Mini News

Their 3-litre twin-turbo petrol engine from the BMW 335i has won the International Engine of the Year Award from the same company's M5 and M6 V10 which took out the previous two titles.The twin turbo, which has two variable turbochargers, direct injection and an all-aluminium crankcase, also won best new engine while the V10 again claimed the best performance engine.BMW, which also dominated last year's awards, took out seven trophies, including the Mini Cooper S 1.6-litre petrol turbo which was developed in co-operation with French car maker Peugeot and features in their 207.However, the biggest round of applause at the ninth annual awards at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany, this week was reserved for Porsche which finally won a gong.Its 3.6-litre petrol turbo engine in the 911 Turbo was voted the best 3 to 4 litre engine in production today.The awards are judged by 62 motoring journalists from 30 countries, including Australia.Volkswagen's 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged TSI unit triumphed for a second year in the 1-1.4-litre class, with its larger sibling, the 2-litre turbo developed by Audi and housed in the Golf GTi and Audi A3, topping the 1.8-litre to 2-litre category.While performance engines dominated, the Toyota Prius 1.5-litre hybrid engine continued to be the top eco-friendly option.Toyota also won awards for its 1-litre 3-cylinder Aygo engine while the Yaris engine took the honours in the below 1-litre category.Engine AwardsINTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR: BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (335i)BEST NEW ENGINE: BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (335i)BEST FUEL ECONOMY: Toyota 1.5-litre Hybrid Synergy Drive (Prius)BEST PERFORMANCE ENGINE: BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6)SUB 1-LITRE: Toyota 1-litre (Aygo, Yaris, Peugeot 107, Citron C1)1 TO 1.4-LITRE: Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (Golf, Touran, Jetta)1.4 TO 1.8-LITRE: BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI, Peugeot 207)1.8 TO 2-LITRE: Volkswagen 2-litre Turbo (Golf, Audi A3, A6, SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia)2 TO 2.5-LITRE: BMW 2.5-litre (325, 525, X3, Z4)2.5 TO 3-LITRE: BMW 3-litre Twin-Turbo (335i)3 TO 4-LITRE: Porsche 3.6-litre Turbo (911)ABOVE 4-LITRE: BMW 5-litre V10 (M5, M6)

The world's most modified Mini Cooper made its debut Down Under at the Auto Salon show last weekend at Homebush Bay in Sydney.The Alpine Mini has been completely transformed and features a central steering console, a single seat, digital visual gauges, speakers, electronics and a customised wrap-around rimless windscreen.The customised Mini comes directly from the US and took 4000 man-hours and more than seven months to complete.And there's no need to worry about slamming your fingers in any doors of this car.Passage in and out of the car is from the rear where the boot used to be. It has been removed and the seat slides backwards on a mechanised track.

Paul Stokell finished ninth overall on Sunday in the gruelling rally in a Mini with “Tasmanian Tiger” livery.It was the second consecutive year Mini was first front-wheel-drive car home. Second was the Mazda3 MPS driven by Rick Bates.“We had an entertaining dice all rally long with the Mazda," Stokell's co-driver Peter Burrey said.“It spurred us on, but Paul is such a great driver we did not have one (worrying) moment on the whole rally.”Team Mini partners Grant Denyer finished 20th with Dale Moscatt in the Mini “Cheetah” while Mike Sinclair and Bill Hayes in the Mini “Python” were 40th.The rally results comes as the new Mini has scored the highest-possible five-star Euro NCAP result.The new Mini Cooper achieved 13 out of 16 points for deformation behaviour in a head-on collision, and 16 from 18 points in the side-on and pillar collision. Mini Cooper is now 60mm longer than its predecessor to meet pedestrian impact regulations. The car also comes standard with six airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all four seats and ISOFIX child seat fastening systems in the rear.Active safety includes brake assist, cornering brake control and brake force distribution.

It will be a Mini wagon — in name and style — with a wheelbase extended from the new Mini that has just arrived in Australia but with the same "barn-door" style back end that was such a hit in the 1970s."The name is public. That is about all. It will be on sale in Europe before the end of the year," Mini in Australia spokesman Alexander Corne says."We have no details yet on models or engines for Australia."Mini could have answers within a fortnight, as well as an on-sale date early next year, but the news is still coming from Europe with little light on the local plan.Still, the company admits the car is a production version of the Mini wagon that has been on the motor show trail for more than 18 months and has been a hit with four entirely different themes for each major display.It was shown as a snow bunny in Geneva, a picnic partner in Frankfurt, a mobile nightclub in Tokyo and a sports wagon in Detroit."It's a fun car for young people with active lifestyles," Corne says.The Clubman is likely to share the mechanical package just revealed, including a turbocharged Cooper S engine.The original Clubman was sold in Australia with a squared-off front, not the rounded look of the original Mini, as well as a number of mechanical and interior updates."The Mini Clubman was sold as a sedan and a wagon in Britain. The estate in Britain had two fake wooden strips down the side and barn-style doors on the back," Corne says."The Australian one survived until the end of production in 1978. In Britain it lived on until 1980."About 1971 the Clubman in Britain became the Clubman GT, which replaced the Cooper S. The Cooper model was dropped until coming back much later in the life of the car.Though details of the Clubman are still coming, Mini has confirmed a John Cooper Works version of the latest Mini.Its turbocharged engine is upgraded from 128 to 141kW, using a new exhaust and air intake, and the other obvious change is 18-inch alloy wheels.The new Cooper Works is not as powerful as the outgoing model — still available on the Mini Cabrio that continues unchanged for now — but Corne says its 141kW provides the same sort of performance as the 154kW of the earlier car with better response and economy.The Cooper Works has worked well for Mini in Australia, providing about 10 per cent of sales for the Cooper S — which is, in turn, close to half of all Mini sales.But, once again, Mini is not saying anything about dollars or deliveries."We are not sure yet of the timing or the price," Corne says.

