Articles by Staff Writers

The Swede's inline five-cylinder turbo, which is used also in Ford's Focus and Mondeo XR5 models is a quick and capable thing married to the slick six-speed manual.But though the C30 looks more or less Volvo from the B-pillar forward, its glass hatch is a singular and welcome departure from the design norm; albeit one that makes the cargo cover a very necessary option on a list of them that's way long.SnapshotVOLVO C30 T5Price: $43,950 (as tested $49,080)Engine: 2.5-litre/5-cylinder turbo 162kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed manualEconomy: 8.7L 100kmDo you think this is a worthy Car of the Year finalist?For all the latest on the carsguide Car Of The Year click here

When you are driving one of only six cars of its kind on Australian roads there is a fair chance you are going to get noticed.It starts with the occasional turn of a head, other drivers pulling up alongside at the lights for a double take and people winding down their windows for a closer inspection. It tops out with people taking photos.None of them seemed to be quite sure what the car was.That's how it was with our 10-day test drive of the Toyota TRD Aurion, the first high-spec hot-performance version of the Toyota family sedan.The car sits astride 19-inch alloys that give it a mean and eager stance.So much so that once road grime and brake dust hide their gleam you feel obliged to wash them to restore the appeal. The TRD's uniqueness was heightened days after our test finished when every car (all six of them) was recalled because of engine problems in one.Toyota has restarted sales after testing showed there was a problem with that one car being over-revved.For all Toyota Australia's desires to match Holden and Ford's high-performance vehicle divisions in producing a top-end performance car they have created a stylish, sporty, safe and comfortable sedan.It borders on saloon more than sedan with a feel, particularly the interior, being more Statesman than HSV Clubsport.It comes in two levels of trim. The 3500S for sport is priced at $56,990, below the luxury car tax threshold.It has a special TRD brake package and sports suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, special bumpers and side skirts, sports seats and alloy pedals among its standard features.I tested the 3500SL, for sports luxury, which is priced at $61,500.It adds a computerised start button and car entry, a full leather interior, parking sensors, dual-zone airconditioning, a six-way front passenger seat to complement the driver's seat plus branded floor mats. Both models share the 241kW Eaton supercharged 3.5-litre V6 engine and both have an automatic six-speed box.Engine power is up some 41kW from the top-spec Aurion; a 20 per cent increase which is noticeable and enjoyable. Acceleration response is impressive, the low-down torque derived through the supercharger gets things moving swiftly.Toyota says it referenced its research into Australian driving habits when designing the car. It makes for interesting reading. It found Australian drivers want to accelerate briskly to the speed limit like Americans. But they also want to brake late into corners and maintain corner speed like European drivers.Toyota quotes 6.1 seconds for rushing from standing to 100km/h. When the pedal is down you certainly notice the effect.As well as having plenty of go, our test model stood out in black (Toyota calls it Ink) setting off its large, shiny metal wheels. Well, until it rained, that is. The black got very dirty and road grime and brake dust discoloured the large wheels.Nothing a wash can't fix but the lesson is learned; black cars need more maintenance.The car also comes in a far-easier-to-keep-clean silver.The interior controls were well laid out and easy to read. Pressing a simple display button shows fuel economy average (which averaged 9.5 litres per 100km on test), how many kilometres were left to empty and the regular trip meter.The mauve (Toyota calls it plum) and black seats are comfortable enough with the driver's seat being fully power-operated.Missing inside though was something that should be mandatory in a $60,000 car; satellite navigation. Portable GPS units and maps are OK, but the price tag demands it should be a fixture rather than an optional extra.Behind the grumbling driver there was plenty of room for the two rear seat passengers.We packed the boot with enough luggage for a weekend away for four and there was plenty of room to do it.Toyota has only given mild badge treatment to differentiate the car from your common garden-variety Aurion. If anything, the badge looks ordinary.Holden and Fords of this ilk boast a V8 rumble but instead the V6 TRD has more of a surging sound.It suggests something good is happening, at a different aural level.One pleasing aspect was being able to control the harping and beeping reverse-parking sound. It seems particularly loud but the annoyance was overcome when I found the switch to turn it off.Rear visibility is quite reasonable so the sensors are not an essential requirement. However, at least they are available for parking in tight or dark spots.One problem with the car came during a weekend trip when a sensor came on indicating there was a drama with the electronic vehicle stability control. While the light was annoying, it did not affect the car's performance.And so the obvious question is: Who