Articles by Peter Barnwell

The Government will introduce most of these reforms from July. Effective immediately, firstyear P-plate drivers caught speeding will lose their driver’s licence for at least three months under the Government’s P-plate zero tolerance program. More than 18,000 P1 drivers were caught speeding during the 2005-06 financial year. A peer restriction scheme for all first-year red P plate (P1) drivers will be introduced from July and P1 drivers will be banned from all mobile phone use while behind the wheel. A tougher driving test for learner drivers getting their P-plates will be introduced later this year, focusing on hazard perception and driver reactions. Learner drivers will sit a longer and more vigorous test with almost twice as much time on the road. P1 drivers will only be able to carry one passenger under the age of 21 between 11pm and 5am. Exemptions will apply for P1 drivers with work commitments; those who need to carry family members; those engaged in community work like the rural fire service; older P1 drivers aged 25 years and over; and in emergency situations. Changes already announced to young driver laws will also come into force from July and will see all young drivers in NSW spend a minimum of four years on the graduated licensing system. NSW Police will conduct an enforcement campaign targeting P-plate drivers.

It's easy to spot the new nose, high-riser rear wing and a new design for its 17inch alloy wheels shod with 215/45 R17 performance tyres. There is more underneath.For extra safety, Tiburon adds ESP and front seat side thorax airbags to its standard dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, front seat belt pre- tensioners and load-limiters.Cornering is a touch more neutral and better damped with new front suspension lower control arms and bushes.Tiburons pollen-filtering air-conditioning is now fully automatic and gains AQS (Air Quality System) which automatically switches to recirculate if it senses overly polluted or pungent outside air.A new high quality audio system with an integrated auxiliary jack for connecting iPods, MP3 players and other portable audio devices is standard.Cool, blue-hue instrument lighting is new for Tiburon.Detail upgrades dot the revised interior.Standard equipment includes cruise control, leather steering wheel rim and auto gearshift knob, engine immobiliser, remote central locking with alarm, electric windows and door mirrors and a trip computer.The price is $34,990 for the six-speed manual and $36,780 for the Selectronic sequential clutchless manual-mode automatic.A TS limited edition finished in a stand-out new Vivid Blue medium metallic and factory- equipped with a power tilt-slide sunroof, black leather interior trim, TS badging and mono- grammed carpet mats. Tiburon TS is available now for $37,590 for the manual, more for the auto.Tiburon is powered by a 123kW/245Nm all- alloy, 2.7 litre, quad-cam, 24-valve, V6 engine. It weighs in at 1388kg.

The challenging look comes from a former Alfa Romeo designer who obviously liked the centre shield front look with squinty tail lights and transposed it to Subaru.Dig a little deeper into the Tribeca and you'll find an impressive vehicle, beautifully built and blessed with a super slick looking, functional interior. It has tidy road manners and feels solid and safe.The value for money proposition is also hard to resist with the $53,990 base model having dual air conditioning, cruise, Sooby's version of ESP, six air bags, satnav, 18in alloys, multi speaker audio and a rear view camera.And though we didn't venture off road, the 50/50 all wheel drive and good ground clearance would allow Tribeca to go most places short of heavy duty mudlarking or rock hopping. But don't get a flat because the spare's a space saver.It's a medium/large SUV competing directly with the almost equally visually challenging Nissan Murano and the stylish, locally-made Ford Territory Ghia.Two models are offered: 3.0R and Premium in either five or seven seat configuration.The engine is a petrol 3.0-litre flat six from Liberty and Outback and drives through a five speed auto offering sequential gear selection.Maximum output is 180kW/297Nm with the DOHC engine benefitting from variable valve timing and variable valve lift. Tribeca under- went local engineering refinement and it shows as the vehicle is super quiet on the road and offers a comfortable, controlled ride with a distinct sporty flavour.It tips the scales at around 1900kg and the beef hits fuel consumption. We averaged about 14-litres/100km with mixed driving but it goes up around town or when you push it on the highway with a load and the aircon' blasting.The auto works a treat and is a happier system than the Si drive autos in Outback and Liberty with the same engine.Performance is good for a vehicle this weight and size and the auto seamlessly flicks between ratios to keep everything on the boil.In a departure from Sooby-law, Tribeca has sash doors but access into the vehicle is easy. The third row of seats is for kids.Interior design is clever offering plenty of room and a sliding second row of seats. There are about a dozen cup holders in the cabin and numerous storage compartments.It's good to drive, responsive, sounds great and has plenty underfoot. The seats are comfy with even the base model having electrically adjustable fronts.Sitting in Tribeca you could be in a luxury car - it has that air about it.It's a super safe vehicle too passing the Australian NCAP crash test with a five star rating.Tribeca is the fifth product line for Subaru and like all the others, the vehicle is all quality and well engineered. It's just the skin you have to get used to.

