NEW MCLAREN 600LT UNVEILED

McLaren Automotive has given Australian motoring enthusiasts the first local viewing of its latest supercar the 600LT. Described as track-ready and road-legal the 600LT is based on the previous 570S but with the enticing combination of more power, reduced weight and extra downforce. The ‘LT’ in the name stands for Longtail and it follows on from the three previous LT models, the legendary Le Mans winning F1 GTR, the 675LT and 675LT Spider. The big physical difference between the 600LT and the 570S and one of the biggest talking points… Read more

RENAULT KADJAR PHASE 2

Renault Australia has confirmed that its mid-size SUV, the Kadjar, will be launched in Australia in the second half of 2019. Speaking at the launch of the all-new Megane R.S. last week, Andrew Moore, the managing director of Renault Australia, told us, “Our ambition for Renault Australia is to become a strong player in the SUV segment. We’ve already seen success in the popular SUV space with our top-selling Koleos and Captur and our intention is that in the future we will have an SUV that perfectly matches the various… Read more

SUZUKI VITARA CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY

The Suzuki Vitara has this year celebrated its 30th anniversary since the model’s global introduction in 1988. The small-medium Suzuki SUV crossover has been a huge success, with more than 3.65 million sales in 191 countries and territories around the world. In light of this, a 30th anniversary Vitara 30th Year Anniversary Edition is due to arrive in Australia from October 2018. Only 350 units available. Based on the Vitara RT-S model, the anniversary edition has stylish chrome daytime running light (DRL) surrounds, chrome door guards front and rear, and… Read more

NEW LEXUS UX IS A STUNNING LOOKER

Due in Australia late this year, the latest model from the upmarket Japanese Lexus marque is the UX (the ‘U’ for Urban and ‘X’ for Crossover). It joins the LX, GX, RX and NX in the Lexus lineup, but as the title suggests is more suburban cruiser than bush-basher in its intentions. In what Lexus tells us is a world first, the specially-shaped wheelarch mouldings use the airflow over their edges to reduce turbulence and lift, contributing to the vehicle’s stability. Similarly, aero-stabilising blade taillights begin at the top of… Read more

2019 FORD FOCUS: FIRST DETAILS

Ford Australia has announced that the all-new Ford Focus will land in Australia in December. Ford says its fourth generation of this midsize car has been developed from the ground up to provide the most confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding driving. Ford Focus will be built in Germany. It’s interesting that the two one-time local manufacturers both get their major models from that highly-regarded automotive country – the all-new Holden Commodore is also German made. Engines are becoming increasingly smaller in the search for lower emissions and minimum fuel use, so… Read more

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS: PRICE TRIMMED

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has introduced an new entry-level ES variant to its Eclipse Cross SUV range. The ES sits under the existing Eclipse Cross LS, Exceed and Exceed AWD models and comes in at a price obviously designed to attract the eye – $29,990. But don’t forget you will also need to pay dealer and statutory charges. Mitsubishi has long been a major player in the SUV / 4WD markets in Australia and when the Eclipse Cross was launched earlier this year it joined the ASX, Outlander, Pajero Sport and… Read more

RENAULT MEGANE R.S. 280

Renault’s latest hot-hatch is the Megane R.S. 280, a full on sprits machine which is now in its third generation. It has the latest in powertrain technology, chassis tuning and aerodynamic assist. This is a serious machine that’s aimed at the keen driver who wants to get the best from their motoring life. Though it has to be said the stunning styling and excellent colour choices mean it will also appeal to the person more interested in serene cruising than in track days. Power comes from a hot 1.8-litre four-cylinder… Read more

MAZDA MX-5 GETS MORE POWER

Mazda continues its relentless way in the sales race in Australia, this time with the introduction of more powerful versions of its halo sportscar the brilliant little MX-5. The MX-5 has been famed since its introduction way back in 1989 for having excellent balance and handling, but somewhat down on power. Now the engineers have made major changes to the 2.0-litre versions of both the MX-5 roadster and the RF (Retractable Fastback). These changes cover the full gamut of the design and see its output significantly increased from 118 kilowatts… Read more

MITSUBISHI ASX: NEW ‘ES’ GRADE

Adding an extra grade lower-cost model is all the rage at the moment in an endeavour to fight against slowing sales. Mitsubishi has joined the game with its small SUV adding an ASX ES, which sits beneath the LS and Exceed variants in the revised range. The ASX is already well priced and often the biggest seller in its class. At $23,490 plus on-road costs, with a five-speed manual gearbox, and $25,490 with a CVT automatic transmission you get a lot for your money. It is now the only ASX… Read more

HOLDEN ACADIA GETTING CLOSER

The new Holden seven-seat Acadia is due to arrive in Australia midway through October. Powered by the latest iteration of the renowned 3.6-litre V6 engine that drives through a nine-speed automatic it will be offered in both 2WD (the front wheels) and 4WD versions. Holden’ engineers and technicians were involved in the design throughout Acadia’s development and tens of thousands of road testing was done in this country. Though not aimed at full-on offroad driving the big Holden SUV has a Traction Select System which allows the driver to alter… Read more