2019 FORD FOCUS: FIRST DETAILS

Ford Australia has announced that the all-new Ford Focus will land in Australia in December. Ford says its fourth generation of this midsize car has been developed from the ground up to provide the most confidence-inspiring, intuitive, and rewarding driving. Ford Focus will be built in Germany. It’s interesting that the two one-time local manufacturers both get their major models from that highly-regarded automotive country – the all-new Holden Commodore is also German made. Engines are becoming increasingly smaller in the search for lower emissions and minimum fuel use, so… Read more

MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS: PRICE TRIMMED

Mitsubishi Motors Australia has introduced an new entry-level ES variant to its Eclipse Cross SUV range. The ES sits under the existing Eclipse Cross LS, Exceed and Exceed AWD models and comes in at a price obviously designed to attract the eye – $29,990. But don’t forget you will also need to pay dealer and statutory charges. Mitsubishi has long been a major player in the SUV / 4WD markets in Australia and when the Eclipse Cross was launched earlier this year it joined the ASX, Outlander, Pajero Sport and… Read more

RENAULT MEGANE R.S. 280

Renault’s latest hot-hatch is the Megane R.S. 280, a full on sprits machine which is now in its third generation. It has the latest in powertrain technology, chassis tuning and aerodynamic assist. This is a serious machine that’s aimed at the keen driver who wants to get the best from their motoring life. Though it has to be said the stunning styling and excellent colour choices mean it will also appeal to the person more interested in serene cruising than in track days. Power comes from a hot 1.8-litre four-cylinder… Read more

MAZDA MX-5 GETS MORE POWER

Mazda continues its relentless way in the sales race in Australia, this time with the introduction of more powerful versions of its halo sportscar the brilliant little MX-5. The MX-5 has been famed since its introduction way back in 1989 for having excellent balance and handling, but somewhat down on power. Now the engineers have made major changes to the 2.0-litre versions of both the MX-5 roadster and the RF (Retractable Fastback). These changes cover the full gamut of the design and see its output significantly increased from 118 kilowatts… Read more

MITSUBISHI ASX: NEW ‘ES’ GRADE

Adding an extra grade lower-cost model is all the rage at the moment in an endeavour to fight against slowing sales. Mitsubishi has joined the game with its small SUV adding an ASX ES, which sits beneath the LS and Exceed variants in the revised range. The ASX is already well priced and often the biggest seller in its class. At $23,490 plus on-road costs, with a five-speed manual gearbox, and $25,490 with a CVT automatic transmission you get a lot for your money. It is now the only ASX… Read more

HOLDEN ACADIA GETTING CLOSER

The new Holden seven-seat Acadia is due to arrive in Australia midway through October. Powered by the latest iteration of the renowned 3.6-litre V6 engine that drives through a nine-speed automatic it will be offered in both 2WD (the front wheels) and 4WD versions. Holden’ engineers and technicians were involved in the design throughout Acadia’s development and tens of thousands of road testing was done in this country. Though not aimed at full-on offroad driving the big Holden SUV has a Traction Select System which allows the driver to alter… Read more

HONDA HR-V: NEW RS MODEL

Honda Australia has added a new semi-sporty model to its popular HR-V range. The HR-V RS is aimed at those who take a keen attitude to their driving. The RS featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, black chrome grille, a honeycomb lower grille and foglight garnish; black door mirror caps; dark chromed door handles; and a Piano Black body kit. Inside, the new HR-V RS has heated, leather-appointed seats; a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel and gear knob; and alloy sports pedals. Driving dynamics are improved by sportier damper and spring rates for… Read more

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS REVISED

Mercedes-Benz has given its midsize E-Class model a thorough working over in many areas, with quite a few items once seen on the very expensive S-Class now fitted to its smaller brother. There’s also a Sport Edition package that’ only offered in limited numbers, more about it in a moment. A new design turbo-diesel inline-six engine in the E 350 d lifts power from 190kW to 210kW. The petrol-powered six-cylinder E 450 4MATIC models now have 270kW and 500Nm, up 25kW and 20Nm on the previous series. All models in… Read more

LEXUS F LINE CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

Lexus RCF

Lexus has launched special editions of its high-performance RC F coupe and GS F sedan to mark the 10th anniversary of the upmarket Japanese marque’s F Line. Both models have a 470 horsepower V8 Lexus and are finished in matte grey paint finish ‘Fuji Graphite’, which is also applied to the door handles, mirror housings, side skirts and shark fin antenna. They ride on black polished 19-inch alloy wheels. Visible inside the wheels are Competition Blue brake callipers that bear the F logo. The same blue shade surrounds the discreet… Read more

NEW SUBARU FORESTER: BIGGER AND BETTER

Subaru has been in the SUV market in Australia for more years – no, make that more decades – than its competitors care to reflect upon. All Subarus (with the exception of the BRZ sportscar) have been sold only in AWD format since 1994 and the safety and superior roadholding added by driving all four wheels attracted many buyers. The second largest model in the range, the Forester was first sold Downunder 21 years ago and is selling its wheels off in today’s heated AWD / SUV market. To the… Read more