Articles by Stuart Martin

Mazda 3 SP20 Luxury and Honda Civic VTi-L Hatch go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The Japanese brand has boosted the features list for the small car range by adding Bluetooth - already standard in key competitors Cruze and Corolla - to the entry-level $20,330 Neo model without adding to the price tag.The system will enable hands free phone use and music streaming, the latter also on offer via a USB input. A USB connection also allows for full iPod integration and function via the steering-wheel mounted controls and information being displayed on the centre display.So far this year the Mazda3 has sold more than 28,000 units and was just ahead of the Toyota's HiLux range of two and four-wheel drive utility vehicles in second and the soon-to-be-replaced Corolla in third.Mazda Australia's national marketing manager, Alastair Doak, says the Mazda3 is Australia's most popular car and the updates were designed to maintain that. “With the introduction of Bluetooth and USB across the entire range, offering even more value to the customer, we expect the appeal to continue.“The fact that the latest enhancements come at no extra cost shows that we are intent on giving Mazda buyers more,” he says. Mazda facelifted the top-seller last year, so the extra equipment is part of an upgrade the company would hope helps keep the hatch and sedan range in the top tier of the car sales race, as the next Mazda3 is not likely until next year.The Mazda3 MPS hot hatch has also been updated with changes to the paintwork and wheels, with no change to the $39,490 price tag. “It's a tweak with the MPS - it was made available to us, the MPS wasn't part of that facelift last year so it was an opportunity for us to bring some updates to the MPS as well,” Mr Maciver says.Exterior mirrors, part of the rear spoiler and rear lower bumper are now painted in a black mica colour, the radio reception is now taken care of by a shark fin antenna and the alloy wheels have taken on a dark metallic hue. “The main volume market for the (Mazda6 MPS) car is the US but ultimately the volume wasn't there, that's the reason the decision was made to stop production of the car, there's no plans to add more MPS models,” he says. 

The original Lion brand has been in and out of my personal life since I first drew breath - I grew up riding in the back of a 504 and spent time in a number of models during my formative years - 405, 205, 505 and a classic 404. Having sampled the flagship 2.2-litre turbodiesel 508 GT we're spending time in a mid-spec

The Mini marque is adding entry-level models to its new Coupe and Roadster ranges - launched in March this year - that will be in showrooms from November. The two-seater models were originally launched in Cooper S and John Cooper Works guises but the BMW-owned badge is looking to broaden its appeal with naturally-aspirated petrol entry-level models but don't hold your breath for any diesel models. The 1.6-litre Cooper models sans turbo represents almost a third of the hatch volume for Mini - so far this year, 28 per cent of the hard-top range wears a Cooper badge. Coupe variants will be starting from $34,900 and the Roadster will carry a $37,500 price tag when the S is lopped from the Cooper badge, which lowers the entry-point for new Mini sports cars by more than $8000 and below the $40,000 psychological barrier. Mini Australia general manager Kai Bruesewitz said the new Cooper variants will be in hot demand. “The Mini Cooper engine is extremely popular in other body styles in the MINI range offering punchy performance and frugal economy at a great price.” “With the addition of this engine variant, the striking new Mini Coupe and Roadster are now even more attractive and more attainable to the young and the young at heart,” he says. The two-seater sporties will lose a yard of pace in the bid to grab more buyers - the Cooper models are powered by a naturally-aspirated variable-valve 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 90kW at 6000rpm and 160Nm of torque at 4250 rpm - down 45kW and 80Nm over the S but enough, says Mini, to hit 100km/h in 9 seconds. The payoff comes at the petrol pump, where the Cooper's fuel use drops 0.6 to 5.8 l/100km with emissions of 136 g/km of CO2. The Mini Cooper Roadster covers the sprint to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds - about two seconds slower - with a slightly reduced fuel use figure of 6.1l/100km. Both models will be offered with the new engine hooked up to either a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed auto. Standard fare for both of new models includes 16in alloy wheels, sport seats, cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth phone link, a USB sound system input, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights.  

