Articles by Stuart Innes

Just 658 of the model were sold new in August, more than 38 per cent down on the 1069 in the same month last year. The previous lowest sales month was June last year when 719 cars were sold. The car was launched in October, 2005. Up to 1650 cars a month were sold in the early days of the model's release. In releasing its Vfacts figures, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reported record August sales of new cars and commercial vehicles. The 88,206 sold was 6545, or 8 per cent, more than August last year and beat the best August 2005 by 2029. Mitsubishi Motors Australia management yesterday said it was “not happy” with August's 380 sales. “But it is not a trend. It is an anomaly,” corporate affairs manager Lenore Fletcher said. She said a changeover from Series II to the upgraded Series III model 380 in the month had left some variants unavailable. Ms Fletcher said the low for 380 sales was not to be interpreted that the end was in sight for production at the Tonsley Park plant. “We are quite confident sales will be back up in September and October. We don't expect that (low figure) to continue,” she said. The Vfacts figures show the new Toyota Corolla small car came close to knocking off the Holden Commodore as Australia's biggest selling car last month. Third most popular was the Toyota HiLux ute. The Mazda3 is ahead of the Ford Falcon in year-to-date sales.  

Cars will inevitably be taxed according to their exhaust emission ratings, the Australian motor industry has conceded.Conservationists are calling on South Australia to take the lead in slapping a tax on vehicles where the fee rises according to the amount of emissions. The tax would be at new-sale time or on annual registration renewals.The Motor Trade Association acknowledged the growing interest in vehicles that are less harmful to the environment.“At some point, governments will tax vehicles on their emissions and greenhouse gas,” MTA state executive director John Chapman told The Advertiser .“We are not advocating that, but it will come.”Mr Chapman said the swing to smaller cars and the flattening off of large-car sales was due to motorists' concern about fuel economy.“People are more environmentally aware and wanting to know how we can reduce the (environmental) footprint and what they can do,” he said.Mr Chapman said motor vehicles were only a partial contributor to greenhouse gases “but our industry needs to be concerned about these issues.”Some countries already have vehicle taxes depending on each model's carbon dioxide emissions.In Australia, each new car must carry a sticker on the windscreen showing its officially-rated fuel consumption in litres/100km and its “greenhouse” C02 emissions in grams/km. The latter figure determines levels of taxing overseas.The Conservation Council in SA wants a similar system here.“It has to be user pays,” said council chief executive Julie Pettet. “If you are responsible for pollution you are going to have to pay.”Ms Pettet said such taxing should not be just punitive but also reward those doing the right thing such as using public transport. She added the taxes should be a federal activity.   Top-rated Toyota Prius: 1.5-litre petrol and electric (4.4litre/100km)Fiat Punto: 1.4-litre petrol (5.7)Peugeot 207CC: 1.6-litre petrol (5.8)Citroen C3: 1.6-litre petrol (6.2)Mercedes-Benz A150: 1.5-litre petrol (6.7)Holden Astra: 1.8-litre petrol (7.4)Honda Civic: 1.8litre petrol (6.9) 

