Diesel | Car Advice

Spy pics – Ford Australia tests Verve based small car

July 3rd, 2009 19 Comments

After exclusive spy pictures of Ford Australia testing the upcoming Ford Ranger/Mazda BT-50, our spy guy has now snapped some interesting photos of Ford Australia testing a new small car based on the Ford Verve concept.

The new small car will be used throughout India as Ford’s new entry level model, and will also makes its debut in Brazil and Europe.

Mini Cooper D welcomes new Toyota Prius

July 1st, 2009 37 Comments

Recently Mini was quick to run a large advertising campaign across the country to showcase the Cooper D as Australia’s most fuel efficient car.

We can imagine Toyota’s marketing department wasn’t awfully happy with that, knowing the new Prius was only weeks away.

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In it’s first full month on sale, close to a quarter of new Mini buyers chose the Cooper D. Mini, which is owned by BMW, says local orders are almost twice the expected level.

2009 BMW 7 Series diesel – First Steer

June 27th, 2009 17 Comments

Conventional wisdom says that if you are wafting along in a large, luxurious sedan then it should be this quiet, the same conventional wisdom says that if it’s a diesel then it probably won’t be this quiet.

What is more I’d swear that the BMW 740i that I was driving a few days before had more mechanical, induction, engine noise than does this 730d sibling!

The first diesel powered 7 Series to be offered by BMW in Australia makes a strong argument, through its clean, powerful and frugal performance, to persuade even well heeled purchasers that there is a case for taking the diesel option.

Back in Europe just about every BMW, indeed every car, has a diesel badge on the back, and BMW has been a leader in the technology development, but here in Australia the German company only introduced its first diesel model five years ago.

In the intervening time diesels have risen to become one-third of local sales across the model range and now even the most prestigious BMW buyer has the option of making that choice, perhaps not driven by a innate desire to save money but rather to be seen to be ‘green’.

It’s interesting to note, however, that a 730d owner will save money anyway as the diesel powered car is actually priced at $198,800, some $4200 cheaper than the identically specified 740i, which uses a twin-turbo petrol engine.

What BMW believes will appeal more strongly to the 7 Series buyer is the fact that the 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine underscores all its major rivals on fuel consumption and emissions outputs.

The 730d engine generates 180kW of power at 4000rpm and 540Nm of torque between 1750-3000rpm. As a result, the BMW 730d accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, yet uses just 7.2L/100km of fuel and emits only 192g/km of CO2, making it the most economical car in its class.

It also means the 730d is the first car in the upper luxury sedan segment to emit less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre, by comparison the Lexus LS600hL, despite being hybrid powered, emits 219g/km, and consumes 9.3L/100km of petrol.

The new 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel, six-cylinder engine delivers performance akin to a V8 engine, but with the fuel economy of some four-cylinder engines housed in much smaller bodies.

Like all of the 7 Series models the BMW 730d is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics that make for faster shifting, improved shift comfort and reduced fuel consumption.

There’s not a hint of all this frugal-ness on the road as the 730d delivers uncompromising performance and bursts into life without the slightest hint of a rattle or a wheeze, so typical of diesel engines from other manufacturers.

In fact, had somebody not spent an hour telling me how good this diesel engine was, and had I not already noted the ‘d’ badge on the rear, I’d have been more inclined to believe we were driving something with V8 power, once on the road.

Perhaps the only give away would be the tinge of turbo-lag that is evident on initial acceleration, but once underway there is abundant performance thanks to that massive torque figure and even on twisty country roads this very big, heavy car feels more like a sports car as it hauls itself out of corners.

That acceleration is so linear and progressive you can well believe the tales of those who have travelled on autobahns in this car and cruised for hundreds of kilometres, fully laden, with the speedo needle sitting steadily on 200km/h.

While we never saw figures even remotely approaching that, some spirited driving through the country lanes around Bowral in New South Wales saw the trip computer tell a ‘woeful tale’ of fuel consumption nudging 8.0L/100km, a figure Holden Caprice drivers can only dream of.

For the most part we actually recorded 5.8L/100km while cruising on the motorways and this generally nudged up into the region of 7.5L/100km when giving the throttle some vigorous use through the twisty bits.

