Articles by Peter Barnwell

Here's a really difficult Euro coupe choice for you - the razor sharp and raunchy-looking Renault Megane RS250 or the new and equally raunchy-looking Volkswagen Scirocco R?Volkswagen has finally landed its "uber" front drive coupe and it goes as well as it looks. Pricing starts at $47,490 for the six-speed manual Scirocco compared with the Renault's kick off price of $41,990. Four options are available on Scirocco - satnav, DSG manumatic, a Dynaudio sound system and a glass sunroof. Tick these boxes and you are nudging the $55 grand mark.But balanced against this is the fact that the striking Scirocco is an impressive car offering superb performance from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and surprisingly accomplished dynamics thanks to the electronic diff' lock and other electronic trickery to keep it on the straight and narrow.UNDER THE BONNETStrong performance percolates from the 2.0-litre, turbo, direct injection, four pot lifted from Golf R but without all wheel drive. It's around 135kg lighter than Golf R and produces 188kW/330Nm. The lighter makes Scirocco R is a marginally quicker device that uses slightly less fuel rated at around 8.0-litres/100km. Six-speed transmissions are available in a DSG manumatic and a conventional manual. Both are fully engaging for the driver.DYNAMICSVW equips Scirocco with adaptive chassis control offering Comfort, Normal and Sport. The electronic diff' lock has extended functions (XDL) as per Golf GTi and the stability control has a sports calibration. Wheels are 19-inch with low profile sports rubber and the brakes are multi-piston sports units with prodigious stopping power and resistance to fade. The rigid chassis provides a platform for all dynamic functions to work properly.INSIDENo leather is offered, it's perforated cloth only in  semi-race seats with suede inserts on the side bolsters to hold you in place. No lumbar adjustment though. The classy dash is typical VW with quality materials, sensible layout and some "wow" features like the blue highlight dials, 12-mode trip computer and multi-function, flat-bottom suede steering wheel. The standard audio is worthy and the optional satnav has a huge screen but doesn't offer "safety" information. There's adequate room for four and a decent load space. Manual seat adjustment though.OUTSIDEScirocco rates as one of the most handsome cars on the road right now. It crouches as though ready to pounce and has a reptilian look around the frontal area. The rear haunches look muscular and the rear has a squat, powerful look accentuated by dual exhaust outlets. There are LED driving lights and bixenon headlights and those machine-like alloys - fantastic, but no red - what?SAFETYIt's a five star car offering six air bags, adjustable stability control and other crash protection features.ON THE ROADWe had a good old drive up in the Victoria high country where the Scirocco slipped straight into character - carving up the corners and shortening the straights. There's a gorgeous rush of power from low in the rev range that makes spinning it to redline unnecessary. Short shift and it cracks straight into the fat torque band and leaps forward. The DSG generates a stirring exhaust pop on upchanges and blips the throttle on downchanges. It handles beautifully, especially when set for sport though there is a touch of steering backlash on bumpy corners taken at speed. Brake abuse hardly affects the car's stopping power. The lack of lumbar support could be an issue for some drivers but otherwise Scirocco is a comfortable, well appointed coupe with some classy touches. No spare though.VERDICTFabulous car, engaging, well mannered, flattering, sensational looks, plenty of kit.