The initials "GTS" meant something special from Holden.The legendary initials may have been passed to HSV but carry greater importance with new E-Series cars arrival. The new GTS 307 (power output) storms back to front and centre of the performance car world in Australia.As the first of a new genre, the VE series GTS will possibly become a collectors item, and will delight those fortunate enough to own and drive one.It's about as "in your face" as a four door sedan can get more than matching the fast and flash hyper-sedans from BMW, Benz and Audi for wow value.It isn't far behind in terms of handling and performance but the GTS costs about half as much.Refinements have flowed into the new model #comthe like of which we haven't yet seen in an Aussie-built car _Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) and priority key presets that automatically set the aircon, audio, seat, trip computer and speed alert.It's still a rear wheel drive with a pushrod V8 but that's no handicap when push comes to shove because this big brute has the grunt to make you wince and the handling to make your head spin from lateral forces.#comIt's to be expected when you look at HSV's progression from fairly mild beginnings to the wild but refined things coming off the line today.The GTS is the top of the HSV performance tree offering acceleration no other Aussie car can match.#comand cornering to rival anything from Europe.The heart of the matter is a big lump of an alloy V8 displacing 6.0-litres and cranking out a beefy 307kW/550Nm output.It needs 98 octane fuel to do this but you wouldn't feed the LS2 donk anything but the best.It will accelerate from 0-100kmh in less than 5.0 seconds _ impressive considering the car's weight. But on the open road the GTS really comes into its own providing superb roll-on acceleration and rapid throttle response that everyone should experience at least once in their life.This is all underpinned by a gorgeous throaty V8 rumble bellowing from the quad exhaust outlets.The test vehicle was equipped with a six speed automatic that offers sequential change mode and adaptive operation. It is sweet as a nut but can annoy occasionally by holding a gear too long.If you want more control, use the sequential change.It rolls on massive 20in wheels with super low profile 35 and 30 aspect tyres front and rear. They look like rubber bands and don't do a lot for ride comfort. But the MRC suspension does.The "normal" mode softens things up while button selected "Track" mode sets the dampers hard for race-track grip and response. It bangs a clatters a little but there is virtually no give in the tyres.Powerful braking is provided by massive AP Racing discs clamped by quad piston calipers all round but the width of the tyres does wonders for traction in all three planes _ acceleration, braking and cornering.#comThe MRC uses metal particles in the dampers to alter their stiffness.Steering response is lightening fast thanks in part to the low profile tyres. Fuel consumption ranges from heavy to acceptable with as little as 13 litres/100km achievable. Boot it and it will shoot up to the 20s.The car has sensational styling with body add-ons totally transforming the sedan look into something out of a race-car sci-fi. The rear splitter under the bumper is huge, there's a V8 Supercar style rear wing, massive front vents and it's capped off by those gorgeous 20in wheels.The interior is a little tamer lit-up by red inserts in the upholstery. A three dial pod caps the centre console area and the flat bottom wheel has multiple functions.It's comfortable and sporty and when cruising, almost silent inside.Premium audio kicks out 230 watts through 11 speakers and you can plug your iPod into the auxiliary input. A Bluetooth phone system is built in. There's a full size spare.The GTS scores plenty of luxury but misses out on satnav as standard and the headlights are halogen, not xenon.Small criticisms in a car costing $76,990, $2000 less for the manual.Excitement follows this car around. Park it and watch the attraction.#com It's a worthy holder of HSV's top dog position in a lineup that contains some of Australia's most desi rable cars.