This year marks both the 100th birthday of the Mini’s inventor, the late Sir Alec Issigonis, and the launch of what BMW like to depict as the latest incarnation of the small, but perfectly formed, Mini that first appeared in 1959.In 2001, BMW did its Dr Frankenstein thing with the moribund marque that had little more to offer its fanatical devotees than heritage and memories of The Italian Job.By contrast, the wholly New Mini – as it was called – offered faddists a package of German engineering; though it also "inspired" the blandest movie remake of the early millennium.With the arrival of generation two (that’d be the "new New Mini", then), the nameplate has not only survived the novelty of the retro auto movement it embodied, but has thrived to the extent of contributing 15 per cent of the BMW group’s global sales.BMW call its only front-wheel-drive the "only premium small car". You might wonder how certain other top end Euro hatch makers would respond, but it’s true that nothing else is quite the same.The hatches to which Mini is predictably compared are go-fast versions developed from humble shopping trolleys, whereas a Mini has no utilitarian relative. Yes, there are variants of more or less power, but in the main, a Mini is a Mini.It exists for no other reason than to provide buyers with a style statement that’s tolerably entertaining to drive and it has worked to the extent that 80 per cent of owners are new to the BMW group.Half of them are expected to buy another Mini and half of these in turn will go for the upper spec and quite quick Cooper S that’s been shown to the world’s media in Barcelona over the past fortnight.It goes on sale in Australia early in the second quarter of 2007, alongside the atmo "S-less" Cooper with diesel and convertible versions to come later.For now the current model rag top will continue to be produced with the new line of hatches."We wanted to launch with a bang," said a Mini man by way of explanation for their being no base models available when we visited Catalonia with the first wave of media to meet the new Cooper S. It wouldn’t want to be a squib then ...The immediate impression of the mass of gaily coloured Coopers arrayed by Barcelona’s Olympic Canal awaiting rapid deployment through the winding roads of the region is of change so subtle it is almost invisible. By third or fourth glance, though, these enhancements are telling and effective.Sixty millimetres longer than the previous model, its wheels are set far forward and back for longest possible footprint and scarcely an overhang.This works within to the extent that my average height co-driver could sit behind my above-average height driving position. Well, sort of - deep inserts in the back of the front seats removed the need to hug his knees while I could just about steer.Of more relevance than irksome practicalities, are the cosmetic options. I mean, this is Mini, right? With 319 exterior variations and 372 inside, Mini claim a theoretical total of (ahem) 15,000,000,000,000,000 trim combinations.While it’s all I can do to type that, they seemed quite straight-faced about it. Whatever, it’s unlikely you’ll see two Minis of identical trim and spec.Circularity is the dominant design motif; from the headlights that are now built into the body rather than the pedestrian-yielding bonnet, up to and including the huge kitchen clock-like speedo and disc-shaped ignition device that slides into the dash beneath the start/stop button.The Mini would do nicely for the fashion distracted DINK couple who find their nest filling and so need to replace their MX-5, that relatively affordable, two-seater style statement par excellence with a not too expensive two plus two. Certainly no-one could accuse them of surrendering to suburban SUV anonymity.Nor, with the Cooper S’s new blown engine, would they have to wear hairdresser slurs. The need to accommodate BMW’s latest small capacity Valvetronic fours was the primary impetus for developing the second generation range.While power of the Cooper S’s turbocharged 1.6 is up a mere 3kW to 128 over the old supercharged unit, torque rises a useful 20Nm to 240 with a decidedly juicy 260Nm briefly available under hard acceleration via the overboost function. Progress comes sooo much more readily now, with a lovely fat torque curve that arrives at 1600rpm and lingers until five grand.If there’s not much on offer after that point, already the Cooper S has gone further and quicker than you would have reasonably expected of a compact but bulky 1130kg package.The twin scroll turbocharger works seamlessly; turbo lag no more an issue than in the blown 3.0 litre of BMW’s recently released 335i.A claimed acceleration time of 7.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h will likely be reduced with the introduction of the sports mode that was missing from the launch cars.As it stands, the Cooper S travels with the assuredness of much larger car.At almost double Australian legal speeds in fifth on the freeway, it didn’t trouble the rev limiter.Through the seemingly ceaseless succession of second gear corners of the region’s B-roads, it could keep the company of all but sharpest hot hatches (dynamics will be enhanced by the optional limited slip diff).Rapid progress feels a bit too remote through the over assisted steering. It’s accurate enough but lacking the tactility to appreciate the Mini’s much vaunted "go kart" feeling.Torque steer occurs in extremis, but the press on driving impression is one of tractability, controllability and good, clean fun.Tail action can be provoked with the electronic nannies switched off, though it’s more twitch than a waggle.Our cars came with the same close ratio six speed manual gearbox that would be great instead of merely very good if the third-to-second down change sprung home more readily.Don’t take that as definitive; it’s an impression marred by the hamfistedness that comes with only infrequently rowing a left hand drive car.What would be handy in any configuration, however, is a more amorous driver’s seat; it’s slightly too flat and unsupportive for the more manic moments.Ride impression also need await local release. The runflats tyres (16-inchers on the conventionally suspended model, 17s with the sport tune) were good enough for first world roads.While the stiffened suspension offers marginally more grip and power out of corners, we’ll hazard that the softer option will be the choice on Australia’s crap tarmac.On the basis of our Mini homage to Catalonia, you’d have to say that there remain similar cars that offer either a more focused driving experience (Renaultsport 182) or greater all round ability (Golf GTI). But the great thing is these are just not Minis, and that’s kind of the point of owning one.Even so, the revitalised Cooper S offers ample substance to supplement its singular style.Paul Pottinger is a senior roadtester on the CARSguide team, and also editor of the Sunday Telegraph CARSguide. A version of this review, as well as other news, reviews and analysis will appear in the Sunday Telegraph.

