European

Renault's history in Australia has been one of seemingly endless comebacks, followed by the French company's slow fading away.

One of the big magnets at Frankfurt motor show this year was the dynamic BMW i8 - but performance purists might be horrified to learn the Bavarian muscle car only has a three-cylinder turbo 1.5-litre petrol engine. And an electric motor.But the output is staggering: 170kW/320Nm from the tiny petrol motor and the rest from the electric power plant, for a total output of 266kW and a whopping 570Nm of torque. It goes to 100km/h in 4.4seconds and uses next to no fuel. Try 2.5litres/100km.It's an all-wheel drive model, with the electrics powering the front wheels and the three-potter the rear. Most of the body is of carbon fibre plastic, the suspension and other underbody parts are aluminium and the electric bit can be recharged at home in about four hours.BMW says the i8 is likely to go from concept to production in a matter of months and has even worked out a price for it: US$136,000. It might be a tad more if it comes to Australia.Ferrari produced a 458 Speciale, said to be its 'best V8 ever'. The blue-striped red coupe producing some pretty decent numbers: 445kW/540Nm, three seconds flat from standstill to 100km/h and a top speed of 325km/h.Across the passage Fiat had a flotilla of its cute littlies. There was the 500e, an electric powered one with a 140km range, the 63kW GQ Twinair, a turbo S version with 77kW and one called Living which offered a head-spinning 88kW.Plus a 500 Abarth circa 1959, one of the world's earliest mini hotties, alongside the latest and considerably bigger version. But Alfa Romeo's 4C was possibly the best of the Italian sporting machines, a lovely blend of style, performance and balance at a comparatively affordable price.  

Look hard at this car. It's Volkswagen's next hatchback. Well, maybe look under the skin. It's the substance of the XL1 rather than the outlandish form that we'll see in VW's small, affordable passenger cars before the calendar flips to decade three.While the limited run XL1 is on sale in Europe for some $160,000 to collectors and the uber green, its essence will run tomorrow's Ups, Polos, Golfs and more besides. The trick is to look past the hip level height, carbon fibre body, gull wing doors and to see the plug-in electric battery on which it can run for 50km alone and the two-cylinder diesel engine which stretches the range for a further 500.This combo makes for emission free city travel and open road travel at some 0.9 litres per 100km, though it can motor at 160km/h. Hence the company label "1.0-litre car" - of which the XL1 is the showroom precursor - refers not to capacity but range.Having clambered through the Bladerunner doors, you could be in almost any contemporary VW, albeit the brand's only two seater. The switchgear and most of the dials are from the Golf, the wheel is pure GTI, the gear stick operates a seven speed DSG auto, the removable Garmin multi-media screen is found in the Up.There's no mirrors and no need for them - two rear facing cameras, one mounted in each door eliminate blind spots. That should be disorientating and so it is for about 30 seconds at which point it replaces intuition.That's also  so of the drive. The XL1 glides as silently as any electric vehicle though a good deal more efficiently than any on the road with almost on-existent wind resistance. Amid the plethora of innovation there's at least one delightful old world note. The steering is purely mechanical, entirely devoid of assistance, just like a Lotus or my 1971 Kingswood.Merging onto to the autobahn, the diesel engine is engaged via finger tip on the Garmin. It chugs crudely but almost immediately into life, ensuring that you needn't remain on the inside lane for long. When our brief test  is over, I'm exhilarated in a way that only some fast and fabulous cars have made me.Parked nearby the XL1 at Bensburg Castle near Cologne this week, where VW runs a pre Frankfurt Show event, is a Bugatti Veyron - the outrageous 16-cylinder quad turbo supercar. Haven't driven one of those. Probably won't.But it's proximity makes you realise the XL1 is every bit as much a supercar in its own sense. And while it is the single most expensive VW in the brand's near 80-year history, its heart and lungs will be part of your and my driving reality. 

Before you sign up to that compact SUV, do yourself yourself a favour.

