Articles by Stuart Martin

Last year was the company's best ever year in global terms, with sales up 15 per cent to 1.09 million vehicles, the books in the black and a target of 1.2 million for this year.The brand's Australian arm also scored it's best-ever result - 12,900 cars last year, a 14 per cent increase thanks in no small part to seven new variants.  So far this year the brand is on target for it's volume aims, but Audi Australia managing director Uwe Hagen is determined to do more than watch the numbers."The cars need to be desirable as part of a premium brand, getting smiles from those on the side of the road.  It's not just about volume in the A7, if we get the right people into this car - in sales, you get the captain, you get the soldiers," he says.The Audi Australia product catalgue will have the 4.2-litre turbodiesel engine as well as a long-wheelbase model for the new A8 range, as well as the new A6 and the Q3 mini-SUV next year.Mr Hagen says it's a 9.5 billion Euro investment over the next five years in new product, done with the backing of the VW group - something for which he does not apologise."Volkswagen is a group of 7.2 million cars, if I'm buying 7.2 million batteries or one million batteries, VW gets them cheaper but it's the same quality, the market strength is an advantage," he says."If we develop a new electronic system, it's not a disadvanatge because the development can be integrated in different products, you can share the knowledge.  Saving money is an intelligent smart way, without losing the idea of the product - we are convinced of this with our brand, we would be stupid not to take advantage of this large group," he says.Leaner costs help the bottom line and new models boost the sales numbers, but Mr Hagen is also looking to the "pre-owned" side of the business to bring new people into the Audi family - "it's a huge chance to get people into the brand."Audi says its "Approved:plus" vehicles are inspected and come backed with a factory two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assist.  Mr Hagen says the after sales side - and customer satisfaction - are also important weapons in building customer loyalty, likening it to interest in a bank account.Mr Hagen said the word of mouth is important for a brand, as people are more critical when giving a recommendation.  "The most challenging thing for a premium brand is customer expectation," he says.

The A7 Sportback is on sale in Australia in diesel and petrol V6 guises, the former being turbocharged and the latter getting the supercharger. The four-seater will be sold under the "Imagination Meets Engineering" banner and is expected to contribute a small part - perhaps just 200 units - as well as being an image leader for the German brand.With a starting price of $142,750 for the three-litre turbodiesel V6 and $147,800 for the three-litre supercharged V6 petrol model, there's no cheap-and-cheerful marketing campaign likely - particularly when the options list can be ticked to push the pricetag close to $200,000 by the time one hits the road.But standard fare includes the adaptive suspension, the basic pre-sense accident avoidance system, satnav and 18in wheels on the diesel (19in on the supercharged model) and automatic adaptive xenon headlights - full LED headlights are an option.Also on offer is a glass sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, folding exterior mirrors, an automatic bootlid, quad-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, leather trim, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, electric-adjustable front seats with memory on the driver's pew.The infotainment system runs via a fold-out satnav screen and switchgear mirroring the A6 and A8, including the latter's touchpad set-up, with Bluetooth connectivity for music and phone to the hard-drive equipped Bose 14-speaker surround-sound system.Built on the new A6 platform, the A7 Sportback boasts aluminium construction to keep weight under 1800kg, with a long wheelbase and short overhangs.The seven-speed double-clutch automatic is teamed with a Stop-Start fuel saver function and the big four seater gets the clever quattro all wheel drive system that apportions drive 40 front/60 rear (with the ability to split 70/30 r 15/85).The crown-gear centre differential - first seen in the RS 5 coupe - and torque vectoring can be upgraded with the optional sports rear differential for torque splitting between the rear wheels.It's certainly a niche product ,but Audi says its aiming for the class of the sedan, with the sporty athletic lines of the coupe and the cargo capacity and interior flexibility of a wagon - it all adds up to a