Articles by Peter Barnwell

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 one question that really needs answering: would you buy one?What is it?This is Volkswagen's style-meister small coupe cabriolet complete this time around with a sunroof in the retractable hard top. Pretty clever stuff. It's version two of Eos with the new corporate VW style to front and rear and is arguably an even more handsome beast than the original model. Our drive car this time around is the 155kW 2.0 TSi turbo petrol model.How much?$51990 plus depending on what you specify. Satnav adds a hefty $2500 and the sports pack is $2600, but gauged against the direct competition, Eos is still an attractive proposition especially with the more powerful engine and six speed DSG manumatic as standard equipment.What are the competitors?You are looking at the stylistically challenged Peugeot 308CC, Renault's forgettable Megane Cabrio, possibly the Volvo C70.What's under the bonnet?This one gets the same underpinnings as the current Golf GTi, one of our favourites. It means a turbo petrol four pot with direct injection and a healthy 155kW/280Nm output. A lovely engine to drive - strong, sounds great and even has an exhaust "pop" on the upchange to please you ears.How does it go?Extremely well, not race car quick but sporty and satisfying. You don't need any more go than this in the real world. Strong off the mark and throughout the engine rev range. Accentuated by excellent six speed DSG but no wheel paddles to play with, just the stick shift in "S" mode.Is it economical?Impressive here too capable of returning 7.7-litres/100km in mixed driving, better again on a highway cruise.Is it 'Green?'Good - rated at four stars by the Australian Government's green car guide.Is it safe?First model was a four star car but this one has more safety stuff and would rate higher.Is it comfortable?Good, has leather as standard four seats plenty of luxury kit, dual climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio, rain sensing wipers auto headlights. Has an excellent audio, no electric seats though - they're optional. Roomy interior with the roof on, quickly retractable roof, decent boot even with roof off.What's it like to drive?A lot like the Golf GTi but not as sharp because it's heavier with a less sporty calibration. Fun to punt through the twisties though.Is it value for money?Pretty good compared with the competition. More features sweetens the deal this time around at $51,990.Would we buy one?We'd definitely consider the Eos but would wait and see what the new Golf cabrio soft top is like and how much it is first.

Saab's hopes of a phoenix-like rise from the ashes rest squarely on two cars - the 9-5 Vector four cylinder in diesel and petrol and V6 petrol Aero. Both are built on a GM platform and use GM underpinnings.VALUEThe Aero is a $94,900 competitor for the likes of BMW 5-Series, E-Class Benz and Audi A6. Whether punters will chance their hundred grand on a Saab is an interesting question.DESIGNIt's an impressive car to look at particularly around the three quarter rear section and from straight on. The interior is awash with electronics and plenty of luxury kit including lashings of leather and woodgrain fascia and an impressive audio system. It's a good place to be especially with multiple adjustments for the driver who can set up the car within a range of parameters for ride, response and feel. These can be set to default or will reset to normal settings after every startup.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is a sweet sounding Holden 2.8-litre, petrol, twin cam V6 with a twin-scroll turbo fitted. It sees life in various cars including Alfa Romeo and in larger capacity (without turbo) in Commodore. Outputs are 221kW/400Nm through a six speed automatic transmission and then all wheel drive that seems to work... sometimes.DRIVINGWe had couple of "moments" when the front wheels started spinning with the rears stationary reversing up a slippery drive. What's the point? Due to its abundant equipment, the Aero is a weighty beast tipping the scales at close to 2.0 tonnes but the way it goes and handles belie this.Fuel economy hovers around the 11.5-litres/100km mark.It has a large boot and generous rear seat legroom with passenger DVDs. The drive experience is positive with the big Saab delivering on most fronts. And it appears to be built to a high standard, in Sweden.VERDICTIt's just that lingering doubt that needs to be overcome, something that took Audi more than a decade after it came and went in Australia a couple of times.

