Articles by Stuart Innes

Yes, the Focus RS is coming to Australia, albeit in limited numbers, with a sensational reputation in the UK.  The Focus XR5 on sale for sometime here has a turbocharged, 2.5-litre five-cylinder engine of 166kW power. But now the super-special RS will leave that in its dust. The RS has that engine tweaked to an amazing and V8-like 224kW power. Torque peak of 440Nm is from just 2300rpm. The RS output of 224kW (it bears repeating) shadows not only the Subaru WRX figure of 195kW but also the hotter STi version's 221kW. Mitsubishi's Evo X is rated at 217kW, putting the new Ford in front. Focus RS is built on a separate line to the normal Focus and has unique body panels, picked by flared wheel arches. Aero help comes from a front splitter and rear bumper venturi on the three-door hatchback. Recaro seats in partial leather trim, keyless entry and start, eight-speaker sound system, dual-zone climate control and rain-sensing wipers are part of the kit. Price will be $59,990 for this Euro hotshot and it will be here in the final months this year, only 315 earmarked for Australia.

The new SUV boasts better economy, quality and high-tech 4WD features gleaned from Land Rover.  Last seen on Australian Ford dealer lots as a new car in 2006, the new Explorer has been re-launched in the US with a splash - including a Facebook reveal and public unveilings across North America - with the option of the 176kW Spanish-built two-litre EcoBoost turbocharged DOHC 16-valve direct-injection alloy four-cylinder on a two-wheel drive model. Ford US is claiming a 30 per cent increase in fuel efficiency over the current US V6 from a close relation to the powerplant destined for the Australian Ford Falcon, although Ford Australia has not yet revealed the source engine plant for its upcoming Falcon EcoBoost model. Ford say the 2011 Explorer will be exported to more than 90 countries after it goes into production later this year, but the Ford Australia order books won't feature it as it is not engineered for right-hand drive, says Ford spokeswoman Sinead McAlary. "We have no plans to sell the new Explorer in Australia because it hasn't been engineered for right-hand drive, it's left-hand drive only.  "They have not engineered it for right-hand drive… the 90 countries must all be left-hand drive or can take those vehicles in a right-hand drive market," she says. McAlary says it has not even thought about the possibility of the Explorer returning to Australia.  "It's not even on our radar because it's LHD only - plus we have Territory so it's not on the radar at all," she says. Ford has spent more than $400 million upgrading its Chicago plant to build the new Explorer, adding 1200 new jobs in the process.  The other powerplant on offer in the new Explorer is an Ohio-built 216kW 3.5-litre DOHC alloy V6, which can run front or all-wheel drivetrains. Ford is also claiming a world-first safety feature - second-row inflatable rear belts, which spread impact forces across more than five times the surface area than conventional seat belts, which the company says reduces pressure on the chest and better controlling head and neck motion. The new SUV model - now a monocoque body structure instead of the old body on ladder frame - also boasts blind-spot warning system, tyre pressure monitoring, electric power steering, twin variable cams, a six-speed automatic, a fast engine warm-up and aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff to improve fuel use, aside from the inclusion of the EcoBoost four-cylinder. Ford is using the same line in the US as it is here - it will deliver the power of a naturally-aspirated V6 thanks to turbocharging and direct injection - with some aerodynamic aids to help reduce wind resistance as well.  It will also be hauling a bit less weight, thanks to higher-tensile steel in the body, an aluminium bonnet and other weight-saving parts in the engine bay. "The all-new Explorer will give a huge universe of existing and prospective customers the capability they expect and the luxury and convenience they want, all combined with the fuel economy they need," says Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Explorer owners told us they want capability with convenience, and improved fuel economy without compromised performance," Fields says.  "We believe we’ve hit the mark with the next-generation Explorer. It has the potential to change perceptions of what a modern SUV is all about." Offroad system The new Explorer SUV has replaced the traditional transfer case with a version of Land Rover's terrain response system for its 4WD model - chief nameplate engineer Jim Holland, a former Land Rover engineer, says the new system takes the mystery out of 4WD-ing. "We saw the opportunity to eliminate a compromise by adding an intuitive and efficient terrain management system that can demystify four-wheel-drive control and enable the driver to properly match 4WD traction to the situations and road conditions they encounter," he says. The system was tested by vehicle testing engineer Todd Hoevener, who will soon be in Australia for a new SUV development program.  "With Explorer ready to deliver best-in-class fuel efficiency and customer-empowering capabilities, among its many other attributes, I'm off to Australia to develop a new SUV for Asia Pacific region markets," he says. McAlary refuses to elaborate on what Hoevener is working on, saying only that the Australian arm of the company had developed a number of vehicles for the region that had not been for sale in Australia. The Explorer development team says it has aimed at quality and refinement, employing laser measuring systems and an air leakage test that employs a thermal imaging camera to spot hot air leaks from within the vehicle. Ford Explorer's Australian sales 2006   2392005   4302004   8912003  14672002  18692001  13872000  14981999  18121998  35091997  38231996   605