muscular road stance.The look is unmistakably Audi, although from the rear the squat, flattened rump is perhaps not as attractive as the sculpted flanks and snout. The cabin is brimmed with top-grade leather, aluminium or wood trim, installed in a typically first-rate manner.The list of technology is extensive, starting with the basic pre-safe system (which can be optioned to the full-auto braking level with active cruise control) and the (also optional) night vision with pedestrian recognition on the list as well.The airbag list includes the driver and front passenger, side airbags front and rear and a full-length curtain airbag. There are also anti-lock brakes, stability control, an electronic differential lock, tyre pressure monitoring and parking sensors teamed with a reversing camera.First up was the 220kW/440Nm three-litre supercharged V6, which does an admirable job of pushing the 1770kg plus occupants vehicle up winding mountain roads. Firing out of corners can sometimes see the electronic stability systems flash briefly, but the clever quattro system switches drive fore and aft, as well as side to side at the rear, to good effect.The V6 feels most at home in the mid-range of the tacho, when there's plenty of grunt on offer, but the car driven on the launch suffered a strange high-pitched wind howl, something not found on other vehicles.The seven-speed auto has a quick shift and the Sports mode has enough smarts to make the paddles an indulgence rather than mandatory. The adaptive suspension in auto mode is capable of good body control and decent (if on the firm side) ride quality, which doesn't degrade when the Dynamic mode is selected.The roll control and handling is composed and balanced, feeling lighter on its feet than the kerb weight suggests; the steering has nice weighting but could do with more feedback.Switching to the diesel and immediately the refinement of the turbodiesel package is apparent, as is the strong in-gear surge from the V6, which would be the best pick for an all-rounder.Tyre noise - particularly on coarse bitumen - was a downside in both cars, something which may have been more apparent due to the lack of wind and engine noise.Front room was as you'd expect from a vehicle of this size, but rear headroom is limited by the swoopy roofline.As has been the case with many - but not all - Audis, steering is well-weighted but lacking in feel, which can take some time with which to get accustomed.A well-planted cruiser that drives more confidently than expected.

Peoplemovers, family wagons and SUVs are shunned in favour of two-seater droptops, quick coupes, modern muscle cars and high-end executive-express sedans. Ford Performance Vehicles general manager Rod Barrett deals only in turbocharged six and supercharged V8 performance cars and said 2010 was "a challenge" for sales (FPV finished with 1172 for the year after three months with no V8 production) due to a change over to the new supercharged V8 engine for the GT range. "After the financial crisis affected sales in 2009 and our transition to the new V8 last year, FPV is looking to reinvigorate sales in 2011," he said. "Our aim for this year is 2000 units and while January was slow in retail, it was slow everywhere. The dealers are taking cars and the outlook is good, I am confident of a strong year." Mr Barrett said despite some hurdles, the Australian performance car market remained strong. "Australians really like their performance cars and like to drive something different, and that's evident right across the industry," he said. "Basically, there's an enormous market sector that will always choose a performance car, given a choice, and those buyers appreciate the performance potential and engineering of cars like those from FPV." Arch rivals Holden Special Vehicles had a rosier 2010, recording a sales tally for the year of 3300 domestic sales, a 20 per cent improvement on lack-lustre 2009. HSV managing director Phil Harding said the signs for the performance car market were good. "We are really excited about the robustness of the performance market, and our 2010 sales result demonstrates that our customer base is still very buoyant," he said. Mr Harding also said the high-tech driver systems and the new Liquid Petroleum Injection system were two new features that would appeal to performance car buyers. January proved to be a good start for 2011 for HSV, with 219 for the month, a solid jump from the 130 units sold by the brand for the corresponding month in 2010. Last year was the recovery and rehabilitation of the Australian new car market and some of the biggest winners were the exotic brands. The numbers might be low compared