Articles by Stuart Martin

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 and BMW 320i Touring go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Several brands like to think they invented the soft-roader, but Subaru probably has the best case. They've been making passenger-car-based 4WDs since the late 1970s, well before the RAV4 entered the fray in the mid-1990s; Suzuki was making little off-roaders in the early 1970s, but not based on a passenger car.So the Japanese brand that started off making aircraft components five decades ago has had plenty of time to get it right and the new Forester XT is a good example of that.VALUEThe turbocharged Forester are CVT-auto only and available in XT and XT Premium guise and are covered by a three-year unlimited kilometre warranty.The XT is priced from $43,490 and has a six-speaker sound system with USB and Bluetooth inputs, cloth trim, trip computer, dual-zone climate control, a slide-only sunroof, manual seat adjustments, cruise control, 18in alloys, split-fold reclining rear seats, a full-size spare, the SI-drive sport mode system and a reach'n'rake adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel.Stepping up the Premium means an extra $7000 but adds a powered tailgate, automatic headlights, satellite navigation, the "EyeSight" safety system, leather trim, a harman kardon eight-speaker sound system, heated seats and external mirrors, keyless entry and start, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and power-adjustment for both front seats.TECHNOLOGYThe drivetrain doesn't change between the pair - capacity for the forced-induction models has dropped to two litres but it has sprouted direct injection for the flat-four, producing 177kW and 350Nm, the latter spread from 2400 to 3600rpm.Despite the increases in power and torque over the out-going 2.5-turbo powerplant, the fuel use has been cut by almost 20 per cent, now claiming a combined cycle thirst of 8.5L/100km, although our time yielded around 11L/100km. The SI-Drive system is now controlled by two buttons on the steering wheel, although it could probably be done with one scroll-through set-up.The system changes the power delivery characteristics, as well as putting the clever CVT into a mode that mimics a sports-oriented traditional auto. The grunt goes to ground via a new-generation active torque split all-wheel drive system that defaults to a slight front-drive 60/40 bias - something of a departure from the breed's 50/50 mechanical system split in previous models.DESIGNA look less likely to cause offence than some of Subaru's recent efforts, the new Forester has a chunky, purposeful look from the front, minus the scoop that has long signalled forced-induction below. The body is longer thanks mostly to extra wheelbase, of which the rear passengers are the greater beneficiary - it easily accommodates four crew, but the boot depth is compromised by the raised floor covering the full-size spare.The rear compartment is, however, no longer impacted by roof-mounted child-seat tether anchor points - they've moved to the seatbacks.mountedSAFETYSubaru has long bragged about five stars across its range and the new Forester does plenty to keep that track record intact. The "EyeSight" driver assistance system brings adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and pre-collision warning and auto-braking systems to a features list that already has all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, stability control, seven airbags, a reversing cameras (sans sensors) and xenon headlights.DRIVINGI'm not always a big fan of the continuously-variable transmissions but the Subaru boffins have come up with a well-calibrated unit behind the turbo-four. It doesn't flare revs towards the redline unless the right foot truly demands it, making the most of the meaty midrange on offer - in Sport# mode the transmission takes on a sporting bent to good effect.Cargo space is adequate but some will prefer the possibility of a temporary spare and a flatter floor - a personal preference for a full-size spare, particularly if you are stretching the skillset of the Suby, means the reduced bootspace is not a deal-breaker.In commuting and cruising the Subaru is quiet and smooth, riding within the boundaries of backside comfort, although it's bias towards more enthusiastic cornering - where it was composed and would hold its line under duress - is evident.A bugbear was the infotainment's argument with the iPhone - despite displayed connections it didn't feel the need to play any songs through the USB connection, muting the music as if a call was inbound - switching to the Bluetooth input alleviated the problem.VERDICTThe Subaru has a strong bloodline in this segment and the new Forester has done it ancestors proud.As soft-roaders go, the little Subaru feels more than up to the task.Subaru Forester XT & XT PremiumPrice: from $43,490-$50,490Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmCapped servicing: noResale: 55% (Glass's Guide)Service interval: 6 months/12,500kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2-litre direct-injection flat-4-cyl, 177kW/350NmTransmission: CVT, AWDThirst: 8.51/100km, 95RON, on test 11 (xt p 10.8); tank 60 litres; 197g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.7m (h)Weight: 1589-1607kgSpare: full-size 