Less is more in the "ultimate" $165,000 Porsche Cayman R which sheds 55kg to gain tenths of a second in acceleration.LIGHTWEIGHTThrough selective use of lightweight materials including the special 19-inch alloy wheels, aluminium bonnet and doors and carbon fibre racing seats, Porsche has brought Cayman R down to 1295kg helping reduce the 0-100kmh sprint to a neat 5.0 seconds for the six-speed manual version (less for the PDK seven-speed manumatic). Not only that, the R consumes no more fuel despite having 7kW more power rated at 243kW/370Nm. It's all good if you like your Porsches razor sharp and bullet fast.GOOD LOOKINGEssentially a hard-top Boxster, the Cayman is arguably one of the best lookers in Porsche's lineup with cannon barrel front guards, a low arcing roofline and classic fastback rear end. The test car was painted iridescent green which amplified the visual effect along with the fixed rear wing and blacked out body hardware. It's a two seat, mid-engine sports coupe with handling to make your head spin - a real Porsche in other words.ENGINEThe dry sump, 3.4-litre, direct petrol injection, flat-six engine is tweaked for more power but torque remains the same. It has what Porsche calls Variocam Plus on the inlet side which alters valve timing and lift for gains across the board including fuel economy and emissions (Euro 5). A characteristic Porsche exhaust rasp builds to a manic wail as revs approach the 7500 redline. Fuel economy is rated at 9.7-litres/100km in the manual, less in the PDK version.PERFORMANCE PARTSPorsche tapped its performance parts bin for some Cayman R components with bits coming from the 911 GT3 and others. A leaf has been taken from the Ferrari book with cloth strap interior door latches. But this is no "stripper" track day car as Porsche has fitted plenty of kit in the Cayman R including a premium audio system, satnav and other goodies.DYNAMICSHowever, it's not a car you would necessarily like to drive every day due to the narrower sports focus which brings tight fitting race seats and firm suspension, uprated and lowered significantly (20mm) from the standard Cayman. It has monumental brakes and big tyres with low profile rubber for optimised cornering and steering response. The strut/wishbone suspension runs firmer springs and dampers and stiffer sway bars.THE DRIVEWow, where to start? Acceleration is brilliant no matter what the speed and so is the cornering. It has a typical of Porsche "connected" steering feel and the big brakes make light work of stopping this relatively lightweight Porsche. We had to have two runs up and down our favourite mountain road and could have stayed there all day enjoying the finely-honed dynamics of the Cayman R. We still prefer a PDK transmission but the six-speed manual is nearly as much fun if a little slower and thirstier.There's no S button or performance "individualising" options like the new 911 unless to opt for the Sports Chrono pack with attendant gains on top of the already accomplished "standard" model. Few cars we have driven are as well balanced and as razor sharp dynamically as the Cayman R. It's fully engaging and a thrill to drive.VERDICTNot in the green but would have one in a blink - a properly engineered, good looking, great sounding sports car.Porsche Cayman R (6-sp manual)Price: $165,000Warranty: 3years, 100,000kmEconomy: 9.7l/100km,  228g/km CO2Safety: six-airbags, ABS,  Porsche Stability Management, traction control system, engine braking control system,(automatic braking differentiEngine: 6-cylinder, 243kW/370NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, RWDBody: CoupeDimensions:  4,347mm (L),  1,801mm (W),  1,285mm (H),  2,415mm (WB)Weight: 1295kgTyres: 235/35 19 inch Alloy wheels 

Subaru will rattle some cages with the new XV compact Sports Utility Vehicle.Why? Because it has priced the angular, all wheel drive, dirt demon at roughly the same point as most of its competitors front wheel drive models.Faux-wheel-drives are all the rage in this class because people are buying basically a people mover with more attitude than a "mum bus." And simply, many buyers don't need or want all wheel drive capability. But they'd have it if it was "free."All three versions of the Sooby XV are all wheel drive, all have engine stop/start technology and all have some light weight components to aid fuel economy, particularly the CVT auto. The manual is a six speeder.HOW MUCH?Pricing starts at $28,490 for the XV 2.0i manual with Lineartronic CVT auto adding $2500. The L model adds dual zone climate control, satnav, electric sunroof sliding centre console and rear privacy glass for a $3500 premium while the leather equipped S model is another $2500 up the scale.UNDER THE BONNETThere's a new 2.0-litre, petrol, boxer, four cylinder engine in XV with 110kW/193Nm output. It features dual active valve control and is a long stroke design to optimise fuel economy and minimise emissions. It passes Euro 5 exhaust regulations. Engine internals are lightened and there's a timing chain instead of belt for longevity. Internal friction is reduced and the engine runs on regular 91 RON petrol.It does not have direct fuel injection nor auto decoupling ancillaries. That will come with the BRZ sports car later this year and presumably other Soobies later on.No diesel is available.WHAT YOU GETIt's broadly based on the new gen' Impreza but is actually a different car with a slightly