Category: News

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RENAULT MEGANE R.S. 280

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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

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MAZDA MX-5 GETS MORE POWER

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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

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MITSUBISHI ASX: NEW ‘ES’ GRADE

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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

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HOLDEN ACADIA GETTING CLOSER

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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

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HONDA HR-V: NEW RS MODEL

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Honda Australia has added a new semi-sporty model to its popular HR-V range. The HR-V RS is aimed at those who take a keen attitude to their driving. The RS featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, black chrome grille, a honeycomb lower grille and foglight garnish; black door mirror caps; dark chromed door handles; and a Piano Black body kit. Inside, the new HR-V RS has heated, leather-appointed seats; a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and gear knob; and alloy sports pedals. Driving dynamics are improved by sportier damper and spring rates for… Read more

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MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS REVISED

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Mercedes-Benz has given its midsize E-Class model a thorough working over in many areas, with quite a few items once seen on the very expensive S-Class now fitted to its smaller brother. There’s also a Sport Edition package that’ only offered in limited numbers, more about it in a moment. A new design turbo-diesel inline-six engine in the E 350 d lifts power from 190kW to 210kW. The petrol-powered six-cylinder E 450 4MATIC models now have 270kW and 500Nm, up 25kW and 20Nm on the previous series. All models in… Read more

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LEXUS F LINE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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Lexus RCF

Lexus has launched special editions of its high-performance RC F coupe and GS F sedan to mark the 10th anniversary of the upmarket Japanese marque’s F Line. Both models have a 470 horsepower V8 Lexus and are finished in matte grey paint finish ‘Fuji Graphite’, which is also applied to the door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and shark fin antenna. They ride on black polished 19-inch alloy wheels. Visible inside the wheels are Competition Blue brake callipers that bear the F logo. The same blue shade surrounds the discreet… Read more

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NEW SUBARU FORESTER: BIGGER AND BETTER

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Subaru has been in the SUV market in Australia for more years – no, make that more decades – than its competitors care to reflect upon. All Subarus (with the exception of the BRZ sportscar) have been sold only in AWD format since 1994 and the safety and superior roadholding added by driving all four wheels attracted many buyers. The second largest model in the range, the Forester was first sold Downunder 21 years ago and is selling its wheels off in today’s heated AWD / SUV market. To the… Read more

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RAM 1500: BIG, BOLD AND VERY AMERICAN

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There’s one word you won’t read in this news piece – ‘subtle’. Ram Trucks invited us to the launch of its Ram 1500 models and the first thing that greeted us was a brochure titled “Ram 1500 Eats Utes For Breakfast”. So there… The ute market in Australia is growing at a crazy rate, with the top two selling vehicles being the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. That’s top selling overall, not in the commercial segment. So Ram Trucks has joined the sales fray with its smallest – yes, smallest… Read more

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MAZDA’S LAP OF LUXURY FOR LE BUYERS

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Mazda says buyers of its popular CX-9 are so fond of life’s little luxuries that it has upped the ante on its aristo Azami model in the shape of the LE, thus bringing the range of the award-winning seven-seat sports utility vehicle to five. Customer demand was the reason for the addition of the Azami LE, says Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi. “CX-9 sales have always been skewed to high-grade AWD variants, so we added Azami LE to give those looking for luxury even greater choice in the range.”… Read more