A bit of chassis sharing between Mercedes-Benz and Jeep sees the new Grand Cherokee rolling on the same basic chassis as the upcoming Benz ML-Class. And it shows - in refinement, comfort, safety, noise reduction and many other areas. The big Jeep even handles pretty well considering its 2.0 tonne weight.We have been driving the penultimate Limited V8 Grand Cherokee which sells for $60,000 neat (more if you go the options boxes). It's an impressive piece of kit particularly in the looks department and ride comfort.The Limited scores leather, Alpine premium audio, a 30 gig hard drive music register and plenty more. Safety is bolstered by a wide range of electronic systems as well as hardware like six air bags and safety cell body/chassis.Distinctive Jeep styling permeates the whole body but it's been brought into the 21st century and is as handsome as anything out of Europe or the US. Grand Cherokee is a five seater with plenty of occupant room and a large load space. The assertive exterior is set off on Limited by 20-inch alloys and dual exhaust tips.The Limited V8 runs a tried and true 5.7-litre Hemi V8 with overhead valve operation and Jeep's version of cylinder deactivation to save petrol. The same engine can be found in the Chrysler 300C. It's not the most powerful donk around but generates an honest 259kW/520Nm output, sufficient to push the big Jeep with real purpose when you push the accelerator.But the good thing is how fuel efficient it can be thanks to the cylinder deactivation. We got into the 10s/100km on the freeway with average combined consumption hovering in the 12s, impressive for something this big.It has a lovely rumble to the exhaust and idles completely still. Drive goes to all four wheels via what's called Quadra TracII all wheel drive with high and low range. Select-Terrain allows drivers to dial up the correct settings for a range of driving including rock, snow, mud, sport, sand and auto all of which change ride height, power delivery, gearing and other dynamic functions.Hill descent is another handy off-road aid. Power goes through a well-fettled five-speed auto transmission that offers a sequential shift mode on the selector.Made in Detroit, the new Grand Cherokee is surprisingly good value when you look at what you get. Similar vehicles from other makers cost a lot more.We'd have one in a flash, but probably the new 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel even though the V8 petrol isn't that thirsty.

Ford Falcon sales are in deep doo doo slumping to unprecedented lows. But the Blue Oval is fighting back with some new, thought provoking products that deserve to win back customers.There's a turbo four-cylinder Falcon coming sometime in the future and next week sees the arrival of the EcoLPi model, a six-cylinder car that has great potential for the company.One of the biggest problems facing Falcon and Commodore for that matter, is a private buyer drift away from large cars to small sedans and compact SUVs. This is driven as much by weekly running costs as it is by practicalities. Pragmatic buyers are voting with their wallets, which plays right into Ford's hands with the Falcon EcoLPi.LPi Technology Because it uses LPG fuel, injected into the engine in liquid form not as a gas, weekly fuel costs would be nearly half that of petrol - based on 70 cents a litre for LPG and more than $1.40 a litre for petrol. It's a big saving at a time when household budgets are under extreme pressure from all quarters.EcoLPi ushers in new technology that means owners don't have to put up with reduced performance using LPG as has been the case in the past. On the contrary, the EcoLPi Falcon delivers better overall performance than its petrol stablemate - noticeably better.Fuel use is up by about 20 per cent on the petrol figure, but when you are paying half price for the fuel, what does it matter? EcoLPi stands for Liquid Phase injection of liquid propane gas - LPG. It's the most advanced LPG technology currently available and has been under development at Ford since 2007.EcoLPi produces 27 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than the previous E-Gas LPG system. The system doesn't compromise passenger space and comfort but with the optional full size spare, a sizeable part of boot space is lost. Buyers can choose from a tyre mobility kit (pump and goo), a space saver or (optional) full size spare.The new injection system follows a similar fuel induction configuration to the petrol six cylinder engine courtesy of a new injector-based, high-pressure fuel rail that delivers liquid-state LPG fuel directly into the intake port. This is a more precise and controlled system that boosts engine efficiency.The system also adapts to LPG of varying quality to deliver the same performance. EcoLPi adds $2500 to price, before applying the government rebate of $2000.PerformanceThe EcoLPi generates maximum torque at lower engine speed and is now geared lower for better response. It's been durability tested over 550,000km locally including hot and cold start performance.What's it like to drive? Better than the petrol Falcon by a significant margin, much better than the petrol Commodore too - both engines. We now have to rethink our personal car preference to include this impressive, cheap to run Falcon.FORD FALCON EcoLPiModels: XT, G6, XR6, G6E (sedan); XL and R6 (ute)Engine: 4.0-litre six-cylinderFuel: LPG onlyPower: 198kWTorque: 409NmTransmission: Six speed autoEconomy: 12.5-litres/100km

