Nissan GTR R35 - Tested
After a five year delay with no iconic performance GT-R model, Nissan has blown everyone away with their new 2008 model R35. This car is a technical tour de force, and performs so astoundingly well, at such a relatively low price, that it will force companies like Porsche to have a serious re-evaluation of their own cars.
A drive of the latest weapon from the GT-R stable showed how potent the new car is... It feels harsh, clunky and very much the competition car environment, that's a part of the intrinsic nature of the new car. While previous models (we had R32, R33 and R34 on hand to test back to back at the Speed Dome venue) were based on everyday luxury family cars, the newest iteration of GT-R is a purebred performance machine.
With quoted acceleration times in the mid-4 second range the acceleration is certainly impressive - and very enjoyable. The automated manual gearchange, even though I'm not a great fan of them - suits this car's character perfectly and is amazingly efficient. It's quick, precise and effective. Pretty much like the whole car. Even in automatic mode punting the R35 around the Speed Dome was exhilarating.
The technological features of this car are mind boggling, and without doubt would be beyond the need or scope of any owner. Want to know the tyre pressures? Just hit the voice recognition button and call out "Tyres" and a readout for each tyre appears on the dash centre screen. There's plenty of Big Brother stuff in these cars too. In Japan (the only market where the car is available at present), if you take your car to a race track, the GPS will log the information back at Nissan's GT-R headquarters and if you don't follow up your track testing time with a factory approved service, your warranty can be voided.
The styling is very much in the modern Nissan sports idiom, yet it retains enough of the Skyline DNA to be recognizably a GT-R. There are certainly plenty of detail items both inside and out which grab your attention. The finish, especially in the interior is a quantum leap forward over the R34.
It's a car in which even an experienced and competent driver can feel very inadequate, so high are it's levels of capability. OK, while it was great fun at the Speed Dome in Perth, it's really a car to take for a few laps of the Nurburgring.
Photos: Paul Blank Special thanks to Fabcar of Victoria Park for assistance with the cars.
Skoda Roomster TDI - Tested
Skoda's return to Australia is spearheaded by two models. The funky Roomster blurs the line between small wagon and people mover, whereas the Octavia is a more mainstream model. Reactions to the Roomster were generally positive from people absorbing what the new car was when we had it on test. The styling is quite unusual, It's a different way of expressing the roominess that a high roof small wagon can offer.
It certainly has space inside for six foot plus people to wear top hats. While that's pretty useless in the front, it does help give a very spacious load carrying area in the rear. The back seat is a 3-piece affair, each folding, sliding and easily removed - though the centre seat is very narrow and only suitable for kids. There are plenty of tie-down hooks, nooks and even two glove boxes - probably sufficient storage places to satisfy anyone.
Performance from the 1.9-litre turbo diesel unit is quite reasonable. It's a hit slow of the mark, but has strong mid-range acceleration, typical of a turbo diesel. The gearchange is easy and clutch remarkably light. An automatic version will be available later. The majority of the mechanical components are shared with other vehicles in the VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda ranges.
The finish is to a high standard, and while there is plenty of hard plastic inside it all seems good quality and there's no doubting the durability - Skoda came out ahead of it's siblings VW and Audi in English quality surveys recently. The light coloured lower sections of the interior trim help give a classy feel and emphasise the spaciousness. Equipment level is high, with power everything, climate control and alloy wheels standard.
Performance drivers won't get excited by the Roomster, but that's not who it's for. Anyone wanting a practical, stylish car which is out of the ordinary - and great value for money, would find the little Skoda a valuable companion.
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 1.9-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel
Power: 77kW
Torque: 240Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Performance: 0-100km/h 11.5 seconds
Price: $28,800
Enquiries: www.skoda.com.au
Photo - Paul BlankBMW 850i Convertible - Tested
This is BMW's big glamour car. While there are specialised high-performance M6 versions of the same car, this is the one that wealthy cruisers are meant to buy. It has a powerful V8 engine up front, is loaded with all the luxury equipment that BMW can dream up, and is very nicely built, by one of the best known luxury car makers. But not many people buy them. I wonder why?
Like many of the BMWs which the company's controversial stylist Chris Bangle has been in charge of, the design of this car polarises opinions - almost exclusively to the South Pole. Only one person I spoke with during the week I had this car for review thought it was good looking. Personally, I can't see an attractive line on it anywhere. I've met Bangle and heard him give a talk amongst other car designers, and he's very persuasive... clearly the BMW board are under his spell.
Of course it includes BMWs infuriating non-intuitive direction indicators. Why do they think it's necessary to re-educate drivers for their cars? The Play Station gear selector works nicely, as do the other controls. Over the past few years there have been lots of complaints about BMWs I-Drive computer controller on the console, and while it's still far from perfect, it isn't that hard to get the hang of. The navigation system BMW uses is one of the better types on the market.