shorter wheelbase and other detail differences. XV has an impressive 220mm ground clearance which leads the class and the all wheel drive system is constant 50/50 unlike the on-demand systems in its competitors.The auto stop/start system on all models both manual and CVT helps reduce fuel consumption in city driving. There's a new multi-function display in the middle of the dash which itself is a quantum leap in terms of materials, look and function compared to other Soobies. XV is a five seater with folding rear pews for more load space. The body and chassis structure is strengthened for rough roads and heavier than normal use.SAFETYLike all Soobies, XV has a five star crash rating thanks in part to its seven air bags and stability control system. All variants have reversing cameras and rugged new 17-inch alloys with robust tyres, wide field of vision and retractor pedals.FEATURESThere's plenty of kit inside with Bluetooth phone and audio, multi media connection box, comfortable seats, multiple storage areas, 12-volt plugs, a security blind, hill start assist, cargo hooks, remote central locking, cruise and plenty more.UNDERNEATHThe suspension is strut front and double wishbone rear. It has some STi technology and the dynamics have been locally calibrated to offer the best compromise between sporty on road and safe, comfortable rough road driving.THE DRIVEWe'd go for the CVT model every time because the manual falls readily into a torque hole delivering dull engine response. The CVT (with wheel paddles) flicks between "ratios" and masks any lack of response while also aiding fuel economy rated as low as 7.0-litres.100km.We were really impressed by theXV's dirt road ability and its level of comfort on a searching drive through Tassie's back blocks. It's smooth and quiet and can eat distance with minimal fatigue.But the manual is too slow, particularly when overtaking. The interior is a revelation compared with earlier Soobies. There's plenty of room inside and generous level of standard equipment. We even like the look of it better than the Impreza.VERDICTShould sell its socks off given the all wheel drive, stop/start, genuine soft road capabilities oh and super sharp pricing. We prefer the CVT.SUBARU XVPrice: from about $28,490Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited kmService: 6 months/12,500kmEngine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl petrol boxer, 110kW/196NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, CVT; AWDEconomy: 7L/100km (man) 7.3L/100km (CVT) CO2 168g/km (man) 168g/km (CVT)Safety: 7 airbags, stability control, ABSDimensions: 4450mm (L), 1780mm (W), 1615mm (H), 2635mm (W)Fuel: 60L tank, 90RONTurning Circle: 10.6mSuspension: independent McPherson struts (front), independent double wishbone (rear)Tyres: 225/55 R17 97V Yokohama GeolanderTowing: 1400kg (brakes), 750kg (unbraked)

If the magazine deliberately set out to create controversy over its choice of the Honda CR-Z, it has succeeded brilliantly. This is possibly the dumbest choice I have seen in decades, worse even than the Holden Camira, Mitsubishi Nimbus and Leyland P76.It features outmoded alleged "hybrid'' technology, absolutely no go and seats for two unless you are a midget without legs. Perhaps the sharpish handling won hearts at Wheels. It couldn't have been anything else. Otherwise, one wonders what drugs they are on.Last year was a purple patch in terms of new car launches with plenty of worthy contenders for the top dog position. What about the Ford Focus with its brilliant handling and great looks. It’s a great prospect from every point of view. And the Eco-LPi Falcon that halves your weekly fuel bill and goes better than the petrol.And the Volvo S60 in even the base T4, which punches well above its weight is super-safe and looks fantastic. There’s the Range Rover Evoque ... top styling, competent offroader, great engine performance with turbo petrol and diesel.And from cost-benefit analysis you’d have to go the Kia Rio that was Carsguide COTY. As a performance pick you can’t go past the Nissan GT-R – even though the new one coming will be even better again. But the CR-Z?OK, it looks alright if you're into that sort of dart shaped coupe/hatchback sort of thing but a sports coupe it most certainly is not, despite Honda subliminally linking it to the CR-X - a real rocket powered roller skate - with character, even in the targa roof version.The manual CR-Z struggles to put away a 0-100kmh sprint in 10 seconds and the "auto'' is a horrible, even slower CVT slurring away trying to decide where to set engine revs. My 83 year old dad would give CR-Z a run for its money on his treadly, and he's got arthritis in his knees.The hybrid drive system isn't really a proper hybrid because it's the wrong way around - a (wimpy) single cam petrol engine out of an econobox, with an electric boost motor. A real hybrid is like a diesel/electric train (and Chevy Volt) with the vehicle driven by an electric motor and the petrol or diesel engine powering a generator.Fuel economy is no reason to buy the CR-Z because it's nigh on impossible to achieve anywhere near the claimed consumption figure. And it's only Euro 4 compliant.The tacky interior is a rendition of generic Japanese design in mostly hard plastic filled with naff quasi-green reward systems to "help'' you drive economically. Heaven help us if this is the direction of car development in the future.

