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The theory is that by then all the bugs and problems will have been fixed.The downside, of course, is that being at the end of its life your new car will soon be yesterday's news; replaced by something brighter and better.For example, take Mercedes-Benz's now ageing CLK coupe, an evergreen which has been around in various forms since 1998 and will be replaced in August by a brand spanking new E-Class coupe; the fresh metal needed by Benz to take on the likes of Audi's A5 and BMW's 3-Series.But for many CLK fans the day it finishes its showroom run will be a sad one. The CLK has won many hearts and loyal owners.There's a simple reason: Benz has perfected the CLK's recipe to produce something oh so desirable.The version I've been driving, the AMG 63 coupe, marries a heady mix of luxury and refinement with a smallish body and an over-the-top powerplant.OK, it's expensive at $208,000 and it's not the greenest car in the showroom, but just for once, this is about driving a car which stirs the heart not the brain.The AMG's firecracker performance comes from a thumping naturally aspirated all-alloy V8 with a 6.2-litre capacity (Benz says its 6.3 but its true capacity is 62088cc which in my book is closer to 6.2l). The AMG engine is unusual because it combines high revs with big displacement - something you don't see nowadays. The advantages are terrific flexibility and even better bottom-end acceleration.But the raw numbers of 354kW and an awesome 630Nm of torque don't really tell the full story. This is a coupe you want to drive all day _ and then turn around and drive it more.The CLK itself is also not the most stylish car on the street; it's modest lines reflect more middle age than youthful appeal and it lacks the muscular and curvaceous body which seems to be mandatory nowadays. But the AMG body kit, from the mesh grille to the dual exhaust pipes, saves the day, adding the necessary hint that there's something special behind the conservative lines.Inside, the cockpit, drapped in black leather and alloy, fits like the cliched glove and you can adjust the front seats to hug your body - but sorry Mr Benz but the layout is confusing and messy. A case in point - the flat-bottomed steering wheel is corralled by control stalks. There are paddles for the up and down shifting of the sequential six-speed gearbox and stalks for the cruise control, lights and wipers and one to power adjust the steering column. Add buttons on the wheel to control the radio and onboard computer and its just too much.Top marks however for the stylish layout of the dashboard instruments, including an old fashioned analogue clock.I have never been a fan of foot operated park brakes but the CLK makes up for with some high-tech fun bits like remote starting. You can fire the engine up by pushing a button on top of the gearshifter if you can't be bothered using the key.When you unlock the car, the windows drop slightly, breaking the door seal while a seatbelt holder silently glides forward so there's no fishing for the belt which can be a problem with two-door coupes.The CLK is unashamedly designed for two _ oh there is a back seat but there's not a lot of room back there so its suitable for short trips or for kids. The boot space, fitted with a spacesaver, is more than reasonable and the lid can be closed automatically with the push of a button. Nice if you have your hands full.Of course for a car which commands this sort of pricetag you expect your wheels to be comprehensively equipped. And here the AMG doesn't disappoint: there's a raft of safety and traction aids, navigation, park assistance, bi-xenon lights, 18-inch wheels, smart air conditioning, a quality audio system, TV and both seat warmers and coolers.On the road the CLK is a bit of a dark horse. Around town it is well behaved, the only hint of something sinister lurking under the bonnet is the sophisticated growl from the V8.Give it its head on an open road and Mr Hyde becomes Mr Jekyll. Plant your foot and thank god for traction control as the car tries to get power to the road. And the engine note should be bottled and.The car's grip, balance and poise is nothing short of superb. Oh there is a downside: I dislike the steering which can lack feel for what's happening on the road and the brakes feel a tad underdone even though AMG has applied its magic to them.There are plenty of luxury cars on the market all vying for a small slice of the upmarket pie. Does the CLK AMG have an ageless appeal. My word it does. Worth investing before they disappear.Price: From $208,767Engine: 6.2-litre V8, 354kW @6800rpm, 630Nm @5000rpmPerformance: 0- 100km/h 4.7 seconds, top speed governed to 250km/hTransmission: Six speed sequential auto, rear wheel drive.How thirsty: 14.2l/100km claimed. Under test: 16.8l/10km