Alfa RomeoALFA was assured of plenty of attention in Paris for the production version of its 8C Competizione sportscar, based on a show concept from Frankfurt 2003 and named for a line of famous racers.The 8C is powered by a new 4.7-litre V8 under the bonnet which produces 333kW and 470Nm, driving through a six-speed robot-clutch gearbox at the rear axle.The sumptuously curved carbon-fibre body sits on a donated Maserati platform, with double wishbone suspension all-around and huge 20-inch alloy wheels.Alfa plans to build just 500 examples of this supercar, with sales beginning in 12 months and a price around 160,000 euros ($272,000).Australian sales have been ruled out: the sexy 8C will left-hand drive only. AudiAUDI iced the cake for its ongoing product party with the final version of its R8 mid-engined sportscar, three years after the concept was shown.The R8 pits Audi against the German and Italian supercar makers for the first time."With the launch of the R8... we now address the most demanding group of international customers," chairman Dr Martin Winterkorn said.Wide and squat, the all-aluminium R8 is powered by a 4.2-litre V8 which sits under a glass rear panel, Ferrari-style.It drives all four wheels via a six-speed gated manual gearbox or six-speed sequential based on the Lamborghini Gallardo system.With 309kW of power and 430Nm of torque, claimed 0-100km/h time is 4.6 seconds and top speed 301km/h.Australian deliveries begin late in 2007, and a V10 version is expected in two years. CitroenA FRENCH muscle car sounds an unlikely concept, but the dramatic C-Metisse suggests that Citroen designers don't spend all their time dreaming of people-movers.This futuristically styled "coupe" has four doors, an extra-long bonnet, low sloping cabin and visor-like glass — making it appear like a getaway car from a Gallic version of Blade Runner.Thanks to the long wheelbase, interior space is generous for four and all the doors hinge flamboyantly upwards to open.A 150kW V6 diesel drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission while each rear wheel contains an electric motor for extra performance or traction in slippery conditions. ChryslerPLAGUED by overcapacity in its home market, Chrysler hopes it can build on the overseas success of its 300C large sedan with the Sebring, a large-ish mid-size sedan, which launches in Europe early next year and should be confirmed for Australia in the next few weeks."Sleek and sophisticated, the Chrysler Sebring's overall surfacing and details reflect the Chrysler brand's four attributes: expressive, refined, athletic and passionate," said design chief Trevor Creed.With design elements from the Crossfire sportscar — such as bonnet ridges and headlights — but a rather jutting front bumper and less than harmonious proportions, the Sebring will test overseas markets' enthusiasm for American aesthetics.Engine options include a 2.0-litre diesel and 2.7-litre V6. DodgeCHRYSLER'S budget Dodge badge has got off to a strong start in Europe and Australia with the Caliber small car, and its Avenger mid-size sedan — coyly labelled as a "concept" in Paris — will add a mid-size contender to the line-up.Pitched against Japanese models such as the Mazda 6 and Honda Accord, the Avenger strikes a more aggressive note with echoes of the US-market Dodge Charger in its strong haunches and in-your-face grille.The Avenger shares its underpinnings and engines with the Chrysler Sebring, but will undercut it on price when it arrives in Australia late next year.FerrariFOR most people driving any Ferrari is the stuff of fantasy, but for one American collector the regular product from Maranello isn't enough.Jim Glickenhaus commissioned Italian styling house Pininfarina to build a one-off Ferrari inspired by the legendary Le Mans racing cars of the '60s.The P4/5 began with an Enzo and retains the same 485kW 6.0-litre V12 engine and mechanical layout. But the bodywork is all new, with soft curves replacing the Enzo's angular lines and a bubble canopy that swoops rearwards into a louvred section over the engine.The interior uses the Enzo dash but the rest is made-to-measure, with mesh-on-leather seats and a tablet PC added to the instruments.Unveiled at the Pebble Beach concours in California in August, the P4/5 added yet another Ferrari to our list of to-die-for cars. FordFORD stopped importing the Mondeo mid-size sedan into Australia six years ago, and according to spokeswoman Sinead McAlary that isn't about to change soon.But take a good look at the Mondeo wagon Ford of Europe presented in Paris, because its design cues point the way to the next generation Falcon, due in 2008.Ford has dubbed this approach "kinetic design" and debuted it in the Iosis concept at Frankfurt last year."The new Mondeo takes the next major step along our journey towards a more expressive and emotional Ford range," said design director Martin Smith.The new family look features an inverted trapezoidal lower grille, swept-back headlamps, full surfaces and a strong shoulder line. HondaHONDA unveiled an all-new version of its popular compact SUV, the CR-V.The third-generation evolves a concept that has chalked up nearly 2.5 million total sales and is built at eight factories around the globe."CR-V is now a true world car — just like Civic and Accord," said Honda president and chief executive Takeo Fukui.A new 2.0-litre petrol engine now develops 110kW/190Nm and delivers better acceleration and fuel economy, while Europe also carries over a 2.2-litre diesel.The four-wheel drive system