Articles by Stuart Martin

High performance versions of the Mini Cooper are being recalled worldwide to fix an engine problem that could potentially start a fire.More than 235,000 of the turbocharged Cooper S models built between 2006 and last year are being recalled worldwide to remedy a secondary water pump fitted to cool down the turbocharger.The company has global reports of just over 80 water pump failures and four fires as a result, but BMW Australia and local authorities have deemed the program here to be a technical service campaign,Mini Australia spokesman Piers Scott says just over 3700 Cooper S (of which one may have experienced the smoldering engine bay issue) and John Cooper Works vehicles built between 2006 and 2011 are effected in Australia."This was deemed to be a technical campaign, in-line with similar campaigns conducted in the past," he said.Mr Scott said the use of the term `recall' overseas to describe the issue."It is the Department of Infrastructure and Transport that we liaise with locally and they would advise us if it were to be a safety Recall.""There is no less urgency under a technical campaign - replacement parts are now in the country and Mini Australia has already begun contacting affected customers," he said.The worldwide recall of 235,000 cars includes 29,868 in the UK and 89,000 in the US and involves replacing the water pump free of charge.The company head office said that the turbocharged engines are fitted with an additional water pump to remove residual heat from the turbocharger after the engine was switched off."Under high operating temperatures an electro-migration can occur at the circuit board installed in the additional water pump," it said."This can lead to a failure of the additional water pump or smoldering and even a fire cannot be excluded."More than 200,000 Minis are built each year at the company's Oxford plant, where production started in 2001and recently passed two million vehicles built - the car is exported to more than 90 countries.The turbocharged engine is shared with Citroen and Peugeot, but both French companies said there engines employed different electrical systems.

There's a lot to be said for the Holden engineering teams' efforts with Korean-sourced product. They've not reached the dizzying heights of silk purses from sow's ears just yet, but the Cruze tweaks were worthy. It's shame they can't do more with the Captiva. Sure, the pricepoint and features list is competitive but the new model seems to have lost its way in the dynamics stakes, with the drivetrain not compensating for it in any way other than fuel use. We're in the LX seven-seater all-wheel drive flagship - a $2000 cheaper proposition now, priced at $42,490 or you can add $1000 and get the turbodiesel. The LX has a worthy features list - climate control air conditioning, power windows, three 12 volt power outlets, split second and third row seats, leather trim, power-adjustable driver's seat, automatic headlights (but no rain-sensing wipers), Bluetooth phone (which was temperamental at best) and audio link for the eight speaker sound system, cruise control, electrochromatic centre rearvision mirror, satellite navigation (with compass), tilt-and-reach adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel, multifunction driver information display, rear parking sensors and rear camera and a trip computer. There's little in the way of ground-breaking gear here - the three-litre direct-injection V6 claims 190kW and 288Nm on the spec sheet but it feels short of that - with 400Nm on offer from the diesel that's ample temptation for another $1000. The V6 doesn't seem to be enamoured with the six-speed auto, which feels a little slow and confused when asked for quick action. It lays claim to a combined fuel use figure of 11.3l/100km, while we got 13.2 during our time in the car, which was not always driven for frugality - on par with its petrol competition. The all-wheel drive set-up is the on-demand system, which - like most of the systems seems eco-centric - takes a very long time to bring the front wheels into play, despite extreme provocation. The delay is sample evidence to suggest anything other than fire trails and hard-packed beach sand would be a challenge. The descent control system does a reasonable job of bringing the big SUV down a hill at a gracious pace, but serious off-road work would probably bake the brakes. Sadly, that's an issue in any of these SUVs with electronics in lieu of a good low-range. There's a USB port within the more spacious centre console for added connectivity - the extra room comes from the inclusion of an electric park brake. The main change aesthetically comes at the front, with a sharper, sculpted snout and more air intake grilles. The bonnet and headlights have been re-designed and seem to be following a similar path to the new Ford Territory. The Captiva still rates a four-star crash performer but has dual front, side and full-length curtain airbags, anti-lock braking on four-wheel ventilated discs, emergency brake assist, a hill descent control system (which is too fast), electronic brakeforce distribution, rollover, stability and traction control. Immediately the ride was a concern, very sharp over small bumps and not much better over bigger ones. A quick check with the pressure gauge prompted five pounds of pressure out of each tyre and the ride became a little less brittle, but the wagon's ride was still too firm for the rugrats and the Speaker Of The House. Part of the problem is - regardless of the myriad seating configurations - the seats themselves are flat and not overly comfortable. The suspension's taut control does deliver flat cornering and that shows up the seating's deficiency in terms of lateral support, but the compromised ride is too hard for a family truckster. As mentioned, the six-speed auto and the petrol V6 are not the best of bed-fellows, with a dearth of low-down torque to overcome the transmission's indecision. The infotainment side of the cabin seems considerable, with Bluetooth phone and music link - but the system seems more adept at the latter than the former. The satellite navigation screen is clear and easy enough to use and read, but appears easily confused. Despite claiming signal from nine satellites, the map was telling me I was driving on the South Eastern freeway when I was still well and truly on Upper Sturt Road, more than a couple of kilometres away. 