Video: National Motoring editor Paul Gover inspects the new concept car ahead of its debut at the Melbourne Motor ShowIt will be auctioned as a fundraiser later this year but, more than that, it is the focus for the Auto Horizon Foundation.It is being used to create a portal for careers in the motor industry, putting into practice the innovation goals set out in Steve Bracks’ review of the motor industry in 2008.“It’s about showcasing Australian innovation and promoting the automotive industry and careers in the industry,” says FR1 main man Brian Tanti.”It’s a combination of helping youngsters in choosing careers in automotive, and also in exposing them to what’s out there. There are very few opportunities to do that in an engaging way.”Backers and partners in the Auto Horizon Foundation include actor Eric Bana and the Victorian Department of Education and Training.Tanti’s dream is to create a hands-on teaching facility at Batman TAFE’s Automotive Centre of Excellence at Docklands (the centre is home to the FR1 workshop). It’s a goal which runs back to his own children and the youngsters coming through the Fox Collection car museum, where Tanti is curator.“A long time ago I built an Edwardian half-scale Rolls-Royce for my daughters. The idea was just to build them something to run around in,” he says.“We then developed the experience into an education program for kids.“It was something we offered here at the museum as part of an ongoing education program, with children assembling the cars on a mini production line.“I noticed through running tours at the museum that school kids knew very little about the work being done and the disciplines involved.“It was important that whatever we did had some practical connection, an emotive link, to youth.” The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

The highest bidder will receive the fender from HSV’s W427, which spectacularly collided with a wall of tyres at Oran Park late last year.The prize also includes a ‘hot lap’ in the HRT rides car and lunch with the man behind the wheel of the famous Aussie Supercar at the time of the prang, the Toll Holden Racing Team’s Garth Tander, at the company’s Clayton headquarters.According to the 2007 V8 Supercar Champion, the money raised will be a small contribution to support the victims of the bushfire tragedy.“So many people have lost everything and both HSV and HRT wanted to put together a unique opportunity to make a donation to this most worthy cause,” Tander said.‘I’d urge all V8 Supercar fans and motoring enthusiasts to get behind this auction – not only will they be supporting a really worthy cause but it’s a chance to own a pretty special piece of motoring history.”The auction has a reserve of $1000 with last bids due by 4.25pm on Friday February 27.For further details and to place a bid visit www.hsv.com.au or www.hrt.com.au. 

A new diesel-powered Mini will arrive in Australia later this year to claim the title of Australia's cleanest new car, soundly beating the high-profile Toyota hybrid Prius.Australian Mini models will start coming off the production line in Oxford, England, in March and are expected to be in the showrooms by late May, early June.Pricing is yet to be finalised, but it is expected the base Mini D will come with a $34,000 price tag which is $700 more than the existing 1.6-litre entry level petrol model, the three-door Mini Cooper.A better equipped Chilli version is expected to be priced at just under $38,000, about $1000 more than the petrol version.The turbocharged 1.6-litre diesel will come with two big drawcards - frugal fuel economy and boasting rights, being greenest engine of any new car sold here.Mini says the Cooper D's fuel consumption is a claimed 3.9 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions will be just 104g/km. The fuel consumption, in theory, gives the four-seater a range of 1025km from its 40-litre tank.The engine is sourced by Mini from Peugeot. It's the same engine which powers the Peugeot 207 HDi, but the Mini beats its French rival in fuel consumption bragging right because it is almost 240kg lighter in kerb weight.The cleanest car sold in Australia at present is the tiny tot 1-litre smart fortwo cabrio. Its CO2 level is 105g/km and achieves a claimed 4.4l/100km.Other green-friendly fuel misers include the 1.5-litre petrol/electric Prius (106g/km, 4.4l/100km) and the 1.3-litre diesel Fiat 500 (111g/km, 4.2l/100km).Australia's small car favourite, the 1.8-litre Toyota Corolla can only manage 172g/km and an average fuel consumption of 7.3l/100km.Mini says the new D will feature fuel saving technology borrowed from parent company BMW including automatically switching off the engine when the car is stopped as well as brake energy regeneration and a dashboard display prompting the driver when to shift up a gear for maximum efficiency.Other fuel-saving measures include a water pump for cooling and electric assistance for the power steering which are only switched on when needed.The Cooper D will come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard and a six-speed auto as an option.The common-rail 1.6-litre diesel with variable turbo boost produces 80kW and 240Nm of torque between 1750rpm and 2000rpm, but 70 per cent of maximum torque is on tap at 1250rpm. Torque can be boosted to 260Nm using maximum throttle for swifter overtaking.On full boost, the Mini D takes a leisurely 9.9 seconds to hit 100km/h from a standing start, two tenths of a second quicker than the 207 HDi.On the styling front, the D comes with an aerodynamic undertray, a slightly larger power dome on the bonnet and a slightly different grille to the air intake below the bumper.On sale: Mid yearHow much: $34,000 to $38,000Power: 1.6-litre turbo diesel, 80kW at 4000rpm, 240Nm at 1750rpm (260Nm under full boost).Fuel consumption: 3.9l/10km claimed, CO2 104g/kmTransmission: Six-speed manual, six speed auto optionalKerb weight: 1090kg

