Renault Master E-Tech Reviews

Alpine (pronounced Alpeen) was the name of the French manufacturer of racing and sports cars who used rear-mounted Renault engines, reminding car buyers of Renault's rallying and GP heritage.Renault Australia communications manager Craig Smith said he was excited by the prospect."I haven't seen anything official on Alpine but I'd imagine it would be attracting quite a lot of interest in the UK,” he said."Too early to say what, if anything, we'd do with it here.”The two-seater hatch goes on sale in Europe about 2010, targeting competitors such as the Mazda RX-8, Honda Type R, VW GTI and Nissan 350Z, but will cost less. It is expected that the car will be the forerunner of a series of models with the Alpine badge.Testing of the running gear is being carried out in a Megane body at Germany's famed Nurburgring race circuit.The new Alpine is expected to be powered by a small turbocharged petrol engine with every chance it will be mid-mounted.

A hectic 2007 proved to be lucrative for the car industry with a plethora of new cars launched and more than a million sales throughout the year. And there's no indication that it will be slowing down in 2008.AUDI The new A4, to rival the 3 Series and C-Class is expected here about April, while July will see the hot sports wagon, the RS6 Avant and the A3 Cabrio. Extra A5 variants will follow. BMWBMW has a busy year ahead, starting with the 320d and 335i touring this month. The 1 Series Coupe will go on sale around April, followed by the convertible in May-June. But its big one for the year will be the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, arriving between July and September. It comes with three engine variants, all twin-turbo, an in-line six, a 3.0-litre diesel and a 300kW 4.4-litre V8. Pricing is expected to start at just under $100,000. And the X5 scores a new engine in February, with the first variable twin turbo diesel offered in the range. CHRYSLER/JEEPJanuary will be a busy month for Chrysler, with the Sebring Cabrio and Grand Voyager people mover both arriving in Australia. The Jeep Cherokee will also get a total makeover. CITROENBased on the C4 Picasso, but bigger and better equipped, Citroen will introduce the Berlingo van between July and September, with a mainly diesel range. This will make room in the line-up for the new Nemo small van mid-year. The C5 will also get a new V6 diesel engine.FERRARIDeliveries of the exquisite F430 Scuderia, priced at about $550,000, will start mid year. Only about 40 will come to Australia and New Zealand. FIAT The reincarnation of the 1960s Bambino will arrive in March, but Fiat has already sold the first four months' supply. The new Fiat 500 will have three engine choices, a 1.2-litre petrol, a 75kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 56kW 1.3-litre turbo diesel. Pricing is expected to start from $22,000. The new Ritmo will join the Fiat 500 in March with pricing from $30,000. FORD One of the biggest launches for the year will be the new Falcon. Ford will release details of the new model in February and it's expected to be followed by an unveiling at the Melbourne motor show in the same month, with the official launch around May.FPV FPV will start the year with a new model, the hot turbo Territory, known as the F6 X model. It's the first non-Falcon model from FPV, with 270kW and 550Nm. The FPV Falcon range will also arrive this year. HOLDEN/CADILLACWith Ford's big year planned, you can't expect Holden to keep quiet. But so far, Holden has only announced it is expecting the VE Sportwagon, due in the first half of the year. GM-Holden is also introducing Cadillac with the first model due late in 2008. HONDA Honda will start the year with the new Accord model, due to be launched in February. The small Jazz is also getting an update after the middle of the year. Details on the new generation will be released closer to the launch. The Accord Euro is also expected to arrive later this year. HYUNDAI No big launches just yet, although an upgraded Sonata is expected mid year. JAGUARJaguar's major release for the year will be the new XF in June, with pricing expected to start from $105,000. It will be available in a V6 diesel, as well as a V6 and V8 petrol. KIAPreviewed at the Sydney motor show last year, Kia will launch its new seven-seater Rondo crossover in February. It is expected to start from as low as the mid-$20,000 mark. LEXUSNew for Lexus will be the LX570 around April or May, followed by the IS-F towards the end of the year. Details still to come. MAZDAThe second-generation Mazda6 will go on sale at the end of February with pricing from less than $30,000. It will be powered by a 2.5-litre, four cylinder engine, with 125kW and 226Nm.MERCEDES-BENZThe first arrival for Mercedes-Benz is expected to be the C 63 AMG in mid March. It will be followed by the S 320CDI, priced at $189,874 and the C-Class wagon, which will carry a $3000 premium over the sedan, coming in just under $60,000. MINIAnother new version of a 1960s cult car is also headed our way, with the Mini Clubman launched in February. The modern successor of the Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Mini Countryman and the Mini Clubman Estate won't get into showrooms until March or April. Pricing will start in the mid-$30,000 area. MITSUBISHIMitsubishi will