Innholdsfortegnelse for No. 46 i Australian New Car Buyer

The Volkswagen “Dieselgate” scandal still has a way to go yet. In fact, it will take years to finally resolve all the issues, especially the most important one: how does VW (and Audi, and Skoda) propose to compensate those customers who bought its 1.6- and 2.0-litre EA189 turbodiesel engine-powered models? There’s a long list of cars affected, from 2008-2015. As we went to press, Audi had withdrawn affected A4, A5 and Q5 from sale. Skoda had withdrawn Yeti and Superb, while VW had withdrawn Jetta, CC, Passat and Tiguan. But the list of EA189 cars also includes Golf V and VI, previous Polo models and others. People who bought these cars have clearly been deceived by Volkswagen, and when it comes time to sell their car or trade it in,…

Audi’s current A3 range, like its predecessors, shares its architecture and most of its componentry with parent brand Volkswagen’s Golf. Prices for the five-door A3 Sportback start at $36,500 for the 92kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol/sevenspeed automated twin-clutch manual S-Tronic. The same engine, with 110kW and cylinder-on-demand technology (COD), which automatically shuts down two cylinders under light loads to save fuel, is $39,100. The 132kW 1.8-litre turbopetrol is $43,700; with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drivetrain and a sixspeed S-Tronic, it’s $46,700. Turbodiesels include the 81kW 1.6-litre six-speed S-Tronic, at $37,800, and the 110kW 2.0-litre S-Tronic, tested here, at $43,800. Sedans start at $40,700 for the 1.4-litre/seven-speed S-Tronic COD. The 1.8-litre is $46,000, the 2.0-litre turbodiesel is $46,100 and the 1.8-litre turbopetrol quattro is $49,000. Cabrios start at $48,000 for the 103 kW 1.4-litre…

The Audi A5 Sportback is shaped like the coupe and identically priced, but it has four doors, its wheelbase is extended by 60mm for greater rear-seat legroom and it’s 86mm longer overall. The range opens with the 125kW 1.8 turbopetrol TFSi front-wheel drive CVT. Others in the range run a seven-speed S-Tronic automated manual and quattro all-wheel drive. You’ll pay $77,300 for the 165kW 2.0-litre TFSi. This model is also available with a conventional six-speed manual at $75,400. The 180kW 3.0TDi is $94,300 and the 200kW, 3.0-litre supercharged V6 TFSi is $98,910. The S5, with a 245kW 3.0-litre supercharged V6 as used in the S4, costs $119,510. The 2.0-litre TFSi is arguably a better choice than the 3.0TDi, not just because you get $17,000 change, but also because its free-revving,…

The Audi Q3 range opens with the 110kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol TFSi, with a sixspeed twin-clutch S-Tronic transmission and front-wheel drive, priced at $42,900. Quattro all-wheel drive models start with the 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel/sevenspeed S-Tronic TDi at $47,900. The high-performance 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with 135kW, is $56,900. The Q3’s 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is the successor to the EA189 that got VW into such a mess. It is not subject to any legality issues. The 132kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol TFSi seven-speed S-Tronic quattro is $52,300. The numbers suggest that you’re not that much better off if you choose the more powerful version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel, particularly in real-world driving. It’s got a sizeable power advantage, but this is at pretty high revs, where you rarely go in a turbodiesel. Its 60Nm torque advantage…

Audi’s second-generation Q7 is a huge improvement over the first. That model’s whale-like scale made it a daunting vehicle to drive in the city, and its high weight meant it had the handling agility of a humpback. The new Q7 is only slightly shorter and a fraction narrower, but Audi’s engineers have found ways to shed around 300kg without affecting strength or compromising safety. The Q7 is now among the more pleasant large, premium SUVs to drive. There’s little steering feel, a trait common to the breed, but the Audi copes gracefully with corners, ride comfort is very good and noise levels are low. The Q7 — in this guise at least — doesn’t pretend to be a sportster and this is to its credit. Audi’s engineers have increased the…

Remember the 2002 of the 1960s? It’s where modern BMW began. Boxy yet sporty, the compact two-door sedan was the precursor to the first 3 Series of 1975, establishing the brand as ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’. The Bavarian carmaker is keen to cash in on the 2002’s cachet with the F22 2 Series Coupe. The range kicks off from $48,900 for the 135kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 220i, or $50,900 for the identically specified 135kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel 220d. The 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 228i is $59,900 while the $77,500 M235i (covered separately in this issue) is the only six-cylinder variant on offer. Proving there’s nothing new under the sun, the F22 actually follows on from the conceptually identical E82 1 Series Coupe, now discontinued. Though familiarlooking, every panel is different, with subtly more…

A new hierarchy has emerged within BMW, starting off with the normal production vehicles, rising to the ‘M Performance’ brand, and then topping out with the signature ‘M’ range. Until the M2 lands mid-2016, the M Performance M235i Coupe is the flagship of the F22 2 Series Coupe range. Priced from $77,500, it’s the sole six-cylinder 2 Series model. Its natural rivals are the Mercedes A45 AMG and Audi’s RS3. The M235i convertible is priced at $86,500. The M235i adds to the 2 Series coupe specification a full body kit, different trim colours, unique 18-inch alloys and an upgraded brake package featuring four-piston fixed calipers up front and a twopiston set-up in the rear. But it is what the folks at M Performance have done underneath that makes the greatest…

Since 1975, BMW’s 3 Series has set the pace at the affordable end of the premium Euro field. It defined BMW’s “Sheer Driving Pleasure” promise. Recently, though, the 3 Series has struggled against the Mercedes C-Class. The F30 model, which arrived in 2012, failed to impress, especially its handling, which is distinctly non-sporty. The problem is BMW’s standard suspension, tuned too lightly to compensate for the harsh ride generated by runflat tyres. On our rough roads the F30 failed to deliver disciplined body control and roadholding. To get it to handle like a BMW should, you had to pay extra for adaptive M suspension. Now at the mid-point in its life, the 3 Series gets a refresh, which includes the M suspension as standard on all models bar the entry…

BMW’s i8, priced at $299,000, stakes a claim to be the poster child for plugin hybrids. It plunges into the deep end of alternative technology with a bold design that says “the future of driving” like nothing else on the road. The shape reflects the unorthodoxy underneath. The i8 has a carbon-fibre passenger cell at its core, mounted on an aluminium chassis. The whole lot is clad in plastic body panels. Under the sealed bonnet is a 98kW electric motor powered by a 7.1kW/h lithium-ion battery pack running down the car’s spine. The motor drives the front wheels via a two-speed automatic and after a recharge using the domestic mains or dedicated charger, the i8 can travel up to 35 kilometres on battery power alone. At the rear is a…

The third generation of the world’s top-selling luxury wagon, BMW’s F15 X5 offers a four-cylinder turbodiesel, more equipment, stronger performance and improved fuel efficiency. It also maintains the X5’s reputation as the gun drive in big SUVs. The range opens with the rearwheel drive X5 sDrive25d 160kW four-cylinder turbodiesel, which costs $84,200; the all-wheel-drive xDrive25d is priced at $89,200. The 190kW 3.0-litre xDrive30d turbodiesel costs $100,900, the 225kW 35i turbopetrol is $107,900, the 230kW twin turbodiesel 40d Sport is $116,900 and the 330kW 4.4-litre twin turbopetrol V8 50i is $134,510. The xDrive M50d, with a 280kW 3.0-litre triple turbodiesel, is priced at $157,900. Top gun in petrol is the X5 M, with the 4.4 tuned for 423kW and 750Nm. It’s priced at $194,310. Given its considerable price advantage over the…

It might not look like it, but this is Ferrari’s answer to the Toyota Prius. Well, sort of. The Italian supercar maker has been forced to join the rest of the car industry and downsize its engines to meet strict new emissions regulations in Europe. And this is what the Italians ingeniously came up with: the Ferrari 488 GTB. Saving the planet. At 330km/h. As is the case with most brands, Ferrari has embraced turbocharger technology to make up for the switch to smaller engines. In economy cars, turbochargers are used to help small engines breathe more efficiently, to deliver low fuel consumption and emissions with the performance of a bigger, naturally-aspirated motor. In fast cars, the technology and its purpose is basically the same, but the numbers are a…

