Articles by Peter Barnwell

Small is the new big in "Tiddler Town" if the new Toyota Yaris is anything to go by. It's roughly the same dimensions as the previous Gen II car but offers more room inside thanks to smart design and new technology. Toyota has used techniques from the space optimised Toyota iQ in new Yaris. Understandable give that

Skoda is slowly edging its way into the Aussie psyche with some interesting, well priced models. All use Volkswagen underpinnings including the new Yeti compact SUV.Leveraged from the Skoda Octavia Scout platform with some VW Tiguan thrown in, boldly styled Yeti has the credentials to lift the brand to a new level in Australia. It ain't pretty but is practical and despite being a soft roader in 4x4 guise, will go almost anywhere thanks to its clever drive system. Equally, the front wheel drive models will win over plenty of punters if only because of the price. Yeti has taken too long to arrive here but the wait could have been worth it.THE LINE-UPFour models are initially offered, the turbo petrol front wheel drive only 77TSI six-speed manual for $26,290, add $2300 for the seven speed DSG model and then there's the all wheel drive turbodiesel 103TDI six-speed manual at $35,690, add $2300 for the six-speed DSG.A 118TSi petrol model is a likely starter next year possibly in all wheel drive.The engines are transversely mounted to optimise interior space and provide better crash protection.The 103TDI has an four-wheel-drive system incorporating a fourth-generation Haldex clutch. Peak power (103kW) is reached at 4,200 rpm with the TDI engine producing up to 320Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Fuel consumption for the 103TDI averages 6.2 l/100kms for the manual, a little more for the DSG.The tiny 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine features direct injection and delivers 77kW/175Nm output, the latter from 1550rpm. It is capable of returning a creditable 6.6 litre/100 kilometres for the manual.FEATURESAll Yetis have Skoda's innovative VarioFlex rear seating system in addition to air conditioning, power steering, seven airbags including dual front, front side, curtain and driver's knee airbags and central door locking.Standard kit in 77TSi  includes 16-inch alloys and a 16-inch steel spare, black roof rails, cruise, six air bags, power windows and exterior (heated) mirrors, height adjustable halogen projector headlights,  height and reach-adjustable four-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel (with radio and phone controls), aircon, eight speaker audio, remote central locking and other practical goodies.The significantly more expensive 4WD 103TDi gets more again.SAFETYYeti's crash rating should be five stars as it shares underpinnings with five star cars in the VW stable. Six air bags, stability control, crumple zones, a high strength body and discs all round are in its safety arsenal.THE DRIVESurprisingly firm but comfortable in the rough. Skoda seems to have arrived at an ideal suspension calibration for Yeti in both spec'. The petrol 77TSi can struggle when loaded but goes surprisingly well considering its lack of cubes under the bonnet. Fuel economy is a strong point as is the seven-speed DSG which does a lot to cover for the diminutive engine.The diesel 103TDi is the one to get albeit at nearly 10 grand more. It has oodles of grunt and is quite a spirited performancer on the highway, and plonks away nicely off road where it is surprisingly competent. Fuel economy is exceptional and the vehicle is a good size inside and out.Generous equipment levels are appreciated.VERDICTYeti doesn't make chosing a compact SUV any easier. It ticks most of the boxes and the chunky styling has special appeal all of its own. Gets a bit pricey when you opt for diesel auto and add a few options. Definitley worth a look.

