Articles by Stuart Martin

But not in the disastrous manner of 2011, when the  brand's production was stalled by natural disasters. The Australian arm of the Japanese car maker may struggle to get enough of its two new models, the Impreza and the XV, until production capacity is improved later this year. Subaru Australia managing director Nick Senior says sales targets are around 700 per month. "Last year was 11,000 with 2000 WRX - our biggest problem will be supply for Impreza and XV - adding the XV we have another model without increasing production capacity, that's later this year," he says. The introduction of the rear-wheel drive BRZ (a shared development with Toyota) has given Subaru a boost as it continues to overcome its 2011 performance that was marred  by natural disasters. "It has already started doing things for us, there's a focus on Subaru since the announcement, with all the coverage and the unveiling - we've never seen so much coverage for the brand. "When it goes on sale there will be a potentially new audience for us," he says. While the rear-wheel drive model has been seen by some in the industry as a dilution of the Subaru All Wheel Drive mantra, Mr Senior says there were no plans to go front-wheel drive with its new Impreza to provide a cut-price contender in the small car market."The short answer is no - we've been able to demonstrate that the changes we've made to the Impreza, in terms of weight reduction and transmission technology, has put us towards the top of the pack."In terms of fuel efficient and low emissions, a competitive price, the strategy we have adopted is the correct strategy and there's not a lot of benefit to gain from trying to compete at the bottom end with a front wheel drive car in that category," he says. Sales targets for 2011 were set above the brand's 2010 record of around 40,000, numbers. Mr Senior is aiming to see in the year-to-date total column at the end of December, but without resorting to a front-wheel drive model. "We at the moment have a point of difference in the small car class, we've demonstrated it doesn't have to add weight and in fuel consumption we are ahead, we've addressed a whole lot of issues - there's not going to be a huge saving going FWD any way, our system is simple and we do it efficiently," he says. Four new Subarus will grace local showrooms over the next 12 months - XV, Impreza, BRZ and Forester - but the wait for new WRX and STI models (now a line-up divorced from the Impreza) will be a little longer. "WRX and STI is now it's own model in its own right, the business model is being done at the moment, it will not be here this year - we've seen the strongest WRX sales we've seen in the last 5 years on the changes made, that will continue for a couple of years," Mr Senior says.

The Indian-built Mahindra Pik Up has fallen short of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) pass-mark for light-commercials in the latest ANCAP results. The Mahindra Pik Up utility, which has dual front airbags, a collapsible steering column and anti-lock brakes, scored only three stars for its crash test despite recent upgrades to better its safety performance. ANCAP CEO Nicholas Clarke says he has mixed feelings about the Mahindra result, which falls short of the Nissan Navara's four-star score and five star ratings for the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford's new Ranger and the Mazda BT-50. "On one level I have to say congrastulations to them for spending time and money to improve on what was a pretty ordinary two-star result, they've put another airbag and an improved restraint package in the car, but the flipside is that it still only gets to three stars," he said. ANCAP chair Lauchlan McIntosh says there were concerns held over the Mahindra's small improvement.  "Over 90 per cent of vehicles sold now have either a 4 or 5 star safety rating so it concerns me greatly to see the Mahindra still well below the standard consumers are demanding," he said. The new Toyota Aurion retained the superseded model's five-star ANCAP rating, with the new model now getting auto-dipping high-beam and upgraded seatbelt reminder alerts added to the outgoing model's six airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control. Kia's newly-released three and four door Rio models have inherited the five-star rating of its new five-door hatchback; Suzuki has also retained the five-star rating for the new Sport model of its Swift small car. The Jeep brand now has a 4-star rating for the Jeep Compass, which was previously rated two stars by the European NCAP test. The Australian four star rating was acheived courtesy of a different weighting for the pedestrian impact scores, according to Mr Clarke. "Euro NCAP are moving along the same road map to raise the bar but they are a little bit ahead of us on pedestrian safety, the Compass pedestrian rating was poor which can still can get four stars here, but not in a year or two's time," he says. The Jeep Compass which provides what ANCAP calls a "respectable" level of occupant protection with dual front airbags, side curtain airbags and electronic brake distribution as standard.  