In recent years, the Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd plant at Tonsley Park has shed some workers as it scaled back to better fit the reduced demand for large cars powered by six cylinder engines.But such cars, like the very good Mitsubishi 380 V6, continue to be a main player in new-car sales. Every job that is now retained at Tonsley Park, and the component manufacturers that supply to it, is worthwhile.MMAL president Robert McEniry says the company took a few hits financially over the past few years, so now its modest production level of the only car the company builds at Tonsley Park, the 380 sedan, is a sustainable business operation.That 380, a little less than two years since it was launched, has been unveiled in its Series III guise. And if its vice-free handling and ride package, very good fuel economy, cabin space, good brakes and impressive "intelligent" five-speed automatic attached to an engine delivering 175kW of power doesn't win you over, then the asking price, from $28,990, could clinch the deal.Having largely swallowed the financial pain of developing the 380 sedan, Mitsubishi can now build and sell them at a cost that has rivals scratching their heads.If there was one criticism of the 380 until now it was more emotional and subjective rather than tangible and objective; it was tempting to say the car lacked excitement, certainly in the looks department.That has been addressed in this new 380 Series III that went on sale this week.Even the entry-level model now gets dress-up (and useful) gear of fog lamps, new sporty front bumper and alloy wheels.The car retains dual front and side airbags, ABS brakes, automatic climate control airconditioning, power windows, cruise control, power-adjustable driver seat plus steering-wheel controls for the audio system.All this at $28,990 for the fivespeed manual and $30,990 for the five-speed automatic with a sequential shift sports mode, it is very impressive for a car with a 3.8-litre V6 engine.To really push home the deal, Mitsubishi is offering a 380 ES Sports version, adding rear wing, 17 inch-diameter alloy wheels, upgraded sports suspension, sunroof and Bluetooth phone connectivity, at no increase to the above prices.Stability control is conspicuously missing from the 380 spec sheet but anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard on all versions.Next step up is the 380 SX, only as an automatic at $34,990, with a freshened interior, a few exterior highlights, new-design alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector plus other touches.The VRX is the 'look-at-me version' at $36,990 manual and $38,990 automatic. It gets a larger rear wing, distinctive 17 inch wheels and a special seat fabric.A Fusion Burst model with bright orange paint and large sunroof is a limited-edition offer based on the VRX yet at the same VRX price.The 380 GT stands out with its new wheels, sports instrument cluster and chrome touches.Its equipment ranges from automatic dimming mirror and power front passenger seat to leather trim at $44,990 (automatic only).Again as a deal clincher, Mitsubishi is offering the GTL, adding in sunroof, different leather trim, more chrome and luxury touches at no change to the GT price.The 3.8-litre engine gives 175kW power and 343Nm of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 10.8 litres/100km in automatic form. They weigh 1625-1685kg and will tow up to 1600kg with trailer brakes. Model looksMitsubishi 380 Series III ES: $28,990 (man), $30,990 (auto).Features: Traction control, 16in alloy wheels, sports bumpers, fog lamps. ES Sports: $28,990 (man), $30,990 (auto). Features: 17in alloy, rear wing, sports suspension, sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity. SX: $34,990 auto only. Features: Alloys, seat inserts, charcoal grille paint, accessory sockets. VRX: $36,990 (man), $38,990 (auto). Features: New front and rear bumper inserts, larger rear wing, alloys, charcoal grille paint, new cloth seats with logo. VRX Fusion Burst: $36,990 (man), $38,990 (auto). Features: Orange duco, coloured seat inserts, sunroof. GT: $44,990 auto only. Features: Machined and painted alloys, chrome finishing strip to deck lid, sports-type instrument cluster. GT-L: Price $44,990. Features: Black/stone interior, chrome deck lid finishing strips and tail-lamps, luxurytype instrument cluster, sunroof, silver painted wheels. 

The Volvo flagship is the S80 saloon, a large sedan with plenty of interior space and comfort as well as a good, long boot.It feels solid and while it's no razor-sharp sports sedan it does have poise and balance. On test was the front-wheel-drive S80 with diesel engine priced at $71,950. A 3.2-litre, 175kW six-cylinder and a lusty 232kW, 4.4-litre V8 are the petrol engine versions. They are all-wheel-drive and cost $75,950 and $95,950 respectively.The diesel's five-cylinder transverse engine sits ahead of the front axle line - a recipe for understeer, which can be detected as the load builds up on corners, yet the tyres hang on without complaint.At steady speed, even on the highway, there is no engine noise. This S80 drove up Willunga Hill at 100km/h (1800rpm) with no need to change down a gear in its six-speed sequential automatic.Admittedly, helped by cruises to Goolwa and through the Hills to Murray Bridge, we averaged 6.9 litres/100km.There's much to like about the Volvo S80. Comfortable leather seats the front ones can be heated and with three memory settings.Shock absorbers can be set to comfortable, sport and the even firmer advanced to keep the body flatter for 'advanced' driving.The dual-zone climate control is a beauty, showing the Swedish ability to clear within a minute or two a windscreen iced on the outside.Volvo safety includes a host of airbags, stability control and special head restraints. Rear head restraints fold out of the way at the flick of a switch for better visibility. The parking sonar helps, too.     Small TorqueVolvo S80 D5Price: $71,950,Engine: Inline five-cylinder, turbocharged diesel, dohc.Power: 136kW at 4000rpm.Torque: 400Nm at 2000rpm-2750rpm.Transmission: Six-speed sequential shift automatic, front-wheel-drive.Brakes: Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs. ABS.Fuel: 7.2 litres/100km (claimed). Tank 70 litres.Wheels/tyres: 17in alloy; 225/50 tyres. Space saver spare.Dimensions: 4851mm long, 1861mm wide, 1493mm high; 1587kg. Tows 2000kg.Also consider: Peugeot 307 SV diesel, 150kW, $61,990. Audi A6 quattro diesel, 165kW, $99,900. Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI diesel, 105kW from $70,490. Chrysler 300C CRD diesel, 160kW, $57,990.S80 D5 options: 18in wheels, 245/40 tyres $1500, interior clean zone $250, metallic paint $1350, sat-nav $3950, heated rear seats $495, sunroof $2650, BLIS warning system $1200, active cruise control $2950. 

