Articles by Peter Barnwell

Ford's new Focus has plenty of what they call the "wow factor" not only in the way it looks but also how it feels to drive and the equipment it has.We've only driven one so far - the top of the range diesel auto hatch called Titanium. It's an absolute cracker although expensive for a Focus.Put a BMW badge on it and you'd think it was the bargain of the year. Priced at $36,090, the Titanium diesel bristles with luxury, safety and high-tech equipment. This is the one with Active Park Assist which helps (inept) drivers parallel park the car. It has heated seats, 18-inch alloys, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. There's even voice control of a number of regularly used functions among the extensive kit inventory.Focus Titanium scores a five star crash rating with features like six air bags, stability control, adaptive cruise control and an adjustable speed limiter. Torque vectoring that meters power to each wheel individiually based on grip is on all models. The car's sharp dynamics is a safety feature in itself.All engines in the new LW Focus range are "next generation" including the twin cam, high pressure injection, 2.0-litre turbodiesel we drove. It's good for 120kW/340Nm and can consume as little as  5.5-litres/100km.The transmission is Ford's Powershift six-speed dual-clutch "manumatic" that functions like a quick change auto but is an automated manual. The turbo is a variable geometry unit and the engine passes Euro 4 emission regs.Stunning to look at in a car the right side of $50K. Striking modern angular design with beautifully laid out controls, damped dials. Two info' screens and an attractive instrument pod with plenty of soft feel surfaces in three tones/textures. Even the seats are good - electrically operated drivers seat and heated fronts.Partial leather seems a good compromise to full leather which can be too hot or slippery. The cabin is roomy and can take five at a pinch with a decent size, expandable load space and a full size (steel spare.)Feels like a thoroughbred European car through the wheel which gives sharp responses. Suspension is sporty but not too firm and easily copes with our rough sealed roads - with 18-inch low profile tyres. Performance from the smooth and quiet diesel is strong and in keeping with the sporty nature of the car. Pity diesels don't have a pleasing exhaust note.The driver assist features are greatly appreciated - stuff like auto wipers and headlights, capless refuelling, start button with remote key, hill launch and plenty more. We like the looks of it too - from all angles and it feels solid and well made (in Thailand).

Peugeot's 308 was a polarising car when it arrived a few years ago — that big, froggy mouth, the under-tuck at the rear, the long front overhang — you either liked it or didn't.It's undergone a mid-life revamp which sees a styling tone-down shrinking the grille, changing the bonnet and bumpers and adding new lights including LED running lights.Inside has also undergone modest changes. The effect is positive and should give the 308 broader appeal.VALUEWe drove the mid-range Active five-door hatch with six-speed auto that sells for $31,490 — edging towards the premium end of the small car spectrum. It's not as exey as a 1-Series BMW but is in there with Golf.Active spec' brings plenty of goodies including an electric parking brake, park assist front and rear, Bluetooth, satnav, dual zone climate control, auto wipers and headlights and sports seats (no leather).The audio is good and fully connected while the 16-inch alloys are on the small side these days. Something else to consider is the fixed price service plan applicable to 308 which effectively means you pay $330 a year (every 20,000km).SAFETYThe 308 scores a five star rating and has the full array of active and passive safety equipment, bolstered by the front and rear park assist and other handy stuff. The inherent safety of 308's dynamics also contribute to its safety because you can more readily avoid a collision.UNDER THE BONNETPlenty of kick comes from the 1.6-litre, turbo petrol four cylinder with variable inlet valve timing. Peugeot is another automaker with the high tech/smaller capacity engine philosophy (like VW and BMW) and it works a treat.Some 115kW/240Nm percolates from the smooth, punchy engine that is capable of sipping 7.4-litres/100km, 6.6 in the manual. Emissions are low contributing to the 308's Euro 5 endorsement. The six-speed auto is silky smooth and almost intuitive contributing to the positive feel of the car in all driving conditions. It doesn't have paddles but there's a sequential stick shift mode.INSIDE"Impressive'' encapsulates the interior's looks and function. As good as a VW — possibly, but much better than the mainstream small cars — Corolla, Lancer, Civic, Cruze. It's as good as new Focus but not as funky.The sporty seats are comfy and have plenty of adjustment, the dash has a smooth shape, the instrumentation is classy. It's a roomy interior with a huge windscreen while the boot is a decent size, expandable with folded rear seats.THE DRIVELoved driving this car because it has a distinctive feel and plenty grunt to get you places without slurping much fuel. The auto is a cracker and would be on our check list. Ride from the simple Macstrut front and beam rear suspension is surprisingly competent offering comfort and control with a sporty edge.This is aided by the electric steering and strong brakes. The 308 has shed 25kg this model and it feels lithe and sporty behind the wheel — very satisfying. Solid.VERDICTYes, we had pretty much forgotten about Peugeot 308 as a small car contender — big mistake. It's heaps better than many offerings in the segment and has plenty of class at an affordable price. The new look has more appeal and Peugeot seems to have regained its suspension prowess.PEUGEOT 308Price: starting from $31,490Engine: 1.6-litre, turbo petrol four cylinder, 115kW/240NmThirst: 7.4-litres/100kmTransmission: six-speed auto, six-speed manualSafety: Five star rating

