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 only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?WHAT IS IT?This is the recently introduced X-Trail ST-L front wheel drive for people who don't want or need all wheel drive. It uses a Nissan Dualis engine and transmission. You can get a lower spec' manual version called the ST for under $30KHOW MUCH?$34,990 plus on roads.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Mitsubishi Outlander fronty, RAV4 fronty, Mazda CX7, Kia Sportage, Hyundai iX35 and plenty more.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?Gets a twin cam, petrol 2.0-litre, four cylinder with 102kW/198Nm output drinking regular unleaded. Drive goes through a Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT).HOW DOES IT GO?OK but sometimes feels as it there's a sock in the exhaust until you floor the accelerator. Alternatively you can use a button on the gear selector to slip down a ratio for better acceleration. Gets off the line OK, not too noisy, willing once you get going. OK an around town practical wagonIS IT ECONOMICAL?Not particularly. Nissan says 8.4 litres/100km for the CVT ST-L. We got 10.1 in mostly highway driving and some inter-urban commuting — the same as a much bigger Ford Territory petrol rear wheel drive we we had at the same time.IS IT `GREEN?'Rates 6.5 in the Green Car Guide.IS IT SAFE?Will rate four ANCAP stars.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Yes, but the seat backs need more support even with the lumbar adjustment wound right up. The boxy body translates into plenty of room for five adults if necessary. ST-L grade scores plenty of kit like remote central locking, climate control, drive computer, leather upholstery, electric adjust and heated front seats, multi function wheel, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth phone and privacy glass.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Not too bad actually — bit tardy to respond to throttle input on the highway especially uphill but then it does weigh 1444kg and runs a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Wouldn't like to be in it with five adults and luggage with the air on. Ride is comfy and relatively well controlled, has strong brakes, minimal noise intrusion and high driving position.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?About on the money but we'd push for a sharper price given the competition.WOULD WE BUY ONE?Probably not, we'd go for the diesel auto first — a much better proposition but only available in 4x4 so you pay more.

How many variations on the Mini theme can you get? Now, there's a five-door SUV model called the Countryman - in various permutations.We got hold of the Cooper S variant with front wheel drive (also available with all wheel drive) and have been enjoying the drive time especially given it runs a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 135kW/240-260Nm output.It makes the compact Countryman pay attention when you push the throttle that's for sure.Being front wheel drive excludes this particular car from any sort of offroad driving and means chains for the snow.But on the other side of the coin, it uses less fuel and accelerates faster than the 4x4 model.We have regularly seen 7.0-litres/100km fuel economy in mixed driving from the cheeky little box.The engine is from BMW and features a twin scroll turbo for optimum efficiency as well as direct fuel injection and variable valve operation. The same engines arrive in BMW's revised 1-Series in a couple of months.Our Countryman has a six speed manual (also available with a six speed auto) and a decidedly sporty nature, especially when accelerating thanks to the turbo. Whoosh and you're off.DRIVINGHandling and ride is on the sporty side and you can actually punt the Countryman nearly as hard as the Mini three door hatch.  But it's considerably bigger in every measurement and is over 4.0-metres long. That means plenty of space inside for four or five depending on chosen seating configuration.Ours has the schmicko centre rail with extra storage and arm rests but loses the middle rear seat.Equipment levels are generous for the $47,500 asking price and we'd definitely go for the lurid exterior striping and variable ambient lighting package inside. We'd also go for the auto.Countryman Cooper S is an interesting little beast that occupies a particular prestige niche that no other maker plays in - yet.Mini Cooper CountrymanPrice: from $37,700.Engine: 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel four-cylinder.Transmission: six-speed manual or automatic, front or all-wheel drive.Thirst: 4.4 (Cooper D) - 8.1 (Cooper S ALL4) l/100km.