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia. But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.The Indian industrial giant's four-seater electric eMO - short for electric mobility -- was developed for the Michelin Challenge Design display, and is an engineering study unlikely to be put into production.The maker is claiming a 160km range and a 105km/h top speed from the front-wheel-drive electric vehicle's 18.4-kilowatt battery system.Tata Technologies is part of the 100-plus company Tata Group that employs more than 400,000 worldwide, but is not part of Tata Motors.It is headquartered in Singapore and employs more than 5400 engineering and design personnel to consult with automotive and aerospace manufacturers, as well as their suppliers.Tata Technologies is taking up the challenge from the Indian government, which has nominated this decade as the country's Decade of Innovation.Tata Technologies president Warren Harris says the eMO - which it says could retail for as little as US$20,000 without subsidies - is a demonstration of Indian automotive engineering talent."It is a tangible example of the capability of Tata Technologies to engineer a full vehicle - a first for any India-based engineering services company," he says.The eMO has a steel safety cage around the passenger cell but has body panels made from recycled material and some polycarbonate materials used in the windows.Tata Technologies - which registered 15 patents during the eMO development process - says the eMO is an example of "right-size" urban transport.Vehicle Programs and Development group president Kevin Fisher says the company believes most vehicles on the market are actually oversized and over-specified for the majority of consumers daily use."Our objective was to find the right size for this type of electric vehicle with the appropriate range and speed, without reducing safety and daily usability," he says.

But there are no travel documents for Australia yet. The local arm of the French brand has apparently made a New Year's resolution to focus on the current Megane range for 2012 and Renault Australia's Emily Ambrosy says the facelifted Megane is not likely to appear in Australia this year but wouldn't detail a 2013 timeframe. "We only introduced Megane hatch and RS250 into Australia at the end of 2010, for us it's still a relatively new vehicle to our line-up - because of that it is too early to confirm anything on timing, pricing, specification, or engines for our phase 2. We'll be focussing on our current product for 2012," she says. Renault head-office has introduced changes to the Megane range, the most comprehensive of which dwell beneath the bonnet. The French marque is introducing three new engines to the Megane on its home turf. The three new Energy engines have Stop and Start and brake energy recovery systems; the new Megane will bring with it the first direct-injection turbo petrol engine -  the Energy TCe 115 1.2-litre replaces the 1.6-litre 16V, producing  86kW and 190Nm of torque (up 4kW and 40Nm over the 1.6-litre engine), with fuel consumption down as much as 25 per cent to 5.3 litres/100km. Megane MY12 will get two diesel engines - the dCi 110 and 130. The diesel Energy dCi 110 1.5-litre engine is the top-selling powerplant according to Renault, with fuel use down by 12 per cent to 3.8l/100km, a 20Nm jump in torque to 260Nm, with around 82kW of power. The Energy dCi 130 1.6-litre diesel engine produces 79kW and 320Nm of torque, with a combined-cycle thirst of 4 litres/100km, a 20 per cent reduction. Small styling changes have been wrought on the front end, with the addition of  LED daytime running lights, a gloss-black bumper with chrome touches, as well as new-look wheel designs. The interior options have grown to include a two-tone leather/alcantara pack available in three variations, as well as a Bose version and GT models with LED lights, a sports steering wheel and red-stitched sports trim. Megane will be offered (at least in its home market for now) with the "Visio System" which uses a windscreen-mounted camera to control the use of high-beam (above 45km/h) when the level of lighting drops or when no cars are detected. The camera is also used by the lane departure warning system, which monitors the car's road position and indicator use and warns the driver if the systems decides the driver is drifting across lanes. Also on the features list for the new car is a hill-start assistance system, Bluetooth phone and audio link, USB input, satnav a rear camera, dual-zone climate control with an air quality sensor with automatic recirculation. The RS versions of the Megane also get an upgrade, with 11kW