Articles by Peter Barnwell

How does it go?” is the first thing everyone asks when they see the new Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG.“Like it looks,” is the best answer.Here is a large, sexy, sleek coupe capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in the low four-second bracket with relentless thrust.Experiencing the CL63 AMG at full noise must be something like rocket sled pilots felt during the early US space program. The big Benz pegs you back in the seat and holds you there until the right foot is lifted.A relative newcomer to the range, the CL is essentially a two-door S-Class and as such features all the goodies available on Benz's big saloon. This includes night view assist that offers an infra-red view of the road 200m-300m ahead. It has a new control system that features one central dial similar to, but simpler than, BMW's iDrive system.Filled with safety equipment, the luxurious cabin features possibly the most electrically adjustable front seats on the market. The mind-boggling audio system links to a DVD player and TV, the satnav system is sophisticated and displayed on a large screen.That's all very well but the CL63 AMG is a fantastic car to drive, look at and be spoiled in. The AMG name spells performance and, in this sense, the CL63 is a winner.The DOHC 6.2-litre V8 may be good for 375kW and a titanic 630Nm, but it's dead smooth and barely audible at idle or cruise. Drive goes to the rear 20-inch wheels via a seven-speed auto with speedshift and steering wheel paddles.Thanks to the V8's instant response, they seem superfluous; leave it in drive and just think about steering the beast. Despite its size and hefty weight, it steers well. The adaptive air suspension takes input from many sensors to constantly alter settings for a supple ride and flat cornering.The booming exhaust is a perfect accompaniment to the big coupe and is difficult to ignore. You can't ignore the CL's sleek, muscular body. It looks ready to pounce and visually supports it $383,000 price.After a week in this car, we can't imagine what the smaller C63 AMG with the same powertrain must be like. Can't wait. 

If it comes to fruition, the Suzuki SX4 Sport, as the road car might be called, would be a direct competitor for the new Subaru WRX, which has been a dominant force in the performance small car segment for years.But the new Rex (WRX) has lost its hard performance edge and is unlikely to appeal to its traditional audience. A Suzuki hot rod could be too tantalising for keen drivers looking for a Rex replacement.It would be made in Japan, have rally cred, look the business and carry the Suzuki name which has a lot of respect.And what would be really good for Suzuki is that Nobuhiro (Monster) Tajima, one of the most dominant drivers at the frightening Pikes Peak hill climb in the US, would have direct input into the road car.It would be a finely fettled device to be sure and would quite possibly rattle the cage of good, many so-called performance models.The WRC car, is due to embark soon on its initial foray into the title challenge, which has impressive specifications.It runs a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine delivering 235kW/590Nm output. That's equivalent to a good V8 in a small car weighing 1230kg. It has a five speed sequential manual transmission and a carbon clutch. Drive is to all wheels via an electronic centre differential.The suspension is by struts using high quality adjustable dampers and the brakes are 370mm discs on the front with eight piston calipers, 355mm at the rear with four piston calipers.It's a wild looking car with a huge multi-deck rear wing protruding from the rear screen and a low centre of gravity. The wheels are 18-inch diameter and carry Michelin tyres at present.Tajima has used expertise gleaned from Pikes Peak on the WRC car so it should be able to cut it right from the outset. Tajima has built up and stored a huge knowledge base over the years and refers to it for the correct set up when racing.Obviously, any road-going version of the car wouldn't be specified to this level but it is conceivable that the SX4 Sport would be good for 150-160kW, without too much trouble and would have running gear to match, which means big brakes, firm suspension and sporty dynamics.Suzuki execs go a little bit coy when potential specification of an SX4 Sport is mentioned. They throw back the line of being more concerned about carbon dioxide emissions than sports performance. But pressure is building from many quarters within the Suzuki world, to leverage the company's involvement in motor sport and the World Rally Championship by building a road car.Otherwise, what is the point of competing?An SX4 would need to sell in the $40,000 range to be competitive and be specified to a reasonable level of luxury and safety, all of which is available from the Suzuki parts bin.Tajima would be able to tell Suzuki how to calibrate pretty well the entire car for road use while retaining a sporty flavour.The current SX4 all-wheel drive is a handy car, but lacks a hero model in the range to attract performance car buyers to Suzuki. That's where the SX4 Sport comes into the picture.It's all hypothetical right now but entirely do-able by Suzuki. Here's hoping. 