will buy this car? Can Toyota create a new niche of buyer for what is undoubtedly a good car that some see as a luxury, sporty six-cylinder Camry costing $60,000?Will Ford and Holden V8 fans be persuaded to move into a high-spec V6 boasting Toyota's noted reliability (despite the initial engine hiccup) or will buyers of hot-performance fours and sixes, such as the VW Golf R32, Subaru WRX STi or even the Mitsubishi Evo, try a Toyota?Or will they gain people who were already planning to buy the top-end spec Aurion or Camry Sportivo?It's a difficult question as the TRD Aurion doesn't sit in either camp.The TRD Aurion isn't a rear-wheel-drive V8, but it does have their solid, luxury saloon feel. It isn't a screaming hot four but it does have good fuel economy and looks good.Toyota's marketing say the buyers will be performance enthusiasts.They are likely to be family men aged between 35 and 50 with average yearly incomes of $105,000, a quarter will earn more than $125,000. The bottom lineToyota earns praise for a performance car that delivers fuel economy with good looks and street cred. If you're in the market for a high-performance car would you purchase the TRD Aurion or would you stick with HSV or FPV?Snapshot Toyota TRD Aurionprice: $56,990 (3500S), $61,500 (3500SL tested)engine: 3.5L/V6 supercharged, 235kW/400Nmtransmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-driveThe rivalsSubaru Liberty STiPrice: $56,990Engine: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo 206kW/392NmTransmission: 6-speed manual0-100km/h: 5.8secs VW Golf R32 V6Price: from $54,990Engine: 3.2L/V6 184kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or DSG0-100km/h: 6.2secs (m), 6.5secs (DSG) HSV Clubsport R8Price: from $62,890Engine: 6.0L/V8 307kW/550NmTransmission: 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual0-100km/h: 4.9secs (man), 5.0secs (a) 

In this land of cheap petrol, ample streets and voluminous car parks, we have generally regarded cars in this class as simply being too small for our needs.Yet a few inner city dwellers have seen the advantages in owning cars that can be squeezed into tiny parking spots and which are frugal to run.The company withdrew from the Australian market in March 2006 with servicing of Daihatsu models now being handled by its parent company, Toyota.Mira, Centro and Cuore are among the best of Daihatsu's mini cars and they have enjoyed a certain degree of success in Australia, mainly because of the company's excellent reputation for building reliable vehicles, with the larger Charade and Applause having won many admirers over the years.The Mira was launched in Australia as a car in December 1992, though it had been here in van form for a couple of years before then. Mira vans were sold throughout the vehicle's life. The Mira van came with an 850cc carburettored engine and a four-speed manual gearbox.Daihatsu Centro, introduced to Australia in March 1995, should correctly be called the Charade Centro even though it has nothing of any significance in common with its bigger brother, the “proper” Daihatsu Charade.The duplication of the names was done as a marketing move to try to cash in on the reputation of the Charade. Australian buyers being a well-educated bunch didn't fall for the stunt and Centro didn't sell well, quietly disappearing from our market late in 1997.These last cars will have a 1997 build plate, so be wary of the sales guy who insists it's a 1998 if it was first registered in that year.As with the Mira, a few Centros also reached us in van form. Beware of vans that have had windows and a back seat added to try and pretend they are cars; they could have had an ultra-tough life as knockabout delivery vehicles. True Mira and Centro cars are either three or five-door hatchbacks.The final version of the Daihatsu mini car was the Cuore. It went on sale in July 2000 and, after struggling on for a little over three years, imports ceased in September 2003.Interior space in all three models is surprisingly good in the front, but the back seat is pretty cramped for adults. Boot space is fairly small, but can be increased substantially by folding the seatback down.Ride comfort and general levels of noise are not good, though Centro is noticeably better than the older Mira. They are not too tiring around town when you are only spending moderate lengths of time at the wheel.These little Daihatsus are not really suited to long distance Aussie country trips; as you have to work their little engines hard to keep them moving up hill and down dale. In a pinch they can run at 100 to 110 km/h on the flat bits but the hills really do knock them around. Be very aware that the car may have been driven too hard to the extent that it's worn out before its time. Under the bonnetPower for the Mira and Centro comes from a three-cylinder, fuel-injected engine of just 660cc. Low gearing and light weight means it gives more performance than you might expect, but you do have to work at the gearbox to get decent acceleration in undulating territory. The Cuore, introduced here in July 2000, has a bigger engine, a three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit. It's more suited to country driving than its predecessors but still struggles at times.The manual box is a nice little five-speed unit but the automatic transmission only comes with three ratios and can be pretty buzzy if the going is fast. 

