Hyundai’s public perception has increased markedly over the years, moving up from the cheap n’ cheerful brigade to building quality cars. The Hyundai i30, first sold here in October 2007 has arguably had the biggest influence in this change. Interestingly, the i30 was designed for the European market rather than More
Kia has expanded rapidly in Australia in recent years to such an extent that it has now stepped out of the shadow of Hyundai and is seriously considered a significant brand in its own right. High scores in build quality and customer satisfaction have played their part but the introduction More
Now in its 18th year, with total Australian sales approaching 200,000, the Nissan X-Trail continues to be an important vehicle for the Japanese giant. Indeed at this time Nissan Australia is only selling SUVs, not passenger cars. We will review models from the second generation, launched in November 2007 onwards. More
Skoda has been back on the Australian market for 10 years now. While new car sales are gradually rising they are still lower than most experts feel they should be. Why? It’s hard to say as it’s a respected European brand and backed by the Volkswagen Group. Interestingly, the Czech More
Jeep began the whole SUV thing almost accidentally with the introduction of the CJ (Civilian Jeep) not long after the Second World War ended. Spotting holes in the market Jeep introduced station wagons and later – 1996 to be precise – came the first Jeep Grand Cherokee, a large 4WD More
Mazda3 first went on sale in Australia in April 2004, replacing the Mazda 323. A second generation was launched here in April 2009. We will begin our used car feature with that model as it’s significantly larger and more sophisticated than its honourable ancestors. Sales were strong from the start More
By EWAN KENNEDY, Marque Motoring CAPTION: A. B. C. 2016 Mercedes-Benz A250 BODY COPY When Mercedes-Benz launched the A-Class in 1997 it was a stubby little car deliberately made to be shorter than any conventional four-door car. No big deal in Australia, but huge in Europe where a car with More
Ford Fiesta is a European sourced small car that has the of on-road dynamics that please keen Aust drivers. In particular they love the hot-hatches, like the Fiesta Zetec, ST and the XR4. Though it dates back to the mid 1970s in Europe, Ford Fiesta wasn’t sold here till 1984 More
The very Japanese Suzuki has long been renowned for designing small cars and SUVs (and motorbikes, but that’s another story.) The Alto, is aimed at the budget end of the market, with prices beginning at around $14,000 on the road when brand new. The Alto is made in India by More
The small-medium Audi Q3 crossover SUV arrived in Australia in March 2012 and competes in the sales race not only with its obvious German and British prestige rivals but also the top end of the Japanese and Korean marques. The Audi Q3 has an almost coupe-like profile that has become More