release two turbocharged Lancers this year. The top-level Lancer Evo X GSR will be here in April and sell for about $58,000. The 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo engine pumps out 200kW and 422Nm. Joining it will be the detuned version in the Ralliart all-wheel drive, at about $40,000. NISSANNissan's first addition for the year will be the all-wheel-drive wagon, the Dualis. Starting at $28,990 and stretching to $35,990, it's powered by a 102kW, 2.0-litre engine. PEUGEOTThe big launch for Peugeot will be the 308 replacing the 307 range, which will start with the 308 hatch in February in both petrol and diesel guises. The touring will follow in June or July, with the 308cc model a prospect for late 2008 or early 2009. PROTONProton has announced the Persona, based on the Gen2 hatch platform, will make its debut at the Melbourne motor show in late February, going on sale in March. It will be priced around the mid-teens. The Gen2 will also get engine updates and minor styling changes. RENAULTThe all-new Laguna will go on sale mid-year with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. SAABJune sees the arrival of the Turbo X AWD. SSANGYONGThe South Korean company will go completely diesel in 2008, with no more petrol engines on offer in Australia. SMARTThe new Fortwo arrives in Australia in February. The one-model brand will get both the 52kW and 62kW models, in hatch and cabrio, being bigger than the current models. SUBARUThe star WRX STi comes in February with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, although pricing is still to come. The third generation Forester arrives in March. SUZUKIFebruary's proving to be a busy month, with Suzuki also launching its Grand Vitara diesel. TOYOTAAfter a big year in 2007, Toyota is expecting a quiet year, with only the TRD Hilux due to be launched in April-June. VOLKSWAGENVolkswagen will kick off the year with the SUV, the Touareg R50, to be released in April. It's powered by a 258kW V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan also arrives about October.  VOLVOThe recently launched XC70 arrives in showrooms this month, joined by the C30 diesel also in January. It's priced at $43,950. A base model C30 will also enter the line-up, at $34,450. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engined V70 will arrive in March. 

Made worse if your car rarely gets up to proper operating temperature.Those tough 'real-world' conditions can quickly reveal a car's weaknesses and strengths, especially if you throw some suburban hills into the equation.So any car which returns less than 8 litres per 100km in city traffic grabs my attention, particularly with fuel prices again heading in the wrong direction.I'm not talking about a pint-size car or one with a small engine for which you would expect fuel consumption to be reasonable.What we are looking at is a mid-size, solidly built European import in Renault's Megane, except this one is a diesel.After a week of trips to the supermarket, the nursery, the hardware store and commuting to work, the typical duties expected of a family car; the Megane's onboard computer dipped to 7.5 litres per 100km. To put that in cash terms, it's less than $20 for a week's running. Throw in some country travel and the average fuel consumption level would be even better.Now, the Megane is not the most fuel-efficient car in the market but it gives a good indication of how affordable a diesel can be without having to sacrifice any luxuries, performance or handling.How muchPetrol-engined Megane prices start at $24,990 after Renault shaved up to $3500 across the model range in April. The diesel arrived in August, with the base Expression priced from $27,990 (manual); the higher-spec diesel Privilege version costs $35,990 (auto only). That's value-for-money buying.What you getYou may remember the corny TV ads from Renault showing an executive being chauffeured in the Megane. Then the suit made the driver stop so he could take over the wheel because driving the Megane is so much fun. Hmmmm.It isn't a limo, by a long stretch, but it does have some good prestige features. At the Privilege level you get leather upholstery, cruise control with a handy speed limiter, rear parking sensors, auto switch-on headlights, air conditioning and an average quality six-stack audio system and fog lamps. That's a better kit than some cars that cost substantially more.There's also a lot of clever user-friendly storage bins, which the Europeans are good at, as well as sun shades, which pull up from inside the rear doors and a glove box, which can be chilled from the air conditioning system.Another bit of clever design is the flap to the fuel inlet which incorporates the fuel cap . . . so you don't get your hands dirty. Flip the flap and the cap opens with the door. Neat.There are weird design features, such as a U-shaped handbrake lever which, although looking odd works well, especially if you don't have much strength in your wrist.This car comes with one of those flat, plastic keyless keys (think of an oversized credit card) that you slot into a hole in the dash and then push a starter button. It's all rather complicated when turning a conventional key does the same thing, although this plastic card will fit in your wallet or purse.Safety features Previous Meganes have a five-star rating