Heritage and cred abounds when the seven-slot grille of the Jeep Wrangler looms into view. The US brand that is steeped in history from its humble military beginnings is looking to improve its reputation under the new regime and as they said - the only way is up in terms of how its seen by Australians, with a wave of new product coming to Australia, starting with the new petrol V6. Chrysler Australia managing director Clyde Campbell says the brand sold 12,000 cars last year - the brand's highest year ever - and there's new Chrysler product on the horizon. "We think the sales were a really good result in a market that didn't move much - one of our brands we had no product, but the other two brands were well up. "We've set the foundation to repeat the same sort of results this year and we're excited about that," he says.The mildly-updated range kicks off with unchanged prices - starting $32,000 for the two-sport six-speed manual V6, rising $2000 for the five-speed auto; go the diesel path and the impost is $6000, although adding the auto to the diesel only increases the price by $1000. Jumping up to the Rubicon - which adds the hard-core offroad bits - pushes the starting price to $42,000 for the V6 manual and there's no diesel option. The four-door Unlimited petrol V6 manual is priced from $36,000, or $42,000 for the diesel. Among the standard fare are hill start and descent control systems, air conditioning, a six-speaker sound system, 17in wheels and a tyre pressure warning system, but there's no standard Bluetooth (it's part of the Connectivity group at $490) and no standard side airbags (they cost $450) so you know why the pricetag looks lean.Premium paint ups the pricetag by $450 or the options list also includes the Renegade Pack for $3000 (which adds a black three-piece hard top, a black folding soft top, tinted-sunscreen glass,  tubular side steps and the upgraded six-speaker sound system)The petrol-only Rubicon Unlimited manual is priced from $46,000, which adds things like the upgraded sound system, automatic headlights, side rock rails,The new 3.6-litre alloy 209kW/347Nm V6 has 24 variably-timed valves and double overhead cams to gazump the old engine by 63kW and 32Nm with comparable fuel consumption around 11l/100km. There are two part-time four-wheel drive systems on offer, both run rear-wheel drive and then with a centre diff locked in four-high, but the Rock-Trac system has a lower low-range.Also on offer for a bit of extra off-road ability is what Jeep calls Brake Lock Differentials, which brakes individual wheels to reduce wheelspin and send drive to the wheels with grip. The Rubicon model gets the Rock-Trac transfer case as well as locking front and rear diffs, heavier-duty live axles and a rear disconnecting sway bar to help improve rear-wheel suspension travel.Park a 2012 Wrangler next to any number of Jeeps stretching back to World War II and you'll see what sort of design progression has occurred - it's the ain't-broke-don't-fix school of styling that Porsche seems to apply to the 911 (another icon). Macho, broad-shouldered and solid, you can pick them a mile (quite literally) away.The Wrangler has dual front airbags as standard - side airbags are optional - and the off-roader has stability and traction control, as well as the four-wheel drive system. There's not much in the way of crash test ratings for this car - but other Jeep vehicles have fallen well short of five stars in European NCAP tests. The bumper sticker says it all - "it's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand." It's true in all manner of ways for the Wrangler, which has steadfastly refused to dilute its considerable off-road prowess to satisfy the soft-roader trend and retains icon status as a result.The first few kilometres in the new 3.6-litre petrol V6 (with the six-speed manual) show the powerplant is a big step forward from the old petrol engine, with more power delivered in a smoother and quieter manner. The manual gearshift requires something not far short of brute force and accurate throws as it's not forgiving of half-hearted gearchanges. We've started in the two-door short wheelbase model and it's a bit choppy on the tarmac and lolls around in corners, proving a bit twitchy if the pace is more than leisurely. Unsealed surfaces need the part-time 4WD system engaged if you don't want to bother the stability control, but once driving through all four wheels the Wrangler hangs on. The helm is not the most accurate or feelsome set-up, even among those vehicles with similar off-road prowess - recirculating ball steering and live axles were to blame, say Jeep crew, for the lacklustre manners when turning on-road, with far fewer issues arising off it. Jeep talk about it being new but aside from the engine it's a mild change of model at best, as the diesel is unchanged. Switching to the longer-wheelbase auto petrol V6 four-door and the choppy ride is less evident, a bonus given we're about to engage in some off-road activities. The transfer case lever is still on the wrong side for Australia (something that perhaps may be remedied with a more global approach from Chrysler) but once in low-range and in the rough stuffm the Wrangler feels far more at home. The ride is still little lumpy but it's clambering over sand and rocks (all at road tyre pressures apparently) with little fuss. Inside the cabin, load space in either car isn't great (the SWB is tiny) and the ergonomics of the dashboard and controls leaves much to be desired.  