Holden is ready to start building the new car it hopes will remain the mainstay of its existence as a car manufacturer in Australia.  Photographers from The Adelaide Advertiser have shot several early-build models of the coming new Commodore and Caprice range getting final road checks near the production plant at Elizabeth in northern Adelaide.  The new Commodore will look little different to the existing VE model which was launched four years ago and has continued to be Australia's No1 selling new car.  Holden management have declared the new Commodore will be called VE Series II but have declined to confirm any changes.  The Series II name and our photographs indicate little or no difference in body panels to the existing VE model. "We are not in a position to discuss changes to the new car, but the changes will make a great car even better," Holden product communications manager Jonathon Rose said yesterday.  However, it's understood some versions of the new Commodore will run on bio-ethanol fuel of up to 85 per cent blend with petrol.  Many cars can run on E10 up to 10 per cent ethanol in the petrol but Holden has experience making Commodores for export to Brazil where higher ethanol blends are used. The Commodores with the E85 engines would be able to run on any blend from zero ethanol-100 per cent petrol to 85 per cent ethanol-15 per cent regular petrol.  Ethanol is produced from sugar cane and other vegetable crops and so is a renewable energy. Already, V8 Supercars use E85 in their racing. Revisions to the Series II VE are expected to include changes to the front end styling and shaping and the rear end, as well as updated interiors.  The new model can be expected in showrooms by late next month or early October. As production cranks up, the Elizabeth plant will resume its second full shift, on November 15. Versions of Commodore sedan, Sportwagon and long-wheelbase Statesman and Caprice will be released simultaneously in VE Series II.

Doing 100km of general running about for less than five bucks in fuel makes motoring pretty affordable. As manufacturers bring out more models with increasingly-amazing frugality, motorists are laughing all the way from the pumps. A generation ago, the 30 miles per gallon mark (9.4 litres/100km in metric speak) was a

No, it doesn't mean a luxury version for the models they are based on are more than luxurious already. The L means long, or more correctly long-wheelbase.

which has been refreshed and released as the 2011 model. The Hyundai Grandeur is a big sedan by Korean standards, growing 15mm in this latest version to 4910mm. It aims to be a plush conveyance: not intended for being thrown along a twisting mountain road but quietly taking its occupants at sane speeds in great ease and comfort. The 2011 Grandeur gets seven-spoke alloy wheels, LED indicator lights in the exterior mirrors, new LED headlights, new-look lower grille and rear bumper and tail lights. It has one-touch 'lane-change' triple flash indicators and the exterior mirrors have puddle lamps. Power trains remain the 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine (194kW power and 348Nm torque) at $39,990 and the 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine (114kW and 343Nm) at $41,990. Each has a five-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. Standard kit includes power front seat adjustment with memory on driver's seat, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, premium sound system with eight speakers, stability control and eight airbags.

