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GOOGLE AND FIAT ARE PARTNERS IN AUTONOMOUS CAR RESEARCH

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The best known of all Google Cars looks somewhat odd

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has partnered with Waymo (previously known as the Google self-driving car project) to carry out detailed research into autonomous vehicles. Work on 100 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans began in May 2016. It involves installation of a purpose-built computer and a suite of sensors, telematics and other systems. The Pacificas will will join Waymo’s test fleet in early 2017. Engineering modifications to the Pacifica Hybrid’s electrical, powertrain, chassis and structural systems are implemented to optimise the Pacifica Hybrid for Waymo’s fully self-driving technology. Waymo and FCA co-located… Read more

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ABARTH 124 SPIDER IS AN AFFORDABLE ITALIAN SPORTSCAR

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The Abarth 124 Spider is an affordable Italian sportscar with lots of racing, rallying and sporting heritage behind it. Its shape is cleverly based on that of the early 1970s Abarth 124 Rally. Best of all, it’s cheap as chips. The cost of the little hotshot has been kept down by teaming with Mazda which builds the world’s biggest selling open-top car, the MX-5. An odd situation? Yes, but one that’s increasingly common these days, with many unlikely bedfellows – BMW and Toyota, Nissan and Mercedes, and many more. The… Read more

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SUZUKI SWIFT 2005 – 2016

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2006 Suzuki Swift

Suzuki Swift is a stylish Japanese small car that’s been popular in Australia since its re-introduction in February 2005. It’s a tough little critter that’s well regarded for reliability and long life. It’s popular on the Australian used-car scene and holds its value well. Indeed, dealers sometimes complain to us that they can’t get their hands on enough used Swifts. Swift has a better sorted suspension and steering than most cars in its class and is appreciated by keen drivers. Good throttle response from the engines is another fun factor…. Read more

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DANGEROUS OVER EMPHASIS ON SPEED

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Watching the road is far more important than glueing your attention to the speedometer

I’m going to sound like a stuck record yet again on the subject of safe holiday driving. But so is everyone else when talking about road deaths and speed limits, so why should I be any different? These depressing thoughts struck me yet again as the Christmas / New Year period began and my local Queensland police force proudly unveiled new speed cameras, promoting them as the way to reduce the road toll. A toll that’s risen in many places Australian-wide despite the introduction of dozens of extra so-called safety… Read more

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FORD AUSTRALIA AIMS AT THE FUTURE

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The future of the automotive industry in Australia is rapidly taking shape. While manufacturing is slowly grinding to a halt – Ford has stopped, Holden and Toyota are preparing to do so, the future is looking increasingly bright. If you’re in design and engineering that is, sadly many people on the shop floor are losing jobs, thankfully with a great deal of assistance from the respective car companies. The Ford Motor Company currently employs about 203,000 people and has 67 plants worldwide. It plans to be a leader in connectivity,… Read more

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ALL-NEW SUBARU IMPREZA

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The all-new Subaru Impreza has landed in Australia and is of vital importance to the Japanese company as it’s built on a modular platform that, with variations, has been used in every new model Subaru builds for many years. On a trip to Japan a few months ago I was in a small group of Australians comprising the first foreign journalists to see the all-new Subaru Impreza. Subaru’s Australian operation is very highly regarded by Subaru’s head office as it has played a big part in the company’s global success… Read more

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MAZDA SEVEN-SEATER COMFORTABLY CARRIES RECORD NUMBERS

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Everything about the new Mazda CX-9 sports utility vehicle is big – from its seven-seat capacity to the large numbers sold since it launch in July 2016. It’s a significant improvement of the original model in style, technology and particularly in engine efficiency. New Mazda CX-9 is offered in eight models, in four grades – Sport, Touring, GT and Azami – incorporating front or all-wheel drive. Prices have been trimmed from those of the old model, the CX-9 Sport starts at $42,490, plus on-road costs, a reduction of $1280 over… Read more

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FORD CAPRI MARK 1

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The first Ford Capri, a European version of the ‘pony’ car, was introduced into Europe in 1969 in the hope of replicating the huge success which the Ford Mustang had enjoyed in the USA. Capri derived its mechanics from the Ford Cortina and was built in the United Kingdom at both the Dagenham and Halewood plants initially for the British market whilst cars for Europe were built in both Belgium and Germany. In its development stage the car went by the code name Colt but Ford was not able to… Read more

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2016 BMW 230i REVIEW

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The BMW 2 Series received a major upgrade a few months back, with an emphasis on what’s under the skin rather than in facelifting and tail tucking the body. The emphasis was on added performance and further improvements to already good fuel efficiency. New-design engines are a big feature. The 2 Series range is closely related to the 1 Series, but comprises the sportier models, the coupe and convertible bodies. Somewhat oddly, there’s also a station wagon, the Active Tourer, which is aimed at the sporting family wanting to transport… Read more

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JAGUAR F-PACE REVIEW – SPEED AND FUNCTION

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The just-launched Jaguar F-Pace medium-large SUV has put the prestigious British marque into the battle of one of the most crowded markets in the industry. Audi BMW, Lexus, Mercedes and Porsche all have a range of SUVs in their lineup. Even the very British Bentley is in there, albeit at a premium price. We recently reported on a four-cylinder F-Pace, now we have spent a great week in the high-performance Jaguar F-Pace S and spent a lot of time smiling while behind the wheel. Jaguar has been a champion of… Read more