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Why no diesel X-TRAIL? (more here)
As an X-TRAIL owner of three years I think this article is a very accurate critique and comparison with the new model.
I bought the current model because it had the highest towing capacity for a mid-size SUV. I tow a horse float frequently and the fuel consumption is high, and struggles with much needed low-down torque.
Nissan very proudly states that the X-TRAIL had the highest towing capacity of all mid sized SUVs ie buy it for this feature. True, but the market has moved here. Diesel would add to this feature with more torque and lower fuel consumption.
I will not be buying another petrol vehicle. Nissan is remiss here, and it fits with the shallow effort in aesthetic design at least of the new X-TRAIL.
Mike Bradfield
I think Nissan are making a mistake if they release the new X-TRAIL without a diesel option.
I have a 2005 X-TRAIL already and am pleased with it. However I will be looking to replace my other car, a Subaru Outback, in early 2008 preferably with a diesel powered small/mid SUV-type vehicle with a high seating position and reasonable load capacity.
I had hoped I'd have an X-TRAIL alternative to the diesel options already on the Australian market: Hyundai Santa Fe, Holden Captiva, Jeep Cherokee (or even a Jeep Compass).
Nissan Australia may see no market in Australia for a small/mid size diesel SUV-type vehicle, clearly other importers don't agree.
Ron Hewett
Great article but I find it very unfortunate that Nissan Australia does make the diesel engine available on the Australian market. I truly believe that Nissan makes a huge mistake.
I'm currently driving an X-Trail and am very happy with it but when I'm about to trade cars I will go for a diesel.
But as it seems, not an X-Trail.
Fred
I own a 12/04 X-Trail Ti-L and think it's quite good. Will they have the DVD player again? Can you please campaign for diesel?
Alex Vanderhoek
CN says: Nissan Australia won't confirm spec details until the Sydney motor show in October. We forwarded yours and all the other emails suggesting the company includes diesel for X-TRAIL... Nissan Australia marketing boss, Ross Both replied:
"Thanks for your readers' comments about diesel. It is good to see consumer passion for products. X-TRAIL continues to be an important vehicle for Nissan Australia and based on the market swap data, we will finish second again for May just behind RAV4. X-TRAIL has got a great reputation in Australia exclusively on sales of a petrol model... We will continue to concentrate on where the market is today and that is petrol. We will continue to analyse the Australian market, looking for major market opportunities, with launch of the Nissan DUALIS in an all new segment in the fourth-quarter proof of that. We will continue to look at future market opportunities where we can make a fundamentally sound business case and if a diesel market develops in the future years at a level below the Large SUV and Medium SUV market, we may introduce a vehicle into that segment."
Grand reception (more here)
Went to the Brisbane Motor Show February. This was the only vehicle that really took my interest.
Just wish you could replace the space saver with a full size wheel. And that they would bring it out in diesel. Had to dragmy 76 year old father to the KIA stand, but ended up that he loved how easy he could access this vehicle.
Peter Little
CN says: The big Kia is winning a few fans -- though we're still not sure the market is really ready for a $50K-plus Korean peoplemover. Don't hold your breath on Grand Carnival making it Down Under as a diesel, Peter -- the market certainly isn't ready for a $60K-plus version!
Power behind motorsport (more here)
Manufacturers, competitors and spectators all need to get value for their money. Producing cars, running teams and watching any motorsport event, especially F1 is beyond the realm of a few save for Free to Air TV no matter what the time of broadcast (just don't publish the results before the telecast).
A move towards a championship such as was the case way back in the days of Bathurst that brings a car something close to what we can drive in reality, and is going forward in terms of a greener product, must be the lifeline of the sport.
It's great to see Peugeot, Toyota and Honda in there and if we can get open class racing up and running again on the world stage and here in Oz the sooner the better.
I still love seeing that Vauxhall Viva roll at the end of Conrod Straight. God how far back was that, bring it back we need it.
Oz
CN: After a cautious start in 2007, it seems that the Bathurst 12 Hour (the race to which Oz refers) will be back for Easter 2008.
380 rates well (more here)
This is a well written and balanced comparison. I have a Mitsubishi 380 SX. It's the best car I have owned with a powerful engine, handles well and is very comfortable to drive.