Some Americans might be downsizing their cars but there are still plenty willing to fly in the face of global warming and drive huge SUVs and "pickups."Petrol is hovering around the US$4.00 mark which is extremely unpalatable to consumers used to much cheaper fuel but even this hasn't dented sales of big SUVs very much. The pickups they are based on are also rolling out the door in large numbers.Americans love them and after a brief stint in Toyota's Sequoia we can understand the attraction.TECHNOLOGYThis is a vehicle that weighs nearly three tonnes, makes a Toyota Landcruiser look small and is powered by a whopping big 5.7-litre, V8 petrol engine. Built on the same ladder chassis as Toyota's equally huge Tundra pickup, Sequoia boasts seating for seven within its cavernous body.VALUEThe Platinum model we drove was "fully loaded" as they say with power ancillaries, leather, large format satnav, heated seats and premium audio.It sells for less than US$60,000. Other lower spec' models go for as little as US$40,000, still with a V8 petrol engine but "only" 4.6-litres.The drive car we sampled featured air suspension with two modes, soft and sport, as well as constant all wheel drive with selectable low range. It runs a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential change mode.DRIVINGThe big beast looks imposing with a prominent grille and bonnet dominating. People of smaller stature might need a step ladder to get in but access is relatively easy.With seven seats load space is limited but enough for two suitcases. Sequoia has a reputation for being virtually unstoppable off road despite its size and weight.On the freeway it feels nimble and responsive and has a surprisingly tight turning circle for parking and city driving.Bad luck if you fancy one of these vehicles-they are only made in left hand drive with no plans for a right hook model any time soon. The same applies to the Tundra ute.Pity, Australia is big enough for both.

…to keep warm at the hearth and to keep food on the table. A world where you have an unlimited supply of "affordable" electricity and where you can cheaply drive your SUV with a clear conscience because it creates no emissions apart from water. When said SUV is not being driven, you can plug it in and power the house for up to a week with no emissions and minimal cost by tapping into the vehicle's hydrogen fuel cell. Sounds too good to be true. But the National Fuel Cell Research Centre at the University of California, Irvine, is about to open what is called a tri-generation plant near Los Angeles that uses human sewerage to generate sufficient thermal heat to warm a group of apartment blocks, to generate electricity for those apartments and also produce renewable hydrogen for use in fuel cells that can be used in transport among other things. Tri-generation relies on what is called anaerobic digestion gas to produce heat, electricity and hydrogen with near 100 per cent efficiency compared with about 40 per cent for coal burning power stations. This is all wonderful but where does it fit into our plans for motoring in future? What does it mean for cars and for driving as we know it? Toyota has been heavily involved with fuel cell development since the late 1990s and has a fleet of vehicles using the technology in conjunction with hybrid electric drive systems. These vehicles, called FCHVs (Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicles) use some ideas from the Toyota Prius but instead of having a petrol engine, an electric engine and battery pack, they have a fuel cell "stack";a box with electrodes in it that react with hydrogen to chemically produce electricity. This electricity then powers an electric motor to drive the car. It is a much more elegant solution to future transport problems than a hybrid petrol or hybrid diesel electric system; simpler, lighter, easier to package and emission free when using renewable hydrogen sources. It is also safer than petrol. Which would you prefer spilled on the floor of your garage, a drum of hydrogen (the major component of water) or a drum of petrol? Toyota has invested heavily in FCHV development to the point where it is ripe for general consumption which will happen in 2015 with a new Toyota sedan powered by hydrogen. Indicative pricing or purchase plans are not available. The cost of the FCHV system is high but economies of scale will bring that down. The main problem facing FCHVs is hydrogen availability to be partly resolved in Los Angeles with six new delivery stations, some of which are directly connected by pipeline to a Shell Oil Company hydrogen production plant. This hydrogen is currently produced from LPG which is not a renewable source. Toyota allowed us to test drive its FCHV test bed SUV last week in Los Angeles and it was surprisingly..uneventful, just like driving a "normal" V6 petrol-powered vehicle. The Kluger SUV test vehicle delivers strong off the line acceleration, has plenty of power across a wide operating range and makes minimal noise or vibration. It is eerily quiet at a standstill because everything shuts down except the air conditioning. Drive goes to the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission. An all wheel drive model is relatively easy to make according to Toyota. What does FCHV technology mean for plug-in electric vehicles? They probably won't be the dominant powertrain source everybody thinks given the continuing range limitations of current electric vehicles. The fuel cell Kluger will go 600km plus on one tank producing only water as a "waste" by-product.