BMW's 1-Series Coupe is a sporty little thing, compact, with good handling and (especially with the three-litre turbocharged petrol six-cylinder engine) is very quick. And all in a luxury package befitting the German marque. But what's the result when a four-cylinder diesel engine is put in?Some f-words emerge, but good ones: It's fun, certainly frugal, funky and fast enough for most.Diesel engines in sporty cars, including convertibles, have been embraced in Europe for several years now. From here on, it's Australia's turn to show enough maturity to accept them as a way of having motoring driving pleasure with low fuel use and therefore low exhaust emissions.Engine and gearboxWe tested the BMW 123d Coupe with a two-litre, twin-turbocharged, four-cylinder diesel engine. BMW's engineers have wrung enough out of the turbos and injection/breathing systems to provide an impressive 150kW power, a figure that can stand proud against similar-sized, turbocharged petrol engines. The winner is the diesel's torque, a strong 400Nm of it and from just 2000rpm.Put this with a six-speed, sporty shifting manual gearbox and BMW claims a 0- 100km/h sprint in 7 seconds. Out on the highway, the overtaking performance is strong 80-120km/h taking just 5.5 seconds using fourth and fifth gear. The maker also says this little diesel coupe will run out to 238km/h. At 110km/h in sixth gear, the manual gearbox car is ticking over at 2100rpm.A six-speed automatic is a $2280 option, being a sequential with paddleshift changes.Economy and stop-start systemThere's no doubting then the diesel engine's performance, yet fuel economy is right on the money, too. Officially it's rated at 5.2 litres/100km. On our driving, admittedly mostly gently on the throttle, we returned an average of 5.4 litres/100km, including city driving.BMW fits its ‘stop-start’ system to this car: When the car is stopped and in neutral, the engine automatically switches off. When the driver wants to proceed, just pressing the clutch pedal automatically re-starts the engine, and you're away. It's a fuel saver and helps the planet (ever noticed all the fumes from exhausts on cars stopped long at traffic lights?).Fit-out and equipmentThe 1 Series Coupe comes with sport bucket leather seats, all manual adjustment except for a push-button adjustment of the wings to tighten around the drive's body to help hold him/her in place during cornering. Steering is tilt and reach adjustable. Rear view is not great for a small car but parking sensors, with a graphic display, help.The steering wheel has as thick rim and feels meaty with power steering not over-assisted, yet there's little feel of the road surface coming to the driver's hands. The rear seat takes only two passengers and, as expected in a small coupe, headroom there is limited for taller people. Boot size is modest but the rear seat back folds forward, 60/40. There's no spare wheel, the battery being under the boot floor.It has cruise control, rain and light sensors, climate control, stability control, cornering brake control, fog lamps and leather trim. Price of the 123d Coupe is from $57,900.As usual, BMW knows how to charge for options: the test car's fabulous sedona red metallic paint is $1700, the power sunroof $2920, sat-nav $2860 (but with as modest screen), and the 17in wheels replaced by 18in at $1326. It also had the $2300 M Sport Pack of aerodynamic body kit, sports suspension, M steering wheel and anthracite roof lining.DrivingThe stop-start is disconcerting until you get used to it, some passengers wondering if we'd stalled. Lights and all other gear remain working.  Like any car with an instant fuel-use readout, it encourages economic driving and there's a little set of arrows to suggest going up or down a gear for best efficiency.The only disappointing aspect of this engine is that I'd expected more refinement from BMW. At idle, it is not as quiet inside as, say, a Mazda3 diesel. Even on the 18in low-profile tyres, road noise is commendably contained.Most 1-Series buyers will prefer petrol engines. But get used to this idea of a diesel in a sports coupe it's the way of the future.BMW 123d CoupePrice: from $57,900 (as tested: $69,006)Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder dieselPower: 150kW @ 4400rpmTorque: 400Nm @ 2000-2500rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual; optional six-speed automatic with paddleshift, rear-wheel-driveBrakes: All disc, ABS, cornering brake controlFuel use: official, 5.2 litres/100km; our drive 5.4 litres/100km; diesel; tank, 51 litresC02 emissions: 135g/kmDimensions: 4360mm long, 1748mm wide, 1420mm high; 2660mm wheelbaseWheels & tyres: standard, 17in diameter alloy with 205/50 front and 225/45 rear tyres. Test car, 18in alloys, 215/40 front and 245/35 rear tyres.RIVALSAudi TT 2.0 TDI diesel Quattro Coupe from $67,700Peugeot 308 CC S diesel Coupe from $58,490Volkswagen Golf GTD diesel from $39,290.