I find the multi-function display on top of dash ie very useful. It displays air-con and audio info and is easy to view while driving.
Fuel consumption is excellent -- 8lt/100km on the highway and 11.5 around town.
John Greasley
Super Golf super popular (more here)
Why did they build this? I have the answer: It's because people like me think it's awesome. It reflects well on the overall VW brand, and makes the littler Golfs that much cooler.
It's called the Halo Effect, and it's why car makers do things like this all the time.
Also, from an R & D perspective, you'll note that the car carries a DSG gearbox, which hasn't previously been matched to such a powerful engine, so they made an engineering breakthrough, it would seem.
Andrew
This car is AWESOME. Love it! Letter to VW - PLEASE build this!
It is so over the top it makes perfect sense that it must become a production car.
What a logical next-step after the Veyron...
Evan Jones
Let's let VW know that we all want one.
Please, please, please don't make this a one-off vehicle. How awesome a vehicle.
I would add one to my collection no question. It has to be the world hottest "HOT HATCH".
Mark Handy
It's great to see VW knows how to have fun and shock the automotive public. But suprised that the W12 isn't strapped to the 4motion drivetrain, still a huge engineering feat!
Nathan Mudd
Funky Micra (more here)
What a funky little car! I think it will sell well. Australians are finally waking up to this type of transport. Look at sales of the Yaris and the Swift to confirm that fact.
I just hope that Nissan does not repeat the ill-fated marketing faux pas of changing a recognised brand name. I refer of course to the Tiida/Pulsar debacle.
Good work Nissan Australia for going with this innovative and distinctive little car.
Paul T
Big Ford man (more here)
I have a brand new Ford crewcab Ranger XLT five-speed manual. I paid $39,990 drive away.
It only uses 8.5lt/100km, driven with a very heavy foot.
Your article is biased towards Nissan and Toyota. I'm sick of reading such negative articles on Fords.
I also have a 2002 Ford F250 supercab 4x4 turbodiesel. It only uses 12.5lt/100km towing two tonnes. Street cred is worth much more than your biased reviews.
David Milligan
CN says: in all reviews we quote the manufacturer's recommended retail price. As David points out, often you are able to negotiate better prices. As to perceived bias: you're entitled to your opinion, David, but have you, like our testers, also driven the latest Nissan and Toyota? We reckon the Ranger's a good buy, but as stated in our review(s), if you're after a family/work compromise the Navara and HiLux (and Triton) are a better package.
Explain Saab X-factor (more here)
What is with the x-factor of 2.5? That's just lame. It should be over that - I think from memory a Kia got 3.5 for x-factor.
I am sure that a Korean car that is over produced and is extremely lame would be far less interesting then a Saab with its great wheels and sophisticated design. What is going on?
Andrew
CN says: X-factor is a very personal judgement, Andrew... And our tester obviously didn't get off on driving the diesel Saab. Simple as that...
HSV tip (more here)
I have heard there is a possibility that HSV are looking to get it to Australia. This car comes in V6 and V8 models.
Greg
CN says: Yep, so did we Greg, (see here...) But there's no way the Vectra will be getting a V8.
Golf GT dream car (more here)
I think I've found my new dream car! I work at a VW dealer that also happens to sell BMW, Ford and Mitsubishi and nothing compares to any VW. The ride and quality is excellent, they feel so clean (even when dirty) and are in general the only cars I can call home.
The Jetta and Golf being my favourite of the range because the Passat seems just too much.
With the performance and fuel economy as I read here, I was amazed at just the low end torque of the TDI, let alone what I might get from this GT!
And the price, that's a bargain to me, especially when I compare the discomfort I get from BMWs.
John Wood
The Golf GT is the best car to come out of VW and I think that more car companies should start thinking towards the future! 1.4lt twin charged the car goes like a rocket and has the fuel consumption of an Echo!
Steven Konig
The obvious question is whether a 2.0l Twincharger will power the next generation GTI... The purists may spin in their graves - but it'll HAVE to be 4wd!
Jacques
CN says: Don't expect to see a 2.0lt Twincharger in the near future, Jacques. According to VW engineers the twincharger concept works best on small capacity engines. On larger engines (over 1.8-litres) there is more inherent torque and as such single or sequential turbos can do the job more efficiently, without the need, weight nor complexity of a sumplementary supercharger.