The Presara is bigger, faster, better equipped than the base IS, it rides and handles nearly as well and looks as good. Presara sells for $49,990 while the IS starts at $56,990 quickly escalating to about $70,000.The Aurion Presara is a delight to drive, smooth and silent with plenty of performance to get you where you want to go.Built in Australia, Toyota can be proud of this vehicle because it's as good as anything from anywhere else at the same or more money.The 3.5-litre twin cam V6 engine is good for 200kW, slightly more on premium unleaded and drives the front wheels through a six-speed automatic with sequential change mode.Extremely well equipped for the money, even base model Aurion has Stability Control and Traction Control, aircon, cruise control, six airbags and power assisted ancillaries.The top of the range Presara adds plenty more leather, 17-inch alloys with Michelin rubber (and a full-size alloy spare), chrome body hardware, premium audio, keyless start and smart entry, reversing camera, xenon headlights and satnav. All help in making travel time more appealing to the point in Presara where you look forward to car time.It starts as soon as you get near the car and it automatically unlocks. You don't even have to put the key in a slot to fire up the engine, just push the start button.Reverse into the street with help from the folding mirror reversing camera, select your destination on the satnav, crank up the premium audio, slip it into Drive and away you go, luxury sporty motoring courtesy of Toyota Australia.Aurion has been calibrated for Aussie conditions in many areas and the Presara is at the luxury end of the scale, with slightly more supple suspension, a quieter ride, and pampering interior.It eats distances like a limousine and has great fallback performance if you choose to be keen behind the wheel.The interior has a slick, modern look to it and is functional and well laid out. Presara's seats are comfy and the driving position is fully adjustable with electric assistance.Pasengers are also well catered for in the four other seats. It's not quite as big inside as the Falcon or Commodore but has a more practical layout and has a near flat rear floor. The boot is large and easy to load.As the range -opping Aurion, Presara has all the goodies and technology developed for the model. The interior modern and functional, airy and great to look at. Toyota sparingly uses woodgrain, favouring a metal look with textured surfaces.The car looks good from all angles, not outlandish or brutish but poised and elegant in a modern sense. We could certainly find room in the garage for the new Aurion.

There is something about the style and the fact that a fabric roof defies the elements that gives it appeal.For years, Saab has steadfastly stuck with a soft-top for its convertible but today's soft top is a piece of high-tech kit. It is fully lined, for starters, and effectively mutes wind and rain noise as well as being true to the sports convertible philosophy.What isn't true is its diesel engine. Sports convertibles and diesels seem like chalk and cheese. Now there are two: the Saab 9-3 and the Volkswagen Eos.Saab's diesel convertible, the TiD, starts at $68,000 for the Linear with Sport adding $2000. Auto is more.It is powered by a 1.9-litre, common rail, twin cam turbo diesel good for 110kW and 320Nm. This engine is also used in Holden Astra diesels and the design is originally from Fiat and Alfa.A six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission is available with drive going to the front wheels via various electronic modulators.The diesel offers surprisingly strong performance coupled with excellent fuel economy rated at just 5.8-litres/100km. It also generates a relatively low 166g/km of carbon dioxide and features a particle filter to knock out any exhaust nasties.Though smooth and quiet on the road, the diesel is audible at idle and generates some vibration but nothing that really intrudes.It will take the convertible at least 1000km on a tank, possibly more if you drive frugally. That is impressive.The six-speed manual we drove was excellent on the highway, loping along in fifth or sixth with instant acceleration on tap.The difference between petrol and diesel under these conditions is imperceptible apart from slightly stronger acceleration from the diesel.As expected, the convertible is fully loaded with goodies like heated seats, leather, premium audio, climate control and cruise control. The 16in alloys look a little small for the car but there is a full-size spare.Safety equipment includes active roll-over protection, multiple airbags, stability control and five three-point seat belts.Driving the car is a buzz, especially with the roof down. It was cold during the test drive but we cranked up the heater and heated seats but didn't feel a thing.While it couldn't be considered a sporty handling car, the convertible is composed and comfy. It is easy to get into the front seats but a little more difficult in the back. The boot is a good size even with the roof down. We like the look of it especially around the flanks, but the front is a pretty generic Saab. 