has been revised but retains its front-drive philosophy, calling upon the rear wheels only when required.The body is more rigid, centre of gravity lower and standard wheels are now 17-inch.Honda says it all adds up to improved dynamics for "the ultimate sedan-like driving feeling".This CR-V also introduces two features to the segment previously confined to premium models: active cruise control and collision mitigation braking.Australian sales begin in the first quarter next year. HyundaiHYUNDAI continues its tradition of phonetically challenging nameplates with a concept called Arnejs, pronounced Ar-nez, and intended as a tempter for the upcoming hatchback version of its Elantra small car.In sedan form, the car goes on sale this month, replacing the third generation model.Designed by Hyundai's studio in Germany, the Arnejs is described as another "milestone" in the development of brand identity for the Korean maker, which will launch the production version in Europe in mid-2007 and in Australia later next year. KiaKIA's small car offering has been christened cee'd and debuted at Paris in three forms: as a production-ready sedan, pre-production wagon and concept called pro—cee'd, which was designed as a teaser to the eventual hatchback.The sedan goes on sale in Europe in December with other variants arriving towards the end of next year.As well as being the first Kia designed in Europe it will be the first one built there, at a new factory in Slovakia."The new cee'd really is a great car ... it is certain to revolutionise Kia's fortunes in this sector throughout Europe," said the senior vice-president of Kia Motors Europe, Jean-Charles Lievens. Mercedes-BenzTHE German stalwart revealed its anxiety about retaining number one status in luxury cars with some impressive, but selective, sales figures: the new S-Class luxury sedan has gone to the top of its segment.Overall brand numbers, which see Mercedes suffering next to a rampant BMW, didn't rate a mention and the display centred on a special edition of Stuttgart's slow-selling supercar, the SLR, and the exclusive large coupe based on the S-Class, the CL.Undeniably desirable, but neither can do much to salvage Mercedes numbers.The CL comes with two V8s, including a 386kW naturally aspirated 6.3-litre AMG tuned unit and a 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V12.The SLR McLaren 722 commemorates the winning number of a 300 SLR Stirling Moss drove to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.Its supercharged 5.5-litre V8 develops 478kW and gets the supercar to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds. MiniMEET the new Mini, same as the old Mini. BMW can barely conceal its delight at how well marketing has worked for its Brit classic revival, with styling that has successfully remoulded the original into a winning premium package.It has now expanded the Oxford factory in England to pump out 240,000 a year of the second generation, revealed in Paris last week.The new Mini takes an evolutionary approach to the design that shows "how unique Mini really is".Mini customers definitely do not want change, said BMW board member Michael Ganal.But that hasn't stopped the company making the new Mini "even more fun to drive", with "even more state-of-the-art high-tech features" and improvements across the board to "performance, driving pleasure, design and premium quality as well as safety".New engines, six airbags and even more possibilities for customisation will also be part of the recipe when it arrives here next year.No, we couldn't tell the difference either. Plus ca change ... NissanSMALL crossovers are the new must-have for every car-maker and Nissan can claim to be one of the first with its Qashqai, which appeared in concept form at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show.Bigger than a small car but smaller than a small SUV, Nissan says this is the wagon for buyers who are not attracted to the "large, aggressive nature" of an off-roader.Nissan's design centre in London has come up with a vehicle that has a car-like top half and SUV-like bottom. The Qashqai will also be built in England, at Nissan's efficient Sunderland factory. Beginning next year in Europe, two diesel and two petrol four-cylinders will be offered along with both manual, CVT and automatic gearboxes. All-wheel drive will also be available with the larger 2.0-litre engines."We expect Qashqai will sell more than 100,000 units a year on average across Europe with 80 per cent of those customers buying a Nissan for the first time," said Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn."We're very interested," said spokeswoman for Nissan Australia Lenore Taylor."However, it hasn't been launched in Europe yet so it's still some way off." PeugeotFRANCE'S biggest car-maker set an ominous tone on the eve of its hometown event by declaring it would shed 10,000 jobs in Europe and cut capital spending by more than $800 million a year as it struggles to reverse falling profits."We are going through a difficult period for our sales in western Europe but we're responding in the only way that works — by bringing new models to market faster," said outgoing chief executive Jean-Martin Folz.The production centrepiece on the stand was the new 207 small car range, which will run in parallel with the outgoing 206.With a bigger, more gaping grille, the new car looks a little like it's wearing braces but it will hope to repeat the smash-hit success of the 206, Peugeot's best-seller.The 207 Epure convertible concept previewed