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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: F56 MINI Cooper S

MINI Cooper S

We’re unashamed MINI fans here at AUSmotive, especially the warmer versions. However, during the development of the F56 we became concerned that BMW was beginning to strip too much of the character away from the brand which has captured the imagination of hot hatch fans around the world since its relaunch in 2001.

BMW’s first attempt at a Cooper S, the R53, was in some ways its best effort. Sure there were build quality issues and its unsophisticated engine wouldn’t have looked out of place in a piece of farm machinery, but such things were offset by the car’s unmistakable charisma. The R53’s best traits were its just right retro styling, pinpoint handling and razor sharp steering. That it was all capped off by an endearing chorus belted out by the supercharger was the icing on the cake.

The car which followed, the R56, was undoubtedly an improvement in virtually all aspects. Yet, while it still left you with a broad smile, some of the cheekiness from the R53 had been lost. So what of the third attempt, the F56? Has BMW been able to integrate MINI more closely with the BMW family and still keep its sense of fun and noted go kart feel?

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Drive Thru Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Mk7 Golf GTI

Mk7 Golf GTI

The evolution of the Golf GTI has entered its seventh stage and it’s almost as if the model has become a victim of its own success. The Mk5 GTI created a tidal wave of hype and the Mk6 followed suit, perhaps to a lesser degree despite sales remaining strong. But this time around it feels like the Mk7 GTI has quietly snuck onto Australian shores without much fanfare.

Not only did the Mk5 GTI reignite Volkswagen, especially in Australia, it reignited the hot hatch segment. Last decade you didn’t have to do too much to make people take notice. That’s not to say the Mk5 wasn’t a great car, it was, but we’re now in a more competitive market where buyers have a firm idea of what to expect from a Golf GTI. The likes of Ford and Renault, in particular know that too and provide very capable alternatives. Has the Mk7 advanced the cause enough for Volkswagen to ensure it still has a hot hatch winner on its hands?

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Drive Thru Porsche

Drive Thru: Porsche Boxster

981 Porsche Boxster

When the Porsche Boxster was first released in the mid-90s it was often dismissed with the claim it was only for people who couldn’t afford a 911. Now into its third-generation, the Boxster has had enough time to establish itself as a bona fide sportscar worthy of attention.

In truth, the Boxster has always been a very fine car, even if it did take some time for the wider motoring world to catch on. And, as I recently discovered, the new-ish 981 Boxster is a genuinely rewarding drive.

The test car was an entry level model powered by a 2.7 litre flat-six cylinder engine coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It certainly looked the part on its optional 20″ rims too. Of the three examples Porsche has provided this latest Boxster is clearly the best looking, inside and out. Indeed the interior has a quality feel to it befitting its price tag and is reasonably well apppointed too.

On paper the outright performance of the Boxster looks capable enough, with 195kW on tap and just a shade over 1300kg to move. So, you might expect a quicker 0–100km/h time than 5.8 seconds. I can remember a time when a sub-6 second car was bordering on supercar territory, but these days it just doesn’t feel that fast.

If you’re looking for blistering straight line speed then the 2.7 litre Boxster isn’t for you. Yet, to judge this car solely on its raw pace is to completely miss the point and would deny yourself of something really quite special.

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Aston Martin Drive Thru

Drive Thru: Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin Rapide

Back when I tested the BMW M5 another car joined us on the test. As you’ve clearly guessed by now that car was an Aston Martin Rapide. And while I didn’t get a lot of time behind the wheel it would be rude not to share the experience with you.

Prior to hitting the road we met for a bite to eat and while walking back to the cars the Aston had to drive past us to join our small convoy. Right away it was clear that Aston Martins enjoy much public adoration. People stopped to look as the V12 Rapide drove by, one person clearly heard saying, “Wow, did you see the Aston Martin!”

And with good reason, too, because the Rapide is a beautiful looking car. Long, lithe and beautfully proportioned.

Even during our test, where the road is shared with weekend warriors of all persuasions—cars, motorbikes and cyclists—we enjoyed a chat with a few like minded souls. Nobody seemed to care about the M5, they just smiled at the Aston and wanted to ask all about it.

Inside the Rapide it’s just as beautiful as out. The materials are first class and its assembly was difficult to fault. It has a few ideosynchrasies, like the gear selector buttons beneath the central air conditioning vents, but you really could spend all day snuggled inside this cabin where all your senses are spoilt.

Although, not so much if you had to ride in the back seat. Curiously, for a car designed as a dedicated four-seater the back seats are a very snug fit. Indeed, if anyone in the front row is tall then the rear seat is not much good for anyone other than a small adult or child.