More than a few times my left knee put the automatic into manual change mode, the steering is tilt-adjustable only, the transmission housing intrudes on the driver's left foot and some of the in-cabin storage is awkward. My first car was a 1974 ancestor of the Wrangler (I still have it) and the imagery of the modern car leans hard on that history. Off the beaten track there is considerable ability but a nagging doubt about reliability - Chrysler says the warranty claims have reduced massively in recent times as well, time will tell if the sins of past models are no longer being committed. There are now other Jeeps in the range to join the school-run brigade, but if you still really want to get off the beaten track and can live with the on-road foibles, you'll understand this car.

The latest and smallest pocket-rocket from Sweden is being eyed by Volvo Car Australia, which is in the final stages of price negotiations for the performance flagship of the V40 range.The R-Design model will again be limited to the T5 drivetrain - unlike its home market where it can be applied across the petrol and turbodiesel engine line-up.In Australia the V40 R-Design will have 187kW and 360Nm (400Nm on overboost) at its disposal to propel it to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds, with an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.It will top a range of V40 engines that will start with an 84kW/270Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (in manual only), a 2-litre, 5-cylinder 130kW/400Nm turbodiesel, a 2-litre 132kW/300Nm 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol that will only be available with an automatic transmission.Volvo Australia's Oliver Peagam says the brand was still fine-tuning the line-up and pricing but was hopeful of getting the R-Design available from launch. "It's going to be early next year, we're hoping to have it as part of the V40 launch in the first quarter. "Historically we've only had an R-Design on the T5 and T6 engines, I think we'll be maintaining that tradition," he says.Available in six colours, including the pictured Rebel Blue, the new V40 R-Design is laying claim to having the looks and high performance driving experience to back it up. The snout has been altered with a new glossy "silk-metal" grille, with the same finish applied to a number of other exterior trim pieces, as well as an "ironstone" rear diffuser, twin exhausts and sits on 18in "diamond cut" alloy wheels.The cabin gets the mainstream V40's new dashboard, which offers three layout choices for the driver, Elegance, Eco and Performance - the difference in the R-Design being that all three carry the blue-colour theme. Seating is upgraded but Volvo says they are still a clearly Scandinavian design - leather and Nubuck trimmed with an R-design logo, or an optional full-leather pew is available.The cabin also gets model-specific steering wheel, gear shift, handbrake and sports pedals, as well as aluminium trim additions. Volvo Car product strategy senior vice president Lex Kerssemakers says the R-Design's attention to detail covers the expressive design as well as the agile, precise performance."The V40 R-Design is designed around the performance-minded individual with a passion for those things that add extra spice to life," he says. Sitting on what Volvo calls a heavily-modified version of the Ford Focus platform, the V40 R-Design's Sport suspension sits 10mm lower and has been developed in conjunction with Swedish race-ace Robert Dahlgren and the Volvo Polestar Black R team.The springs and dampers have been tightened up accordingly and anti-roll bars' diameters have been increased as well. Volvo says R-Design buyers' passion for a fast-paced life is not just about speed and acceleration "Agility and precision are equally important for these performance-minded individuals. The Sport chassis is designed to offer a class-leading, intense driving experience, no matter if you prioritise maximum fuel-efficiency or rapid acceleration," says Mr Kerssemakers.The Swedish brand is aiming the driver-orientated vehicle at younger buyers. "Previous R-Design models have played an important role for increasing our sales and for lowering the age of our customer base. "We believe that the new V40 R-Design will give this trend another boost," says Mr Kerssemakers. 