I don't know whether it's just us but we are getting so sick of idiots zooming up behind us on the motorway and sitting two metres off our bumper bar.If you don't move over immediately they cut left and roar around you, pulling back into the lane in front with as little clearance as humanly possible. For Pete's sake grow up! HARD TO FIND Holden has been making a big deal out of the fact that its entire Commodore range is now E85 ethanol compatible. E85 contains up to 85 per cent ethanol in comparison to E10 which contains up to 10 per cent.But have you ever tried to buy E85 -- it's as scarce as hen's teeth.  Caltex has begun to roll out the stuff at 100 service stations across Australia, but at the last count there were only 10 outlets in Sydney that supply the stuff. Kind of limiting?

Great names often don't translate into great vehicles and such was the case with the Jeep Compass. Great name, average vehicle. But there's a revised model in the offing featuring two petrol engines and a new corporate face derived from the handsome Jeep Grand Cherokee. Is it enough to lift Compass to a more respectable position in the compact SUV pecking order? Maybe. There are about a dozen choices or more in the segment but Jeep thinks the new Compass has what it takes, especially with the weight of the Jeep name behind it. Compass sells from an extremely accessible $26,500 for the base model. THE RANGE We get Sport 2.0-litre, 4x2, five-speed manual (optional CVT auto), Sport 2.4-litre, 4x4 with the same transmission choices as well as Limited 4x4 with the 2.4 engine and CVT only. Both engines are petrol. TECHNOLOGY Chrysler/Jeep has been a leader in automotive media connectivity and such is the case here if you go for the Limited model. Sport scores U-Connect multi media and also what's called EVIC - Electronic Vehicle Information Centre which is essentially a trip computer with additonal features. Cabin air quality is aided by a replaceable filter and remote keyless entry is included. ENGINES The four cylinder engines are not from the latest and greatest Fiat inventory (Fiat owns Jeep). There's a carry over 2.4 litre petrol and a newly added  2.0-litre petrol four. Neither is turbo boosted. They feature variable valve timing but not direct fuel injection. The 2.0-litre is good for 115kW/190Nm while the 2.4 is good for 125kW/220Nm. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel previously available has been dropped but another diesel is under consideration. Fuel economy for the two petrol units varies between 7.6-litres/100km for the manual 2.0 up to 8.6 for the 2.4 CVT. UNDERNEATH Compass rides on a passenger car chassis and has strut front suspension, multi-link rear and rack and pinion steering with a decent 10.8 metre turning circle. Brakes are discs all round and the suspension features stabiliser bars for better handling and drive feel. Towing capacity with a braked trailer is between 1200-1500kg. Wheels are 17- 18inch alloys with a full size spare (Sport). OFF ROAD Obviously, the front wheel drive isn't for off road driving but the 4x4 should be quite adept having 205mm ground clearance and a clever, on-demand all wheel drive system with a lock-up function. The 4x4 system is called Freedon Drive and puts power mainly to the front axle with the rear engaged as needed. SAFETY Compass' crash rating is four stars in the US. To get six air bags, you'll need to tick the options box - four bags are standard. It gets electronic stability control and a range of other systems including roll-over mitigation and hill start assist. INSIDE The Limited gets all the fruit including leather, premium Boston Acoustics audio and a power adjust drivers seat but standard kit is generous. Satnav is optional in both grades and Bluetooth phone is optional in the Sport. A range of options is available particularly audio choices. VERDICT New Compass is a much better looker than the previous model and more relevant with the 4x2 targeting city buyers. Pity the diesel has gone. Should have six air bags as standard, rake and reach steering adjust and Bluetooth. NEED TO KNOW Revamp of previous model Adds 2.0-litre engine variant Front wheel drive availability Turbodiesel under consideration Adopts new corporate "mask." JEEP COMPASS Price: from $26,500 Engine: Sport 2.0-litre, Sport 2.4-litre, Limited 4x4 2.4-litre Transmission: five-speed manual (optional CVT auto) Outputs: 2.0-litre 115kW/190Nm, 2.4-litre 125kW/220Nm Thirst: 7.6-litres/100km for the manual 2.0 up to 8.6 for the 2.4 CVT

And if it's not registered, that also means it's uninsured. It's a disaster waiting to happen - especially if you happen to be on the receiving end. If somebody runs into you in an unregistered car, they aren't covered with compulsory third-party injury.So if you're hurt, and they're broke, you're pretty much out of luck. The cops use clever computerised cameras to nail some of them but many punters persist in taking the risk.In California, they have solved the problem simply by making car owners attach their rego tag to the rear numberplate which has the rego month imprinted in the top left hand corner of the plate. The `tax' tag goes on the right and is colour co-ordinated. If they don't match or the tag is missing, you are in trouble. So simple it would work in Oz.