Toyota has a knack of making drivers feel totally in control of its cars within minutes of taking the wheel. Such is the case with the new Kluger Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) due here in August at an as yet unannounced price.New Kluger replaces a popular model that rang a bell with family buyers. It's forged a place as the practical new family wagon and sold up a storm as a result despite styling that could be described as being rather pedestrian.It's bigger, better, bolder and offers five or seven seats depending on the model. Toyota execs remained tight lipped about the price and model lineup at a US preview of the new Kluger last week but there will probably be three grades and it will be highly unlikely to be a big step up in price compared to the existing model.Here's the big news.It will also be available in two wheel drive (front wheel drive) to counter the popular Ford Territory 2WD, at a price that will reflect a less sophisticated drive train.This alone will make new Kluger a strong contender in the medium SUV segment.All models are built on a Camry-derived platform and run the 3.5-litre, petrol V6 engine from Aurion and Tarago. It features variable valve timing and will kick out about the same amount of power as Aurion – 200kW making Kluger the most powerful medium SUV on the market.The constant all wheel drive system is similar to existing Kluger, refined and enhanced on the new model but there is no low range transfer case. Surprisingly, Kluger is a fairly handy tool off road as long as you don't expect too much.A five speed automatic transmission will be standard across the range offering sequential gear change mode.Built in Japan, new Kluger fits between RAV4 and Prado and boasts some impressive safety credentials, such as seven air bags and Toyota's version of stability control called VSC on all models.The VSC system is not only linked to the brakes and engine but also has an effect on steering in a skid situation.All Aussie models have electric power steering and a rear view camera, 17 inch alloy wheels with optional 19 inch on models that don't have them as standard.The body has ample room for seven thanks to 75mm more wheelbase and a design that features a short bonnet/large passenger compartment.Access to the third row of seats is facilitated by a removable centre second row seat.The spare is full size.As is the case with all Toyota's sold in Australia, significant local input has been used on suspension set-up and engine cooling.It is likely we will also see hill descent control and hill start assist on the local model.On the road, new Kluger is an impressive beast with plenty of performance despite weighing in at around 1800kg.It is smooth and powerful and the new five speed auto is silky smooth.The ride is supple and controlled and it is whisper quiet at highway speed.Some models will be equipped with high-end audio including a sub-woofer which sounds superb. The Kluger is easy to drive and is full of practical features including more drink holders than I could count, multi-adjustable driving position and opening tailgate glass.The interior has a generic Toyota look that's easy on the eye and simple to use.When it arrives, Kluger will be well specced for the money and comes in some striking new colours. 

Called the 9-3 TiD, it comes with a six-speed manual as standard or optional six-speed automatic. The auto has sequential manual change mode.Prices start at $44,990 for the manual sedan, subject of this review.The twin cam engine is a lift from General Motors Opel operation in Europe and can be found in the Holden Astra manual diesel.It is good for 110kW/320Nm output – plenty to push the sedan along at a rapid clip.It will do this while consuming a meagre 5.8-litres/100km making it possibly the most fuel efficient premium vehicle of its size on the market.Nothing on the outside or inside of the diesel is any different from the petrol models except badging.The TiD is well equipped with leather upholstery, heated seats, climate and cruise control and 16-inch alloys.It is a great drive, engaging, semi-sporty, smooth and relatively quiet and is blessed with impressive acceleration across a wide engine rev range – not common in turbo diesels.The manual is easy to use and not too shabby off the mark. Comfortable around town and out on the highway, the car is also practical and easy to live with – a well-rounded package that should be cheap to run.We wanted a second opinion and asked school teacher Adam Hendry for his thoughts on what was the first diesel car he had driven.He liked the styling and said the Saab was an unconventional beauty epitomised by the unique key and ignition system.“The leather interior is spacious and comfortable although austere,” he said.“Considerable room in the cabin is freed up by the transverse engine that also allows for a good-size boot.“The dash is not overcomplicated and everything is easily deciphered and functional.” He particularly liked the cruise control and position of the audio controls and other control buttons on the steering wheel.“Despite the driver’s seat being fully adjustable it felt like an instrument of torture until I found a comfortable driving position,” he said.“In first gear at under 2000rpm, I found the Saab a little sluggish but after that it responded well.“The six-speed gearbox helps overcome this slow start by its close ratios and smooth shifting.” The most appealing quality of the Saab from Mr Hendry’s point of view was its fuel economy.”

