adding to fuel efficiency is model-wide adoption of auto stop/start for gains in the city.VALUEWe got hold of the base model XV2.0i manual and were impressed by the standard kit that includes a premium audio system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, auto aircon', cruise, a multi-function display, those funky black 17-inch alloys, rear view camera and hill start assist to name a few goodies.The XV rides higher than Impreza hatch on which it's based and has a more purposeful look around the edges and inside.INSIDELike the exterior, the interior is new and is a quantum leap forward for Subaru which favoured cheap, hard, plastic interiors until this car arrived. It looks almost European, is highly functional and practical as well as providing a higher level of comfort with plenty of soft contact points and storage compartments.SAFETYSafety is well addressed with the XV scoring a strong five star ANCAP rating that looks after pedestrians as well as occupants.THE DRIVEIt's quiet on the road due to extra sound deadening and better design in key areas and the suspension is compliant but controlled just what you want for a knock about, semi-off roader in this demanding environment.But the engine is so overgeared in the top three cogs it can be an embarrassment. It falls into a dead-duck torque hole that sees the 1390kg XV drop right off the pace often at precisely the wrong moment. You'll push the accelerator and sometimes not a lot happens. Flick back a gear same, flick back another gear and it's a little better but still not great.In its quest to optimise fuel economy, Subaru has over-geared the XV manual and pitched the torque peak too high at 4200rpm. Where XV manual drives you nuts the CVT "auto" is the opposite good.VERDICTWe want to like this car, no, we do like it but only the CVT model. Drive both, especially on the highway, and see for yourself.

There are plenty of choices in the compact premium SUV segment from a range of manufacturers including BMW X1, Volkswagen Tiguan, Volvo XC60, Mini Countryman and Audi's Q3. Mercedes-Benz is noticeably absent but that will change.All of them face a serious challenge in the guise of Range Rover's stunning Evoque — possibly the most desirable SUV on the market right now regardless of size or price.Evoque 4x4 five-door pricing starts at $53,395 for the TD4 Pure. Our diesel SD4 (high output engine) mid-spec Dynamic auto with quite a few options rolled over $94,000, that's right, add on-roads and you are talking $100K.It's a big price for a smallish vehicle especially when you consider it gets you into an Audi Q7 3.0TDi, BMW X5 3.0d, two Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo diesels or a Benz ML350CDi.But when a car looks like this, you instinctively reach for your wallet. Value in a distilled form...Gets the expected Range Rover treatment though the coarsely textured dash finish is not pretty. The interior itself is stylish and functional and the test vehicle's optional 820 watt audio system was monumental.There's a large touch screen, Bluetooth and audio streaming. It's a sea of leather inside with comfortable sculpted seats though comment from rear seat passengers suggested they were on the firm side.It's roomy too despite the sloping rear roofline. We were taken aback by the (optional) twin screen panel that shows satnav to the driver on one angle and TV to the passenger on the other side — at the same time.The wheel's chunky and has multiple controls including paddle shift for the auto transmission. They are cheap plastic paddles that are contrary to the Evoque's overall look and feel.The SD-4 uses a 2.2-litre Peugeot-built turbodiesel four cylinder with 140kW/420Nm output.The engine, pretty much the same as in LandRover Freelander, has twin balance shafts and a variable nozzle turbo to deliver strong performance over a wide operating range.It gets out of the blocks fairly smartly, has strong mid-range and will even rev to about 4500rpm without grumbling.It's aided by a slick shifting six-speed auto transmission — not a DSG in this case. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.5-litres/100km - we got close.The test car's drive select offered `sport' mode which not only makes the instruments glow red but alters how the chassis dynamics and engine respond.But it's fairly firm for everyday use. Point it at come curves and the Evoque feels like a sporty coupe, flick it to normal and it's comfortable and controlled.There's also a version of  dial-up Terrain Response for various types of off road driving. The full time 4WD system aids grip on all surfaces with the large 19-inch tyres further improving matters.It has strong brakes and the chassis feels strong. Evoque's a good thing to drive in a variety of environments and surprisingly competent off road.It gets a five star Euro NCAP crash rating but narrowly misses out on the Aussie five star rating because of a pedestrian safety.All the same, Evoque gets the full set of airbags, stability control plus plenty more like hill descent control, hill start assist, auto adjust xenon headlights, auto wipers, headlights and rear view mirror tint.What can you say — a stand out glamour from every angle. People run up to you in the street to talk about the Evoque. It has more cut through than a Ferrari — well almost.And apart from the rough textured dash, the interior is the same — incredible wow factor. The Poms still have it in styling terms.Too much money and extensive gouging on options but the queue begins over here...