Being unveiled at Paris motor show, it is the fastest Mini ever. Just 30 of a limited production run of 2000 worldwide - the current car's swansong before an all-new Mini in 2014 - will roll off boats in Australia, wearing a sub-$60,000 price tag and promising serious performance. Mini product communications manager Scott Croaker says the JCW GP was the current Mini's last hurrah before the new car arrived. “This is the last hurrah of current Mini, given the new Mini is due to premiere next year this would be a similar thing - a limited edition of the R56 as we call it,” he says. Mr Croaker said just 30 out of limited production run of 2000 had been secured for Australian customers to arrive in Australia during the first quarter of next year, and many already had names on them - but if more became available the Australian arm would look to grab them. “There are quite a number with names on them already, there are not too many left at the moment. Getting any more depends on whether other markets take up their allocation.” The 1160kg six-speed manual two-seater wears a fully-functioning aerodynamic body kit and sits on specialist sports suspension and has upgraded brakes beneath 17in Mini Challenge alloy wheels. A Mini first will be adjustable coilover suspension, which will allow the ride height to be dropped by up to 20mm and give owners the ability to tune the suspension for racetrack work. Other track-related changes include the stability and traction control, which has a Sport mode function as well as a GP racing mode. The extra mode deletes any power reduction from the system and gives the GP the ability to brake the inside front wheel in corners to prevent wheelspin. The system loads up the outside wheel in corners to improve drive out of the corner, which is going to be a requirement given these outputs. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo direct-injection powerplant has been upgraded and wound up to 160kW and 260Nm (with 280Nm on offer during overboost), enough to lay claim to a 6.3 second sprint to 100km/h, a 242km/h top speed and an 8m23s time around the northern loop of the Nurburgring - 18 seconds quicker than the previous JCW machine. The JCW GP also lays claim to EU fuel consumption figures around 7.1 litres per 100km. Race-bred brakes will bring it to an eye-watering halt - six-piston fixed-calipers gripping 330mm ventilated front and 280mm solid rear discs - as well as a features list will also include xenon headlights, foglights, air conditioning, Recaro sports seats, a cargo bay guard to keep luggage in place, a JCW thick-rimmed leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and gearshifter knob. Also on the cards for Australia is the Mini Countryman JCW - which will have the same engine outputs as the lighter GP but will be all-wheel drive and have an automatic available. “That will be similar in terms of timing, we'll see that at the start of next year, its performance won't be similar but it gets similar outputs and will be available with an automatic, which will flow through into other models in the JCW range,” Mr Croaker says.  