The United Nations line-up that is the Australian compact SUV segment is in for a shake-up. A shift in the balance of power towards Japan is imminent, with the arrival of Mitsubishi's ASX in turbodiesel auto guise. To the end of May this year, the ASX was running behind the Hyundai's ix35, Nissan's Dualis, Subaru's XV

If an M5 sedan is too mainstream but four doors are a must for your driveway, then BMW's M-division has unleashed a new flagship that will fit your bill. BMW's latest M-monster is a four-door - the M6 Gran Coupe, a svelte and muscular coupe with easy rear seat access.Anything around $300,000 that doesn't have an ensuite and off-street parking is not really going to be considered value, but it depends on what price you put on stupendous speed or a features list that could take up the rest of this page. The exclusivity of just 20 cars being on the road might well be worth the extra $70,000 - that's a top-spec 1 Series or a mid-spec 3, remember - over an M5.The Gran Coupe gets quad-zone climate control system and roller sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear side windows to set it apart from the coupe and add to the extensive features list: ventilated and heated leather seating, insulated windscreen, model-specific 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, alcantara rooflining with a leather trim centrepiece, adaptive LED headlights, full internet and sound system integration for smartphones and electric sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear side windows.The BMW M6 Gran Coupe also brings with it a couple of sizeable options, among them a 12-speaker $14,000 Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System, digital radio reception, a heated steering wheel and $4500 for BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.Twin-scroll turbos - two of them - puffing away atop an already-potent V8 is recipe for rapidity, even in a two-tonne Teuton. The engine has variable valve timing and lift control on both sides, as well as direct injection, to generate 412kW and 680Nm (from just 1500rpm through to 5750rpm) to send through the rear wheels. On the other side of the powerplant equation is the fuel economy, which is a claimed 9.9 litres per 100km.New to the M6 range and arriving with the new coupe is the $12,000 Competition pack, available from July which adds 11kW, Competition wheels and gives more aggressivesuspension and power steering tune.The extra grunt takes the sprint to 100km/h down from the standard car's 4.2 second claim by 0.1 of second, or 0.2 quicker to 200km/h - given the "standard" car's gusto it wouldn't really seem worth the extra moolah.The drivetrain goodies also include the double-clutch seven-speed "auto" (with stop-start and launch control) and the active rear differential, which teams with the electronics to get the grunt to ground and distributed to whichever of the rear wheels can best use it.The trend of coupe-styled four-door machinery spawned the 6 Gran Coupe and the M version adds to the imposing presence of the mainstream car.  It has the visible carbon-fibre roof, aluminium door and bonnet panels and plastic front guards - all of which help the centre of gravity and keep weight to about 1.9 tonnes.The Gran Coupe gets a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic rear under-bumper diffuser that wraps around the four exhausts. The stance is low and muscled, with wider track, flared wheel arches and larger front air intakes, the brooding and imposing "coupe" sits just 110mm off the tarmac on 20 inch wheels wrapped in liquorice instead of tyres.Cabin space is for four (although there's a fifth seatbelt, the centre console is broad) and the four occupants are generally well accommodated.At 191cm I can sit behind my own driving position with only rear headroom being an issue, while cargo space is good - not grand - at 460 litres, with a split-fold rear seat function to increase that to 1265 litres should you need it.The full arsenal of safety features as you'd expect at this level - front, front-side and curtain airbags, multi-stage stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with six-piston front calipers, cruise control with braking function, active front head restraints, auto-dimming mirrors, several cameras, parking sensors, lane departure warning, tyre pressure monitoring,head-up display and auto high-beam function. Or if you are hell-bent on slowing the earth's rotation, you can ante up $24,000 for carbon-ceramic stoppers.Sauntering out of the pit lane and the sense of quiet refinement, the comfort of a big lazy V8 and being snug down truly behind the wheel is a relaxed place to be.Lapping the Sepang track we're testing on doesn't give any sense of ride quality - for that we'll have to wait for local roads - but the clever steering and suspension systems do great things for the Gran Coupe's body control.The front can come under pressure if you're heavy on the brakes, and the rear can slip sideways under duress without too much provocation, but the extra bit of wheelbase and the active rear differential, which teams with the electronic nursemaids to varying degrees, makes it an easy catch with the hydraulic power steering.Some time on the wet skid-pan demonstrated the clever teamwork between the electronics and the clever rear diff, as well as the playful abilities and the immense outputs that can be employed when the restrictions are lifted.With 412kW and 650Nm on offer from the right foot it is an easy game to play, belying its size to some extent - it's no M3 in being nimble in the bends on change of direction, but the torque of the twin-turbo engine makes the M3 feel slow.The brutal straight-line force, which can be unleashed using launch control, slings the big coupe away from standstill to 100km/h in around four seconds, although BMW staffers say 3.9 in the right conditions is not impossible - I'd believe it.As a German ubercar for daily use, we'll wait for a taste of the ride on our roads, but its ability to play hard on a racetrack and obliterate tyres is not in any doubt. Lavish in cabin materials, with no shortage of gear, it's more sledgehammer than scalpel, but not often is blunt force trauma so entertaining.

