The good oil: BMW puts five into three

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BMW has launched a Touring version of the
latest 3-Series in New Zealand. Despite a claimed 65 litres more cargo capacity than the previous model, the sleek five-door still puts looks ahead of load-carrying capacity. The Touring is available in 318i or 328i guises, with five-speed manual or four-speed Steptronic transmission. Prices start at $70,000 for the 318i manual and run through to $100,000 for the 328i automatic.


Meanwhile, BMW's European arch rival Alfa Romeo is planning a Touring-style version of the 156, to be called the Sport Wagon. Overall dimensions will be identical to the four-door sedan, and most of the sheetmetal from the C-pillar forward will be carried over. The new model will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.


Stretching a gallon


General Motors will unveil an 80 mpg (5.8 litres to 100km) sedan at next week's Detroit Motor Show. The teardrop-shaped Precept is a hybrid car with an Isuzu-designed rear-mounted 1.3 litre turbo diesel engine in the rear and a battery-powered electric traction system moving the front wheels. The car was developed under the US Government-sponsored Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles. Members of PNGV are aiming to triple the fuel economy of a standard sedan without sacrificing performance. Company bosses say the Precept is unlikely to go into production in its present form, but the advanced fuel-economy technology will be used in cars and trucks in the future.


Successful Voyager


Chrysler is celebrating eight million Voyager sales worldwide with a limited edition luxury model. The $69,990 long-wheelbase Grand Voyager LX is
distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels, front headlight washers and unique body-colour bumpers and side mouldings, while the interior is trimmed in beige or grey leather upholstery. Standard equipment includes front and rear air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, twin airbags and 12 cupholders. American motorist Chuck Fulton, who bought one of the first Voyagers when he saw a shipment being delivered to a dealership in 1983, has been presented with the eight millionth example of the top-selling MPV by DaimlerChrysler president Jim Holden.


Commodore hijack


According to reports in the Australian motoring media, Holden is testing a high-riding Subaru Outback-style Commodore wagon in the US. The car, which uses VT sheet metal, is riding on a new General Motors large-car platform being developed for both rear and four-wheel drive.


Cleaning up in Britain


Suzuki has emerged with impressive green
credentials in Britain following new laws introduced in December that require cars to carry "environ-
mental performance" stickers. The Jimny automatic was rated as the cleanest- running four-wheel drive sold in Britain, while the Range Rover 4.6 HSE was rated as the worst. The Swift 1.0 got the green thumbs-up in the small family car class. The Environmental Transport Association introduced the sticker system after the British Government announced plans for a graded road tax system, based on emissions, to start late this year.