And the head-up display on this car - projecting information onto the lower windscreen - it's brilliant. Road speed, important warnings and navigation directions are shown on the head-up display. Surely this wonderful feature should migrate to many other cars. There are dozens of motors powering things on this almost 2-tonne car, including one to lift the steering wheel to help (obese) drivers enter and exit the car, soft door shutters and headlights that turn (slightly) with the steering. The seats are adjustable in every direction and it's possible to carry 4 full-sized adults, if they don't mind compromising on space a little.
Performance is strong, but not blistering, and the wonderfully deep, woofling exhaust note is an aural pleasure. In Sport mode, the gearshifts allow more enjoyment of the sounds than normal, but the additional steering column-mounted flipper shift mode is really superfluous, as the car changes up or into drive at it's own discretion anyway.
There's no doubting some fine engineering has gone into this car, and it's as easy as can be to drive in town or the country - but you'd really have to like the look of it...
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 4.8-litre V8
Power: 270kW
Torque: 490Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Performance: 0-100km/h 5.8 seconds
Price: $228,800
Enquiries: www.bmw.com.au
Photo - Paul BlankPeugeot 207 XT HDi Touring - Tested
Peugeot's new, more extreme look, with gaping mouth grille and stretched lights is ever more evident on their newest models. Recently launched in Australia is the wagon version of their small 207 series. This car is a little bigger than the very popular 206 it replaced, and this works well in the case of the wagon.
The car we tested featured the 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine, which is extremely popular in the model in Europe. A petrol version is also offered. Australians have been awakening to the benefits of diesels in recent times, and for a small unit, this one won't disappoint. It's no rocketship, but offers decent acceleration, especially mid-range where the strong torque can work to its benefit. The 5-speed manual is a fine box and once you're used to the characteristics of the car, it's quite good fun to drive.
Initially the very light (electric) power steering seems over sensitive, but with familiarization, it only feels so light at parking speeds - which is fine.
For Australia the 207 HDi Touring is very well kitted-out, with features including a fabulous full-size panoramic glass roof (with electrically retractable internal blind), separate opening rear hatch glass, automatic wipers, dual zone climate-control air conditioning and little items such as remote controls for the sound system mounted on the leather-bound steering wheel.
An improvement on previous small Peugeot wagons, the rear seat-back flips easily down to provide a flat load space. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable - in the best French car tradition.
Peugeot offers a big range of 207s in Australia, including 3-door and 5-door hatches and the retractable hardtop 2-door CC model. These are certainly very likeable cars as a drive will prove.
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 1560cc 4-cylinder, turbo diesel (petrol also available)
Power: 80kW
Torque: 240Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual tested, auto available with petrol engine
Performance: 0-100km/h 10.3 seconds
Price: $29,790
Enquiries: www.peugeot.com.au
Photo - Paul Blank
Mitsubishi Lancer VRX - tested
The latest Lancer has been an instant hit for Mitsubishi, it's aggressively styled new look being an indicator of how serious the company has been in completely renewing the model. It's a far cry from a Lancer even a couple of generations back. one of the most obvious strengths of the new car's driving characteristics is how tight the car feels - clearly there have been big advances made in the structural elements of the body.
Opinions tend to be varied on the new look - it is very deep sided and the boot on the VRX, with its big rear wing, looks very high. The new-look snout is the most different part though, and I think it works well. It effectively differentiates the Lancer from the rest of the cars this size. And its size is considerable these days. While the Lancer is still a small car, it has grown again for the new model.
Aside from the specialist EvoX (turbocharged, four-wheel-drive, etc), the VRX is the top of the range, all of which share the same 2-litre, 4-cylinder engine. Our test car was fitted with the automatic transmission - a CVT unit which takes some people a little while to get used to. The constantly variable transmission makes the car sound like the transmission is slipping under some acceleration conditions, which it's not. It works well enough though, and the flippers behind the steering wheel allow selection with sharper response.
Our car also wore smart 17-incjh alloy wheels and a glass sunroof, which worked rather noisily. The Rockford Fosgate sound system is effective and also has steering wheel controls.
The VRX also features keyless entry and ignition, sports seats and a body kit. It's pretty well equipped, but hen it's not especially cheap.
Performance on the road is fine, acceleration best described as adequate... Very good handling is ably assisted by the tight as a drum feel the whole car has. Other than when on coarse bitumen the car is quiet inside - again something anyone who drives an older model Lancer would be impressed by. There's good reason why the latest Lancer is proving such a success...