Autonomous cars are parked just around the next corner but the key to their suitability is being held by governments and big business, Audi says.Audi's chief Rupert Stadler says his company could introduce cars with the technology almost immediately. "We have spent three years developing an autonomous car and we have shown it at Geneva, in a TT, in 2011," he tells Carsguide at Frankfurt motor show."We believe it is coming but it's up to other factors than us. There are repercussions to the driver, the car owner, the passengers, the public and so on."Mr Stadler says a time frame before 2020 is "realistic" but regulation could change that. "It doesn't depend on us. It's now up to governments, regulations and businesses such as insurance.""Yes, we've had the technology to build a car and operate it without a driver at up to 130km/h. We've driven that in Nevada.""But the technology will also be expensive. There is a big investment in the pre-production phase. We also have to make a business case from this. It will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary and I think will take some time."The reporter is on Twitter: @cg_dowling 

Time in the gym, new powerplants and a diet give Audi’s small car more muscles.

Renault CapturPrice: from $19,990 (estimate)Warranty: 5 years/unlimited kmService interval: 12 months/15,000kmSafety: 4 airbags, ABS, ESP, TCCrash rating: Not testedEngines: 0.9-litre turbo petrol, 66kW/135Nm; 1.2-litre turbo petrol, 88kW/190NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch auto; FWDThirst: 4.9L/100km, 113g/km CO2; 5.4/125Dimensions: 4.12m (L), 1.7m (W), 1.56m (H)Weight: from 1101kgSpare: space saver 

Why fit amazing technology to a car and then try to conceal it? Audi's new A3 Sportback 1.4 TFSI S tronic COD features new, multi-displacement technology that slashes fuel consumption and turns the 1.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine into a 700cc two cylinder at times.They're calling the system COD but it stands for Cylinder On Demand rather than Cash On Delivery -- though it could deliver a little of both. The thing is there is nothing to indicate when the change takes place, unlike the three other Audis that already have the tech.In fact, Audi has tried to make the transition from four to two cylinders and back again as seamless as possible. In contrast, in the S6, S7 and RS6 models, a dash indicator tells the driver when the car is operating at half capacity.Try as we might we couldn't secure any real explanation from Audi, apart from the fact that the proof was in the pudding -- drivers can see the benefits when they refuel. You see the “COD” technology is claimed to cut fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent and that is all that really counts, explains Audi Australia boss Andrew Doyle.The car is one of two new models that Audi have added to the A3 Sportback lineup this week. The other is a range topping (for now) 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol model with the addition of Audi's ‘quattro’ all-wheel drive system.VALUEPrices start at $35,600 for the entry level 1.4-litre Attraction. For $36,500 you can have the same car with a 1.6-litre diesel, or for $37,900 you get the new COD model -- all in Attraction trim. Stepping up to the Ambition model gets you a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel, either of which will set you back $42,500 before on-road costs  or the new 1.8-litre quattro for $45,500. The red-hot all-wheel drive S3 arrives later in the year priced from $59,900.The Sportback's standard equipment list includes leather, climate and cruise control, auto lights and wipers, 16 inch alloys, dynamic suspension, 