The Ford Fiesta hatch range opens with the 82kW 1.5-litre/five-speed manual Ambiente at $15,825; a six-speed automated manual adds $2000. Trend specification (as tested) adds a further $2000. The 92kW 1.0-litre turbopetrol Fiesta Sport Ecoboost is priced at $20,525, or $22,525 with the six-speed automated transmission. This awardwinning engine produces remarkable performance for its capacity and averages just 4.9L/100km. The hot rod Fiesta ST, with a 134kW 1.6-litre turbopetrol/sixspeed manual drivetrain, is a great drive, the pick of the baby hot hatch class and a dead set bargain at $25,990. Unfortunately, that’s not quite the case with the 1.5-litre powered models. The 1.5 has less power and torque than the 1.6 it replaced, so although it goes OK with a few revs on board, it’s pretty gutless and unresponsive through…

Falcon sales are collapsing in the lead-up to the close of local production in October 2016. The European-designed and -built Mondeo is, effectively, Ford Australia’s new flagship family and fleet car. There are three spec levels (Ambiente, Trend, Titanium), available in hatch or wagon, with a choice of two turbo petrol engines and a turbodiesel. Ambiente starts at $33,190 for the 149kW/345Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/six-speed auto hatch. Trend, with the 177kW/345Nm chip, is $37,290 and Titanium is priced at $44,290. The 132kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel, with a six-speed dual clutch gearbox, adds $4000 to Ambiente and $3200 to Trend and Titanium. The 149kW engine is the only turbopetrol available in Mondeo wagon, at $35,040 for Ambiente. The turbodiesel Ambiente is $39,040; Trend is $42,340 and Titanium is $49,340. The Mondeo manages to…

The FG X Falcon XR sedan range opens at $36,090 with the XR6; the XR6 Turbo is priced at $43,490. The EcoLPi gas-powered XR6 is $40,790. The XR8 is $53,490. The XR6 runs the base 4.0-litre Falcon donk with 195kW of power at 6000rpm and 391Nm of torque at 3250rpm. It’s matched with a six-speed manual; a six-speed automatic is a $2200 option on most models. The auto is standard on the EcoLPi. The force-fed 4.0-litre in the XR6 Turbo produces 270kW/533Nm. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed auto adds $2200. The 4.0-litre six is loaded with torque and hauls off the bottom like no other six does. Top-end performance, though, is less refined and responsive than the direct-injection 3.6-litre V6 in the Commodore SV6. You get very…

The South Korean-built Captiva’s success is based on the fact that it’s a good-value family SUV, especially the seven-seaters. Regularly advertised drive-away offers further strengthen its appeal. The five-seater Captiva 5 LT with front-wheel drive is available with a 2.4-litre fourcylinder petrol engine, with 123kW of power and 230Nm of torque. Transmission choices are six-speed manual at $26,490 or automatic, at $28,690. LT-Z auto is $31,690. The Captiva 5 also offers a 2.2-litre turbodiesel option with 135kW and 400Nm, only with the automatic all-wheel drivetrain, priced at $32,690 for LT and $35,690 for LT-Z. Both of these engines, plus the 3.0-litre direct-injection petrol V6 as used in the Commodore are also offered in the seven-seater Captiva 7. The base Captiva 7 LS is front-wheel drive with either the 2.4-litre petrol…

Holden’s VFII Commodore SS 6.2-litre V8/six-speed manual sedan costs $44,490. The six-speed auto SS is priced at $46,690. New for the last hurrah VFII is the 6.2-litre LS3 V8, previously reserved for HSV, a bi-model exhaust and engine noise piping into the cabin, passive entry and starting, a facelift, bonnet vents, new-look 18-inch alloys and LED tail lights on the Sportwagon. The SS-V is priced at $47,990 (man) and $50,190 (auto.) It picks up a colour head-up display and new 19-inch alloys. SS-V Redline, at $53,990/$56,190, adds four piston rear Brembo brakes to complement the fronts. All automatic variants are also available as the Sportwagon, at a price premium of $2000. The SS and SSV interiors are the most attractive in the VF range. You get a big, supportive, luxurious…

Holden’s Volt has a 1.4-litre petrol engine, a big, T-shaped lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors. If you use petrol/electric power, by selecting Hold drive mode, the Volt has a range of up to 600km. Holden claims a range for the Volt of up to 87km on the battery. Unlike other hybrids, the battery is not charged by the engine; it has to be plugged into a normal 240-volt powerpoint. So the Volt gives you the best of both alternative worlds: hybrid and electric. And it really does work. The 87km electric-only range is achievable, but an average of 50km to 60km is more realistic. You may well be able to drive it every day — to work, the shops, the school run and other short suburban trips…

Kicking off from $14,990 for the VTi, the latest GKseries Honda Jazz hatch brings fewer variants, lower prices and — bar one backward step — more for your money. For example, you’ll find a reversing camera, emergencybraking indicator flashes, hill-start assist, LED lighting and a central touchscreen with integrated Bluetooth phone/audio streaming (at last) and ports for 12-volt/USB/HDMI/MP4 connectivity. That’s on top of six airbags, stability control, cruise control, reach- and tilt-adjustable steering, trip computer, electric windows, remote central locking, air conditioning and 15-inch steel wheels. Note, however, that drums now replace discs for the rear brakes — a retrograde step for usually reputable Honda. Another $2000 buys a CVT (continuously variable transmission — replacing the previous fivespeed auto gearbox) in lieu of the standard five-speed manual. Next up is…

Honda Civic hatch prices start at $22,150 for the VTi-S six-speed manual; a fivespeed automatic adds $2300. The VTi-L is $26,990 and the VTi-LN is $31,090. Petrol models are powered by the latest version of Honda’s 1.8-litre, naturally-aspirated, four-cylinder engine. Its 104kW of power and 174Nm of torque are relatively modest, and there’s no mid-range turbo torque, which does make you wonder why it requires 95 octane premium unleaded petrol. The UK-built Civic hatch feels exceptionally solid and well screwed together. It lacks the sedan’s independent rear suspension and has a shorter wheelbase, but it’s a secure, agile handler, untroubled by rough surfaces, with precise steering and a controlled, compliant ride. The interior features a much more contemporary design and superior materials, fit and finish quality to the dowdy, downmarket…

The CRV range starts with the 2.0-litre six-speed manual front-wheel-drive VTi, at $27,490. The five-speed automatic is $29,790, the VTi-S is $32,290 and the VTi-L is $39,290. The 2.4-litre, five-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive VTi is $32,790, the VTi-S is $35,290 and the VTi-L, as tested, is $42,290. A 2.2-litre turbodiesel allwheel drive DTi-S model costs $38,290 with a six-speed manual or $40,590 with a five-speed automatic; in DTi-L specification, it’s $45,340. The 2.4-litre is one of the most powerful engines in this class, but as is often the case with Honda engines, it doesn’t feel like it’s got as much power as the specification says it has. This is probably because the full 140kW kicks in only at 7000rpm, where the engine is screaming its head off. If the concept of…

Hyundai’s Tucson mid-size SUV range opens with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder, multipointinjection petrol/six-speed manual, front-wheel-drive Active, at $27,990; with a six-speed auto, it’s $30,490. Elite is $35,240. The 2.0-litre direct-injection engine, with 121kW/203Nm and the same transmission choices, is fitted to Tucson ActiveX, priced at $30,490 and $32,990, as tested here. All-wheel-drive variants kick off with the 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed, dualclutch-automated manual Elite, at $38,240; in top-of-the-range Highlander specification, it’s $43,490. The 135kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel/six-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Elite is $40,240; Highlander is $45,490. Hyundai is pitching Tucson ActiveX as the value-for-money variant, with 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-faced seats, dynamic parking guidelines on the rear camera and a big touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity and, from early 2016, Google Android Auto. Strangely, neither is available on Elite and Highlander…