While doing just that we observed that the steering weights-up nicely, although it can feel a bit remote mid-corner, and despite the alloy engine block the rear-wheel-drive 730d does get a bit nose-heavy under directional changes.

We can’t generally disagree with BMW’s claim that the all-new suspension optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort.

The ambience inside the car is one of relatively serene quiet, there’s just no real noise from the engine, the run-flat tyres or the wind. Comfort is typical of the 7 Series although we are inclined to the view that taller rear seat passengers are a little cramped for legroom, when similar height people occupy the front seats.

Boot space is the same as other 7 Series and is adequate for the job, while not being truly spectacular for such a big car.

The new 7 Series is the first BMW Sedan with a double-wishbone front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle, made largely of aluminium.

Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of optional Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering.

Extending the performance envelope are new driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control, which are standard.

The Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console varies the dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map. This offers the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings.

In Australia, customers are offered the following features, directly aligned with the 740i, as standard on the new 730d: Head-Up Display, High Beam Assistant, Adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with daytime running function, variable headlight beam distribution for better illumination around bends, including automatic turning lights, Automatic Variable Light technology (beam throw control with country / highway lights), Rear View Camera, and Cruise Control with Brake function.

The new BMW 730d will go on sale this month with a manufacturer’s list price from $198,800*.

*Manufacturer List Price excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact a BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

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2009 Skoda Superb – First Steer

June 26th, 2009 44 Comments

2009 Skoda Superb – First Steer Review

How cheesy, we arrive at Sydney Airport and the limo waiting to collect us is none other than a Skoda Superb.

Sitting in the back seat of a car we are yet to drive, while a glorified taxi driver dodges and weaves through Sydney traffic to get us to our hotel – what a horrible way to begin a car launch! So I thought.

The chauffeur loaded our luggage (three adults worth, along with my gigantic camera bag) into the boot and we all jumped in – with me riding behind the driver.

After closing the door, I was at a loss for words. I could literally stretch my legs out comfortably and not have my head of hair touching the roof, an absolute first for me in almost any car.

It turns out our equally tall driver had his seat in his preferred driving position (which was almost all the way back), so there wasn’t any trickery involved with first impressions.

To top it all off, the drive to the hotel was a non-event in terms of near misses and regular Sydney drivers, not a bad start I thought.

The following morning we set out on our drive route, which was to cover a great portion of the bush north of Sydney, eventually winding back and stopping at the Rose Seidler house, which is a very interesting place and most certainly worth a visit if you’re in the need for something to do over the weekend.

My co-driver and I started the trek in the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel Superb. Producing 125kW and 350Nm of torque, this feisty diesel is mated to a six-speed DSG. For a car that weighs some 1655kg, the diesel really hauls it along with great ease.

Hills are dismissed with a dollop of throttle, while gaps in traffic are taken care of with a light hearted jab at the throttle.

As I have previously mentioned in my Skoda Octavia review, there is just something strange about the new DSG arrangement. It stutters and jolts off the line randomly if you’re inconsistent with your take-offs from a standing start.

Pricing for the 2.0-TDI starts at $45,990 for the Ambition grade and $48,990 for the Elegance grade (more on the grade divisions later).

Ride quality is absolutely spot on for cruising. The suspension simply soaks up holes in the road and made light work of the wavy New South Wales roads we endured.

Fuel consumption for the frugal diesel is just 6.9-litres/100km. While a dash from 0-100km/h takes just 8.8-seconds – just slower than the much more powerful and smaller, bog stock VE Commodore.

Where the 2.0-TDI liked a bit of roll-play in the corners (and I’m not speaking about the theatrical sense), the flagship 3.6-litre V6 laughed them off with each successive lob of the steering wheel.

Powered by the same engine fitted to le Passat R36, the 191kW V6 produces a hearty 350Nm of torque, with a note sonorous enough to get the ears tingling.

The engine is extremely smooth and deliciously linear. Gearshifts are smooth in the regular drive mode, but bordering on vicious when the six-speed DSG is placed in sport mode.

