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HYUNDAI i45 2010 – 2013

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The i45 moved the image of Hyundai as a maker of small, low-cost, sensible cars to largish sedans with style – lots of style. Its swooping curves and brave style lines were at the outer edge of automotive thinking when it was launched in 2010 – and still look stunning to this day. It was brought to Australia in three models, in increasing level of equipment these are i45 Active, i45 Elite and i45 Premium. Quality of build was eons ahead of that in the original rather crude 1980s Hyundais…. Read more

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PORSCHE CAYENNE: GEN-THREE DETAILS RELEASED

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The third generation Porsche Cayenne was announced at a major special event in the German company’s home city of Stuttgart. Virtually an all-new design it offers increased performance not only due to improved engines, but also because clever engineering has reduced its weight. Following the 911 and the Panamera, the body of the Cayenne uses a combination of alloy and steel. The exterior is made entirely of aluminium. The floorpan assembly, front section and virtually all the chassis components are also manufactured from alloy. Fascinatingly, a lithium-ion polymer starter battery… Read more

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NISSAN 370Z NISMO IS LOW, SPORTY AND WELL-PRICED

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Nissan has introduced a low-cost competitor into the high-performance sportscar scene. The bargain priced Nissan 370Z Nismo will sell from only $61,490 for the six-speed manual and $63,990 for the seven-speed paddle-shift automatic. This is around $8000 less than had been anticipated when Nissan Australia confirmed to us Nismo would definitely be coming here a few months back. Based on the standard Nissan 370Z, which is already astonishingly cheap for this class with a tag starting at just $49,990. The Nismo edition has added power, revised suspension, wider tyres, bigger… Read more

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2018 VOLVO S60 AND V60 POLESTARS

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Polestar, the high-performance division of Volvo Cars, has come up with major updates for the special editions of Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar for the 2018 model year. More than 250 components have been changed compared to the standard models. High on the list are carbon-fibre aerodynamic components that increase downforce by as much as 30 per cent. These editions are obviously aimed at very serious driver. The new aerodynamic exterior package has been developed jointly by the engineers of Polestar and Cyan Racing, the motorsport partner of Polestar. Data… Read more

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BUGATTI TYPE 35

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After World War I much development took place in motor vehicles and, in particular, in sportscars. Every country was determined to showcase their engineering ability and frequently the racing track was used as the place to do this. The sportscars that emerged in the early twenties began to show substantial reductions in engine size and a far greater reliance on the gearbox to provide reasonable – and in some cases very rapid – acceleration. Prior to 1914 the gearbox was seen purely as a device to get the large-engined cars… Read more

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VISION MERCEDES-MAYBACH 6 CABRIOLET

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Pebble Beach, California, USA hosts an annual gathering of the most magnificent classic cars on the planet. The final event of this year’s Concours d’Elegance was the unveiling by Mercedes-Benz of its astonishingly beautiful concept car, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet. Is this the most gorgeous car you’ve ever seen? That was the question that flashed around the world the moment the concept was unveiled. A huge car – it’s almost six metres long and over two metres wide – the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is a reminder of the… Read more

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2017 BMW 430i COUPE REVIEW

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Two-door coupes have a certain allure that seem to transcend the tricky access to the back seat. They feel sporty and fun and suggest a freedom that many of us crave. BMW’s 430i Coupe is no different. A spin-off from the 3-Series as the Bavarian manufacturer looked to capture a market that was looking for more lifestyle options than the everyday 3-Series, it has the luxury and performance to add credence to the deal. Now it has been updated with new lights, infotainment unit and adjusted suspension making for an… Read more

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HOLDEN CRUZE 2011 – 2016

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2009 Holden Cruze

For what’s classified as a small car the Holden Cruze is quite large and has good leg and shoulder room for four adults. Three children in the back and parents in the front all have room to move. You get a lot for your money if you’re mainly seeking comfortable travel, but if you’re looking for a smaller sportier Commodore you won’t find it here Comfort is generally good and noise, vibration and harshness are well suppressed. Rough roads do challenge the suspension at times, but for its class Cruze… Read more

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2017 LEXUS LC 500 COUPE REVIEW

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Lexus has moved into yet another market segment, that of a luxury coupe. Once again the prestige Japanese car maker wants to challenge the big name Europeans at their own game. When the $750,000 Lexus LFA supercar was discontinued in 2012 the design team moved onto the Lexus LC project. Lexus LC 500 has recommended price of $190,000, to which on-road charges have to be added. A $15,000 enhancement pack is there for the person chasing even more in sporting performance. It has Lexus Dynamic Handling with four-wheel steering and… Read more

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INTERESTING: ‘PONY’ BUCKS THE TREND

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The Ford Mustang is a contrary car: beloved of Baby Boomers yearning for a re-run of a misspent youth; or 14-year-old schoolboys fuelled by raging hormones wishing they could own one. Wrong. Having spent time with a new ‘Pony 34’, (it’s rego number) most interesting was the appeal of the red GT Fastback shown by young adult females, snapping selfies and sitting behind the wheel, perhaps dreaming of cruising Rodeo Drive. Maybe I did not get it, but Ford certainly did. Here’s what one Blue Oval bloke thinks: “The visceral… Read more