and 20Nm on offer when Sport mode is called up, as well as a revised soundtrack and interior trim improvements. The Renault Megane, manufactured in Palencia, Spain, is the brand's top-selling model in Australia as well as globally - sales exceed 235,000 units worldwide in 2011 and 730,000 units since its launch at the end of 2008. Megane MY12 will go on sale from March in Europe and then other markets - not including Australia - through the course of the year. Ms Ambrosy says the 2012 sales result of 3622 vehicles was the French brand's best Australian effort since 2002. "The brand was reintroduced it in 2001 and sold 1960, in 2002 they sold 4572, it tapered off after that - it's exciting for us as it shows the new direction and product, which is a very affordable proposition and great value," she says. The company has had an inconsistent history when it comes to quality and reliability but the new-generation product is aiming to change that. "We're showing people how reliable it is with the five-year warranty - we're happy with our warranty claims. Since the new Koleos was introduced in 2008, we've had a decrease of 57 per cent in warranty claims, it's a tremendous turnaround for the brand," she says. "We've just appointed a new LCV manager to drive that business, Renault LCVs are number one in Europe and has been for the last 12 years, they are great vans and we see huge potential in that area." The light-commercial side of the ledger also improved, with a 72 per cent increase to 615 light commercial vehicles sales increase with 615 Trafic vans, with more to come on that front from the new Renault Master this year. Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar was thrilled with the sales result. "This result is proof that our strategy of de-positioning our vehicles and providing greater value to our customers was the right approach for Renault Australia," he says.

When I was growing up we had a few Volvos - big, square-jawed "Swedish Valiants" with big bumpers and little four-cylinder engines that worked hard to get the sedans from A to B in reasonable time. Fast-forward to present day and I'm back in a Volvo - the greenie version of the little C30 hatch, the DRIVe turbodiesel manual - that drivetrain doesn't sound thrilling, but it's not a horror story.VALUEThe little Swede is a four seater priced from $36,990 - smack dab in the middle of Prius territory but more than the similarly-aimed $28,990 Golf Bluemotion.The C30 features list has cloth trim, dual-zone climate control, manually-adjustable front seats and a 50/50 splitfold set-up for the rear, front power windows (the rears are fixed, which was not popular), cruise control, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rearvision mirror, a trip computer, Bluetooth phone and audio link for the eight-speaker USB/auxiliary equipped sound system.There's also power-adjustable folding mirrors (with handy puddle lamps), a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for sound and cruise functions, a leather-wrapped gearshift and 16in alloy wheels (but no spare).TECHNOLOGYThere's a long list of bits designed to reduce fuel use, starting with a stop-start fuel-saving system - in neutral with the left foot off the clutch the car it turns itself off, re-starting (with something of a shake, rattle and roll) when the clutch pedal heads back towards the firewall.Volvo claims the idle-stop system can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by between 4 and 8 per cent, depending on driving conditions.The DRIVe also features a regenerative braking system to charge the car's battery on deceleration - Volvo says there's another two or three per cent fuel saving there.The little 1.6-litre turbocharged common-rail direct-injection four-cylinder variable-geometry turbodiesel has had an upgrade - 84kW of power at 3600rpm and 240Nm of torque (between 1750 - 2500 rpm) - to lay claim to 3.9 litres per 100km on the combined fuel economy cycle, suggesting a range of more than 1300km from the 52-litre tank.DESIGNThe C30 design has been around for more than a couple of years but the little turbodiesel model has a few extra bits to reduce its thirst. The hatch has a wind-deflecting pane behind the grille, a rear spoiler, diffuser-equipped rear bumper, wind deflectors ahead of the front wheels, underbody aerodynamic changes and low rolling resistance Michelin tyres.The cabin is snug but not uncomfortably so, the four individual seats are reasonably supportive - there's aluminium trim bits and leather on the wheel and the gearshift and it has a few neat little storage spaces. The boot is useful - if not huge - at 233 litres, rising to 876 litres