VW has just the answer - a wagon which nearly does it all for you.VW this week launched the long awaited petrol versions of its popular Tiguan softroader with one feature its rivals cannot match.The compact SUV can be ordered with a self-parking system, something which to date has only been found in dearer luxury cars from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.Park Assist will cost $1390 on base petrol and diesel Tiguans and $890 on the flagship version, which already comes equipped with some of the sensors needed to operate the system.The sensors measure whether a parallel parking space is long enough to fit the wagon. It needs a minimum 70cm clearance in front and behind the Tiguan before the system decides it can steer the wagon into the space.The driver selects reverse, takes their hands off the steering wheel but controls the braking and throttle as the wagon neatly steers itself into the space and then straightens the vehicle up.The driver still has the responsibility of checking that the vehicle's path is clear of pedestrians.Pricing and variantsThe addition of the two turbo petrol variants has expanded the Tiguan range to three models and shifts the entry price to under $34,000 while the top of the range model has been pushed close to $43,000.The existing 103kW TDI turbo diesel ($35,990) has been joined by the entry petrol 125kW model ($33,990) with a six-speed manual as standard, while the more potent 147kW petrol version becomes the flagship model ($42,990). It only comes with a six-speed auto.The auto gearbox is offered on the 125kW version as a $2300 option.Delivery The world-wide financial crisis may have brought an unexpected bonus for Volkswagen in Australia.The German brand launched its Tiguan soft roader in May, but it has been so popular that VW could not fill the order bank, with some customers waiting up to nine months for delivery.Launched here initially with a 2-litre diesel engine, the supply constraint seriously handicapped VW's push into the compact SUV market and its bid to take on Toyota's RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester and Honda's CRV, which between them account for half the market. The Tiguan's share of the SUV pie has been a lowly 1 per cent.But a slowdown in demand for the Tiguan by other right-hand drive markets in Europe due to the economic crisis appears to have been a win for VW here.An extra 1100 vehicles now earmarked for Australia are currently filtering through the Wolfsburg production line and will start arriving in Australia next month, effectively unplugging the supply bottle neck.Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Jutta Dierks says delivery times are now expected to return to a normal three to four month wait, depending on what specifications are ordered. Just where the extra Tiguans have suddenly come from no one in VW Australia can say but there are plenty of smiles in the management team that the extra volume is a welcome Christmas present.DRIVINGThe jury is still out on whether the world really needs a wagon which can park itself. But some inexperienced drivers find the task daunting and the system will also appeal to those who have difficulty in distance perception.The entry price of the Tiguan is an added drawcard for a wagon which, in diesel form, greatly impressed the judges in this year's Carsguide Car of the Year contest for its superb ride and handling, comfort, quality and value for money. None of that has changed with the petrol newcomers.So the Tiguan already has the runs on the board as the best compact SUV on the market. Adding the two petrol engines adds icing to the cake.Even the base 125Kw unit is surprisingly good in terms of power delivery and is more than satisfying. If you have the money, the 147kW version is however the better buy, thanks to its brisk off the line performance but peak power arrives at higher revs than its smaller brother.Both engines however share the same peak torque output of 280Nm, but the bigger engine offers a wider spread, with maximum torque available from 1700 revs right up to 5000 revs. The 125kW version tops out at 4200 revs so it not as flexible.The downside to the petrol Tiguans: both need dearer 98 RON premium fuel and the diesel has better fuel economy - 7.4l/100km compared to the petrol's 9.1l/100km.It could be a strong factor in deciding which model to go for.Price: from $33,990Engine: four-cylinder petrol, 125kW at 4300rpm or 147kW at 5100rpm ; torque 280Nm at 1700rpm.Transmission: Standard with six-speed manual (125kW version) or six-speed Tiptronic auto (147kW version). Tiptronic gearbox optional on base model. VWs 4MOTION all wheel drive.

It is not a hybrid, it doesn't run on electricity and there isn't just water coming out of the tailpipe.