There's much to like about a hook-up between the French and the Japanese. The Nissan Renault team has produced a worthy compact SUV range in the updated Koleos, it's just a shame they've priced themselves out of contention, particularly when considering the opposition.We've spent some time in the turbodiesel Dynamique and - without looking at the pricetag - there's plenty to like, but bring in the damage to the hip pocket and the dynamic abilities of it's immediate opposition and it's a different argument.VALUEThere's a decent features list that includes dual-zone climate control, rear passengers get vents at the rear of the centre console, there's a six-speaker Arkamys sound system with USB input or an optional eight-speaker Bose unit (including a woofer), satnav and Bluetooth phone and audio link.The Koleos also has reach'n'rake adjustable steering, leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats with powered adjustment for the driver, a trip computer, rear side retractable sunblinds, power-adjustable and heated external mirrors, a full-size spare wheel, several 12-volt sockets and 17in alloy wheels.TECHNOLOGYThe diesel Koleos runs a 110kW/320Nm two-litre particle-filter equipped turbodiesel with a "normal" torque-converter-equipped six-speed automatic transmission, not a CVT that is teamed to the petrol-powered vehicles.The little four-pot engine has two balance shafts to counteract engine vibrations and runs common-rail direct fuel injection (running at 1600-bar, says Renault) using piezo injectors and a variable-geometry turbocharger to help reduce lag.The Koleos takes much from its Nissan cousins on this front, with a rotary-switch to flick between 4WD modes - front wheel drive, auto (front-drive biased but varying the torque as required) and locked mode, which puts the drive 50/50 front to rear below 40km/h for the rare moments when you'd take something from this segment off the bitumen.There's also hill start and hill descent assistance systems on the 4Wd Koleos models.DESIGNMost of the design budget for the new Koleos was spent on rhinoplasty, with the updated snout a nicer and less-polarising look than that of the outgoing car.The split rear tailgate will be welcomed by some and loathed by others - it makes for a wide-open load bay (which has remote levers to drop the backrests from the rear) and it's a good place to take a pew for tailgate parties, but shorter folk might lament the long stretch into the cargo area.The seats are comfortable but the front buckets need a little more lateral support. Some of the driver's controls for the sound system and phone (on a stalk behind the steering wheel) are not easy to decipher quickly, although the satnav buttons on the centre console are less difficult to use.There has been plenty of thought put into the storage with the snug-but-comfortable cabin - any space that could be used for storage has been (Renault says there's 70 litres of in-cabin stowage), with other helpful touches including the child-monitor mirror, folding tables for rear seat occupants and side sun blinds.SAFETYRenault was the first brand to score five stars under the NCAP regime and it has plenty of safety gear to maintain that crash-test cred - anti-lock brakes with emergency assist function, traction and stability control, the aforementioned all-wheel drive system and dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags all on the list.All seatbelts are equipped with load-limiters and the front seatbelts are also endowed with pretensioners.There's also a cruise control with speed limiter function, automatic wipers and headlights, and in the event of crash, Renault says the car's doors unlock automatically, the ECU stops the fuel injection system and the hazard lights turn on.DRIVINGThe Koleos has picked tough territory into which it has waded - established players like Subaru, Mitsubishi and now VW have diesel offerings.The VW Tiguan and Mazda's CX-5 promise to redefine diesel engines, the latter with its new Skyactiv-D drivetrain. Toyota's RAV4 doesn't do diesel and neither does Jeep's renewed offerings in the segment, but the Renault feels a little leisurely when compared to its opposition.The payoff comes with reasonably good fuel economy, which was 8.9l/100km when we finished our stint in the car - not far off the claimed 7.6l/100km and suprising given the Koleos was largely used in surburbia.Dynamically it's a cruiser too, endowed with a reasonable ride comfort but not with the dynamic ability that the Volkswagen or the Mazda bring to the fight.With 186mm of ground clearance listed in the specs, it isn't a number that's going to mean peace of mind if you're getting into rougher terrain.That said, the all-wheel drive system does a good job of maintaining grip in loose conditions and it is not shy of getting its wheels muddied more than the soft-roader brigade.VERDICTThe Koleos has plenty of gear and (I think) improved looks but is up against renewed and all-new models in the segment. It's a competent and comfortable machine but is pipped for on-road dynamics by the Tiguan and the new CX-5.If you want to get it dirty doing more than traversing a long unsealed farm driveway then the Koleos can cut it. It also completes metropolitan duties without any issues but it's not a segment-topper.2012 Renault Koleos Dynamique dieselPrice: from $40,990Warranty: 5 years, unlimited kmResale: 50% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 7.6l/100km, on test 8.9, tank 65 litres; 200g/km CO2Safety: Equipment six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability and traction control.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 110kW/320Nm 2-litre common-rail direct-injection particle-filtered turbodiesel four-cylinderTransmission: six-speed auto, four-wheel drive.Body: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4520mm (L); 1865mm (W); 1710mm (H); 2690mm (WB)Weight: 1789kgTyre size: 225/60R17Spare tyre: full size

