New niche or no man’s land?
BMW claims its X6 creates yet another niche: the sports activity coupe. So is this meaningless marketing gibberish, or does the X6 really have the performance, dynamics and driver enjoyment factor to justify its ambitious claims?
On the road, the BMW X6 is at the forefront of its class, but in the context of two-tonne SUVs versus conventional sedan-based wagons, the question has to be asked: If you’re not going to drive regularly on dirt roads, why would you buy it?
The load area is very small, which does seem to negate one of the major reasons. The back seat takes only two, which negates another. There’s more usable load space in a 530i Touring wagon, which will also carry five people. The 530i Touring is 440kg lighter, so although its 200kW, 3.0-litre petrol six is less powerful than the version in the X6 35i, it will be just as quick, use a lot less fuel, produce lower emissions, handle with greater precision and poise, and be much easier to manoeuvre around town. It costs $119,500. We’d suggest you take a test drive in the 530i Touring before you sign up for the X6.
Others in Class
BMW 530i Touring
Green Vehicle Rating N/A
Crash test results N/A (the X5 scores 5 stars out of 5 so the X6 should too)
Pros
Both engines, handling, comfortable seats, fit and finish quality, reasonable value in this class
Cons
The big-bum look is an acquired taste, iDrive, no real spare, small load capacity, metallic paint $1800
Price
$114,705 (xDrive35i)
$120,530 (xDrive35d)
View the full report here.
Driver’s Seat: Proton PersonaSmall car shake-up
After modest sales of its hatch released in 2004, Proton is set to become a serious Australian contender with the second-generation Persona, a small car that pitches European handling and Japanese styling with Chinese pricing.
Starting from $16,990, the Malaysian-built sedan straddles both the light-car segment (look out Toyota Yaris) and the small-car class (careful Corolla).
While it has all the features you would expect – dual front airbags,
ABS brakes with EBD, air-conditioning, power windows, electric mirrors and remote central locking with boot release – it also boasts items not generally available at this price, such as reverse parking radar, alloy wheels, remote controls for the CD/MP3/radio, and a comprehensive trip computer.
Side and curtain airbags, ESC and cruise control are, however, notably absent. Proton says these will be available some time next year.
Proof of the Persona’s major redevelopment is in its well-proportioned styling, larger rear-door apertures, revamped cabin with greater rear-seat headroom, higher quality interior trim, and body panels that are the Persona’s own.
Critics will be disappointed to find that the Gen.2’s revvy but light-on-torque 1.6-litre CamPro four-cylinder petrol engine has been carried over. Indeed, it delivers the same 82kW of power at 6000rpm and 148Nm at 4000rpm. That said, when the tachometer approaches the 7000rpm limit the car is singing rather than straining and the electronic four-speed automatic gearbox pairs well with the 1.6 – although we prefer the nicely-weighted five-speed manual.
Proton is counting on selling all 600 Personas it imports this year. A hatch version will arrive in September, which is basically a face-lifted Gen.2 aimed at younger folk.
With its good looks, super-keen pricing, spacious packaging and fun dynamics, this Malaysian might well stir things up in the new car market.
Others in Class
Toyota Corolla, Holden Barina, Mazda2
Green Vehicle Rating Four stars
Crash test results N/A
Pros
Styling, sporty handling, fuel economy, good value
Cons
No ESC, side/curtain airbags, 1.6 needs to be revved hard for overtaking
Price
$16,990 (man)
$18,990 (auto)
View the full report here.
Driver’s Seat: BMW M3Fall into its clutches
The BMW M3 series has never been aimed at workaday motorists, and with an expected price tag of around $175,000, its new convertible does nothing to change that. A sibling to the M3 coupe released late last year to much acclaim, the M3 convertible has all its performance but adds a retractable hardtop roof to give it an extra shot of style.
Under the bonnet is the new M3 4.0-litre V8 engine, which pours out 309kW of power at 8300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3900rpm. The most exciting news for performance enthusiasts, however, is the unveiling of BMW’s optional seven-speed M double clutch transmission. While it is pricey (adding $6900 to the RRP), this gearbox actually has two clutches, meaning it only takes a few milliseconds for each gear change. Whether in automatic or manual mode, the car can change gears in less time than it takes the driver to depress the clutch in an ordinary manual.
But even if you take the regular six-speed gearbox, BMW’s new convertible has a range of driving aids like ESC and suspension control that give it race car performance and sports car refinement. It’s an auto to aspire to, if ever there was one.
Others in class
Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4
Green vehicle rating: Three stars
Crash test: Five stars
Pros
Power and performance, handling, styling, value
Cons
Designed for German autobahns, out of most price ranges
Price: $175,000 (TBC)
Driver’s Seat: Mazda CX-9 LuxuryA taste of luxury
When Mazda ended production of its MPV series in 2006, it left the manufacturer without a seven-seater offering. That gap closed in January 2008, with the debut of its sporty CX-9, a larger version of the successful CX-7. The CX-9 Luxury is (aptly enough) set to tackle the luxury seven-seater market.
