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SEATS DO THE WALKING FOR YOU

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We seem to spend an ever increasing time in our cars these days. Heavy traffic is one cause, laziness is another – do you really need to use your car to drive one kilometre to the local takeaway? Sedentary lifestyles, which can shorten muscles in the legs, hips and gluteals causing back pain. The weakened muscles also mean you are more likely to injure yourself from falls or strains. You will be pleased to know the ‘morphable’ seat is being trialled by Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors Research division. It… Read more

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KIA SPORTAGE 2005 – 2018

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2011 Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage was what the purists call a ‘real’ 4WD when launched here way back in1996. That’s because it had a ladder frame chassis and dual-range 4WD system making it suitable for genuine off-road operations. Many 4WDs became increasingly softer so were retagged as being SUVs, and later crossovers. Kia was quick to follow the trend and from April 2005 the Sportage has a car-type monocoque body. However, there’s a fair bit of strengthening under the floor so it can handle hard dirt road running. Ground clearance is about midway… Read more

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NEW TOP OF THE RANGE FIAT 500

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Fiat Australia introduced new top of the range model to its iconic 500 range – the Fiat 500 Club. In addition to the new Club, the line-up includes the entry-level model, Lounge. The new Club features 16-inch alloy wheels, fixed glass roof with sun blind, DAB+ radio, chrome front grille surround, chrome rear bumper insert, chrome sill plates, automatic headlamps and wipers, and automatic climate control. The Club offers two different interior options; black fabric seats with white inserts and Bordeaux stitching, or white fabric seats with black inserts and… Read more

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FORD TAKES ACTIVE STEPS TO CROSS OVER

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The automotive industry has taken rather tentative steps when it comes to the so-called crossovers, prime examples being the Subaru XV, Citroen C3 Aircross and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, carrying the banner for the compact hatchback/SUV cross breed. In some markets, Australian included, a crossover is defined as a hatchback with raised ride height and SUV-like styling. Now Ford has ‘crossed over’ with the Active being added to its Focus family. This means the expanded Focus range starts at $25,990 for the Trend and tops out at $34,990 for the Titanium…. Read more

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HONDA JAZZ 2008 – 2018

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2008 Honda Jazz

Jazz is the smallest Honda car sold in Australia. It was launched here in October 2002, received excellent reviews and sold well from the start. However these early cars are probably past their used-by date so we will start this review at the gen-two Jazz introduced in August 2008 and follow up with the third generation of July 2014. Though it’s a smallish car Jazz has a high roofline to maximise interior space. It can seat four adults without any of them being cramped. In Australia it’s more likely to… Read more

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HONDA CIVIC IMPROVED FOR 2020

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Honda Australia has updated its Civic hatch by adding Honda Sensing safety and driver-assist technologies on the VTi-L and RS grades. There are also a number of exterior styling and interior design upgrades across all variants. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned, with body coloured accents in the new lower panel sections, along with a new front grille design. Civic RS grade also gains a new rear diffuser design. Rear privacy glass is used on the VTi-S. All-new “Ignite Red” metallic paint colour is available across all grades…. Read more

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HOT NEW PORSCHE CAYMAN AND BOXSTER RANGE

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Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche is adding two new models to its mid-engine sportscar, the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 and the 718 Boxster GTS 4.0. Both are powered by a 400 hp (294 kW) 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine, based on the engine used in the 718 Spyder and the 718 Cayman GT4. When combined with the manual six-speed transmission and sports exhaust systems it achieves the rush to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 293 km/h. The 718 GTS 4.0 models adopt the twin tailpipe sports exhaust… Read more

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A6 SHEDS LIGHT ON EXECUTIVE POWER PLAY

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The new A6 could be the harbinger of the product-intense period Audi is about to enter, which includes stepping up electric power to take on the ever-expanding list of EV rivals. The recently released A6 Sedan makes use of mild hybrid vehicle technology. While its’s no petrol / electric Prius, there is middling energy recuperation when braking or coasting, producing the odd power boost, as well as fuel savings. Powerplants are TFSI turbo-petrol drivetrains, the A6 55 TFSI quattro, with its 250 kW / 500 Nm 3.0-litre V6 engine and… Read more

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MAZDA CX-9 UPGRADES

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Mazda Australia has advised of a series of worthwhile technical, infotainment and styling updates to its CX-9 large SUV. A hands-free tailgate using a simple kick gesture will make life simpler if you have a load in your hands. Mazda CX-9’s centre infotainment screen has been enlarged to nine inches. The addition of USB ports further improves third-row functionality. Third row access has been made safer and easier with the implementation of a switch that tilts the seat forward on the side of the seat cushion where third row passenger… Read more

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NAPIER

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1907 Napier

Early production Napiers were twin-cylinder engined machines but these were soon followed by a four-cylinder model. In 1904 Napier built a straight-six variant. Being happy with this engine’s performance Napier developed a whole series of magnificent ‘sixes’ culminating in the rare circuit racing types with engines up to 12 litres. The 60hp (approx 45 kW) model of 1905 to 1910 had a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels with a separate chassis. Its 7.7-litre side-valve engine was fuelled by a single Napier carburettor. This was the third version of Napier’s… Read more