Ah, yes, a new engine and most of the tricky bits in Mercedes-Benz's performance armoury rolled into one package - the E63 AMG four door sedan. It would have to rate as one of the meanest four doors around given the fact that there's 386kW /700Nm percolating from the 5.5-litre biturbo V8 under the sculpted bonnet.Thing is, you can up the ante by ticking the Performance Package box for $17,900 that gets 410kW/800Nm and even sportier chassis bits.This is the force fed replacement for the much loved naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 that is being shuffled out the back door due to fuel consumption and emissions issues. Pity, we were big fans but it lives on for a while in the C63AMG.The new unit has direct fuel injection, variable cams and is intercooled. Fuel economy is appreciably better than the 6.2 V8 at 10.0 litres/100km combined - a big improvement. And the good thing is the 5.5-litre is just as lusty as the 6.2 but not quite of the same voice due to the turbo set-up.E63 is crammed with luxury drive assist technology including multi-mode chassis dynamics and multi-mode transmission - a seven-speed MCT (Multi Clutch Transmission) with paddle shift and a blip function on the down change. It's one of the best in the business.There's AMG Ride Control - adaptive suspension with air springs and self levelling on the rear. The front suspension is unique to the E63AMG, designed to deliver better cornering and feel. Three stage stability control is used and engine stop/start comes into play when 'eco' mode is selected which also means second gear take offs and short shifting to prevent high engine revs. Inside is a wall of high tech equipment to entertain, stay connected or make travel time more comfy.Though it tips the scales at 1840kg, the E63 is a dab hand through corners and feels more lithe than its size would suggest. Powerful six piston brakes up front, wide front track, the adaptive suspension, huge tyres and clever technology combine to deliver an exciting drive experience. It absolutely hammers into, through and out of corners and brakes with total control. Then, back everything off and the big bad 'E' glides into luxury cruise mode wafting along like it should be chauffeur driven.We still haven't figured out all the kits inside this car - the amount of driver assist and luxury features is monumental. We particularly like the active front seat side bolsters and lane keeping assist function that kicks the car back into your lane if you stray. Premium audio and satnav, seats that do just about everything, keyless push button start, radar cruise, adaptive headlights - there's plenty to justify the $241,000 sticker. It has a super small battery and space saver spare in the large boot.

