Articles by James Stanford

 When Ford’s global executives rolled into Sydney last week to host a razzamatazz show aimed at convincing us all it has big plans for Australia, they could have been forgiven for overlooking the humble Tansit van - but they didn’t. The Ford Go Further event at Fox Studios was all lights and action in the much-hyped style that works in the US.Ford Motor Company chief operating officer Mark Fields introduced several new models from sporty Fiestas to the Everest SUV, but also talked up two Transits as they were driven onto the stage in front of several Ford dealers, employees and journalists.“Are these cargo vans hot or what? Fields asked excitedly, almost shouting. There were a few claps, quite likely from Ford employed folk, but it’s safe to say any euphoria was contained. It is, after all, a van.While it might not have caused mass hysteria, the introduction of the new Transit van early next year will represent a significant step forward from the current model. Ford will actually introduce two different Transit models, a medium and a large version. It’s not just the size that contrasts, the two vans look different too.The smaller van is called the Transit Custom, which is already on sale in Europe and will be introduced here around February next year. Ford’s larger offering is the Transit Cargo, which goes on sale in Europe and the US later this year and will be available locally from next April.There is also a third Transit model, the Transit Connect, which is a size smaller than the Custom and would line up against models like the Renault Kangoo Volkswagen Caddy, but Ford Australia has not yet decided whether to bring this to Australia.The mid-sized Custom is available in a series of wheelbases and with a regular roof or high roof. The longer wheelbase, high roof model offers up to 8.3 cubic metres of cargo space and a floor to roof measurement of 1.78 metres. Ford says it can’t confirm the payload of the Custom, but the van is marketed in Europe as a one tonne van. The Custom has already been tested by Euro NCAP and recorded an impressive five-star score.Ford developed the larger Transit Cargo to replace the bigger Transit versions currently sold in Europe, but also the ancient E-Series van sold in the United States that was based on F-Series ute. While the Custom has a more European style, the bigger Cargo van takes on a more aggressive American-style nose with a chunky grille, similar to that shown on the Ranger-based Everest SUV. There are several different versions, but the largest available has room for 15.1 cubic metres of cargo. The maximum payload is around 3.2 tonnes, although Ford Australia has confirmed none of the specs of the model to be sold here.Both the Custom and Cargo vans will be available with a carry-over 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel that is also used in the Ranger ute. The Cargo is also available with a 3.5-litre turbo EcoBoost petrol V6, which replaces the V8 equipped Econoline, but this will not be made available for the Australian models.It is most likely that smaller Custom models sold in Australia will be front-wheel-drive, while the larger Cargo will be rear-drive. Ford says both new Transit models are built with a large amount of high tensile steel, which is stronger and lighter than regular steel. Ford has developed the Transits in a range of body options, including bus, cab-chassis, crew cab-chassis and regular cargo van. 

The French brand is expanding the line-up of the mid-sized Master van by adding two fresh cab-chassis models which allow for a tray to be fitted to the back.With a dual rear wheel set-up, the new models are able to lug a maximum 2.5 tonne of cargo and tow up to three tonne. The Master cab-chassis could be a perfect fit for tradies wanting something larger and more capable than one-tonne utes.The Renaults are also cheaper than some of the more expensive utes in the market. Renault will offer a single cab version of the new cab-chassis for $45,490, while a double-cab variant, that seats up to seven people, will be priced at $50,490.Both will be powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder common rail turbo diesel that has recently been upgraded to produce 110kW and 350Nm of torque. All of that torque is available from just 1500revs, which should be especially helpful when the tray is fully loaded.The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, while customers can also pick a six-speed fully automated manual, with no clutch pedal, for an additional $2500. The dual cab model will come standard with an automatic differential lock, which helps maintain traction on slippery and uneven surfaces.This feature is also available as an option on the single cab model. There is only one dual cab model, which has a wheelbase of 4332mm. You can choose from two single cabs, one with a standard length of 3682mm and a long version that has the same wheelbase as the dual cab, enabling a tray of up to 5500mm to be fitted.Standard equipment includes dual airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, aiconditioning, a chilled glovebox, electric windows and central locking. Options include factory trays, made from steel or aluminium, satellite navigation and a rear-facing camera.

