Articles by Peter Barnwell

Ford isn't owning up to anything regarding the future of Falcon and Territory but blind Freddie could see the writing on the wall.With sales dwindling, it's hard to see the Falcon and Territory lasting more than a couple more years. It will be bad for the local car industry but Ford isn't a charity.Falcon's expected replacement is the Ford Taurus a nameplate with some baggage here due to the awful, cockroach style Taurus that lobbed momentarily more than a decade ago. Hopefully most people will have forgotten about that one.The new Taurus is nothing like that hideous piece of automotive history — it's a handsome, well proportioned sedan with an impressive powertrain lineup that includes all wheel drive on some models.The US spec' Taurus comes in front wheel drive and all wheel drive with a choice of two 3.5-litre direct injection petrol V6 engines, one a twin turbocharged Ecoboost unit.The base 3.5 V6 is good for 195kW/337Nm while the Ecoboost 3.5 generates some 272kW. Maximum torque from this engine is a hearty 475Nm but there's 350Nm available from just 1500rpm. A six speed auto transmission is standard with some models scoring paddle shift.Wheel sizes range from 17-inch to 20 inch while the suspension is a conventional MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear.Aluminium is used selectively for underbody parts to reduce weight. Taurus has a five star crash rating and comes complete with a suite of safety equipment both active and passive.And get this, the kick off price in the US is $25,555. Based on current exchange rates and shipping costs does this mean a sub $30K Taurus? Dream on.

After a few weeks off, we beat a path back to work and were aghast at the obvious carnage that had taken place on our usual commute route.It was evident by the amount of armco that was deformed, out of shape or flattened, skid marks everywhere, the number of wire catch fences that were down and the numerous road "furniture'' such as signs that had been damaged. What went on — did everyone go mad? Punitive measures are obviously not working. What we need is regular licence testing so that drivers actually know what the road rules are, attitude modification to get rid of the "law of the jungle'' mentality and better driver education though that might be too much of an ask for many of the dills on the road. Something has to give. DISCRIMATING And while we’re on the subject of punitive measures… to all those who suggest massive fine increases as a way of addressing the (falling) road toll: have they ever thought how discriminatory those fines are?Think about it, a $300 fine is going to hit a low income earner a lot harder than a big earner. Is that fair? No. It's arguably better to use the points system as a deterrent but altered so good driving is rewarded with bonus points while bad driving is punished with demerits. But then there's the revenue issue... ROUGHWe find it perplexing to see many main roads being downgraded with cheap and nasty sprayed aggregate resurfacing rather than replacing the safer hotmix surface. It's a cost thing but at what cost? Many of these sprayed roads now have warning signs saying "slippery surface when wet'' obviously because of an increase in the number of crashes.If the original high traction hotmix surface had been maintained, there wouldn't be as many crashes caused by cars skidding on the "ball bearing'' sprayed aggregate surface and there would be no need for the warning signs. It ain't rocket science people.

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show. US Honda has unveiled the new NSX Concept at Detroit auto show, highlighting the design and technology direction for the its next-generation "supercar.''  It could go some of the way towards addressing Honda's public perception problem which has seen a dramatic slide from; premium Japanese brand with a sporting flavour to; maker of cheap but expensive low-tech econoboxes. New NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D America and manufactured in Ohio. It will be developed as a world car The dynamically-styled NSX Concept retains a V6 engine which many see as the problem with the first NSX. The mid-mounted V6 employs several new technologies including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system. Hopefully it won't be as big a waste of time and money as the SH-AWD on Honda Legend. Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co said the new NSX will "again express high performance through engineering efficiency.'' "While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio.'' Cynics will read into that "non supecar performance.'' The engine's a "next-generation'' VTEC V6 engine with direct-injection and works in concert with a dual clutch transmission with built-in electric motor, to create "supercar'' acceleration. We'll have to wait and see.