This is the car that was responsible for the term 'bahn blaster' due to its ability to rapidly gobble up large tracts of German autobahn. They are so potent as to relegate plane travel between some European cities redundant.It's easier to trundle your E63 out onto the autobahn and fire it in the desired direction than to muck about getting to, parking and waiting at airports, boarding, waiting. flying and landing on a plane then getting to your destination.Over the last few decades it's evolved into one of the most desirable mainstream sedan cars you can get.Mind you at a cool $227,600, the E63's way out of the realms of the average punter but we can dream.The engine is not the only hand made or hand built component on the car because it's pretty much meticulously put together by a crack crew of technicians on a special assembly line.AMG is responsible for a swag of high performance Mercs from the littlies to the biggies including an awesome ML63 4x4. One presumes there will also be an AMG version of the big GL 4x4.The E63 is a four door, five seat sedan with a whopping 378kW/680Nm output. That's sufficient to propel the weighty beast from 0-100kmh in well under 5.0 seconds. It's almost supercar quick and has no real powerband to speak of - it's all go as soon as you push the accelerator.But all this potency is not unbridled - it's delivered by one of the most sophisticated cars around in a silky smooth but stirring manner.The 6.2-litre engine is a techno tour-de-force as is the chassis which features airmatic adaptive suspension and huge brakes. There's even a ride height raise function to get driveway clearance for the low-slung front end.Drive goes to the rear wheels via a seven speed auto transmission with sequential change including steering wheel paddles.It is never caught in the wrong cog.In addition to the performance side of the car, there's also a luxury and safety side. It is blessed with an astonishing array of luxury goodies including gorgeous Nappa leather, a rockin' Harman Kardon audio system with massive sub woofer, TV, DVD, satnav, comprehensive computer, bluetooth and electrically operated everything. The test vehicle's roof was mostly glass with integrated front glass sunroof.It has adaptive bi-xenon headlights, sonar cruise control and 360 degree park assist.We really like the anti tamper, anti tow function that sounds the horn if a vehicle comes within a metre of the E63 when parked. It's a stunning drive, composed, firm, responsive and sounds fabulous. There is plenty of room for five inside and the styling enhancements not only aid aerodynamics, they also look pretty good.Is it better than the previous supercharged E55 AMG?You'd better believe it.

The attraction of ethanol is that it is a renewable resource derived from plants and is essentially carbon neutral because the plants from which it comes consume carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.Manufacturing ethanol would not be carbon neutral unless the power consumed came from a source such as solar, wind or hydro electric generation.But even then, the energy consumed to make infrastructure for these power generation systems would consume non-renewable resources.It is a vexed question.However, using ethanol for transport has other benefits that need to be taken into account, specifically, it reduces our dependence on imported oil and we have all seen what that can do, particularly at the bowser.Using ethanol to power vehicles is probably not the answer to global warming, oil dependence and fossil fuel problems but is part of the solution as we wait for hydrogen engines to be fully developed.Ethanol can be viewed as a stepping stone along the way towards hydrogen.Saab is the first auto manufacturer to bite the bullet in Australia and release a production car that happily runs on mostly ethanol.More than that, the BioPower 9-5 runs better on E85 (85 per cent ethanol) than it does on straight petrol, producing more power and better performance on the "green" fuel.But E85 is not readily available in Australia, certainly not at a commercial level through numerous outlets.Our preference for petrol has seen ethanol almost completely overlooked as a transport fuel.Perhaps the best Saab can hope for in the short term with its BioPower cars is that the Federal Government is pushed into dealing with the issue and also that the average motorist starts thinking about ethanol as an alternative to petrol, LPG, and diesel.Right now, there are three ethanol producers in Australia: Rocky Point, Manildra and CSR.Total annual production from the three companies is around 170 million litres.This would have to be increased hugely should ethanol use for transport become commercial.However, even if every scrap of arable land in Australia was put under crops, it would still not provide enough ethanol to power the nation's vehicles.The Swedish experience (where Saabs are made) has shown that the move to ethanol has not been driven by petrol prices, but by demand for cleaner fuels.But the Swedish government has significant cash incentives for people who buy bio-cars.These incentives for the population to go "green" are not replicated here.Saab hopes E85 will spread rapidly as a transport fuel. It is already extensively used in countries like Mexico. 