The Czech-built Octavia RS has been enlivened with a new diesel engine.Engines Until now, the sports orientated RS lift back and wagon only came packing a turbocharged 2-litre 147kW four-cylinder petrol motor, combined with a six-speed manual transmission .That's all about the change.Buyers looking at reducing their fuel bill can now opt for a performance-orientated Octavia RS TDi with a frugal 2-litre common rail turbo diesel - coming from Skoda's parent, Volkswagen which has also fitted it, in various states of tune, to the Tiguan, Golf, Passat and Jetta.In the Golf it develops 103kW, but in the Octavia RS there's a much healthier 125kW to play with and as such is the most powerful diesel offered by Skoda to date. There's a choice of a six-speed manual or for the first time, an optional six-speed VW sourced dual clutch `manu-matic’ (DSG) - something we have already seen throughout the VW family.From February, the automatic DSG will also be offered in the petrol RS; the 2009 update for both petrol and diesel models also brings audio controls and paddle shifting on the steering wheel.Styling It's not all good news though: the bland styling of the RS Octavia is now four years old and it shows, but it's Down Under duty has been extended by Skoda until the third quarter of next year when it will be replaced with a heavily face lifted version showing a much stronger styling to match its sporty persona.Transmissions While future bread and butter Octavia models will next year feature a seven-speed DSG, the RS will retain the six-speeder because the seven wasn't designed for a high torque engine.Pricing The diesel version of RS went on sale this week, sharply priced at $39,490 for the manual lift back and $41,790 for the DSG manual/auto. That's a $2000 premium over the petrol version. The diesel wagon starts at $41,490, with the DSG priced at $43,790.Equipment Standard kit on the diesel RS includes lowered suspension with stiffer spring ratings, stability control, 18-inch alloys, boot spoiler, sports seats and pedals, three-spoke leather steering wheel and go-fast looking red-painted brake calipers.Safety Safety gear includes six airbags, active front head rests, anti lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution and traction control.DRIVING A few years ago, if you mentioned the words `diesel’ and `sports’ in the same sentence people thought you were, well, balmy.But as a succession of European brands has shown in more recent times you can successfully marry an oil burner with enough performance to raise your blood pressure. Call it the smile factor, and Skoda's RS TDi leaves you grinning.The stop watch aptly tells the story here; the 2-litre diesel, at 8.4 seconds, is just 1.1 seconds slower from zero to 100km/h than its 2-litre turbo petrol RS cousin; not shabby at all considering acceleration from a standing start has traditionally been a diesel's downfall. Remarkably, if you believe Skoda's specification list, the diesel mysteriously weighs up to 40kg less than the petrol version which may explain why the sprint times are so close.OK, the petrol engine does win out on terminal speed at 240km/h against the diesel's mere 225km/h but, as any copper will tell you, that's an irrelevant yardstick nowadays.Where the diesel excels - and should appeal to green-at-heart family buyers - is on fuel economy and exhaust emissions: the diesel is rated at 5.9l/100km; the petrol can only manage 8.1l/100km. The diesel, thanks to its particulate filter is cleaner too, producing 155g of CO2 at the tailpipe per kilometre; the petrol is rated at 193g/km.But stat sheets are one thing; driving the RS TDi is another and, not surprisingly, it doesn't disappoint, on both the road and racetrack.Adding common rail technology to the new engine (instead of the single point Pumpe Duse system in the old engine) has substantially reduced noise and vibration levels to a point, at times, you have to think whether you are driving a diesel or petrol. Looking for a badge on the boot won't help either - there's nothing to tell the diesel from the petrol apart from engine noise at idle.The diesel still shows a lot of turbo lag which is annoying if you want to press on, and there's a degree of predictable understeer to contend from this front wheeler with a lot of weight over its front axle. But the RS shows a wonderfully balanced chassis and refinement which adds to the driving enjoyment.The RS doesn't provide wild child performance; but it will satisfy most drivers. It's a solid, quality built car offering plenty of value for money.What the RS lacks is a styling package which has the ability to turn heads - painting the brake calipers bright red and adding a mild aero kit doesn't cut it - which neatly sums up Skoda's problems in getting attention in this country as it tries to reestablish the brand.