Okay, so we know the Aston is special enough to make the experience an event even before the 6.0 litre V12 is fired up, what happens when you press the start button?

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BMW Drive Thru

Drive Thru: BMW M5

F10 BMW M5

I was recently fortunate enough to be offered an entree sampling of the F10 BMW M5. It’s one of BMW’s most iconic models and I was eager to discover if hype and capability lived in harmonious existence.

Once behind the wheel I was immediately comfortable, the seating position is good and while the seats don’t hug you tight like a racing bucket they’re a pleasing compromise between sport and luxury.

I didn’t really get a chance to go through the many and varied iDrive settings, but if you’re a gadget freak I reckon you’d have a lot of fun customising the settings to your satisfaction.

When I began attacking my favoured stretch of black top the first thing I noticed was the M5’s head up display. It’s quite disconcerting at first, prominently in view well above the dash line, but I soon became used to it and with the level of configuration available it’s a very worthwhile feature.

For a heavy car—the M5 weighs 1870kg (unladen)—it turns in quite sharply on a tight mountain pass. You’re always conscious of its bulk, but never to the point of it seriously detracting from one’s driving pleasure.

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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI JCW v MINI GP

MINI JCW v MINI GP

The hot hatch market has really taken off in recent times, thanks to headline grabbing models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. So, what about traditional hot hatches—small, modestly powered front-wheel drives—can they still put a smile on your dial in this era of 350hp+ hatchbacks?

Under BMW’s stewardship for over 10 years, MINI has carved an enviable niche in the hot hatch segment. The factory-built John Cooper Works model has been around for more than five years as well. Upping the ante for MINI in 2012 was the arrival of the John Cooper Works GP. Just 2000 will be made worldwide and 55 have found their way to Australia.

And it just so happens that AUSmotive has driven the two MINI hot hatches back to back. For the purposes of this review let’s refer to them simply as the JCW and the GP. The former is a regular everyday hot hatch, the latter has been stripped out, beefed up and attempts to tread the fine line between track day weapon and daily driver. It’s also the reigning Motor Magazine ‘Bang for your bucks’ champ.

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Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI Paceman Cooper S

MINI Paceman Cooper S

Sometimes the most rewarding times behind the wheel are when you start your journey with no expectation. This was brought to my attention after a chance opportunity to test a Paceman Cooper S came my way. Such was the enjoyment experienced I want to give the game away right at the start; the Paceman Cooper S was fantastic! Now to explain why.

To some the Paceman is a bit of an oddball proposition, and while I quite like the look I can understand why some people will never warm to it.

Inside it’s the usual MINI fare, albeit with a bit more space than is the norm. That’s not to say there’s plenty of space to spare—there’s not—but the Paceman does offer more practicality than the regular hardtop. Certainly, the driver and passenger won’t be wanting for more room and while there is an improvement in rear seat legroom it’s no limousine back there. Rear headroom, too, is compromised by the Paceman’s sleek roofline. Most passengers will make do, but if you’re well over six foot make sure you shotgun the front seat.

Similarly, the boot is much bigger than we’re accustomed to for a MINI, but again, it’s not going to be a class leader.

Around town I was surprised, amazed in fact, at the ride quality. The test car was fitted with 19” alloys wrapped in Pirelli run flat tyres and was running sports suspension as well. Except for extreme bumps on the road that would upset any car the Paceman Cooper S was never harsh and rode with a smoothness and surety that MINI’s engineers can be justifiably proud.

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Drive Thru Renault

Drive Thru: Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy 808

Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy 808

If people keep telling you how good something is, when you eventually get to sample it for yourself, you naturally start hunting for flaws. In this case, we’re talking about the Renault Megane RS 265; specifically the Trophy 808 edition.

Motoring press the world over cannot seem to heap enough praise on the pugnaciously styled Megane hot hatch. The look is very much a love or hate proposition. But after driving the RS 265 for myself, I could only come to one conclusion; I loved it! I tried really hard to disprove the general consensus and, aside from a few minor gripes, I ended up falling in line with the crowd.

So, what makes the Megane RS 265 so damn good? It all starts when you sit behind the wheel. The seating position is close to perfect. Helped, of course, by the Recaro seats that are standard in the Trophy 808. The pedal placement is actually perfect; anyone should be able to heel and toe in this car.

There are some faults inside the cabin. Namely some of the controls and stalks are hard to see and difficult to use. Although, I’m sure such gripes would be overcome with long term ownership.