Other brands before it have taken on a sideline of “hero car” models where sports looks and high performance earn the brand extra status. Lexus can make this move with justification: Lexus cars do race in various categories overseas, including at the famed Japan Fuji Speedway. And it's that first letter, F, that will mark the Lexus premium performance vehicles. First car in Australia, in about a year, will be the IS-F based on the existing compact IS250 which now has a 2.5-litre V6 engine delivering 153kW of power. The IS-F hot version will be aimed at European performance sedans. There's even talk of it running a five-litre V8 of 300kW, an eight-speed transmission (from the LS460 flagship saloon, perhaps) and limited slip differential to get better power to the ground. Lexus Australia manager John Roca says the IS-F signals the expansion of the Lexus range outside its traditional luxury-vehicle segment. “This IS-F is the embodiment of performance,” he says. “Just by looking at the vehicle, you know that it is something special. It will be the ultimate in performance cars and Lexus's first performance-specific model.” Lexus sister brand Toyota is about to release its performance version here, the TRD Aurion - the V6 has been supercharged to give a predicted 235kW of power. Holden performance arm HSV is doing well in sales while Ford has its Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Mitsubishi is preparing a supercharged 380 V6, with 230kW of power being suggested.  

Think of Volkswagen and many people think of small cars such as the Beetle and Golf. Even the highest-priced Passat from Europe doesn't break $57,000. Yet VW does have vehicles in the prestige market for buyers with around $80,000.It's the Volkswagen Multivan, a seven-seat luxury people mover based on the T5 light commercial vehicle but well sorted and with extensive features. So VW ought to be represented right at the top end of the people-mover list.Ask someone to name the first people-mover van from decades ago and there's a good chance they'll nominate the VW Kombi. But here's a chance to get a new people mover with a touch of luxury.The Multivan in its Highline trim comes with electrically operated sliding doors, a multi-function rear table, satellite navigation (about $4000 extra on lesser models), leather trim, heated front seats, 17-inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors plus front and rear fog lamps.A six-stack CD with eight-speaker sound system, cruise control, power windows, 'climatronic' three-zone climate control and swivel seats in the middle row are other touches to make the Multivan even more pleasurable.VW Multivan in this Highline version is available with a choice of petrol or turbodiesel engines and with all-wheel drive that Volkswagen calls 4Motion. The engines are mounted transversely in the front. The petrol unit is the 3.2-litre V6, rated at 173kW of power at 6200rpm and 315Nm torque at 2900rpm. These figures are obtainable when premium (98RON) unleaded petrol is used.The 2.5-litre diesel is VW's five-cylinder unit with intercooler, giving 128kW of power at 3500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000rpm. With 4Motion AWD either engine has to drive through a six-speed manual gearbox. But in front-wheel drive they come with a six-speed tiptronic automatic.The Multivan Highline 4Motion is priced at $76,990 for the V6 petrol and $73,990 for the 4Motion diesel. The front-wheel-drive diesel automatic is $72,990 or as a V6 petrol, $75,990. 