A fully restored Sebring Orange 1969 Monaro GTS 350 coupe sold at auction for $200,000 this week.It was the highest price paid for the 32 cars on offer at the Shannons 2007 Australian International Motor Show Auction.Second best was a low-mileage 1972 LJ Torana XU-1 finished in Lone Orange that went for $143,000.The sales follow a similar auction in September when a record $450,000 was paid for a 37-year-old XW Ford Falcon GTHO.The V8 muscle car was bought for $4933.25 on April 24, 1970, in Mackay.When the car came up for sale again on at the Shannons Auction it was passed in at $620,000.The immaculate Monza Green 1971 XY was expected to beat the $683,650 record price, which a Queensland buyer paid for a similar car earlier this year.Owner Steve Ribarevski, 30, is still confident the muscle car classic will sell on the private market.He bought the fully-restored GTHO for $200,000 three years ago saying it was a promise he had made to himself years earlier.“I was told by everyone at the time that I was the biggest goose in town for paying that much money for the car but I had promised myself I would own one before I was 30,” he said.“I don't look that silly any more.”It could even turn up at the first Shannons auction, which is to be held at a Brisbane Motor Show next February.Shannons Queensland business development manager Philip Ross; said the auction was the beginning of what he hoped would be the first of many auctions in Queensland.“Generally speaking if a car is passed in at auction it turns up at the next one, so the GTHO could be there,” he said.“We're looking at having about 30 cars at the show."“I've been out west and had a look in some of the sheds at the stuff that may come out of the woodwork."“I'm thinking that we know there is a lot of interesting stuff in Queensland that owners weren't prepared to send to Melbourne or Sydney auctions, but may send to Brisbane because it's closer to home."“I have no idea of what we have so far, but we like to have a good cross-section of vehicles.”The auction vehicles will be on display at the show from February 1-10 with the auction at 2pm on the Sunday.The last Shannons Auction held reached a record $3.75 million with $2.64 million achieved for the 62 number plates; and more than $1.1 million paid for the eclectic mix of Australian; US muscle cars as well as American and European classics on offer.It was the best result achieved by Shannons in a combined single day sale in the company's 26-year history of classic auctions.It was beaten only by the $4.1 million achieved in last year's RTA plate auction at the 2006 Australian Internation Motor Show. The highest single sale of the auction was $245,000 paid for the right to display the early NSW number plate 78.Personalised Plates Queensland also holds an annual plate auction on the Wednesday of the Brisbane Motor Show, last year raising more than $531,000 for the Road Safety Fund of Queensland.  Does it make sense to waste your life savings on a 30-year-old car when for the same money you can buy 13 brand new Holden Barinas?   