Jeep has shoe-horned the 6.1-litre, 313kW/570Nm V8 from Chrysler's 300C SRT8 under the 4x4's bonnet, with startling results. All pretence to going off-road has been jettisoned in a quest to produce one of the quickest 4x4s on the planet.It has massive 20-inch lowprofile tyres, has been lowered by 25mm, runs Bilstein suspension and large diameter Brembo brakes – all straight out of the go fast parts bin.Street and Racing Technology is Chrysler/Jeep's performance wing and is responsible for development of this vehicle.The team has gone deeply into engineering tweaking mode, and the same could be said for the design team, on both the inside and out.The Hemi 6.1 V8 is a hugely updated version of the 5.7 V8 used in other Chrysler/Jeep products. It's been stripped down and souped upwith most internal components changed – right down to the forged steel crankshaft and reinforced cylinder block.It runs at a comparatively high 10.3:1 compression ratio, which demands 98 octane fuel.Though an overhead valve design with only two valves a cylinder, the goodies inside more than make up for technical simplicity. The redline has moved up 1000rpm to 6000rpm and it breathes through a large diameter dual exhaust system.Power gets to all four wheels by a sophisticated electronic fourwheel- drive system that can vary drive to the front or rear axle as needed: up to 100 per cent each way, and everything in between.Transmission is a five-speed auto with sequential change mode. It is similar to the transmission in Jeep's V6 turbo diesel.The exterior has extroverted body enhancements that scream ‘‘muscle''. It is not the most subtle styling makeover you will see but sends a clear massage.The massive front skirt is necessary to prevent air from getting under the vehicle at high speed. The rear treatment is stunning, highlighted by twin large diameter tail pipes clustered in the centre of the rear skirt.Inside scores the full street and racing technology treatment, with race-style leather/suede seats, monumental Boston Acoustics audio, electric everything and goodies like climate air and splashes of carbon fibre.On the road it's fabulous, offering sensational performance and sporty handling.The SRT8 handles like a sports sedan cornering flat and maintaining grip with neutral attitude.The steering is quick and the brakes are superb.It offers a firm ride, as expected, and there's an ever present rumble from the exhaust.Few vehicles are as quick out of the blocks. It rips away from a standstill in near neck-snapping fashion.On the other side of the coin is a brace of safety equipment that includes an electronic stability program, multiple airbags, rear park assist and rain sensing wipers.With a 77-litre tank it can be thirsty but driven normally the SRT8 drinks about 14.0-litres/ 100km.Only small numbers are being imported – 60 this year and a similar number next year.

The reasons are more psychological than factual because Camry is only marginally more fuel efficient than the new Commodore - but it's a four cylinder.Downsizing to fours is already happening -driven by rocketing fuel prices and more discerning buyers who do not equate size with quality or value for money.Toyota is hedging its bets with the forth- coming Aurion V6 competing with other local sixes.A V6 Camry would quickly materialise if Aurion doesn't fire to Toyota's satisfaction.This is the sixth generation Camry which first appeared here as an import back in 1983. Local production commenced in 1987. It's a global car developed by "virtual assembly" and is produced in about half a dozen locations but is neither made nor sold in Europe.Toyota is aiming up with this model shooting directly at Honda Accord Euro, Mazda6 and Subaru Liberty.Camry has a leg-up with the new chassis and body along with a revised 2.4-litre, four cylinder engine with variable valve timing. But it's at a power disadvantage which could cost sales. Maximum output is 117kW/218Nm.Transmissions are a five speed manual and five speed auto.Though staying true to the "Camry" family sedan formula, the new model is a sexy looking beast and should attract a wider audience including younger buyers and those looking for affordable prestige.Featuring Toyota styling DNA, elements of the Lexus IS250 and Toyota Yaris sedan are clearly evident but it's a much bigger, more "masculine" car than either.Only marginally longer than the previous model, new Camry has a longer wheelbase, wider track and considerably more interior room.The boot is also large and contains a full size spare.Toyota can make up to 140,000 Camrys a year at its Altona plant many of these for export.The body is made on a new press which forms the whole side of the car in one piece.New technology has been developed for the welding process.The strong chassis can cope with a 1200kg towing load but overall weight is up by 40-50kg.Along with the sleek sheetmetal came a slick interior that is airy, functional and modern. Toyota has specified multiple tones to lift the look inside.Plenty of local input has gone into Camry including additional engine and transmission cooling, dust sealing and ride/handling calibration.It's safer, stronger and more practical.Four models are offered: Altise, Ateva, Sportivo and Grande in ascending order. Ateva and Grande are auto only.In the three and a half year development phase, great efforts were made to cut noise and vibration and to improve dynamics.All models have more features than ever with dual air bags, air conditioning, cruise control, power ancillaries, steering wheel audio controls and auto headlights standard across the range which starts at $28,000 for the Altise manual.Grande at the other end of the scale scores leather, satnav, Bluetooth, rain sensing wipers, sunroof, and old-school woodgrain.The engine is similar to that used in RAV4 but has lower output due to Euro 4 emissions compliance.Fuel economy is rated at 9.9-litres/100km for the auto, 8.9 for the manual.It is compromised a little by Camry's beefy 1415-1480kgs.On the road the car impresses with excellent dynamics and a comfy ride. The engine is silent at idle and only becomes vocal when pressed.Performance is best described as adequate but power is used to good effect in the new automatic. However, the selector gate in manual mode on the new auto is a pain.It steers precisely and has good grip in tight turns.The Sportivo is a step up in all areas.Camry looks impressive on the road and is fun to drive.A good looking, well specified, affordable driver's Camry?More than any Camry before and definitely a move in the right direction.