The Hyundai i30 was given a mid-life makeover in 2015, with the usual front end facelift, a standard rear camera, better value and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel/seven-speed dual-clutch drivetrain variant. This is the most competitive class in the market today, with some outstanding cars being offered at super-sharp prices. The i30 five-door hatchback range opens with the 107kW 1.8-litre petrol/six-speed manual Active, at $20,990; a six-speed auto adds $2300. Active X, with 16-inch alloys, leather faced seats and extra bling, is $22,090. The SR model, with a 124kW 2.0-litre petrol engine, is $25,590 with a six-speed manual or $27,890 with a six-speed automatic. SR Premium, with the same drivetrain and extra equipment, is $30,590. The 100kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel/six-speed manual Active is $23,590; the sevenspeed dual clutch transmission adds $2300. Active X…

The Hyundai Santa Fe features seven seats in all models. The lineup opens with the front-wheel-drive 141kW 2.4-litre direct-injection four-cylinder petrol/six-speed manual Active at $38,490. The six-speed auto is $40,990. The 145kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel/six-speed manual Active is $41,490. A six-speed auto adds $2500. Elite 2.2 turbodiesel automatic is $48,490, the Highlander is $53,240 and top-of-the-range SR is $59,990. The 2.2 turbodiesel produces hefty outputs for its size: 145kW of power at 3800rpm and 436Nm from 1800-2500rpm, or 421Nm with the manual. The same engine is also used in the Santa Fe’s twin under the skin, the Kia Sorento. Its numbers are superior to any Japanese rival, including Toyota’s new 2.8-litre turbodiesel in the LandCruiser Prado and Fortuner. It’s also a stronger performer across most of the rev range and much…

The Kia Rio used to be a cheap, disposable tin box. It’s not now. When you factor in reliability, running costs, warranty — the longest on the market at seven years/unlimited kilometres — value and interior space, the Rio is a winner. On the downside, resale values are weak and the lower-spec models are still saddled with an outdated drivetrain. The range opens with the 79kW 1.4-litre three-door S, priced at $15,990 with a sixspeed manual or $18,090 with a four-speed automatic. The base five-door S hatch with the same drivetrains is $16,990/$19,090. S Premium adds $700. The 1.6-litre Si automatic is $21,490. SLi $22,990. The 1.6-litre engine is one of the most technically advanced of its type. It’s naturally aspirated with direct injection, which helps it achieve outstanding fuel…

In its bones, Kia’s Cerato is basically the same car as Hyundai’s Elantra/i30. The Kia gets a bespoke Eurostyle interior, and a powerful 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine option. The range opens with the 110kW 1.8-litre petrol S, with a six-speed manual, priced at $19,990. A sixspeed auto adds $2200. S Premium, with the auto as standard, is $24,990. Si grade has the 129kW 2.0-litre engine, with the six-speed auto transmission, at $28,990. SLi, with the same drivetrain but more fruit, is $31,990. The 2.0-litre engine is a strong, willing device that returns good economy on regular unleaded and is a neat fit with the automatic. It’s one of the best performers in the class. Kia’s suspension is tailored for our rough roads, so it’s pretty firm, and on the SLi’s…

The Lexus GS range opens with the 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol GS 200t, due as we went to press at a price to be announced — expect circa $70K — and tops out at $119,500 with the GS450h Sports Luxury hybrid. The model that deserves your attention is the GS350 F-Sport, at $95,610. The GS350’s atmo-style topend performance is strong and enjoyable, especially with rearwheel drive, but it’s not exactly a performance engine. In fact the 3.5-litre V6 is the same donk used in the Toyota Aurion sedan and Kluger SUV, albeit with an extra 20-30kW of power. Lexus is still ultra-conservative in its definition of “Sport”, so the 350’s most extreme settings for the drivetrain, adaptive dampers, variable-ratio steering (with dynamic rear steering as well, like the 535i) and traction/stability…

If we leave fleets out of the picture and look only at private customers who pay for their cars with cold, hard, nontax deductible cash, the Mazda3 is Australia’s most popular car. Why? It delivers what Australian car buyers want: value for money, outstanding quality and reliability, fuel efficiency, conservative yet expressive design and five star safety. The fact that the Mazda argues with the VW Golf for best drive in class status is the icing on the cake. Available as a sedan and hatch, base models are powered by the 114kW 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol Skyactiv-G engine, kicking off at $20,490 for the Neo; the Maxx is $22,390 and the Touring is $24,790. The SP25 line runs the same 138kW 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G engine used in the Mazda 6. Prices…

JAMES CLEARY Starting out as a motoring journalist in the late ‘80s, James has worked for MOTOR, Wheels, Drive and, most recently, TopGear Australia. James also learned the ropes of manufacturing, distribution and retail, working in senior PR and marketing communications roles for Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot, and has group account-managed the Hyundai and Volvo advertising business. Having met and interviewed key industry players around the globe, tracked the development of emerging technologies, and evaluated literally thousands of cars on road and track, he is one of the most informed and experienced motoring journalists in the country. James’ tests include Subaru WRX and Ford Mondeo. JOHN CAREY One of Australia’s most accomplished motoring writers over three decades, John is a previous editor of Overlander magazine, a long-time contributor to Wheels magazine,…

Alfa Romeo’s 4C is priced at $89,000; the 4C Spider costs $99,000. With its light 1090kg kerb weight (coupe), basic appointments list, two-seat format and modest 1.75-litre engine capacity, a cursory glance at the 4C’s specifications suggests classic and simple sportscar pleasure in the vein of Mazda’s MX-5. But two aspects of the 4C package — its carbon fibre monocoque construction and the formidable 162kW-pertonne power-to-weight ratio afforded by its 177kW/350Nm turbocharged four-cylinder engine — suggest far more ferocious performance potential. In the flesh, 4C is more stylistically stirring and elegantly proportioned than pictures suggest. Climb in and the cabin design has the purposeful ambience of a bigdollar Italian supercar, with a low-slung seating position and proper driving ergonomics. The quality and finish inside and out, too, are impressively high.…

Modern-day icons are rare, but this is an accurate label to attach to the Audi TT. Now in its third generation with an R8 supercar-style front end and more chiselled lines, the German (brand, but Hungarian-built) coupe kicks off at $72,950 for the 2.0-litre turbopetrol TFSI/sixspeed manual with front-wheel drive — just like the VW Golf, with which it shares familial DNA. Another $3450 scores you the six-speed dual-clutch transmission known as S-Tronic, while the bestselling quattro all-wheel drive with S-Tronic auto combination will set you back $79,400. The popular S-line package from $6800 brings a surprisingly subtle body kit, full LED headlights, LED arrow-style rear indicators, better audio, digital radio, brilliant body-hugging sports seats with pneumatic adjustment and 19-inch alloys. The TT Roadster, with quattro and a folding soft…

Audi’s designers may have given the 2016 B9 A4 an exterior that’s a timid replay of the B8 model, but the company’s engineers were braver. This A4, available as a sedan or Avant wagon, is a lot lighter, fractionally larger, impressively aerodynamic, more efficient, quieter, and well equipped with active-safety and driver-assist technology. Audi seems at last to have figured out how to make its premium-medium car as fine to drive as those from other German brands. Previous generations of the A4 always trailed its arch rivals — the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class — for handling fluency, steering feel and ride smoothness, with excessive understeer an unwelcome characteristic. Not any more. This A4 feels light and well balanced. Weight reduction was a priority and the new A4 benefits…