Clio is well built, reliable and so much more pleasant to drive than a Japanese car, particularly if you're an enthusiast.The first Clio model to come here (in May 2001) was the Renault Sport hot hatch, which combined a big 2.0-litre engine with light weight, big brakes and firm suspension. The more affordable models followed in December that year. They were five-door hatchbacks and sold pretty well.The back seat of the Clio is larger than average for its class and can cope with two adults; if the front seats aren't set all the way back.Entry, by way of the front doors in the three-door models, is less awkward than in many similar cars, thanks to clever design. But the five-door cars are still preferable if you are looking for a small family car.Ride comfort is very good for a car in this class. Handling is sharp and pleasant, even in the standard models, and simply superb in the Sport.Under the bonnetAs well as the hot 2.0-litre engine already mentioned in the Sport, the Clio is also offered with a 1.4 or a 1.6-litre power plant. Those units have enough power for most people.Power is to the front wheels only and is delivered by way of a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Somewhat oddly to the Australian way of thinking, the auto option is offered only with the 1.4-litre engine.We have heard of no real problems in getting hold of spare parts. They are slightly more expensive than similar bits for Asian cars, but not outrageously so.Insurance on all but the Sport Clio is a little more expensive than average, but some companies will really slug you for the Sport version. When shopping around, check on what's covered and what's not before settling for a lower price.Several models were discontinued in 2006 and none are presently being imported as a new car, though there are still stocks of new Clios in most Renault dealerships. The third-generation Renault Clio has been shown in Europe, but isn't expected in Australia until the first half of 2008.Problem areasThough the Renault Clio lacks Japanese quality control and while the body is generally built to a decent standard, there have been a few rough edges in the cars we have inspected to date.In particular, check the interior carefully to make sure everything fits correctly. During your test drive, find a decent stretch of rough road and listen for any squeaks or rattles in the cabin.Not many engines have done a lot of work at this stage, so one that doesn't start easily and idle smoothly should be treated with a lot of suspicion. Similarly, if the gearbox doesn't work close to perfectly, there could be troubles.Quite a few Sport Clios will have been driven hard. Check the condition of the tyres and be wary of any with severe wear on their outer edges. Also look for big build-ups of brake dust on the insides of the wheels, particularly the fronts, and on the callipersand suspension. 

Buyers of cars in the Polo-size class prefer Asian products that generally cost considerably less than the little German machine, but the Polo is slightly larger, it is a more substantial vehicle than its lower-priced rivals and comes with a much more solid feel that is likely to mean it will have a longer life.The Polo first went on sale in Australia in October 1996 but struggled in those early years, partly due to its being more expensive than Asian cars but also because of its rather bland styling.New-car sales picked up during early 2000 due to price cuts, better promotion and the introduction of a significant number of new variants.From the new model introduced in July 2002 the Polo became reasonably stylish, although it was still no fashion plate.What certainly hadn't been changed was the traditional German toughness of the body. The Polo is like every other Volkswagen in displaying impressive stiffness that bodes well for long life.The smallest Australian VW has such safety features as twin airbags, pyrotechnic front seat-belt retractors and anti-submarining seat bases.An immobiliser is built into the engine management system.Polo is a well-designed car and, while the front seats are fine for two large adults, the back is probably best left to children.The boot is better than average for the class, but certainly not spacious.Handling is nothing special; Polos are inclined to too much oversteer. It can show up in anything more than moderate cornering and is presumably there to maximise safety in the hands of clumsy drivers.The understeer was pulled way back in the new model of 2002, but is still there at extremes, which is exactly the way it should be in a road car aimed at the average person.Most Polos sold in Australia are hatchbacks, with either two or four passenger doors, but an interesting Polo Classic four-door sedan was imported, from China of all places, during 2004 and 2005. It wasn't a success due to dubious quality control.Another interesting model is the Open Air of 1998 to 2000. Though a five-door hatchback, it had a huge sunroof that could let in plenty of fresh air when fully open.A VW Eos it's not, but the Polo Open Air can be used a low-cost substitute.Volkswagen has undergone a revolution in Australia in recent years, thanks to a smart new management team. That has led not only to better sales results but to more dealerships, some with larger facilities.Service and repairs are moderate in price, though they can be higher than for equivalent-size Korean cars.We have heard of no real complaints about cost or availability of spare parts.Good amateur mechanics should be able to do a fair bit of their own work; as the Polo has a simple mechanical layout and the underbonnet area isn't too crowded.Have a repair manual at your side before lifting the bonnet, and keep away from any repairs that could affect safety.Insurance costs are about average for a car in this European class.You are likely to be charged extra, possibly substantially extra, to cover the Polo GTi because