Driving the new Audi RS4 is a bit like this but better, much better. It is one of the most accomplished super sedan cars on the road offering sensational engine performance matched by equally awesome road holding and a glorious sound from the dual outlet exhaust.Pitched at BMW's M3 and the Benz C55AMG, it outshines these near legendary cars in many ways but costs about the same ($164,500).Sporting a 309kW/430Nm, naturally aspirated V8 driving all four wheels, you just now the RS4 is going to be a "piece of work" and it sure is. This is the first RS4 sedan Audi has built. There are also wagon and cabriolet versions on the way. Engine runs like clockwork. Has variable valve timing and direct fuel injection to push massive power from relatively modest 4.2 litre capacity. Smooth as silk, willingly revs to 8250rpm, delivers heaps of grunt low down and sounds like nothing you've heard before. Fuel economy can better 11.0 litres/100km when cruising. Hooked up to a slick changing six speed manual gearbox. Light change action, light clutch action. All wheel drive Quattro system is latest generation from Audi with selective torque delivery depending on traction. RS4 is 30mm lower than other A4s, has wider track too for extra cornering grip. Massive 19in wheels with low profile rubber. Huge brakes are cross drilled and internally vented. Eight piston calipers on the front. Firm suspension with four link front and double wishbone rear. "S" button on steering wheel changes engine characteristics to sporty, opens exhaust baffles and squeezes drivers seat bolsters tighter. Interior is typically classy Audi effort – a study in leather, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium. Top class ancillaries, pin sharp audio blows you out the doors. Covers the 0-100km split in 4.8 seconds. Looks amazing with pumped out guards, extra intake vents – like a crouching beast. Room for four inside, heaps of luxury and safety features, big boot. Driving experience is difficult to describe– exhilarating, exciting, rewarding. Almost think the RS4 through corners. Makes mugs look good but pushes front end a bit in tight corners. Any downside? Resentment from less fortunates.VerdictThe striking blue one please. Now would be good. 

When a customer forks out this sort of money, they expect the best.The new S-Class, with more than a passing resemblance to the stratospherically luxurious Maybach, breaks new ground with a dozen technological innovations available for the first time on a series production car.These include dynamic contour seats with moving side bolsters for cornering, "Brake Assist" that optimises braking function ac- cording to driving conditions and demands, "Pre-Safe" that optimises various safety systems if a collision is imminent and active air suspension that adjusts according to the road, load and driving style.But the trump card is night view assist, an infrared camera ($4000) that gives the driver a clear night view beyond even bi-xenon headlights on a monochromatic in-dash screen.The safety implications of night view assist are awesome particularly if mass manufacturing makes it accessible further down the car food chain.The new S-Class is bigger in every dimension than the previous model and is available in short and long wheelbase with the latter being 130mm longer at 5206 metres.The extra size correlates to additional interior room and more comfort.Accepting that the S500, the only V8 in the lineup, has almost every imaginable luxury, what is it like to drive?The $270,000 test vehicle was a long wheelbase model and that means copious rear seat legroom.The car has huge visual impact commanding attention wherever it goes. Large wheel arch flares add a distinctive touch as does the "pancake" bootlid.Power comes from a 5.5-litre petrol V8 kicking out an impressive 285kW/530Nm, sufficient to propel the big S500 from 0-100kmh in a scant 5.4 seconds.It does this while being capable of using as little as only 10.5 litres of petrol/ 100km in mixed driving.Drive is to the rear wheels via a seven speed auto with sequential shift on steering wheel mounted buttons.There is never a point when the S500 can't provide blistering acceleration. It can be cruising almost silently and move away like a sports saloon car with a moderate push on the throttle.When sound is audible, it's a bass exhaust burble - totally in keeping with the big Benz.Ride is superb thanks to the adaptive air suspension which delivers a supple controlled ride no matter what the conditions.The interior is finely crafted and stylishly modern offering easy to use controls and high levels of comfort.Possibly the only complaint I have with this car is the Benz version of that annoying BMW I-Drive controller in the centre console.When you're driving, you need to be looking at the road and concentrating, not fiddling with a electronic controller and looking at the readout screen to find out which function you have.