Reality check time. Do you really need all wheel drive on your new SUV? Probably not....That's why sales of two wheel drive SUVs are growing fast as buyers analyse exactly what they want from their vehicle and realise they don't need all wheel drive - ever. Volvo has just introduced a two wheel (front) drive XC60 T5 model to its medium SUV range and apart from being the most affordable at $54,150, it is also one of the most enjoyable.TECHNOLOGYIt's because the T5 has Volvo's excellent new GTDi 2.0-litre, direct injection, turbo petrol four cylinder under the bonnet. This is similar to the engine Ford will (eventually) put in Falcon. This engine is the strong and silent type generating a handy 177kW/320Nm, the latter at a readily accessible 1800rpm.It uses a new type of turbo made from sheet metal that is light and boosts efficiency. Drive goes to the front wheels via a six-speed Powershift `manumatic' dual-clutch transmission. It rates as one of the best transmissions in a mainstream car right now with smooth operation and no hesitation as well a fuel economy benefits.SAFETYSafety is of the highest order offering five star protection thanks to a slew of features and systems designed to mitigate a crash or avoid one in the first place. Volvo is (still) a leader in this area and the XC60 T5 has plenty to offer, more if you are prepared to pay for it.Even in basic form, you get `City Safe' that helps avoid hitting a pedestrian, roll over mitigation, stability control, a reinforced chassis, rear park assist and multiple air bags among the safety inventory. A number of optional packages will elevate primary and secondary safety to a much higher level as is the case with luxury equipment.DESIGNThe vehicle is good looking and offers a high level of comfort and surprisingly good dynamics given its height and 1740kg weight. Seats for five are provided with a decent load space in the rear. It will tow up to 1800kg with a braked trailer.DRIVINGWe found the standard spec' test car to be totally acceptable in the comfort department with leather upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, an impressive audio system with Harman Kardon speakers, climate control, new centre stack, cruise, rain sensor, auto lights and 17-inch alloys. Start ticking the boxes and you can customise your T5 to your hearts content - well almost.We wouldn't bother. At 8.7-litres/100km from the GTDi engine, the benefit of turbodiesel begins to come into question. We actually bettered this figure with freeway and urban driving. Performance is strong across a wide rev range and the engine is practically imperceptible at any speed. It's good for an 8.1 second 0-100kmh sprint and passes Euro 5 emissions regulations.VERDICTWe have driven a few examples of the XC60 in the past including the diesel and this one is the pick unless you really must have all wheel drive for towing a boat up a ramp. So what you have here is an alternative to the other prestige European mid-size SUVs or wagons at a considerable saving.VOLVO XC60 T5 2WDPrice: $54,150Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 177kW/320NmTrans: Six-speed dual-clutch automaticEconomy: 8.7-litres/100kmCrash rating: 5 stars

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?This is Ford's new top of the range Territory diesel with rear wheel drive (also available with all wheel drive). The engine is out of Europe, the chassis is out of Falcon, the design and build is all Aussie.This is second from top of the range and goes for $58,240 but you get heaps of kit and really don't need to spend any more.Tick them off, heads on them like white mice. Toyota Kluger is probably the main one, Mazda CX9, Mitsubishi Challenger etc.This is the "new" 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 built in Europe and designed by PSA (aka Peugeot). Has seen duty in Jags, Land Rovers, Range Rovers Peugeots, Citroens and others. Has a Variable Geometry single Turbo (VGT) and is good for 140kW/440Nm - a lot less than Mercedes' 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel for example.Really well though not as good as the twin-turbo model and certainly nothing like the new version, upped to 3.0-litres last year. This engine has been around for yonks but is still a goodie. Has plenty of pull, a bit of lag off the line but is smooth, quiet and economical. A pleasure to drive aided by the slick changing six-speed auto transmission.Ford claims 8.2-litres/100km but we actually saw 7.1 on a freeway run and the