to the mainstream brands but consider many of these cars sell for more than the median Adelaide house price of around $400,000. Ferrari finished the year more than 20 per cent up, having sold 126 cars last year - the California, the 458 Italia, the 599 GTB and the 612 Scaglietti. Ferrari Australia general manager Kevin Wall said demand for the Ferrari product always outstrips supply. "In the past year we have, with the California, offered customers a new type of Ferrari, one with everything that is expected of Ferrari, but one that also offers new traits and abilities," he says. "With the 458 Italia, deliveries of which started in the middle of 2010, Ferrari quite simply raised the supercar bar to a new level, a fact that has been confirmed by the outstanding demand for this car and which will continue into 2011 and beyond." Take another famous Italian performance brand - Lamborghini. The Raging Bull of the Italian supercar industry - which started from humble tractor-manufacturing beginnings - might have only sold 45 cars last year, but that was a 73 per cent increase on its 2009 tally. British supercar brand Aston Martin wasn't far behind the crew from Santa Agata, selling 121 performance coupes and convertibles in 2010 - up from a 2009 total of 74, which is a little over 63 per cent up. Fellow Brits Bentley sold 37 cars in 2009 but upped the sales ante to 58 in 2010. The Australian love affair with performance machinery also has something of a German flavour. The AMG arm of Mercedes-Benz is a prime example - in outright sales terms (not per capita), Australia broke the 1000-unit barrier in one of the top markets globally for AMG cars. Remove the limited production SLS AMG from the tally and Australia sells more AMG cars than Germany. BMW's M-Division doesn't do badly from Australian interest either - last year they sold 518 M-cars in Australia, up from the previous year's total of 465. The top sellers - the M3 range (sedan, coupe and convertible) - totalled 298 units, with the X5 M super-SUV (pictured above) finishing last year with 136 sales.

The heat is on to get younger - and young at heart - owners into the new Mercedes-Benz SLK. Droptop sportscar driving fun all year round is the aim for of the third incarnation of the Mercedes-Benz two seater.The new hard-topped convertible has been endowed with the styling cues of the SLS AMG and the more recent CLS, as well as more efficient BlueEfficiency powerplants - two-turbo four-cylinders and a petrol V6, claiming up to 25 per cent better fuel economy.Australian SLK buyers will be offered the SLK 200, 250 (in lieu of the 300) and 350 models with only the seven-speed automatic when the model line-up arrives in the third quarter, but a diesel model offered in Europe is unlikely to make it here.What will make it here is the next AMG model, but details on the high-performance model's engine choice and other details are yet to be finalised.VALUEPricing is not yet set but Mercedes-Benz says the prices announced in Melbourne at the Australian International Motor Show mid-year will be close to the $92,000 starting price of the current model, with extra features to more than off-set any small increase.The range kicks off with the SLK 200 and SLK 250, both powered by the 1.8-litre direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder; the 200 delivers 135kW and 270Nm; the 250's outputs from the same engine jump to 150kW and 310Nm .The SLK 200 claims 6.1 litres of premium unleaded per 100km and a 0-100km/h time of seven seconds. The SLK 250's thirst is 0.1 l/100km more, but the sprint time drops to 6.6 sconds.The 3.5-litre V6 engine in the SLK 350 - also seen in the new C-Class (on which the SLK is based) but not on the Oz-bound list - generates 225 kW and 370Nm, claiming the sprint to 100km/h is completed in 5.6 seconds. The V6, which claims fuel use of 7.1 litres per 100km, has been revamped to use third-generation direct injection and piezo injectors.Among the features list is the stop-start fuel saving system, Bluetooth phone and music link, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seat trim, seat heaters, trip computer, centre infotainment satnav display, LED running lights, the Airscarf heaters and a veratile (if small) boot with a reversible floor.The new SLK also has three suspension set-ups - standard steel-spring suspension, a sports-tuned version of the conventional system or the Dynamic Handling option, which adds the Sports button to sharpen up the chassis with electronically-controlled dampers.TECHNOLOGYThe SLK range now features stop-start as standard, appeasing the greenie conscience a little, but the most obvious hi-tech feature is the