Category: Drive Thru

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Audi Drive Thru

Drive Thru: Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI

Audi A7 Sportback

Beauty comes in the shape of many things. One such example is the Audi A7 Sportback. It’s the latest four-door “coupé” to hit local shores and helps to keep Audi at the vanguard of this current automotive trend.

Inside and out the A7 is all class. Audi has done well to keep the production car very close to the pathway set by the Sportback Concept presented at Detroit in early 2009. The look is refined elegance, as you would expect. It is clear, also, Audi’s biggest Sportback has a strong visual presence on the road and it certainly demanded attention from several onlookers during our test.

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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI Countryman Cooper S

MINI Countryman Cooper S

The new MINI Countryman; some strident MINI fans cannot warm to it. And they may never warm to it. Others are willing to embrace MINI’s move into four-door territory. Here at AUSmotive we’ve kept an open mind and, in photos at least, we reckon if MINI has to go forward by upsizing its range then the Countryman is a pretty good first up effort.

Now that the Countryman has arrived in Australia we can really begin to form a solid opinion. So, after seeing the car for the first time today, and enjoying a brief test drive, we’re leaning towards loving the love-or-hate four-door MINI. It’s not a full on love affair yet, but we’ve seen enough to warrant a second date.

We were granted time in a Countryman Cooper S fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission. Thanks to its 70kg weight saving over the All4 model, this is the fastest route to 100km/h in the Countryman range, with a claimed time of 7.6 seconds. The all-wheel drive version takes a further 0.3 seconds.

In truth, the Countryman Cooper S doesn’t feel that rapid. It’s not slow by any means and the 135kW 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, lifted from the regular Cooper S hardtop, is still refreshingly responsive, especially in lower gears. It’s economical, too, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.6l/100km.

We didn’t have enough time in the car to experience all of the Countryman’s handling characteristics in detail. However, we did learn that it is actually quite odd, at first, to be sitting so high in a MINI. Despite that, the Countryman still maintains a degree of the fun and lightness offered by its little brother. The laws of physics dictate the 1310kg Countryman Cooper S, with its 149mm ground clearance, will never match the now iconic 1140kg Cooper S for pure driving thrills. But, really, that’s not part of the Countryman’s brief.

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Audi Drive Thru

Drive Thru: Audi A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition

Audi A1

Audi claim its new A1 is the next big thing. They reckon it will set new benchmarks in the small car segment, especially at the premium end. We spent some time in an A1 1.4 TFSI Ambition earlier this week and put Audi’s claims to the test.

Let’s start with the looks. Overall we rate the A1 pretty well in this area. There’s definite four-ringed styling cues, but the littlest Audi sold in Australia has enough individuality to carve its own niche. Okay, the wasabi green interior highlights of our test car may not be to everyone’s taste, but the A1 is about fun; to be honest, the bright colour tended to mellow the longer we spent in the car. The flashes of colour added to the cabin provide a welcome change and the ability to tailor choices to one’s taste is also refreshing to see.

Comparisons with MINI are impossible to avoid with the A1 and while the MINI might have the edge on exterior cheekiness—just—the A1 has a better built interior. Perhaps the A1’s slightly more conventional dash layout will win over those buyers who can’t get past the MINI’s dominant centrally mounted speedo, as well. So long as you’re not sitting in the back seat, the cabin of the A1 really is a great place to be. Audi has certainly achieved its aim of bringing a premium feel into a compact hatch.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: Audi TT RS

Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS has some very healthy numbers on its side. Let’s start with the 2.5 litre turbocharged inline five cylinder that produces 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque. That torque is all yours from a low 1600rpm, as well. The TT RS is only available with a six speed manual transmission and Audi reckon it can reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.

Nice numbers aren’t they. Then, consider the TT is one of the best looking mid-sized sports coupés on the market and you soon realise Audi could have a real knock out winner on its hands.

A catch. There must be a catch, right?

RS purists will bemoan the fact the TT RS uses a Haldex all-wheel drive system and not a Torsen-based setup, which does have genuine roots to the rally-bred Ur Quattro. They might also have hoped Audi pushed the envelope a bit on the body styling. Where are the beefed up and flared guards seen on other RS models, such as the highly acclaimed B7 RS4?