average with mixed driving is hovering around 8.0 - very impressive for a 2.1 tonne SUV.Greenish aided by low fuel consumption but only rates 2.5 stars on the Federal Governments Green Car Guide. Is it safe? Gets five stars thanks to seven air bags, stability control, rollover mitigation and a host of other safety stuff. Has reversing camera.Superb, great leather seats, just about everything you could reasonably want or need when driving. Quality fixtures and equipment except for the hard surfaces that predominate around the dash and door areas. Wafts along like a limo. Has seven seats with folding third row, sliding middle row.Tailgate has opening glass, numerous storage options in cabin, DVD system in middle row. Climate control, clever satnav, interior command centre.Like it a lot, has a distinct European feel to the dynamics, corners well for a big, heavy "truck" responsive on the move, comfortable driving position. Women spoken to particularly like the driving position - high, light and airy.Yes, compared with similar models, right on the money. Best looker in the class, plenty of kit, seven seater with style. Has 18-inch alloys, attractive colour palette, six speed auto only.

Why? Because it doesn't pass Australian Design Regulations. But you can put money on Audi developing a new RS3 Sportback down the track possibly using the same 250kW/450Nm five-cylinder turbo petrol engine out of the TTRS. Hopefully the new Audi RS will be available relatively soon after the mainstream A3 lobs unlike the current RS3 which only became available in overseas markets in the final two years of the current model's life. Some details to keep in mind about this delightful all wheel drive pocket rocket are a 0-100kmh time of 4.6 seconds which would rival many more powerful European cars. The S3 is the fastest locally available A3 variant though its $70,000 price tag is a stopper. If the RS3 had come in it would have been a $100,000 proposition, a direct competitor for BMW's forthcoming 1 Series M Coupe (aka M1). BMW has taken a punt on the M1 as it arrives late in the model cycle with an all-new 1-Series scheduled later this year. Ford did something similar with the Focus RS which shares a similar engine configuration with the RS3 albeit without all wheel drive. RS3 features include 19-inch alloy wheels, flared lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic wings, widened track and a sport button that controls throttle response and exhaust note. Press this button and a flap in the exhaust system opens to intensify the sound. Maximum torque is from around 1600rpm and remains constant up to 5300rpm. The turbocharger generates up to 1.2 bar of boost pressure, and downstream of it is an intercooler which achieves an efficiency rate of more than 80 per cent. RS3 Sportback's fuel efficiency is attributed to an on-demand oil pump and a regenerative system that recovers energy as the car decelerates. It also uses strong but light vermicular graphite for the engine block and carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the front wings. These help to keep the kerb weight to 1575kg. The A3 Sportback chassis gets revised suspension and a widened 1564mm track (up from 1534mm) with wider front tyres at the front. It has 235/35R19 tyres at the front and 225/35R19 at the rear to aid road grip. Steering is electro-mechanical rack and pinion with a fast rack. The brakes are four-wheel ventilated discs with four-piston calipers and electronic aids include stability control with a "sport" function that activates later intervention of the braking and acceleration retardation functions "to enable greater adjustability without compromising safety." Audi says it can be switched off entirely for circuit use. Standard equipment in UK-spec includes the Sport button, acoustic rear parking sensors, electronic climate control, DVD-based satellite navigation with MMI (Multi Media Interface) functionality and xenon-plus headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Supercar makers are acting quickly to "green-up" their cars in the face of ever tightening emissions limits across the globe. But it's not a gloom and doom story for died-in-the-wool petrol heads as demonstrated by Ferrari with its California HELE (High Emotion Low Emissions) model.It's the vanguard of other HELE models in the Ferrari range that may eventually all feature the planet-saving technology used in the California. For some reason, Ferrari still makes a non-HELE version of the