We'd arrived in splendid comfort, sitting on leather seats, sunroof open, six-stack CD quietly playing, and quickly unloaded, from the rear of the wagon, the picnic chairs and table.But this stretch of beach has trapped a lot of cars in its time, with two-wheel-drive vehicles spinning their wheels down into the sand and becoming bogged. No problem, however, for this vehicle on this night. The Honda CRV made no fuss over this light beach sand. It would take us along a few dirt tracks, too. Yet it has all the comfort, practicality, comfort and style of a medium-sized family wagon used for normal bitumen cruising and every day running around.No, Honda CRV is not a serious off-roader. Nor is it meant to be. It's designed as a regular family car. And, in the case of the Luxury version tested, a comfortable and well-equipped one that has all-wheel-drive for a softer off-road experience.There is no low-range transmission but it does have fair ground clearance (185mm) and tyres that don't mind stones and dirt (Bridgestone Desert Dueler H/T), with a full-size spare wheel.But the four-cylinder Honda CRV is up against a swag of all-wheel-drive wagons in the $30,000-$40,000 range. Forester, X-Trail, Outlander, RAV4, Escape, Tribute, Captiva, Compass, Tucson and Sportage contest this popular segment, showing that not everyone wants a tough-as-tanks 4WD. And Honda does it well, particularly in refinement and insulation of suspension and engine.It runs a normal front-wheel-drive system. But when front wheels start to spin, an hydraulically-powered system enables a clutch to bring in the rear differential and send power to the rear wheels. Power is apportioned to the front and rear according to traction. It lacks a 4WD lock switch. It comes with six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic, the latter meaning 2050rpm at 110km/h, and an official fuel consumption rating of 10 litres per 100km.A four-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine has become the benchmark in this market segment. Honda's 2354cc, variable camshaft unit gives 125kW power at 5800rpm and 218Nm torque at 4200rpm. The CRV has vehicle stability program as standard, cruise control, airconditioning, 17-inch diameter wheels, CD player, and tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, all for $31,990. CRV Sport adds front and rear curtain airbags, dual-zone climate control, alloy wheels, power sunroof, fog lamps, six-stack CD and a double deck cargo shelf (top deck for 10kg) at $37,490.The CRV Luxury, as tested, comes with leather trim, heated front seats, eight-way, electric driver's seat adjustment and reverse parking sensors at $39,990. Add $2000 for automatic transmission in each case.The five-seater has reasonable leg room in the rear. The gear selector comes from the lower central dashboard. Automatics get a foot-operated park brake. Manuals have a hand brake.

GM Holden is fighting back in the car-sales war by entering a new model in the increasingly important medium-size segment and offering a unique “buy-back” scheme. The Holden Epica is the mid-size car taking on the Toyota Camry. On sale from today, it sits between the Astra and Commodore and will have small six-cylinder engines. Imported from South Korea, it will cost from $25,990, including alloy wheels, airconditioning, power windows and cruise control. GM Holden's new buy-back scheme is aimed at giving a point of difference to other brands. It gives other brand owners peace of mind in switching to Holden. The buy-back allows a private purchaser of a Holden Epica, who changes his or her mind in one month or 1500km and buys another brand car of equal or greater value, to get their money back. “Customers can see switching brands as a risk so, to provide reassurance and confidence, we are introducing this new offer,” Holden's marketing manager for small and medium cars Teresa Basile said. “Convincing buyers of other marques to switch is a key to achieving sales success.” The mid-size segment has become more important as such traditional Australian large cars, as Commodore, struggle largely because of high petrol prices. GM Holden's mid-size Vectra last year sold just 1510 cars, whereas the Toyota Camry sold 24,221 and, in the first two months this year, 6447, Vfacts figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reveal. Holden executive director of sales and marketing, Alan Batey, said the money-back offer would apply to Epicas bought by December 31 this year. “This offer is unique and a differentiated marketing tool to launch the new nameplate in this competitive mid-size segment,” he said. Epica in CDX form at $25,990 will have a two-litre, six-cylinder engine of 105kW power and manual gearbox with fuel economy rated at 8.2 litres/100km. Toyota Camry uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine of 117kW power, from $28,000; Hyundai Sonata has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder of 118kW power from $25,990 and Mazda6 uses a 2.3-litre four-cylinder of 122kW from $28,285. Fast facts: Lexus LS460 On sale: NowPrice: $184,900Body: Sedan Engine: 4.6-litre V8 petrol; power 280kW@6400rpm, torque 493Nm @4100-2750rpm Transmission:Eight-speed sequential automatic, rear-wheel drive Fuel: 11.1 litres/100km (combined claim) Safety: The lot, including 10 (count 'em) airbags

