Alluring Curves

The Age

Saturday April 8, 2006

Bruce Newton

For many, it's corners that make cars fun to drive. Bruce Newton goes around the bend in four different ways.

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO IX

Originally conceived as a rally homologation special, the ninth evolution of the turbocharged all-wheel-drive four-door Mitsubishi is undoubtedly the best yet. The acclaimed 4G63 2.0-litre four-cylinder is uprated with variable timing and a new twin-scroll turbo, boosting power by 11 kW to 206 kW and meatier torque.

Weight has been pared back, the centre of gravity lowered and a six-speed manual gearbox replaces the Evo VIII's five-speed.

What stays fundamentally unchanged is the Evo's brilliant chassis, with its computer-controlled Active Centre Differential and Super Active Yaw Control. It might sound like a load of marketing mumbo jumbo but it works, distributing the drive fore-aft and side-to-side as required.

The result is almost fool-proof cornering ability. Pitch the Evo IX at a bend and its combination of fantastic grip and adjustability will inspire tremendous confidence and exhilaration.

Price: $56,799

For: Incredibly high handling limits, significant engine tractability improvement.

Against: Rocky ride, still minimalist despite cabin upgrade, insurance.

BMW M3

BMW is in that transition between the much-loved old E46 3-Series and the more controversially styled E90 that began arriving last year.

Naturally, the replacement process starts with the biggest-selling models. The good news, then, is that the "old" M3 coupe is still the current one, and should remain so for the rest of this year. Next year, an all-new replacement with a V8 engine will be unveiled.

That seems like sacrilege considering just how good the S54 3.2-litre, in-line six-cylinder is in the current M3. Producing 252 kW and 365 Nm, it revs with free-wheeling zest beyond 4000 rpm while howling at the moon from four fat exhaust pipes. It's simply one of the all-time greats. The engine combines with a typically well-tuned BMW rear-wheel-drive chassis that delivers delicious feel, outstanding grip and unerring accuracy. Razor-sharp throttle response means cornering balance is always maintained.

At $140,000, the M3 is hardly a cheap choice, although safety and equipment levels have improved to reflect the premium sticker price. BMW's SMG (sequential manual gearbox) is a no-cost option, but the traditional six-speed manual is more satisfying.

Price: $140,000

For: Great engine, inspiring suspension tune.

Against: It's expensive, about to be replaced, and irritable in city traffic.

FPV TYPHOON F6

The big locally built and modified Ford can't match the likes of an Evo or M3 for grip, but it sure is fun finding out how good it is.

It might seem a shock that Australia's best sports sedan would be a turbocharged six-cylinder rather than the traditional V8. But the Typhoon has less weight that is well distributed, and has a smoother, wider power delivery. There's less tendency to understeer, or slide the front wheels entering a corner. More accessible power provides a more efficient, linear exit.

An early malady with the twin-plate clutch in its six-speed manual gearbox has long been resolved. The option of ZF's excellent six-speed automatic that came with last year's BF update is a box worth ticking. Its versatility gives you control on winding roads while also taking on the shifting duties around town. The Typhoon is faster than any FPV or HSV sports sedan in V8 guise, and cheaper too.

Price: From $59,810

For: Wonderfully balanced, best-ever local engine.

Against: Soft steering is the dynamic weakness, brakes could be stronger.

RENAULT SPORT CLIO 182 CUP

No computer-controlled all-wheel-drive trickery, German chassis genius or Aussie turbo grunt at work here. The Clio simply shows what can be achieved using a sport suspension tune and a more than adequate power-to-weight ratio.

As cornering speeds rise, it's not unknown for the Clio's inside rear wheel to lift. There's nothing dangerous about it, just a reflection of the Cup's suspension set-up.

This includes stiffer spring rates, a revised steering geometry and lower ride height than the standard, $2000 cheaper RenaultSport Clio 182.

The Cup's power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces an excellent 131 kW (or 182 horsepower, hence the name) and 200 Nm of torque. It feeds the front wheels through a slick-shifting five-speed gearbox for a reassuring driving experience.

Price: $34,990

For: Communicative, zero intimidation factor, affordable.

Against: Bit squeezy inside, basic interior look.

RATINGS

*****

Dream wheels

****

Recommended

***

On the ball

**

Just transport

*

Very ordinary

Mitsubishi LancerEvo IX ***1/2

BMW M3 ****

FPV Typhoon F6 ***1/2

Renault Sport Clio 182 Cup ****

© 2006 The Age

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