clever roof.Anyone who likes transition spectacle lenses will love the new world premiere (optional) Magic Sky Control roof, which transforms from transparent to heavily tinted at the touch of a button.The glass pane of the roof panel is altered by electricity - the particles are positioned to allow light through, until the voltage drops, when the particles re-align and partially block the light.The Dynamic Handling package includes the company's Direct-Steer variable-ratio system and the torque vectoring brake system, which brakes the inside rear wheel on corner entry to help the car turn in.DESIGNThe SLK has been given the new family nose, with the long bonnet, rear-set cabin and abbreviated rump all combing to complete an aesthetically-pleasing package, roof up or down.The company cites its iconic 1950s 190 SL, the new CLS and the SLS AMG all as styling influences. The bonnet and front wings are made of aluminium, but use of composite materials in the rear and lightweight steel, the body remains rigid but 13kg lighter than its predecessor.The interior oozes ergonomic character and quality, thanks to materials used - more SLS cues can be found, with the four round, galvanised air outlets.SAFETYAs you'd expect there's no shortage of safety technology - active head restraints, adaptive headlights, tyre pressure warning system and day-time running lights.There are dual front airbags, including a head airbag for lateral protection in the head impact area, as well as a side thorax airbag in the seat backrest.Added to the SLK's list is the drowsiness detection system Attention Assist, PreSafe and PreSafe Brake - which can hit the brakes autonomously if the detects a rear-end collision is imminent.The SLK can also have Distronic Plus active cruise control, the Intelligent Lights and Speed Limit Assist, which spots speed limit signs using a windscreen-mounted camera.DRIVING The tight, twisty and mountainous roads of Tenerife gave the SLK plenty of scope to shine and in some ways it did.The small turbo four powerplant in the SLK 250 sampled first makes all the right sort of noises, thanks to a "sound generator" that enhances the powerplant sound track, particularly the intake noise. The extra plumbing works, but the powerplant feels a little hesitant to get into its stride coming out of tight hairpins.The ride quality in both the base and electronically-damped cars is very good - even on the steep, frost-bitten sealed goat tracks - delivering decent body control as well, but some more accuracy and feel to the steering wouldn't go astray.The 250 and the seven-speed auto seem a good team, with downchange blips when the transmission's sport mode is engaged, although the ratio change could be snappier - it is being touted as a sportscar after all.The V6 powerplant doesn't need fancy plumbing to make nice noises, delivering deceptively quick progress, although it felt a little light on low-down torque. The seven-speed auto tacked on the back of the V6 had "issues", defaulting from the manual change mode using the paddles to the full-auto Economy mode - on a couple of the V6 cars.Mercedes-Benz staffers suggested heat and altitude on a spirited hillclimb drive might have initiated a protection mode.The aerodynamic performance of air deflectors with the roof down was effective, which meant little in the way of cabin buffeting, even well above normal highway speeds; the heated seats and the Airscarf neck vents kept the sub-10 deg C ambient temperature at bay.VERDICTAs a year-round proposition, the SLK - in either guise - is a capable all-rounder, but drivers looking for a scalpel to carve corners will be looking elsewhere in Stuttgart.Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.Price: from around $92,000.Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder, 3.5-litre direct-injection V6.Transmission: seven-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive.Power: 135kW, 150kW; 225kW.Torque: 270Nm, 310Nm; 370Nm.Performance (seconds 0-100km/h, top speed): 7.0, 6.6, 5.6; 237km/h, 243km/h, 250km/h (governed).Fuel consumption (litres/100km): 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, tank 60 litres.Emissions (g/km): 142, 144, 167.Suspension: independent, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers, stabiliser bar (front); multi-link independent, coil springs, gas-pressure shock absorbers, stabiliser.Brakes: four-wheel discs, front venntilated discs, with anti-lock, stability control systems.Dimensions: length 4134mm, width 1810mm, height 1301mm, wheelbase 2430mm, track fr/rr 1559/1565mm, cargo volume 335 (roof up)/225 (open-top) litres, weight 1470-1540kg.Wheels: 16in (17 in on 250 & 350).