As if we didn't know we were soft, a stark reminder of just how cosseted we were was delivered at Eucla. The sight of a replica 1930s Ford Hardtop hotrod in the border stop's carpark during our recent cross-country drive in a Mazda6 was an odd discovery. What we found on further investigation was no windows, no heater and no radio let alone the absence of radar cruise control, a Bose sound system, any airbags, heated seats or climate control. Ray Patchett, 69, from Adelaide's south, was in the middle of ticking a drive off his bucket list when we crossed his path, returning across the Nullarbor in his 1932 replica Ford V8 hardtop. “No heater, no windows, no radio we're saving up for windows but the wind wings are amazing. You don't need these modern cars with windows and the like, you blokes are soft,” he said. And he suggested only half tongue in cheek that there was no adventure in what the Mazda convoy was doing, as it lacked “nostalgia and adventure”. He told us: “It's a bucket list thing at my age, that's what you do at my age. “I've driven in many times but not in a 32 Ford, it's been brilliant we've loved it. We're doing 600km or 700km a day (and) we sit on the speed limit.” The fuel-injected V8 and automatic transmission might not be as frugal as the turbodiesel driveline of the Mazda but it makes a nice rumble as it warms up for the next leg to the east. Ray said it was returning a thirst of around 12 litres per 100km twice what the Mazda was drinking but the Ford crew were having more fun. “We did 12.5 litres per 100km but the top holds us back a bit, like a sail, but it rides beautifully not a bump or a squeak. But then again you wouldn't be able to hear it over the wind noise anyway,” he quipped.  

Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT AWD and Subaru Forester XT go head-to-head in this comparative review.