The Chilli pack has proven popular in enhancing the fixed-hardtop Mini models so now it also becomes a choice on the Mini Cabrio.With the arrival of spring, there is more interest again in convertibles. Mini is announcing the Cabrio Chilli to tempt buyers from going into rival showrooms - because it won't be available on sale until December.Still, that's in time for the summer holidays. Or a nice Christmas present. The Chilli version is available in both mainstream Mini Cabrio models, the Mini Cooper with 85kW of power from its 1.6-litre engine and the 125kWMini Cooper S, where that engine is supercharged. On the Mini Cooper Cabrio, the Chilli package adds a choice of cloth or leather seat facings, multi-function leather-wrap steering wheel, cockpit chrono pack, 16-inch diameter light-alloy wheels, exterior highlight kit, front fog lights and velour mats.On the supercharged Mini Cooper S Cabrio, the Chilli pack gives the cloth and leather seat cover choices, the sports leather-clad steering wheel, 17-inch light-alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate-control airconditioning and heating, cockpit chrono pack, a premium sound system and velour floor mats.The Mini Cooper Cabrio Chilli will be priced from $41,000 and the Cooper S Cabrio Chilli from $50,100. The regular Cooper Carbio five-speed manual is $37,500 and the Cooper S Cabrio six-speed manual at $46,500 - plus $1800 for a CVT graded as a six-speed automatic. The Mini Cabrio has become a main part of Mini's sales success here, selling more than 1000 Cabrios in less than 20 months since its launch at the start of last year.And this is despite supply being limited as the BMW-owned factory in Oxford, England tries to meet high world demand.* A red Mini, meanwhile, is bringing smiles to people using postage stamps and receiving mail right now. Australia Post has a Driving Through the Years special issue to commemorate the centenary of the first driving licence to be issued in Australia. One of the six iconic cars in the series is a red Mini from the 1960s.

That's the view of John Schulze, mechanical services manager for Transwest Haulage. "We always consider things like entry and exit on forward control vehicles, the quality of hand grips, doors that open wide enough and good access steps are all important," he says. "It is almost to the stage where powertrain is secondary. "OH&S is always the first thing we consider – how easy is it to get in and out of the truck, how we operate it, how we service it, how easy is it to service, can we get the cab up, how easy is that, can the mechanics access the radiator. All these sorts of things are certainly high in order of priority." "We also look at the comfort of the truck." Which is the sort of thing all drivers love to hear. Mr Schulze is speaking about a recent addition to his fleet: an Isuzu FVY 1400 fitted with a specialised tipping vacuum body. The truck is used by Geelong-based Transwest for pumping duties. "It's fitted with an 11,000-litre tipping vacuum tank powered by a 350 cubic feet per minute Wallenstein hydraulic drive vacuum pump which can load the tanker in seven minutes and unload in the same time," he says. The truck's duties are in industrial and food service business grease traps and septic tanks. The Isuzu FVY chassis was shortened to ensure best axle weight distribution of the tanker. "As an airbag equipped-vehicle, we can legally put 17 tonnes on the bogey and six tonnes on the steer axle. We ended up with six (tonnes) on the steer and 16.9 (tonnes) on the drive, so we are maximising our ability to carry that load on the vehicle," Mr Schulze says. Transwest trucks are picked by their orange-and-rose colours. The firm began nearly 50 years ago carting coal from the Winchelsea mines to Geelong power stations. HEAVY STUFF THE Isuzu FVY 1400 is from the truck maker's heavy-duty F-series. The FVY 1400 is a 6 x 4 and comes with the SiTec 275 engine. This is a six-cylinder, 9.8-litre unit with variable-geometry turbocharger. It gives 206kW power at 2000rpm and 1030Nm torque at 1400rpm. Transmission choices are a 10-speed Eaton manual or a six-speed Allison automatic. TANKS A LOT THE larger capacity tank on this Isuzu has brought efficiencies to the operator. "Septic tanks are generally about 3000 litres. On our old tanker, we were just getting two loads. But now with the bogey drive and 11,000-litre capacity, we get three loads," John Schulze says. "The extra load helps cut cost." STIFF DIFF Driver-controled diff locks are on both differentials. The truck needs to go off-road for some septic tank jobs so the extra drive surety is appreciated by drivers.