California though we don't know why.TECHNOLOGYA brief test drive of the HELE model emphatically demonstrates there is no down-side to this technology. It is exactly the same, possibly better to drive than the non-HELE model thanks to engine stop/start and other features such as a weight reduction, improved aerodynamics and an adaptive, seven-speed double clutch gearbox.Engineers went into detail to save emissions particularly via reduced electricity demands. They improved efficiency using an air conditioner compressor with variable displacement, brushless electric engine-cooling fans, an on-demand electric fuel pump and other little tricks.The net result is a significant reduction in fuel consumption now down to 11.5-litres/100km on the combined cycle. This in turn reduces carbon dioxide emissions to 270g/km _ or a little better than Falcon or Commodore sixes. This also represents a 23 per cent reduction compared with the standard California. All this with no loss of the exhilarating performance and driving experience for which Ferrari is renowned.California HELE is still capable of dispatching the dash to 100kmh in less than four seconds and going on to a top speed, where the law permits, of 310 kmh.The HELE package enhances driving performance by releasing torque (+25Nm) from more mundane purposes to lift responsiveness.DRIVINGOn our drive, the California HELE showed whip cracking performance and gear changes along with superlative handling qualities.It remains a joy to hear especially with the roof off.The stop/start system is unobtrusive and the fact that the HELE car uses less fuel is a bonus because you don't have to visit the service station as frequently.Ferrari has taken its green efforts further by implementing extensive environmentally sustainable systems at its Maranello factory _ solar power, rainwater harvesting, gardens in the factory.It is completely autonomous for its energy requirements. This reduction also means that Ferrari will meet the Kyoto protocol objectives a full 10 years ahead of schedule and with double the figure imposed on Europe.For some reason the California attracts a premium of $2750 for technology that should be adopted across the board and not cost any extra.FERRARI CALIFORNIA HELEPrice: $462,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kilometresResale: 63%Service interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety equipment: ABS, EBD, EBA , TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 4.3-litre V8; 338kW/510NmBody: 2-door, 2-seaterDimensions: 4563mm (L); 1308 (H); 1902 (W); 2670 (WB)Weight: 1735kgTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto; RWDEconomy: 11.5L/100km; 270g/km CO2

It must be galling for wealthy punters who put down half a million bucks on the latest Ferrari, Porsche or Lambo to know there's a car out there, a third of the price, that blows them into the weeds in performance terms and most probably handling too.It mightn't look a sweet as the new Ferrari 458 Italia but man oh man, the 2011 version of Nissan's R35 GTR makes up for any styling shortfall in the way it goes.Nissan's comprehensive revamp of the GTR makes it the best yet in every sense.The hand-made, twin-turbo, 3.8-litre, V6 engine moves up to 390kW/612Nm output while at the same time uses less fuel rated at an average of 12.0-litres/100km. For the mechanically attuned engine detail changes are numerous but it's mostly about more turbo boost. There are larger diameter intake and exhaust tracts and the exhaust system is free flowing. This plus an engine computer re-calibration and altered valve timing.The dual-clutch manumatic transmission has been uprated for quicker shifts and "predictive" operation based on accelerator position. The all wheel drive system is improved offering a drive split of up to 100 per cent to the rear wheels and a torque vectoring function is achieved through electronic controls and limited slip differentials front and rear.Six piston front brakes measure 390mm in diameter and are squeezed by Brembo calipers. Rear brakes a four piston. Bilstein aluminium dampers offer comfort and sport modes and the 20-inch wheels weigh less than before and carry specially made Dunlop Sport rubber.Nissan matched the performance boost with new styling inside and out featuring LED front driving lights, new bumpers and a larger front grille. Aerodynamic drag is now down to 0.26 - extremely low.The interior retains all of the previous model's features including a comprehensive read-out