Hatchback Reviews

Ford Focus Sport and Mazda3 SP20 Luxury go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Mazda’s success streak seems to know no bounds. Not content with having the top-selling car in Australia last year with the Mazda 3, it has backed up with the top seller in the small car class, the Mazda 2. That's impressive, considering the rivalry in the small-car class and for a car approaching its fifth birthday and available in hatch only after the sedan was dropped last year. Competitors are many and include the Hyundai Getz and i20, Toyota Yaris, Suzuki Swift, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra and Holden Barina.Mazda2 sales were up 18 per cent last year in a light-car market that shrank by 4.4 per cent. There is however a twist to this "who's on top" tale. Hyundai replaced the leader, the Getz, with the i20 and sold the two alongside each other last year. Adding them together would have allowed Hyundai to claim it had sold the most light cars.Pedantics aside, the Mazda2's key attributes are its savvy styling, nippy performance, agile handling and a cheerful and reasonably spacious interior, bolstered by regular facelifts and a solid reputation for reliability and retained value.VALUEThe latest upgrade came with the reintroduction of the top-of-the-range Genki last year after a six-month absence. The Genki gained climate control, a trip computer and automatic wipers as standard equipment, and the price dropped $445 to $20,495 (auto $22,145), helped by the strength of the Australian dollar.Equipment includes stability control, six airbags, a six-CD four-speaker audio system with MP3, but no Bluetooth or USB connection. There are also steering wheel audio controls, cloth seats and power windows. You need to be a car freak to pick the minimal cosmetic changes -- a chrome exhaust tip, revised alloy wheels and subtle changes to the front bumper.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONEngine output remains at 76kW and 137Nm from 1.5 litres, which combines with a light body to produce lively performance and decent pull from low engine speeds. The four-speed automatic transmission (on test) is generally smooth and disciplined, but can be snappy on kickdown and asks for plenty of engine revs under load. There are "second" and "low" gear slots, but no sequential manual shift mode.Not the most frugal in its class, fuel use on the combined cycle is 6.8 litres/100km in the automatic, and 6.4 litres/100km in the manual. However, a new direct-injection 1.3-litre petrol engine claiming as little as 3.3 litres/100km has been released in Japan and will make it here.DRIVINGWith an emphasis on fun, the suspension favours handling over ride with crisp turn-in, minimal body roll and confident grip. Ride is firm and well controlled on smooth surfaces, but it can be fidgety over bumpy roads and rough edges. The cheeky exterior styling is carried over in the bright and bubbly interior, and all the controls are easy to master.It has a height-adjustable driver's seat, low waistline for good visibility and a gearshift and handbrake placed close to the driver. Front seats are well padded and supportive and suit most frames, even though the steering wheel adjusts for rake only and not reach. Leg room is adequate in the rear seat, but headroom is tight for lanky frames.Storage is mediocre and includes a two-level glovebox, a single cup holder and door bins for small bottles. Load space in the deep boot is adequate for this class and the rear seats split fold, but not to the same level as the floor of the boot, under which rests a space saver spare wheel. Noise levels are average for this class with noticeable but not intrusive engine and road noise and some thump from the Genki's wider 16-inch tyres.MAZDA2 GENKIPrice: $20,940 (manual), $22,145 (automatic)Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, petrolPower: 76kW/6000 revsTorque: 135Nm/4000 revsTransmission: five-speed manual, four-speed auto, front-wheel driveDimensions: 3913 mm (l), 1695 mm (w), 1475 mm (h)Wheelbase: 2490 mm, tracks front/rear 1465mm/1455mmWeight: 1038kgEconomy: 6.4L/100km (man), 6.8L/100km (auto)Emissions: 152g/km CO2 (man), 162g/km CO2 (auto).