With the recent upgrade of the Merc' C-Class range of cars comes a revamped C63AMG performance sedan (also in coupe and wagon) priced from $152,800. All the refinements and changes from the garden variety C-Class flow through to the AMG cars including the new face, bumpers and tail lights and much improved interior.But the big news is the adoption of a seven-speed MCT multi-plate auto transmission that positively transforms the C63.DESIGNUpmarket "Designo" upholstery is standard along with a sports wheel with flat bottom and top. The dash is a complete redesign.There's a metal look to the dash fascia and new warning lights as well as a large TFT colour display screen incorporating Satnav trip computer and other displays.A 40 gig hard drive contains a music register and drives the satnav among other things. Bluetooth phone and audio are included as well as an internet browser. Fully adjustable front sports seats offer plenty of body hug whole ergonomic package is easy to use and good to look at.TECHNOLOGYRetains the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol V8 engine but in this case, with the $14,900 performance pack upgrade moving power up to 352kW from 336kW with the same 600Nm of torque. Pistons, conrods and crankshaft are from the SLS Gullwing.Drive is to the rear wheels through performance pack 19-inch alloys - and larger brakes - with six piston calipers on the front. Benz has been able to squeeze fuel consumption down to 12.1-litres/100km and with the performance pack, the 0-100kmh sprint is a 4.4 second event.The engine is hand built in Germany and signed by its builder. The MCT transmission offers quicker changes up and down and a throttle blip on the down change. There are four modes ranging from comfort to manual and race start.Three mode stability control offers on, sport and off. Steering changes give a more direct feel and more pronounced self centring effect.SAFETYAnd with all the extra go comes boosted safety with Pre-safe collision preparation, adaptive high beam assist, attention assist, lane keeping, blind spot warning and radar cruise control all included.DRIVINGThis is a monumental car, in a number of ways, not the least being the sound emanating from the big-bore quad exhaust. It has brutal performance at will and yet can meander along at car park speed meek as a lamb.There is an exhaust bang when changing up in full sport mode that is entirely in keeping with the character of the C63.The new transmission is a revelation - slick, and almost predictive. At no point is it caught napping. But the wheel mounted change paddles can be annoying when you are turning and changing gears.A tendency to oversteer is controlled neatly by the dial up stability control system. We couldn't get enough of the C63 AMG and it's so practical - a classy four seat four door sedan that looks imposing and ready for action. The performance pack should be standard.VERDICTYes please, might have to change from the Porsche 911 Carrera S dream car.MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMGPrice: $154,800 ($14,900 Performance Pack)Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: 53 per cent after 3 yearsService interval: 20,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5 stars (predicted)Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 336kW/600NmBody: Two-door coupeDimensions: 4707mm (L), 1795mm (w), 1391mm (h), weight 1730kgTransmission: Seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel driveThirst: 12.1l/100km, 95RON, CO2 283g/km. 

Like it or loathe it, the new Mazda BT-50 ute is here to do business offering tradie and "lifestyle" punters a choice of body styles, three equipment grades, two turbodiesel engines and two transmissions.The prices for the Thai-made truck range from $32,590 for the XT Freestyle cab-chassis 4x2 manual up to, gulp, $52,710 for the dual cab GT auto. Cheaper single cab-chassis arrives further down the track. Most current BT-50 sales were in base spec' single cab-chassis to tradies but Mazda wants a larger slice of the lifestyle pie this time putting greater focus on dual cab 4x4.A new one tonner is a rarity, they only go through generational change once in a blue moon. The new BT-50 marks a decided shift in styling direction away from a utilitarian and boxy workhorse look to a more rounded wedge shape. It's big (200mm longer than before) and bold and polarising especially around the rear with almond shaped tail lights that leave nobody in doubt it's a BT-50.Turbodiesel only in 2.2-litre four pot and 3.2-litre five pot, just like twin under the skin Ford Ranger.The 2.2 is good for 110kW/375Nm while the five is good for 147kW/470Nm. The smaller donk uses as little as 7.6-litres/100km in base manual spec' while the larger unit goes through 8.4. With an 80 litre tank, both engines will give an impressive driving range. This is the first five cylinder engine from Mazda and goes pretty well.Six speeds in both manual (rubbery) and auto yield benefits in performance and fuel efficiency for BT-50. But you can't get the 2.2 in auto, for some reason it's only on the 3.2.The auto is adaptive and offers sequential change mode while the manual has an upshift indicator to help economical driving. The 4x4 system offers three modes 2H, 4H and 4L selected by turning a knob on the console. The auto gets hill launch assist and hill descent control and a locking rear diff'.It's on a ladder chassis featuring double wishbones and coil springs up front, live axle and leaf springs at the rear. Turning circle radius is reduced by more front wheel steering angle. The body rides on liquid filled bushes to reduce noise and vibration.BT-50 offers passenger car levels of safety and was built to comply with a five star crash rating. The base single cab models get four air bags while the larger models get six. Stability control and other dynamic modulators are fitted. Trailer sway control, flashing tail lights under panic stops and roll stability control are featured on new BT-50.Hectares of cheap, hard, grey plastic greet passengers inside, a glamour inside it certainly isn't. But there's adequate kit and it's easy to use but no reach adjust on the steering. Seats for five in the dual cab model are relatively comfy and there's plenty of room and easy access. The audio is acceptable and though small, the info/satnav screen is handy. Multi-media connectivity is excellent offering Bluetooth phone and audio streaming as well as other plugs and wheel mounted control buttons.The cargo box is larger than before and all models are rated higher for towing and load capacity, all capable of taking a tonne or more. It's a dual skin cargo box but a tray liner is optional.