Audi’s Sportback body style works beautifully on the A7, a car that’s nearly as long in the wheelbase as the A8 limo and offers comparable interior space, but comes with significantly lower pricetags. It shares much of its architecture and running gear with the mid-sized A6. Drivetrains are also shared: a 160kW 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel TDi, priced at $115,400 and a 235kW 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbodiesel Bi-turbo, priced at $144,900. Quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automated manual with stop/start are standard on the TDI; the Bi-turbo has an eight-speed automatic. The S7, with a 331kW 4.0-litre twin-turbopetrol V8, is $179,510. The A7’s dynamics benefit from relatively lightweight construction (with 30 per cent aluminium components) and fine balance. The A7 is an agile and involving drive, in a class where size…

Audi’s Q5 has been a Goldilocks family freighter choice for many parents around the world and it leads the midsize premium SUV field. The Q5 2.0 TFSi turbopetrol quattro is $63,210. As we went to press Audi had stopped selling the 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel Q5 as it uses the EA189 engine that VW fiddled to deceive customers and emissions regulators around the world. The 3.0 V6 TFSi petrol quattro is $75,710 and the 3.0 V6 TDi turbodiesel quattro is $77,200. The SQ5, with a 230kW 3.0-litre V6 twin turbopetrol, is $91,700. It’s got more stomp than a herd of elephants, but the 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers willing and pretty rapid performance too. The 3.0 V6 TDi is a mighty thing with an effortless surge of torque. At 110km/h, it pulls…

Welcome to the future of sustainable urban motoring, as BMW envisions it. The i3 is the Bavarian brand’s first electric vehicle. Shorter than a Mazda 2, it is offered in two distinct versions, dubbed BEV (code for Battery Electric Vehicle) from $63,900, and REX (code for Range Extender) from $69,900. The BMW is no run of the mill design. Recycled materials abound, from the exposed plantfibre extract interior lining and eucalyptus wood dash and door trim, to lightweight seats that accommodate four adults in space and comfort. All controls operate with familiar intuitiveness. Bouquets are also earned for the near-SUV lofty seating, panoramic windscreen, beautifully-sculpted steering wheel and handy twiststyle column shifter. However, fat windscreen pillar bases are real vision blockers through roundabouts. Access to the rear is both helped…

BMW purists may need to look away now. The 2 Series Active Tourer is the company’s first BMW-branded front-wheel-drive model, and is completely unrelated to the rorty coupe/convertible models also using the same 2 Series designation. Created to take on the popular Mercedes-Benz B-Class (along with an armada of versatile, compact people movers popular in Europe), the 2 Series Active Tourer (which we will call the 2AT for brevity) kicks off from $44,400 for the base 218i, powered by a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre threecylinder turbopetrol engine/sixspeed automatic drivetrain, also found in the latest Mini Cooper. In fact, both cars share basic architecture and chassis hardware. A trio of 2.0-litre fourcylinder turbopower engines rounds out the 2AT range: there’s the $47,800 110kW/330Nm 218d diesel, the $50,900 141kW/280Nm 220i petrol and the $54,900…

BMW’s 4 Series replaces the previous 3 Series coupe and convertible models. The 420i coupe, with a 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol four, kicks off the range at $70,000. The 420d, with a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel four, is $72,300. The midrange 428i, at $81,000, delivers 180kW/350Nm from its 2.0-litre turbopetrol four. The rangetopping 435i runs the familiar 225kW/400Nm 3.0-litre turbo straight six, priced at $108,140. The 4 Series convertible range opens with the 420i at $87,000. The 420d is $89,300. The 428i is $98,000 and the 435i is $126,240. The 4 Series Gran Coupe, with a four-door body, opens with the 420i at $70,000. The 420d is $72,300. The 428i is $81,000 and the 435i is $108,140. The 4 Series range, with an eight-speed automatic as standard, doesn’t present anything new in…

BMW’s F10 5 Series sedan is available with five engines. The base 135kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel 520d is $82,900 while the 135kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol 520i is $80,400. The same engine with 180kW of power in the 528i is $97,900. Six-cylinder petrol power, once the Five Series defining engine style, is now confined to the 225kW 3.0-litre turbo 535i at $116,930. The 535d, with a 230kW/600Nm 3.0-litre twin turbodiesel, is $122,400. The 550i, with a 330kW 4.4-litre twinturbo V8, is $159,930. The Active Hybrid 5, which uses the 3.0-litre turbopetrol six, is $120,400. All are fitted with an eightspeed automatic. Touring wagons include the 520d at $91,400 and the 535i, priced at $122,540. The force-fed 3.0-litre six in the 535i is still one of the best six-cylinder engines in the world.…

The second-generation BMW X1 shares much of its core technology, including its basic structure, with the latest versions of the Mini (a brand that is owned by BMW) as well as BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer. The range opens with the sDrive 18d at $49,500. The sDrive20i is $51,600, the xDrive20d is $56,500 and the xDrive25i is $59,900. Popular sDrive versions are now front-wheel drive instead of, as in the past when the X1 was built on a 3 Series platform, rear-wheel drive. xDrive variants still use an all-wheel drivetrain. So the latest X1 may be technically heretical in the eyes of long-term BMW loyalists, but it’s likely that compact SUV buyers will embrace it. The advantages of the new direction are plain to see, especially inside the car. Penned…

At the pinnacle of the Ferrari road range, in power and price, sits the F12berlinetta. It’s all yours for $690,745. As you slide into the F12’s shell-like, supportive and very firm driver’s seat, upholstered in silken, fragrant leather, you naturally assume the race position. Frivolities such as navigation, voice and Bluetooth are provided; otherwise, instrumentation is minimal. Most controls, including indicators and wipers, are on the wheel. Vision is fine to all corners and the rear, a rare commodity in supercar territory. A button lifts the front end so you don’t demolish it on driveways and ramps. This is the most powerful Ferrari you can buy and the most powerful V12 the factory has ever built. Hit the red button on the F12’s carbon-fibre steering wheel and it erupts into…

The Ford EcoSport kicks off from $20,790 for the 1.5-litre petrol Ambiente manual, which makes this model the cheapest in the class. Other variants include the Trend (from $22,290) and rangetopping Titanium (from $25,790). Two petrol engines are available: Ford’s high-tech 1.0-litre threecylinder EcoBoost turbo, delivering 92kW of power at 6000rpm and 190Nm of torque between 1400 and 4500rpm, and a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated Duratec unit with 82kW at 6300rpm and 140Nm at 4400rpm. Belying its tiny capacity, and famously compact enough to sit within an A4-sized piece of paper, the sophisticated, refined 1.0-litre turbo is an International Engine of the Year winner. Paired only to a slick-shifting five-speed manual, it provides spirited step-off acceleration, backed up by a wide spread of torque for excellent response when required. In…

The arrival of the first righthand-drive (ex-factory, not aftermarket) Mustang from Ford was probably the most hyped new car launch of 2015. The reasons are many and varied, not least because it’s Australia’s first fully factory-built and -backed experience with one of the world’s most enduring performance nameplates. There’s considerable choice in the Australian range, as buyers can opt for Fastback coupe or Convertible body styles, with either 2.3-litre Ecoboost-branded turbofour or rorty, traditional, naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 power, with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. All rear-wheel drive, of course. Start money is $44,990 for the 2.3-litre Ecoboost Fastback six-speed manual; the six-speed auto adds $2500. The price jumps to $53,990 for the auto-only Convertible. The four-cylinder ‘Stangs are certainly more wallet-friendly than initial pundit predictions and are great value…

Ford’s Kuga range opens with the 110kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol/six-speed manual/front-wheel-drive Ambiente, priced at $27,490. The six-speed auto is $28,990. All-wheel-drive models begin with the 134kW 1.5-litre turbopetrol Ambiente, with a sixspeed automatic, at $31,490. Trend specification features a 178kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol/six-speed auto drivetrain, at $36,490, plus a 120kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel/six-speed dual-clutch automated manual at $38,490. Top-of-the-range Titanium is available with the same drivetrains, priced at $44,990 and $46,990. Kuga brings a European design and drive to a segment dominated by Japanese and Korean brands. It’s certainly different. The 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine, in both 110kW and 134kW tunes, produces the same 240Nm of torque. The base front-wheeldrive model has lightness on its side, so at the entry-level pricepoint it would be the one to go for. The 134kW variant doesn’t feel…