The small prestige sedan battlefield is about to be shaken up by Mercedes-Benz with its updated C-Class.  The German car maker is claiming more than 2000 new parts are beneath the facelifted exterior, as well as ten safety systems new to the C that have flowed down from the company's flagship S-Class.While its home market has a wider choice of engines for the expanded model linee-up (now including the coupe), Australia will get three petrol - the 135kW/270Nm C200, the C250 with 150kW and 310Nm and (arriving later) the C300.The C-Class will also be offered in three diesel engines - the C200 with a 2.2-litre offering 100kW and 360Nm, the 150kW/500Nm C250 and the 195kW/620Nm C350 CDI.The company says the current series has sold over one million units worldwide since its launch in March 2007.  Originally known as the 190, the C-Class has been on the Benz books since 1982 and has been sold to more than 8.5 million since then.Pricing is yet be announced for Australia, but those in the prestige compact market can expect minimal price increases but offset by updgraded spec when the cars hit our shores mid-year.Topping the list of in-car technology is a new telematics system that includes a larger display, Bluetooth phone and music link and internet access for the first time.  Benz has set up the system to tailor content for minimum distraction while moving, but when the car is stationary the internet or a Mercedes-Benz Online service is available.The system also has a special destination search via Google Maps that can downloaded to the car.  Start stop is standard across the engine range bound for Australia, all of which are Blue Efficiency powerplants, helping (along with the seven-speed auto) the company to claim up 31 per cent better fuel consumption.Around 70 percent of all the C-Class body panels are made from high-strength steel alloys; the sedan and the estate are both fitted with an aluminium bonnet, with the lighter alloy also used in the front fenders and in the doors.The front and rear have been updated, the most obvious aspect of that being new headights and tail lights (with LED running lights and indicators), with tweaks to the bumper profiles as well.Much of the design overhaul has been focussed on the interior, which has high-grade leather and wood adorning the dashboard adopted from the E-Class - with the more cohesive integrated screen set-up and taken a step further in the right direction.The two design and equipment lines - Elegance and Avantgarde - are more distinct, with the biggest tell-tale being the grille with raised "cross-hair" logo on the Elegance model's nose, while  the Avantgarde has the larger emblem mounted centrally in the front grille.The new C-Class has seven airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control already, and now has an even longer list of active safety assistance systems using radar, camera and sensor technology.The safety features list now includes Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Active Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist driver alert, the Distronic Plus radar-equipped cruise control, Speed Limit Assist (which spots roadside speed signs), the Parktronic system and the Pre-Safe accident preparation system.The first impression of the car is how quiet and refined it is, and we're driving the smaller diesel 250 CDI, which cruises at 110km/h with around 1500rpm on the tachometer.  Wind noise is only apparent because of gusty cross-winds, which were enough to topple a truck on the freeway.Teamed witnh the seven speed auto the drivetrain was flexible and linear, easily climbing the steep mountain roads.  A drive in the V6 turbodiesel - which packs a 620Nm wallop - delivered a quiet drive, with in-gear acceleration that is awesome and unrelenting.The Agility Control suspension system has been fine-tuned and the work was worthwhile, as the ride quality is more comfortable, but not at the expense of body control and handling, which were both crisp.The steering is well-weighted and bites into the corners with a little more vigour than was expected.  The interior has a quality feel and the integrated screen and dashboard set-up looks far more cohesive, the only bugbear being the speed limit display system proving somewhat at odds with the Tenerife road signs on several occasions.A comprehensive and worthwhile update that puts the C-Class back in the fight. 79/100

The next step in Holden's alternative fuel strategy, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), was the subject of a national conference yesterday and Holden's energy and environment director Richard Marshall said there was a need for more consumer acceptance of LPG and the benefits of using a locally-available alternative fuel. Mr Marshall also detailed the car maker's plans for a dedicated LPG Commodore model later this year as part of the LPG Australia national conference in Canberra. "This puts our country in a unique position to take advantage of our abundant LPG resources and to provide more affordable transportation into the future," he said. Mr Marshall said LPG currently accounts for around 6 per cent of our national transport fuel usage. "LPG offers drivers significant benefits - including reduced running costs and a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 15 per cent, when compared