Around town… you know what, let’s forget about city commuting for the moment. You’re probably not interested in that anyway, and who can blame you.

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Drive Thru Porsche

Drive Thru: Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

A while back I arranged with a mate in Melbourne to test his 997 Porsche 911 GT3 for AUSmotive. Then, a couple of weeks before I arrived he did something stupid and traded it in. True story! But it’s okay, because he managed to come up with what I soon discovered was a worthy substitute. As the title suggests it was a 911 Carrera GTS.

Only thing was, I was sworn to secrecy for a time, for a number of reasons which I shan’t bore you with here. The test took place late at night, actually it was probably early morning, and it was all a bit The Fast and the Furious. It was quite exciting. And that’s even before I’d set eyes on the car.

You see, due in part to being based in Canberra, it’s not that easy for AUSmotive to arrange access to press cars. You also have to remember that this humble website isn’t exactly the first thought that comes to mind of those handing out the keys. Least of all the no doubt lovely and sincere folk at Porsche Cars Australia. (Do you think they’re reading?) So, with grace and great appreciation I have to strike when opportunity presents.

Enough background, time to share. This test would be my first 911 experience. Indeed, it was my first Porsche experience. I was anxious, excited and just a little bit nervous.

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Drive Thru Volkswagen

Drive Thru: Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen’s GTI badge has enjoyed a renaissance of late, thanks largely to the exploits of the Mk5 Golf GTI. The subsequent and still current Mk6 Golf GTI has maintained the momentum with poise and class, as well. So what of its new baby brother, the Polo GTI, can it live up to the renewed heritage of the GTI name?

The previous model (9N3 2005–09) was powered by a 1.8 litre turbo offering 110kW/210Nm. By the time its life cycle had ended replacing the much loved 1.8T was well overdue. Similarly, the chassis of the fourth-generation Polo GTI didn’t reach any great heights as far as the critics were concerned. Mind, while we’ve never driven a 9N3 GTI we’ve seen enough anecdotal evidence to suggest its handling prowess is far better than its reputation. So much so, that, unusually for a Volkswagen, it was the car’s interior which was perhaps its weakest point.

Visually, the fifth-generation 6R Polo GTI hits the spot. We reckon it looks fantastic. The standard Polo provides a good base, of course. But the GTI version, with familiar styling cues filtering down from its bigger brother, follows the hot hatch style guide to the letter. Even the woeful looking and embarrassingly out of date 17″ Denver alloys seem to, somehow, look perfectly acceptable.

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BMW Tried & Tested

Tried & tested: 2012 BMW M5

BMW M5

The new BMW F10 M5 is about to be released in Australia and soon you’ll be reading reviews around the traps. We’ve not been lucky enough to score a drive just yet but a long-term AUSmotive reader has.

Wayne was invited by BMW to attend a launch event at the Ascari Race Resort in Spain last November and we thought we’d take the opportunity to discover his thoughts on the car. He has plenty of experience with M product over the years, but isn’t wedded to the brand by any means. These are the thoughts of a car enthusiast just like me and you; albeit one with a bit more cash than me and you.

He’s a good sport and we thank Wayne for agreeing to the following Q&A interview. There’s also some first hand videos at the end of the article which complement the text nicely.

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Motorsports Reviews

TT3D: Closer to the edge

TT3D: Closer to the edge

The Isle of Man TT is an anachronism; one of the truly great motorsport events that, somehow, still exists in a world where corporatisation and sanitisation could take away the essence of what makes the TT so great—its breakneck speeds and inherent danger.

Now showing in cinemas across the country is the documentary TT3D: Closer to the edge. The film focuses on a handful of key riders who competed in the 2010 Isle of Man TT. The main character is Guy Martin; the quintessential ‘loveable larrikin’. His apparent carefree attitude gives him a charisma most can only dream of. This is a man who has foregone the shackles of mortgage in favour of an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, after all.

Yet, true to character, Guy is a competitor who, at 28, has promised much, but delivered little. He’s collected a few podiums at TT races, but is yet to crack a victory. Can he achieve his first win? Can he survive the dangers of the world renowned 60km road circuit?

You’ll have to watch the film to find out, of course. When you do you’ll see that filmmaker Richard de Aragues does not shy away from the dark side of the TT.

In 2010 two riders lost their lives, including New Zealand rider Richard Dobbs. Closer to the edge interviews Dobbs’ widow, Bridget, and in doing so captures this solemn aspect of road racing with respect and honesty.

We highly recommend you catch the film while you can. After the break you can see the official trailer, along with a short interview with Guy Martin filmed after the UK release in April.

[Pic: Facebook]

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