Although the ‘4×4’ insignia all over the car is a bit ‘puhleese’ – as are the four exhaust pipes – the top of the range Superb well and truly makes up for it in terms of handling and performance.

Where the 2.0-TDI felt a bit wishy-washy through the corners, the V6 effortlessly trounced them. The vehicle we were driving was fitted with the optional 18-inch wheels, so there was a significant increase in ride firmness, but it wasn’t overdone and tiresome.

Steering feel is very impressive with plenty of feedback on offer through the wheel, and the steering wheel size itself is also the way it should be, with enough space to grip it from each side in comfort.

Where the 2.0-TDI is the frugal model of the bunch, the V6 is respectively the least frugal, sipping through a combined 10.2-litres/100km.

The V6 gets bigger brakes than the 1.8TSI and 2.0-TDI. The 1.8TSI and 2.0-TDI receive 312×25mm front ventilated rotors and 286×12mm solid rear rotors. The V6 on the other hand receives 345×30mm ventilated front rotors and 310×22mm ventilated rear rotors.

Pricing for the V6 begins at $56,990 and is available in a single grade – Elegance.

In addition to the 2.0TDI and V6 models available in the Skoda Superb range, a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol variant is also available, known as the 1.8TSI, but due to limited availability, we weren’t able to drive this variant.

It offers 118kW of power and 250Nm of torque and is priced at $42,990 for the Ambition grade and $45,990 for the Elegance grade.

The difference between Ambition and Elegance is $3000 in monetary terms. The difference in price nabs you Bi-xenon headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting System; electronically adjustable driver’s seat with memory; leather seats; alarm system with interior monitoring and an optional 400W, 10-speaker sound system.

One of the innovative and cool options is the solar cell sunroof, and before all those Toyota Prius fans start jumping up and down, Skoda had the idea first.

The sunroof, unlike a conventional sunroof, is fitted with solar cells that absorb the sun’s rays and use the power generated to operate the vehicle’s internal ventilation system. This allows the temperature of the cabin to be reduced by up to 25-degrees Celsius on a hot day, and it’s free! Well, the power generated is, not the sunroof, it’s a – gulp – $2290 option.

Parking assistance is also available as an $890 option on the Superb, it’s a feature that automatically parallel parks the car in the event you can’t be bothered or don’t know how – and it works really well!

Interior space across the range is remarkable. There’s 585-litres on offer in the boot (more than both Falcon and Commodore), while the rear leg room is just astonishing and needs to be seen to be believed.

Skoda has patented the technology it uses to split-open the tailgate. The technology allows the operator to open the tailgate as a boot or as an entire tailgate. The innovative technology works quite well and would well and truly come in handy when it comes to loading and unloading large items.

Safety equipment standard across the range includes nine-airbags (driver and front passenger front and side airbags, rear passenger side airbags, full length curtain airbags and a driver knee airbag). Electronic Stability Control is also standard across the range and the car scored a five-star EuroNCAP rating overseas and this was recently translated into a five-star ANCAP rating.

I may sound like a broken record here when it comes to Skoda products, but it’s nigh on impossible to fault what the Czech arm of VW is doing.

Although some may not agree with the design (I know it hasn’t grown on me just yet), it’s far from offensive and the rest of the car well and truly makes up for it.

Everything from the drive to the ride is done with the utmost precision, it’s any wonder half the limousine companies in Australia don’t purchase a large fleet of these cars.

If you’re in the market for a new large sedan and want something big enough to haul family and friends, your local Skoda dealership MUST be your first stop.

Innovation and creativity is key to the functionality and design of this car – it’s something the Japanese and Australian’s are yet to hear about.

*Please note: Pricing is pre on road costs.

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BMW UK releases most fuel efficient 3 Series

June 25th, 2009 17 Comments

BMW UK will this month release the cleanest, most fuel efficient 3 Series it has yet produced in the form of its new 316d ES sedan.

Powered by a (86kW/260Nm) 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine the 316d ES manages 3.74 litres per 100km on the combined cycle while at the same time recording CO2 outputs of just 118g/km.

BMW 7 Series sips fuel like small car

June 22nd, 2009 12 Comments

German importer BMW reckons its latest entrant into the luxury sedan market can challenge many small cars when it comes to fuel efficiency.