The pundits argue about which era within the World Rally Championship was its golden age, but there's no doubt it produced some epic machines. Audi's original quattro, the Lancia Stratos and Delta Integrale, Ford's RS brigade and Subaru's WRX and Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution series are all among the pool of talented vehicles spawned for loose surface competition.Sadly, many of those manufacturers are now no longer in it to win it. The company has trimmed the price and upped the spec, but what's it like to live with one of these highly-strung rally weapons. Short answer - easy.While it starts at $56,990 for the five-speed manual version, we're in the MR twin-clutch automated manual model, which asks for $65,990.The Evolution MR's features list is not spartan - leather trim, front racing bucket seats, alloy paddleshifters, a  height-only(!!?!!) adjustable sports leather-wrapped steering wheel (as well as cruise and phone controls), heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, automatic xenon headlights with cornering lamps, 18in BBS alloy wheels, a top-spec 9-speaker sound system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a rear view camera (displaying on the 7in touch screen), with voice activated 3D satnav.The Evo still packs a decent wallop, despite having been around for a while - it has an intercooled and turbocharged 2-litre variable-valve double overhead cam powerplant producing 217kW at 6500 rpm and 366Nm of torque at 3500rpm.It's a cast aluminium block (the old two-litre turbo was cast-iron) and it has reverted to an old-school timing chain as opposed to a belt; there's variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts and the turbo responds 20 per cent quicker, says Mitsubishi.All that grunt without serious thirst too - the Mitsi claim is 10.1 litres per 100km and despite some enthusiastic efforts, the trip computer was showing 11.5 on the test car. Getting all that to ground is the all-wheel drivetrain overseen by a number of clever electronic systems - imaginatively named Super All Wheel Control - starting with an active centre differential with modes for bitumen, unsealed roads and snow.The system also deals with the active stability control to keep the desired driving line, with “Super Active Yaw Control” distributes drive between the rear wheels to fire the little rally rocket out of corners with gusto.Striking but not what you'd call pretty or handsome, it's based on a shopping-trolley sedan, the Evo has bracing bits and body add-ons to upgrade its looks and strength. The big rear spoiler looks the goods but interrupts the rear vision dramatically - not ideal when you're often looking out for particular types of vehicles behind you.The rest of the bodykit and extra vents betray the intent of the vehicle, but don't make it impractical to use day-to-day, with little grinding of body bits into the bitumen. The cabin is typical of the donor car's segment - enough room for Mum and Dad and a couple of offspring, but leave the kitchen sink at home.Bootspace is impeded for the sake of bass response - a subwoofer inhabits the left-hand side cubby of the claimed 400 litres of loadspace, so forget a full-sized set of golf clubs in the boot.Cooking versions of the Lancer score five stars when the full complement of airbags are fitted so there's no reason why you wouldn't expect the Evo to rank similarly. We've already touched on the clever all-wheel drive set-up, which teams with stability control, but there's also anti-lock braking for the massive Brembo stoppers.The 18in wheels cover 350mm front ventilated lightweight two-piece discs with four-pot calipers, with 330mm rear discs and two-pot calipers. The airbag count is seven - dual front, front-side and full-length curtain airbags, as well as one for the driver’s knees.Don't be fooled by the relatively demure road manners, this is a vicious machine. Rolling quietly out of the Mitsubishi carpark, the firm ride quality is apparent, but the Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs help to take the hard edge off remarkably well. Leaving the gearbox in full auto Normal mode, the shift quality is quick and smooth but prone to holding a high gear a little longer than is ideal and is not as intuitive as more recent double-clutchers sampled.Sport mode goes a bit too far in the other direction and Super Sport mode (which needs to be selected before moving) is aggressive. Manual changes in the latter are brutal, with less regard for reducing shift shock than other modes. Steering is light but direct, although my personal preference would be for a bit more meat and a little less assistance. Getting away from standstill with intent is not difficult - the Evo gathers pace with incredible ease, but it's when the corners come that it excels.Brush the Brembos, turn in, fire out - no mess, no fuss, just another recommended corner speed sign made redundant. You'll need to hit a racetrack or risk the low-profile road rubber on dirt to shake it loose, but even then you'll be working hard. There's a five-speed manual on offer in some models, not in the flagship MR sadly, but a slick six-speeder as a special-order option would be nice.

Mazda sends its turbo Atenza on a coast-to-coast economy trial - who needs a big six?

Toyota RAV4 Cruiser and Subaru Forester XT go head-to-head in this comparative review. 