to driving on petrol," Mr Marshall said. Later this year, Holden will launch the new LPG system - likely to start with the V8 - following on from Holden Special Vehicles' use of a new dual-fuel direct-injection liquified LPG system. Holden launched its E85 ethanol-blend fuel system for the Commodore as part of the VE Series II model update late last year as part of its alternative fuel strategy. The conference theme "LPG...an Exceptional Energy - Investing in Australia's Future" and is examining issues surrounding the LPG industry. LPG Australia figures show Australia's LPG fleet of 600,000 vehicles is the fifth largest in the world and Australia ranks third highest per capita in the world in gas consumption. "Holden's strategy to reduce Australia's dependence on petroleum consists of two pillars - energy efficiency and energy diversity. This puts our country in a unique position to take advantage of our abundant LPG resources and to provide more affordable transportation into the future," Mr Marshall said. Ford has produced dedicated LPG Falcon models since 2000 and is also expected to release a liquified LPG system for its flagship later this year. As much as $2000 can be received by LPG car buyers as part of a government rebate scheme to encourange the use of LPG. The grants for buying LPG vehicles or installing aftermarket conversions will be capped from July 1 at 25,000 claims for each financial year as part of cost-cutting measures to fund rebuilding in Queensland after the recent floods. A rebate of $2000 on LPG Vehicles is available for eligible private vehicle purchasers until June, 2014; rebates for LPG conversions of registered vehicles until June 30, 2011 is $1250. Five local companies have joined forces to for EV Engineering to build prototypes of Australia's first modern large electric car, using $3.5 million from the now-closed Green Car Innovation Fund. The consortium is made up of automotive components suppliers Air International, Bosch, Continental and Futuris, and electric vehicle infrastructure and services provider Better Place Australia. The $26 million project will use the Holden Commodore as the basis for seven "proof of concept"  electric versions of Australia's number one selling passenger vehicle, the Adelaide-built Holden Commodore. EV Engineering chairman and former Mitsubishi Australia boss Robert McEniry said electric vehicles will be an important part of the future of the Australian car manufacturing industry. "This collaboration is evidence that the local manufacturing and automotive industries have recognised the important role these vehicles will play in their future," Mr McEniry said.

The Panamera S Hybrid will make its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month  - but Australian Porsche dealers are already taking orders, with a starting pricetag from $298,300.That asking price slots it into the range as the second most-expensive model behind the all-wheel drive Turbo, but the price could come down if the Australian arm of the company puts the Michelin tyres on as standard.Porsche Cars Australia spokesman Paul Ellis says the hybrid could become the third-most expensive Panamera if luxury car tax fuel-efficiency exemptions come into play."Anyone who orders the car with the Michelin low-resistance tyres is subject to getting that car as much as $6000 cheaper with the Michelins. We're currently investigating if we can make those tyres standard for the Australian market, therefore the car would be priced more favourably because it comes in as standard under seven litres per 100km, we estimate there's a potential price difference of $6000 which is worth pursuing." he says.The new Panamera S Hybrid has the same basic drivetrain as the Cayenne hybrid SUV, producing  279kW - 245kW from the supercharged three-litre V6 and the rest from the electic motor and battery system.There's a theoretical torque figure of 580Nm (440Nm from the V6 and 300Nm from the electrical engine, as per the Cayenne hybrid) with the assistance of the electric motor, although Porsche says hybrid drivetrain torque figures are difficult to quantify in total.The hybrid's fuel consumption claim (in European spec) of 6.8 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 159 g/km, achieved with the Porsche petrol-electric hybrid system and Panamera-specific Michelin low rolling-resistance tyres.Standard rubber ups the number to 7.1 litres per 100km and emissions of 167 g/km of CO2, but even on standard tyres it's still the most frugal Porsche yet.The Panamera S Hybrid is far from a green slug, claiming 0-100km/h in six seconds and a 270 km/h top speed, with the ability to cover up to 2km in full electric mode at speeds up to 85 km/h.Unlike other petrol-electric hybrids, the electric motor operates as a generator and a starter, but the Porsche employs a separating clutch between the hybrid unit (which includes the nickel metal hydride battery) and the petrol engine, allowing the conventional eight-speed automatic transmission to be retained.Further similarities to the Cayenne drivetrain range are likely some time next year, with Porsche also working on a diesel Panamera model using the 176kW/550Nm three-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder (which boasts 7.4l/100km in the SUV), but there's no firm timeframe on its arrival.