What is it about this breed of machine that holds such appeal? Jaguar - oft-maligned for poor reliability but endeared to many by its performance and charisma, the XF is the brand's entry-level model. It's Jaguar's best-selling model across the world, as the brand (and its Land Rover sibling) make sales hay while the sun shines, in China and India particularly. Not so in Australia, where the big cat took a 20 per cent cut in sales as the Green Oval went a similar percentage in the positive direction.As Jags go, it's a cut-price bargain - the XF Luxury 2.2 turbodiesel starts at $78,900, which also buys an eight-speed auto when the petrol cars only only get six speeds. The Jag - as you'd expect in the price bracket - has keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth phone and sound system link, rain-sensing wipers, 17in alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a USB-input for the touchscreen-controlled 10-speaker sound and DVD system, parking sensors both ends and a rear camera, automatic headlights, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, LED running lights and LED rear tail lights.The centre and exterior mirrors are auto-dimming and the exterior mirrors have puddle lights and power-folding function so they are less chance of being removed by a passing truck.The company says the little diesel XF is the most efficient Jag ever - it has 140kW and 450Nm (including 30Nm on overboost) on offer from the 2.2-litre double overhead cam 16-valve intercooled turbodiesel four-cylinder. Jaguar says the entry-level model returns 5.4l/100km (we averaged 9l/100km) and says it has driven more than 1300km on a tank. The engine has low-friction pistons and sits on active engine mounts to help reduce the vibration and improve cabin refinement, also aided by no shortage of noise insulation material, but you still know it's a diesel. Part of the frugal nature of the 2.2 comes from the fuel-saving stop-start system, which automatically shuts down the engine in just 300 milliseconds, which the company says can improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by between five and seven percent.The XF 2.2 gets the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which claims complete gearshifts in 200 milliseconds - it's a smooth and quick unit but sometimes indecisive, perhaps being spoilt for a choice of ratios. The XF is an elegant machine, sharper than its predecessor - the front headlights in particular have a cleaner look to them. Following the new look introduced by the XJ, the XF aimed to look a little more lithe and sporting than the big limo - "We have been able to evolve and enhance that performance character to make the XF the most visually dynamic car in its class," said Jag design director Ian Callum. The cabin is as you'd expect - there's leather galore and its a comfortable interior to dwell in - although perhaps not as roomy as you'd expect. The centre stack still has the rising gearshift knob and the rolling vents at start-up, and the touchscreen, clear instruments and a new digital speed readout. The boot is not overly deep but still offers 500 litres of cargo space with a space-saver spare tyre beneath the floor.The NCAP four-star XF packs six airbags into the cabin - dual front, front-side and full-length curtain units - and has anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, the corner brake control system and a clever front bonnet that pops up to reduce pedestrian injuries; front seat occupants also get active head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners.The emergency brake assist system offers the driver full braking force in a panic stop and also fires up the hazard lights to warn following drivers of an emergency stop - something not exclusive to Jaguar but a feature that should be on all cars.Long-nosed and elegant, the XF has a hint of arrogant menace about it at standstill. There haven't been too many ugly Jags - perhaps the S-Type is the exception - and the XF is a handsome machine. What flies in the face of the styling is the chuggy noise coming from the sculpted snout when you hit the ignition button that pulses red. It's not a tractor noise but it's not as smooth-sounding as the big V6 drinking the same fuel. It still lays claim to an 8.5 second sprint to 100km/h and it feels as though that's not optimistic - part-throttle pressure is all that's required to slip quickly through the eight-speed auto's ratios and leave the traffic behind. The driver is well accommodated by the updated seating and has no shortage of things at the finger tips. The sound system produces a quality noise and teams with media devices through USB or Bluetooth, but on several occasions the system was silenced by an unknown issue.Despite recognising the iPhone was integrated - for music and phone calls - and displaying as much on the screen, the XF refused to pass on the music or the person at the other end of the phone. Stop the car, switch it off, open door, lock it, wait, unlock it, re-start and - hey presto - noise a-plenty, but that didn't work the next time. Curious and as yet unanswered.It was a disappointing footnote to an otherwise decent driving experience - the ride is not too firm yet it points into bends with purpose (although the steering could still do with a little more feel), and once accustomed to the power delivery and the automatic is a quick and frugal point to point car. The high rump makes sensors front and rear, as well as a reversing camera, required features.The thirst is low and the outputs considerable, but there's something about the four-cylinder diesel noise that offsets the sporting elegance of the XF.Occupants are comfortable and well-catered for with equipment (when it doesn't go AWOL) and may not be bothered by the diesel engine noise, but anyone image-driven might prefer a quieter idle. That said, it's a $24,600 step up to the diesel V6 - what price a soundtrack?