You win some, you lose some. Or so it would seem when it comes to Volkswagen's new ultra fuel-efficient Golf BlueMotion, which is priced from $28,990.ECONOMYThe win in this case comes in the form of outstanding fuel economy, which at 3.8 litres/100km, is about as good as it currently gets _ surpassed only by Ford's smaller Fiesta Econetic at 3.7. It's even better than Toyota's benchmark petrol-electric Prius. With a 55-litre fuel tank and economy of 3.8 litres/100km, the Golf has a theoretical range of 1447km.ENGINEOn the downside we bid goodbye to the current, 1.6-litre 77TDI diesel. It's been axed to make way for the new BlueMotion model. The car features the same 1.6-litre turbo diesel as the 77TDI, but with several refinements to improve fuel economy.The diesel delivers 77kW of power at 4400 revs and 250Nm of torque between 1500 and 2000 revs. A stop/start system is also part of the setup that shuts down the engine at traffic lights, provided the car is put into neutral and the energy normally lost during braking is diverted to the car's battery.TRANSMISSIONThe thing is BlueMotion is available only in manual form. If you want a diesel with VW's acclaimed DSG `manumatic' transmission you'll have to cough up considerably more for the more expensive 2.0-litre diesel. It's paired with a five-speed manual gearbox (not a six-speed), with gear ratios that are said to do a better job of keeping revs in the torque band where it is at its most efficient. The engine management system has been revised to reduce idle speed and a visual prompt tells the driver when to change gears for maximum economy. As well as this a number of aerodynamic improvements have been made to reduce wind drag. The fact that Volkswagen is not offering an automatic doesn't quite fit with the company's claims of no compromise. But VW Australia boss Anke Koeckler explained it was keen to make a "green" statement, to show that it has plenty of know-how using existing diesel technology.It's a pity because I for one will miss the 77TDI, a car we had for several weeks. Equipped with the DSG transmission, it was as practical as it was economical, one of the few fuel misers that we've tested over a longer period to return more than 1000km from a single tank. The 75 per cent of Golf buyers who chose an auto over a manual may also be less than enthusiastic.DESIGNGolf BlueMotion comes as a five-door hatch. A deeper front air dam is fitted along with a rear wing to push air over the car, the ride height has been dropped 15mm and lightweight 15 inch alloys with low roll resistance tyres added.Underneath it all, however, BlueMotion is still a Golf like any other Golf, with seven airbags, plenty of driver assistance systems and a maximum five-star safety rating. But the spare wheel has been replaced by a reinflation kit to reduce weight, which is down to 1234kg.The car is well equipped and comes in four colours including environmental blue, but misses out once again on Bluetooth which remains optional.DRIVINGOn the road it is easy and pleasant to drive, but the driver must remain vigilant to change gears as instructed and to make use of the start/stop system. If you don't put the car into neutral it will not activate and you'll miss out on fuel savings.Although it is often difficult to achieve official economy figures, we came close at the launch this week returning 3.9 litres/100km. Former rally driver and self-styled economy expert Ed Ordynski went one better, getting the figure down to 3.3 litres/100km on a 1000km economy run.In summary Golf BlueMotion will appeal to those serious about making an environmental statement. But we reckon they'll soon tire of changing gears, especially if they're city dwellers.

Little-known Czech car maker Skoda is nothing if not plucky, pushing for more than 10,000 annual sales in Australia by 2018. That’s even before confirming the price and launch date of its radical baby-car, the Citigo.The Citigo - heavily based on the Volkswagen Up that gets here late this year - is Skoda’s first small car and its first three-door car that is expected to follow the Up and discount its price.Skoda chairman Winfried Vahland says he wants to study Up’s acceptance on the Australian market before committing his Citigo.“We are open to selling the Citigo into Australia but we’re not yet decided,” he says. “It depends on your market. If we could sell 10,000 cars a year into Australia, it would be an easy decision.’’But despite some reservations, Vahland knows that Skoda’s future lies in volume sales. And Citigo, he thinks, will be his company’s second biggest seller after the popular Octavia. Australian Skoda sales in 2011 were about 3500 units.