Category: News

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ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) SMART CHARGING TRIAL

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Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia, has applauded the announcement by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) of funding for an electric vehicle (EV) smart charging trial. The funding of $838,000 has been allocated to Origin Energy Ltd, who will provide and install 150 smart chargers across residential, commercial, and industrial premises. The initiative is part of a $2.9 million trial run by ARENA which seeks to evaluate the benefits and barriers to controlled smart charging, including improving understanding of… Read more

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MAZDA SKYACTIV-X M HYBRID

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The revolutionary Skyactiv-X M Hybrid engine has gone on sale in Australia, at this time it’s only in the Mazda3. It will be available with Mazda CX-30 from September. The world’s first production petrol unit to exploit the benefits of diesel-like compression ignition, new 2.0-litre Skyactiv-X M Hybrid is the next step in Mazda’s multi-solution approach to reducing emissions. Skyactiv-X is characterised by Mazda’s revolutionary Spark Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI). This new engineering concept allows the engine to switch seamlessly between conventional spark ignition and compression ignition combustion by using… Read more

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2021 KIA STONIC

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Kia Stonic is a compact crossover / SUV. It has been on sale in other markets since 2017 and if finally coming to Australia, arriving here in second generation format late in 2020. Exact local specifications are yet to be advised, as is pricing. There are many interesting features in the just updated European models, though not all may apply in this country. An 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Display Audio or optional Satellite Navigation depending on vehicle specification. Bluetooth multi-connection lets users connect up to two mobile devices at the… Read more

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NEW AUDI A5 IS SPORTIER THAN EVER

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Audi A5 Coupe

Audi A5 has been around since 2007 when the German carmaker split its mid-sized models into two, with the sedans and wagons continuing as A4 and the sportier coupe and cabriolet models renamed A5. In conjunction with the launch of its latest A4 Audi has released upgraded versions of its A5 Sportback five-door coupe, two-door coupe and cabriolet models. Audi A5 has always been a good looking vehicle, especially in coupe and convertible form. If anything the changes for the MY2020 has made them even more exciting than ever. Many… Read more

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NEW STYLING AND TECHNOLOGY IN AUDI A4 UPGRADE

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Audi A4 allroad

Audi has launched an updated version of its popular mid-sized A4. With over 75,000 local sales since it arrived in Australia 25 years ago the A4 sedan and its A5 hatchback sibling have long been the German manufacturer’s biggest seller here only dropping down the company’s sales chart as SUV alternatives grew in numbers. We’ll look at the A4 here, and examine the Audi A5 models in a separate news story. Across the range there have been design changes including some bodywork tweaks as well as a new grille and… Read more

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NEW KIA SORENTO SPECIFICATIONS PREVIEWED

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An almost all-new Kia Sorento SUV is about to be launched in Australia and will feature significant items of the latest in technology. It’s coming in four grades; GT-Line, Sport+, Sport and S in both diesel and petrol models. The diesels will be available first, petrols within months. The new Sorento’s safety and equipment upgrades start at the entry-level S model with the front centre side airbag (between driver and passenger). Sorento Sport has a 10.25 inch touchscreen (Apple Carplay, Android Auto and multi connection Bluetooth). The Sport+ grade has… Read more

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HONDA CR-V UPGRADES

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Honda has released details of its 2021 CR-V SUV range, these include styling changes inside and out, as well as extensive infotainment and safety upgrades. The Japanese company says the new exterior styling, “Aims to creates a more upscale and distinctive presence.” This includes new bumper designs front and rear, with silver or grey lower accent treatments detailing depending on the grade, as well as a new blackout grille, dark-tinted tail light lenses and a dark chrome tailgate garnish. A new design of 18-inch alloy wheel is fitted to VTi… Read more

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NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLA

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A virtually-new Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover SUV has been announced. Interestingly, at 1616 mm high, it’s 122 mm taller overall than the outgoing model which can be described as a tall hatch rather than an SUV. Models in the GLA range equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system will be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering Package as standard. The package includes a light function for off-road driving, widening the spread of the beam for better illumination during low-speed manoeuvring. Standard equipment includes Active Brake Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning assistant,… Read more

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2021 BMW M5 SEDAN COMPETITION-SPEC

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The 2021 BMW M5 sedan will arrive in Australian BMW dealerships from October this year. In an interesting move it will be offered in Competition-spec only for Australia as BMW realises our owners are keen drivers. The 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 produces torque of 750Nm all the way from 1,800 to 5,860rpm. Maximum power output of 460kW (617hp) is achieved at 6,000rpm. Engine characteristics can be changed at the touch of a button from the basic Efficient mode to Sport and Sport+. The BMW M5 Competition completes the zero to 100… Read more

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NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLE COUPÉ

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Australian pricing and specification for the new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé range have been announced. Compared to the outgoing model it’s larger inside the cabin and has greatly upgraded technology. The Coupé is shorter than the Mercedes GLE SUV model on which it is based, to give it sportier handling and feel. At the same time it’s more aerodynamically efficient. The choice of three potent petrol-powered engines, including two model variants tuned by Mercedes-AMG, results in performance that keeps the promise made by the lithe, eye-catching body shape. The GLE 450… Read more