It’s well equipped to do so, boasting three-zone air-conditioning, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats with leather trim, glass sunroof, reversing camera and lots more. It’s also roomy and has many storage compartments and cup holders, although the glove box is quite shallow.
As expected from modern Mazdas, the build and finish is exceptional and the car would not look out of place in a prestige collection. It’s also strong on safety, with ABS, ESC and traction control all standard, as are driver, passenger and front to rear curtain airbags.
With its two-tonne weight and a 3.7-litre engine the CX-9 Luxury is not cheap to run, returning 12L/100km on the highway and 15.1L/100km in the city. It counter-balances this with good performance, doing 0-100km/h in 9.3 seconds.
An impressive coupling of sportiness and practicality, the CX-9 Luxury is sure to attract the discerning family buyer.
Others in class
Ford Territory Ghia, Toyota Kluger, Subaru Tribecca
Green vehicle rating Three stars
Crash test N/A
Pros
Car-like handling, sleek looks, big on safety
Cons
Chews fuel, second row space, third row access
Price
CX-9 Classic $49,990
CX-9 Luxury $57,265
View the full report here.
Driver’s Seat: Toyota Kluger GrandeBring home the beef
Wider, longer and taller than its predecessor, Toyota’s new Kluger is like an athlete who hit the gym during the off-season. Indeed, its 3.5-litre V6 VVT-i engine provides as much power as a seven-seater SUV would ever need.
The Kluger Grande we tested enjoys an extra 10.5cm of interior space and therefore provides more leg, shoulder and head room for all passengers. The ergonomics are also excellent, with all gauges simple to interpret and within easy reach. The only exception to this good comfort report card is the second row centre seat. It’s better left folded away under the centre console, as it’s too small for anyone – even a six-year-old.
That blip just serves to highlight the Kluger’s manifold good points – a comprehensive safety package (including larger brakes, seven airbags, ABS and stability control), a gusty engine that produces 201kW and 337Nm of torque, and comfortable ride and handling both on and off-road.
If you’re seeking a people mover that doesn’t skimp on style, power or build quality, Toyota’s Kluger Grande is worth a test drive.
Others in class
Ford Territory, Holden Captiva
Green vehicle rating Three stars
Crash test N/A
Pros
Power and performance, interior styling
Cons
Size of second row centre seat
Price $59,990 (2WD auto)
Driver’s Seat: VW Tiguan 103TDIGermans invade Japanese territory
The first Euro combatant in a sector dominated by Japanese frontrunners like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, Volkswagen’s new Tiguan 103TDI is available in diesel only – at least until the final quarter of 2008 when turbo-charged petrol versions of the compact SUV will be available.
No mere shopping cart or toddler taxi, the Tiguan is a soft-roader with decent off-road credentials and even a braked towing weight of 2200kg. A relatively long front overhang, however, limits your adventuring.
Just as BMW’s X5 looks better than the smaller X3, so the Tiguan defers to its handsome bigger brother, the Touareg. Front-on and in profile, the junior VW apes the Touareg but the squared-off wheel arches and softer, upright rear end do not give it the same presence. An improvement is the Tiguan’s doors, which extend down into the sill sections for the benefit of trouser legs.
The most interesting option (priced at $1390) is park assist, an automated, hands-off-wheel, parallel parking aid – it’s a neat party trick for a car in this price range, but requires you to put your faith in the technology. The five-star Euro NCAP rating and an optional sat-nav/reversing camera combo will impress the safety conscious.
With the security of full-time four-wheel drive, it exhibited the poise and balance of a well-sorted wagon on damp and snaking roads, suggesting it could be the class leader in handling. It also shone on motorways and in stop-start traffic with a good ride, even on optional 18-inch wheels. Another highlight was the six-speed Tiptronic auto gearbox (add $2300) – a perfect complement to the torquey 2.0-litre TDi and better than the unremarkable manual shift. Engine output is entirely adequate for the Tiguan, despite its hefty 1650kg weight.
The Tiguan seems as convincing as its key competitors and its real appeal is in its diesel powerplant, thorough engineering, excellent road manners and German manufacture. But being a trend follower rather than a trendsetter, it does lack a little soul.
Others in Class
Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V
Green Vehicle Rating 3.5 stars
Crash Test Results 5 stars
Pros
Excellent engine and economy, cabin space, on-road dynamics, six-speed auto gearbox
Cons
Weaker rear end styling, manual shift, pricey options
Price
$35,990 (diesel)
$33,990 (petrol)
View the full report here.
Open Road e-zine August 2008
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Driver’s seat: BMW X6