what the next 207 CC will look like.Meanwhile, the 908 RC showed an altogether more daring face of Peugeot.This dramatic and unconventional concept has an unusual powerplant and the air of a limousine-racer.Its 5.5-litre V12 diesel develops 515kW and 1200Nm of torque, drives through a six-speed sequential manual gearbox and is transversely mid-mounted.The wraparound front windscreen stretches back over the cabin, where there is generous seating for four.The engine will be used in next year's Le Mans series cars, but the 908 RC itself looks unlikely for production. RenaultTHE second French car-maker is feeling the heat of having the energetic Carlos Ghosn in charge.In Paris, he restated a determination to launch 26 new or revised vehicles by 2009, reduce problems by 40 per cent and increase sales to 800,000 a year.The highlights of a large stand included the Nepta concept car, which "expresses our determination to have a high-end line" Ghosn said, and the Koleos SUV concept, which will enter production in the first half of 2008 for sale in Europe.Built on a new 4WD platform, the Koleos joins the growing ranks of compact crossovers and was developed with the help of partner brand Nissan.The concept is powered by a 130kW 2.0-litre petrol engine driving through a six-speed manual and has styling that echoes the new Clio small car.The Nepta features dramatic gull wing doors which open to reveal both the futuristic cabin and the 3.5-litre V6 engine. SuzukiSUZUKI is on a roll with the success of its Swift small car, Grand Vitara off-roader and a compact SUV, the SX4, on the way.Project Splash, its Paris exhibit, suggests a loss of focus though with a concept designed to "deliver satisfaction to all customers regardless of lifestyle, age and gender in driving situations ranging from relatively short shopping trips to cross-country excursions".Based on the Swift platform, Splash aims for a light and airy interior using a glass roof and relatively tall body within its short dimensions.The concept is powered by a new 1.2-litre four-cylinder driving the front wheels via a four-speed automatic.ToyotaTOYOTA described its show centrepiece as the "Auris Space Concept" but fooled no-one about its intentions for a design destined to be a variant of the next Corolla.Apparently the Auris name — pronounced "A-oris" according to Toyota Europe's executive vice-president Thierry Dombreval — will become the official moniker for the car, although confusingly he assured the large crowd the "Corolla" badge will live on.The tall-body Auris was designed from the inside out, Toyota says, with the goal of "maximising interior space while promising an engaging drive".Few other details were available about the car, although Toyota Australia spokesman Mike Breen yesterday revealed it would go on sale here in hatch and sedan forms in March or April next year and would definitely retain the Corolla badge.With Toyota poised to outstrip General Motors as the world's biggest car-maker, it claimed to be running ahead of target in Europe and on track to break the million-sales mark in a single year. VolkswagenVOLKSWAGEN'S Iroc sportscar concept is a modern interpretation of a successful nameplate from the 1970s.The Scirocco was a compact and affordable four-seat coupe that sold more than half-a-million during its first generation.The Iroc aims to revive the idea while charting some fresh design territory for the German giant.In striking viper green, the Iroc has a distinctive grille and crisp lines powered by an innovative powertrain, already employed in European models of the Golf, which combines a turbocharger and supercharger with a small-capacity four-cylinder engine.In the concept it develops 155kW and claims to eliminate the turbo "lag" of most forced-induction engines.The local VW unit, which is currently on the brink of making it into the top 10 sales chart by displacing Kia, is optimistic about bringing the Skoda brand back to Australia.In Paris, spokesman Matthew Weisner said a proposal was before the German board with a decision due within weeks.If it gets the thumbs up, Skoda will go on sale next year with two models likely at first: the Octavia small car and Roomster compact multi-purpose vehicle, both sold through VW dealers.Although Skoda models will be priced under the equivalent VW, sales are expected to be modest at first with little residual brand awareness, Weisner said. VolvoVOLVO was ready to reveal its smallest car, the C30 three-door hatchback, following a string of concepts which left observers in little doubt about what it was doing. The C30 may be small, but it has a huge responsibility — especially with parent Ford in all sorts of strife."We are aiming for the 600,000 per year mark by 2009," said the president and chief executive of Volvo, Fredrik Arp."To reach that target we will challenge the opposition in segments that are new for us — we will make new customer groups buy into the Volvo brand and we will expand sales rapidly in fast-growing markets like China and Russia."The car arrives in Australia next year and despite Volvo's territorial goals, Europe is expected to account for the vast majority — 75 per cent — of buyers.Engines will comprise four and five-cylinder petrols and diesels, and Volvo expects the car to appeal to everyone from young couples to families with children to old empty-nesters.Safety was still important of course, but designer Steve Mattin was keener to tell the audience that 24 body-bumper colour combinations were possible and the car has a cracking stereo.