Take your seat behind the wheel, though, and you soon get a sense this car is something special. There’s the race-inspired Recaro seats, a thick and beautifully styled steering wheel and, of course, all housed in another class leading interior from Audi.

Turn the key, fire up that engine and senses are further heightened by the glorious five-pot growl that lies deep inside the TT RS (listen to the audio sample below).

This is all well and good, but is its bark bigger than its bite? The only way to find out was to head out to AUSmotive’s favourite test route and see how the TT RS fared.

[audio:http://www.ausmotive.com/audio/Audi-TT-RS-Drive-Thru.mp3]
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Drive Thru Reviews Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Golf R

VW Golf R

Details of the all-paw Golf R first came to light in September last year. Since then there’s been a sense of anticipation building here at AUSmotive HQ. On paper, Volkswagen’s 188kW hero puts forward a compelling case. As with any car the final judgement can only be revealed through first hand experience.

First, a quick glance at how Volkswagen have set the R apart from its lesser siblings. Up front there’s an angular lower grille with large open vents. Fog lights have made way for LED daytime running lights; the only Golf in the range to feature the latest in lighting fashion. Xenon headlights, with cornering assist, are standard fitment, too.

At the back of the car centre-mount twin exhaust tips have carried over from the Mk5 R32. Continuing the nod to current lighting trends are trick LED rear lights, as well.

The front grille, wing mirrors and rear skirt feature gloss black paint detail. Likewise the brake calipers, which are adorned with R badges up front. Model specific 18” alloys complete the look and 19” wheels in the same style can also be optioned.

Inside, think Golf GTI without the tartan seats and red contrast stitching. The steering wheel loses the GTI’s metal insert in favour of a gloss black finish. There are three seat trim choices, including cloth/micro fibre standard trim and optional leather. There’s also racing-style Recaro buckets to tempt your cash reserves.

The overall look of the Golf R is classic Volkswagen and, in this case, the term velvet sledgehammer is perhaps most appropriate. Actually, inside and out, the Golf GTI offers more drama with its splashes of red detailing and standard tartan seat fabric. Despite that, the Golf R gets it pretty much bang on in the looks department.

Under the skin is a 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder with peak numbers of 188kW and 330Nm. The engine was first seen in Australia in 2007 under the bonnet of the Audi S3. Like the current model S3, the Golf R is fitted with the latest Haldex IV all-wheel drive system.

But, the real story of the Golf R is told out on the road.

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Drive Thru Jaguar Reviews

Drive Thru: Jaguar XF V6 Diesel S

Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is a beautiful car. From any angle, it doesn’t matter. It’s a good thing, too. Until the XF came along Jags had become a 1960s time capsule, while the rest of the world had moved at broadband speed into the noughties.

Styling cues such as the chrome grille and rounded headlights remind us of Jaguar’s great legacy. Importantly, though, Jaguar has shed tired clichés in favour of a new direction that enables it to compete alongside the established German players.

This would all count for nothing if its beauty was only skin deep. But it’s not. Step inside and, again, the interior is clearly defined by the century in which it was created. A pleasing mix of materials give the XF a New England feel.

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Drive Thru Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Passat R36

VW Passat R36

The Volkswagen Passat R36 has been around for a while now. After a recent drive, though, I learned the R36 still remains a worthwhile option for those who crave performance from their family car.

Its mid-60s asking price makes it something of a performance bargain in the Volkswagen range. Although, compared to some rivals, the R36 does ask a premium.

Given its R badge, VW reckon this car has some go. And they’re right, too. The R36 is the fastest car Volkswagen currently sells in Australia. You’ll need just 5.6 seconds to propel the sedan to 100km/h, with a further 0.2 seconds in the wagon. At well over 1700kg this is no mean feat, but possible thanks to a 4motion all-wheel drive system and a sublime six-speed DSG transmission, which is mated to one of the most charming engines on the market.

The R36 is powered by a narrow angle 3.6 litre V6 offering 220kW. That’s around 300 horsepower in the old money. It’s an engine that can trace its roots back the Golf VR6 from the 1990s. And the R36 represents the last chance you have to enjoy its delights before Euro V emissions consign it to the history books. A fate that has already claimed the Golf R32.