We all thought the new-generation Nissan GT-R that lobbed here a few years ago was brilliant.Super quick and fast, bristling with clever stuff. Ugly but tough looking — something to aspire to for sure.But then the bar has been raised by the R35-series GT-R, which offers more power, more down force, more grip and more excitement than its predecessors.Nissan engineers have been able to make all of this more accessible to enthusiast drivers, fulfilling the promise of `anyone, any time, anywhere' for its most sporting model.In a major evolution of the model, every aspect of the R35 has been enhanced and improved in its third iteration.Priced at $168,800 it is the most efficient yet. LED daytime running lights,  remodeled bumpers, extended diffuser, new tail-pipe finish and LED fog lamps proclaim the first major revision of the R35 model.Inside, a number of refinements have been made to enhance the sports luxury feel. They include new Recaro-designed seats with heating, new higher-quality finishes for many interior surfaces and softer seat belt material.Subtle exterior revisions have given the GT-R a new look and improved the car's already slippery aerodynamic performance. The GT-R stands out from its predecessors with its 14 per cent larger front grille opening. Downforce has improved by about ten per cent while the car's drag co-efficient has been lowered from 0.27 to just 0.26 Cd a figure most small economy cars would be proud of.Power from the 3.8-litre, twin-turbocharged, V6 engine has been boosted 33kW to 390kW, while maximum torque developed from 3200-6000 revs is now 24Nm more at 612Nm.Optimising this increased power through the R35's six-speed dual clutch transmission and permanent four-wheel-drive system by selecting R-Mode and VDC-R allows the Nissan GT-R to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a blistering 3.0 seconds.Meanwhile recalibrating the engine's control module, modifying the exhaust system and fitting a new catalyst have improved both fuel economy and emissions by 3.5 per cent.A series of subtle, but significant chassis changes to the Nissan GT-R's chassis, including new lightweight aluminium shock absorbers, have sharpened the model's already-impressive handling without any sacrifice in riding comfort.New tyres, lighter wheels and bigger brakes have also enhanced the car's unique supercar driving experience.

Murano glass is the stunningly beautiful creation of Venetian glass makers while the Nissan Murano is the stunning, somewhat over-styled creation of a Nissan "designer." You won't miss it on the street especially now with a new front, big alloys and other changes. It's been fully pimped complete with rear blacked-out privacy glass.Underneath, Murano is the same as it has been for a few years but that's all good. It is a five-seat, light duty off-road SUV with a focus on style and performance rather than on rock hopping and mud plugging. The Ti  model we drove tops the range at $58,390 against the boat-size Mazda CX9 and the Toyota Kluger white goods.ENGINEPlenty of power comes from the 3.5-litre petrol V6 which is good for 191kW/336Nm - a little down on the competition. It has variable valve timing and other technology to cut fuel use and bolster performance but direct injection is missing and though very good, the engine is long in the tooth. It consumes 95 octane at the combined rate of 10.9-litres/100km but we easily went under that on the freeway.There's plenty of performance readily available though we still have an issue with CVT transmissions and their slurring operation. A manual change mode is provided, no paddles. It's smooth running and makes minimal noise.TECHNOLOGYThere's a clever All-Mode four wheel drive system with lock up function if you must go semi-serious off roading (we wouldn't), 3D satnav, electric folding rear seats and a nine gigabyte hard disc drive for music as well as the usual Bluetooth phone but no audio streaming. Has RCA audio jacks _ what the?OFF-ROAD?Well, maybe sand, snow and ice and rough(ish) dirt roads fall within the realms of possibilities. It only has 185mm ground clearance and those sporty looking 18-inch wheels and tyres wouldn't offer much grip off the black top. But we successfully embarked on some beach driving and adjacent access roads with no problem whatsoever. Would you really want to take your Murano bush bashin' off-road? Not really. Towing ability is OK with a 1500kg limit with a braked trailer.SAFETYMurano hasn't been crash rated by ANCAP but it has six air bags, stability control and other safety kit that would put it up there.INSIDEBeing the Ti model gets this vehicle leather, Bose audio, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, power folding rear seats, auto dim rear view mirror, reverse camera, push button start, dual zone climate control and 3D satnav to name a few goodies.Inside Murano has a generic premium Japanese