Mini bigwig Dr. Michael Ganal said all new models of the Mini had completely new four cylinder engines, which he claimed increased performance and decreased fuel consumption by 20 per cent.Other new features included an optimised chassis, new six-speed transmission and electro-mechanically assisted power steering.The new Mini is boasting itself as the safest car in its class with six airbags as standard. Ganal said the exterior changes are subtle because Mini buyers don’t like change, so the rounded headlights and hexagonal grille have had only slight design tweaks to bring them up to date.Inside is a different story, with a complete revamp for a more spacious and sporty feel, he said.The CARSguide test team is currently in Barcelona for the official worldwide launch of the new Mini, and our test drive reports will be available in coming weeks.

"It was really different; you can't describe those sorts of feelings," he says."It gave me a different attitude to lots of things, I was usually on the bottom of the barrel, suddenly I was on the top."And it wasn't just a success for Holden and his partner BMC's Finnish works driver Rauno Aaltonen, but for Mini cars overall, which filled the top nine places.On Sunday October 8, Minis and Mini fans will gather at Bathurst before the 2006 Great Race to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their victory. Holden will lead a parade of more than 50 Minis, mainly older models, including a replica of the 1966 Cooper S he raced. The original was stolen from outside a Sydney nightspot, never to be seen again.Mini is also considering making a return to Bathurst next Easter for the 12-hour race for production cars."We're considering our options for 2007 and if the 12-hour race fits with our program we'll be there," Mini spokesman Alexander Corne says. "It has appeal to us because Mini and Bathurst have a strong history."Holden plays a big part in that history, launching Minis into the spotlight with his 1 1/2-lap victory in the 1966 event."I only drove little cars, which means you don't get noticed until something like Bathurst and you beat all the bigger ones, then you're on top again," Holden says.The racing legend's rise to success was one of determination and commitment.Born with what he describes as "twisted feet" and contracting polio while in hospital at the age of five, Holden was told he would never walk. But he was determined to "get mobile".Walking led to riding bicycles and competing, until an injured knee forced him out of the sport. It was a simple progression into his next sport of choice when he was 18."I wanted to do something else, so I started playing around with motorcars," he says.Even today, Holden doesn't hesitate to showcase his talents on the track, driving a Mini in last weekend's Speed On Tweed and competing at Eastern Creek and Queensland raceways in recent weeks. Earlier this year, Holden raced a V8 ute at Bathurst. "I still win races every now and then," he says.Holden's resume includes racing Peugeots, Holdens, MGs, Escorts, BMWs and Corollas and stretches to "thousands" of events spanning more than 56 years.He competed at Bathurst 34 times and says he particularly enjoyed driving the Minis."The car itself did things that no other car did in those days," he says."They were pretty important, they were attainable, it wasn't very expensive. You haven't got overhang, everything was balanced, it was front-wheel-drive which, at that stage, wasn't thought of very much."Minis began production in Australia in 1961 and Corne says they quickly became part of the racing scene.The Cooper S was introduced in 1964 and although production stopped in 1971, the cars were still racing up until 1976.At the upcoming anniversary, Holden will get behind the wheel of a 2006 model Mini Cooper S.This is one of three 2006 Minis that has been competing and will continue to compete in the big motorsport events throughout the year. And Holden says the new version of the car that has developed a cult-like following over the decades, is just as much fun to drive, even though it's a little bigger. "I love it," he says. "It's still got all the atmosphere. It has front pockets, it's front-wheel-drive; all Mini things."As with the cars he drove, Holden is kicking on and says he feels better now than ever. Even recent battles with cancer can't slow him down. "I love being me and being able to do this," he says."When you are told you're never supposed to be walking, every day's a bonus."People ask why I'm still racing. If I stopped, I'd stay stopped. I wouldn't get going again. I want to keep going."Mini launched a search for colour photos of the 1966 victory through CARSguide and they have reaped rewards, with the discovery of several colour pictures.The 2007 Mini will be going on display at the Paris Motor Show next week.