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BMW Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: BMW Z4 range

BMW Z4 dealer drive day

Yesterday I spent the morning behind the wheel of BMW’s current Z4 offerings. It was a brief taster provided by local dealership Rolfe Classic BMW. The deal was pretty simple, get existing and prospective customers in small groups to take the Z4 range out for a leisurely drive. We would stop at various points on the drive to swap cars and ensure that everyone got time in each model.

There are currently three options in the Australian Z4 range—all with inline six cylinder engines—the entry level 150kW sDrive23i, mid-range 190kW sDrive30i and the top spec 225kW twin-turbo sDrive35i. In May 2010 the range will have a new hero model, the 250kW sDrive35is.

This was by no means an exhaustive test, but it was a very nice way to spend a lovely Saturday morning. Thoughts on each of the cars can be read below.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: Audi S4

Audi S4 - V6 Supercharged

While the ‘new’ Audi S4 has been on sale in Australia for almost one year now it does represent something of a new world order for Audi and manufacturers around the planet, who are now desperate to play the green card by lowering CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures. On that basis, gone is Audi’s familiar and silky smooth 4.2 litre V8 and in comes a new 3.0 litre supercharged V6 unit.

Crucially, power has only dropped slightly, down 15kW to 245kW. The addition of the charger keeps torque the same at a very tidy 440Nm. Official figures say the new 3 litre lump sips fuel at the moderate rate of 9.4 litres per 100km, while the CO2 figure is 219g/km, which is only 10% more than the four cylinder turbocharged S3.

So the theory is the new engine gives the same kick, while dropping the share price of Messers BP and Shell. But does it really? Well, yes, it does.

At least, it certainly gives you a jolly good kick when you plant your right foot. Audi claim the S4 can reach 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. My back of the envelope calculations while the car was seamlessly working through its 7-speed S tronic transmission found this claim to be pretty accurate. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the S4 saloon could better the official figure.

In a word the new engine is awesome. It really is deceptively and wickedly quick. Sure, you miss the lovely V8 burble AUSmotive brought you in our S5 review, but the S4 did feel quicker than the V8 coupe. Sure, this is not exactly comparing apples with apples here, but it is an observation worth noting.

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Drive Thru Reviews Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen Mk6 Golf GTI

After losing its way in the mid-late 1990s the GTI badge relinquished the credibility gained with the first two GTIs. The fifth generation GTI, launched in 2004, has been widely acclaimed all over the globe. It won back respect for the GTI, a respect the badge so richly deserves. As a result, this new Mk6 Golf GTI has some big boots to fill. So, it was with great anticipation that I took the keys to Volkswagen’s latest hot-hatch.

Without giving away too much, too early, it’s safe to say that, in its sixth generation, the GTI legend is in very safe hands.

Before I expand on the driving experience, it is worth a cursory glance at the steps that led to the creation of the Mk6 Golf. Normally, this would not need addressing, but the step from Mk5 to Mk6 came about quicker than Volkswagen had hoped, and as a result, the jump between these two generations is one of the shortest in the model’s 35 year lifespan.

As noted, the Mk5 Golf, and especially the GTI, was a very fine motor car. However, as good as it was, the profit margins were too slim and, ultimately, this was a thorn in Volkswagen’s side. Therefore, the Mk6 model roll out was brought forward. Across the range major improvements in the new Golf have been delivered through engine selections and available options, rather than any major mechanical upgrades. There have been some geometry changes, of course—the car has a wider front track and the driver sits a bit lower in the car—but, overall, the chassis is heavily based on the Mk5 Golf.

UPDATE 3 November: Refer to “On the track” section below to read how the GTI handled the GTI Advanced Driving Academy.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: Audi S5 4.2 V8 FSI

Audi S5 4.2 V8 FSI

When I started my test drive in the Audi S5 quattro, fitted with a 4.2 litre V8, the last thing I expected to come to mind was the West Indies cricket team from the 1980s. But that is exactly what happened.