Move on, Mooney (more here)
Thank God he's going. Mooney's appalling decision to import Daewoos and put Holden badges on them will unfortunately come back to bite Holden.
Brad
Seven for all! (more here)
I would love to see other car makers licence this technology from VW.
I reckon a DSG gearbox in a Commodore/Falcon/Mazda 6 etc would be so cool: fast and reduce fuel consumption substantially.
Brad
CN says: So would VW, Brad. Word is, however, that VW is also asking big bikkies for any licencing of the DSG technology. This is rumoured to have held up the application of DSG on Porsche, Mitsubishi and (beleive it or not) Dodge product already. Perhaps now that VW has a seven-speeder ready to go, it will make the six-speed DSG box a little cheaper...
Nurburgring Nubira (more here)
Very interesting, but it will take a (very) long time to live down the reputation of Daewoo, which, let's be honest, is "on the nose" in Australia.
Bob La Roche
CN says: The poor reputation of Korean product is largely an Australian phenomena. Perhaps that's due to fact we were one of the very first developed markets to see Korean cars -- during a period when its carmakers were learning the ropes. There will come a time, however, when the largely outdated impressions of Korean cars being somehow consistently sub-standard will break down. The next generation of European and Korean GM product will likely share a considerable amount of DNA -- the next-gen Corsa and Barina, for example. At that time, Holden's decision to align its models with those produced in Korea could pay big dividends.
Answer: No auto 6 MPS (more here)
Mazda 6 MPS. Didn't sell too well. Why? Not auto option.
We are talking a car targeting the family man who wants a bit of zip but can still sit in freeway traffic on the way to work without a foot on the clutch.
If they can fit an auto in a CX7, I'm sure it fits in a 6! Maybe next time Mazda will do their homework for the Oz market.
Mick
Nissan Oz wants GTR... and so do we! (more here)
About time Nissan returned the Skyline to Oz. They need to include the 3.5 V6 and cruise control as options though if they are serious about selling them!
Seems the US market get cruise on the Infinity but local Japan models miss out! Why not also badge the Stagea as a Skyline wagon in its 4x4 style to compete with the likes of the Subaru Forester while they are at it!
Mick
Australia's Greatest Loser for Cars? (more here)
Thanks for the article. I would have liked some indication of fuel economy improvements.
I think GM will have to do more that AFM. Maybe Direct Injection might help? VE weight reduction certainly would.
How about a new TV program? Aust's Greatest Loser for cars?
The Commodore VS was the ideal size for a large car - why can't we go back to that?
Peter H
CN says: Our sources say Direct Injection is a likely addition to the Alloytec V6, but not the V8, Peter. AFM on the other hand is available on both V6 and V8 in the USA. We expect it to be fitted to V8 Holdens only. In the USA GM claims economy improvements of 5-8 per cent for the new direct-injected and AFM-equipped V6. AFM on V8s is said to yield similar economy improvements.
Don't bring THAT Impreza! (more here)
Subaru SHOULD not release this car here at all.. it will not sell.. we already have a large number of better looking hatch back cars. Last thing subaru need is a car that looks like it's been built on a silly budget to hit the market... dear me the new Impreza looks fugly.
Deniz
No 911 here (more here)
You lose credibility when you say things like "These are numbers that'll embarrass a Porsche 911 Turbo" when the truth is that its just comparable. It might impress people who dont know what a 911 turbo can do but not the rest of us... sorry
Marty
Joe Kenwright says: There is absolutely no mention of a Porsche 911 Turbo in my article as per that URL. The only reference in this article to Porsche is the fact that the 300ZX was pitched at the gap between the 2.5-litre four-cylinder Porsche 944 and the 4.7-litre V8 Porsche 928 hence was powered by a relatively complex 3.0-litre V6 and 3.0-litre V6 Turbo. As my article states, Nissan in doing so replicated some of the servicing costs that you would normally associate with Porsche. These costs are also consistent with the 300ZX's fairly heady $80-90,000 asking price when new 15 years ago.
Dull Pug (more here)
Your article on the Peugeot 207XT HDi highlighted a couple of things to me.
Firstly, it is yet another car review with negative comments about the lack of feel from electric power steering?