Key among the changes is the addition of the V6 turbodiesel to more models in the D40 Navara line-up, given a few more customers access to the 170kW/550Nm powerplant from a lower price point.Safety has been improved, with the Japanese brand adding stability control - it's Vehicle Dynamic Control in Nissan-speak - and lap-sash belts for all five occupants, helping to get it a four-star NCAP crash-test rating.The 2012 ST-X dual-cab 4WD will be offered with the torquey three-litre V6 turbodiesel and a seven-speed automatic from $56,990, which Nissan says is about $4000 cheaper than the 2011 ST-X 550.Also on the features list for the ST-X is a SUB port for the sound system, fog lights and an alloy sports roll-bar.The 550 flagship has not gone unchanged, with the flagship "workhorse" getting a hard-drive-equipped satnav, leather trim, seat heaters, a satin-black sports roll-bar, a Bose sound system and a reversing camera, but the price has dropped by $2000 to $62,990 - Nissan says that's as a result of increased supply, but price cuts and new models from its primary competition might also have something to do with it.The volume seller of the range - the ST dual-cab 4WD has been endowed with the more powerful 140kW/450Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder (previously there was 128kW and 403Nm on offer), gets a six-speed manual or five-speed auto, Utili Track load restraint system, dual-zone air conditioning, six airbags and sits standard on 17in alloy wheels.Both the turbodiesel V6 and 2.5-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder models have a braked towing capacity of 3000kg.Even the entry-level RX single-cab model has had the once-over, upgrading from a bench to bucket seats and adding carpet floor covering and rubber mats.Nissan Australia managing director and CEO (until the end of March) Dan Thompson said the revisions to the Navara range further strengthened Navara's aim to wrest leadership from Toyota in the highly competitive market."Navara is one of Nissan Australia's cornerstone products aimed at giving us No.1 importer status," he says."Despite the recent arrival of several newcomers in this highly competitive segment, Navara has comfortably maintained its popularity and market position."With the new Navara ST-X V6 turbo-diesel, the enhanced D40 Dual Cab 4X4 and keener pricing, we have new and sharper tools to maintain this momentum," he says.Nissan Australia has confirmed the appointment of William Peffer as incoming CEO and managing director from April onwards, when Dan Thompson takes up his new role as Vice President (Finance) for Nissan Europe, based in Switzerland.Mr Peffer, currently marketing, communications and media director at Nissan North America, holds a Bachelors Degree in Advertising Communications from Michigan State University and a Masters Degree in International Finance from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. 