with the back seats folded.SAFETYVolvo has long been synonymous with safety and the little 'un is not exceptions - five stars from the NCAP crash test program, with six airbags (front, front-side and curtain), stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes and rear parking sensors. There's also something of a throwback to Volvos of olde - daytime running lights - although the 21st century has brought LED technology into play.DRIVINGLittle diesels can be fun and the Europeans are regularly giving us reasons to believe.Volvo's C30 DRIVe is not the most powerful but it is more than serviceable in day to day traffic, although this auto-addicted market won't see it sell to the masses.An auto is coming but anyone capable of operating a clutch pedal will enjoy zipping up and down the cogs and surfing the solid surge - although it's not impossible to stall it - but 11.3 seconds to 100km/h is a bit of a dawdle.Short-shifting through to fifth or sixth is easily done and at the end of our time with the C30, the trip computer suggested it was sipping at 5.8 litres per 100km from the 52-litre tank.A brisk hills drive showed the C30 has a more-than competent chassis in the bends, without crowding the sportier C30 models.Ride quality is not this car's main claim to fame but it does the job - Volvo are getting better at the ride handling compromise but it's not a done deal.VERDICTIf you want something stylish and frugal then the C30 is worth considering - it's not the cheapest of the little Euro-diesels with the best of intentions for fuel economy and emissions, but the little Swede goes it's own way and that may hold some appeal.VOLVO C30 DRIVEPrice: from $36,990Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 54% Source: Glass's GuideService interval: 15,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 3.9 l/100km, on test 5.8, tank 52 litres; 104g/km CO2Safety equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability controlCrash rating: 5 starEngine: 84kW/270Nm 1.6-litre DOHC 16-valve common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel four-cylinder, with a stop-start fuel-saver system and diesel particulate filter.Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel driveBody: 2-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 4266mm (L); 1782mm (W); 1447mm (H); 2640mm (WB)Weight: 1354kgTyres: size 205/55R16, no spare - tyre mobility kit.

Be assured, this little SUV is more appealing than its name.

It won't be competing in the main event against Red Bull and Ferrari, but the Formula SAE racer still reflects the latest thinking from some of Australia's brightest youngest engineering minds. They are the students at Monash University, who have just completed a hat-trick of wins in the annual Society of Automotive Engineers-Australia contest to design, develop, build, test, market and compete in small race cars within a $50,000 budget. The Monash University Motorsport Team defended their 2009 and 2010 titles with a lighter and more fuel-efficient car fitted with a more fuel-efficient engine. They beat the 2005/2007 Australasian champions from the University of Western Australia and Edith Cowan University (also from WA) in the competition held at the Victoria University Werribee campus last month. Monash also won the International Federation of Automotive Engineering award for engineering excellence despite pulling an "all-nighter" to fix an engine problem during the competition. "This competition offers young engineers the opportunity to work on a meaningful, complex engineering project, in a dedicated team environment, in real time," says SAE Australia president, president Bill Malkoutzis. "This is why 'graduates' of this program are in demand and have been hired by the vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, V8 Supercar teams and even Formula 1 teams overseas. The Formula-SAE program is part of an international series of events that challenge teams of engineering students around the world and the 2011 event drew 23 teams from India, Japan and New Zealand in addition to the Australians. "The Formula SAE-A education experience is unique because students work in a team environment facing deadline challenges, while optimising their design, just like it happens in industry," says Greg Tyus, executive director of engineering at the host company, GM Holden. Formula SAE-A design patron  and former Brabham and RALT race car designer  Ron Tauranac says the competition is a huge learning opportunity. "In addition to the design and construction process, the teams have a chance to learn from each other and the judges when they come together at the end of the year," he says.