Mini's compact SUV model Countryman is the biggest Mini yet - about 20 per cent bigger all over than the Clubman wagon and three door hatch. Pricing starts from $37,700 for the front wheel drive, manual, Cooper variant.It is a five door (the first for Mini), four or five seater available with front wheel drive or on-demand all-wheel drive (ALL4) and in Cooper and Cooper S trim.The former runs a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre, direct injection, four cylinder petrol engine with 90kW/160Nm output and the latter, a turbo version of the same with 135kW/280Nm output. You can have the Cooper S and diesel Countryman in front or all wheel drive. There's a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic - a conventional torque converter self-shifter. Countryman has impressive "Minimalism" green credentials and is made in the UK when it has sold out in the few months since arriving at dealers.Mini says it's getting plenty of come back sales from earlier Mini buyers who have "grown up" and now need a more practical, family-oriented vehicle. The Countryman isn't as much of an SUV as other makes riding only slightly higher than a car and with a semi-command seating position.The all wheel drive model does have some off road cred' as it copes easily with beach and dirt road driving. But there's no 4x4 lock up to ensure drive to both axles. You must rely on the car's electronics to decide what is the optimum set-up for any given situation - hmmmm.The front wheel drive model is for the road only but enjoys better fuel economy and sharper performance than its all wheel drive stablemate. Countryman has plenty of clever features including a centre accessory rail to which you can fit a range of goodies like a phone bracket and food containers.Fuel economy for the non-turbo 1.6-litre engine is as good as 6.5-litres/100km while the turbo petrol front wheel drive manual is good for 6.6. The ALL4 Cooper S turbo Countryman is 7.3. It will also come as a diesel 1.6-litre (2.0-litre for auto) in the not too distant future that should rate an impressive 4.4-litres/100km, bit more for the auto. The rear seats fold to form a large load space. Interior styling is outstanding and centres on a large centrally mounted speedo /trip computer dial. It has easy to locate and operate ancillary switches including toggle levers from the past. The handbrake is a new design and arguably better than anything else on the market. Room is sufficient even for rear seat passengers and ample load space is provided for a coupe of suitcases. The outside is unmistakably Mini but boofy Mini with larger head and tail lights, a bulging bonnet and black plastic wheel arch flares. The overall effect is pleasing and indefinably Mini. Drive feel in the 1400kg Cooper S ALL4 is impressive offering strong performance from idle through to engine redline. It has plenty of kick to liven you up and impressive grip to go with it. It doesn't behave like an SUV on winding roads and feels like a luxury hatch on the freeway and around town. Mini could have hit on the perfect compromise for an all rounder in Countryman. The higher end models are a bit pricey but Mini has always been pitched as a premium product with all that entails - style, features, finish, look and performance. We'd have one in our garage for sure but as good as the Cooper S is, would really like to try the diesel particularly given it's incredible fuel economy.

There's a prestige aura around Volkswagen's Passat that's been steadily growing over seven generations of the car and nearly 40 years of production.It's a happy mixture of luxury, style and affordability that's difficult to ignore, especially when you compare what you get in Passat with a similar priced sedan (or wagon) of any size. The latest generation offers — more of the same — incremental gains in luxury, performance, safety, economy, style and quality all from a starting point of $38,990 for the 118 TSi sedan which we drove.VALUEPlenty of car for the money especially when you compare it with base Commodore or Falcon — fleet cars versus the handsome, luxurious Passat. And it's more than a big Golf offering heaps of rear seat legroom, a spacious cabin and huge boot along with clever technology to suppress noise like the acoustic film inside the windscreen.Seven speed DSG "auto" is standard, 17-inch alloys, tyre pressure monitoring, media device interface, decent audio and electric driver's seat adjustment are included. It gets leather, heated front seats, Bluetooth phone, auto headlights and wipers and front and rear park sensors — see, told you it was well equipped.SAFETYFive stars here — plus other clever stuff like the hazard flashing system linked to heavy brake application, fatigue detection and plenty of other goodies especially if you start ticking the options or "packages" boxes. Hill hold is handy.UNDER THE BONNETPower comes from a high efficiency 1.8-litre turbo four cylinder petrol engine with 118kW/250Nm, the latter at a low 1500rpm. This translates into strong acceleration right where you want it for general driving. Fuel economy is a creditable 7.2-litres/100km. Volkswagen is more and more utilising turbodiesel technology in its petrol engines with excellent results.Drive is to the front wheels via a slick shifting dual clutch seven-speed DSG gearbox — but no paddle shift just the stick selector for manual mode.INSIDERoomy and classy is the best way to describe Passat's interior. There's nearly as much rear legroom as Falcon. The dash is beautifully designed and made of quality materials with sweet touches like the metal analogue clock in the middle. Optional 3D navi is excellent but expensive at $3600. The standard audio is fine and all the driver assist functions are impressive and clever.THE DRIVEWe can't believe it's a 1.8-litre four pot — on a number of counts — acceleration off the mark, roll-on acceleration from highway speeds and fuel economy. The quoted figure of 7.2-litres/100km is easily bested on the highway — down into the 5.0s no problem. Cruising is a breeze at the limit with the Passat ticking over at low revs thanks to the auto. It's super quiet and smooth.The ride is supple and controlled offering a sporty feel to the steering, brakes and cornering. It's easy to get comfortable and there's plenty of room f or four and their luggage. We like the VW family styling, particularly the squared off frontal treatment.VERDICTExcellent car — would have one in a flash and remember, this is the "base" model with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 3.6-litre V6 petrol all wheel drive above it. Not necessary though.VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 118TSI SEDANPrice: $38,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 48%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 7.7 l/100km; 180g/km CO2Equipment: eight airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo-petrolTransmission: Seven-speed DSG autoBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4769 (L); 1820mm (W); 1490mm (H); 2711mm (WB)Weight: 1482kgTyre size: 235/45R17, full size spare.