look but is functional and easy on the eye. The dash is stylish and in keeping with the lairy exterior look. There's a full size alloy spare in the back and the seats are comfy. Boot space is generous and is expandable to huge.DRIVINGIt's a comfortable vehicle in which to put away big kays. There's strong engine performance and it digs in pretty hard on corners - like a sporty Euro SUV. Some steering backlash is evident on rough corners taken at speed. The CVT transmission makes it sound naff alternately revving up and down with each application of the throttle but the manual mode is good to use. It's not too tall, sits fairly flat and offers a supple, controlled ride with decent braking power. Fits in the garage too.VERDICTWe were pleasantly surprised with the Murano Ti - the performance, luxury, practical nature of the beast. It's right on the luxury tax trigger but you get plenty of vehicle for the money - and those startling looks to grab all the attention you crave.NISSAN MURANO TiPrice: $58,390Warranty: 3-years/100,000kmm 24 hour roadside assistResale: 65 per centService intervals: 10,000km/six monthsSafety equipment: Six airbags, ABS with EBD and BAEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 191kW/336NmBody: Five-door wagonDimensions: 4835mm (L), 1835mm (W), 1730mm (H)Wheelbase: 2825mm, 1610mm/1610mm tracks front/rearWeight: 1832kgTransmission: Continuously variable automaticThirst: 10.9 litres/100km 95 RON, 259g/km CO2. 

It's the "slowest" new Porsche 911 but, hey, measured against most other cars, the 911 Carrera Cabriolet is indecently quick - all Porsches are.VALUEWe would tick both these boxes if we were spending the $259,000 for this car. It's a shed load of cash but you are getting arguably the best quality mainstream car money can buy because Porsche is made of quality components and materials by by highly qualified people who take utmost pride in their work.TECHNOLOGYThis particular car weighs in at 1500kg - 85 kgs more than the hard-top Carrera coupe due to underfloor chassis reinforcements and it has the "entry level" 3.6-litre boxer six-cylinder 254kW/390Nm engine. It means the Carrera Cabriolet puts away a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds and tops out at a speed we can't say -  but fast.So, slow it most certainly isn't. The test car was optioned with a dual clutch 'manumatic' transmission called PDK in Porsche acronym speak. It also had optional Sports Chrono which brings with it launch control that further aids off-the-line acceleration.DESIGNWe have seen it first hand. The 911 Cab is a sports car in the truest sense as it has a folding soft top that tucks away somewhere behind the rudimentary rear seats. This is a 2+2 at a pinch. The roof operates electrically up to speeds of about 15km/h which is really handy in inclement weather or at traffic lights.Porsche paid particular attention to the roof structure which holds the soft top tight as a drum at all speeds, even with the windows down. Those weight adding underbody reinforcements do their job because the 911 Cab' feels rock solid with the roof up or down.The Cabrio offers roof down sports motoring with plenty of luxury including premium audio, heated and electrically adjustable seats, 40 gig audio hard drive and a touch screen that's simple and logical to use.SAFETYIt has six air bags and sports stability control that doesn't intrude when you are having a go.DRIVEThe engine features direct fuel injection as well as variable cam timing and other clever technology to optimise its output. The oil pump is variable depending on demand. Handling is supreme especially with the sport plus button activated. It firms up all dynamic functions and changes the gear map for the transmission into full manual - no unwanted up or down changes unless you select them.The steering is typically engaging thanks in part to the engine being rear/amidships and not compromising steering system placement. It has monumental brakes and the optional 19-inch wheels with wide rubber should also be seriously considered for aesthetics as well as grip.The seven-speed PDK can be left to its own devices in D or operated by the selector stick or buttons on the steering wheel - the only aspect of this car we don't really like (they should be paddles on the steering column). The sound is unbelievable, the feel amazing, the looks arresting and the acceleration gratifying. Where do we sign. VERDICTWe love this car though it wouldn't be our choice given the opportunity. That would be the yet to be released Carrera GTS.P0RSCHE CARRERA 911 CABRIOLETPrice: from $229,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometresService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-star ANCAP, six air bags, sports stability controlEngine: 3.6 litre in-line six-cylinder, 254kW/390NmBody: Two-door coupeWeight: 1500 kgTransmission: 7-speed dual clutch manual