The VFII reinforces the Holden ute’s position as the world’s most sophisticated, capable and safe pickup truck, a unique vehicle that, when Holden ceases local manufacture in 2017, will surely become a collectable, as evidenced by extremely strong resale values already. The VFII ute, particularly the SV6 and SS variants, is Holden’s two-door sports car. It just happens to have a very big boot. VFII ute prices start at $33,490 for the 3.6-litre V6/six-speed automatic Evoke. The 3.6-litre SV6 six-speed manual is $33,990. The 6.2-litre V8 SS is $40,990, SS-V is $44,490 and SS-V Redline is $50,490. The auto adds $2200. VFII ute gets all of the VFII Commodore sedan improvements detailed on previous pages and its equipment levels are comparable with the equivalent Commodore sedan and Sportwagon. Like its…

Holden’s Malibu goes up against the Mazda6, Honda Accord, Hyundai i40, Subaru Liberty and others in the midsize sedan segment. The Malibu has plenty going for it, not least aggressive pricing and generous equipment levels. The Malibu lineup kicks off with the 2.4-litre petrol/six-speed automatic CD at $28,890. The 2.0-litre turbodiesel CD is $32,890. CDX specification, with more gear, adds $3500 to both models. The 2.4-litre petrol has the characteristic snappy launch feel Holden engineers into all of its cars; for a peaky, naturallyaspirated petrol four it’s also got surprisingly convincing midrange pulling power. Malibu is heavy, though, so acceleration is leisurely and it’s not the most fuel-efficient device compared with rivals such as the Mazda6 and Hyundai i40. The ride is acceptably compliant even when shod with aggressive 245/45…

Honda’s HRV, a compact five-door SUV, combines extraordinary interior flexibility with a punchy drivetrain and handsome styling inside and out. The base 1.8-litre petrol/continuously variable automatic (CVT) VTi model costs $24,990; then it’s the same drivetrain with more fruit as you move up to the VTi-S (from $27,990), followed by the VT-L (from $32,990), and then the VTi-L with ADAS flagship (from $33,990). The latter is Honda-speak for Advanced Driver Assist System, and brings brand-first forward collision and lane-departure warning technology as well as an automatic high-beam headlight dipping system. While the 1799cc single-cam i-VTEC unit has seen dependable service in the Civic for years, its pairing with the latest-generation CVT has given the 1.8 a fresh lease on life. The HR-V is unexpectedly perky off the line and will…

Honda’s Odyssey is priced from a sharp $37,610 for the base VTi. The more generously-equipped but mechanically identical VTi-L is $46,040. Brandishing van-like electric sliding doors and a high roof for ultra-easy entry, the Odyssey’s The latter ditches a three-seat second-row bench for a pair of very comfortable airline-style reclinable chairs with armrests and an ottoman. Uniquely they can slide sideways and back for limousine levels of legroom. Like the previous model, Odyssey’s practicality as a kid carrier is tarnished by the fact that, in the continued absence of Isofix restraint mounts, childrestraint tether straps for the VTi’s second-row seats are anchored in the roof rather than on the back of the seats. This compromises third-row entry and exit when restraints are fitted, making life uncomfortable for those seated in…

Holden’s performance car division has emptied out its big guns, fitting its supercharged V8 across more models in the lead-up to the end of local production in late 2017. Until the Holden Commodore VFII update, the 6.2-litre “LSA” V8 was reserved for the flagship Holden Special Vehicles GTS, having originally been developed for top-end versions of the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac in the US. Now power really is coming to the people, with the supercharged V8 fitted to the popular Clubsport R8 sedan and wagon and Maloo R8 ute. Compared with the 430kW and 740Nm outputs for the GTS (which remain unchanged for the GEN-F2 update), the Clubsport LSA and Maloo LSA are tuned to deliver 400kW and 671Nm. Contrary to popular belief, HSV didn’t “put a brick under the…

Would you pay $60,000 for the base-model Hyundai Genesis? How about $71,000 with the Sensory Pack? Or (cue deep intake of breath…) $82,000 for the bells and whistles Ultimate? Sure, the Genesis is beautifully built and as luxurious and refined as an Audi A6, BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E Class — all of which can now be had from around $80,000 — but although its chiselled profile could easily (and intentionally) be mistaken for a BMW 5 Series, it isn’t one of those. As a drive, the Genesis is $60,000 worth. No question. Its feisty, responsive, 3.8-litre direct-injection V6 is one of the best engines around and a welcome change from the tepid turbo fours you get in the Euros at these prices. It runs on 91 octane, but…

Hyundai’s Accent is cleverly designed to offer generous interior space in a compact body and comes as a sedan or hatchback. Prices start at $14,990 for the base 74kW 1.4-litre petrol Active sedan or hatch. A CVT transmission adds $2000. The 103kW direct-injection 1.6-litre petrol Accent SR hatch is $16,990. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed auto adds $2000. Don’t expect stellar performance from either engine, but both work fine in the city context and return great fuel economy running on regular unleaded. Handling is vice-free given the Accent’s purpose in life, while the ride is comfortable and compliant. The driver sits high on a saggy cushion, with no steering wheel reach adjustment. Rear vision is partially blocked by the rear seat head restraints and thick rear corners.…

It’s 15 years since Jaguar last took on the Audi A4/BMW 3 Series/Mercedes C Class with the exceptionally forgettable X-Type. The contrast in approach is stark: X-type short-cut its way to market with borrowed underpinnings from the Ford Mondeo; the XE is constructed in the same manner as more expensive Jags and shares parts with the F-type sportster. In fact, its front wishbone suspension comes straight from the F-type while the rear is a complex integral link set-up that delivers better road contact than its rivals, says Jaguar. It all sits on a stiff, lightweight chassis that’s mainly aluminium, like the flagship XJ. Prices are comparable with the Germans. Start money is $60,400 for the 147kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol 20t in Prestige trim; R Sport grade kicks off at $64,400; a…

“Kias are exciting to drive!” Now there’s something nobody’s ever said before. Enter the Pro_cee’d GT. Ignoring the appalling grammar — from here on, we will use correct English and call it the Proceed. Priced from $29,990 for the red one (metallics add $595), the GT straddles the light and small-car heroes such as Volkswagen’s respective Polo and Golf GTIs. The GT Tech is $34,990. Kia insists the GT is a “warm” rather than “hot” hatch and sure enough, the 1.6-litre direct-injection twin-scroll turbo’s 150kW/265Nm outputs fall significantly shy of the Golf GTI’s 2.0-litre unit. The GT draws from a fat wedge of torque for a forceful kick from about 2000rpm. Kia Europe invested hundreds of hours honing the chassis on the German autobahns and Nurburgring circuit, resulting in a…

The 2016 Lexus IS range opens with the 180kW 2.0-litre turbopetrol four-cylinder IS200t, available in Luxury, F-Sport and Sports Luxury grades, priced at $57,500, $65,500 and $76,500 respectively. The 233kW 3.6-litre V6 IS350 is available in the same grades, priced at $63,500, $71,500 and $82,500. Hybrid power is also available as an alternative to diesel with the IS300h, priced at $62,500 for the Luxury and $70,500 for the Sports Luxury. The Lexus petrol/electric drivetrain, which uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, develops 164kW, drives the IS to 100km/h in a respectable, if hardly sporty, 8.5 seconds and averages 4.9L/100km. The hybrid is a pretty slow, stodgy drive compared with its Infiniti Q50 rival, and BMW’s 3 Series Active Hybrid, both of which manage to combine strong performance with excellent fuel economy.…