and there is no reason this one won't be a star performer as well. There's plenty of standard fare with six air bags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters plus rain-sensing wipers.DesignThe boot is enormous for a car this size. The styling is pleasant but not exactly head-turning and the cabin takes a little time to feel at home with, although it works a treat: there's plenty of leg and head room, good vision and the layout of controls, once you get to know where they are, works well.Under the bonnet Power comes from a 1.9-litre, four-cylinder direct turbo diesel. Power is a modest 96kW at 4000rpm, although a hefty 300Nm of torque makes up for it, peaking at 2000rpm; but there's a catch.You can take your pick from a six-speed manual or four-speed auto, which will be the popular choice. However, the auto box robs it of torque (down to 260Nm), so if you want the added performance of the manual you have to drop down to the Expression level of specification. The Privilege comes as an auto only in this country, which is a pity.Acceleration isn't brilliant but remember this is a diesel. Zero to 100km/h is a leisurely 9.1 seconds.On the roadIn a word, it's classy. Once you get used to the diesel's idiosyncrasies this mid-sized sedan provides quite a rewarding and surprisingly comfortable, stable drive but don't think of it as a sporty car. It isn't.It can be described as sprightly thanks to its oodles of torque from low down in the rev range.How thirstyAn impressive 7.5L/100km, city driving. Renault's official figure is 6.8L/100km for the auto.ImpressionsYes, the Megane is quirky; the French go about designing their cars like no one else; and yes, when I first got in I found it uninspiring with little in the way of “wow” factor. However, the Megane is a car that grows on you.It takes time to become familiar with its controls and the way it works. By the end of the week familiarity had taken over. I loved it. 

Indian company Tata has unveiled plans to build a people's car that will cost $2800 while carmakers Renault and Nissan are seriously looking at a vehicle around $3500.Renault already has the mass-production Logan car, which sells below $10,000 in Europe.Meanwhile, analysts say Toyota, Hyundai and Chinese automaker Chery are also looking to make ultra-cheap cars in India.However, Tata has been criticised by green advocates who say its car would simply add to traffic chaos and carbon emission, a claim Tata chairman Ratan Tata vehemently refutes.He says his company will bring what is billed as “the people's car” to market next year and its price will be on target, despite a sharp rise in the price of steel and other inputs since the project announcement three years ago. Details or pictures of the car have not yet been released.Carmakers from around the world are keenly watching progress in the Tata project, which analysts say could set new price benchmarks and force other manufacturers to follow suit.But environment groups say the low price will bring the car within the reach of millions of Indians, triggering more pollution and burdening the country's crumbling infrastructure.However, Tata says his car will adhere to strict quality norms like any car in the developed world. He adds: “We will have less pollution per vehicle than any other vehicle in the country today”, indicating that pollution levels will be close to that of two-wheelers.He acknowledges there will be more congestion, but says the answer is in building more and better infrastructure rather than asking car makers to roll back production.Meanwhile, David Cole, chairman of the US Centre for Automotive Research, says a small car with a small engine is likely to pollute less than one with a large engine.But a clean car in India likely would not meet US Environmental Protection Agency pollution limits, he says.“Most of the developing countries, their emissions standards are just sort of getting cranked up now. The baseline is not very difficult to surpass,” he says.Tata says he is curious as to why his low-cost car catering to the aspirations of average Indians is being singled out for criticism.Earlier, there was scepticism that the company could stick to the price target and now it is facing “flak for a different set of reasons”, he says.The company plans to make between 250,000 and 500,000 units a year, Tata says. The base model will cost 100,000 rupees ($3000), but there will be two more variants at a higher price with added features.Keeping fuel options flexible, including the use of ethanol, is also being considered, he says.The project has spurred other global carmakers to explore similar ventures. Already, Renault and its partner, Nissan, are trying to determine if they can sell a compact car for around $3500.VW, meanwhile, unveiled its Up! concept at the Frankfurt motor show this year, a van-like Space up! concept at the Tokyo Motor Show and a Blue up! concept at this month's Los Angeles motor show.The up! concepts are aimed at reviving the low-priced people's car philosophy of the original VW Beetle.VW says development of production versions are underway.It is expecting to have up!s on the road within the next three years.German auto consulting firm CSM Worldwide says the new Tata could help Tata Motors emerge as India's largest manufacturer of cars and light trucks by the year 2013.