... to take on the most competitive segment in this country. It's up against a classy field including Mazda3, Corolla, Lancer and locally-built Holden Cruze as well as VW Golf. But new Focus has plenty to recommend it ushering in a dynamic new look with real cut-through on the street and a classy new interior featuring Ford's acclaimed kinetic design language. Two distinctive bodystyles are available, sedan and hatch, each with its own appeal. Drivers will no doubt appreciate the cockpit-style driving environment yet the cabin has lost none of the comfort and practicality that has become a characteristic of Focus. Within the two bodystyles there are  three powertrains and four specification levels. The car has an impressive array of smart technologies, outstanding occupant safety and further advances in levels of driving quality. The strength of new Focus's body is down to extensive use of high-strength steels. Fifty-five per cent of the body shell is made of high-strength steels, of which 31 per cent is ultra-tough boron steel, more than any other Ford built to date. Meanwhile, high-strength steel is used in the integrated door opening reinforcement rings and door load paths to provide excellent protection from side impacts. New Focus also features a patented front chassis subframe, which de-couples during severe frontal impacts, avoiding deformation in the passenger cell footwell area. Pedestrian protection has been boosted by the addition of a "soft" cowl design in the front body structure and Ford has also relocated the windscreen wiper system to help further reduce injury risks. Option packages such as the Convenience Pack bring new technology to Focus. The well-specified mid-level Trend model is $24,490 for the 2.0-litre GDi petrol engine with five-speed manual transmission. Focus Sport has a greater emphasis on driving enjoyment. Key features include sports suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports front seats, dual zone climate control and a Sony audio system with 4.2-inch colour screen and multi-function display. Sport also scores the Convenience Pack as standard equipment. It is more comprehensively equipped than the outgoing Zetec model. Focus Titanium has even more goodies and sells from a starting price of $32,590 for 2.0-litre GDi engine and six-speed PowerShift transmission variants. Needless to say, Focus is a key element of the Ford product portfolio in Australia. Expect a "European" feel to the car's dynamics and impressive fuel economy from the diesel model. The double clutch Powershift manumatic would be difficult to overlook for everyday and sporty driving as it offers the best of both worlds and an extra gear over the manual which is five speed only. What happened to the six-speed manual? NEED TO KNOW Four variants; Ambiente, Trend, Sport and Titanium. Engines: 1.6-litre four cylinder or new 2.0-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) and a 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel. Dual clutch six-speed Powershift manumatic is available, manual `box is a five- speed. First appearance in Focus of rain sensing wipers, auto headlights and auto dim rear view mirror, follow me home lights. Available in five door hatch and four door sedan. Five star crash rating. Prices start at $21,990.

There was something familiar about the new Renault Latitude that I couldn't put my finger on.After some digging, I realised it's a Renault version of the Nissan Maxima - with a proper six speed automatic in the 2.5-litre petrol V6. There's also a 2.0-litre turbo diesel four also with a six speed auto which isn't available as a Nissan.It comes in two grades, Latitude at $36,990 and Latitude Luxe at $42,490 and you can have the petrol V6 or turbo diesel for the same money - pretty good eh?But there was something else familiar and it's the look and feel of the Latitude which is uncannily similar to Hyundai's new i45 and Kia's Optima. That's because Latitude comes out of Renault's plant in Busan, Korea.We are fans of the i45 and Optima and the same applies to the Latitude which has a European flavour but at a Korean price.TECHNOLOGYWe drove the top of the range V6 Luxe and it was good but we'd put our money down on the diesel because it has a lot more torque and uses substantially less fuel.The V6 is good for 133kW/235Nm while the diesel cranks out 127kW/380Nm. The V6 offers smooth running and acceptable economy but at 1600kg, the relatively low torque output struggles at times.It's capably dealt with by the slick shifting six speed auto but the turbodiesel would be a lot better. The petrol gets a Euro 4 emissions rating while the turbodiesel is Euro5 and good for a creditable 6.5-litres/100km.DRIVINGIt's big for a medium size car offering generous rear seat legroom and a large boot complete with full size spare. It also has generous equipment with premium audio, satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, heated front seats, multi-media connection box, smart card entry and ignition and dual zone climate control on the base car.The Luxe gets more including a clever air ioniser and deodoriser. We like the auto on/off parking brake and the five star crash rating. We like the comfortable and controlled ride from the strut/multi-link suspension and we like the styling inside and out.It's different but distinctly European in looks and feel.VERDICTRenault is having a real crack at the local market with Latitude, Fluence and Megane all offering competitive pricing and generous spec' when compared to their competition - apples with apples. Definitely worth a look.RENAULT LATITUDEPrice: from $36,990, $42,490 as testedWarranty: 5 years/unlimitedResale: New modelService interval: 15,000km/12monthsCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel four, 127kW/380Nm; 2.5-litre petrol V6, 133kW/235NmBody: Four-door sedanWeight: 1600kg (petrol), 1620kg (diesel)Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 9.7L/100km (91RON petrol) 230g/km, 6.5L/100km (diesel) CO2 170g/km