You see, straight away we prefer the Ford Ranger to the twin-under-the-skin Mazda BT50. It looks better, has a better interior and the 4x2 XLT Super Cab driven goes better because it weighs less. Unless you need 4x4 capability, it's a waste. The test vehicle is called a Hi-Rider because it's underpinnings are the same as the 4x4 meaning a high ride height, big wheels and tyres and heaps of ground clearance. It has the so-called suicide doors that afford easier access to twin fold-down rear "pews" that can be used for short journeys or folded out of the way for additional storage. This sort of practical thinking pervades the entire vehicle with heaps of handy stuff readily at hand. The large tray is fitted with tie down hooks but no tray liner. As you are not buying 4x4 machinery, the Ranger Hi-Rider 4x2 is a much more affordable $43,240 when compared to a four door variant with 4x4. Funny thing is, it will go plenty of places you wouldn't expect a 4x2 rear drive ute to go - thanks to those lug tyres, high ground clearance, strong engine and excellent transmission.It gets Bluetooth, voice control to some functions, decent audio, central locking, climate control and plenty of other stuff. The interior is pretty much all hard grey plastic but that's OK for a work truck. Ranger comes with the full five star endorsement which means it has a brace of air bags, stability control and other safety related features. Pedestrian safety has also been taken into account as has towing, roll-over protection, and reverse parking. Much of the chassis/body is in high strength steel. It's built on the latest design ladder chassis. The test vehicle ran Ford's impressive 3.2-litre, five-cylinder, turbo diesel with 147kW/470Nm output. They are not huge numbers compared with some other turbodiesels but Ford obviously wanted to ensure longevity, strong pulling power and acceptable fuel economy with this unit.It would appear they have achieved their aims though we can't tell on the longevity part yet. The auto transmission is a six speeder and the test vehicle was mechanically conventional underneath. Not too hard on the eye, Ranger is no luxury vehicle but has enough for someone who spends a lot of time driving to be happy and comfortable. The steering wheel has multi controls, there's a decent trip computer and the audio system is pretty good for a next to base model.Finding the right driving position is made a little more difficult by the non reach adjustable steering but the seats themselves are good and you can undertake a two or three hour drive without reservation. Some soft surfaces and different colours would lighten it up. Access to the rear seats is easy through the small "doorlets" but you have to close them first to close the main doors. We wouldn't like to go on a long trip in the rear seats. Impressive, possibly the best driving ute on the market right now, certainly one of the biggest and with a big payload. The test vehicle would take well over a tonne in the tray and can tow 3350kg with a braked trailer. There's even trailer sway control. That big five under the bonnet makes light work of driving this big weighty ute offering quick acceleration off the mark, heaps of mid range and smooth easy cruising. We recorded 8.5-litres/100km combined average without really trying. It gives the XLT a range approaching 1000km on an 80 litre tank. Ride quality is good for a workin' truck - not too hard but strong enough to take a big load without flattening out. We think the test vehicle had adaptive ride height because it stayed roughly the same despite what was in the back. The front suspension is coils over struts with leaf springs at the rear. Though by no means a sporty vehicle, the Ranger feels good to drive and won't wear you out.