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 2-litre 4-cylinder
Power: 113kW
Torque: 198Nm
Transmission: CVT automatic tested, manual also available
Performance: 0-100km/h 9.5 seconds (manual), 10.5 seconds (auto)
Price: $28,990 (manual), $31,490 (auto)
Enquiries: www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au
Photo - Paul Blank
Toyota Aurion TRD - tested
Toyota has had another hit on its hands with the current Camry and Aurion twins, but the company has been keen to expand the appeal of the model and has launched the supercharged Aurion TRD as a range-topping performance version.
TRD (Toyota Racing Developments) has long been a maker of aftermarket performance accessories for Toyotas, with their strongest market recognition being in Japan and the USA. This completely Australian developed TRD model is far more that a bunch of accessories added to an existing model. Extensively tested in Japan and Australia, the upgraded Aurion is very much a fully developed model in its own right.
Testing included the engine doing 100 hours at maximum revs (6400rpm), during which the engine consumed 14,000 litres of fuel!
Many areas have received attention, most interesting of which is the addition of a new type of Eaton Supercharger. The Aurion TRD is the first production car to incorporate this unit. The power output is 241kW, which the car puts easily to the ground via a 6-speed automatic transmission, with lock-up torque converter and artificial intelligence shift control. This goes to the front wheels - the car sitting on attractive 19-inch wheels with top of the range 45/35x19 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres. Brakes and suspension have also received attention.
An aggressive and quite attractive body kit graces the Aurion, which from the front looks somewhat HSV inspired. The interior includes specially bolstered sports seats, changed steering wheel and a few other minor items, but inside, the TRD is more luxury car than sporting machine in both versions offered.
It's an easy car to drive, showing no histrionics under pressure (as you'd expect from a Toyota). Our drive proves it handles the circuit well, with the brakes withstanding punishment well. Acceleration is strong without being brutal and the handling/roadholding balance is very competent. It's quiet inside and you're well insulate from the outside world, even when pushing hard. Sophisticated electronic nannies ensure you keep out of trouble - but battle to keep the torque steer to a reasonable level.
The overall balance of the whole package as a performance car is unquestionably good, but it won't be taking conquest sales from HSV buyers. The Aurion TRD doesn't have that brute force kind of appeal that the Aussie V8s have. Twenty year olds won't aspire to ever owning one. Nor are BMW or Audi buyers likely to consider it. Still, plenty of Toyota buyers wanting more than what a Sportivo offers will be happy to upgrade to a TRD, and they won't be disappointed.
Slow initial sales have initiated a price drop from Toyota.
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 3.5 litre V6, supercharged
Power: 241kW
Torque: 400Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Performance: 0-100km/h 6.1 seconds
Price: 3500S $56,990, 3500SL $61,500
Elfin MS8 Clubman - tested
This Australian car is remarkable in every way. Through several owners, Elfin has been around for 50 years making racing and sports cars.
Initially an Adelaide based concern, predominantly building racing cars for various categories, Elfin has received a higher profile in recent years.
The latest two models are the Clubman and fuller-bodied Streamliner. They break new ground for limited-production lightweight sports cars. The styling is up-to-the-minute fresh, they're powered by Holden's current V8 and they're beautifully made.
We toured the factory in Melbourne and the high level of care in design and construction of these cars is self evident. Tom Walkinshaw has bought Elfin, and with its new sister company HSV's experience and backing, the cars are now in production and dealers have been appointed all around Australia as well as a couple in England.
We drove the lighter, more traditionally styled Clubman model. It offers raw, thrilling performance. And not much more. The wind buffets, the ride is taught, unassisted brakes have a heavy pedal (but perform strongly) and the steering is pin sharp. But these cars are all about acceleration. The Elfin is absolutely, intoxicatingly brutal. Traction control helps, but there are few drivers who won't be intimidated by the car's sheer force. Brilliant!And by adjusting equipment levels, the factory has just brought the price down considerably too. The order books are starting to bulge and that's no surprise. The design, quality and performance mix that this car incorporates is unlike anything else.
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 5.7-litre V8 (supercharger optional)
Power: 245kW
Torque: 465Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Performance: 0-100km/h 4.2 seconds
Price: $84,990
Enquiries: www.elfin.com.au
BMW 320d Touring - tested
This exact version of BMW's popular 3-series is not sold in Australia - we tested this car in Europe, including many miles on autobahns and autoroutes. In Australia we see the wagon with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, and only get the 2-litre turbo diesel powerplant in the sedan body. Diesel engined cars are finally gaining some popularity in Australia, with 21 percent of BMW sales in Australia in 2007 being diesels.
BMW wagons have tended towards form over function and the latest 3-series wagon follows suit. It's a stylish machine in the latest Chris Bangle BMW look and in all versions is a pretty well thought out car. As well it ought to be as the 3-series sells in enormous quantities around the world.