Toyota's HiLux topped the sales charts with 4010 sales for August, ahead of the Mazda3's 2990 tally and the Toyota Corolla finished the month in third with 2945 sales. Toyota Australia's sales and marketing executive director Matthew Callachor said it was HiLux's fifth consecutive month as Australia's most popular nameplate. “The popularity of HiLux is a testament to its unbreakable reputation and also a market shift to what you might describe as dual-role vehicles - those that serve motorist's needs both at work and at play,” he said. The locally-built brigade was led by the Holden Cruze making up for a horrible July with 2628 August sales, ahead of its Commodore stablemate's 2435 and the Toyota Camry's August tally of 2130. Sales director Philip Brook said Holden's moves to increase the appeal of its line-up were paying dividends. “Captiva continues to be a winner for us and we're pleased to see it excel in the highly competitive and fast-moving SUV market,” he said. “Last month, we responded to an increasingly competitive market with a 0.5 per cent finance offer on a range of Holden vehicles, which was a great success with customers,” he said. Having dipped in July, Ford's Falcon bounced back into four-figures with 1353 sold, just pipped by its Territory sibling on 1357. Mazda Australia managing director Doug Dickson said August's result demonstrated the brand's appeal. “Further product developments, including the arrival of the all-new Mazda6, will help ensure we continue to deliver the stylish, insightful and spirited products that the market wants,” he said. Official VFACTS industry sales figures released yesterday show the new vehicle market up 6.2 per cent in August (compared to the same month last year) and 9.4 per cent ahead in year-to-date (YTD) terms, despite a drop-off in government fleet purchases. The government numbers were down 22 per cent in August and remain almost 10 per cent below 2011 levels in year-to-date terms. In overall terms, the Sport Utility Vehicle market is more than 46,000 units (or 30 per cent) ahead of the 2011 tally to the same point, while light-commercial vehicles are 8.3 per cent ahead. Passenger car sales continue to tread water in YTD terms - up by 1.2 per cent for the year so far - but down 3.7 per cent for August to 46,612 (down 1811 vehicle sales) over the same month last year.  The Sports Utility Market totalled 26,216 - up by 4105 vehicle sales or 18.6 percent, with the Light Commercial segment up by just over 19 per cent (or 2896 vehicle sales); Heavy Commercial sales were up 11.7 per cent over August 2011. The year-to-date market tally stands at 728,047 vehicles - ahead 62,738 sales or 9.4 per cent over the same period in 2011. WINNER Sentimentally we're happy to see Honda's numbers back in black after being in the sales doldrums for a while post-natural disaster - a big August (3842 units) pushed the Japanese brand ahead of its 2011 YTD tally to end the month on 22,864, up by 5.6 per cent. LOSER Mitsubishi aren't exactly setting the world on fire at the moment and its Australian boss admits as much. Down 6.5 per cent in a market that's up 9.6 per cent, with an ageing range that doesn't epitomise value for money, present issues for the Japanese brand, which will need the updated Lancer and ASX to quickly get solid traction in the market.    

The move, dropping the sedan, reverts to the body shape with which it first launched the car in early 2007.  Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers says the sedan has fallen victim to the market segment's stronger demand for the hatch. “We've taken the sedan out of the range, the hatch market is so much stronger so that's the direction we're taking,” Mr Devers says.  “We're trying to keep the value in it, it's a competitive market out there, we're confident that pricing and the extra spec will help it,” he says. Mr Devers says the model update offers small car customers a value-for-money package and a new TV campaign in October will raise its profile.  “We need to increase SX4 volumes, we've maintained the lower price from earlier this year, and with added spec, so we're expecting a 20 per cent increase in sales, we know the two-litre engine is a ripper, we've just got to get a higher profile for the SX4,” he says. NEW LOOK Due in showrooms this month is the new model, boasting a facelifted front end, new-look alloys, new fabric seat trim and exterior rear vision mirrors with indicators. PRICE AND EQUIPMENT Pricing is largely unchanged, starting from $18,990 for entry-level manual, rising (like the rest of the range) by $2000 for the CVT version; $24,290 buys the S model, which is a CVT-only proposition. The all-wheel drive range starts at $21,990 for the manual or $23,990 for the CVT, while S buyers will pay $24,490 for the manual and $26,490 for the S CVT.  The standard features list now includes cruise control and Bluetooth, as well as power windows, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated controls, remote central locking, air conditioning, an eight speaker sound system, a trip computer, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock and brakeforce distribution systems, six airbags and power mirrors. The S models adds 16in alloys, remote keyless entry and ignition, wheel-mounted gearshift paddles for CVT models, climate control, a touchscreen satnav with Bluetooth and voice activation and a USB auxiliary input. ENGINE The engine bay is still inhabited by the two-litre powerplant teamed with either a six-speed manual or a continuously-variable automatic transmission. SAFETY The little hatch boasts six airbags and stability control across the range and will also be available in two new colours - a metallic "plasma” yellow and boost blue, which is back on the colour choice list.  