An inventive Brit builds an all-purpose truck for Africa, in Swedish-style flat-packs. A dirt-cheap flat-pack truck that takes just 11 hours to build could revolutionise trucking in Africa.It's called the OX and it has been designed to make lives of people living in some of the most remote places on the planet easier by providing them an affordable method of moving cargo and people.The OX is the brainchild of British toy tycoon, aviator and philanthropist Sir Torquil Norman, who set about designing a simple and affordable truck to cart everyday items in parts of Africa.He hopes the innovative machine will enable people in remote villages to deliver produce and other items to larger cities. “If it works it will enable kids to stay in villages rather than move to urban slums, and the economies of the whole continent could eventually be affected,” Norman says.“The OX could provide an essential element of infrastructure to enable the local population to raise the community's standard of living and to assert its independence by gaining control of its transportation needs and costs.”Having developed a prototype, Norman has gone public and aims to raise money to make the truck a production reality. In production, the OX could cost $16,000-$30,000. An all-terrain light duty truck, the OX can ford streams up to 75cm deep and carry up to 2000kg, eight oil drums, three Euro pallets or 13 people.It weighs only 1500kg and is propelled by a robust 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel with a power coupling -- as in the Mercedes Unimog -- to operate a water pump or air compressor. It is front-wheel drive but has been designed for maximum traction, with 73 per cent of weight over the axle when empty and 53 per cent fully loaded.Simplicity is the key for Norman. The rig has independent suspension to navigate challenging terrain and a flat, uncluttered underbody to avoid getting caught on rocks or tree roots. Many panels are interchangeable from one side to the other and the windscreen comes in three sections -- if one is broken it can be replaced for less than an entire windscreen. Shipping vehicles to Africa are not cheap but this has also been considered.The OX would be shipped to Africa in a flat pack, Ikea-style, or in car industry parlance CKD (complete knock down). Crating up is simplified too -- some of the OX panels form a cargo box that the other components fit in, so six OX packs can fit into a shipping container, as opposed to two or three regular light duty trucks. Norman says assembly in Britain would take three people just over five hours. In Africa, three people with moderate skills and simple tools would take 11 1/2hours.

Chrysler Group has done a deal with the makers of the new Superman movie Man of Steel, to promote its Ram ute as well as the soon to be released movie.It has come up with a special Superman-themed truck that was presented at the New York premier of the movie earlier this month and will be rolled out at a series of promotional events across the US.Chrysler Group provided “several vintage trucks and other vehicles” to Warner Bros. for use in the Man of Steel movie, although it wasn’t clear when this story was written whether the current model Ram pick-up is featured.It did develop a special Man of Steel version of the Ram Power Wagon, which is still a ute despite the use of the word wagon in its name. The custom Man of Steel pick-up truck uses several visual cues to align itself with the movie.These include anodised red grille inserts and a high gloss black roof, with painters applying 14 coats for maximum effect. The rest of the body is covered in a dull grey, best described as steel grey, body wrap, with a black strip along the sills that matches the black front and rear bumpers.Chrysler Group says the texture was designed to match Superman’s suit. There are S-shield logos on several locations around the truck’s exterior and also the inside. The cabin features grey leather seats, with red trim sections on the doors, dashboard and seats, which also feature mesh inserts modelled on Superman’s suit. Forged 17-inch alloys and chunky off-road tyres finish of the muscular look.At this stage, Chrysler Group says the Man of Steel ute is a one-off and will be auctioned off for charity once it has finished its promo role. Even so, if it gets a good reception, the idea of a special edition Superman Ram ute might just take off. 