8-speaker audio system with music interface and Bluetooth phone audio streaming.DESIGNBased on the Volkswagen Golf, the A3 Sportback is Audi's swoopy backed A3 hatch-cum-station wagon. It's a car with which Audi claims started the premium hatch segment with its launch back in 1996. The addition of the two new models brings the number of Sportback variants to six, with entry level Attraction and aspirational Ambition trims and a number of add-on packs as options.Part of the new-generation A3’s design brief was to reduce weight, and as a result it's up to 90kg lighter. This has been achieved mainly through the introduction of lightweight aluminium parts. High tensile steel is used for the passenger cell and the bonnet and front guards are all aluminium.TECHNOLOGYThe 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine in the COD produces 103kW of power and 250Nm of torque, compared to the entry level model's 90kW and 200Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, with fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100km. The larger 1.8 turbo four delivers 132kW and 280Nm and is good for 6.8 secs, at just 6.6 litres/100km.The latter's ultra-flat torque curve sees maximum torque kick in from a low 1250 revs right through to 5000 revs. Both engines are teamed with Audi's S tronic, twin-clutch auto as standard that includes steering wheel mounted paddle shifts.Of note the 1.4 is teamed with Audi's dry-clutch 7-speed box and the 1.8 with the wet-clutch 6-speed unit, the latter to cope with the extra power. Any of the petrol models can also be ordered with a six-speed manual at no extra cost.SAFETYFive stars for safety, with seven airbags and a complete suite of safety systems. A reversing camera and rear parking sensors are standard. For $1800 the optional Assistance Pack adds adaptive cruise, high beam assist and lane departure warning. The car also scores a 5 star rating from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide -- the same as the benchmark hybrid Prius.DRIVINGWe had a crack at both cars in the rolling hills outside Adelaide. For an extra $2300 the 1.4 litre COD offers considerably more power and torque than the entry level Sportback. Power rises to 103kW and torque increases 20 per cent to 250Nm, and the COD system slips easily into two cylinder mode when full power is not required.This will generally occur at cruising speeds on the motorway or at other times when the engine is not under load. We couldn't tell if or when the change took place, so there's no real downside to the equation. The more powerful 1.8 offers stronger straight line acceleration, tighter body control and plenty of mid-corner grip thanks to all wheel drive. But it's still not as good as BMW's more powerful but more expensive 125i Sport. If you want more than the 1.8 can offer, then you'll have to wait until December for the fire-breathing S3 because there's nothing in between.VERDICTBoth cars are good but we are not sure the 1.8-litre model is worth the extra dough. The 1.4-litre model offers plenty of punch, all the grip needed and near diesel levels of fuel economy and for that reason alone stands out.Audi A3 Sportback 1.4TFSI CODPrice: from $37,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.4-litre 4-cyl turbo, 103kW/250NmTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto; FWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Thirst: 4.7L/100kmAudi A3 Sportback 1.8TFSI quattroPrice: from $45,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo, 132kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch auto; AWDDimensions: 4.3m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Thirst: 6.6L/100km 