of its turbo engine. Under the bonnetAll the original Polos in Australia had petrol engines. Capacities in the standard models were 1.4 and 1.6 litres.Performance from the smaller engine is better than you might expect due to the car's relatively light weight, but try one for size to see what you think before settling on this little engine.The 1.4 engine from the year 2000 was a more modern unit than the original so is probably the one to aim for.Interestingly, the 1.6-litre engine used in the Polo Classic (the Chinese model) uses a twin-cam setup, whereas the others have a single-cam head.In both cases there are 16 valves per cylinder.Polo GTi isn't the real pocket rocket its name might suggest, chiefly because the turbocharged 1.8-litre engine is running only modest boost, and develops just 110kW. Where it does work nicely is in mid-range torque, making it reasonably fast but not flighty in its characteristics.Stiffer suspension and added precision in the steering means the Polo GTi gives you a lot of driving fun at a pretty modest price.Volkswagen Polo joined the diesel car revolution in Australia in November 2005 when a huge 1.9-litre engine was installed.Having 240Nm under the bonnet of a small car like this gives it surging acceleration that's great to sit within.These little diesel cars are still rare on the used scene, but you never know your luck.Transmission options are five-speed manual and four-speed auto in most models.The Polo Classic sedan, GTi and TDI diesel are sold only with the manual. Danger signsRust isn't common as factory protection is very good. If there is any rust, it's likely to be the result of poor crash repairs.If so, have the Polo fully inspected by a professional as anything other than minor repairs is a worry.Interiors generally stand up well, but Polos that have been kept in the open air may suffer from sun-dried dashboard tops and rear shelves.Engines aren't as smooth or sophisticated as those of many competing cars but be suspicious if it's too rough.In particular, listen for engine noises when you work it hard.Look for smoke from the exhaust when it's under maximum acceleration.Make sure a manual gearbox doesn't crunch on fast downchanges. Check that an automatic transmission is positive in its shifts and isn't slow at going into Drive or Reverse from Park or Neutral.Check that the brakes pull the car up evenly without an excess of pedal effort. 

HSV is always one to celebrate the milestones and after 20 years in Australia since the launch of its first Walkinshaw Commodore, HSV Managing Director Scott Grant today unveiled two models that evolve not just the heritage, but show the continued core of HSV’s business, performance V8s.With the covers lifted by HRT/HSV V8 Supercar drivers Todd and Rick Kelly, the new Maloo R8 Ute and 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8 continue the bloodline.“A two-door coupe with a really big boot,” is how Grant echoed HSV’s philosophy of the Maloo and as an integral part of the HSV line-up for 17 years, there is a strong following.Running the LS2 V8 engine producing 307kW, the Maloo is mechanically much the same as the VE Clubsport sedan.AP Racing four-piston callipers are fitted to the front, while a Walkinshaw-inspired sideskirt is part of the external package that includes a moulded composite tailgate with parking sensors and a hard tonneau with a new remote release on the keyfob.A $3750 performance pack is also available consisting of full leather GTS-style seats and 20-inch alloys.Grant added: “Maloo’s striking visual appearance, performance characteristics and range of luxury appointments will make this Ute just as comfortable and distinctive on a dirt track or cruising around the inner city streets.”HSV’s John Clark explained; “We began working on the all new Maloo Ute at about the same stage as the E series sedan, with the aim of building on the dynamics of the sedan.“The comprehensive testing program we undertook around Australia and in New Zealand and Sweden, has resulted in the complete driving package.”The Maloo R8 will retail from $59,990 with auto an extra $2000. Clubsport R8The second big release at the Australian International Motor Show is the very fitting for the 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8.Built as a limited edition, another proven HSV speciality over the years; the 20th anniversary edition “celebrates the heritage of the luxury and performance car company.” Taking elements from HSV’s range-topping GTS, the limited edition Clubbie is unique but restrained.Grant added; “The birth of HSV and the reveal of the very first VL Group A SS Commodore commonly referred to as the ‘Walkinshaw;’ took place at the 1987 Sydney Motor Show. From those humble beginnings, HSV has gone on to produce over 55,000 vehicles and dominate the world of Motorsport."“It is only fitting that today we unveil a limited edition model to commemorate the company’s 20th Anniversary,” he said. The 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8 is limited to a run of just 100, with a number of unique features including a unique sandstorm colour, though it could have also been called champagne.Special anniversary sill plates and black GTS accenting with leather performance seats and 20th anniversary logos.Chrome shadow wheels and black and gold finished brake callipers round out the bespoke changes.The HSV Clubsport R8 20th Anniversary; to give its full title; retains the 307kW LS2 V8 engine, performance brake package and aggressive HSV styling that has contributed to the company current sales success.The 20th Anniversary Clubsport R8 is priced from $65,990, a $3100 premium over the regular R8.Check out the Maloo R8 on video at the Australian International Motor Show

It has Persian silk carpets, a French-polished walnut dash, 24k gold-plated instruments and an optional solid gold bonnet emblem, and it can go from 0-100km/h in 6.7sec.