The NX is Lexus’ smallest SUV yet and like many modern SUVs, it targets urban buyers who navigate urban jungle rather than real bush. Entry models are front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive because, according to research, many buyers really don’t know or care which wheels put the power to the road. NX’s aggressive, exaggerated proportions suggest an attempt to appeal to younger buyers — and there are pleasing details in its lights and garnish — but the result seems too tall for its width and too big for its wheels. In official sales charts, NX sits in the compact SUV category alongside the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA. However, at 4.6m long, it’s actually a whole size larger and a more realistic rival for the Audi Q5,…

MAZDA’S fourth-generation MX-5 has been completely redesigned with a slimmer figure, sharper styling, and lowest-ever pricing, which kicks off at just $31,990 for the base 1.5-litre Roadster. A smaller and lighter engine, mounted further back behind the axle for an optimal 50:50 weight distribution, is keeping with both the MX-5’s driving purity and affordability goals, Mazda reckons, although fans demanding more power can still have a 2.0-litre option for an extra $2500. Weighing just 1009kg, the most aluminium-intensive MX-5 ever is also the shortest in the model’s quarter-century lifespan, but careful packaging (and 20mm lower seating) means there is no less legroom. The boot is slightly smaller though. Equipment levels remain healthy despite the lower prices, with the base model featuring four airbags (with head protection), LED headlights, cruise control,…

Mazda’s mid-size 6 is available as a sedan and wagon. Prices start at $32,540 for the 138kW 2.5-litre fourcylinder petrol/six-speed automatic Sport sedan. The Touring is $37,820, the GT is $42,720 and the top-of-therange Atenza is $46,420. Wagon versions add $1300. Mazda’s 129kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, also with a six-speed auto, adds an extra $3200 to Touring, GT and Atenza sedan and wagon. The 2.5-litre petrol is the pick of the engines. Whereas most naturally-aspirated petrol fours, including Mazda’s 2.0-litre, just don’t have the bottom-end and midrange performance of their turbocharged rivals, the 2.5 is sufficiently strong and responsive across the rev range to work nicely in town or on the highway, aided by the Mazda’s relatively light weight, wellchosen gearing in the automatic and switchable drivetrain modes. It’s also…

Mazda’s CX5 shot straight to the top of the class sales charts on its introduction in 2012. It’s built to the best “Made in Japan” quality standards, has rock-solid resale values, a strong safety résumé, plenty of standard equipment, and a choice of fuel-efficient petrol and turbodiesel engines. The 2.0-litre petrol frontwheel-drive CX5 range opens with the Maxx six-speed manual at $27,190. A six-speed auto adds $2000 and is standard on all other models. The 2.0-litre Maxx Sport is $32,790. All-wheel-drive CX5s get the 2.5-litre engine and a six-speed auto. The Maxx is $32,190, Maxx Sport is $35,790, Grand Touring is $43,390 and Akera is $47,410. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel AWD Maxx Sport is $38,990, while the Grand Touring is $46,590 and Akera is $50,610. The 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol…

Alfa Romeo’s Giulietta is a five-door hatch similar in size to the Volkswagen Golf. At $29,000, the base Giulietta Progression runs Fiat’s 88kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine with a six-speed manual. The 125kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol MultiAir Distinctive is $33,000 with the manual or $35,000 with a six-speed twin-clutch automated manual TCT transmission. In practice, it’s a surprisingly uninspiring, sluggish drive, even when you flick the “dial a digital tune” toggle to Dynamic and go hunting for some Alfa-style topend zip. It’s there, but in a fairly sedated state, sadly. Dynamically, the Giulietta feels tight and agile in day-to-day driving, but flatters to deceive. When pushed through a set of tight corners the heavy front end resists turning and the Alfa drive deteriorates into hard work. The Giulietta QV, though, is a…

Is the Audi A1 worth around $10,000 more than its Volkswagen Polo twin? The four-ringed marque’s smallest four-door is never going to win any value for money awards — not when the People’s Car version provides essentially the same experience. Yet there are a number of reasons why the A1 shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. For starters, it shares absolutely nothing that you can actually see or touch with the Polo. Indeed, as the still-fresh styling suggests after a half decade on sale, the broad shoulder stance, clean surfacing and pleasing proportions make the Belgian-built Mazda 2-size Audi a lasting piece of industrial design. As always, the interior is a textbook study of classy minimalism that has been aped by more than a few rivals. The stand-proud central screen, precision…

Audi’s A6 sedan and wagon are serious, albeit struggling rivals to the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E Class. The 1.8-litre turbopetrol TFSi seven-speed S-Tronic with 140kW of power and front-wheel drive costs $79,900. The VW Group’s refined, muscular 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is the mainstay of the 2016 A6 range. The 160kW 3.0 TDi quattro S-Tronic is $99,900. In the Allroad quattro it’s $111,900. The twin turbodiesel version, with 235kW, is $124,900 in the top-of-the-range 3.0 TDi Biturbo sedan, which features a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. This A6 flows naturally through a corner; previous models put up fierce resistance to any deviation from a straight trajectory. Ride comfort on the standard suspension and base-model 18-inch wheels is fine; optional air suspension and 19- or 20-inch alloys with lower profile…

Audi’s RS5 goes up against BMW’s M4 and Mercedes AMG C63, so it’s got to be better than good. Brilliance will only just suffice. Its 4.2-litre atmo V8, with 331kW and 430Nm, drives four wheels via a seven-speed twin clutch S-Tronic transmission and a mechanical centre diff. Both inside wheels can be braked in a corner and, if things get willing, an active rear diff will also fire more torque to the outside rear. So you have several systems which are basically there to counter understeer — and this they do convincingly, as long as you get the RS5 turned in early, hard and are then quick and purposeful on the fast pedal. The 4.2 rewards you with a serious lunge from about 4000rpm or so. It fairly honks from…

Hot hatches are something of a numbers game, with performance figures and price tags topping the columns of key comparison points. Looked at this way, Audi’s new RS3 isn’t an obvious star. This five-door fire-breather may be the least costly car ever to wear the RS badge of Audi’s quattro GmbH performance division, but its $78,900 sticker is around $4000 more than the A45 hatchback from Mercedes-Benz’s AMG fast-car outfit. When the RS3 launched in Europe early in 2015 the 270kW maximum power output of its 2.5-litre turbo engine was 5kW more than the A45, so AMG coolly and cruelly responded by upping the output of its 2.0-litre donk to 280kW. This power hike, combined with gearing changes inside its seven-speed double-clutch transmission, meant the A45 now beats the RS3…

BMW’S 1 Series is now the only small hatchback in the world that still uses rear-wheel drive. Is this a big deal? BMW used to argue, forcefully, that rear-wheel drive produces a better-balanced car that has more neutral handling characteristics and steering that’s uncorrupted by the engine’s torque interfering with the front wheels, as is the case on front-wheel-drive layouts. However, BMW now makes the front-wheel-drive Mini and 2 Series Active Tourer, the first front-wheel drive to wear a BMW badge. It’s gone strangely quiet on the advantages of rear-wheel drive, for obvious reasons. The major attraction of rearwheel drive is totally natural steering. The 1 Series points into and out of corners with responsiveness and precision you just don’t get when the engine’s torque is trying to turn the…

BMW’s M badge used to adorn only its elite performance cars, such as the M3 and M5, but M also stands for Money and now BMW is cashing in on its badge cachet. A second tier of M models, called M Performance, now sits below the weaponsgrade hardware. In addition to the usual M Sport option pack for standard BMWs, which includes an aerodynamic body kit, stiffer suspension, bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, body-hugging sports seats, a fat-rimmed steering wheel and a pukka man-cave interior with M signature blue and red details, M Performance cars also give you some, but not all, of the serious go-fast engineering bits that make a 100 per cent M such a thrilling drive. The M135i, which costs $62,900, adds a lovely, loud exhaust, variable-ratio electric…