The company says that buyers of BMW’s new 730d luxury sedan, which goes on sale this month, will benefit from fuel consumption that is identical to many small four-cylinder sedans and hatchbacks.

In a pioneering breakthrough, the 730d also becomes the first, and only, car in the upper luxury sedan segment to emit less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the actual figure is 192g/km.

BMW says this puts it ahead of hybrid and other diesel competitors in the segment, which all use more fuel and emit greater volumes of CO2.

“Buyers of large premium sedans can now make an even greater contribution to lowering CO2 emissions thanks to the arrival of the new 730d,” said BMW’s general manager of marketing, Tom Noble.

BMW says the new 730d consumes no more fuel, on the official combined cycle, than much smaller four-cylinder cars such as the manual, 1.8-litre, Holden Astra CD, the manual, 1.6-litre, Skoda Roomster, or the automatic, 1.8-litre, Honda Civic VTi.

The 730d’s official combined fuel usage, 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres, is also identical to smaller cars such as the 2.0-litre, Mercedes-Benz A200 and 1.8-litre, multitronic, Audi A4 1.8 TFSI.

“It’s not often a luxurious five-seater sedan is compared with smaller four-cylinder cars, but in terms of fuel consumption the 730d demonstrates the remarkable achievement of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme,” said Mr Noble.

The diesel-powered 7 Series, the first ever offered in Australia, also delivers a credible alternative to less fuel-efficient hybrid-powered vehicles in the upper luxury segment, which BMW says consume almost 30 per cent more fuel than the 730d.

The brand new turbocharged all-alloy straight six-cylinder engine in the 730d produces 180kW of power and 540Nm of torque, accelerating the car from 0-100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds.

In addition it complies with the most stringent Euro5 European emissions legislation.

Standard equipment levels of the new BMW 730d are the same as the recently released 740i, including features such as Head Up Display, rear view camera, metallic paint, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, Dynamic Driving Control and Brake Energy Regeneration.

The 730d will be launched to the Australian motoring media later this week and CarAdvice will, naturally, be there to bring you our first impressions of this new vehicle.

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Honda Insight tops hybrid sales in Europe

June 19th, 2009 13 Comments

Honda has today announced that its new Insight hybrid vehicle has sold more than any other hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle in Europe, using figures that take in sales in Turkey, Russia and Israel.

Honda says the figures, obtained from Jato Dynamics, show that in its first full month of sales the Insight proved to be the most popular petrol-electric hybrid vehicle on the market.

Skoda Superb Estate spotted

June 19th, 2009 14 Comments

The upcoming Skoda Superb Estate (or Combi) has been spotted on test in Europe by our friends at AutoExpress showing for the first time what we can expect from the spacious wagon when it’s released in just a few months.

At around 4850mm in length the Superb Estate will be roughly the same size as its sedan sibling externally but is said to be somewhat taller thanks to a revised rear seat arrangement and additional cargo area.

BMW X6 outsells Porsche Cayenne

June 18th, 2009 24 Comments

BMW’s segment busting X6 Sports Activity Coupé has proved a niche sales hit for the company, outselling its German import rival the Porsche Cayenne.

In ten months, 545 of the crossover BMWs have been delivered in Australia, highlighting its customer appeal.

BMW says that approximately 40 per cent of X6 customers were new to the brand, switching from a luxury competitor, and many buyers stepped up from a traditional coupé to the roomier Sports Activity Coupé.

Ford released Mondeo ECOnetic in UK

June 17th, 2009 16 Comments

Ford UK is boosting its Mondeo ECOnetic range with the introduction of a new 2.0-litre, 85kW model.

This latest model – the lowest CO2 Mondeo yet – broadens the choice of Ford models available with less than 140g/km CO2.

2009 Holden Cruze – Review & Road Test

June 17th, 2009 167 Comments

2009 Holden Cruze CD Review & Road Test

The struggle to be noticed

Model Tested:

2009 Holden Cruze CD – 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, SOHC, turbo diesel, six-speed auto – $25,990

Options: none fitted

Positives: steering & handling; interior styling
Negatives: turbo lag; visibility

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Nadine Armstrong

With its homogeneous styling and extensive ‘small car’ credentials, the new Holden Cruze wedges its way into a crowded line-up of disturbingly similar cars.