Step into the BMW Z4 Roadster and you are immediately enveloped in a cabin of sporty exclusivity.Long bonnet, long wheelbase, short overhangs, the BMW Z4 Roadster has classic roadster proportions, but combines muscle with a style that's all its own.It all adds up to a roadster that's as thrilling to look at as it is to drive.The good thing about the Z4 is that it is not just a boy toy.From a girl's point of view, the BMW Z4 is just as much a head turner, if not more, when there is a woman behind the wheel.It is the kind of car you want to rev at the lights, because you can.It is the kind of car you want to pull up right in front of an exclusive restaurant and parallel park.It is the kind of car you wish was in your driveway every morning when you walked out.The standard sports seats feature sculpted side bolsters for optimum support in fast cornering.The centre console, sports steering wheel and instruments form a harmonious ensemble. And the variety of fascia trim options gives the interior even more individuality.With its fully automatic remote control roof, the BMW Z4 Roadster will open up on command.Just press the button and the roof folds in less than 10 seconds, leaving not even a tonneau cover to spoil the aesthetic appeal.With the roof up, the variable soft-top box means even more space for your luggage, while the scratchproof mineral glass ensures you get a clear view of the cars you've left behind.The six-cylinder Z4 Roadster models deliver efficient and powerful performance.The 195kW 3.0si accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 5.7 seconds, with the 2.5-litre version not far behind, reaching the 100km/h mark in 6.5 seconds.Even more impressive is the effortless smoothness with which these aluminium/magnesium engines deliver their power.Less weight means more agility. That's why the BMW Z4 uses lightweight components for its suspension.The aluminium front suspension and five-link rear suspension guarantee sporty handling.The roll bars, springs and dampers are ideally matched to the engine and transmission.And the wide track, long wheelbase, low centre of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution ensure perfect balance at all times.

The biggest recall has hit Toyota, which wants to check 144,500 Camrys for headlights, and nearly 8000 Honda Civics also have light problems.The federal Department of Transport says eight imported cars have been recalled since June 1, even Volvo, which makes safety a key selling point, hasn't escaped, recalling cars to check on a faulty door assembly.The latest recalls are;Audi: A6 built between March 2004 and March 2005 may have a software fault which, in exceptional circumstances, could delay release of both front air bags in an accident. Number of cars, 464.Toyota: Camrys built from June 2002 to May 2006; faulty headlight switch which may cause headlights to flicker or temporarily fail. Number involved, 144,589.Honda: Civic sedan and somes hatches built between 2001 and 2002; problem with plastic terminal connector melting, causing low beam lights to fail. Number, 7979.Volvo: Current model C70 may have incorrect left hand door assembly, so it doesn't meet legal requirements in an accident. Number, 173.Mazda: The Mazda3 MPS built from May 2006 to May 2007 may have a loose bolt securing the engine and transmission to its mounting. If it falls out, the engine may drop, detaching the drive shaft. Number of recalls, 1160. Recall will start next week.