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HIGH-POWER DIESEL FOR RANGE ROVER SPORT

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If you’re going to sell a vehicle with Sport in its title then customers will demand plenty of performance. So the Australian importer of the Range Rover Sport has announced that it will stop importing the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and replace it with a new design V6 3.0-litre twin-turbo unit. At the same time the Rangie Sport also sees the introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function. This maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front and to follow it to a stop and pull… Read more

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NISSAN GT-R50 BY ITALDESIGN

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The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign has made its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The first-ever collaboration between Nissan and Italdesign, the GT-R50 prototype could become the blueprint for an extremely limited run of hand-built production vehicles. Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign commemorates the 50th anniversaries of both the Nissan GT-R, in 2019, and Italdesign, in 2018. Based on Nissan’s latest GT-R NISMO it combines Japanese brute force with Italian craftsmanship. Key design features include a pronounced power bulge on the bonnet, stretched LED headlights, a lowered roofline, and… Read more

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KIA SPORTAGE MAKEOVER MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

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It is customary for car companies to give a model a midlife makeover, which can include anything from tinkering around the edges of design, adding specifications, to adjusting prices. Rarely does it include digging deep to improve performance parameters. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, one being among Kia’s latest upgrades to the fourth-generation Sportage released two years ago. The MY19 version of the compact sports utility vehicle has come under the ‘spell’ of the Wizards of Oz in ride and handling. Acknowledged world leaders in the field,… Read more

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VALIANT CM REGAL

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Launched in November 1978 the CM Valiant gained all the improvements of the models before it, yet ironically it was the last of a breed. Chrysler had perfected things such as the handling package and ELB (Electronic Lean Burn), as well as fine tuning the Valiant to rid it of most of its annoying bugs. Many believe this car was the best of all the Valiants, however it was a case of too little, too late. The Charger, which had almost been put out of its misery with the CL,… Read more

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BMW X5 2007 – 2017

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2010 BMW X5

By EWAN KENNEDY, Marque Motoring CAPTION: A. B. C. 2015 BMW X5 BODY COPY BMW X5 has been major player in the prestige SUV field for many years since being introduced in 2000. These original models are getting on in years so we will start this used car review with the second generation X5 launched here in March 2007. By this time BMW had realised few buyers wanted a real 4WD, so designed a high-riding station wagon that has very competent on road, but only had modest off-road ability. BMW… Read more

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MINI GETS MAJOR TECH UPGRADE

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MINI’s midlife makeover (or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) has taken an interesting route in that styling changes are minimal, but technology and infotainment have received major upgrades. Following on from big-brother BMW models, the updated MINI Hatch and Convertible ranges see the introduction of MINI Connected. This is based on the 4G network and has a touchscreen interface. Included are Real-Time Traffic Information as well as Remote Services, Connected Services, Tele Services and even a Concierge function. The MINI Connected App provides send-to-car that lets you share your… Read more

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MX-5 RF LIMITED EDTION

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Mazda has introduced a limited edition to its MX-5 RF retractable fastback range. It is priced at $55,748 driveaway and is on sale now. Only 110 have been produced for Australia and these are moving out of the dealerships fast. The MX-5 RF Limited Edition is offered in Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Snow Flake, White Pearl Mica, Ceramic Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica. Our test car was a white one – pity because we really have fallen in love with the Soul Red that has taken Mazda… Read more

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NISSAN X-TRAIL TL REVIEW

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Take a good look at the Nissan X-Trail. Look like a speed demon to you? It may have the 370Z as a brother but let’s face it, the X-Trail leans towards comfortable, disciplined and tempered rather than the maverick. Unfortunately, the traffic policeman I pointed that out to didn’t seem to bite, nodding patiently while still texting me my infringement (yes, that’s actually a thing). Luckily the senior constable took pity on me, keeping the points to a minimum, although I prefer to consider it my fee for discussing the… Read more

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MINI 2007 – 2017

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2012 Mini Coupe

After BMW took over some of the remains of the once great British motors industry in 2000, in March 2002 it revived the famous Mini. The BMW designers stuck to the original styling theme but enlarged the car in all directions to give it added safety and greater interior and luggage space. That new-gen Mini was a hit from day one thanks to a deep understanding of the Mini legend of fun driving and, even more importantly, trendy customisation. As these first cars are getting on in years we will… Read more

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HONDA CR-V +SPORT LIMITED EDTION

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Honda Australia has introduced a limited edition CR-V +Sport to its SUV lineup. Based on the CR-V VTi two-wheel drive model the +Sport has $4100 worth of added features for a $1900 price premium VTi. The CR-V +Sport is priced at MLP $32,490, with a national driveaway price of $35,490. A total of 900 are being imported. Along with the standard VTi features of smart keyless entry, Android Auto/Apple Carplay connectivity and three-mode reversing camera, the CR-V +Sport has: rear privacy glass, a black sports grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a… Read more