Volkswagen's Tiguan compact SUV has been a big hit since it arrived back in 2007

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one.What is it?This is Audi's big, four-door, four-seat "Coupe", a car you'd buy if the A8 limo was too big or didn't offer enough panache. A7 comes only in V6 guise - petrol and diesel and has a seven-speed auto with quattro all wheel drive as standard.How much?The supercharged petrol variant we drove is $147,800. The diesel is a bit less.What are the competitors?Mercedes-Benz CLS is a direct competitor and maybe that awful BMW 5-Series GT hunchback. Lexus GS perhaps.What's under the bonnet?This one gets a 3.0-litre, direct injection, supercharged, petrol V6 with variable valve timing on the inlet side and twin intercoolers. It's good for 220kW/440Nm output - fairly conservative when you consider the technology at play here. There's a twin-clutch seven-speed "manumatic" offering slick gear changes with performance and economy gains.How does it go?Really well with the 0-100kmh sprint passing in a scant 5.6 seconds. Roll-on acceleration from highway speeds is strong and it's quick out of the gate too. Makes pretty much no noise and is smooth as silk.Is it economical?Well, that depends on the right foot as always. Audi claims 8.2-litres/100km, we got close.Is it `Green?'Yep, passes Euro 5 emissions regulations and has energy saving technology like engine stop/start and regenerative braking functions.Is it safe?Five stars, a super strong body 30 per cent in aluminium, the rest in high strength steel. Has eight air bags as far as we can tell, stability control - the works. Optional safety features include radar controlled cruise and other stuff.Is it comfortable?Supremely especially with the three mode drive select system, we went for dynamic but "comfort" is supple and smooth.What's it like to drive?Loved it. Big and stylish, crammed with luxury goodies including a brilliant Multi Media Interface system with a huge info screen and clever satnav. Audio is a Bose 14 speaker system, can't see why you spend more on the optional B&O system. We cruised on the freeway, took it down a winding mountain road and commuted - all excellent. The paddle shift is handy, the brakes are up to the 1770kg task and the thing corners like a sporty sedan once you dial it in.Is it value for money?Tax, tax, tax - ouch. Value is good against its direct rivals especially when you consider you are getting all wheel drive AND torque vectoring (power delivery to each wheel monitored electronically). Plenty of kit - glass sunroof, xenons, auto headlights and wipers, leather, electric seats, 19 -inch alloys, four zone climate control, Bluetooth. Wrap around dash is among the best around.Would we buy one?Yes, love the looks, the performance, the features, safety, pity about the exhaust note. Swoopy good looks from Audi A7.