“In 2010, Skoda sales around the world were 700,000,’‘ Vahland says. “In 2018, we expect to sell 1.5 million cars. That’s more than double. So we see the same growth for Australia - more than double by 2018.’’Skoda could be ready to sell Citigo to Australians by mid-2013 and, at launch, be in a position to launch the automatic version at the same time as the manual. The Citigo will, like the Up, be available as a three and five door with an anticipated pric e difference of about $1000.Given that the Up is predicted to sell for $15,000 as a manual three door and $16,000 as a manual five door, the Skoda version is likely to start at about $14,500. That puts it up against the Hyundai i20, Nissan Micra and Suzuki Alto. But how does the car compare? Much better.VALUENow, I’m supposing the $14,500 is the start price. For that, the 1-litre manual is a gem. It’s a city-focussed hatchback but is adept at cruising at 120km/h in comfort and quietness. It ticks a lot of boxes for cabin treatment that, although a bit bland, have more character and space than the $15,490 Hyundai, the $12,990 Micra and the $11,790 five-door Alto.In fact, it doesn’t feel as small and as budget-built as these rivals. The stumbling block is getting Aussies into these small jiggers. Vahland is right - watch how Up performs and Citigo will follow. But then watch out for moves by other players - Citroen, Toyota, Peugeot and Kia - into Australia.DESIGNCute as a button. The Skoda uses all the same components as the Up but adds a new face and tail, side glass profile and some cabin changes. It has, for example, more emphasis than the Volkswagen on personal storage spaces including a slot for a mobile phone, handbag hook on the glovebox and shopping-bag hooks in the boot.Though it doesn’t have a soft-feel dashboard and the look is basic black, there is no doubt that it’s beautifully bolted together with neat panel fit, good-looking gauges and strong switches.TECHNOLOGYAustralia will only get the 55kW/95Nm version of the 1-litre, three-cylinder engine. There is a 44kW/95Nm version but Skoda Australia figures one engine is sufficient. The engine is all-new though will be applied to other small-sized Volkswagen Group cars including the production version of the new-wave Kombi, the Bulli people mover.There is a five-speed manual and, likely from launch in Australia mid-2013, a five-speed robotised automatic - a manual gearbox that has an electronic, automatic clutch. The steering is electric, the rear axle is a torsion beam and the brakes are front discs and rear drums. Optional will be City Safe Drive which uses radar sensors to automatically stop the car from having a frontal imapct at less than 30km/h.Volvo similarly has its City Safety but Skoda says it’s the first time the accident-avoidance technology has been applied to a small car. No price has been announced for this option.SAFETYThe Citigo shares the Up’s five-star crash rating. There are four airbags - though the side bags are extended to protect the front occupants’ heads so act as a curtain bag - with electronic stability control, brake assist and brakeforce distribution.DRIVINGDespite its sub-4m length, the Citigo feels big and airy on the inside. That sense of space plays with the car’s lively performance and it’s only a matter of a few kilometres down the road that you start believing that you’re driving the bigger Polo model.The engine is brisk off the mark and the manual five-cog box is slick enough to help it along. Hard to believe it’s only 1-litres in capacity until you hit a long hill in fifth gear and need to pull it down to fourth or even third. The high gearing helps get fuel consumption down to 4.7 l/100km (the forthcoming automatic is actually more frugal at 4.6 l/100km) - but that’s mainly achieved on freeways.The suspension and steering are very good. Rough bitumen roads introduced no suspension noise while the body was firm and tight and ride comfort was compliant. It is actually a good little thing and given its cabin room - the boot is the biggest in its class at 251 litres - should attract a broad buyer group.RATINGSKODA CITIGOPrice: est. $14,990Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmResale: N/AService interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsSafety equipment: four airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starsEngine: 44kW/95Nm 1.0-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrolBody: 5-door, 4 seatsDimensions: 3540mm (L);1641m (W); 1478mm (H); 2420mm (WB)Weight: 929kgTransmission: 5-spd manual; front-wheel-driveEconomy: 4.5 l/100km; 95 RON; 105g/km CO2.