The Australian Defence Force is overhauling its fleet and selling its old stock, including iconic Unimogs, unique Land Rovers and classic Mack rigs. Anyone can buy the ex-military machines, which still wear camouflage paint, at a series of auctions. Batches of military vehicles will be available for the next few years

Ford has already announced the end of the Falcon ute, along with the entire Australian-made range, at the end of 2016. Holden has just launched its VF Commodore range, including a Sportwagon and ute, but there is no certainty the ute has a long future either.The VF Commodore will continue until a new model is introduced at the end of 2016. Holden has disclosed there will be a new Commodore but only a select few within Holden and General Motors know what it is, whether it is a large car, medium sedan or crossover vehicle and whether it will be rear-drive or switch to a cheaper and more efficient front-drive set-up.The chance of an Australian Holden ute is limited if the next Commodore is not rear-drive, unless Holden can continue to produce the old ute and SS sedan alongside the new model, as mooted by senior GM executives.Holden had hoped to boost ute sales by exporting it to the US but GM president Mike Reuss has told Carsguide the business case just didn't stack up for the load hauler. The Holden and Falcon utes have been beaten up by Thai-built one-tonners such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado, which are more civilised than before and have crew cab convenience.Falcon ute sales have dropped to a monthly average of just 352 so far this year, according to Vfacts, a far cry from the 1500-odd monthly sales it registered a decade ago. The Holden ute isn't doing much better, averaging 452 a month, well down on the 1200 tallied 10 years ago.

The famous action hero has changed form for the fourth Transformers movie directed by Michael Bay, now based on a new truck that is under development. Children of the 1980s might recall the original Optimus Prime was based on a cab-over Kenworth, the K100. That version of the Autobot leader, was available in a toy that could change from a robot into a model truck and starred in the original cartoon series. He then switched to a classic Peterbilt 379, a classic American rig with a super-long bonnet and upright nose that hurts fuel economy but looks cool, for the first Transformers films. Now, Bay has revealed Optimus Prime has switched to a futuristic Western Star model with a more modern look. Western Star, now owned by the giant Daimler group, has been involved in the process, although it’s not clear what kind of commercial deal was done between it and the producer. Daimler released a statement confirming its involvement. “Daimler Trucks North America is excited to collaborate with Paramount on Michael Bay’s forthcoming Transformers 4,” it says. The company says the Optimus Prime character will not be limited to the big screen. “This movie will feature a new truck now in development from Western Star that showcases the next level of innovation in the trucking industry,” the statement says. Daimler provides no more details, except to say the new production Western Star truck that Optimus Prime is based on will be revealed next year. The production version of the truck won’t be an exact replica of the movie star model given it features a massive bonnet bulge that would dramatically reduce visibility and triple vertical exhaust stacks that point out to the side of the truck at the top of the cab.  

The Smith Newton will be previewed at the Brisbane Truck Show this Thursday. Smith trucks will present its Newton electric medium duty model, which produces zero exhaust pipe emissions at the show before it goes on sale locally in November. Electric trucks are sold in growing numbers in several overseas markets, especially the US, where federal government grants have helped several niche operators set-up manufacturing businesses. The Smith truck will be targeted at government fleets and councils, as well as corporate customers keen on projecting an environmentally friendly image. The company is claiming the truck can run for as much as 240km before requiring a recharge, but that is dependent on the type of conditions and load. It says it takes eight hours to recharge the lithium ion batteries. Smith will offer the truck with GVMs of 7500kg, 10,000kg and 12,000kg ratings, which equals the weight of the truck and the load it can carry. The Newton is based on a D-Series chassis and body, produced by Czech truck brand Avia, which is owned by India’s Ashok Leyland. Avia will import the Smith Newton and also launch its D-Series truck, running a regular Cummins diesel engine, in Australia at the same time. It is not clear how much demand there will be for the electric Smith truck in Australia. Two brands currently offer diesel-electric hybrid trucks locally, with Hino selling a 300 Series hybrid and Mitsubishi Fuso offering a hybrid version of its Canter. Despite demonstrating clear efficiency advantages over regular trucks, neither model has sold in significant numbers thanks largely to higher prices. The Brisbane Truck Show runs from May 16 to 19 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.  