In what has been a nasty year for some brands - thumped by natural disasters - the pressure to mainain a million-plus market for the calendar year means the deals have been thick on the ground. As the year draws to a close, Commodore and Mazda3 will be vying for top spot in the passenger car ranks but it also means the rest will be eking out every last percentage point of sales volume and share to put 2010 firmly in the rearview mirror. The market tally is predicted to top a million sales, which is no mean feat for a relatively small population - but anyone sporting a big Christmas bonus in the hip-pocket couldn't help but find a decent deal on a wide range of vehicles. The deals mostly carry the disclaimer "for vehicles ordered and delivered by 31 December 2011" - although there might be a bit of rubber in the delivered side of that phrase - but the yards will be keen to get as many sales in the books to finish off 2010 in the black. The prestige side of the market has a number of interesting machines on offer at reduced finance rates or with pricetags shaved for the festive season. The two marques that dominate - BMW and Mercedes-Benz - both have free on-road costs on offer, with other benefits. BMW is offering free stamp duty, registration and compulsory third-party on a range of 2011 models, as well as the company's "Full Circle Finance with Guaranteed Future Value" lease package, but excludes dealer delivery and it's for private and ABN buyers only. The Full Circle pack from BMW Financial Services means at the end of the lease contract you can trade-in the vehicle or exercise your guaranteed future value (GFV) rights by paying out or refinancing, or returning the vehicle to BMW Financial Services. That's provided the vehicle has not exceeded the contracted kilometre allowance and meets fair wear and tear conditions, with other fees and conditions applicable. Mercedes-Benz has its "Merconomics" deal that has free on roads and scheduled handbook servicing for three years (or 75,000km, which ever occurs first) across the C-Class, SLK and E-Class sedan range until the end of December. Of course, the offer does not include normal wear and tear items, other taxes, dealer delivery fees, excludes AMG vehicles, is subject to availability and the scheduled servicing must be conducted at an authorised participating Mercedes-Benz dealership. Audi has also piped up with a finance offer on its new baby, the A1, with an interest rate of  3.9 per cent per annum, albeit to approved Business Applicants of Audi Finance. The offer applies to all new and demonstrator A1 models on a commercial hire purchase over three or four years, sold and delivered by December 31st 2011. Audi says conditions are available on application for the deal, which excludes fleet, government and rental company buyers. If Santa has been very generous and topped up the stocking with cash, then the Audi TT RS limited edition is going to put a grin on your face for the new year - there's $8460 of extra gear for nothing above the TT RS S tronic's $139,900 asking price. Only 45 examples of this model are being made available, the first Australian TT RS cars with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox bolted to the 2.5-litre turbocharged 250kW/450Nm five-cylinder engine. That all gets to ground via all-wheel drive and 19in alloy wheels, and the TT RS S tronic Limited Edition claims a jump to 100km/h is achieved in 4.4 seconds. Ho, ho, WHOA. Prestige buyers can go Italian as well - Alfa Romeo has the 159 2.4Ti JTD turbodiesel sedan (pictured right) at $59,480, down from a list price of $62,990. The 2.4 JTD turbodiesel is the most powerful in the Alfa range, with 147kW of power and 400Nm of torque from the direct-injection intercooled turbodiesel. It claims a 6.8l/100km combined fuel economy figures, a 0-100km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds. There's also a sports leather interior trim, seven airbags, 19in alloy wheels and a six-speed automatic. Sticking with the Euros, Citroen has sliced $5000 from the price of its C5 2.0L Comfort sedan - making it $41,990 driveaway. The French machine sports the de rigeur Hydractive III suspension, as well as leather interior trim, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, seven airbags - but Citroen says the choice is limited to dealer stock ordered and delivered by December 31 or while stocks last. The French marque also has its deft little hottie (one of its bushel-hidden lights), the DS3 DSport 1.6L turbocharged manual hatchbacks from Petrol Manual - down from $35,990 to $32,790 driveaway. The mainstream brands are also offering some decent