Outrageous styling, Euro flair and retro features have taken a grip on this year's Paris motor show, which starts next week. Many of the world's leading carmakers will unveil futuristic concept cars as well as their next generation of production cars at Europe's biggest show of 2006.Paris and Frankfurt alternate as the host every year - and with 2006 being the turn of the French capital, the local manufacturers seem set to steal the show.Renault will unveil its stunning four-seater cabriolet, the Nepta. Underneath the retro gull-wing doors is a 3.5-litre V6 twin turbo engine that puts out 313kW of power and 560Nm of torque at 3000rpm. An aluminium strip covers the hinges on the bonnet, which gives off a shooting-star effect. Renault spokeswoman Lenore Fletcher says the gull-wing doors are certainly unusual and the first time a Renault has featured them."The object of designing concept vehicles is to experiment with new technology and design with a view to assessing their suitability for application to future production vehicles," she says.The Nepta is quick off the mark, accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.9seconds through its seven-speed automatic gearbox, which features flick shift steering-wheel-mounted controls. With fluid lines and a thoroughbred profile, the Nepta has a long body shape, accentuated by the wave-shaped side panels, the lower part of the body's aluminium colour treatment, the front and rear spoilers and the mud flaps. The rear has a longer overhang than the front and the car sits on massive 23-inch tyres.Citroen, meanwhile, will show off its masterwork, the low-riding four-door coupe, the C-Matisse. It is showcasing diesel-electric hybrid technology, a system Citroen wants to introduce on its production cars by 2008.The concept is powered by a V6 diesel engine with 150kW of power and 400Nm of torque delivered through the front wheels.There are also two electric motors that drive the rear wheels. These motors, which are powered by a bank of batteries, sit in the rear wheel hubs. Not to be outdone, Citroen's sister company, Peugeot, will display its monster 908RC concept car which, unlike the other concepts, is a pointer to the firm's racetrack future. Peugeot is going back to the Le Mans 24-hour race with a diesel.The 908RC, however, is a giant luxury limousine with futuristic looks and a swag of new technology. Its 5.5-litre V12 diesel engine will also be at the heart of Peugeot's racer.Peugeot says the concept car will reach 0-100km/h in less than five seconds, thanks to a six-speed manual gearbox and a rear-mounted powerplant that has been arranged in a similar layout to the race car. Closer to production from Peugeot is the 207 Epure, an all-white pointer to the next generation 207CC cabriolet to go on sale next year.Not to be outdone, Mercedes is unveiling the latest interpretation of its SLR supercar genre, the SLR McLaren 722 Edition. Developed with its Formula One partner McLaren, the brutish 722 is named after a famous victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, the classic Italian road race from that golden era.Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson drove a Mercedes Benz 300 SLR, numbered 722 because it started the race at 7.22am.The new car has a supercharged 5.5-litre V8 that has 478kW of power on tap. It will rocket from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.6 seconds, and will hit 300km/h just 25 seconds later.Maybach, Mercedes' ultra-luxury arm, will show off its first ever white model - a 5.7m-long 57 S model in mother-of-pearl finish. It will go into production this year.Red, however, is the colour of choice for Alfa Romeo owners and the first photos of the production version of its 8C Competizione supercar illustrate just how stunning the Italian machine will be. However, Alfa buyers shouldn't get too excited. The 336kW, 4.7-litre, V8-engined two-seat GT hotty will be produced in limited numbers.And as with the Mercedes SLR, it owes its naming history to the Mille Miglia race - this time the winning 1950 6C Competizione.From the other side of the Atlantic, Dodge's new Avenger may officially still be a concept, but it is on a fast track to production status. The D-Segment, or mid-sized, concept will be unveiled to what should be strong acceptance. With Dodge already announcing that an all-new D-Segment model will hit showrooms late next year, the Avenger is the US manufacturer's red-hot favourite to fill that bill. Reaction to the car has already been positive, according to DaimlerChrysler Australia's Simon Johnston."The official company line is that all concept cars will be judged on the public reaction to them ... reaction has already been positive from the limited exposure the car has had and the next sedan model for Australia will be (a new) mid-sized car late next year," he says.The styling of the Avenger is sharp and chunky, with strong sporty appeal for Dodge's declared youth demographic.The Avenger concept is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel - an unusual choice of powerplant for an American-centric vehicle. GM, meanwhile, will debut a new Chevrolet concept car, which was designed by an Australian, Ewan Kingsbury.This concept, called the WTTC Ultra, features a 142kW diesel engine and is loosely based on Chev's World Touring Car Championship racing car.Korea's Hyundai is unveiling its Arnejs concept, which it hopes will eventually lead to European sales of a down-the-track production car. Arnejs - pronounced Ar-nez - is a C-segment small car competitor.Volkswagen will show off its new Iroc concept, seen as a pointer to a future generation of the old Scirocco sports coupe. The Viper, a green-coloured four-seater, marginally bigger than a Golf, has a "twin-charger" powerplant featuring a supercharger/turbocharger combination.Fuel economy unusually unites BMW and Suzuki at the show.The luxury maker is showing its new Hydrogen 7, a hydrogen-engined 7series prestige machine. Suzuki, currently enjoying a resurgence thanks to the Swift, unveils its new 1.2-litre Splash concept - aimed only at Europe - claiming petrol fuel economy of 3.6L/100km.FAST FACTSNew model production cars to be unveiled at the Paris motor show include:* Audi Q7 V12 diesel and R8* BMW Hydrogen 7 saloon* Citroen C4 Picasso* Honda Civic Type R* Honda CRV* Mini Cooper* Mitsubishi Outlander* Mitsubishi Pajero* Nissan Qashqai small 4WD 