The German car maker will officially unveil the second incarnation of its road-focussed SUV at the Auto China motor show in Beijing this month. Slotting into the sportscar maker's line-up between the S and the Turbo, the Cayenne GTS sits lower and leaves little doubt about its focus on performance on the blacktop. It sales performance is likely to be similarly strong, with the Australian arm of the marque expecting it to become the top-selling petrol-powered Cayenne model and second only to the Cayenne diesel model overall.Porsche calls it "the SUV with the driving fun of a sports car" and sports an engine and suspension upgrade as well as additional features to give the GTS it's own look. The GTS packs a 309kW/515Nm (up from 294kW and 500Nm) upgraded V8 engine, based on the 4.8-litre Cayenne S power unit (with a fuel-saver stop-start system) delivering drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The two-tonne Cayenne GTS still manages the sprint to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (02. quicker than the S) and (if you were on a racetrack) it claims a 13.3 second sprint to 160 km/h (a 0.6 sec improvement) and a 261km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is a claimed 10.7 litres per 100km, up from 10.5 in the standard S. The GTS also differs from the mainstream Cayenne by way of the 24mm-lower sports-tuned suspension, aimed at providing more dynamic road manners via the Porsche Active Suspension Management, as well as a cabin trim upgrade by way of sports seats and plenty of leather and alcantara. The Turbo has donated some bits for the GTS snout, while the sports model also has glossblack trim bits, deeper sideskirts, wider wheelarch flares and a double-deck rear roof spoiler. Anyone with the available funds can place an order - the GTS starts from $164,900 - with the first cars set for September delivery dates.

Too late in life to buy a convertible? Rugrats already leaving footprints on the seat-backs? Don't despair... it's never really too late.You just need the disposable income (or appropriate company car package) to get into something like this BMW 335i M Sport Convertible.Four seats, something of a boot -- when the hard-topped folding roof is up -- and all the mod-cons, it's a mid-life crisis car that's almost versatile. It can get the endorphins pumping and yet still cart the kids.VALUEThe "v" word isn't one always associated with the Bavarian breed but if you consider the two-cars-in-one routine might soften the $126,900 blow a little - or look at the price of the not-much-quicker M3 Convertible, which is over $170,000.As tested, the 335i M Sport Convertible had the seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual transmission (for $3500) and a few other options like metallic paint ($1840) and internet accessibility for $200, although my phone didn't seem to want to help in that process.The features list is considerable - rain-sensing wipers, automatic bi-xenon headlights, sharp-looking 19in alloy wheels with low-profile runflat-tyres, remote central locking and keyless start, the broad-screened 3D satnav (although the topography has far more bumps in it for the Adelaide CBD than I remember) and infotainment screen, a first-rate sound system with hard drive and USB input.There's also dual-zone climate control, electrochromatic rearvision mirrors, trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio link, fog lights and leather-trimmed seating with front pews power-adjustable and heated.TECHNOLOGYThe 335i droptop has lost a turbo and reduced its thirst, but maintained its considerable outputs. While there are still a few Beemers punching with two turbos, several models have changed over to a single turbocharger for the three-litre straight-six.The new intake system uses a twin-scroll unit that is pressurised by two exhaust feeds that (teamed with direct injection and variable valve timing) help it maintain the 225kW and 400Nm of the old engine but with a reduced thirst, down to 8.8 litres per 100km from 9.1.The standard drivetrain has a six-speed manual but the test car had the optional seven speed twin-clutch automated manual, which is not short of smarts and delivers super-quick gearshifts - Sports mode is aggressive without being ridiculous and can be changed via paddles on the wheel.Given that the sun floods in 23 seconds after you push the button, the leather trim has been treated with what the company calls SunReflective Technology to reduce the butt-frying effect that Australian sun can induce in convertibles. There's also the ability to use brake energy to charge the battery but no Stop-Start system.DESIGNAt first glance many may not even spot the roof seams that designate the metal roof can fold into the boot, and aside from the bootspace reductions the convertible offers the best of both worlds. Roof up it is a svelte machine and not much changes when the bootlid flips up to swallow the roof. It's still a looker.Within the four-seater cabin, occupants get by at normal speeds with minimal buffeting - only at highway speeds will longer-haired folks get grumpy with the airflow. The front seat occupants don't have to stretch back