There are several sci-fi directions you could go when talking about the styling of the UK-sourced Honda Civic.Rather than get into some frivolous debate with chatroom dwellers around the globe, we'll just say this head turner from Honda is not short on looks.Keeping the aesthetic theme of the outgoing car but slicing the price could do wonders for the appeal in this price-conscious end of the market; we're in the Vti-L five-speed automatic hatch.The new UK-sourced hatch has a sharper price tag to the tune of $4000 over the outgoing model but its features list has not been culled to suit.The Civic Vti-L has automatic (halogen, not xenon) headlights, rain-sensing wipers, mirrors that are heated, power-adjustable and folding, front fog lights, LED tail lights and daytime running lights, a rear wiper for the expansive rear glass area, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, cruise control with speed limiter and three 12v outlets (two in-cabin, one in the boot) alloy pedals.And a height-adjustable driver's seat height, heated front seats, a trip computer, insulated windows, leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, splitfold rear seat, 17in alloys (although there's only a temporary spare) and a USB/AUX equipped seven-speaker premium sound system with Bluetooth phone and sound system link, but no satnav.The Civic gets a i-VTEC variable valve 1.8-litre engine, offering a meagre 104kW and 174Nm from 95RON fuel. The long-serving i-VTEC system picks between two cam profiles according to what demands are being placed on the engine to give it a bit more flexibility but the powerplant is definitely aiming for frugal fuel use - it claims a 10 per cent improvement over the outgoing car.The five-speed automatic gearbox is smooth and has a Sport mode and paddleshifts (it will hold a gear too) but you'd have thought six-speeds might have been forthcoming in a 2012 car. The driver can play with the economy mode of the car's throttle and climate control system - which also has blue (thirsty) to green (economical) dash lighting to encourage more frugal driving.Unlike some of the current Honda range, you can't call the new UK-built hatch boring, conservative or plain. Lower and wider than the outgoing model, the nose is aggressive and its flanks have some curvy lines to catch the light, but the rump is a little unwieldy. The high back probably works for the aerodynamic engineers and the rear visibility is improved by the extra window, but it's not as pretty a beasty from the rear. Most drivers (except perhaps the shorter pilot) will get plenty of forward vision through the large windscreen but rear-three quarter isn't as good - sensors teamed to the camera would make life a little less daunting in a close-quarter car park situation. The cargo space - which includes the area inhabited by the rear seats - is flexible and spacious.The Civic makes plenty of its solid construction and safety rank - it gets five stars from NCAP - and has dual front, front-side and full-length curtain airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a tyre pressure deflation warning system.Apologies for borrowing from a weight loss company, but this car is light and easy to drive. But any expectation of spirited performance is unlikely to be met as its no firebrand masquerading as a shopping trolley. That's not really a criticism - for metro running and kid-carting, the Civic is a useful conveyance. The seating is comfortable and flexible, there's enough cabin space and storage for occupants to get comfy and stow their gear. The good-quality sound system's sub-woofer eats 10 litres of space from the boot, leaving 390 litres, but clever rear seats make the rear load space very flexible.The dash and instruments are mostly easy to use, although some prefer dials to digital readouts; shorter drivers may have trouble getting a good position to see all instruments and over bonnet at the same time given the steering wheel's location and the dashboard configuration.Night running revealed plenty of reflection from the instrument and infotainment display, perhaps a deeper cowling might fix that. The dashboard looks like it could display a satnav image but it's nowhere to be seen - unlike much of its competition. Steering assistance has rendered the helm beyond light and not over-run with road-feel - it isn't going to usurp the Honda sports cars of olde for feedback.Ride is firmer than expected - it did transmit small sharp bumps more than expected but general compliance on the larger ruts and bumps was acceptable. Some of the systems seem overly complex - the Bluetooth menu system is fiddly to set up - and despite being built in a right-hand drive market, the hatch has Euro traits like the handbrake and indicator set up for left-hand drive.