deals. Toyota will retain its spot atop the podium despite supply issues from the natural disasters, but it has still antied-up with a 3.9 per cent finance deal across much of its range, just to make sure it crosses the finish line with momentum for 2012 - it's available on selected runout and 2011 models (but not demos), conditions and fees will apply. Mitsubishi is offering a 1.9 per cent rate on 2011 Lancer ES and SX, as well as 2012 Lancer ES - again, fees and conditions apply. Ford has updated its FG Falcon range but the Broadmeadows carmaker has the out-going Falcon XR6 Limited Edition on offer in six-speed manual guise, with leather-trimmed sports seats, rear parking sensors and 18in alloys, for $34,990. Arch-rival Holden has its VE Series II Commodore Equipe special edition priced from $36,990 - down on the list price of the base-model Omega despite packing $9500 of extra gear. The Equipe is powered by the three-litre V6 with a six-speed automatic, dual-zone climate control, front fog lights, the touchscreen iQ infotainment system, rear parking camera and sensors and 18in alloys among its features list. Mazda's "David" to Holden's Goliath is the Mazda3 - the new-look Neo manual (pictured left) is priced from $21,690, with alloy wheels, air conditioning, stability and traction control and front, side and curtain airbags. Those with more than a couple of rugrats ripping wrapping paper from presents will be looking for kid-carters to ring in the New Year. Honda's long-serving Odyssey has long been seen as one of the better peoplemovers for the driver and Honda has a deal on superceded model-year 2010 and 2011 Odyssey - with limited stock, it says - with an extended five-year /140,000km warranty with roadside assistance and $500 worth of free genuine accessories. The seven-seater is powered by a 2.4 litre i-VTEC engine and has alloy wheels, front, side and full-length curtain airbags. The Japanese carmaker - which was clobbered by multiple natural disasters in its homeland as well as its Thai manufacturing base - is also offering model-year 2012 Odyssey (in base and Luxury model) at $39,990 and $47,990 driveaway, including 12 months registration, Compulsory Third Party Insurance (where applicable), stamp duty, dealer delivery, satellite navigation and Bluetooth phone link. The segment leader is Kia's Grand Carnival and the Korean brand's entry-level S model is priced from $38,990 but has a Coles/Myer $1000 gift card tucked under the sun-visor - just the thing to take the edge off the Christmas present debt. The eight-seater has a 3.5-litre petrol 202kW/336Nm V6, decent cargo area and plenty of occupant space. FIVE TOP PICKS Audi TT RS S tronic Limited Edition Price: $139,900 Extras: $8460 (19in alloys, sports exhaust, adaptive headlights, Bose sound system, LED interior lights) Why: While I'd have the TT S if I needed to drive it every day, the snorty, sporty RS is the duck's guts on the right bit of road and you'd need to spend several hundred thousand more to find something to show it a clean pair of heels. Citroen DS3 DSport 1.6-litre turbo Price: from $32,790 driveaway* Extras: none - $3200 cheaper Why: One of the gems in Citroen's line-up, the little DS3 has brattish attitude to burn and the ability to back the moxy. Use as a daily driver won't detract from its charms, you'll just take the back way more often. Ford Falcon XR6 Limited Edition Price: from $34,990. Extras: 18in alloy wheels, 7in colour infotainment scree, sports seats, rear parking sensors - and $8000 cheaper. Why: Despite sales figures to the contrary the Falcon is not a bad car - room for a family and its gear, decent ride quality and ability in the corners, a punchy and proven straight-six up front that can actually return decent fuel use figures. A lot of metal for the money. Holden VE Series II Commodore Equipe Price: from $36,990 Extras: $9500 extra gear (including 18in alloy wheels (4), rear camera and sensors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front foglamps). Why: For $3000 less than the Omega's list-price (when was the last time they sold a Commodore at RRP?) the Equipe is a lot of car for the cash - the only drawback is the three-litre V6 is a little dull compared to the 3.6. Honda Odyssey Price: from $39,990 Extras: Warranty extension (on all 10YM & 11YM ) to five years or 140,000km and roadside assistance, $500 worth of free genuine accessories Why: This seven-seater is about as close as you'll get to a sleek kid-carter. With the V6 model it's no longer a sporty (the 2.4 litre i-VTEC four-cylinder engine toils valiantly) school-run bus but it does the job without looking too stodgy.

Just how many golf puns can you fit into one story about a Volkswagen?The German car maker has tee-ed up and driven back into the soft-top convertible market, pairing up the Volkswagen Golf Cabrio with the hard-topped Eos.Returning to the market after an eight-year lay-off, the rag-topped Golf Cabriolet was launched in the final stages of 2011, a busy year for the brand, who chipped away at the Australian new car market with 11 new model launches.VALUEThe new four-seater Cabriolet carries features that are based on its roofed Comfortline sibling, which carries a $29,490 pricetag. The starting price of a ragtop is $36,990 for the six-speed manual, but the test car's ask rose by $2500 as it was equipped with the seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automated manual.Standard fare with either gearbox includes 17in alloy wheels, Bluetooth phone and audio link, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and trip computer controls, a six-speaker audio system (with USB and audio inputs) and dual-zone climate control.The test cars was also fitted with the optional satnav/upgraded sound system ($3000), $3300 worth of "cool" leather trim, bi-xenon headlights and LED "auto mascara" running lights for $2100 and $500 worth of metallic paint. One option that is a worthwhile addition to the features list is front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera - given the rearward visibility, $1400 well spent.TECHNOLOGYTop of the highlights package is the 1.4-litre twin-charged engine - the little engine that thinks it's a big `un. The turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder offers 118kW and 240Nm between 1500 and 4000rpm (a knobbled variation of the Polo GTI's 132kW/250Nm powerplant) to drag the 1443kg ragtop around.The seven-speed DSG is smooth and makes the most of the outputs, changing smoothly once up and running - away from standstill it's a little tardy sometimes and Sport mode (which is quite aggressive) is a better option for take-off.The extra weight comes from the diagonal braces and extra strength in the sills to offset the lack of a roof - it all makes the convertible about 150kg heavier than the equivalent Comfortline hatch. The electric roof is a nine-second wonder and folds in on itself, which means it is it's own tonneau cover and can be kicked into operation at speeds of up to 30km/h.DESIGNThe car once carried the nickname "strawberry basket" - those wacky Germans - but the roll-bar has gone, so they'll have to put their thinking caps back on for this one. The nose is all Golf, although the windscreen rake has been pushed back a little.The car has a clean, conservative look, with frameless glass and an abrupt rear end, within which is a small 250-litre boot that thankfully doesn't get further reduced by a stowed roof. The four-seat cockpit is snug but well-laid out, the seats are comfortable (although not overly abundant with lateral support) - two average-sized adults and a couple of tween kids will be accommodated well enough, but four bigger full-growns might be in strife.SAFETYThe ragtop has done nothing to detract from the safety side - the NCAP boffins have seen fit to bestow a five-star safety-rating for the Golf Cabrio, which has five airbags (dual front, front-side and a driver's knee bag), an auto-dimming rear-vision mirror, automatic wipers and headlights.There's also stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and emergency assist, as well as a pop-up rollhoop safety system that comes from behind the rear head restraints.DRIVEThe soft-top Golf is no sportscar, let's get that said - it's reasonably swift, accomplished in the corners and a decent drive in the day-to-day drudgery of commuting, but don't call it a sportscar. The body structure has not suffered greatly for the roof removal and feels rigid enough, there are still a few small jitters on bad bumps but nothing untoward.Ride comfort is decent and even though the company calls it "sports suspension" the Cabrio is no chance of cannibalising sales from the GTI and R brigade on the company's pricelist. Any press-ahead driving means the smooth 1.4 twin-charger (a cracker little engine) is working hard thanks to podgy waistline.Open-road cruising at the limit was more pleasant, with the occupants' hairstyles not requiring a re-do at at the salon (a carpark where this car is likely to pop up). There were disappointments - the dual-zone climate control was in several minds as to what it wanted to achieve, with an awful lot of fan noise achieving little more than an asthmatic smoker's exhale.None of the vents seemed to be delivering much and then the auto mode would send a rush through the dash vents, then remove it a short time later - the local dealer was looking into it. The roof lining insulation felt a little thin - odd summer weather hasn't sent the mercury much past 30 degrees but the sun was punching heat through the cabrio's roof without much resistance.VERDICTFor a poser or a cruiser, the Golf Cabrio does it smoothly, quietly and with no shortage of cabin comfort (climate control issues aside), but the German soft-top won't be pinching sales from the hotties within striking distance of its pricetag. But shoppers in the market for an Eos (who like keeping bootspace), or the Cabrio's kissing-cousin Audi A3 will need to stop and think if they need to spend the extra cash.VW GOLF CABRIOLET TSI DSGPrice: from $39,490Resale: 54 per cent (Glass's Guide)Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmService: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 5-star Euro NCAP, ABS, BA, stability and traction control, hill start assistEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol, 118kW/240NmTransmission: 7-speed DSG automated manual; front-wheel driveDimensions: 4337mm (L), 1423mm (H), 1782mm (W) weight 1443kg Thirst: 6.5L/100km, on test , 153g/km CO2, tank 55L