BMW’s iconic M3, now in its fifth generation, is available as a four-door sedan only. The coupe wears an M4 badge in line with a revamped naming regime. Though mechanically identical, the sedan lands in Oz starting from $139,900; the coupe commands a $10,000 premium and you’ll fork out an extra $22,000 for the convertible. It takes about 2.5 minutes to become convinced that BMW’s performance skunkworks, M GmbH, has improved the already heroic 3 Series-based M car in virtually every department. There’s one big change in the M formula, found under the signature “power dome” bonnet. M GmbH has bucked the M3 tradition of ever-larger naturally aspirated engines to introduce a downsized and twin turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six. Offering 317kW between 5500-7300rpm and 550Nm from just 1850rpm, the six…

The price of BMW’s F10 M5 was effectively discounted by almost $45,000 mid year with the arrival of the Pure version, which sits alongside the full fruit model at $229,300. just 11kW less than the more expensive model. Whichever you choose, there is no distinction whatsoever between earthshaking torque and atomic power in the BMW’s 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine. You get shedloads of both. Two M buttons on the wheel let you dial one set of “make it go” data into suburbia mode and the other to your secret I’m-goingfor-a-drive-by-myself setting. All the adjustable stuff is there — engine mapping, transmission, dampers, variable ratio steering (still old-world hydraulic) and the very clever Active M rear diff lock — and it works as a coherent piece of technology, albeit one…

BMW’s X3, introduced in early 2011, is now much closer in size to the X5 and unless you need seven seats, it’s a great value alternative. The X3 lineup opens with the xDrive 20i, priced at a very attractive $61,100. It runs BMW’s 2.0-litre direct-injection turbopetrol four-cylinder with a standard eight-speed automatic. The engine produces 135kW of power, 270Nm of torque and averages 7.5L/100km. The xDrive20d is priced at $64,700. As is often the case with BMW, it’s this model that looks like the pick of the range. It runs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 140kW and 400Nm. Average fuel consumption is just 5.4L/100km and it will reach 100km/h in a claimed 8.1 seconds. The xDrive30d, at $77,700, runs the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel with 190kW and 560Nm. It’s the quickest variant,…

In a market where the default solution for parents looking for a kid carrier is the lumbering SUV, Citroen offers an alternative that, by rights, should be in every second suburban driveway. It’s that good. Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso seven-seater costs $44,990 with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel/six-speed automatic drivetrain. A shorter wheelbase, five-seater model, sans the Grand prefix, is also available with a 1.6-litre turbopetrol/six-speed auto, priced at $40,990. A genuine seven-seater, the Grand C4 Picasso family wagon — or people mover, if you prefer — arguably lacks nothing in standard form. It is, indeed, one of the more bountifully equipped cars in any class on the market. There’s all sorts of practical, clever thinking in this car that’s designed to make a parent’s life as easy as possible. Automatic…

The Fiat 500 range opens with the 1.2-litre Pop, priced at $16,000 with a five-speed manual or $17,500 with the five-speed Dualogic transmission. The 1.4-litre/six-speed manual S is $19,000 and the Dualogic is $20,500. The 875cc Twin Air engine, with a five-speed manual, is available with Dualogic only, in the $22,000 Lounge. The completely crazy Abarth 695 Biposto, with a 140kW 1.4-litre turbopetrol, racecar-style H- pattern six-speed manual gearbox, Akrapovic pipe, adjustable suspension, rear titanium roll bar, Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels is $65,000. Like the reincarnated Mini, the 500 is a retro car inspired by the model of the same name that Fiat built from 1957-1975 as affordable transport in Italy. The 875cc Twin Air is a two cylinder and its fuel numbers are comparable with a small hybrid…

Ford’s Focus was overhauled in July 2015 with a new, more fuel-efficient Ecoboost 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine being the headline change, along with the dropping of diesel from the lineup, a facelift, suspension and cabin upgrades. The base model is the $23,390 Trend hatch, with a six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic adds $1000. Trend sedan, with the auto as standard, is $24,390. Sport man/auto hatch is $26,490/$27,490. Titanium auto hatch (as tested) and sedan are both $32,690. The Focus ST hot hatch, with the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine as the Falcon, tuned for 184kW and with a sixspeed manual, is $38,990. The new 1.5-litre turbopetrol makes the Focus a much more viable alternative to VW’s 1.4-litre turbopetrol Golf. In fact it’s arguably a better alternative, because the Ford engine…

The FG X Falcon range kicks off at $36,400 for the base model. The G Series begins with the G6E at $40,110 and the G6E Turbo at $47,050. All run a sixspeed automatic as standard. The base model and G6E are available, at the same price, with either the 179kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged Ecoboost engine or the mighty 195kW 4.0-litre straight six we know and love. The 2.0-litre Ecoboost engine is also used to excellent effect in the Kuga, Mondeo, Volvo S60/V60/XC60, Land Rover Disco Sport and Range Rover Evoque. Ford Australia did a major engineering job, swinging it around 90 degrees to install it for the first time in rearwheel-drive architecture, with a bespoke calibrated six-speed ZF automatic transmission. It launches the Falcon to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, just…

Turbodiesel power and the venerable Falcon 4.0-litre petrol six are available in the SZ MkII Territory range. The 140kW 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 is matched with a six-speed automatic. The 195kW 4.0 petrol engine is available only with rear-wheel drive. The base 4.0 TX is $37,490 and the TX 2.7 TDCi is $40,740, or $45,740 with all-wheel drive. Mid spec TS prices for the same drivetrains are $42,240, $45,490 and $50,490. The top-of-the-line Titanium, also with the same drivetrain lineup, costs $48,490, $51,740 and $56,740. A six-speed automatic is standard. Is the turbodiesel worth the extra $3250 over the petrol? If fuel economy is more important than performance, yes. Although the 2.7 is a relatively old engine and not particuarly fuel efficient, it will return much better economy in town, where…

Holden’s VFII Commodore will see the car through until its demise in late 2017, when Holden ceases manufacturing in Australia. The VFII Commodore sedan range opens with the 3.0-litre V6/six-speed automatic Evoke, priced at $35,490. The Evoke Sportwagon costs $37,490. The same $2000 premium applies to all Sportwagons over their sedan equivalents. The SV6 3.6-litre V6/six-speed manual sedan is $37,290; the sixspeed auto SV6 is $39,490. The Calais, with the same 3.6-litre V6/six-speed auto drivetrain as SV6, is priced at $41,290. Calais V is $49,990 and the Calais V 6.2-litre V8/six-speed automatic is $57,490. The Holden 3.0-litre V6 engine does a workmanlike job and is kept busy by the six-speed automatic, however it lacks the bottom end and lower mid-range shove you expect from a V6 in a large car.…

The Holden Cruze, which has been built in Australia since late 2011, will soon cease local production, probably before Holden shuts down its Commodore manufacturing operations in 2017. Holden is battling to keep the ageing, unreliable Cruze competitive. Sedan and hatch prices, for equivalent specification, are the same. The 104kW 1.8-litre slugger (an engine that dates from the late-1990s TS Astra) five-speed manual Equipe starts at $19,890. A six-speed auto adds $2200. Cruze SRi and SRi-V hatch and sedan models feature a 132kW, 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine from Opel, a six-speed manual, and Holden-calibrated sports suspension with a stiffer rear torsion beam plus a Watts link to keep it properly located. SRi, priced at $23,140 or $25,340 with a six-speed auto, includes 17-inch alloys with 225/50 Bridgestone Potenza tyres, cuddly seats,…

The Opel Insignia dates from 2009, when it won European Car of the Year. Insignia VXR was also sold here as the Opel Insignia OPC during Opel’s spectacularly unsuccessful foray into the Australian market under its own moniker in 2012-2013. It’s now back with a Holden badge; the Insignia, which will also carry the Commodore name from 2018, will be an all-new model. Insignia VXR runs a Holdenbuilt 2.8-litre V6 engine which first saw active duty here in the 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero. It’s since been comprehensively updated with a high-pressure turbocharger, variable exhaust valve timing and direct injection, and now produces a healthy 239kW of power and 435Nm of torque. Drive goes to all wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, Haldex coupling and, at the rear, an electronic limited…