We have tried the new Ford Territory and like it so much, we'd actually consider buying one if we were in the market for a new vehicle.It is available in a range of models and spec' - TX, TS, Titanium, in rear and all wheel drive models and straight six cylinder petrol and V6 turbodiesel engines - all with six speed automatic transmission. Petrol is rear drive only.We have driven the petrol and diesel rear-drive models and the diesel all-wheel drive. All are impressive on most fronts particularlty the diesel which challenges European medium large SUVs like the BMW X5 that cost twice as much.But which one would we go for? That would be the mid-spec TS rear wheel drive diesel at $50,240 because it offers the fuel economy of a diesel with strong performance and plenty of kit to keep you comfy and happy.The diesel is good for 140kW/440Nm - not a huge output compared with more modern turbodiesels but sufficient to give the Territory plenty of ooomph around town, on the highway and when towing.We don't need all wheel drive which adds a few thousand to the purchase price and also increases fuel consumption. The rear drive diesel Territory can crack into the 7s/100km on a freeway run - quite remarkable given its size and weight.But better still is the way it feels. Ford has done an excellent job of calibrating Territory's dynamics to the same level as highly regarded Euro imports. It has a good compromise between ride and handling and is an engaging drive for all but the most demanding driver.That means well weighted and responsive steering, strong brakes, firm suspension and good grip. The auto transmission seems perfectly suited to the 2.7-litre turbodiesel.Inside also impresses apart from the overuse of hard plastic surfaces, masked by different textures on the dash. Territory is comfortable and well equipped offering 30 storage options in the cabin and in the test vehicle's case, useable third row seats though there's minimal boot space with these seats in place. We found the two hand tailgate operation annoying.But Territory's interior is a good place to be - great audio, efficient aircon', power adjust driver's seat, reverse sensors, Bluetooth and plenty more. It even looks good on the outside and inside too.

A sleeper in Audi's range may awaken following the introduction of a new generation A6 medium large sedan. A6 has never really resonated with buyers in this country who seem to prefer cars from BMW (5-Series) and Mercedes-Benz (E-Class.) That is not to criticise the A6 as past iterations have all been impressive but it just hasn't been on the radar for a fairly select clientele.TECHNOLOGYThe seventh generation A6 deserves a place among its competitors for a whole range of reasons; aluminium space frame chassis/body, quattro all wheel drive, efficient petrol and diesel V6 engines — two force-fed, and a seven-speed dual-clutch `manumatic' auto as standard.The quattro all wheel drive system is a bonus in A6 that none of its competitors can match. It's available here now with a choice of three engines lifted from other Audis.DESIGNThe V6 models (two four cylinder variants will be available soon,) have Audi's sporty S-Line styling treatment with front air intakes, large diameter wheels, a rear diffuser and boot spoiler. All subtly executed of course.It's a shorter car than the previous model but with a longer wheelbase evident in generous rear seat legroom.The car looks glamorous with an arching, coupe like roofline, sharp side shoulder creases and a three dimensional bonnet. Lights are xenon or LED.The wrap around interior is stylish, modern and has a craftsman-built (bespoke) appearance. Options can add considerably to the allure of the interior at a considerable price. One of our test drive cars had the optional Bose audio at $10,700?Audi's brilliant drive select system is standard on all V6 models. It allows drivers to "dial-up" the car's dynamic behaviour through a selection of calibrations to the engine, suspension, steering transmission and stability control systems.Fuel efficiency gains are made through the engine stop/start system on all V6 models.DRIVINGWe drove the two 3.0-litre V6s in New Zealand and really couldn't pick between the two. Both offer superb engine performance and sumptuous luxury right up with the competition. The styling is a bit derivative and it's possible to mistake the new A6 for an A4.It does have real presence on the road and is a glorious consumer of long distances. Two 2.0-litre models will arrive soon, one a petrol turbo and the other a turbodiesel. Both will have CVT auto transmissions and front wheel drive only.AT A GLANCEPrice: from $80,000.Warranty: 3 years/unlimitedService interval: 15,000km/12monthsEngine: TFSi 3.0 supercharged petrol V6, 220kW/440Nm FSi 2.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6, 150kW/280Nm.Body: Four-door sedanWeight: 1725kgTransmission: 6-speed tiptronic with DSP (Dynamic Shift Program) and sport program.Thirst: 8.2-litres/100km (TFSi 3.0), 8.0-litres/100km (FSi 2.8)