The mini range of Minis is becoming a maxi range with the addition of its first two-seaters. When the new Mini was launched 10 years ago, it arrived as a hatch, followed shortly by a soft-top and that was it for body styles for several years.About 15 months ago a five-door Clubman wagon was added and last year a jacked-up, all-wheel-drive version, the Countryman, arrived. Now Mini has added a two-seater Coupe and Roadster with a Paceman (coupe version of the Countryman) coming next year and possibly a Clubvan (solid-sided Clubman) which is yet to be evaluated for Australia.Prices start at $42,990 for the six-speed manual Cooper S Coupe and $52,600 for the John Cooper Works Coupe. While the convertible version of the Hatch costs a premium of more than $8000, the rag-top variant of the Coupe is only an extra $2010 for the Cooper S and $2500 for the JCW making the Roadster an attractive option. Six-speed auto adds $2350 to the price, which is the same across the Mini fleet. The JCW only comes in manual. Mini Australia boss Kai Bruesewitz believes the new two-seater competes in a narrow class of vehicles with a wide range of prices, from the Honda CR-Z (from $34,990) to the Audi TT (from $70,400). Other competitors are the Peugeot RCZ (from $54,990), VW Eos ($49,990) and Mazda MX-5 (soft top $44,265, coupe $47,200). While this is unchartered territory for Mini, they believe about two-thirds of buyers will opt for the Coupe and about 10 per cent will want the JCW which is one of the highest rates in the world, says Bruesewitz.Given its sporty body shape, it makes sense that the Coupe and Roadster only arrive n Cooper S and JCW variants. The Cooper S comes with the turbo 1.6-litre with 135kW of power and a thirst of 6.3 litre per 100km, while the JCW has 155kW and 7.1L/100km. The chassis in both Coupe and Roadster are based on the stiffer and heavier Cabrio. While the Coupe weighs 1165kg which is a surprising 15kg more than the Hatch despite its lack of back seat and roof, the Roadster weighs an extra 20kg than the Coupe but is a surprisingly 45kg lighter than the Cabrio. Engineers have stiffened the springs on Coupe and Roadster and there is an even stiffer sports suspension available in the Cooper S to match the JCW. All the usual tech features of the Mini are available, but a glaring omission in a market obsessed with with phones is Bluetooth audio streaming. This is what the new variants are all about. They are a design exercise, with few technological changes from the Hatch and Cabrio. Designers specifically intended for the strange Coupe roof line to look like a backwards-facing baseball cap. It looks ridiculous from the side view, but works from the front and rear. The overhanging lip or cap peak also has a practical use, acting as a roof spoiler. There is also an auto boot spoiler on both models which deploys at 80km/h and retracts at 60km/h with a switch inside to manually deploy. Roadster has more appeal from all angles, accentuating Mini's first three-box silhouette. Apart from the obvious roofline, the new models feature a 13 per cent greater raked windscreen. Dimensions are roughly the same as the Hatch, but it sits slightly lower. Inside is standard Mini fare, although the rear seat is gone and there is a small storage area for a couple of shopping bags or briefcase. The big surprise is the cargo area which has more room than the Hatch, while the soft top, which can be manually deployed in about half the time of electric roofs, does not steal precious boot space. The boot is also wide for easy luggage access.The Coupe's roof has been scalloped out so this will suit the tallest of drivers. Product and pricing manager Sue McCarthy says the usual interminable array of Mini options and accessories are available for customisation.There are four airbags and all the usual passive and active safety features of the other Mini models. While they have not yet been crash tested here or in Europe, the Mini Cooper has a maximum five-star rating. Roadster gets two permanent but stylish chromed rollover bars. Rear vision in the Coupe is scant and worse in the Roadster. The boot spoiler only makes matters worse.As expected, it handles like a go-kart, torque-steers like a banshee and the suspension crashes through harsh surfaces. However, the suspension adjustments for the heavier chassis have livened up the steering so there is less understeer and even sharper turn-in. On the down side, ride is further compromised and the car tended to skip sideways over high-speed bumps such as corrugations in corners.On the national launch through the Yarra Valley, both cars were an exciting drive, but after a couple of hours of hitting the bump stops over some of the more gnarly sections of road, my neck and head began to ache. It also didn't help that the cabin is quite noisy, probably because of the lack of sound dampening with the absent rear seat. We also found the flimsy parcel shelf developed an annoying rattle and the rag top vibrated against the metal ribs. Mini's famous "look at me" value is increased, especially in the radical Coupe. People stop, stare, point, but mostly smile and wave. 