... based on the clearance rates of 87 per cent achieved at a similar collectors' auctions in the USA in the past week.At RM Auctions' annual sale of Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey in Pennsylvania last weekend, 73 of the 84 lots on offer sold for a total of $US 6.9 million ($Aus 10.3 million) - a fantastic clearance rate of 87 per cent.Meanwhile a week earlier, 36 of the 48 lots offered in Bonhams & Butterfields' auction of Important Motorcars in Massachusetts resulted in an excellent 75 per cent clearance rate and total sales of $US 2.7 million ($Aus 4.0 million).Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said that in tighter economic times, proven collectable cars were good property, with keen buyers and collectors looking for quality, originality and excellent provenance."The results in the United States, which is bearing the brunt of the current economic conditions, speak for themselves," he said. "In the collectors' auction industry we are seeing a 'flight to quality', where classic vehicles could maintain, rather than decrease their value.Highlights of Shannons Motor Show auction from 2.30pm on Sunday in Parkside Ballroom, Level 1, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour include:a rare 1969 Boss Mustang 429 Fastback (guiding range $320-$350,000)a beautiful, low mileage 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220S coupe owned by the current vendor for 30 years ($25-$35,000)an award-winning 1928 Ford Model A Tourer ($30-$35,000)a superb Australian-built replica of a 1931 Blower Bentley ($55-$65,000)a magnificent 1985 V12 Ferrari Testarossa coupe with a very realistic reserve price (guiding range $80-$95,000)the NSW black and white number plate '643' ($90-$105,000)the NSW personalised number plate 'Z' (No reserve - $25-$35,000)All vehicles are on display prior to the auction in Hall 4 in the Upper Gallery, Parkside Promenade, just outside Hall 6.

Benzs were driven by well off old blokes in tweed jackets who were happy to pay big dollars for the privilege of having that famous three-pointed star on their bonnet. Luxury came at a cost.Not any more.Fast forward to 2008 and the average age of a Benz owner, now dressed in a Boss suit, has fallen to 52, largely thanks to the C-Class models which were deliberately pitched at a more youthful market.And along with the drop in age there has been a steady rise in Benz's value for money. Want to buy a classy mid-sized Benz for under $50,000? Certainly, what colour would you like?Enter the latest addition to the Benz family, the CLC Sports Coupe, a two-door, four-seater which comes into the market this week with two of the three versions sneaking under the luxury car tax of $57,180.The entry model has been sharply priced at a cucumber sandwich and latte under $50,000 at $49,990. And that makes the CLC one of the best new car buys of the year.It may look like the current award winning C Class, but the CLC sits on a seven-year-old chassis of the previous and smaller C-Class. Will buyers care? Probably not because the older C-Class wasn't such a bad thing apart from its dated and hard riding suspension.So forget the underpinnings; this latest CLC has been cleverly honed into a very likable, very driveable and desirable made-in-Brazil mousetrap.Benz has predicted it will draw in even more younger buyers, and importantly for a brand dominated by male owners, more females to the fold.Like the outgoing version, the CLC is immensely important for Benz as an entree model. It is expected to win over buyers from other brands _ Benz predicts conquest sales could be as high as 70 per cent — and once they are in the Benz family about 40 per cent of them will probably stay loyal to the brand.Benz is serving up three rear-wheel drive versions, all with the same 135kW four-cylinder supercharged engine and fitted with a five-speed automatic, although a six-speed manual will be available as a no-cost option.There is no diesel, which is a pity because the 2.2-litre version tested in Europe earlier this year was impressive.The CLC 200 Kompressor opens the batting at $49,900. Standard equipment includes eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, rear park assist, lowered sports suspension, 17-inch alloys, dual zone air conditioning, cruise control, multi-function display, sports seats with manual adjustment, Artico fake leather and cloth upholstery, rain sensing wipers and fog lamps.Next comes the 200 Kompressor Evolution at $53,900. It gains different alloy wheels, bi xenon head lamps, Benz's clever direct steering system, paddle shift for the automatic and full fake leather upholstery.Top of the line up is the 200 Kompressor Evolution Plus at $58,988. It adds front seas with electric adjustment and memory settings, automatic climate control air conditioning, huge glass sunroof and maple wood trim.Lower spec models can be optioned with the sun roof, satellite navigation, real leather upholstery, alarm system and AMG alloy wheels. Benz is predicting it can sell 1200 CLCs a year.I drove the CLC when it was launched in Austria earlier this year and came away more than impressed at its road manners, less so about it disjointed styling.The one proviso — I wanted to confirm its slightly hard ride would work on rougher home roads and it has lived up to that expectation.This C-Class pretender doesn't have the same crisp handling and precise