Those tough 'real-world' conditions can quickly reveal a car's weaknesses and strengths, especially if you throw some suburban hills into the equation. So any car which returns less than 8 litres per 100km in city traffic grabs my attention, particularly with fuel prices again heading in the wrong direction. I'm not talking about a pint-size car or one with a small engine for which you would expect fuel consumption to be reasonable. What we are looking at is a mid-size, solidly built European import in Renault's Megane, except this one is a diesel. After a week of trips to the supermarket, the nursery, the hardware store and commuting to work, the typical duties expected of a family car; the Megane's onboard computer dipped to 7.5 litres per 100km. To put that in cash terms, it's less than $20 for a week's running. Throw in some country travel and the average fuel consumption level would be even better. Now, the Megane is not the most fuel-efficient car in the market but it gives a good indication of how affordable a diesel can be without having to sacrifice any luxuries, performance or handling. How much Petrol-engined Megane prices start at $24,990 after Renault shaved up to $3500 across the model range in April. The diesel arrived in August, with the base Expression priced from $27,990 (manual); the higher-spec diesel Privilege version costs $35,990 (auto only). That's value-for-money buying. What you get You may remember the corny TV ads from Renault showing an executive being chauffeured in the Megane. Then the suit made the driver stop so he could take over the wheel because driving the Megane is so much fun. Hmmmm. It isn't a limo, by a long stretch, but it does have some good prestige features. At the Privilege level you get leather upholstery, cruise control with a handy speed limiter, rear parking sensors, auto switch-on headlights, air conditioning and an average quality six-stack audio system and fog lamps. That's a better kit than some cars that cost substantially more. There's also a lot of clever user-friendly storage bins, which the Europeans are good at, as well as sun shades, which pull up from inside the rear doors and a glove box, which can be chilled from the air conditioning system. Another bit of clever design is the flap to the fuel inlet which incorporates the fuel cap . . . so you don't get your hands dirty. Flip the flap and the cap opens with the door. Neat. There are weird design features, such as a U-shaped handbrake lever which, although looking odd works well, especially if you don't have much strength in your wrist. This car comes with one of those flat, plastic keyless keys (think of an oversized credit card) that you slot into a hole in the dash and then push a starter button. It's all rather complicated when turning a conventional key does the same thing, although this plastic card will fit in your wallet or purse. Safety features Previous Meganes have a five-star rating and there is no reason this one won't be a star performer as well. There's plenty of standard fare with six air bags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters plus rain-sensing wipers. Design The boot is enormous for a car this size. The styling is pleasant but not exactly head-turning and the cabin takes a little time to feel at home with, although it works a treat: there's plenty of leg and head room, good vision and the layout of controls, once you get to know where they are, works well. Under the bonnet Power comes from a 1.9-litre, four-cylinder direct turbo diesel. Power is a modest 96kW at 4000rpm, although a hefty 300Nm of torque makes up for it, peaking at 2000rpm; but there's a catch. You can take your pick from a six-speed manual or four-speed auto, which will be the popular choice. However, the auto box robs it of torque (down to 260Nm), so if you want the added performance of the manual you have to drop down to the Expression level of specification. The Privilege comes as an auto only in this country, which is a pity. Acceleration isn't brilliant but remember this is a diesel. Zero to 100km/h is a leisurely 9.1 seconds. On the road In a word, it's classy. Once you get used to the diesel's idiosyncrasies this mid-sized sedan provides quite a rewarding and surprisingly comfortable, stable drive but don't think of it as a sporty car. It isn't. It can be described as sprightly thanks to its oodles of torque from low down in the rev range. How thirsty An impressive 7.5L/100km, city driving. Renault's official figure is 6.8L/100km for the auto. Impressions Yes, the Megane is quirky; the French go about designing their cars like no one else; and yes, when I first got in I found it uninspiring with little in the way of “wow” factor. However, the Megane is a car that grows on you. It takes time to become familiar with its controls and the way it works. By the end of the week familiarity had taken over. I loved it.    