The luggage area is not particularly large - when compared to most other wagons of a similar size - the wagon being exactly the same length as a 3-series sedan. A separately opening rear hatch glass is a nice and quite useful touch.
The 2-litre turbodiesel motor has a fraction
more power than a BMW 2-litre petrol engine, but more than a third more
torque, making it a very flexible and useable motor. Economy is considerable
better too. The engine is a bit noisy (surprisingly) in town, but can easily
propel the car stably at 200km/h - we tried it on an autobahn.
Fit and finish of the car throughout are clearly to a high standard, but one unnecessarily infuriating design fault is the 'cleverer than the driver' indicator controls. Why does BMW insist on re-educating people on the most fundamental driving skill? It seems like the i-drive designers needed something else to do. The sooner they stop this nonsense the better.
The i-drive control in the 3-series is not as complicated as early iterations of BMW's controller. The Navigation system is one of the best we've used, performing well (except for unnecessarily diverting us off freeways through towns when instructed not to...).
Overall it felt a good car, but somehow, not completely great.
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 1995cc Turbo diesel 4-cylinder
Power: 120 kW
Torque: 340 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic tested (6-speed manual also available)
Performance: 0-100km/h 8.6 seconds
Price: $68,900 (turbo diesel sedan) $71,500 (auto petrol wagon)
Enquiries:
www.bmw.com.au
Mitsubishi Pajero VRX & Exceed LWB Wagons - tested
Mitsubishi's latest iteration of its big off-road cruiser is a bit difficult to pigeonhole. There's no doubt it's extremely capable off road, but that's probably of little importance to the majority of its buyers. For the school run, where most Pajeros will be doing their work, off-road capability is irrelevant.
It has a tough, rugged feel to it, but is fairly well equipped in the way the market for big 4WD wagons demands. The V6 engine is smooth with just adequate power for the job but it's mated to a truly excellent automatic transmission. Turbo diesel engine variants are also available.
Around town its size is an attraction to many people, not just for the good load capacity, but also for its height and lofty driving position. In the country, it cruises very nicely – which is one of the new Pajero's greatest strengths. It's let down by uncomfortable seats though - especially in the rear. The finish inside and out seems to be to a good standard and the equipment level is up to the job, with the Exceed being especially well endowed with comfort features (including rear DVD player, leather seats, etc).
Ultimately the Pajero is probably no less sophisticated or truck-like than its competitors – you'd really need to have a 4WD in the first place. One consideration for a buyer should be Mitsubishi's market-leading 5-year/130,000km warranty.VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 184 kW
Torque: 329 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed Automatic (5-speed manual also available)
Performance: 0-100km/h 13.5 seconds
Price: $57,990
Enquiries: www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au
Lexus RX400h
A conundrum. Here's a high quality, easy to drive, comfortable cross-over vehicle, fitted with four motors – 3 electric and a 3.3-litre petrol engine. Hybrids are gaining popularity worldwide, with most being economy-cars - the RX400h is the first big hybrid on the local market, and it's set to be followed by luxury road cars from the range.
It's comprehensively equipped, from self-levelling headlights, through sat-nav to the remote tailgate open/shut system. The leather seats are comfortable front and rear and there is power assist for everything, even the steering wheel adjustment - all in line with its luxury brand name.The driving experience in this hybrid is not much different to a normal petrol car, except that it's silent when stopped. The slightest acceleration brings the petrol engine into play. A dashboard screen shows which propulsion system is in use, as well as showing the regenerating under braking. It certainly summonses strong acceleration when asked, though isn't very economical - but that's probably not a high priority for the buyer of a $94,000 vehicle. The factory claims it uses 8.1 litres per 100km.
The hybrid system seems questionable in a car like this, which could stand alone as a fine vehicle without it - and that's what the $18,000 cheaper RX350 is.
VITAL STATISTICS
Engine type: 3.3-litre petrol engine plus 3 electric power units
Power: 200kW total
Torque: 342Nm
Transmission: CVT gearless automatic
Performance: Top speed 200 km/h, 0-100km/h 7.6 seconds
Price: $94,100
Enquiries: www.lexus.com.au
I
The
Colt is a very good package, in any version, sharing its structure with the
ill-fated Smart Forfour, but thoroughly deserving a better future. One car
set to help is the Ralliart version. Far more than a decorative 'sports
pack' as is often applied to small cars pretending to be actually sporty
(remember Toyota's Echo Sportivo?), the Ralliart is the real deal. It boasts
a powerful turbocharged engine, uprated suspension, excellent Recaro seats,
big wheels on low profile tyres and an electronic aid package which is
certainly biased to the sporty driver.
Audi
A4 3.0 TDi Quattro - tested 
