NISSAN JUKE NISMO RS

Nissan has introduced the Juke Nismo RS to Australia, joining the ultra-hot Nissan GT-R and the old-style Nissan 370Z Nismo. Nismo, an abbreviation of Nissan Motorsport, adds upgraded engine performance, handling and aerodynamics for those who like excitement in their motoring life. Juke Nismo RS is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged high-pressure direct-injection petrol engine with 160kW of power and 280Nm of torque for the six-speed manual. The CVT automatic tops out with 157kW of power and 250Nm of torque. These are achieved by optimising the engine control unit (ECU)… Read more

MERCEDES-BENZ A250 4MATIC: FIRST DETAILS

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class range has been expanded with the introduction of the new A 250 4MATIC. With 165 kW of power and 350 Nm of torque running through a 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission to all four wheels the A 250 can get from zero to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Mercedes-Benz A 250 has 18-inch aero alloy wheels, MBUX multimedia widescreen system with two 10.25-inch digital screens, LED headlights with Adaptive High Beam Assist, keyless start and wireless charging. Standard safety equipment includes nine airbags, Active Brake Assist with… Read more

NEW FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST

A significantly upgraded Ford Mustang GT V8 was launched four months ago, now it has been joined by the revised lower-cost Ford Mustang EcoBoost. Though the thought of a four-cylinder engine in a Mustang is anathema to some, there’s a lot to be said for the driving dynamics of a lighter, better balanced Mustang. Mustang EcoBoost adds an advanced 224kW powertrain to that unmistakable, iconic Mustang design. The 2019 Mustang EcoBoost has a high-tech direct-fuel-injection 2.3-litre that uses a twin-scroll turbocharger. Producing 224kW of power and 441Nm of torque it… Read more

HOLDEN’S CALL TO ARMS WITH ‘BIG GUN’ ACADIA

Since retiring from vehicle manufacture in Australia, Holden has been battling relevance in the marketplace. However, while the genuine born-and-bred Aussie car may have become a thing of the past, that could be about to change with the arrival of the Acadia. Okay, so the Holden seven-seat sports utility vehicle may be assembled in the United States but it’s a fair dinkum product made solely for Down Under by Holden engineers and designers. Holden chairman and managing director Dave Buttner says there is still a latent passion for Holden product,… Read more

PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS RELEASED

Porsche has added two high-performance models to its new Panamera range, the GTS and GTS Sport Turismo. Both are powered by a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine generating 338 kW of power and maximum torque of 620 Nm, getting them from zero to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds when used with the standard Sport Chrono package. Power is transmitted to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system by the eight-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox. Adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology is fitted as standard. The sports chassis has been lowered by… Read more

SPECIAL EDITION NISSAN NAVARAS

Nissan Australia has expanded its special edition range with the introduction of Navara Dual Cab 4X4 SL-based “Silverline” and ST “Black Edition”. Black is very much the in-thing amongst the ‘tuff’ guys in the their pickups at the moment so the Navara Dual Cab 4X4 ST Black Edition has black 18-inch alloy wheels with dealer-fitted all-terrain tyres. Black is also used on wheelarch flares, grille, mirror housings, smoked protector, foglight surrounds, sports bar and nudge bar. Attention is drawn to the big Nissan by black body decals. The Black Edition… Read more

PORSCHE MACAN: MAJOR MAKEOVER

Porsche’s Macan midsize SUV has had a full makeover, with changes to its style inside and out and significantly better connectivity. And it comes as no surprise the biggest emphasis is on driving dynamics. The Macan’s front end has been thoroughly redesigned to give it a wider appearance. LED technology is standard in the newly designed main headlights. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus) is optional and provides adaptive light distribution. The Macan Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system has been upgraded and now operates through a full-HD touchscreen that’s… Read more

HYUNDAI i30 FASTBACK N

Hyundai has revealed the new 2019 i30 Fastback N in Europe. This is the second high-performance model from Hyundai’s N Performance division. It will join the Hyundai i30 N hot-hatch that was launched to a great deal of critical acclaim in Australia in March 2018. Never afraid to try something different in styling, just look at the way-out Veloster, Hyundai has gone for a five-door hatch that’s a cross between a coupe and a station wagon. Though we admire the crossover styling we can’t say we like its crossover title… Read more

FORD’S BIG NEW SUV: THE ENDURA

Ford Australia has been seriously lacking a large SUV since the demise of the much loved Territory almost two years ago. Now a large, comfortable model called the Endura is on its way. Ford Endura is very much in the American mode and will be coming to Australia in December. It joins the urban Ford EcoSport, family sized Escape and the big, off-road capable Everest to provide something for just about everyone in the SUV market. Ford Endura is a five-seater and will be offered in three specifications levels, Trend,… Read more

NEW AUDI RS 5 SPORTBACK COMING TO AUSTRALIA

The first-ever Audi RS 5 Sportback has been announced and will arrive in Australia in February, 2019. It’s aimed at those who love the high-performance RS 5 coupe, but want the convenience of a five-door body. As our images show it has lost nothing in the way of sleek sporting lines. The RS 5 Sportback features a wide, flat single-frame grille, solid air intakes and a front spoiler with quattro lettering. At the rear there’s an RS-specific diffuser, and exhaust outlets with oval tailpipes and fixed spoiler. Power comes from… Read more