Looking at the Jaguar XF's speedo showing 110kmh doesn't compute when you glance across at the tacho registering a scant 1300rpm. But that's what the new turbo diesel four pot Jaguar XF 2.2 does on the highway. It cruises just above engine idle speed.FRUGALSome cars would be humming away at 3000+rpm sucking fuel like there's no tomorrow. Not the XF 2.2 which is claimed to be capable of 5.4-litres/100km. We couldn't get that but saw a reliable 6.5-litres/100km with mixed driving.Doesn't matter how you cut it, this sort of fuel economy from a 1700kg medium large luxury sedan car is damn impressive. Needless to say, the XF 2.2 is the most economical Jag ever made.PERFORMANCEAnd it goes pretty well too thanks to the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine made by PSA in Europe. PSA is an offshoot of Peugeot and supplies engines to BMW and Mini.This engine is also in the Land Rover Freelander and new Range Rover Evoque. It's a good-un capable of delivering a handy 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.Not as good as the Benz 2.1 turbo diesel rated at 150kW/500Nm but enough not to notice. There's an eight-speed auto driving the rear wheels with seamless precision and paddle shift if you want a sporty drive.VALUEThe entry level XF Luxury hits the showroom at $78,900 plus on roads but start ticking the boxes for options and up it goes - rapidly. We drove the Premium Luxury model at $86,100 with more kit but you can still crank it up. Happy with the Luxury?It gets you leather, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, automatic dual climate control, air filtration, auto bixenon headlights, LEDs front and rear, a seven inch colour info ' touch screen and multi' steering wheel controls.Other goodies include an electric park brake, pop up dash vents, pop up gear selector knob and rain sensing wipers. The XF was revised recently inside and out but still looks like.....an XF with XJ headlights.THE DRIVEThe 2.2 is great to drive and you wouldn't know it was a four cylinder diesel except under hard acceleration because of low noise and vibration. It hauls the big sedan around with aplomb. Ride quality is supple and controlled and overall drive feel is positive.DOWN SIDEBut it only gets a four star crash rating, has a space saver spare and there is some lag off idle when you punch the accelerator - waiting, waiting, whoosh. The test vehicle developed an annoying frequency vibration in the front door area which would drive an owner nuts. We didn't `get' the engine stop/start system that seemed to have its own agenda. The boot opening is narrow.VERDICTIt's up against some classy opposition in the BMW 520d, Benz E220CDi and Audi A6 2.0 front wheel drive -  all around the same money. Hard call.....JAGUAR XF 2.2L TURBO DIESELPrices: $78,900 (Luxury 2.2 turbodiesel), $86,100 (Premium Luxury 2.2 diesel), $84,990 (driveaway Luxury 2.2 white or black)Warranty: 3 year/100,000 kmService: 26,000km (diesel), 24,000km (petrol)Safety: 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlEngine: 2.2L litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 140kW/450NmTransmission: 8-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 5.4 l/100kmCO2: 149g/kmDimensions: 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)

It's all subject to availability and whether or not Lexus thinks there are buyers here. Take the Lexus GX460 medium large SUV for example, currently only available in left hand drive but certainly on the wish list for local consumption. PRADO PLATFORM It's based on the Toyota Prado platform but has a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine from the Lexus LS460. Smaller than the Lexus LX570, GX460 is a seven seater with full off road credentials and a swag of driver aids for safety and negotiating various environments. Using a constant all wheel drive system, the GX boasts a Torsen rear diff that also has an electronic locking mechanism. GX has hill start and hill descent control, smart stop (automatic braking in an emergency) and is built on a ladder type frame. It's a weighty beast at 2326kg in the base model, Premium ads a few kilos due to additional luxury kit. V8 POWER The V8 is good for 225kW/450Nm and consumes petrol at a rate of 13.8-litres/100km. It drives through a six-speed sequential automatic transmission. The base model is fully equipped with goodies like smart access, remote keyless entry and push button start, dual zone climate control, a moon roof, electrochromatic rear view mirror, cruise and leather to name a few. The Premium gets (a lot) more. Ride is controlled by a supple double wishbone front suspension and four link rear. Air suspension is an option. Safety is well addressed with 10 air bags, stability control, surround cameras and tyre pressure monitor all included. THE PRICE For this, you'll pay around US$54,000. But in Australia if it becomes available... anyone's guess.

We switched our new longterm Hyundai to 'Econ' mode straight away rising to the challenge of squeezing out the best possible fuel economy. Funny how things work. The i45 for example is a handsome new four door sedan with coupe styling and a swag of new technology but we are focussed almost entirely on fuel economy.Blame Hyundai for installing the system. It seems to be working with the trip computer showing an average of 6.5-litres/100km in mixed driving but we are really trying hard for economy at this stage. It's particularly good right now with fuel hovering around the $1.40 a litre mark.The i45 has had a less than smooth introduction to the Aussie market after some criticism from local motoring scribes about its ride and handling. Hyundai responded with an upgrade virtually before the car was properly launched here. Australia is the only country where this action was taken.We really don't know what all the fuss was about -- the original suspension settings were pretty good for a medium family sedan. It's not intended to be a sports sedan. But that's done now and the car we are driving will put a smile on your face and is easy to live with on a day to day basis -- not too soft or hard, sporty steering response and excellent engine performance.It's the Elite auto selling for $34,590 which represents good value when you factor in standard equipment and compare it with the competition.It's a big car, getting up towards Falcon/Commodore size and has plenty of room inside for five. The boot is a decent size too capable of swallowing up to three suitcases and there's a full size spare under the floor.We were able to take the i45 on a long trip and got out fresh as a daisy at the end of a 500km slog. That's partly down to the low noise levels inside but also to the smooth silent engine that only becomes audible under full throttle.We know there's still some snobbery out there regarding Korean cars but people should get over it because the i45 is a good example the standard of quality and engineering you now get from Hyundai (and Kia) -- as good as Japanese -- better in some areas.