More on that later, though. First, let’s take a look at the S5’s lines. It’s a stunning coupé with a good mix of flowing curves and understated aggression. When I first saw photos of the A5 coupé shape I was critical. I thought its swooping shoulder line was at odds with the rest of the car. However, in person the car’s profile makes a stunning statement. In traffic the A5 looks sensational, standing out with Audi’s familiar LED daytime running lights. And, I was wrong, that shoulder line does work. It dominates the car’s stance and leaves you wondering just how well the big two door will cover the road.

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Drive Thru MINI Reviews

Drive Thru: MINI Cooper D

MINI Cooper D

Earlier today the opportunity for a quick taste of MINI’s new Cooper D came my way. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to see just how Australia’s most economical car drives. That’s not a typo, with a miserly fuel consumption figure of 3.9l/100km and CO2 emissions at a super low 104g/km, the 1.6-litre diesel powered MINI presents itself as the hot hatch with a conscience.

If those stats don’t mean anything to you, they undercut the Hollywood-hyped Toyota Prius and highlight that the folks at GreenVehicleGuide.gov.au have some work to do at the top of their chart (see the comments section below).

First, let me say straight off the bat, the Cooper D is not a genuine hot hatch. If you are looking for all out thrills in a small package where the emphasis is not on compromise, then best look further up the MINI food chain to the Cooper S or JCW models, or even over the road to your closest Renault, Mazda or Volkswagen dealer.

If, though, you are prepared to compromise on your driving wishlist then the Cooper D is your car. MINIs are criticised for being compromised in terms of packaging, and whether that is a negative aspect or not really comes down to the individual. The compromise on economy the “Dooper” offers, however, is all good.

In short, you can thrash the living daylights out of this car and not hurt your wallet. Assuming that you do have sympathy for mechanical components from time to time then the Cooper D will continue to reward. The famous razor-sharp MINI steering is still there. The deadly accurate turn-in is still there. The nimble point to point chuckability is still there. And, more importantly than any of those things, the all out fun factor is still there.

As I said, this is not a true hot hatch. A car with a sweet spot that exists between around 2500-4000rpm can never provide the thrills of a first gen Cooper S, for example, which is happy and able to hover around redline all day long. So, in the diesel you need to take the time to find that turbocharged sweet spot and alter your driving to suit.

With that short sweet spot in the rev range you’ll be changing cogs quite a bit, so the slick and accurate gear change of the 6-speed manual is welcome. I can’t see the optional 6-speed auto being quite as inspiring, though.

The start-stop function is a little odd at first, and cruder than I imagined. But it doesn’t take long to get used to the system and it simply adds to the character of the car. Likewise the diesel clatter from the engine bay that rears its ugly head at times. This offers character, too, in a not so good form, however. But, again, I can imagine one would get used to it and even enjoy the reminder of compromise that it brings.

There’s not much compromise on performance when zipping in and out of traffic inside city limits, either. Sure, it’s no rocket ship, but, thanks to a peak torque figure of 260Nm on overboost the car gathers pace easily enough, if that’s your go. If it’s not, you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride letting the regular 240Nm of torque do its thing on your behalf. I didn’t sample it for myself, but I am reliably informed that the Cooper D can handle freeway driving with a minimum of fuss as well.

In closing, when appraising the MINI Cooper D one needs to take the usual goalposts and give them a different slant. You can approach the car a couple of ways—is it a conventional car with a twist, or a car that does away with convention? It does a little bit of both, and in doing so offers a new alternative to opposing market segments.

For the Prius loving greenies, the MINI Cooper D takes their odd looking and compromised driving experience and gives it a massive slap. BANG! Saving the planet needn’t be such an outward exercise in showing that you are prepared to give up on driving enjoyment to save a few whales.

For the pure hot hatch Paddy Hopkirk wannabes the MINI Cooper D takes their spine tingling, and often spine jarring, driving experience and gives it a gentle massage. OH YES, THAT’S THE SPOT! Pure driving enjoyment needn’t be such an outward exercise in brashness and wallet burning fuel bills.

So, the MINI Cooper D gets the AUSmotive tick for car buyers willing to alter their purchasing parameters. And now that you have read all that, this car can be summed up in a few short words—it’s a Super Dooper!

Pics and launch day press release are available after the jump. More information on the Cooper D can be read here and here.

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