Then we head north in a Holden Cruze and Mitsubishi ASX, looking to see how far this pair can go on a single take of fuel.  Ed Ordynski is in the ASX and I have the Cruze, holding  the trip computer just over 6 litres/100km as Ordynski - expert driver - is below 5 litres/100km.The first stop is just outside Port Pirie after 250 kilometres and the figures are 5.3 and 4.2, as we battle wind and rain.  A lunch stop in Waikerie - about 530km into the journey - and then a turn south to follow the Murray both cars maintain sub-6 readings - the ASX in the region of 4.5 and the Cruze 5.5 litres per 100km as we pass the 700km mark near Murray Bridge.The weather worsens as we follow the river south through 730km at Wellington."The ASX was more adversely affected by that, it was 0.3 litres/100km worse off - we did what you need to do into a headwind and that was reduce the speed a little," Ordynski says.Running down through the southern foothills to complete our 1000km journey we return the tanks to full. There are still 15 litres in the Mitsubishi's 60-litre tank, but my Cruze is almost on fumes.  But after thirteen hours of "real-world" driving we have hit our 1000-kilometre target."I would drive like that with people on board and not be embarrassed," Ordynski says.  "You win on fuel use and emissions as well, with 2kg of CO2 for every litre of fuel, you win on maintenance and longevity of the vehicle by driving it kindly as well, it's hard to see a downside."Ed Ordynski’s Fuel TipsLevel 1. Overall factors1. Plan when you need to use your car to avoid unnecessary journeys.2. Plan your journey to avoid peak hour and congested roads.3. Measure your fuel consumption and take pride in reducing it.4. Choose an energy efficient vehicle.Level 2. Anyone can try1. Concentrate on driving smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to conserve momentum.2. Keep tyre pressures at maximum recommended.3. Avoid any excess weight in the vehicle and remove accessories which affect the aerodynamics (e.g. roof racks).4. Choose a manual transmission and learn to drive it properly for optimum fuel efficiency.Level 3. Hard-core methods1. Avoid use of airconditioning and keep windows closed.2. Do not use cruise control but do focus on keeping a constant speed and conserving momentum.3. Drive at low speed - most cars are at their most efficient at around 75km/h in top gear.4. Drive off as soon as the engine is started, especially from a cold start.GREEN STARSMake-model weight price combined fuel con1. Mitsubishi -MiEV 980kg $leased 02. Toyota Prius 1370kg $39,990 3.93. Smart Fortwo 750kg $19,9904.44. Honda Insight 1205kg $29,9904.65. Suzuki Alto 880kg $11,790 4.8GREEN DUDS1. Ferrari 599 1690kg $677,250 21.32. Ferrari 612 1849kg $698,000 20.73. Nissan Patrol 4.8 2440kg $75,690 17.24. Maserati GT S Coupe 1880kg $345,900 16.65. Mercedes ML 500 2148kg $132,400 16.5

From the masters of niche vehicles comes the latest Mini model in new territory for the little Brit - the Countryman. Parent company BMW knows how to carve a new niche and the Countryman is the SUV for those who want to get a little bit dirty without abandoning the Mini brand.The first genuine four-door Mini is being presented as the beginning of a new era for the brand as more than a one-model make.  Two or four-wheel drive, four-seater (or a no-cost option five if preferred), the mini-SUV is looking to squat in some territory not yet claimed by the hordes of small SUVs on offer in the new vehicle market.VALUEThis is no bargain-basement soft-roader (although it has already sold out in the UK) - the Countryman starts from $37,700 for the entry-level Cooper; the Cooper S Countryman jumps up to a starting price of $47,500 if you only want the front wheels driven.Standard fare range-wide includes alloy wheels (ranging from 16 to 18in), multi-function sports steering wheel, trip computer, roof rails, with the S models adding