How much would you expect to pay for a new 2.0-litre petrol SUV-style vehicle about the same size as a Honda CRV? According to our pricing guide, this type of vehicle starts at around $26,000 plus on-roads. Not any more. Chinese brand Chery has just launched its new five seater J11 model that is about the same size as

Here's a hard one for you. Do you go for a small engine, low spec' German prestige car or, for the same or less money, a fully kitted out Volvo S60 T6 with a 224kW/440Nm six cylinder engine at $64,950.In the past you might have hesitated but we would vote with our wallet in the case of the new S60. It's takes the sales race right up to the high-priced Europeans, pulls out, overtakes them and leaves them in the dust - literally.Lexus comes close(ish) with its new, base model IS350 but is a rear wheel drive and can't match the Volvo for kit.On top of that, the S60 is styled to delight with a coupe look to its sculpted flanks and a contemporary interior with easy to use controls and appealing materials. Volvo boasts about the safety of S60 and it's right up there as you'd expect . But the new technology safety features are optional in a $5000  "Driver's Support Pack" that includes collision warning with auto braking, pedestrian detection using a camera and radar, adaptive cruise control with queue assist lane departure warning, driver fatigue warning and blind spot warning. The pedestrian detection system is a first and is so important, it should be standard on the S60.But that's enough of the safety stuff because this is a sporty sedan with impressive performance credentials thanks in part to the 3.0-litre turbo straight six transversely mounted up front feeding all four wheels though a sweet six-speed auto transmission.The engine has been around for a while and is uprated in this instance to Euro 5 emissions spec' as well as having significantly more power and torque. It features a twin scroll turbo which functions across a wide engine speed range boosting performance from idle to redline without turbo lag.Fuel economy is quoted at 10.2 litres/100km combined but we saw better than that on a freeway run. The preferred brew is premium unleaded.Coupled with the potent engine is a sporty ride and sharp handling that are just right for a wide mix of driving. Comfy over rough roads, the adaptive suspension also holds the S60 firmly in corners controlling its 1888kg bulk admirably.The "Advanced Stability Control" system offers torque vectoring that further aids car control. It selectively brakes or cuts power individually to each wheel. Other dynamics are up with the engine including the steering and brakes.We really appreciated the well shaped seats and all that the S60 has to offer inside particularly the premium audio system that is right up there with the best. There is also full iPod connectivity, large format GPS screen, comprehensive trip computer, Bluetooth, voice control and a multi function wheel to occupy your drive time.The leather interior gives a pleasant driving environment and the entire interior is made without toxic substances. Our only real complaint is the tyre inflation kit in lieu of a spare of any kind and the manual adjust lumbar support which is difficult to use.The S60 is also available in diesel five cylinder and turbo four cylinder versions for less money. The four is a front wheel drive only. Is the S60 enough to drag well-heeled punters out of their 3-Series, A3 or C-Class?Maybe, especially if they want value for money which the S60 offers in buckets to say nothing of how it looks and goes.VOLVO S60 T6Price: from $64,950.Engine: six-cylinder; 242kW/480NmTransmission: 6-speed sports auto; AWDBody: 4-door, seats 5Safety: Driver's Support Pack, auto braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warningWeight: 1888kg (est)Thirst: 10.2L/100km

For those under the misapprehension it is a replacement for the raunchy CRX from the '90s, nothing could be further from the truth. Honda CR-Z has "nanna'' performance clicking over a 0-100kmh sprint in a pedestrian 9.0 plus seconds. What's even more annoying is CR-Z has razor sharp dynamics crying out for an engine to do it justice. The call has been answered by Honda specialist tuner Mugen which has delivered a supercharged version of the CR-Z with Civic Type R levels of performance. The car first appeared at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed 2011, when Honda (UK) and "Mugen Euro'' joined forces to launch the hot CR-Z sports hybrid. It has almost 50 per cent more power than the standard car, and is rated around 140kW. Mugen Euro engineers 'breathed over' the 1.5-litre power unit, retaining the 3-button IMA (electric motor) modes, adding a supercharger, charge-air cooler and induction system and importantly, a Mugen Euro-mapped ECU (electronic control unit). The result is outstanding power to weight, and increased torque helping to deliver 0-100kmh in 6.1 seconds  over 3 seconds quicker than the standard car. A Honda UK spokesman said "The Mugen CR-Z is a super responsive yet eco-conscious model building on Honda's sporting credentials and giving it the ability to compete in the "hot hatch'' marketplace.'' Prices have yet to be confirmed in the UK, but are expected to be approximately 24,000 (A$37,400). Given Honda's inexorable slide into cardigan and slippers, don't expect this car in Australia any time soon.