balance of the latest generation C-Class but it's still impressive anyway.The styling is a less than happy marriage between a new C-Class front and old C-Class rear and the rear view is seriously diminished by the letter box rear window, making the car's electronic parking assist a necessity. The previous version had a second lower window in the tailgate, but that has been sacrificed in the restyling.Where the CLC does impress is its ability to tackle with aplomb our poor excuse for rural roads, covered in potholes, undulations and broken verges. City driving is easy once you get used to the blind spot at the rear. A rear camera would help here but it is missing from the equipment list.The badges say sports coupe but the 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine doesn't quite deliver sports performance and is handicapped by the car's weight. Instead the motor provides perky rather than firecracker outcome, and at times more torque than the 250Nm available would be desirable. Fuel consumption at 8.2l/100km is a plus however.The base model gets conventional linear steering while the top versions get a steering assist system which reduces the amount of turns needed to tackle the corners. It takes a little getting used too; you tend to overseer at first, but the reduction in steering effort is welcome. It's a simple mechanical system, designed in Australia, which uses a change in gearing ratio on the steering rack, which reduces steering effort by up to 25 per cent.The cabin, with generous and comfortable seating for four — a rarity in this market — is spacious enough, although tall passengers will find rear head room is tight. Boot space is good thanks to the fitment of a deflated space saver tyre.Has Benz developed a sufficient mouse trap to lure first time buyers into the fold. The simple answer is yes, and I suspect most will be more than happy with what is on offer. An honest coupe, if you can live with two doors, which is quiet, offers reasonable performance and has terrific road manners and balance.

The Daewoo-sourced Epica was launched here in April last year with a choice of an underwhelming 2-litre petrol motor and a more perky 2.5-litre six-cylinder.But both cars failed to inspire buyers who had a rich choice in the mid sized market between Toyota's Camry, Ford's Mondeo, the Mazda 6 and Honda Accord.Add a shortage of supply and the Epica fell to a distant fifth in the sales charts.Holden's marketing and sales boss Alan Batey, says he wanted to establish the Epica - the replacement for the European-sourced Vectra - with a diesel version but at the time it was not available.Now it is and Holden expects the diesel Epica will account for at least half its sales.“The petrol version established the Epica nameplate, but ideally we would have liked to have had the diesel from the start,” Batey said.“We believe the vehicle will be very successful; we are offering economy to the mid sized equation. For under $30,000 you can now buy a diesel with a six-speed automatic and six airbags, how good is that?”The Epica, from GM's Bupyong plant in South Korea, has essentially been relaunched with the lacklustre 2-litre four-cylinder manual-only CDX now axed from the line up. The range now consists of two engine choices (the in-line six cylinder petrol and the four-cylinder diesel) one transmission (six-speed auto with manual select) and two well equipped trim levels (the CDX and the CDXi).The Epica gains more in the value stakes with extra equipment while pricing for the petrol remains unchanged starting at $27,990.The commonrail diesel, the same motor from the Captiva, slips in under the $30,000 barrier at $29,990.There's a $3000 difference between specification levels.Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and six air bags. Service intervals have ben stretched out to 15,000km. The CDXi gains reart park assist.The turbocharged diesel, according to Holden, sips on average just 7.6 litres per 100km despite adding 70kg to the car's weight. It develops 110kW at 4000rpm and a hefty 320Nm of torque at 2000rpm, although it is not the cleanest diesel on the market, producing 210g/km of carbon dioxide. Holden says the diesel is 23 per cent more fuel efficient than market leader, the petrol-powered Toyota Camry with an automatic transmission and has lower CO2 emissions.Holden says switching from a five-speed to a six-speed automatic transmission for the petrol model has improved fuel economy at highway speeds by as much as 14 per cent, although its overall fuel economy rating remains unchanged at 9.3l/100km. There have been minor styling changes to the front and rear to bring the car more up to date. DRIVING You can understand why Holden wanted the diesel Epica from day one. For an oil burner it is remarkably quiet and vibration-free and provides a comfortable drive thanks to a well sorted suspension. The sombre all-grey interior is still a let down, feeling cold and lifeless and doesn't match the upmarket feel of the Thai-built Honda Accord. No question about the Epica's value for money however. The move by Holden to bring the diesel in under $30,000 should be a market winner.But you can question the match between automatic and diesel engine. At 100km/h the motor spins away at 2000 revs; move up to 110km/h and the engine is more relaxed at 1800rpm, meaning the car is more fuel efficient at speeds above most highway limits.