Let's face it, if you're a front runner in Formula 1 you know a thing or two about cars. Renault knows a thing or two about F1... and after more than a century, road cars as well and the cross-pollination between the two has yielded arguably one of the best light cars available in the new Clio.It's actually bigger than the accepted light car size being more like a small car and will no doubt pinch a few sales from that segment too. The Clio sets a benchmark thanks to Renault's expertise in extracting the utmost from current technology and also using a smattering of clever stuff to finish off the job.ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONSFollowing the engineering trend towards smaller capacity high-tech turbo engines new Clio has either a 900cc three-pot turbo petrol or a 1.2-litre four-pot turbo petrol under the bonnet. Buy the three banger here and it's with a five-speed manual transmission only. Buy the four banger and it's a six-speed dual-clutch manumatic (auto) only.Clear cut but problematic, given the majority of cars in this segment are autos and usually the base or one up from base models. The 0.9 engine (called the TCe90) is good for 66kW/135Nm and 4.5-litres/100km while the 1.2  (TCe120) achieves 88kW/190Nm and 5.2-litres/100km.The larger engine has direct fuel injection while both have a small turbo charger integrated into the inlet manifold for maximum efficiency. Variable valve timing is used on both cams and the engine is actually modular -- the three is pretty much the same as the four with one lung lopped off.STYLENew Clio is slightly larger than its predecessor but lower in ride height and roofline. What's under the skin counts for plenty in a car but so does the outside and in this regard, the Clio is way out in front with arguably the best looking, sassy sheet metal going around on a five door hatch.It features the new 'big eye' Renault front with a large centrally located badge and gorgeous curves all over the place. The rear doors have hidden latches and the car's powerful haunches make it look crouched ready to pounce. Rear styling is just as imposing and distinctive as the front.PRICES AND FEATURESPricing starts at $16,790 for the Authentique TCe90 rising to $23,200 for the TCe120 Dynamique. The Clio has an impressive interior with a large central iPad-like panel housing most of the car's functions including the latest in digital connectivity while the actual instrument pod is highlighted by two eye catching dials with a large digital speedo in between.A number of fascia are used, including a soft feel dash pad with a square hatched texture, textured metallic surfaces on some models and splashes of colour. It really is something else in a sea of sameness from other offerings in the segment. Standard kit is generous and Clio gets a five star safety rating.ECONOMYFuel economy is boosted by auto stop/start on the three pot,  'eco' coaching and eco switch for the driver, active front air vents that close at speed and low rolling resistance tyres among numerous other fuel saving techniques featured. They cut 100kg from Clio's flanks this time around but boosted chassis strength and safety through better design and selective use of high strength steel. The wheels are lighter, the stabiliser bars are hollow, the chassis crossmember is lighter but stronger and they even cut weight from the engine with hollow camshafts.DRIVINGThis is where the new Clio really shines. It rates as one of the most engaging drives for the money and we haven't even got to the high performance RS version yet. That's here soon. Dynamics are sharp and responsive from the simple strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. But then that's to be expected from the company that produces the dynamite Renault Megane RS265.The Clios we drove are engaging to drive, stable, well planted and responsive. You can have a ball without going at ballistic speeds. The 1.2 has plenty of get go while the 0.9 is not bad as a city runabout except for the lack of an auto tranny.We'd go for the TCe120 every day - with the electric pack for an extra $300 that includes electric rear windows, electric boot release, remote unlock and auto wipers and lights. The Clio can be customised inside and out for not much money with a range of wheels, colour options, interior materials and other cool stuff.VERDICTWe would have one in a flash, the mid-range Expression TCe 120 would be our pick at $19790 -- a bargain. Looks great on the driveway, and is something different.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering -- would you buy one?What is it?Volkswagen's entry level Golf. This is generation seven of the world's best selling hatch, but you'd be forgiven for not being able to pick it from the old one the exterior changes are subtle.How much?Prices for Golf start at $21,490, although our test vehicle in Comfortline trim is one step up the ladder at $24,990. That price does not include an auto which adds $2500 nor a decent paint which is another $500.What are competitors?You name it. The Mazda3 is Australia's best selling hatch followed closely by the Corolla but many people aspire to own a Golf.What's under the bonnet?A 1.4-litre turbocharged four cylinder petrol engine that produces 90kW of power and 200Nm of torque, the latter between 1400 and 4000 revs. It's mated with a six-speed manual as standard or 7-speed double clutch style DSG transmission as an option.The XDL electronic differential lock is now standard in all models and improves both traction and handling.How does it go?The turbocharged engine offers punch, but throttle response can be jerky in traffic. The brakes can also be quite aggressive.Is it economical?Gets auto stop/start which contributes to the excellent fuel figures: 5.4 for the auto and 5.7 litres/100km for the manual, bearing in mind that it takes premium 95RON petrol.Is it green?Gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from the Govt's Green Vehicle Guide, just a whisker less than the hybrid Prius.Is it safe?No probs here. Gets a full five stars for safety and has done so since 2005, with seven airbags and electronic stability and traction control as standard.Is it comfortable?Golfs are built for big people and bogans like us fit easily. Too bad the plastic cap on the seat back adjustment fell off the first time we used it.What's it like to drive?We're in two minds. Golf nails the figures but the combination of small force fed engine and robotised double clutch gearbox is just not as smooth as a standard setup. As such we didn't find the experience particularly relaxing.Is it value for money?More so now that Volkswagen has adopted fixed price servicing. Comfortline is the one to get with dual zone air, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto lights and alloy wheels. But it's a $30K car by the time you get it on the road.Would we buy one?Having recently driven the new Mazda3 overseas we'd prefer to drive them back to back before making that call. The 3 is impressive, maybe more impressive than the Golf?