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering  would you buy one?What is it?One of the hottest hatches going at the moment, based on bang for your buck at least. Looks like a smaller version of the Golf GTI and offers the same kind of performance. It's everything the previous model wasn't. How much?Priced from $27,790 for the three-door. It's a lot of money for a tiny car, but you get a lot of car for your money. The only issue here is size because it's obviously not as big as a Golf. Four people will fit but there's not a lot of room leftover. Reminds me of the original pocket rocket -n the Swift GTI.What are the competitors?Good question. Maybe the Mini Cooper S, Citroen DS3 or perhaps the Fiat 500 Essesse. Cooper S is the only one to offer slightly more power, but it is a bigger car and not as quick. .What's under the bonnet?1.4-litre twin charged four cylinder petrol engine that produces 132kW of power and 250Nm of torque from a low 2000 revs. By twin charged we mean it has a turbocharger as well as a supercharger. The supercharger delivers low end power while the turbocharger takes care of the top end. How does it go?Engine has a an exciting growl and the performance from the twin charged engine is sharp, with the dash from 0-100km/h taking 6.9 seconds. The engine is paired with a 7-speed `manumatic' complete with change paddles that rips through the gears with no loss of revs. Is it economical?Talk about having your cake and eating it too? You get all this performance with fuel economy rated at a low 6.1 litres/100km. Bear in mind however that it likes the good stuff and our trip computer was showing 8.4.Is it 'Green'?Incredibly gets 4.5 stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide (Prius gets 5 out of 5). So you don't have to feel guilty about being a motoring enthusiast. The diesel Polo by the way gets four stars.Is it safe?Gets a full five-star safety rating, with six airbags, anti-lock brakes plus traction and stability control systems, and even hill start assist. There's also three headrests across the back.Is it comfortable?Like the cloth seats. Sporty without being too narrow. Driver's seat has height adjustment and the driving position is good and there's plenty of headroom. Suspension can be a bit firm at times, but that's the tradeoff for sporty handling.What's it like to drive?Fun. Makes all the right noises. Has all the right moves. Even gets an electronic differential lock (XDL) like the Golf.Is it value for money?Yes. The five-door model costs another $1000, but is probably worth it in terms of convenience. Comes with 17 inch alloys, 215/40 rubber, redbrake calipers and lowered sports suspension. Would we buy one?You bet. Just show me where to sign. I love sporty hatches and this one's a bottler. If I had one wish, it would be for a manual.Volkswagen Polo GTiPrice: From $27,790Engine: 1.4L/4-cylinder; 132kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed sports automatic dual clutch, front wheel driveThirst: 6.1L/100km combined 

The i30 was Hyundai's breakthrough model, the one that stamped the brand as having arrived as a serious carmaker. So good was it that it won Carsguide's Car of the Year award -- no mean feat given the opposition it faced.The i30 was launched as a five-door hatch with a choice of three models, the SX, SLX and SR, and a choice of petrol and diesel engines. With smart, modern lines the i30 was immediately accepted by the  Australian car-buying public who most appreciated its looks, but also its roomy cabin and decent boot.Hyundai also won warm applause for offering a diesel engine option to the 2.0-litre petrol engine that was the main engine offered. The petrol engine provided decent performance that was on a par with  others in the class, while the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel provided a fuel-efficient alternative. Both engines were available with a slick five-speed manual, but it  was the petrol engine that could be had with a four-speed auto until 2008 when it also became available with the diesel.All models were quite well equipped. All had air-conditioning, the base SX also had four-speaker sound and iPod connectivity, the SLX got cruise, leather-trimmed steering wheel and a couple of extra speakers for the sound system. The SR was a sportier model with a body kit, and larger alloy wheels. On the road the i30 was just as impressive, with a quiet, comfortable ride and decent handling. The petrol engine was adequate without being outstanding, but it was the diesel that stood out for its overall ease of driveability and its fuel economy.IN THE SHOPHyundai was once unloved by all but cash-strapped buyers. They marketed themselves as producers of cheap and cheerful cars, and the level of complaints seemed to confirm that claim. But, how things have changed. The Korean carmaker is now on the money for build quality and design integrity, and that's reflected in  the standing it now holds in the market. It's now pretty much on a par with the Japanese carmakers, long held as the benchmark for our market, and can be bought with confidence.The i30 doesn't have any issues of concern, but prospective owners should do their due diligence on previous history of cars under consideration. Service is always important; oil changes the key to a long and  healthy life on the road.IN A CRASHThe i30 SX base model with dual front airbags got four stars from ANCAP, a good result at the time for a small car. The higher-spec models with  head and side airbags got five stars. In addition to the airbags the i30 also had anti-skid brakes across all models, while the SLX and SR also had electronic stability control. In October 2009, the entire range received ESC and six airbags, which made for a five-star rating across all models.UNDER THE PUMPWith the prospect according to Hyundai of 4.7 L/100 km the turbo- diesel is the runaway winner of the pump race. The petrol engine, claimed by Hyundai to average 7.2 L/100 km is  acceptable. Owners surveyed by Carsguide reported 8-8.5 L/100 km on average  around town from the petrol auto, and around 6.0 L/100 km for the  diesel auto.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $20,990 to $28,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 105 kW/186 Nm; 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 85 kW/255 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed autoEconomy: 7.2 L/100 km (2.0P); 4.7 L/100 km (1.6TD)Body: 5-door hatchbackVariants: SX, SLX, SRSafety: 4-star ANCAP.VERDICTLooks good, performs well, well built, good value for money.