What is it that creates this lack of feel and more importantly, what can be done from an engineering or design perspective that will cure the problem?
The second is how Joe Kenwright has saved his most positive comment for what I always think of as one of the most useless inventions in modern cars - the rain sensing wipers. How did we ever figure out for all these years whether or not it was raining? How tedious has it been for all this time to actually have to reach out all that way with a finger and flip on the wiper switch (after making the arduous mental decision that it was actually raining and that we weren't going blind because the scenery was suddenly blurred!)?
The Pug must have been pretty ordinary to have the rain sensing wipers being the only thing to be described as brilliant.
Harry Calderbank
Joe Kenwright says: Electric power steering is the subject of many engineering engineering papers when the challenges it creates are so complex. After it was acknowledged that a hydraulic power-steering system can sap as much or more power and fuel as air-conditioning (up to eight per cent in a small car) whether you are steering the car or not, the race was on to eliminate the engine-driven power steering pump, hoses and other components. The other shortcoming of an engine-driven system is that maximum steering assistance is usually required when the engine is idling or in an increasing number of hybrids, when the engine is not running at all. Such a shortcoming is exaggerated with a tiny engine that doesn't produce much torque until its turbocharger kicks in.
The first evolutionary point was to retain the conventional steering hydraulics but introduce a separate electric motor to drive the steering pump. This at least separated the pump from the engine while steering feel remained similar when the hydraulics still acted on the steering gear. The next evolutionary point was to eliminate the hydraulics altogether and use the electric motor to drive the steering directly then adjust its torque electronically after taking into account steering wheel input, road speed and load. By definition, all of this happens between the steering wheel and the road wheels which then challenges the engineers to artificially build-in feel while cancelling out the torque-pulsing of most electric motors. When the driver's fingertips are extremely sensitive, this is a black art that is still in its infancy.
Several European vehicles such as the latest Ford Focus run more complex electro-hydraulic systems than the Peugeot 207 to isolate any pulsing from the electric motor while retaining steering feel at speed. In combination with the usual loss of steering feel that comes with front drive, the Peugeot 207 steering with its concentration of electronics at the steering rack felt more lifeless than most, possibly a reflection of its emphasis on fuel efficiency which was very good.
As for the rain-sensing wipers, most drivers I ride with simply do not notice when the rain stops and leave the wipers to run on a dry screen. If you find the chattering of dry wiper blades as grating as I do, then rain-sensing wipers are indeed a noteworthy new feature in the Light car category especially given the target market of the 207. There is also the argument that with a lot more going on in today's traffic, one less distraction must be a good thing. And yes, the baby Pug was pretty ordinary possibly because it is pushing out the efficiency envelope more than most light cars.
Explorer after all
Having owned numerous 4WDs including Pajero, Hilux, Landcruiser, Jeep, Subaru, Suzuki, Explorer and a Courier we decided to buy another large SUV wagon which at the time limited us to Land Rover/Rangie/Discovery, Patrol, Pajero, Cruiser/Prado or a Explorer.
After trialling them all my wife decided the Explorer was the best for her and still suitable for my occasional use towing a 2 1/2 ton boat or offroading when out hunting in the highlands.
After 2 years and 76,000 klms we are more than happy with our choice, fit and finish is A1, features surpassed others for the dollars especially safety features and its fuel economy is amazing. On a trip sitting on 100-110Klm we average 10.5 litres per 100, when towing the boat it jumps to 18, my mates Cruiser under the same conditions runs 15 litres per 100 and 22 litres when towing. Whilst not having done much real 4 wheeling we have done about 2000Klms in the hills around Erica, Mt Hotham etc and averaged about 16 litres per 100Klm, whilst not as good as some of the other vehicles we've owned and used (Mainly due to its clearance height) we have no complaints in its overall off-road ability. It has now got decent off-road all terrain tyres, a bullbar is on order and I'm trying to find who can do a 50mm lift kit for me.
Our only problems have been a exhaust sensor that packed it in at 41,000 Klms (warranty), a fuel injector valve ($56 done at 75,000Klm service) and the radio volume switch has a mind of its own. (Unfixable and will mean a new radio, the local dealer is enquiring if it is covered under our extended warranty conditions otherwise we've been quoted about $600 for a replacement.)