As luck would have it, Hyundai Australia is able to source models designed for Europe and from Korea, meaning some doubling up in certain segments. Buyers stand to benefit with a rich selection, all with more improvements, features, safety and style.Latest cab of the rank is the i40 Tourer, a medium size wagon designed in Germany and built in Korea. It's slightly smaller scale than i45 sedan but more handsome and thanks to local development, better mannered and a better drive.The i40 Tourer is so good in this department as to rate the best ride/handling vehicle in the current local Hyundai lineup.Three variants are offered; Active, Elite and Premium with ascending levels of specification. There are two engine choices - a new direct injection 2.0-litre petrol four cylinder and a new 1.7-litre turbodiesel. They are matched to a choice of six-speed transmissions in manual and auto. But manual is only available on the entry Active model.VALUEActive petrol manual starts at $32,490 with diesel attracting a two grand premium and auto another two grand. Elite auto is $39,490 and Premium auto is $44,490 WHAT YOU GET All score alloy wheels, nine air bags, active safety systems and cornering lights. All have a five star crash rating.Cornering brake control is standard as are LED front driving lights, air conditioning, remote central locking, a full size spare, electric parking brake and multi media connectivity with Bluetooth phone and audio. Upscale models get more with, get this, air conditioning to the seats featured on the top variants. Premium gains leather, premium audio, 18-inch alloys, button start, front and rear park sensors, panoramic sunroof and reversing camera.All are well equipped.ENGINESBoth engines are new to Hyundai and will flow into other models in some form or other. The diesel is good for 100kW/320/330Nm (auto/manual) and as little as 4.7-litres/100km. The petrol is good for 130kW/213Nm and as little as 6.8-litres/100km. The engines rate 3.5-5.0 in the government's Green Car ratings.With 70 litres aboard, Hyundai reckons the diesel manual has a range of 1489km an astonishing distance for a car selling in the mid 30 grand price range. The six-speed auto is generic in Hyundai and Kia's lineup and offers paddle shift and sports mode right down to the entry model.DESIGNComing out of Hyundai's German design studio, the swoopy looking i40 Tourer is one of the better looking wagons on the market right now. It follows through with a family Hyundai look to the front complete with a hexagonal grille and eagle eye headlights. The interior is modern, stylish and functional leaving many Japanese contenders in its wake.DRIVINGWe got to drive the Active turbodiesel auto and the Premium petrol and frankly, prefer the base model Active diesel though both are impressive. Hyundai has totally nailed the ride/handling in i40 which offers sporty but controlled handling, responsive stering and feels well tied down.The diesel's luscious torque is a strong point over its petrol stablemate, plus the fact that it is super economical. It doesn't feel like a wagon when pushing hard on a winding, undulating road and scoots along smoothly and quietly on the highway.The interior is comfortable providing luxurious rear seat room and comfy seats. The diesel is noisier than the petrol but only under hard acceleration.VERDICTBest in Hyundai's lineup. Eclipses many Japanese (and European) competitors at less money. Striking looks. Unbeatable warranty.HYUNDAI i40 TOURERPrice: from $32,490 - $46,490Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmResale: N/AService: 15,000km/12mthsThirst: 6.8-7.7L/100km, 91RON, CO2 159g/km; 4.7-6.0L/100km diesel CO2 124g/kmSafety equipment: 9 airbags, ESP, ABS, EBD, traction control, stability controlCrash rating: N/AEngines: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol 130kW/213Nm; 1.7-litre turbodiesel 100kW/325NmTransmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed auto with paddle-shifters, FWDBody: 4-door sedan, 5 seatsDimensions: Length 4770mm, width 1815mm, height 1470mmWheelbase: 2770mm, tracks front/rear 1591mm/1597mmWeight: 1420-1514kgTyres: 16x7.0; 17x7.5; 18x8Spare: Full-size alloy.

Don't laugh... plenty of people accidentally put petrol in their diesel at the servo and it creates an absolute calamity.This can't happen in the Land Rover Freelander because there's a diesel only nozzle hole on the fuel inlet. It's a simple fix and underlines just how much thought has gone into this impressive compact SUV from Britain.Well, the Britain bit is not totally correct because new Freelander II TD4's engine is from PSA — Peugeot in France and is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 110kW/420Nm output. A similar engine is used in the new Peugeot 508 and other vehicles.A water-cooled variable geometry turbo (VGT) is used to optimise efficiency and contributes to the Freelander's impressive 6.6-litres/100km fuel economy.Of course, being a Land Rover means the Freelander will go almost anywhere — and get back and to this end, is fitted with L-R-s clever Terrain Response system. This offers a range of modes to suit various driving environments. It's selected simply by turning a dial on the centre console.It's a full time four wheel drive and is equipped with decent dual purpose tyres that neither hum too loudly on sealed roads nor lose grip too easily on slippery surfaces.As version two of the current shape the new model benefits from evolutionary changes and upgrades not the least to its appearance and standard equipment.The outside has been tweaked to give a family Land Rover look to the front with grille and headlight changes, revised body hardware and similar minor changes to the rear end. It is a positive step because this new Freelander is the best looker so far.They have grown a green conscience at the factory and equip Freelander with an array of technology to cut emissions and reduce fuel consumption such as the smart charging battery that only draws power when the engine is decelerating. It will happily ingest biodiesel and the manual TD4 has engine stop/start.Freelander is impressively quiet inside and the engine has plenty of pull across a wide engine speed range.The test vehicle was a mid-range XS priced at $52,790 but features plenty of luxury kit including leather and a decent locally fitted Garmin satnav system. It has a six-speed auto transmission with adaptive shift and sequential change mode which seem superfluous because it's best left in D.Ride quality is excellent offering a high level of comfort and a degree of sportiness. We took the TD4 off road and it simply toyed with what we threw at it in terms of sand and beach driving, slippery, muddy dirt roads, water crossings and rough rock hopping.On the highway and around town is a similar story — no complaints at all really. It's comfortable, goes extremely well, has all manner of luxuries and looks great.It even got the big thumbs up from "The Boss," who was reluctant to hand over the keys. And you can't get a better recommendation than that....   