Honda’s Civic was was once Japan’s most highly credentialled small car and a class benchmark. Sadly, those days are long gone. Hardly encouraging stuff, but at least they’ve taken the axe to prices, with the Civic starting at just $18,490 for the base Vi with a 104kW 1.8-litre engine and a fivespeed manual gearbox. The fivespeed auto VTi is $21,990. The VTi-S automatic is $23,290 while the VTi-L is $26,290. The similarly recycled 114kW 2.0-litre/five-speed auto Sport (which, err, isn’t) costs $30,290. The 1.8-litre engine is still acceptably frugal and efficient by current standards. It’s not loaded with torque or power, but Honda’s variable valve operation system (VTEC) gives it reasonable flexibility and around town it does the job in a relaxed and refined fashion. The Civic is built for…

Honda’s Accord range opens with the 129kW 2.4-litre petrol/five-speed automatic VTi-S, priced at $33,990. The Accord VTi-L, as tested here, is $41,490. The 206kW 3.5-litre V6/six-speed automatic Accord V6L costs $51,990. A strong contender for the most overpriced vehicle in Australia is the Sport Hybrid, at a ridiculous $58,990. Drive a Toyota Camry Hybrid SL, at $40,440, and you will understand why. The 2.4 is a dull engine that shows its age in its lack of sparkle, tractability and refinement. It’s also pretty thirsty in real-world driving, especially compared with the 2.5-litre engine in the Mazda6. A simple, stylish, conservative interior feels like $30,000 worth, not $45,000. The Accord does have a once-popular feature that you just don’t get in many new cars these days: an ashtray! It even has…

HSV’s Gen-F2 GTS sedan could, and probably should, ink the history books as Australia’s greatest performance car, period. The outrageous 430kW of power and 740Nm of torque generated by its supercharged “LSA” 6.2-litre V8 is a huge leap above and beyond any other local product, past or present. These outputs are comparable with other world supersports sedan benchmarks such as the BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz AMG E63 S and Porsche Panamera Turbo GT, which command up to $400,000. The HSV GTS, however, costs just $95,990 in six-speed manual form. The six-speed auto variant is $98,490. The GTS’s greatness isn’t merely engine specific. It’s underpinned with solid Holden VF Commodore DNA, treated to the most comprehensive powertrain, handling and braking enhancement program of any Australian muscle car to date, and delivers staggering…

Hyundai’s Mk7 Sonata range comprises the $29,990 Active, the midrange Elite at $36,990 and top-spec Premium for a tenner under $42,000. The Active alone employs the 138kW/241Nm 2.4-litre directinjection four-cylinder petrol engine. As with all variants, it drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Nicely smooth at take-off, it offers sufficient oomph around town and is able to really pick up speed quickly on the open road. But the 2.4 sounds vocal at higher revs and trails the class champ (Mazda 6) for average fuel consumption at 8.2L/100km. Elite and Premium also deliver significantly punchier urge thanks to a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre fourpot turbopetrol engine, with much stronger acceleration combined with more instantaneous rolling response. However, the lardy Hyundai with the extra huff still lacks enough puff when loaded…

Hyundai’s Veloster isn’t the first car with two doors on one side and one on the other. Mini tried it with the Clubman. They sold, oh, not very many at all, so it’s safe to assume it’s an idea that’s not going to catch on. The base model, with a 103kW atmo 1.6 petrol/six-speed manual, costs $24,490. The Veloster+ is $29,490. A six-speed dual clutch transmission adds $2200 to both. The SR Turbo is $29,990, or $32,490 with a sixspeed automatic. The turbocharged 1.6 produces 150kW at 6000rpm and 265Nm from 1750-4500rpm. That’s slightly below Euro hot hatch ballpark numbers today, but it’s certainly enough, and the engine has a lovely smooth turbo rush that comes on strong from about 2000rpm. The SR Turbo handles fine, and its steering is…

Infiniti’s Q50 is the first series production car to use steer by wire technology. Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is standard in every Q50 bar the base-model GT. The Daimler-sourced 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbopetrol/seven-speed automatic/rear-wheel-drive 2.0t GT is $50,900; the S is $56,900 and the S Premium is $60,500. Also from Daimler, the 125kW/400Nm 2.1-litre fourcylinder turbodiesel/seven-speed auto/rear-wheel-drive 2.2d GT is priced at $51,900; the 2.2d S is $57,900 and the S Premium is $61,500. The Q50 Hybrid runs a 3.5-litre V6 petrol/electric-motor parallel hybrid drivetrain with combined outputs of 268kW/546Nm. It’s priced at $67,900 for the rear-wheel-drive S and $73,400 for the all-wheel-drive S Premium; both run a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission. The Hybrid gets up and flies, with much greater enthusiasm than its Lexus IS rival. The 2.1-litre turbodiesel is no…

Kia’s Sorento is a significantly bigger wagon than its predecessor, comparable with Toyota’s Kluger and the Nissan Pathfinder, with vast interior space for seven. Petrol-powered models are front-wheel drive. The range opens with the 199kW 3.3-litre V6/six-speed automatic Si, at $40,990; SLi petrol is $45,990. Sorento’s 147kW 2.2-litre turbodiesel is a superb engine, as strong, frugal and refined as any German equivalent. It’s also matched with a sixspeed automatic. The all-wheel drivetrain includes a lockable centre differential. Prices start at $44,490 for the Si, tested here; SLi is $49,490 and Platinum, with a suite of driver aids including lane departure warning, radar cruise control and blind spot detection, is priced at $55,990. Sorento’s 2.2-litre turbodiesel has been improved to the point where you can’t pick it as a diesel because…

The Lexus ES starts at $62,500 for the petrol/electric hybrid ES 300h Luxury. The ES350 V6 petrol is $63,500. Sports Luxury versions of both, with extra gear, cost $70,500 and $71,500 respectively. Looking every inch a contemporary Lexus, the exquisitely made cabin is swathed in lush materials. It is the sheer expanse of rear-seat space — with one metre of legroom — that sets the Lexus apart against all rivals bar the Holden Caprice. Aimed at luring premium Euro buyers who don’t like or want a diesel, the 300h runs Toyota’s 118kW/213Nm 2.5-litre fourcylinder petrol unit, as used in the Camry Hybrid, combined with a 105kW/270Nm electric motor and a 244.8-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. Silent at first thanks to electriconly power, the four-pot petrol steps in seamlessly as speeds rise,…

This is the third-generation of Mazda’s massively popular 2, targeted at first-time new car buyers as well as “empty nesters” looking for a quality sub-compact five-door. The five-door hatch, new-fromthe-tyres-up 2015-model Mazda 2 is offered with a choice of two 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated, direct-injection petrol engines across three spec levels: Neo, Maxx and Genki. Pricing starts at a superaggressive $14,990 for the Neo manual; Maxx manual is $17,690 and Genki manual is $20,690. A six-speed auto adds $2000. Neo and Maxx are also available as a sedan, at the same prices and specification. All models are well-equipped. Neo gets cruise, Bluetooth and rear parking sensors, but no reversing camera. Maxx and Genki pick up the 3’s MZD Connect connectivity system incorporating web access (via your device), Bluetooth and internet…

The CX-3 gives Mazda an offering in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. With a choice of two fourcylinder engines — 77kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbodiesel or 109kW/192Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol — the CX-3 is up against more than 20 contenders, including Honda’s HRV, Nissan’s Qashqai and the Renault Captur. Depending on spec, the CX-3 also offers the option of frontor all-wheel drive (the latter being a rarity at this end of the market), as well as the choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. There are four spec levels — base Neo, next-step Maxx, premium S Touring and topshelf Akari. As expected, pricing is sharp, with the entry-point of $19,990 (Neo petrol FWD manual) running across a close to $18K spread up to the top-spec Akari diesel AWD auto,…