One of the biggest truck players in China means business this time and is backed by import giant Ateco Automotive, the company that brings Great Wall utes to Australia. Foton will now offer a full line of trucks, with two different engine options, both Cummins. The Foton Aumark was first introduced to Australia in 2010 and was brought in by TransPacific, the same company that imports Western Star, MAN and Dennis Eagle trucks. Sales were slow and when Foton took its time developing a Euro 5 model, TransPacific walked away. Ateco says it will throw a lot more marketing strength behind Foton, which launched this week at the Brisbane Truck Show. There will be three trucks offered right from the start, the 4500kg entry-level truck that can be driven on a car license, a 6500kg model and an 8500kg model. Short, medium and long wheelbases will be available and customers can choose from a narrow cab or wide cab. Ateco is not ready to finalise payload numbers, but says these trucks are significantly lighter which will allow them to carry more. “These trucks have gone on a bit of a diet so there are improvements in payload compared to the previous Aumark and current JAC trucks,” says Foton general manager Andrei Zaitzev. He says much of the weight reduction can be attributed to different types of steels used. Foton will offer two Cummins engines for the Aumark, both six-cylinders and both made in China at a Cummins-Foton plant. The entry-level unit is a 2.8-litre with 110kW and 360Nm, while the 3.8-litre engine generates 115kW and 500Nm. Both use Selective Catalytic Reduction, which utlises AdBlue exhaust treatment fluid. Owners will not need to have the engine serviced by Cummins, as is the case with big trucks, thanks to a deal with Ateco. 'It was crucial that Cummins came on board,” Zaitzev says. “We needed the dealers to be able to service the whole truck so that customers know they can just take the truck to one place.” Ateco decided to steer clear of Chinese in-house transmissions, opting for two ZF manual gearboxes including one that is imported from Europe. There is no fully automatic or automated manual option for now, but Ateco is keen to offer a self-shifter given the increasing demand for them. Ateco was not ready to detail how much the Fotons will cost at the time of writing, but cautions potential customers that they shouldn't expect rock bottom prices. “They're not going to be cheap, but they will represent good value for money,” is how Zaitzev puts it. With reliability concerns likely to be in the minds of potential customers, Ateco plans to offer a 24 hour roadside assistance package with each truck. The trucks will all be fitted with cruise control, airconditioning and power steering. There are no airbags, for now, but anti-skid brakes are standard and Ateco says the cabs all adhere to the ECE 29 cab safety standard. Ateco is yet to finalise the new Foton dealer list, describing it as a work in progress, but says it will represent proper national coverage, including Western Australia.  