It's a special one-off Volkswagen Golf GTI barbecue, complete with honeycomb style cooking grille. The four burner barbecue was manufactured for Volkswagen by Black Forest barbie maker Brennwagen to mark the 35th anniversary ofthe Golf GTI.In fact, it comes with two "GTI 32" fire brands.The barbie rides on 12 inch GTI style alloys, complete with with cross drilled discs and Royal Berg racing slicks rated at 25km/h.The detachable drawer bar is finished in double-stitched leather.Brennwagen's barbecues are all hand buillt from stainless steel in at a small workshop in Oberndorf in the Black Forest.The Brennwagen idea was born on the racetrack.The barbecue hot rod is the brainchild of the former Formula 1 engineer Florian Wagner. Passionate about barbecuing, he wanted a new challenge after Toyota's withdrawal from the racing circuit and made the natural switch from burning rubber to burning charcoal.Florian Wagner heads the Brennwagen enterprise together with his friend, Daniel Ernst, with whom he had already designed his first race cars and won design awards at university. Check out the size of the steaks.

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 one question that really needs answering would you buy one?WHAT IS IT?This is the current range topper in the BMW 1-Series lineup, to be supplanted in a few months by the awesome M1. The 135i cabrio offers pretty much everything you need to get a tan, go fast, look good and be safe.HOW MUCH?We reckon the upspec' test car came in at around $86,000 with the optional but highly desirable seven-speed manumatic auto.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Not too many really; the Audi A3 cabrio, possibly high-end Mini Cooper S cabrio, Lexus IS250 cabrio, base model E-Class Benz cabrio at a stretch.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?Scores potent twin-scroll turbo, 3.0-litre, petrol six with variable valve timing and lift on inlet and exhaust sides. Absolute gem of an engine. Sounds unreal. Maximum torque — 400Nm, available from a low 1200rpm. Peak power is 225kW.HOW DOES IT GO?Like stink, capable of clocking mid 5.0 second 0-100kmh sprint, has great roll-on and is smooth as silk. Well matched to seven-speed twin clutch "auto" with launch control a possibility soon. Keeps pesky WRXs and Evos at bay and it's a rear wheel drive.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Can be if you can keep off the right pedal. We saw better than 8.5-litres/100km on the highway but averaged in the mid 9.0s combined.IS IT `GREEN'?'Greenish, passes Euro 5 so that's a big plus, probably mostly recyclable — another plus, CO2 emissions not too bad given performance potential. Uses elements of EfficientDynamics to lighten the load on the planet.IS IT SAFE?Five star safe. Has rollover protection, four air bags, sports stability control.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Extremely thanks to stylish and well appointed interior, expertly calibrated suspension and comfy seats with multiple adjustments. Soft top roof comes off electrically at speeds up to around 30kmh, back on at same speedsWHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Impressive — dynamite on tight roads thanks to broad spread of engine power and tidy dynamics. Great brakes despite extra weight of cabrio. Definitely falls into the sports category - would show a clean pair of tyres to plenty of highly regarded contenders.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?At $82,500 kick off price, you are giving the government a fair old wad of cash upfront in tax. Makes us choke too. The seven- speed auto adds $3500 — definitely worth the extra dosh as it offers the best of both worlds. Plenty of kit — leather, premium audio, Bluetooth, electrically adjustable driver's seat. M package for go fast looks, bixenon lights, Multiple interior trim choices at no cost. Paddle gear change.WOULD WE BUY ONE?Yep, but would put bigger (19-inch) wheels on it, portable satnav as GPS is not standard.