The wheels nearly fell off the Ssangyong a couple of years ago after its Chinese owner (SAIC) basically walked away.Lucky for Ssangyong, a saviour in the form of cashed-up Indian automaker Mahindra came to the rescue agreeing to take a controlling interest in the besieged Korean manufacturer.Lady luck has smiled twice on Ssangyong in a short time because the company was able to keep its new compact SUV program running despite the desperate times. Korando arrives this week priced to command attention and with styling by Giugiaro of the renowned ItalDesign studio. It makes a bold statement, unexpected from an outfit credited with having more than its fair share of stylistically challenged (ugly) motor vehicles.To its credit, Ssangyong took the criticism on board and has introduced a new design language that should put it on a road to potentially follow the other highly successful Korean manufacturers. Ssangyong is confident Korando will change the way people will view the brand.In diesel only at this stage, it comes to dealers in three grades; S, SX and SPR with the front wheel drive manual S kicking off at a sharp $26,300 plus on roads. Prices range up to $36,800 for the auto-only, all wheel drive SPR.Far from being a boned-out price leader, the front wheel drive only Korando S comes with plenty of standard features including air conditioning, cruise control, six air bags, stability control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, auto dip rear view mirror, wheel controls, power windows and exterior mirrors and even reclining 60:40 folding rear seats.Opt for adaptive all wheel drive and it means the SX model for a few grand more. All Korando models have the same powertrain with six-speed manual or six-speed (Australian made) automatic a $2500 option on the S and SX.Power comes from a European-designed 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel with a variable geometry turbocharger. The VGT is electronically activated and designed to minimise hesitation off idle called turbo lag. The engine is good for a handy 129kW/360Nm and delivers a claimed 6.1-litres/100km in the most economical Korando variant, the manual S.Others aren't far behind. It is currently the only diesel in a compact SUV that passes the forthcoming, stringent Euro 5 emissions regulations thanks in part to a clever one piece catalytic converter and particle filter attached near the engine.The two six-speed transmission options put Korando at the head of the segment in this critical area as six gears maximises fuel economy and performance while reducing emissions.The all wheel drive models have a braked towing capacity of 2000kg and also feature lockable all wheel drive for speeds up to 35km/h whereupon the transmission goes into on-demand mode. Normal drive is to the front wheels.It's built on a monocoque (pressed metal) chassis that Ssangyong expects will help Korando achieve a five star crash rating. That will be assessed in the near future. It's a five seater with a good size boot and a full size spare under the floor.The interior has a generic look to it that is easy on the eye and simple to use. The wheel is adjustable for rake only and there's no left footrest on the manual model. But Korando offers plenty of goodies to make its occupants comfy not the least being good noise and vibration suppression, hill start assist and a comfortable, well controlled ride.The outside looks a bit like the rear of a Holden Captiva blended with the front of a current model Barina (not Spark). It's a cute looking vehicle easily the equal of any competitor in this class and is as practical as it is easy on the eye. We got to drive the S and SX manuals and liked both. Naturally the SX has a broader application as it can capably go a fair way off road without cause for concern. But the S is pretty good on dirt roads too.We liked the ride compromise and the roomy interior as well as the strong pulling power from the 2.0-litre engine. It really gets up and goes at highway speeds and from a bit above idle speeds, gets out of the blocks quicker than expected. An `Eco" mode can be selected to `coach' drivers to use less fuel.Ssangyong offers the new Korando with a five year/100,000km warranty and service intervals are 15,000 apart to reduce ownership costs. We were surprised by this newcomer from Korea although its forebears and stablemates all go  pretty well thanks in part to Ssangyong's earlier links to Mercedes-Benz.Now, there's a Ssangyong that puts it all together looks, performance, economy, price. Worth a look.