Clio is well built, reliable and so much more pleasant to drive than a Japanese car, particularly if you're an enthusiast.The first Clio model to come here (in May 2001) was the Renault Sport hot hatch, which combined a big 2.0-litre engine with light weight, big brakes and firm suspension. The more affordable models followed in December that year. They were five-door hatchbacks and sold pretty well.The back seat of the Clio is larger than average for its class and can cope with two adults; if the front seats aren't set all the way back.Entry, by way of the front doors in the three-door models, is less awkward than in many similar cars, thanks to clever design. But the five-door cars are still preferable if you are looking for a small family car.Ride comfort is very good for a car in this class. Handling is sharp and pleasant, even in the standard models, and simply superb in the Sport.Under the bonnetAs well as the hot 2.0-litre engine already mentioned in the Sport, the Clio is also offered with a 1.4 or a 1.6-litre power plant. Those units have enough power for most people.Power is to the front wheels only and is delivered by way of a slick-shifting five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic. Somewhat oddly to the Australian way of thinking, the auto option is offered only with the 1.4-litre engine.We have heard of no real problems in getting hold of spare parts. They are slightly more expensive than similar bits for Asian cars, but not outrageously so.Insurance on all but the Sport Clio is a little more expensive than average, but some companies will really slug you for the Sport version. When shopping around, check on what's covered and what's not before settling for a lower price.Several models were discontinued in 2006 and none are presently being imported as a new car, though there are still stocks of new Clios in most Renault dealerships. The third-generation Renault Clio has been shown in Europe, but isn't expected in Australia until the first half of 2008.Problem areasThough the Renault Clio lacks Japanese quality control and while the body is generally built to a decent standard, there have been a few rough edges in the cars we have inspected to date.In particular, check the interior carefully to make sure everything fits correctly. During your test drive, find a decent stretch of rough road and listen for any squeaks or rattles in the cabin.Not many engines have done a lot of work at this stage, so one that doesn't start easily and idle smoothly should be treated with a lot of suspicion. Similarly, if the gearbox doesn't work close to perfectly, there could be troubles.Quite a few Sport Clios will have been driven hard. Check the condition of the tyres and be wary of any with severe wear on their outer edges. Also look for big build-ups of brake dust on the insides of the wheels, particularly the fronts, and on the callipersand suspension. 

There is a lot hinging on Renault's newest arrival.

Carmakers from emerging market countries have revealed their intentions at the Frankfurt Motor Show, even though their presence had been discreet compared with the European, Japanese and US giants.As car sales stagnate in those three regions, manufacturers have turned towards China, India and Russia, all of which had exhibitors present at the fair. China sent the biggest delegation, with 44 stands that included carmakers as well as parts companies.Two years ago the Chinese had a timid presence at the show but that changed this year. For most Chinese auto companies, however, coming to the shows was “a question of getting a foot into the European and US market,” says Hartwig Hirtz, who imports cars to Germany for Brilliance, a major Chinese brand. He sold his first models this year and awaits European certification to attack 17 other markets in 2008, with an annual sales target of 15,000 units.But getting started was not easy. In addition to charges of copyright violations, some Chinese cars have had catastrophic results in crash tests. “The Chinese might not have taken European security obligations seriously enough,” Hirtz says.For Elisabeth Young, president of Asie Auto which imports Brilliance in France, the short-term Chinese target is to show they can do as well as the Europeans. “It's important as well for the domestic market, which is very competitive, and where clients still favour European and American brands,” she says. “Within 10 years, they want to be among the world's biggest.”India, meanwhile was much more discreet, with no cars and just a few stands squeezed in next to Czech exhibitions, displaying the green, white and orange national flag.India has nonetheless been making noises. Tata Motors is mulling a bid for the British luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover, which might be sold by Ford. Another Indian group, Mahindra, has also been suggested as a possible bidder for the British companies.As for the Russians, Lada remained their only brand on display, and included the Niva four-wheel-drive vehicle.Lada first appeared in Frankfurt in 1970 and is reasonably well implanted in Europe, where it sold 25,000 cars last year. “We have a traditional clientele,” a spokesman says. “It's a niche market.” It mainly attracts those who have less to spend, but is a market in which Renault has nonetheless achieved considerable success with its Romanian-built Logan. “On this point, we are unbeatable,” says Benoit Chambon, spokesman for AZ-Motors which will import Shuanghuan cars to France. 