panel offering info' right down to cornering g forces and rate of acceleration. Equipment levels are luxury car level. You get leather heated seats, big screen satnav, premium audio with a 10 gig music "box", column mounted gear change paddles in magnesium and Recaro seats among a host of goodies.What's it like to drive? Sledgehammer springs to mind. Makes mug drivers look and feel like champions. There's brutal acceleration everywhere and a redline of 7000rpm accompanied by a superb exhaust note. Testing reveals the newly tweaked GTR stops the clocks for a 0-100kmh sprint in "around" 3.0 seconds.We actually got close to that time simply by engaging the "launch control" mode that is easily accessible through the GTR's multi- mode dynamic controls. Basically you put everything in R, put your left foot on the brake, push the accelerator to the floor with your right foot then side-step the brake pedal.The effect is much like a theme park ride (the slingshot) where your eyeballs and guts are pushed back into your body and you feel queasy after the second go. We experienced no brake fade even though the discs are steel and it never put a wheel out of place.Driving this car was an awesome experience. And all for a trifling $168,800.Any downside? The hard ride would wear thin after a short while and it's difficult to get 100 octane fuel though 98 is OK. The styling grows on you but we still think the bum is too big. And you can hear the gearbox shuffling through the ratios downchanging.

Ssangyong looks to have turned the corner in this country with the new and handsome Korando compact SUV worlds away from the stylistically challenged Stavic and Actyon. There's a new ute just around the corner too and more models in the pipeline. Like other Korean manufacturers, Ssangyong has engaged the services of established automotive designers, in this case Giugiaro, to pen its new vehicles including Korando. And it shows.One of the best lookers in the compact SUV class, Korando backs up the visuals with an impressive powertrain featuring an engine from Italy and now, a six-speed automatic transmission from ... Australia.Correct, we make auto boxes right here and they are really good. Makes you wonder why they aren't in Falcons, Commodores and Camry/Aurions.VALUEThe range topping SPR test vehicle ($36,811) is well equipped featuring aircon, cruise, power driver's seat, Bluetooth and audio streaming, USB and AUX plugs, a full size alloy spare, reclining rear seats, 18-inch alloys and heated front seats to name just a few goodies.Safe too with roll over mitigation, six air bags, stability control and safety cell chassis/body as well as rear park assist.TECHNOLO0GYThe engine is a Euro 5 compliant 2.0-litre turbodiesel from VM Motori and is good for 129kW/360Nm, the latter from 2000rpm.The front wheel drive diesel base model Korando can sip fuel at a low 6.1-litres/100km but the range topping SPR (auto only) we drove used around 8.0-litres/100km. Still acceptable but the smallish 57 litre tank limits range.Korando tops the class with a 2000kg towing capacity with a braked trailer.DRIVINGWe drove the six-speed manual Korando a few months ago and found it pretty good - spoiled a bit by a modicum of of turbo lag and overly aggressive torque delivery at low revs. It came on too strong meaning you had to adopt a certain driving style for smoothness.So, we thought the auto would be a better prospect and were totally correct, it's heaps better to drive in all environments and you still get impressive launch feel.The engine sounds like a diesel at low revs but is smooth and quiet once underway. This is aided by a balance shaft and mass flywheel that makes its presence felt at about 2000rpm or 110kmh on the freeway.The six speed auto offers sequential change mode from steering wheel buttons and also sport mode, just as good as anything else on the market.Korando is set up at the sporty end of the ride/handling spectrum and is well tied down offering a sporty feel from behind  the wheel. This is a good compromise for on and off road driving as it's not too firm but not too soft. Off road driving is aided by a lockable all wheel drive system giving 50/50 drive front/rear. Korando can also be left in normal drive mode which is predominantly to the front with the rear engaged as needed.Apart from too many hard surfaces inside, we like this vehicle ... it looks good, goes really well, has broader off road applications than most of its competitors and is generously equipped.