Volkswagen Jetta isn't merely a Golf sedan — it's much more than that with its own body panels (none shared with Golf), a Jetta flavoured interior, additional safety kit not in Golf and its own take on the VW corporate face, possibly the best looking in the whole model range.Now in its sixth generation Jetta uses powertrains from the VW family, in this case, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. It's a compact-prestige five seater sedan with economy, quality, performance and style.VALUEHere's another car you'd consider if you couldn't quite run to say a Benz C-Class or BMW 3-Series. And the prices start in the mid $20k region.The test vehicle was a $34,990 Jetta 103TDi turbodiesel Comfortline  — with options that rack it up to about $40k but it's an impressive package for that money especially if you don't equate size with value.  Having said that, new Jetta is nearly 20cm longer than the previous model and offers plenty of interior room and a large boot.Standard kit is extensive with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, multi-function trip computer, multi-function wheel controls, a six- speed DSG "auto" transmission, cruise, dual zone climate control, excellent audio, front and rear park sensors with optical alert, auto lights and wipers — it goes on.SAFETYA five star performer but with clever stuff combining with stability control and six air bags  — like the Crash Impact Sound Sensor which modulates air bag deployment based on the noise level of a crash. Who would have thought...The body uses plenty of high strength steel and the entire car bristles with primary and secondary safety equipment. It has sporty dynamics to assist in crash avoidance.UNDER THE BONNETPlenty of grunt comes from the tried and true 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine good for 103kW/320Nm. In some form or other, this engine is in just about every VW product sold here.It sips fuel at better than 5.5-litres/100km (we saw the high fours on a freeway run) and has excellent throttle response across a wide engine speed range. The DSG gets it out of the blocks quickly and roll-on acceleration is as good as a 3.5-litre petrol six. You can hardly hear it except for a slight growl at idle.INSIDETypical VW — style and substance — understated, modern, functional with tight fit. Controls are easy to find and operate and the test vehicle's optional leather upholstery and ridged seats ($3500 with electric drivers seat adjust) make it a luxury cocoon suitable for the long haul. Satnav adds $3000. Air quality is assured by a pollen and dust filter with an air quality sensor shutting out fumes.THE DRIVELove this engine, goes like a train, uses minimal fuel. It annoys drivers in big sixes with off-the-line grunt and roll-on poke. Jetta is a classy customer and well mannered offering a sporty feel with a good measure of comfort. We love the direct feel steering and how it hangs on through corners. The sedan body is as practical as it is good looking and the boot is large, expandable with folding rear seats.VERDICTWhy buy an "Aussie" six when, for the same money you can have one of these classy customers. Visit the servo once a fortnight if you're unlucky.    Mat Watson road tests and reviews the VW Jetta.   

Volvo's handsome S60 has shifted the Swedish automaker up a cog in a number of areas - style, value, safety and performance.But the latter got a real boost following the arrival this week of a special, locally-fettled S60 T6 model called the Polestar.COMPETITIVEIt's a funny name derived from a company connected through motorsport to Volvo for decades. Polestar is in the box seat to provide guidance on performance models that allows Volvo to "compete'' with AMG and M Sport enhanced cars from Benz and BMW.The S60 Polestar doesn't face-off with the Benz C63AMG or the BMW M3 in outright hard-edged performance terms. It's not far behind though being more of a grand touring vehicle with an easy to drive feel (at half the price). The initial Polestar run is limited to 50 vehicles priced from $82,990 - a ten grand premium over the S60 T6.LOCAL EFFORTThe Polestar "brand'' is likely to be introduced on other models in the local Volvo lineup and is under close scrutiny from Volvo head office in Sweden which is likely to pinch the idea if it's successful here.THE PACKAGEThe Polestar car gets some cool kit with gorgeous 19-inch Heico alloys fitted with ultra low profile rubber and there's a stainless Heico quad outlet exhaust with tuned sports note. The turbo, 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol engine's control computer is re-chipped to deliver more power and torque rated at 242kW/480Nm. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 10.2-litres/100km.The upgrade is carried out in Sydney at Volvo Australia headquarters and the Polestar has full factory warranty and maintains a standard factory service schedule. The new engine program delivers a mountain of torque (grunt) from low in the engine rev range and into the mid-range.EQUIPMENTBeing based on the T6 means the Polestar scores a heavy inventory of safety equipment - and all wheel drive through a six-speed automatic transmission from Japanese manufacturer Aisin.The dynamic package remains the same as the T6 model. A range of settings is available to the driver through "My Car'' on the trip computer. Inside is a sea of leather and metallic fascia with a comfy seats, easy to use controls and a modern design. There are seats for four, five at a pinch and a decent boot.THE DRIVEWe had a real good go at the Polestar covering some 300km of mixed urban, freeway and country roads. It's a rapid piece of kit for sure, hitting hard off idle and ripping through the mid engine speeds like a sprinter.But in deference to everyday driving requirements, it buttons off a tad approaching peak revs. So the focus is more on mid-range response for overtaking and such like. It is super quick in this area blasting past slow vehicles in a blink. The suspension is sporty firm but not too jiggly and we liked the steering which offers sharp responses.The auto worked best in normal D mode because it hunts a tad in the sport mode. No wheel paddles are fitted which is a bummer because it means you have to take your left hand off the wheel to sequentially change gears using the stick shift. A small annoyance.VERDICTImpressive effort from Volvo. A seriously quick car at a sharp price. Looks the business, safe, stylish, well equipped, an engaging drive.  They should do a wagon version too.VOLVO S60 T6 POLESTARPrice: $82,990Warranty: 3 years unlimitedResale: 44 per centCrash Rating: Five starsEngine: 3.0-litre tutrbo inline six; 242kW/480NmBody: four door five seats Dimensions: 4628mm (L); 1865 (width); 1484 (h); 2776 (wb)Weight: 1684kgTransmission: Six-speed automatic; AWDEconomy: 10.2L/100km; 243g Co2 per km