Renault says the new range would form the foundation of solid growth in Australia in the next five years. Heading the list is a compact all-wheel drive.Yet to be named, the vehicle is based on the Koleos concept and is expected to go on sale here late next year.“Koleos will take Renault Australia into a very exciting market segment,” Renault Australia managing director Rudi Koenig said.“The Koleos concept boasts a new four-wheel drive chassis and an excellent 2.0 dCi engine, both developed as part of the Renault-Nissan alliance."“It's a crossover vehicle that is in its element in any conditions and is sure to deliver what the road surface."“The model line-up is still being finalised, but we're looking very closely at the diesel and petrol options.”While Renault is the world's fourth largest producer of motor vehicles, in Australia it remains a niche player, particularly with passenger vehicles.It does, however, have a strong commercial presence with small, large and medium vans, Kangoo, Trafic and Master.The company is going through a transition stage from being a French car manufacturer, to global producer on the back of a partnership with Nissan, which it owns, and South Korean company, Samsung, in which it has a major shareholding. “Our growth will come through new markets and new products,” said Mr Koenig.Leading the charge will be the introduction next year, or early 2009, of the Korean-built compact sports utility vehicle, based on the Koleos concept seen at the Paris Motor Show last year, was confirmed in full production guise at Frankfurt.“The Koleos concept show car foreshadows the shape of crossovers to come in the Renault line-up,” said Mr Koenig.“Styled by Renault designers working in collaboration with the Renault Samsung Motors Design Centre in Korea, it combines the high stance and features of a sports utility vehicle with the roominess and stowage solutions of a people mover and the comfort and sporty feel of a modern saloon car,” he said.With Renault Australia having a 91 per cent growth in diesel-powered vehicles this year, the Koleos concept sports a four-cylinder, two-litre, 16-valve, common rail injection turbo diesel engine.Power is put to ground via a six-speed manual transmission, or an auto, and 19-inch wheels.Main competitors to the Renault are likely to be Japanese veterans the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.Standard features include anti-skid brakes, emergency brake assist and electronic stability control. The central part of the dashboard houses navigation and multi-media applications and off-the-beaten-track information like altitude, air pressure, navigation bearings and hill gradients.The Concept has four adult seats and a variety of stowage compartments. Renault also revealed a Laguna Coupe concept, Kangoo Compact concept, a new Clio Sport tourer and new Kangoo van. In addition to new body shapes, it also displayed a new, low-noise, three-litre V6 diesel concept engine for high-end cars such as Laguna.This engine delivers sizeable punch with 195kW of power and 550Nm of torque at 1750rpm and is linked to a six-speed automatic flickshift transmission.It was designed to be serviced every two years, or 30,000km. 

The wide-eyed French wonder has a hybrid HDi drivetrain from which Citroen claims fuel consumption of just 3.4L/100km.As well as saving fuel, the concept aims to cutback on resources used in its construction. The cabin is made up of just over 200 parts, which Citroen says is about half the usual number. Peugeot's sleek 308RCZ concept gives a big nod towards a future body style for the 308 family.The ultra-light 2+2 coupe uses aluminium, polycarbonate windows and carbon-fibre body parts and is powered by a 160kW 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbo jointly developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW.Mitsubishi will unveil its Concept-cX compact SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Concept-cX uses interior trim materials made from bamboo and other plant-based resins.The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency 1.8-litre diesel engine, featuring a variable geometry turbocharger for optimum boost control and a diesel oxidation catalyst with diesel particulate filter, and Mitsubishi's new twin-clutch sport-shift transmission which will be a key element in the Lancer Evo X.GM will show environmentally-conscious concepts at Frankfurt, including the HydroGen4 fuel-cell car, the Volt all-electric car and further adaptions of its EcoFlex technology.The HydroGen4 produces an electrical output of up to 93kW backed by a 73kW electric motor.GM claims it can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 12 seconds and has a top speed of about 160km/h. It will also show off its E-Flex strategy, which combines various fuel-efficient propulsion systems in the same vehicle shape and design to suit local demands, in an Opel Corsa small car.Of the production cars being launched at the show, the Mini Clubman wagon is likely to rate highly. The five-door model has double rear doors and a suicide door on the driver's side. The suicide door, which is rear-hinged, is designed to allow passengers easier access to the back.Renault will also show a mini wagon with its Clio Sport Tourer, due to go on sale in Europe early next year.Halfway between concept and reality is the 2008 World Rally Car concept from Subaru.It is both a pointer to what the next WRC will be like and an insight into how the new WRX STI, which will go on sale in Australia early next year, will look.