GTI, R, even a GT - all hot little numbers from the Volkswagen hatchback range, worthy pocket rockets guaranteed to elicit foolish grins. But what of those looking to fly under the radar - here's VW's solution, the conservatively-styled Jetta 147 Highline sedan, that can negotiate suburbia surreptitiously or be indulged in less mundane motoring. In many ways the GTI has been morphed into TSI, but with a boot.VALUEThe Highline range-topper is a six-speed DSG-only proposition that is keenly priced at $37,990, down by $1000 compared to the slightly-heavier heavier outgoing model. The features list is well-stocked for the money, with automatic halogen (but not xenons of any sort) headlights, with washers and accompanied by front fog lights with cornering lights.There's also 17in alloy wheels, controlled by sports suspension (with a 15mm lower ride height), cruise control, leather trim, heated front sports seats (with neat little storage space within), a touchscreen-operated satnav and sound system with SD slot, CD stacker, Bluetooth audio and phone link, wheel-mounted controls for the sound system, phone and trip computer, heat-insulated glass and rear vents among the features list.TECHNOLOGYWhat better place to start than the heart of the Clayton's GTI sedan - the two-litre turbocharged and intercooled direct-injection double overhead cam four-cylinder engine. Pumping out 147kW at a leisurely 5100rpm and 280Nm from 1700rpm, the power number might be unchanged compared to the outgoing model and 8kW down on the $5000 more-expensive GTI hatch, but it's still no slouch away from the line and would only be a whisker behind the13kg lighter hot hatch sibling.Claimed fuel use of 7.9 litres per 100km from the flexible little engine, teamed with a six-speed twin-clutch automated manual, belies the feisty and flexible nature - VW says 100km/h comes up in 7.5 seconds and that's not hard to believe.DESIGNSharp, clean, conservative - Volkswagen's new medium car is hardly adventurous on the outside, with strong but straight lines and conventional styling front and rear. Body-coloured mirrors, bumpers and handles, dual chrome-tipped exhaust - it's a clean-cut look but aesthetics that don't put it on the cutting edge of design. The new model is 4744mm long, an increase of 190mm over the old car, 55mm of which is in the wheelbase.The cabin follows the same path - function over form for the most part, but plenty of storage space, ample passenger space (four adults are easily accommodated) and a large 510-litre boot (even when a full-size spare is on board) will swallow a boatload of luggage. You'd have to think long and hard before heading up to a Passat.SAFETYThe new Jetta scores a five-star Euro NCAP rating and is equipped with six airbags as standard (dual front and front-side, full-length side-curtain airbags), as well as traction and stability control (which you can't turn off), anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist and hill start assist.Daytime running lights, static corner front foglights and automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors all add up to a solid safety package.DRIVINGA brat in choirboy's clothing is a quick way of summing up the 147TSI, but that's just the start - this is a genuine little rocket but one that hides its light under several bushels. D for daily drudgery on the DSG and light throttle pedal will sling the Jetta through the traffic quickly and quietly, easily keeping pace with the traffic.The ride is firm, abrupt over sharper imperfections that fight with the larger 45-profile tyres, but it's not so hard that you couldn't drive it every day. The cabin is austere but comfortable, although the front sports seats could do with a little more lateral support, and here's why.Get the Jetta away from the daily grind and somewhere with some bends, bump the shifter into Sports mode and it sheds the cardigan, spools up boost pressure and gets on with covering ground very quickly.Body control is a strong point and once working nearer its optimum, the Jetta carves through bends with little fuss front end - the electronic nursemaids don't get in the way too soon, which is fortuitous as they can't be deactivated.VERDICTIf a hot hatch Golf GTI has too much flash and a little less cash is a fairer asking price in your mind, then the Jetta 147 is going to hold plenty of appeal. Not the sexiest, not the newest and conservatively styled (at the very least), the Jetta will impress once behind the wheel.