It may be just a marketing exercise designed to sell more Commodore utes but the Thunder limited edition makes an enticing package for boof-head Aussie blokes or sheilas.

It's been a while since anything really good came out of Jeep but the tide has turned with the arrival this week of a new generation Grand Cherokee that offers almost unbeatable value in the medium large SUV segment with enhanced engines, off road capability and generous specification. No longer built in Austria, Grand Cherokee is an all-American effort with help from Mercedes-Benz, a former joint venture partner.Three models will be available, Laredo V6 at $45,000, Limited V6 at $55,000 and V8 Overland at $69,500. A diesel engine variant is due later this year. These prices compare more than favourably with the competition including Toyota Prado, Pajero, and vehicles from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.It must be remembered that the Grand Cherokee is a much more capable off roader than any of its competitors and with the new model, better specified with goodies like heated front seats, xenon headlights, 18-inch alloys, reversing camera, keyless go and premium audio standard on the entry level Laredo.With the new body and chassis come two 'new' petrol engines and five speed automatic transmission as well as a range of clever off road technology aimed at making driving in the dirt easier and safer as well as more comfortable.There are two 4x4 systems, Quadra-Trak II and the more sophisticated Quadra-Drive II with an electronic rear limited slip differential on the top spec' models.Jeep has gone for a drive select system similar to Land Rover and Ranger Rovers called SelecTerrain that modifies settings on 12 vehicle functions to suit certain driving environments such as sand, mud, rocks, sport and snow.It's selected by a console mounted dial. Hill descent control is also fitted while Quadra-Lift air suspension is available, standard on the tip line model. Suspension is a new independent system front and rear designed to aid off road driving while offering fine control on sealed surfaces.Big efforts were made to cut noise and vibration which sees the suspension mounted on special cradles front and rear and extensive use of acoustic liners. The engines are a 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6 with variable valve timing on the inlet and exhaust as well as double overhead camshafts per bank. It is good for 210kW/347Nm output and as low as 11.4-litres/100km fuel economy.The 5.7-litre petrol V8 is a revamp of the previous Hemi OHV design again with variable valve timing both sides and cylinder deactivation to cut fuel use. It's good for 259kW/520Nm output and 14.1-litres/100km.The handsome new Grand Cherokee is an evolutionary design that has discernible styling links with its forebears but is a much better built product. The GFC has obviously driven home the point that Jeep needed to improve its game and here is the proof.It's obvious as soon as you sit in the stylish cabin where the standard of fit and finish is up with the Europeans and the quality of components is equally impressive. Jeep has aimed for a "premium experience" for passengers of the new Grand.The new model has been available in the `states for a few months and has already won accolades and sold up a storm. It's built on a completely new monocoque platform , stronger and lighter than before and offering a longer wheelbase with consequent improved rear seat legreoom. Grand Cherokee will be available in five seater configuration only.The new chassis, co-developed with Mercedes Benz for its GL Class off roader is designed to give Grand Cherokee a more car-like feel on the road with better ride/handling characteristics and enough feel to make a driver appreciate and want to get into the big `fourbie.'On road drive feel was benchmarked against the BMW X5. Not only is it better on the road but off road capabilities have also been improved thanks to the new chassis and other major changes under the skin.On a tough test drive, the new Grand Cherokee proved an impressive beast, particularly the base, 45 grand Laredo. With plenty of power and torque , this engine makes light work of pushing the 2200kg off roader with almost indecent haste and is capable of recording low fuel consumption without really trying. It's all you need for everyday driving and off roading.We tried the top of the range Overlander which was equally impressive more than matching its competition on the road and blowing it into the weeds off road. We love te new look, the generoud levels of spec' and the size of it. The drive experience lives up to the visual promise.