My only other bitch is that Ford no longer import these vehicles, to date I'm yet to find a 2nd series (2001-2006) owner who hasn't agreed they'd buy another, around central Victoria you're lucky if even 2ndhand ones last longer than a week in caryards they are so well respected. For my money they are a great general purpose (80-90 per cent on road and 10-20 per cent off-road use) vehicle which failed to get the sales and respect they deserved.
Dave Pickford
Joe Kenwright says: You don't mention whether your Explorer is the V6 or V8 model but both versions have their advantages. I agree that it was far better than most people will consider after the troubled first series. I have good memories of living out of one in outback NSW for several weeks in 2002. We made a point of telling readers that the last examples were under clearance pricing as they were a bargain at the end. Like the F-series which has also been withdrawn, the second Explorer series is much missed by those who understood it but Australia was one of the few, if not only, right hand drive markets to take on these big US models.
Volumes declined quite severely as fuel prices took off and it's simply not economic for Ford to produce a unique right hand drive version that meets local rules in such tiny volumes. If the business case didn't stack up for a RHD version of the latest F-series as Ford has just announced, the Explorer has no chance of making a return. Ford Australia is also under pressure to sell the locally-built Territory which in most urban functions duplicates the Explorer's capabilities.
As you suggest, the last Explorer was never quite the hard core off roader as most of its rivals which blurred the division between the two models.
As for the parts that have failed, the oxygen sensor in the exhaust is a routine replacement part in all current petrol models, but usually closer to 100,000km. As for other fuel system parts failures, I am becoming increasingly lenient when it can be sometimes impossible to detemine where the fuel has come from or what is in it.
Tall Bravo
I have just purchased a 2004 Mazda Bravo SDX twin cab 4x4 turbo diesel 30,000km. I have heard from a Ford Courier owner that there is a problem with fifth gear long pull on steep hills that it will fracture lack of oil ? Do you or any other readers know of this or any other problems with the Bravo.
Lazza B
Joe Kenwright says: I own an identical vehicle badged as a Ford. While I have not experienced this problem, it would not surprise me at all if drivers who drive in this manner reported such a failure with any light commercial with a five speed manual gearbox. Ever since I was warned not to slog my Range Rover in fifth on any hill over 20 years ago, I have monitored this issue and found everything from Toyota Coaster buses to most 4WD and light commercials will break fifth or sixth gear with careless operation. The reason is simple. In fifth or sixth overdrive, the engine is trying to twist an indirect gear set at a speed below the rest of the drivetrain. Add a high torque engine, a hill and the extra weight of a commercial/offroad vehicle and the forces on the gearbox are enormous.
These tall overdrive gears are there only to drop engine speeds on the flat or slight inclines. As soon as you feel the engine start to slog in fifth or sixth gear, it also means the gearbox is working hard so you simply change back to fourth which is a direct gear and doesn't carry anywhere near the strain. Automatics are just as vulnerable in overdrive top when the clutches that keep them engaged face enormous strain on a long uphill slog with a load. With stories of these clutches shattering under the strain and taking out the whole auto transmission just as common, I usually lock out the overdrive under these conditions where possible or select a lower gear.
Magna to LPG?
I have just bought a Mitsubishi Magna 2005 series 2. I intended converting it to LPG, After shopping around, I am being told, yes it can be done, then someone else will say we could have problems down the track, I would appreciate your advice on this matter.
Len Scown.
Joe Kenwright says: The confusion arises because Mitsubishi produced a specific LPG 3.5-litre engine for the Magna ES and LS which had different power and torque figures and characteristics to the petrol engines. Your first step is to check with Mitsubishi whether the engine in a particular car is LPG-compatible when there were at least three specifications for this engine in the final Magna range. Most car manufacturers will tell you that any engine not specifically engineered for LPG should not be converted. It is at this point that you contact the mainstream manufacturers of LPG equipment when they can usually tell you from field experience whether there is an issue specific to a particular variation of a certain engine. The main issues for any aftrermarket LPG conversion on a late model car are still valve seat recession, the higher combustion chamber temperatures which can crack heads and blow head gaskets and integrating the LPG system with the engine's original electronics. Get any of these wrong and any fuel savings go out the window.
Read previous letters to the Carsales Network here