for their seatbelts, as the belts are integrated into the seatbacks (it reminded me of early Range Rovers) to allow easier access for the rear occupants.You'll want to travel light if the roof is to be removed - the 350-litre boot isn't cavernous to begin with and drops to 210 litres, so pack light.SAFETYThere's no shortage of safety gear in the elegant little Beemer - dual front and side airbags, stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes.There's also adaptive bi-xenon headlights with an auto-dipping high-beam, cruise control with braking function (great for maintaining speed down hills) and pop-up roll-bars behind the rear seats.DRIVINGAs packages go, there are few more amusing things to drive than a BMW convertible. When it's a turbo six, the pose can be quickly transformed into a swift exit, but without any fuss.Only the restricted bootspace takes the shine from the updated droptop, which is a surprisingly easy car to live with day-to-day.Despite sitting on lowered M Sport suspension and low-profile run-flat rubber that is wrapped around 19in wheels, the ride is not uncomfortably firm - it still doesn't like the nastier bits of broken bitumen but it's better than you'd expect looking at the wheel/tyre package.Crashing through the ruptured road surfaces with the roof off doesn't get the bodyshell shimmying either - at 1700-odd kg it's a no lightweight but the payoff is body strength that is palpable on a rough road.The rear leg and foot room isn't expansive but a family of four can slip, slop and slap their way to a day-trip destination in fine style.Put the driver in on their own and fire up the electronics into Sports modes and the M Sport side of the title is more than apparent - straightline speed is approaching the M3 and the chassis (while not quite to M3 levels) has enough competence to cover ground on a twisty back-road in short order.VERDICTIf you have any requirements for four seats but still feel the need to drive something that can blur the scenery, then this is a worthy contender.Cart the kids, do the shopping, perform most duties without complaint, but if you adjust the mirrors properly so you can't see the other seats, it'll stop, turn and go well enough to make you forget there's room for the boss and the little uns, at least until they call to be picked up ... sorry, the phone dropped out.BMW 335i M Sport ConvertiblePrice: from $126,900Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 51%  Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 25,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 8.8 l/100km, on test 13.5; 205g/km CO2Saftey Equipment: Four airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control.Crash Rating: 5 starEngine: 225kW/400Nm 3-litre variable-valve direct-injection twin-scroll turbo in-line six-cylinderTransmission: seven-speed twin-clutch automated manualBody: 2-door, 4 seats Dimensions: 4612mm (L); 1782mm (W); 1384mm (H); 2760mm (WB)Weight: 1750kgTyre Size: 225/35 fr and 255/30 rr R19 run-flat safety tyres Spare TYRE run-flats

Just what the Australian new car market needs is another compact SUV .... in this case, the answer is yes.A revolution in manufacturing and next-gen developments of the internal combustion engine - that's Mazda's plan and the first incarnation of all this smarty-pants work by Mazda is the CX-5.The lighter (high-tensile steels make up 61 per cent of the CX-5) but not much smaller successor to the CX-7 - we're in the near-entry level Maxx Sport model, with the petrol engine and the six-speed automatic.The features list for the $33,450 auto-only Maxx Sport has no shortage of gear - automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, a six-speaker sound system with USB and Bluetooth phone and audio link, a leather-wrapped gear shifter and steering wheel, front fog lamps and integrated TomTom satnav.The rear bench is has 40/20/40 split-fold seats and there's also cruise control, helm-mounted audio controls, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, keyless push-button start, reach-and-rake adjustable steering, a trip computer, a tyre pressure warning system and 17in wheels.The Maxx Sport is expected to account for 30 per cent of total CX-5 sales according to Mazda's forecasts, with 70 per cent of CX-5 buyers expected to opt for petrol drivetrains, but with all-wheel drive (that is expected to account for almost two-thirds of CX-5 sales).Mazda is claiming class-leading fuel economy from the clever Skyactiv-G 114kW/200Nm two-litre petrol engine, which has direct injection and a high 13:1 compression ratio - but it only needs 91RON fuel. It's spirit is willing but the flesh is a little underdone - the little petrol powerplant has similar outputs to the 3 Skyactiv but has to haul another 150kg - you can wind it up but you'll never get near the claimed 6.4l/100km.Mazda says the Skyactiv engine has better low and mid-range torque, but there seems to be less of the former and a reasonable amount of the latter. The test car is running the new Skyactiv-Drive six-speed auto, which boasts a full-range lock-up clutch torque converter set-up that Mazda says gives the auto a more direct feel, more like a manual gearbox.The CX-5 also has Mazda's clever idle-stop system that uses the combustion process for the restart, being less reliant on the electric-powered starter motor; it's also one of the quickest, re-starting within 0.35 of a second. The TomTom satellite navigation system has myriad features for traffic monitoring and route selection, with map updates available for download to the SD card, but several times it decided to flip the view and show me where I'd been. Wistful reminiscing is fine for the bar but not practical in a satnav.The CX-5 is a poster-child for the Kodo "Soul of Motion" design theme but it's not to all tastes, particularly the snout, but it's still prettier than a BT-50. It features the new-look Mazda nose and manages to hide the dimensions - it sits on a 50mm shorter wheelbase than the outgoing CX-7 and it's slightly shorter in overall length (153mm shorter), 32mm narrower, but is 65mm taller.The cabin is spacious and can take four adults and their gear in the 403 litre boot without any problem. What will present an issue is the omission of rear ventilation, something that was absent from the CX-7 - and noted by the manufacturer - but has not been rectified.The cargo area also has a clever cargo cargo that lifts with the tailgate and the 40:20:40 splitfold seats which can be quickly folded flat to expand loadspace to 1560 litres.While a CX-5 has yet to have been slung into a wall for NCAP as yet, the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded it a Top Safety Pick rating - it's got anti-lock brakes (with brakeforce distribution and emergency brake and hill-start assist), stability and traction control, dual front, side and curtain airbags.There's also a reversing camera that is standard range-wide, something the Japanese brand says is unique to its model range.Snout-heavy styling aside, there's plenty to like about this little SUV, provided you're only looking for a commuter car and not anything to get adventurous in - there's only 150mm clearance after all. It's easy to get into, the cabin is spacious, well-equipped and comfortable - the driver is well accommodated for as well, with most things falling easily to hand.The steering wheel has key controls and there's good connectivity - the touchscreen satnav infotainment screen is easy to see but it's quirky map-rotation habits were disappointing. The rear passengers will notice the lack of rear vents in summer.A rear seat 12-volt outlet wouldn't go astray either, but apart from those two issues the rear seat occupants have good leg, foot and headroom. The ride is tending towards firm but doesn't cause complaints, the payoff coming in good body control and composed road manners in the bends - the Mazda3 on stilts analogy is apt.Steady pace can be maintained by the petrol engine but it's no fireball - the genuine manual change mode of the six-speed auto makes better use of the reasonable flexibility on offer by the little four-pot. Alternatively, you can wring its neck, but that's going to take the fuel economy north of the nine litres per 100km that was returned during our stint.The little Mazda has what it takes to re-define one side of the compact SUV segment, the on-road runners. In front-wheel drive guise it's not set-up for dirt work, but the CX-5 FWD is smooth, quiet and comfortable, but it's not perfect. No rear vents is an oversight, the satnav quirk was annoying and the diesel AWD promises to be the drivetrain of choice (and worth the $5500) if you want a decent amount of grunt under your right foot.

For the first quarter of 2012, passenger car sales are just ahead of last year - up by 601 cars and led by growth in the small, medium, sports and peoplemover segments.Large car sales continue to give the Red and Blue brigade sleepless nights, sliding by 20 per cent or more - the Broadmeadows crew in blue seems to have more to worry about with Falcon only selling 1275 last month, it needs EcoBoost to bloom.The market is bolstered by booming SUV sales, up 23 per cent up on 2011 tallies to the same point.Mazda's new CX-5 sold 1419 without full diesel availability and was only held out of the top SUV spot by a stellar March from Nissan's X-Trail.The total market for March was 97,616 - up by 3.9 per cent - with passenger car sales adding 976 vehicles to the margin, but there was black ink across the SUV sales sheet, up by 4254 sales (an 18.4 per cent increase).Every SUV segment was up, .For the first quarter the total market stands at 260,122 vehicles, ahead by 11,658 vehicle sales or 4.7 per cent over 2011.WINNER - Kia kept its spot in the top 10 and would be pleased with it's results, as would the Jeep beancounters within Chrysler Australia, as the American off-road icon more than doubled its Aussie sales and made up for Chrysler and Dodge.LOSER - At the other end of the spectrum, Audi had a March and first quarter to forget - down nearly 35 per cent in March and just over 20 per cent behind 2011 for the first quarter. Only the new Q3, Q5, A5, A6 and R8 had positive growth numbers. 

The segments continue to drive growth in the Australian new car market as local car makers continue to face sluggish large car sales.