They didn't have to ask twice. We'd take the "family wagon" no worries. Ha, who is kidding whom? A family wagon with near supercar performance and stunning looks makes a great combination.This is the car that has spurred the other two German super sedan makers to up the ante with their next 'bahn blasters - the Benz C63AMG and the new BMW M3, both of which are V8 powered.Audi now offers three variants of the RS4 with a cabriolet coming online about now.All have the same powertrain and similar chassis and all are equipped to luxury car levels.The Avant costs a cool $168,100 and is one of the quickest carry-alls on the market alongside the Chrysler 300C SRT8 that offers similar straight line performance but lacks all wheel drive. It sells for a lot less than the RS4 though.But what we have here is quality - quality engineering, manufacturing, design, pretty much everything you want in a modern mass produced car.The thing absolutely hammers and is capable of despatching the 0-100kmh spring in about 4.8 seconds.It has a six speed manual gearbox with a slick shift and lovely long runs through each gear thanks in part to the 8250rpm redline of the 4.2-litre V8.This engine, a joy to behold under the aluminium bonnet features direct injection and variable valve timing but is not turbo charged like previous Audi RS models.It deoesn' need it.With 309kW an 430Nm rumbling out of the engine bay, the power to weight ratio is well and truly in sports car territory.Aluminium is used throughout the vehicle in key locations - the bonnet, front guards, much of the chassis, the suspension, massive 19in wheels.It pays dividends in fuel efficiency, handling and performance.But going is only part of the RS4 Avant story because it also stops like few other mainstream cars and handles with the best of them despite the engine being positioned well in front of the front axle. The 365mm front brakes are something to behold.There's a Sport button on the multi-function wheel that opens up the dual outlet exhaust for a deeper rumble and also tightens the seat side bolsters to hold you more firmly in place.The Avant brings with it a degree of practicality but interior room is compact and the load space is relatively small. But the rear seats can be folded flat for a large load space.The Avant looks sensational with its muscular pumped-out guards, aero devices and low ride height. The alloy roof rails add an element of sensibility to the overt styling.Driving the RS4 Avant is a rare treat. It has all the right stuff, makes the right noises and really puts a smile on your dial.

Volvo has been struggling with a small model range but that is changing fast with a flood of new models either out now or due this year. The effect at Volvo is measurable with a 37 per cent increase in sales last year alone. The strong result could redouble with the arrival this year of a swag of new Volvos including the delightful C30.First cab off the rank is the new S80 large car in petrol 4.4-litre V8, 3.2-litre straight six and 2.4-litre diesel five cylinder variants.It is the second generation S80 following the unloved twin turbo six from a few years ago.Though a distinct S80 look is apparent, the new one is nothing like the old offering a more stylish appearance, more interior room, longer wheelbase and comprehensively more equip- ment. Thankfully, it has a satisfying combination of performance and handling across the model range.Volvo is adept at developing new technology and the S80 showcases just what this Swedish manufacturer is capable of.All variants have a six speed sequential auto with the two petrol versions running all wheel drive and the diesel front wheel drive.The engines are lifted from the Volvo XC90.S80 boasts three-mode suspension with comfort, sport and advanced settings. It has a new, stronger body structure and the styling has a more athletic air. Bi-xenon headlights with a see-around-corners function are standard as is climate control air, pollen filter, leather upholstery and a clever key fob that sets the car up for a particular driver. It will even warn if an intruder is inside the car. The interior is hypoallergenic using materials that produce minimal or zero contaminants and the car has a big tick from the Swedish Asthma Association.All models have premium audio that has to be heard to be believed and there's an auxiliary input jack for your iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.Some appealing options are available as the blind spot warning system on the rear view mirrors, adaptive cruise control that keeps a measured distance from other vehicles using a radar system and three mode steering that offers light, medium and firm feel .Prices range from $71,950 for the diesel through to $95,950 for the V8.At the press launch last week, we drove the V8 and the diesel and can report both are impressive cars. The V8 has oodles of performance and drives like any 232kW V8 should. It also has adaptive suspension and the car we drove also had the adjustable steering. Pretty much all driving scenarios are covered by the settings available - it's simply a matter if dialling it into what you want.The engine can be frugal for a potent V8 and is smooth and quiet. It was designed and built by Yamaha while the transmission is also from Japanese manufacturer Aisin.The diesel is a Volvo unit and it too offers plenty of performance thanks mainly to the 400Nm torque output. It's smooth and quiet and though audible at some revs, the diesel has a sporty flavour totally in keeping with the car.There's plenty of room inside for four, five at a pinch and the boot is large containing only a space saver spare.Volvo has gone for a minimalist look inside and it works beautifully with no clutter and simple lines to the sweeping dash and clean surfaces.The cars we drove felt as tight as a drum on some fairly appalling roads and they sat solidly on the road without flinching.The diesel was a favourite because of its more competitive price, low fuel consumption, (about 7.3 litres/100km average) and strong roll on acceleration. It is also 150kg lighter than the V8 and feels more nimble.The S80 has impressive safety credentials and fairly bristles with active and passive safety equipment including Volvo's version of ESP.It also has impressive clean credentials and is 85 per cent recyclable.Better yet is the V8 price is about $4,000 less than the old twin turbo six. The Germans should be looking over their shoulder.