Bluetooth, sports seats, the Sport mode, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights.Any buyers looking for more spice can opt for the Chilli variants, which kick off at $43,100 for the Cooper or $53,150 for the Cooper S Chilli.The four-wheel drive model Cooper S ALL4 will start at $50,400.The Cooper D Countryman will be available from mid-year and will start at $40,950 for the front-drive model, or $43,850 for the all-wheel drive model; diesel Chilli Countryman buyers will be handing over at least $46,350 or $49,250 for all-wheel drive.TECHNOLOGYThe highlight for the Mini tech-heads is the all-wheel drive system, which goes against the front-drive bias industry trend to push only 58 per cent of drive to the front wheels and the remainder to the rear.  The Mini folks say it is uses sensors within the stability control system and is constantly variable, with almost 100 per cent able to go front or rear, but there's no lock-in mode to fix it for off-road duties.The engine line-up mirrors the hatch range, with the Cooper getting the naturally-aspirated 90kW/160Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder that uses 6.5 litres per 100km; the Cooper S has the twin-scroll turbo 1.6 offering 135kW and 240Nm of torque (or 260Nm on overboost) while claiming 6.6 litres per 100km.The 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel will deliver 82kW and 270Nm, with claimed combined fuel consumption of 4.4 litres per 100km.DESIGNWhile retaining design cues likes the floating roof and the wheel at each corner, the Countryman is almost 400mm longer (at 4.1m thanks largely to an increase in wheelbase) and 154mm taller, with muscular bulges and a broad stance, but it is still unquestionably part of the Mini family - perhaps just the less attractive sibling.The air intake for the turbo models has moved from the bonnet to the front bumper, giving the nose an almost Mustang-like look.  Luggage capacity with the adjustable rear seats in the rear-most position is 350 litres but can rise to a maximum of 1170 litres, regardless of which rear seat configuration - a two or three-seat rear set-up - is chosen.SAFETYThe safety features list has standard dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, six airbags and three-point inertia-reel seat belts, with the front pews getting tensioners and load limiters.DRIVINGBig, broader (in the hips for sure) and taller, the Countryman has presence - that is certain - but it's no oil painting for looks.  Out on the road, it's a little more sedate in a straight line than the hot hatches for which the brand is renowned, being swift rather than scorching for outright pace.The steering is still sharp for response, if not super-informative for the driver, but the rest of the car sometimes feels as though it has to catch up to the helm, with a touch more body roll than expected.The ride quality is not exceptional, partly due to the optional fitment of runflat tyres, and coarse-chip road surfaces generate some noise in conjunction with the tyres.  Pushing harder on a windy back-road or unsealed section and the suspension feels more at home, fidgeting less than it seemed to on the metropolitan sections pockmarked by a lack of maintenance.Some crashing through dirt road potholes was dealt with - albeit with a wince from the occupants and a check of the wheels.  The interior feels airy thanks to the taller glass portions but the feel of the plastics is a let-down and the seats weren't as comfortable as appearances would suggest.The six-speed auto - a $2350 option - is a clever transmission and largely makes the wheel-mounted shift buttons redundant.VERDICT: not bad for its first SUV effort. Mini Cooper CountrymanPrice: from $37,700.Engine: 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel four-cylinder.Transmission: six-speed manual or automatic, front or all-wheel drive.Thirst: 4.4 (Cooper D) - 8.1 (Cooper S ALL4) l/100km.