Look familiar? Well it's not. This is the new Volkswagen Golf. New. Seriously. It looks so much like the last one you wonder what the designers do other than buy pointy shoes and manicure their sideburns.Volkswagen assures us this is the seventh generation of the small hatch that was launched in 1974, with the sales tally about to hit 30 million. Selling that many cars tends to stifle any move to make a radical change between generations, so this Golf is only slightly larger than the previous model and has an almost identical silhouette.The design evolution may be glacial, but Volkswagen has made substantial changes to the Golf's innards. The result is a car that is significantly better than the last, which instantly sets a new benchmark for the class. Yes, it really is that good.PRICES AND SERVICINGThe range starts with the 90TSI manual at $21,490 and moves up to $24,990 for the better-specified Comfortline version running the same engine. Picking an auto adds $2500.Two new Highline models sit at the top of the range, the 103TSI petrol at $31,990 and the 110TDI diesel $34,490, with gear such as Alcantara seat trim, satellite navigation and small touches that contribute to a prestige feel for the cabin.Volkswagen Australia has decided to make life even more difficult for its rivals with the starting price, $500 less than before. It has ditched the undercooked 77kW base engine that reminded the owners they should have spent more money every time the traffic lights went green, replacing it with a 90kW unit.More standard equipment has been added, weight trimmed and fuel consumption has been cut. All this makes the Golf a formidable opponent. The Australian small car segment is still divided in two, with Hyundai and Kia duking it out with Toyota, Nissan and Mazda around the $19,990 mark while semi-premium European cars such as the Ford Focus and the Golf perch about $1500 above.While there is some quality new product among the cheaper models, this Golf is so much better, even in standard form that the premium suddenly looks like small change. That leaves the fear of servicing costs and durability problems as the only real reasons to doubt the Golf -- apart from the understated design.Motoring club technical query lines field a disproportionate amount of calls regarding Volkswagen faults these days and driving beyond the warranty period can cause anxiety. The durability of this particular model can only be proved with time, but Volkswagen Australia has at least moved to alleviate running cost concerns with a capped-price service program.It sets a standard fee of $2113 for the first 90,000km or six years for petrol models ($2371 for the diesel). Like similar programs it doesn't include consumables such as oil, brake pads and tyres, but goes some way to protect customers from dealers charging above the odds (not that dealers of European models would consider such a thing).PLATFORM DESIGNAs for the car itself, it is almost completely new and is the first to use the Volkswagen Group's new Lego-style system to be shared by its many brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Seat. The company has been sharing like this for years, but the new system allows for sections of the car to be mixed and matched. Front axle units, rear axle units, front ends, rear ends and so on can be arranged in different configurations.The Golf is the first of the new MQB models, which is abbreviated German for a front-drive car with a transversely mounted engine. The Audi A3, which is on sale here next month, uses many of the same modules, as will the next Skoda Octavia.The Golf employs two different rear axle units in the same range: a basic torsion beam system and a premium multi-link unit that delivers the ride and handling synonymous with Golf. The torsion beam is fitted only on the least powerful Golfs that Europeans are happy to tolerate and has not made the boat trip to Australia.That's quite a relief and means the Golf maintains its position as a model with a comfortable ride and capable handling. Pressing the car through the winding ribbon of the Toolangi State Forest near Victoria's Healesville revealed it is a joy to drive -- delightfully responsive and agile, benign but not dumbed down.ENGINESEngines have been revised and Volkswagen has discontinued the fascinating Twincharger four-cylinder that used both a supercharger and turbocharger. Now that turbo technology has improved, the supercharger has been left on the shelf.The 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo, which benefits from a range of minor upgrades, now produces 90kW and 200Nm in the base car and 103kW and 250Nm in the mid-range 103TSI model. Both of these engines move the car along swiftly, rev out without much fuss and have enough torque to avoid any wringing of necks. The entry-level engine is teamed with a manual (six speeds) or dual-clutch automatic (seven speeds), while the mid-spec engine is auto only.Only one diesel is offered, an upgraded 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 110kW and 320Nm that provides loads of effortless torque for the 110TDI version. It is relatively quiet, for a diesel, although the stop-start system means the engine is intrusive when it fires up again. Auto only, the diesel has fuel consumption of 4.9 litres per 100km. Surprisingly the petrol Golfs, which also have stop-start, are not far behind with figures ranging from 5.2l/100km to 5.7.DRIVINGThe entry-level 90TSI is a revelation. It has an interior that belies its position in the range. The premium look and feel of the plastic surfaces, seat trims and switches is complemented by excellent suppression of tyre, road and wind noise, which have been reduced to Lexus levels.It absorbs the bumps without fuss, yet is not so soft that it wallows. Better-specified models are still easy to live with but the larger wheels and tyres do pick up a few more of the surface bumps.The new electric steering is lighter than before, which helps in tight spots, although there is always the risk of taking away some of the feel through corners at higher speeds. Volkswagen engineers spent a lot of time and effort on this and it has paid dividends.The result is a range of models that go beyond the best on offer in the small car segment in most respects by a long margin. While the Focus may match it through the corners and most rivals feature far more adventurous design, the Golf has so many strengths and is so well rounded, it is the new leader. It even rivals the more expensive Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series in many respects.The step forward is such that I asked visiting Volkswagen board member Ulrich Hackenberg, who is in charge of development, why anyone would pay more for the Audi A3 when it uses many of the same underbody components. He mentioned the additional features, sportier focus and different design, before offering up, after a second question along the same lines that the answer could be found on the bonnet and boot.“The Audi customer would not consider buying a Volkswagen. They have reached Audi and will not go back,” he said. “The value of a brand, of the image, is very high.”VERDICTCheck out the A3 and other luxury hatches by all means, but don't overlook the brilliant Golf if you can live with the badge.