When it comes to luxury cars, are we spoilt for choice or confused by options? Audi claims the former as it launches its updated 21-model range of A5 Coupes, Cabriolets and Sportbacks with six engines, three transmissions, 15 exterior colours, 10 wheel designs and a staggering list of options to "customise" your car. That's up from 12 variants previously, and together with the A4 sedan and wagon, Audi now has as many model variants as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class.VALUEThe range, which began in 2007, now features a new entry level 1.8-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder model at $66,990 which slots in closer to the BMW entry model coupe. Importantly, the new range features 13 variants with fuel consumption under seven litres per 100km which means they avoid all or a portion of the punitive luxury car tax.Audi has also "repositioned" its pricing which means some models are cheaper and some are slightly more expensive than before, but all sport more creature features and driver aids, improving overall value.Audi Australia boss Uwe Hagen says customers are moving to smaller engines and believes the new entry model 1.8-litre TFSI could become the top seller. The new A5 range will be available in May with the flagship RS5 coming mid-year.As usual there is a wide range of not-inexpensive options such as satnav and infotainment systems for $4550 and three-zone climate air for $1250. But the most unpalatable is $1695 for metallic paint which may be lustrous but is difficult to justify when Subaru charges no extra and includes anti-theft Data Dot technology.TECHNOLOGYThere are no longer any naturally aspirated models and the six forced-induction line-up now include two new four-cylinder models; the 1.8 TFSI with 125kW and 2.0 TDI with 130kW. All feature improved fuel economy, thanks to stop-start technology which is standard in all engines, new gear ratios, reduced engine friction, more efficient airconditioning and a new lightweight electro-mechanical steering.But Audi product planning spokesman Peter Strudwicke says the most impressive aspect of all the engines is the improved torque, up as much as 21 per cent in the 3.0 TFSI which replaces the naturally aspirated 3.2. Even the 1.8-litre TFSI has "diesel-like torque" of 320Nm which is 30Nm more than a 3.0-litre V6 Commodore."Most of our customers got their licence in a Commodore and love the extra torque," Strudwicke says.At the same time, the entry model sips fuel at just 5.8L/100km and has greenhouse emissions of 134g/km.Like the new BMW 3 Series, there are now driver modes available, both with an economy mode for fuel-efficient motoring.The economy mode changes the airconditioning, throttle response and even effects cruise control bringing the car up to the set speed more smoothly and slowly. In dynamic mode, even the headlights are affected, turning quicker.But while the BMW offers four driver modes, Audi Drive Select offers five.There is also a choice of six-speed manual, eight-speed multitronic (CVT) or seven-speed S tronic, quattro with torque vectoring and a sport differential in the 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.0 TFSI quattro and all S models.Strudwicke says other technological improvements include better voice control for the phone system, iPod cover art display in the audio system and a digital radio option.DESIGNItalian designer Walter de Silva says his favourite design is the A5."The key reason people buy the A5 is design," says Strudwicke.It's certainly much more striking than the rather boring A4 and the new model features slightly bolder bits and pieces, including wedge-shaped Xenon headlights with LEDs now front and rear, high-gloss black single-frame grille and a new bumper. The horizontal front end makes it look more screwed down to the road.Inside is a revised instrument cluster, more simplified controller with fewer buttons and a new steering wheel with optional flat-bottomed wheels now available. Strudwicke says these have been a popular option.Apart from the three body shapes, six engine choices and three transmissions, Strudwicke says there is a wide range of colours, trims and options to personalise the vehicle."We think it's important that we offer a huge amount of choice. Customers tell us this," he says. "We can even paint the car almost any colour you want." But expect to pay as much as $4500 for the privilege.The A5 Cabriolet's three-layer soft top is available in black while the acoustic roof, which has an extra layer of polyurethane foam, is also available in grey, red or brown. Both soft tops are lightweight and open in 15 seconds and close in 17.SAFETYAs expected, the A5 has an extensive array of primary and secondary safety gear. One interesting item that is standard in all models is the new driver information system with break recommendation that monitors the driver's behaviour to detect if they are getting tired and then warns them. Audi side assist uses radar to monitor the blind spot for drivers changing lanes while active lane assist will not only shake the steering wheel if you move across a lane without indicating, but will also intervene and steer the vehicle around a corner.Audi's optional