Never mind the sunburn — from $35,000 to nearly $300,000,open cars are being lined up for eager buyers.The flood of new models is heating up the rivalry between traditional fabric-roofed convertibles and a new breed with foldaway hardtops.Holden, Volvo and VW will make the switch from their soft-tops to solid roofs as replacement models arrive.Mitsubishi is joining the trend, with an open-air version of its Colt hatchback due next month. The Italian-made cabriolet, expected to cost $35,000, will have a retractable hard roof.And Mazda is having an each-way bet. Its traditional canvas-topped MX-5 — billed as the world's best-selling roadster — has been joined by a folding hardtop version, called the roadster coupe.The $47,660 "coupe", costing $2930 more than the basic model, has a composite plastic roof that folds away in 12 seconds, claimed by Mazda to be the fastest in its class.MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima said he expected traditional enthusiasts to prefer the soft-top original."Even so, there are many potential customers who . . . have hesitated because of concerns about security and comfort."Mazda expects 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers in Australia to take the hardtop.The latest fabric-roofed models to arrive are the Audi A4 (from $83,000) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser cabriolet (from $36,000).On the way late this year is the Alfa Romeo Spider, based on the Italian marque's new Brera coupe, expected to be $70,000-plus.The soft-top ranks will be further boosted in December when Mini introduces a new cabriolet version, called the Chilli, from $41,100.And Sweden's Saab is marking 20 years of convertible production by releasing a $68,400 anniversary model.Holden dealers say the present Astra soft-top — now $39,990, a $6000 price cut — is to be replaced by a radically different TwinTop, so named because of its two-piece solid folding roof. It is expected to be unveiled late next month, and be on sale for summer.Mercedes-Benz already has both fabric-roofed (CLK) and hard-top (SLK, SL) convertibles.In the extra-pricey league, Audi says it will introduce a high-performance version of the A4, the $187,500 RS4, in January.Only 25 V8-powered cars will be imported from Germany, and the company says it has 15 orders already.Its rival, BMW, is to introduce an M6 convertible with a 10-cylinder engine, expected to cost about $290,000 and arrive before Christmas.Safety-minded Volvo has a second-generation C70 convertible on the way, introducing a three-piece steel roof in place of the previous model's fabric top. The five-cylinder model will be priced from $69,950.Early next year, VW is to release the Eos, a larger hardtop model replacing the fabric-roofed Golf convertible. The VW is likely to be the first convertible to have a diesel engine as an option.FAST FACTSMitsubishi Colt Cabriolet-Turbocharged 1.5-litre MIVEC engine.-110kW (150hp) @ 6000rpm and 210Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.-18-inch alloy wheels.Audi A4 Cabriolet-1.8T with 120 kW and 225 Nm.-new 3.2 FSI petrol direct injection V6 is also now available with 188 kW and 330 Nm.-$83,400 and $107,800 for the 4-cylinder and V6 models respectively.PT Cruiser Cabrio-power-folding soft retractable roof, which can be raised or lowered in just 10 seconds.-normally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine.-105 KW at 5, 200 rpm and 214 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm.-16" alloy wheels.-$35,890Alfa Romeo Spider-3.2 JTS V6 and 2.2 JTS.-twin phaser continuous variator for control of the intake and exhaust valves.-191kW and 136kW.-Q4 permanent AWD.-0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds.-18” sport or multispoke.-$70,000-plusMini Chilli-1.6 litre, 4 cylinder/16 V.-85 kW (115 hp) at 6000 rpm.-150 Nm at 4500 rpm.-0-100 km/hr: 9.1 s.-top speed: 200 km/h.-$41,100Saab limited edition 20th Anniversary-turbocharged 2.0 L.-110 kW and a powerful 240 Nm of torque.-five-speed automatic transmission.-17-inch alloy wheels.-$68,400Astra Twintop-petrol and diesel.-77 to 147kW (105 to 200hp), with the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre turbo motor reaching a top speed of over 230 km/h.-two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof.-likely to be named 'Astra Convertible' in Australia.Mercedes CLK-5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 (peak torque of 530 Nm).-0-100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.-top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited).-CLK 63 AMG uses AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm.-CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: $99,400-CLK 280: $109,100-CLK 350: $134,100-CLK 500: $163,100-CLK 63 AMG: $213,100SLK SL class-285 kW and 530Nm.-V8 engine in the SL 500.-0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.-six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit, with 200-kW V6, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.-SL 600 has a V12 biturbo engine, with output of 380 kW and torque of 830Nm. Accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.SL 350: $214,900SL 500: $299,900SL 600: $374,900SL 55 AMG: $374,900SL 65 AMG: $457,900Audi RS4-4.2 FSI V8 engine-V8 engine with an output of 309 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.-electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 30 km/h.-$187,500BMW M6-5.0-litre V10.-373 kW, 507 bhp, 520Nm.-0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the standing-start kilometre completed in 22.9 seconds.-top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h.Volvo C70LE-2.4 (125kW), 170hp, 230Nm.-5-cylinder petrol.-0-100km: 10s (auto).-Max speed: 215km/hr (auto).-$69,950.00-T5-5-cylinder turbo charged petrol.-162kW, 220 hp, 320Nm.-0-100km/hr: 8s (auto).-Max speed: 235 km/hr (auto).-$79,950.00-VW Eos-two engines are available: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder motor putting out 200 horsepower and a 3.2L VR6 motor that makes 250 horsepower.-200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI (according to current data for the US market).-five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard