Articles by Peter Barnwell

The BMW X5 underwent a mid-life revision a few months ago, bringing with it improved engines and equipment, styling tweaks and sundry other changes including an eight-speed automatic. No matter which way you look at it, the big Bimmer has what it takes in the large luxury SUV class selling against the likes of Merc's

This is the Brit'-built Honda Civic hatch, much more handsome than the "nanna" sedan we also get here. It's recently been value added in an attempt to attract buyers but remains a $30K proposition start price in a market that says it should be $25K. Honda Australia has sweetened the deal with extra kit like rear park sensors, climate control, multi trip computer, auto headlightsand wipers, and a style tweak from Civic Type R.The six-speed manual test car goes for $29,990 plus on roads. Five-speed auto is more, metallic paint is more and leather is more. Pay up to $35K plus on roads for a small, 1.8-litre hatch ... ouch.Legion ... Mitsubishi Lancer, Sooby Impreza, Corolla, Cruze, Cerato hatch, i30, Mazda3, Focus, Golf, SX4.Runs a 1.8-litre, SINGLE CAM, petrol four cylinder with variable valve timing. Bit of a blast from the past with only one camshaft.Pretty good actually, better with the revs up. Can fall into a torque hole if you are careless but the close-ratio six-speed box masks deficiencies. Generates a fair old din at highway speeds. Need to slip it back a few cogs to overtake quickly. Excellent gearshift, undoubted reliability.Claimed 5.7-litres/100km. We achieved 6.5 with relative ease and it runs on 91 RON so there are savings there.Possibly due to the low fuel use and linked low carbon dioxide emissions. Probably has green manufacturing credentials _ paint, recyclability, low tox' materials.Gets a five star ANCAP  rating with the recent update.Pretty good. No lumbar support adjustment is a pain in the back, protruding dash on driver's side door, driving position is good, relatively little road or wind noise penetration, decent array of luxury goodies (to offset the price).Mixed bag. Has great steering and slick sporty gearchange and sporty overall feel to the dynamics but it doesn't have enough oomph to capitalise. Average performance but looks like a hot hatch. Bit disappointing. Audio is good, has good connectivity (no audio streaming), Bluetooth phone connect is a bonus. Amazing how Honda can get such a good result from simple Macpherson strut front and elementary beam axle rear suspension.Not really.No, would buy the 2.0-litre Mitsu' Lancer SX hatch for $21K drive away including fixed price servicing.

Want a vehicle with more cut-through on the street than a Ferrari? Look no further than the "new" Mercedes-Benz  G55AMG.This industrial strength, old-school, off roader might have been designed in the second half of the last century but Benz let the people at performance outfit AMG have a crack at it and the result is stunning — in more ways than one.DESIGN Looking a bit like a bread van on steroids, the boxy G55AMG body hides a brute under the skin that can blast a 0-100kmh sprint in under five seconds with low range engaged and sounds a bit like a door-slammer drag racing car under full, (or partial) throttle. It's a Pope-mobile with serious poke.Benz started making the Gelandewagen (G-Class) 32 years ago as a competitor for Land Rover's Defender and possibly some Jeep models.That's why it has a face only a mother could love but the flat featured fourbie enjoys cult status in Europe and other places.Robust in the extreme, the G55AMG is built on a chunky ladder chassis with rigid axles front and rear, high and low range constant four wheel drive and button select diff' locks on both axles and the transfer. The steel body panels feel like they're 5mm thick, the windscreen sits nearly vertical and the exterior door handles have quaint push buttons just like an old Holden. It wouldn't have any aerodynamic rating.VALUEThat said, the G-Class is what a full-blown "fourbie" should be — tough as teak, go anywhere.But add in the AMG influence and you have something altogether different — something no other automaker produces albeit at a sobering $217,230 price tag. It loses much of its off road ability but picks up hugely in other areas.The vehicle has been upgraded to feature most of the latest Benz safety and luxury equipment. It scores the full Designo leather treatment inside and suede-look Alcantara headlining. A steel sunroof is included along with a host of other goodies as befits a high end, expensive vehicle.TECHNOLOGYUnlike other AMG models, it's no scalpel-sharp corner-carver, too tall and the steering's too vague, but the G55AMG is an absolute hoot to drive thanks to AMG.They crammed a 5.4-litre, supercharged petrol V8 engine under the bonnet that's good for 373kW/700Nm output — 500 horsepower in the old money. It's out of AMG cars from a generation ago, revised and tweaked for 21st century applications. Power goes to all wheels via a five-speed automatic with sequential change mode on the gear stick.DRIVINGDespite weighing nearly 2.6 tonnes, the powerplant makes this large five seater "truck" pin back your ears as soon as you push the right pedal. It rockets away from a standstill bellowing and blatting through those four, big-bore, side venting exhausts while the large 19-inch tyres struggle for grip especially when the engine hits its torque peak at around 2500rpm.We struggled to achieve the claimed 15.9-litres/100km combined fuel consumption often seeing numbers in the 20s. Thankfully there's a 96-litre tank to give the vehicle a decent range.There's a full-size spare on the barn door tailgate that opens to a large load area.Benz fits the G55AMG with its "Premium Package" as standard equipment that includes TV and heated/vented electric front seats — noice.But the suspension is really firm to the point where everyday driving can be uncomfortable. We'd like to see a two-mode switchable system with normal and sport (soft and hard).Apart from that, the G55AMG is one of the most attention grabbing vehicles we have driven — blasts Hummers into the weeds.

How do you make a good thing better? This would have been the challenge at Mercedes-Benz when developing the mid-life makeover for the current generation C-Class, Merc's most popular car.They attacked the problem on a number of fronts tweaking the looks with more angular CLS-style headlights and sporty frontal and rear styling treatment. They introduced BlueEfficiency measures across the entire range to optimise fuel economy and minimise emissions. They introduced a seven-speed auto across the range and two new diesel engines one with an incredible 500Nm output from a "mere" 2.1-litre four cylinder.Putting this into perspective, many current V8 petrol engines struggle to generate that amount of grunt. Further aiding emissions reduction is the use of engine stop/start and "eco" driving "tuition" on the diesels. Mercedes also took the opportunity with this model to introduce a raft of new safety and luxury technology, some of which is standard equipment, some in packages and some as stand alone options.Distronic Plus radar cruise control is one such option as is active lane keeping which brakes one side of the car to steer it back into a lane if the driver strays. Aluminium is used more generously in the new car for the bonnet, front guards and suspension components while LED front driving lights and tail lights also make an appearance.Prices start from $58,900 for the C200 petrol sedan, two grand more for the wagon across the range.The interior has been comprehensively redesigned with a more homogenous look that flows from one side to the other and integrates the switches and dials more successfully. A new telematics platform is used offering more functions and easier operation.A new steering wheel contains up to 12 control buttons for audio, cruise control, information, oh, and the horn. More attractive "galvanised" fascia adorn the interior which is easier to use and looks a lot better than before.Safety is well addressed with nine airbags a slew of electronic controls/systems designed to either minimise injury or avoid a collision. Pre-safe which readies the car for a crash to offer maximum passenger protection is standard in all models. Pre-safe brake will automatically apply up to 100 per cent of possible brake force to mitigate an impact.Fuel economy across the board has improved in both turbodiesel and turbo petrol engines. The most efficient is the 500Nm CDi250 which achieves a combined rate of 5.1-litres/100km. Other engines aren't far behind including the 1.8-litre turbo and direct injection petrol four cylinder models. All engines meet Euro 5 emissions regulations due to come into force here in a few years.In luxury terms, the revised C-Class doesn't miss out with plenty of electronic communications and entertainment technology making an appearance including a 40 gigabyte hard drive for the satnav and audio system which has audio streaming.The satnav system is linked to a dynamic guidance system and audio broadcast facility provided by SUNA. It will advise of traffic problems and reprogram your route to avoid it - clever.We tried sedan and wagon variants of all four cylinder powertrain options and really enjoyed the C250 petrol turbo four the most. It is a compact sporty car offering superb ride and handling in a comfortable and stylish package. Performance is strong. The high output diesel, infact all the four cylinder powered cars we drove, were engaging and comfortable. We can't imagine what the six cylinder petrol and diesel must be like...

Back when the Snowy Mountains Scheme was in full flight, a bunch of Toyota 4WD vehicles were brought in to tackle the arduous conditions. They handled it easily and so started the legendary reputation Toyota now enjoys in this country. Paying homage to these early Toyotas is the FJ Cruiser - a modern day, hose out, tough as teak, proper "fourbie" with looks harking back half a century.VALUEIt's been around for a long time in the US but the (new) FJ only recently made it here and seems destined to be a popular addition to the Toyota range. This is emphasised by the fact that it's all Prado (petrol version) underneath and costs at least $10,000 less than the cheapest Prado - a three door turbodiesel. We are predicting Toyota won't be able to handle demand for the riveting FJ which turns heads in the street like a supercar.DESIGNIt has enormous appeal particularly with males who warm to the tough guy styling and have an affinity with the old FJ40 `Cruiser' from which the modern day FJ issues. Built on a ladder chassis with coil springs all round and selectable two range four wheel drive, the FJ Cruiser can tackle the toughest off roading you can throw at it.This is aided by impressive ground clearance and steep approach and departure angles. The entire vehicle has been "Australianised" with specific suspension and steering calibration as well as extra dust exclusion and and noise penetration treatment. FJ is sensibly offered in one spec' only - all with a white roof.TECHNOLOGYIt weighs around two tonnes but the powerful 4.0-litre petrol V6 out of petrol Prado makes light work of all driving conditions. It generates a handy 200kW/380Nm output while drinking 95 octane at the rate of 11.4-litres/100km - driving carefully. A large load space is provided with a rubber floor mat behind the barn door tailgate complete with an externally mounted full size alloy spare.The FJ rolls on 17-inch wheels with meaty 70 profile tyres suitable for moderate off roading and any sort of sealed road driving. The interior is a sea of hard plastic that looks cheap but imparts the necessary functional look. There's Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. OK audio, cruise, aircon, multi function trip computer and a reverse camera in the rear view mirror.SAFETYSafety kit includes six air bags, three wipers up front and stability control. No ANCAP crash rating is available.DRIVINGThe ride is excellent offering plenty of comfort and control in such a tall and potentially unwieldy vehicle. Not the case at all. It even steers pretty well and has plenty of kick from the engine across a wide speed range. This is harnessed by the five-speed auto offering smooth, almost predictive changes up and down.A six speed auto would be an improvement particularly for fuel economy. It's bulky but fairly compact fitting easily into the standard residential garage. Seats for five are large but could be more supportive especially the driver's pew. The rear hinged "suicide" doors are a talking point and practical to a certain extent.VERDICTWe really like this vehicle for a number of reasons not the least its styling. It is comfy, the right size, will go just about anywhere, is robust, well equipped and has plenty of poke. Uses too much fuel though. Wonder if there's a diesel planned.

That Mini leverages BMW's vast store of automotive knowledge is a given but the iconic front drive hatch has earned plenty of kudos in its own right since the resurrection a few years ago now. Mini is an aspirational vehicle. Because BMW doesn't have a front wheel drive passenger car in its line-up, Mini takes care of that popular niche.DESIGNThe Mini hatch was recently upgraded with a new look inside and out as well as a more bulbous bonnet designed for improved pedestrian safety. It still looks like a Mini though.We got our grubby little mitts on the range-topping John Cooper Works (JCW) Cooper S and have to admit an immediate attraction such a cute little car with such a bad attitude it's truly engaging. We love the new LED tail lights and the test car scored adaptive bi-xenon headlights that look around corners.The JCW treatment brings with it a certain look that includes larger alloy wheels in this case black painted to match the bodywork, better brakes, firmer suspension and a Sport button next to the gear stick. We had that on all the time.VALUEThe factory prepared JCW costs a sobering $49,200 but you get plenty for the money including a fuel efficient 1.6-litre petrol engine with a twin scroll turbo and variable valve timing similar to BMW's Valvetronic system. See, it pays to have influential friends. Plenty of kit is provided including an impressive audio system, Bluetooth phone and auto headlights and wipers. They have also fitted a huge centre mounted speedo just like the original cars.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is good for 155kW/280Nm output, sufficient to propel the 1205kg JCW hatch from 0-100kmh in a scant 6.8 seconds. But more important is the roll-on throttle response from the torquey four pot it feels impressive at all speeds aided by the short throw, slick shifting six speed manual transmission.DRIVINGWe love it for the robust engine performance, the kart-like dynamics, the snap, crackle and pop from the exhaust when changing gears and the quality look and feel to the entire package especially the interior. It's a cinch to park, has plenty of room inside for four if the front passengers aren't over 185cm and you get serious performance for minimal fuel use.Some might say its performance doesn't stack up against a Subaru WRX that costs less but in doing that, you aren't comparing apples with apples. The Mini is a stylish, impeccably built, good looking premium small car with sports performance and brilliant handling. It is for a more discerning buyer than any of the plastic fantastic "go fasties" that infest the small car segment.MINI COOPER S JCWPrice: from $49,200Engine: 155kW/260-280Nm 4-cylinder twin-scroll turbo petrolTransmissions: six-speed manual, six-speed autoFuel consumption: 6.9-7.0L/100kmCO2 (g/km): 165-169

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 the five door hatchback variant of Kia's attractive Cerato which followed the sedan by about 18 months. The entry spec' test car featured Kia's excellent six-speed automatic transmission, essentially the reason we wanted to drive it.Keenly priced at $20,240 plus on roads.Too many to list really but including: Ford Focus, Mazda3, Holden Cruze, Hyundai i30, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Tiida, Sooby Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Corolla and more.Has a punchy, twin cam, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, petrol with variable valve timing that's good for 115kW/194Nm — right at the top of the class.Great — plenty of zip off the mark, smooth, relatively quiet, economical, willing to rev — ticks all the boxes. The throttle flare problem on manual variant isn't evident on the auto. No paddle shift on Si - who cares, leave it in DSips lightly at 7.7-litres/100km — not bad for a 2.0-litre auto.The manual is only a couple of points better.Green tinge, passes Euro 4 emissions regs, OK on the carbon dioxide. Don't know about the manufacturing process.Gets four starsVery — great ride/handling compromise, relatively comfy seats, minimal noise intrusion, plenty of kit to keep you happy on a drive.Impressive thanks in part to the six speed auto. We would buy the auto in preference to the manual — there's a small premium but it's worth it.Gets off the line quickly and rolls along sweetly at speed. Plenty in reserve at the push of the throttle. Impressive dynamics, looks good on the road.Excellent value all things considered though the Mitsu' Lancer at similar money makes it a hard call... Si model scores a full-size spare, six bags, cruise control with steering wheel controls, rear spoiler power windows and mirrors, Bluetooth for phone and audio streaming, six speaker audio.Yes, we'd shop it against some other contenders and base the decision on the deal. There is no cringe factor at all with buying the Cerato hatch — it's as good or better than anything else in the class. Roomy, good looking and we prefer it over the sedan.

Mercedes-Benz has made sure its top selling C-Class sedan and wagon is on top of the game following a mid-life update. This is the big change before a new generation arrives in about three years. There are over 2000 new parts with this update.Benz has taken the already impressive C-Class and completely reworked it with feature flow-down from the likes of S-Class and CLS models as well as refinements and styling changes.It is better in every way compared with the current model and offers more equipment, improved safety and eco-friendly technology.VALUEPricing hasn't been announced yet but expect minimal changes to the current schedule even though the new model scores more kit.TECHNOLOGYOne of the biggest changes is the adoption of Eco stop/start across the entire range. This switches off the engine when the car comes to a stop, re-igniting it as soon as the brake pedal is released. Stop/start can get a 31 per cent fuel economy improvement - compounded in the new C-Class by direct injection engines across the board in petrol and diesel.Australia will get seven-speed automatic transmission only in models ranging from the C 200CGi turbo petrol through to the C 350 CDi 3.0-litre turbo diesel. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from Attention Assist drowsiness detection to Distronic Plus proximity control are now available for C-Class. The new-generation telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.DESIGNIn addition to the standard equipment which now include a leather steering wheel, the two design and equipment lines - Elegance and Avantgarde are the basis for customers individualising their own C-Class. The two lines are now more readily distinguishable from each other.Styling inside and out is revised with a more contemporary Benz family look including new CLS shaped headlights, new front guards, bonnet and doors in aluminium and new tail lights. Aerodynamics are improved to Cd 0.26 as part of BlueEfficiency measures that also include decoupling engine ancillaries, low rolling resistance tyres and optimised gearing. The dash is a much more appealing design with a larger info' screen integrated into the middle.DRIVEWe were able to sample two of the diesels last week in Tenerife, the C250CDi and the monumental C350CDi with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel capable of delivering some 195kW/620Nm output. Yes, we will be getting this model towards the middle of the year.As expected, the 350 is a freight train of a car in performance terms. It just goes and goes and has stunning throttle response virtually off idle. With this much torque from under 2000rpm, the C350 CDi rockets out of the blocks and can deliver the sort of go you'd expect from a sports sedan.But Benz has set it up for mixed driving conditions which means it maintains its poise over rough roads and can waft along the freeway like an insulated cocoon of leather clad luxury. But the real surprise for us was the C250 diesel which, with 150kW/500Nm and a lighter, 2.2-litre four cylinder engine up front, was damn near as quick as the 350 and slightly more nimble in the tight stuff. Coupled to that is impressive fuel economy that can dip readily into the 6.0 litre/100km range.VERDICTWe love the look and feel of the new model in sedan and wagon variants but prefer the Avantgarde styling as it has a sportier edge.MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASSEngine: C200CGi 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol and C350CDi 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo dieselOutputs: 150kW/500Nm, 195kW/620NmEconomy: 7.3 L / 100 km 95 RON 171g CO2 p/km and 7.4 L / 100 km Diesel 196g CO2 p/kmTransmission: 5-speed and 7-speed Automatic, rear wheel driveSafety: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),Electronic Stability Program (ESP), 9 air bags.

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 BMW's entry level 5-Series, the economy king with a surprising amount of kit in the new generation model. Better buying than a 3-Series with a larger engineHOW MUCH?Priced from $83,300 which is competitive against main rivals.WHAT ARE THE COMPETITORS?Which are the Mercedes-Benz E250CDi and Audi A6 2.0 TDi. Possible nuisance value from other brands like VW with the Passat CC.WHAT'S UNDER THE BONNET?This 2.0-litre turbo diesel, four cylinder engine used in numerous BMW models including the X1, X3, 320d and 120d. It's a worthy powerplant delivering 135kW/380Nm in the 520d with a surprising turn of speed and strong acceleration, sharpened when needed simply by pressing the Sport button on the console.HOW DOES IT GO?Impressive, roll on is as good as a petrol 3.5-litre V6, possibly better and it runs smooth and silent. Particle filter takes noxious odour away when idling in the drive. Slightly detectable as a diesel on start up - nowhere else. Nimble feel for a medium large car tipping the scales at 1625kg.IS IT ECONOMICAL?Rated as low as 5.2-litres/100km but we are seeing a neat 6.0 on the trip computer that was activate at zero kilometres and the test car was showing 4000km _ pretty good.IS IT `GREEN?'Yep, gets a five star green ratingIS IT SAFE?Gets a five star crash rating thanks to six air bags, stability control, safety bonnet, strengthened body, plenty more.IS IT COMFORTABLE?Supremely. Has large, soft leather seats, roomy cabin, minimal noise intrusion, plenty of goodies to keep you happy.WHAT'S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?Surprisingly good competent, responsive, comfortable suspension that offers sporty drive feel with excellent bump control as well. Well weighted steering, strong brakes, grippy tyres. Like to look too though a bit on the conservative side - right in target market territory.IS IT VALUE FOR MONEY?Yes, well equipped, electric park brake stop/start button, cruise, leather, decent satnav and audio, Bluetooth, eight-speed auto head up display to name just a few features.WOULD WE BUY ONE?Yes, we'd look at one over the entire 5-Series range - you don't need anything more.VERDICTBimmer's best buy... the 520d.

We weren't fans of the first Z4 - too many disparate angles to the sheetmetal, too short in the rump and long in the snout, too retro around the grille and headlights.  Went OK though.That's been fixed with the latest model - an altogether more appealing shape, sleek, elegant and muscular all rolled into one and with a hardtop to boot. The best of both worlds.  Topping out the Z4 range is a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight six called the 35is.It's complete with a seven-speed, twin-clutch "manumatic" transmission that functions as a full auto or a sequential manual through paddles on the wheel or via the stick shift.The price is a sobering $129,900 but you have to remember this car competes with the likes of Porsche's Boxster S at five grand more, the Benz SLK55 AMG at a lot more and plenty of others.  The Bimmer stacks up well no matter which way you cut it.Performance is strong thanks to the 250kW/500Nm twin-turbo six cylinder. That's enough to propel the 1525kg Z4 from 0-100kmh in a scant 4.8 seconds or exactly the same as the BMW M3 coupe.  It does this while consuming fuel at the combined rate of 9.0-litres/100km.The twin-turbo arrangement uses two small turbines that spool up quickly pressurising air going into three cylinders apiece. It gets around any lag and delivers near maximum torque at a low 1500rpm.There's launch control to get off the mark as quickly as possible and a range of electronic systems to keep everything in check, much of it switchable.The 35is version is differentiated by its more aggressive aero kit, 18-inch alloys and adaptive suspension that can lower the ride height by 10mm. It also has a whole swag of goodies including premium audio bixenons, stop/start button and automatic aircon.The cruise control system features a braking function.  Inside is a study in leather, aluminium and carbon fibre fascia tastefully and functionally arranged.It has regenerative braking and high beam assist as well as adaptive headlights and park assist front and rear.  Bluetooth is part of the package as well as large format navigation with voice control.It's a super thing to drive, sharp, responsive, engaging, sounds unbelievable and makes you feel like you're in a race car.  Obviously in a car as powerful and low slung as this, corners are a piece of cake at almost any speed - aided and abetted by large brakes and wide tyres.The ride can be dialled up to anything between plush to sporty firm which was controlled  and comfortable enough for us to select all the time.Actually getting into a car this low does at times cause a problem, especially in tight spaces when you have to basically drop into the seat because the large doors can't be opened far enough - ouch.But worth the discomfort for the drive experience.  The Z4 35is is an impressive rear wheel drive sports car that can be made roofless in a short time to give you the best of both worlds.