More and more manufacturers are realising they can attract extra sales by creating two-wheel-drive versions of their 'soft roaders'.2WD buyers are looking for the practicality of the wagon - a commanding driving position, perhaps a little higher ride height for a short drive down a dry dirt track, the 'look' of an SUV, strong suspension, and in some cases seven seats - without getting a people-mover.If they don’t need to go offroad, in the snow, through muddy tracks, they don’t need the four-wheel-drive ability. But they can get everything else they want with 2WD versions of the SUV.What’s the benefit of 2WD?By opting for the 2WD version, the vehicle costs thousands of dollars less because that second set of drive-shafts, differentials, wheel joints and bits are not in the vehicle. And that means the 2WD versions weigh considerably less. Less weight means less fuel, a cost saving to the owner and lower exhaust emissions for the planet. And less weight means better performance in acceleration and handling.The month of May this year was the best-ever May for new-vehicle sales in Australia. Part of the reason was a staggering 29 per cent growth in SUV sales over May of last year. Clearly Aussies still love their SUVs and many of those extra sales were because of 2WD versions.Toyota offering its large Kluger in 2WD and 4WD, in all trim levels. The choice (between 2WD and 4WD) will give buyers an alternative purchase decision based on their real needs. Toyota also offers the RAV4, which gets revised gear ratios for with 2WD.Ford launched its Territory SUV in 2004 in 4WD and 2WD right from the start. But some brands don’t offer the full choice of models of the 4WD. For example, the Kia Sorento 2WD cannot have Kia's excellent turbo-diesel engine of the 4WD, but it's recognised that 2WD buyers are looking for lower buying and running costs and so only a base model engine is provided.KIA SORENTO - $36,490 Drives well with good ride; six-speed automatic, fuel economy Engine sometimes works hard to move 1814kg weightA much better onroad wagon than previous (4WD-only) model. The 2WD Kia Sorento is available only with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to keep down cost.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 128kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 226Nm @ 3750rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.HOLDEN CAPTIVA - $27,990 Low price, plenty of Holden dealers for back-up Modest power, tows only 1500kg, no auto optionThe Holden Captiva 2WD gives wagon motoring to Holden followers not wanting a V6 or V8 Commodore Sportwagon. Captiva has been selling well lately.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 103kW @ 5200rpmTorque: 220Nm @ 2400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.TOYOTA KLUGER - $40,990 Engine power, full model range, including seven-seater Large, blunt design, fuel useThe larger option from Toyota can be had in all the trim levels of the Kluger 4WDs, which means seven-seaters as well. The well-known 3.5 V6 engine is a good 'un.Engine: 3.5-litre, V6, petrolPower: 201kW @ 6200rpmTorque: 337Nm @ 4700rpmTransmission: Five-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.FORD TERRITORY - $39,890 Torque at low revs, parts costs, seven-seat option Size to park, fuel use, dating body shape, auto only a four-speedThe only Australian-designed and built SUV, Territory uses Ford Falcon running gear and is a popular vehicle, especially now that Falcon wagon is ceasing production.Engine: Four-litre, six-cylinder, petrolPower: 190kW @ 5250rpmTorque: 383Nm @ 2500rpmTransmission: Four-speed automatic; rear-wheel-drive.BMW X1 sDrive18i - $43,500 BMW owner pride, diesel option, equipment, fuel economy, 1430kg weight Expensive parts and servicingBMW's new compact SUV in two-wheel-drive form is known as the sDrive. It is one of the low-cost ways of getting behind the famous BMW badge and suits Yuppies.Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 110kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 200Nm @ 3600rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (optional six-speed automatic); rear-wheel-drive.TOYOTA RAV4 - $28,990 Fuel economy, Toyota reputation, modest kerb weight (1525kg), price Tows only 1500kgRAV is the most recent 4WD SUV available in 2WD and uses the Toyota Camry 2.4 engine. RAV started the compact SUV segment and has kept updated nicely since.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual (optional four-speed automatic); front-wheel-drive.