adaptive cruise control will now apply the brakes even below 30km/h, pulling the car to a stop in an emergency. However, safety standards are compromised by the provision of a spacesaver spare tyre under the cargo floor instead of a full-size spare.DRIVINGUnfortunately, Audi's freshening up of the A5 range comes as BMW has released its new 3 Series which bodes well for the coming coupe and cab variants. While the BMW provides a quantum leap forward in driving dynamics, refinement and ride comfort, the A5 presents only an incremental improvement in these areas. Much of the past criticism has been about the lifeless steering and heavy understeer. These have both been watered down by the new model. However, ride comfort and certainly suspension noise, are not the equal of the new BMW.On the national launch across some good and bad country roads around Bathurst this week, the cars handled with confidence and the new raft of engines provided plenty of drivable power, although the 1.8 TFSI is only adequate - just. There is now a lot of technology in the vehicle and most seemed to work well, but the optional active lane assistance only operated intermittently.Strudwicke says it needs solid white lines on either side of the vehicle to operate properly, but even when we had those lines, it didn't always work. When it did, it was brilliant. Rather than a heavy handed tug, it gently pushed the steering wheel in the appropriate direction. It may be difficult for some people to swallow such intervention but those who choose the option will appreciate it - when it works.VERDICTThe Sportback is the body shape to get if you want generous rear room and access, practical hatch carrying capacity and the sportiness of the coupe-like roof line. As for the preferred power plant, we'd go for the 2.0 TDI which is less than $2000 more than the rather lifeless entry model 1.8 TFSI.AUDI A5Prices: $66,900 (1.8 TFSI Coupe/Sportback) to $161,900 (RS5 Coupe)Warranty: 3 yrs unlimited kmService interval: 15,000kmEngines: 1.8, 2.0 and 3.0 TFSI and 2.0 and 3.0 TDI, 125kW-331kWTransmissions: 8-speed multitronic, 6-speed manual, 7-speed S tronic, FWD and AWDDimensions: 4.71m (Sportback), 4.63m (Coupe, Cabrio), 1,85m (W), 1.37-1.39m (H)Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP, 6-8 airbags, stability control, ABS, optional lane assist, side assist, adaptive cruiseThirst: 4.7L/100km (2.0 TDI Coupe) to 8.5L/100km (3.0 TFSI Cab)RIVALSAlfa Romeo Brera coupe (from $64,900)BMW 3 Series coupe (from $66,500)Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe (from $58,900).

Mitsubishi Colt was relaunched in Australia in September 2004 after being missing for several years. Early models were made in Australia, these latter ones are fully imported from Japan.Colt’s big features are its radical body style and the number of interesting variants in which it is offered. We love the way the windscreen pillars run all the way from the roof down to the bumper without any deviation from a straight line. Interestingly, the facelifted version, introduced in April 2007, had quite lot of the rear-end redesign done by the Australian styling office of Mitsubishi.Inside, the look is as radical as the exterior; the Colt's wave-shaped dash has stylish instruments housed in a lavishly curved binnacle. There's good interior space for four people with sensible legroom in the adjustable rear seat. A fifth person will find comfort is compromised in the centre-rear by the join-line in the seatback.Boot space is restricted if the back seat is set all the way rearwards to achieve the best legroom. Colt can carry one large suitcase in a vertical position, with some room around it for softer baggage. The back seat can be double-folded to create a lot more room. The spare wheel is a small unit for temporary use only to make the boot deeper.Ride comfort is better than average for this class and overall refinement is as good as that of a car in the next size class upwards. However, handling is on the soft side, being aimed at the average driver rather than the enthusiast.The standard Mitsubishi Colt is powered by a 1.5-litre twin-cam engine. It was at the forefront of technology for its time and provides good torque that’s well suited to driving a CVT. Colt automatics use a new design of continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual is a conventional five-speed unit.Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart, sold from July 2006 until mid 2010, has a turbocharged and intercooled 1.5-litre engine. Despite the apparent high-performance credentials is only has 113 kW of power so is not really in the hot-hatch category - but look at the low price. The Ralliart Colt has a more rigid body than the standard Colt and there's sports suspension, complemented by upgraded brakes and larger wheels and tyres.The most interesting Mitsubishi Colt of them all is the Cabriolet, which went on sale in November 2006. It's a tiny car with odd styling that bulges at the back and slopes down in a somewhat disconcerting manner at the front. At best it can be described as cute. Colt Cabriolet is sold with a turbocharged engine that’s closely related to the one used in the Ralliart model, but with slightly less power, at just 110 kW. The lower power is noticeable as the body gains wait due to being beefed up underneath to support the lack of a solid roof.Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacturing in Australia the company is continuing as a major importer and has an ongoing commitment to providing spare parts, repairs and servicing. Insurance costs for Mitsubishi Colts vary dramatically. The turbocharged variants, particularly the Ralliart attract huge premiums. If looking at the latter and you are a young, inexperienced driver and live in a high-risk area make sure you get insurance quotes before falling in love with the hotter Colts.WHAT TO LOOK FORBody damage, or signs of it having been repaired, is a worry on any car, but especially so in the Ralliart variant of the Colt. Look for body panels that don’t line up correctly, on colours that don’t match from one panel to another. Tiny spots of paint on areas that should be clear, glass and badges are another cue.Look thoroughly inside a cabriolet for signs of dampness or water stains as it may have been caught out in the rain. Get permission to lift the carpets and check the conditions underneath them. Make sure any version of the Colt engine starts easily and idles reasonably smoothly.A turbocharged engine should have a minimum of lag. During your road test be aware that anything upwards of a second could be a worry. The turbo shouldn’t be overly noisy in operation. Check on the service books of any car, particularly if it’s a turbo as the latter needs to have engine oil changes according to schedule. As well as having the complete dynamic system examined.Listen and feel for a transmission that works smoothly and quietly. Make sure the brakes pull the Colt up promptly and that no one wheel locks before the others.CAR BUYING TIPSmall cars often live tougher lives than large ones because of their constant exposure to urban traffic. So low kilometre readings are not necessarily a good thing.

Suzuki was one of very few, if not the only carmaker to turn a profit during the GFC. It has infact been in the black every year since startup in 1950.Obviously, that's because Suzuki makes the "right" cars, the right way, at the right price. Call them conservative if you like but it seems to be the over-riding factor in Suzuki's success.Their least conservative car is the $23,990 Swift Sports - a latter-day Swift GTi for want of a better description. It's a cool, baseball cap of a car with pert looks, a dash of attitude and performance and handling that brings a smile to your dial without actually pinning back your ears.And there's a CVT auto this time around. Suzuki's formula for its hot little five-door hatch is "pare back weight, tweak the engine and suspension, fit subtle body add-ons and boost fuel economy."Sport runs a pretty straightforward 1.6-litre, twin cam, four banger up from the 1.4 in base Swift. It's good for 100kW/160Nm output and fuel consumption as low as 6.1-litres/100km.It misses out on direct injection but scores a simple variable intake system and variable valve timing and lift to optimise efficiency. The two transmissions are a six-speed manual and CVT auto with paddle shift.Sport has a strut front and simple torsion beam rear suspension system - calibrated to give a good compromise between sharp handling and response and comfort. It won't rattle your teeth on rough roads and though small in diameter, the disc brakes are up for the job. The electric steering has been calibrated to give sharper response than base Swift. Suzuki has fitted light alloy wheels to reduce unsprung weight and optimise suspension action. It weighs 1060kg.It has a five star crash rating thanks to seven air bags, stability control and the selective use of high strength steel throughout the body/chassis.Though still "sensible", the Swift Sport has a mild body aero kit with a rear roof spoiler and under bumper diffuser complete with dual wide spaced exhaust tips. Side skirts and a deeper front apron complete the picture. No LED daytime running lights though. Inside is pretty much generic Japanese with over-used hard plastics, functional controls and a decent leather-clad sports wheel with cloth sports seats.The Sport has generous spex including bixenon headlights, Bluetooth phone and audio, keyless entry and start, cruise control and climate control aircon to name just a few goodies. The audio is OK and the sports seats with red piping have side bolsters to hold you tight. The wheels are 17-inch with low profile sports rubber.This is an enjoyable car to drive in the cut and thrust of city driving, on the freeway or on a winding road. They've nailed the driveability factor brilliantly. There's a sweet shifting manual gear change with close intermediate ratios, plenty of zip higher up in the engine rev range and a supple, controlled ride with good brakes and sharpish steering.The exhaust note is too quiet and the tyres are too skinny. It goes better than the previous Swift Sport and has more goodies. But Kia's sporty three door Rio SLS has more power and torque and costs a lot less. Gives nothing away on looks either.Great little car, fun to drive, cheap to run and own, undoubtedly reliable, safe and well equipped.