The final VE, an SS Z-Series, was completed amid the first examples of its VF replacement and early build examples of the VF-based Chevrolet SS export cars.The “chlorophyll” green SS V Z-Series automatic sports sedan, which retails for a list price of $49,790 and is destined for a Northern Territory dealer, is the last of more than 350,000 sold locally since it started production in July 2006.The car Holden dubbed its “billion-dollar baby” is soon to be replaced by the VF Commodore on sale next month, the latest in a Commodore line-up of 15 models that number more than 2.9 million produced.Holden executive director of manufacturing Richard Phillips said the VE was a landmark achievement for Holden and yesterday's end to production of the model was a bitter-sweet moment.“The company's first true ‘clean-sheet’ design allowed our team to show the world what Holden was capable of and the result was, and remains, a stunning car,” he said.“It's been such a great product for us but at the same time we're excited about the future and the entire Holden team is energised by the imminent launch of the fantastic new VF Commodore.”"The VF is the most advanced car ever created in this country, a car that takes the winning values and trademark driving dynamics of the VE and elevates it to a new level of luxury, technology and sophistication,” he said.The final VE made its journey through the General Assembly plant yesterday, sharing the line with VF pre-production cars including the first pilot-build examples of the Chevrolet SS - many of the workers involved were part of the team that completed the Elizabeth plant transformation for the model when it began in 2006.Andrew Shaw, 40, has worked for Holden at Elizabeth since 2002 and was hired as part of the VE preparation. “To be part of the VE launch and follow it right through and then end up in here watching it come off the line for the last time, it was a bit of a spinout and good to be part of ... it's been a real buzz for the last few months. “One chapter finishes and another one begins, this one is so important to get our domestic sales back to where they need to be - there's a lot of faith in this car and we're very proud of it,” he said.Scott Connelly, 38, has been at Elizabeth since 1998, was at the plant throughout VE and was sorry to see it go. “I am sorry to see it go but I'm excited about the VF - it's a better car and looks great, we have Chevrolet SS pilot cars coming through now as well, it's sad to see VE go but it's exciting to see something new,” he said.Chris Aistrope, 27, has been at Holden just over 10 years and was a little sad to farewell the VE Commodore. “I'm sorry to see it go but I'm looking forward to VF, all the new technology in it, the feeling in here is good, seeing the Chevrolet SS come through now as well,” he said.Holden has made more than 520,000 VE vehicles for domestic and export markets since it went on sale in late 2006.Around 170,000 were exported to six continents, including the Middle East, South-east Asia and the US, where it was sold as a Pontiac G8 sedan - it returns to the US later this year.The VF Commodore was revealed earlier this year in Calais and SS V forms, as well as debuting as the exterior for the Chevrolet SS Daytona racecar ahead of its appearance as the Chevrolet SS sports sedan on the US market later this year.The VE Calais V was Carsguide's Car Of The Year in 2006 and motoring magazine Wheels recently named the VE Commodore as the best Australian-made car yet.Holden Commodore timeline:1978 - Holden celebrates 25 years of overall market leadership and launches the VB Commodore, priced from $6513, in October.1979 - Holden VB Commodore scores 1-2-3 victory in the Repco Round Australia Rally in August1988 - The VN Commodore is launched in August and is built exclusively at the Elizabeth (SA) plant.1990 - The 5 millionth Holden, a red VN Calais, is produced, at Elizabeth, S.A.1997 - Holden's new VT Commodore model range is introduced in September, representing a $600 million investment.1999 - Holden gives the green light for a Commodore coupe and the Series II VT Commodore range is launched.2000 - Holden confirms that the Commodore coupe will carry the Monaro nameplate.2001 - The 6 millionth Holden is produced at Elizabeth. Holden wins total market leadership for 2001 and Commodore is the Australia's top-selling car for the 6th consecutive year.2002 - Holden first US export program is announced - the Monaro-based Pontiac GTO.2006 - Holden launches its billion-dollar baby, the all-new VE Commodore, in July, after $532 million upgrade to the Vehicle Operations plant at Elizabeth, SA. The VE wins Carsguide’s Car Of The Year.2007 - VE Commodore awarded 2006 Wheels Car of the Year. New export market for VE sedans announced SS Commodore to be sold in the US as Pontiac G8.2008 - Holden celebrates 50 years at Elizabeth, its 60th anniversary and announces exports Pontiac G8 sedan and ute range to North America. GM Holden builds its seven millionth vehicle - a 60th Anniversary Commodore - and Commodore marks 30 years on Australian roads.2009 - Holden announces it will build Chevrolet-badged Caprice Police Cars for the US market, but loses Pontiac G8 export program.2011 - Commodore marks 15 years as top car in Australia and the Cruze rolls off the Elizabeth production line in February.2012 - Commodore loses top spot to Mazda3, Commodore and Cruze both finish 2011 in top five.2013 - Holden unveils the heavily-revised VF Commodore and says it will not be the last to wear the nameplate, despite continued sales shrinkage.Production figures:1978 Commodore VB Total built: 95,9061980 Commodore VC Total built: 121,8071981 Commodore VH Total built: 141,0181984 Commodore VK Total built: 135,7051986 Commodore VL Total built: 151,8011988 Commodore VN Total built: 215,1801991 Commodore VP Total built: 111,7701993 Commodore VR Total built: 165,2621995 Commodore VS Total built: 277,7741997 Commodore VT Total built: 303,8952000 Commodore VX Total built: 207,3392002 Commodore VY Total built: 241,9092004 Commodore VZ Total built: 228,7882006 Commodore VE Total built: 520,000Total 2.92 millionThe last VE:SS Z-Series sedan in “Chlorophyll” greenList price: $49,790Engine: a 6-litre 90-deg V8 with Active Fuel Management (AFM) technologyTransmission: 6-speed automatic, rear wheel drivePower: 260kW @ 5600rpmTorque: 517Nm @ 4400rpmFuel economy: 12.3l/100km combined-cycle, 292g/km