Last month a record 89,218 new-vehicle sales were reported up a solid 18.3 per cent on the 74,441 of May last year. The previous best May was in 2008, before the global financial crisis, with 8,640.It means 422,446 new-vehicle sales this year nationally, a good 20 per cent growth (or 70,000 more sales) on the first five months of last year.  The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, which released its Vfacts figures yesterday, now projects total sales of more than 1 million this calendar year.David Buttner, sales and marketing boss for Toyota which remains most popular brand in Australia predicts 1 million sales now will be easily passed in the financial year about to end.  In the 11 months of this financial year, the tally reads 904,551 vehicles. The final four weeks of ‘end of financial year sales’ have begun, and in each of the past three June totals, 100,000 has been achieved.Mr Buttner pointed out one in five new vehicles sold in Australia was now a Toyota.  FCAI head, Andrew McKellar said the SUV segment with 29 per cent growth on May last year and passenger cars, up 19 per cent, were leaders."But all segments increased during the month, demonstrating a genuine recovery in the marketplace," he said.  He said private buyers were returning in large numbers, taking over the momentum provided by business buyers this year.  Holden achieved its fifth consecutive month of growth, 24 per cent up on May last year.The Commodore with 3899 sales last month regained its top place while Toyota's HiLux, the April leader, was back to second place on 3665. It means Commodore remains in front in sales so far this year in its fight to be Australia's favourite car again in 2010.Falcon has third place for May and Mazda3 outsold rival Toyota Corolla while Holden Cruze imported at present but to be built in Adelaide from next year is in sixth place.  Mitsubishi is celebrating after its Lancer doubled sales of May last year to leap into the top-cars list.  Vehicles selling more than 1500 last month (with year-to-date in brackets):1. Holden Commodore 3899 (18,428)2. Toyota HiLux 3665 (17,287)3. Ford Falcon 3258 (13,349)4. Mazda3 2901 (16,155)5. Toyota Corolla 2796 (14,933)6. Holden Cruze 2484 (11,416)'7. Hyundai i30 2385 (13,588)8. Mitsubishi Lancer 2368 (10,129)9. Nissan Navara 1972 (8731)10. Toyota Camry 1966 (9088)11. Hyundai Getz 1957 (9629)12, Subaru Impreza 1597 (5253)13. Toyota Prado 1575 (7488)14. Mitsubishi Triton 1552 (6524)

"Not much of a work ute, is it?" says a no-nonsense mate when looking over the Holden Ute SV6.  No, not really. And it isn't meant to be. Sure, the base-model Omega Ute is more of a working vehicle but the SV6 and SS V8 versions tend towards lifestyle vehicles a two-door, two-seater with a big boot.The SV6 version, as tested, even looks like you've got a V8 lots of body kit, low slung, big alloy wheels and twin exhausts and with plenty of go.Engine It runs the SIDI version of the 3.6-litre V6 which gives a more than adequate 210kW power and yet can return a reasonable 10 litres/100km fuel economy on regular unleaded. The six-litre V8 model even with its cylinder shutdown on the automatic utes drinks about 13 litres/100km and the manual V8 even more.We drove the manual SV6, which will trundle along at only 1000rpm (40km/h, 5th gear) and takes just 2100rpm in 6th gear at 110km/h. The gearshift is short but clunky (perhaps it will ease up when run in more), the sequential six-speed automatic worth considering.Fit-out and equipmentThe 245/45 tyres on 18in rims on the SV6, plus firmer sports springs, a hefty front anti-sway bar and lowered ride height give this thing commendable cornering grip, backed up by stability control. And Holden has the advantage of independent rear suspension of coil springs on its tes.Like all VE Holdens the driver has to look around a thick A-pillar and the over-shoulder view around the B-pillar isn't great, either. But its six airbags help give it a top-five star safety rating for occupant protection.SV6 Ute comes with a soft tonneau cover, the edges of which have to be snapped into place (strong hands needed), and a polyethylene tub liner which helps protect you cargo. Tie-down hooks are handy but it would be good to have some fold-in D-hooks lower on the tub sides, too.It will carry items up to 1.9m long with tailgate up. It has 1.2m between wheel arches. Its 100mm ground clearance and low front spoiler mean it's no good for building sites and farm paddocks but I was king of the kids doing the dump run, an impressive amount of tree clippings swallowed by the rear tub.The interior is sporty Commodore with leather-trim steering wheel. The test car had the welcome optional leather seats. Electric adjustment is for seat height only.  Overall, Holden Ute SV6 is an Aussie two-seater that looks great, goes quick and gives versatility in what you can carry in the back.Holden Ute SV6Price: from $34,990 drive-away (list price from $38,490)Engine: 3.6-litre, V6, dohc, petrolPower: 210kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 350Nm @ 2900rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (six-speed automatic $1000 more). Rear wheel drive.Fuel: 10.2 litres/100km; on test 9.9 litres/100km; tank 73 litresCO2: 241g/kmDimensions: 5040mm long, 1899mm wide, 1480mm high; wheelbase 3009mm; 1750kg.Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear; ABS.Tows: 1600kg.Also consider: Falcon XR6 Ute, $37,690.