More grown up than the Astra, but not quite grasping the maturity of its slightly larger sibling, the Epica, the Cruze suffers from your classic ‘middle child’ syndrome.

Its form, economical engine and respectable price point are not unique selling points. It’s starting on the back foot, but no more so than many of its rivals.

While the Cruze does not leap out and scream, well, anything, it’s far from offensive or disappointing. We’ve just seen it all before; where’s the benchmark?

Its exterior styling is classic, conservative and cohesive. Even proportions made up of large flat panels give the Cruze a solid appearance, while some nice body lines and the occasional splash of chrome add visual appeal and focus points.

Colour-coded wing mirrors and door handles add to a smooth, clean exterior. It looks nice and its design will no doubt stand the test of time.

It’s inside the cabin where the Cruze comes into surprisingly slick form – and well above its competition. Our test vehicle had a leather, plastic, cloth trim combination that worked together beautifully.

The cloth trim wraps in a continuous band from the side doors all the way across the dash. The lines flow nicely and the various interior components blend seamlessly.

This more tactile selection of finishes gives the cabin warmth and added visual appeal. As for cleaning and maintaining an expanse of cloth on these areas, time will tell.

2009 Holden Cruze CD
Every element of the Cruze feels well built, from solid closing doors to smooth rolling dials and solid buttons. There’s nothing flimsy or budget about the fit or finish.

The centre console and instrument cluster are simple and easy to navigate or decipher. The centre screen display however, is a little underwhelming and basic.

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, four-cylinder engine, the Cruze delivers 110kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm at 2000rpm, but how does this translate to on road performance?

From a stand still, the Cruze suffers distinct turbo lag. On many occasions, where seconds felt like minutes, I found myself willing the car forward in the absence of movement.

On the move, as you creep into the torque band, this is not a problem and auto gear selection feels good and the power at hand is more than adequate.

Overall handling of the Cruze is dynamic and very satisfying. Its steering is firm and turn in is beautifully responsive, and power through the exit is smooth and composed.

There’s minimal body roll and well balanced suspension is quick to diffuse a range of road finish flaws, running the standard 16-inch steel wheels.

The Cruze handled all manner of driving conditions with confidence and ease – the sluggish take-off aside.

On a test cycle that was weighted more to short-trip around town driving rather than long freeway hauls, the Cruze delivered reasonable fuel economy of around 8.5 litres per 100km – a little over the 6.8 litres per 100km claimed.

On the down side, the diesel engine gives off an intrusive, agricultural gurgle that may well be heart-warming to farmers, but I prefer a quiet cabin, unless of course it’s the alluring rumble of something far more exciting.

Although the seats are firm and lack adequate bolstering, the driving position and overall level of comfort is pretty good. The well executed interior design creates a nice, almost premium ambience with ample space.

As you enter the rear seats, there’s a noticeable drop in standards. Seats are slab-like and reminiscent of a ’70s bench seat and heating/cooling is delivered via in floor vents. However, space, head and leg room, is good.

The Cruze offers load versatility you would expect from this segment, with simple to operate 60:40 split folds seats which produce a flat base to cater to larger loads.

In cabin storage is good, with lots of handy storage spaces and cup holders in front and back.

While the Cruze’s large pillars – all of them – are great for safety and build rigidity, they get in the way. Visibility is poor and in some instances completely obstructs the drivers view. I found that I had to be overly cautious with every manoeuvre. At a minimum, rear parking sensors, which come standard on the CDX model, would be a plus.

The Cruze was awarded a five-star ANCAP rating and has six airbags: front, side and curtain. In addition, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and brake assist all come as standard.

The Cruze ticks all of the standard requirement boxes – and in some areas, such as interior styling, it excels.

However, when you’re the middle child, you need more than the basics to make an impression. Holden has missed a chance to rock the boat and intimidate the relatives. Some gentle, rebellious behaviour never hurt anyone; if only to be noticed.

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