That can't be said of the sleek- looking second generation.In addition to being a handsome vehicle the new Santa Fe also ups the ante across the board - build quality, ride and handling, practicality, noise and vibration suppression, safety and fuel economy.It's bigger too and is available with seven useable seats in three rows complete with three point seat belts. A five seater is in the mix too.Matching the more elegant exterior is a stylish interior with modern decor and user- friendly controls.Safety is also greatly enhanced with the inclusion of six air bags, Electronic Stability Program, ABS and active head restraints across the range.Santa Fe has a full size spare wheel.The vehicle might be larger but the turning circle is smaller facilitating parking.Two models are available, Santa Fe and Elite with a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine initially followed soon by a 335Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel four and a 3.3-litre V6. The petrol engines see duty in other Hyundai vehicles while the diesel is a new addition.The 2.7 is improved with variable valve timing and variable intake system uprating output to 138kW/248Nm.Hyundai also claims the revised engine delivers better fuel economy at 10.4-litres/ 100km.Two transmissions are offered: a five speed manual is standard on the base model with a four speed auto optional.The latter is possibly the only real disappointment with the new Santa Fe. It deserves a five speed auto at least.The all wheel drive system is on-demand with drive predominantly to the front wheels until reduced traction prompts the rear wheels to start driving. It's an electronically controlled system that also offers a switchable 4WD lock mode with 50/50 torque split.Santa Fe is a practical vehicle full of handy stuff such as the cool box between the front seats, 100kg roof racks, panoramic mirror for monitoring inside the cabin, vents for all seats and rake and reach steering adjustment.The air conditioning (standard) has a pollen filter and both models have power windows and mirrors along with 17in alloy wheels.The leather wheel features controls for audio and cruise. The entry level Santa Fe manual five seater is priced from $35,990.The first thing you notice is how well built it is and the attractive new styling.But Santa Fe is even better on the road (and off). There's plenty of performance and ride/ handling characteristics are impressive for a vehicle such as this.Though relatively compact, the seven seats fit easily and access is simple. The rear two rows fold forming a large load space.Plenty of onlookers wanted to know what it was and were surprised when told it was a Hyundai. 

But at more than 5m, it's almost too long to fit in the garage, has minimal rear seat legroom and a bouncy rear suspension, drinks copious amounts of petrol, won't pull sixth gear up long uphills and rumbles at 110kmh like a runaway freight train but Aussie blokes just love the dual-cab Holden Crewman SS.It is possibly one of the most aspirational vehicles for a certain large group of Australian males.That's because the SS Crewman is a bet each way, a cross between the sporty, macho SS sedan and the practical Holden ute.Crewman SS removes the need to have two cars in the garage - one for work and one for play, rolling both into this "hybrid" work/play truck.The $47,690 SS version scored a 6.0-litre V8 this year to comply with new emissions regulations (ADR 79/01). The old 5.7-litre V8 was too dirty and needed too much work to make it pass.The new engine, code named L76, offers more of everything except pollution and is going to be the range topper in Holden's forthcoming new VE Commodore lineup.It's a hearty big banger even with an overhead valve system out of last century.Output is an impressive 260kW with 510Nm of torque on 98 premium fuel.But the six speed manual gearbox it too high geared to fully realise all this potential. It's dulled down to the point of being annoying, especially when a downchange is needed on an uphill run. Plenty of 1.8-litre fours actually accelerate in top up the same stretch. But they don't sound like the SS Crewman which delivers aural stimulation in truckloads.Performance in the lower ratios is strong and the SS Crewman will never be found lacking in the acceleration department.It also handles OK to a point until its considerable mass, long wheelbase and commercial vehicle rear suspension conspire to muck things up. The tray is a useful size capable of taking a couple of trail bikes with the tailgate down. A plastic tray liner would be handy.The interior is basically a lift from Commodores SS and is functional and stylish with plenty of room in the front and a swag of features.