We still can't get over the fact that the medium size Volvo S60 T4 luxury sedan has a 1.6-litre engine. Albeit it's turbocharged, but it sure doesn't feel like a little 1.6. Except when your visits to the servo are once in a blue moon.Volvo is party to the worldwide trend towards smaller capacity, high-tech, force-fed petrol engines to replace larger gas guzzlers. If this is the way of the future, then bring it on.ENGINEThe direct injection engine, a blood brother to the 2.0-litre in T5 Volvos, sees duty in other cars with and without turbocharging and is a crackerjack good for 132kW/240Nm output. Fuel consumption is a handy 7.2-litres/100km and has been hovering around that mark for the past six weeks of our "ownership." Better still is the price which Volvo pitches at $51,990.KITThis money gets you plenty of kit including luxury, safety and performance equipment. You can specify what type of dynamics you prefer - Touring or Dynamic and the electronic safety stuff such as stability control has sports modes. Ours has the Touring suspension which adds extra comfort.COMFORTSWe have grown to appreciate the leather seats electrically adjustable for the driver, and pollen filtration system that knocks out diesel smoke from the ventilation system. The audio system is impressive and we can't see why you'd spend the extra on an upgrade. You only have two ears after all.SAFETYSafety equipment is manifold and includes City Safety that helps prevent rear enders in traffic. The car gets a five star crash rating and has dynamics capable of avoiding a collision in the first place. Though the "base model" the T4 has stylish 17-inch alloys and a quality "European" look to its flanks. The boot is large and there's plenty of room inside.VERDICTWhat's not to like?

On the performance limited edition side are the R8 Carbon LE with a carbon-fibre styling package, RS 5 Coupe LE and TT RS LE. More practical enhanced models include the S3 Sportback LE with seven-speed S-tronic transmision availability and A1 Competition Kit - due to arrive in 2012.  These cars are available in small numbers and will be in strong demand, particularly those that attract no price premium - something for nothing - sort of.  CARBON The R8 Carbon is available in V8 and V10 coupe and Spyder (roadster) complete with 19-inch alloy wheels in five-twin spoke design with titanium finish, carbon-fibre exterior package - front spoiler and rear diffuser as well as the side "blade", carbon-fibre exterior mirror housings and illuminated door sills complete the exterior carbon look. The radiator grille tail pipes and rear window surrounds are in black - the same as the interior leather colour scheme. The R8 Carbon Edition offers $38,100 worth of styling options for $10,900 above the purchase price of the chosen R8 model.  RS 5  Audi RS 5 Coupe LE blends a classically elegant exterior with superb power and a muscular presence. The V8 powered  RS 5 is a formidable driving machine.  The 25 Aussie spec' RS 5 LEs score 20-inch five-arm Rotor design alloy wheels in titanium finish, black exterior styling package, sports exhaust system with dual modes and black tailpipes. There's also a panoramic glass sunroof, B&O surround sound system, driver's seat memory function and folding/auto-dimming exterior mirrors. Dynamic Ride Control has been introduced as a $4750 option. FAVOURITE  Our favourite, the TT RS is now available with seven-speed S-tronic transmission and the limited edition brings 19-inch five-arm Rotor design alloy wheels in titanium finish, sports exhaust system with dual modes and black tailpipes, adaptive headlights, BOSE sound system, extended leather package, LED interior lighting package and the black exterior package. Audi S3 Sportback and A1 also benefit from additonal kit under the limited edition program.