2017 MAZDA2 UPDATES

Like a featherweight fighter, the Mazda2 has just squared up to opponents in the light-car division with upgraded versions of its popular sub-compact passenger vehicle. Available in four hatchback versions – Neo, Maxx, Genki and GT – and three sedans – Neo, Maxx and GT- the new Mazda2 follows on from the Mazda3 and 6 with G-Vectoring Control producing even safer handling. In a first for the light-car segment, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert come to Mazda2, being fitted as standard on up-spec Genki and GT. This… Read more

VALUE-ADDED FORD EVERESTS

Keen to cash in on the current craze for buying SUVs rather than cars Ford Australia has added extra models to its Everest Ambiente range, fitted extra equipment to other models and, in many cases, reduced prices. Everest range now include a new Ambiente two-wheel-drive (the rear wheels) with five-seats and a suggested list price of $47,990. Adding a third row of seats only puts another $1000 to the price. Ford Everest Ambiente models now have standard Sync3 including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This is operated through an… Read more

2017 VOLKSWAGEN AMAROK TDV6 ULTIMATE REVIEW

It is no secret that dual-cab utes have quickly become an Australian favourite, their capability and practicality a real drawcard for drivers looking for a vehicle suitable for both work and play. The Volkswagen Amarok has been one of the players since its arrival on these shores in 2011, offering almost car-like comfort seldom seen in a rugged utility. Now, six years later, the Amarok has added that seemingly elusive power factor to an already impressive vehicle. STYLING You want a pickup that looks like a pickup, one who’s chiselled… Read more

MAJOR REVISIONS FOR MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV

Mitsubishi has been at the forefront of pure electric and hybrid vehicles for many years, both in Australia and globally. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV took its place in Australian automotive history as it was the first ever pure electric production car to go on sale in this country. The Japanese giant is now starting to push hard in Australia on the PHEV (Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) front. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was launched downunder in 2014 and has just received a series of major revisions. These are far reaching, not… Read more

TOYOTA CELEBRATES HILUX SUCCESS WITH A TONKA TRUCK

We’re all familiar by now with the ‘Mad Monday’ phenomenon where boofy blokes dress up in outrageous costumes and make pests of themselves to celebrate their sporting victories. Having just taken out the motoring equivalent of a grand final win with its HiLux ute – outselling all its rivals in the 2016 sales race – Toyota has decided to celebrate in ‘Mad Monday style by teaming up with toy truck maker Tonka to built an outrageously styled concept ute. Both Tonka and Toyota are household names and celebrate significant anniversaries… Read more

NEW MAZDA CX-5

Mazda CX-5 has been a hit in Australia from day one when it arrived here just over five years ago in February 2012. Now the second generation has been introduced. And the relentless series of improvements that drive the Japanese marque mean it exceeds the original in just about every area. Mazda Australia is very highly regarded by head office in Hiroshima so the chief engineer of the CX-5 program, Masaya Kodama came to Australia to introduced his new baby. First let’s talk style as that was one of the… Read more

FIAT 500 CELEBRATES 60TH BIRTHDAY

The original Fiat 500 turns 60 years old this year

The iconic Fiat 500 is celebrating its 60 birthday using a fascinating mix of history and the latest in high-tech internet communication. In a very Italian manner the company has also mixed in its celebration with other iconic events. The events began on St Patricks Day, March 17th with a major event a the Geneva Motor Show, and will finish on America’s Independence Day, July 4th – because the Fiat 500 was presented in Turin on that day in 1957. The Fiat 500’s 60th anniversary will include tours of Europe’s… Read more

2017 KIA RIO SI AUTOMATIC

The designers of the new Kia Rio have done just about everything they could to move it upmarket. Operating in the ultra-tight small-car market the South Korean company realised it had to move away from mainstream to give it an edge. On the whole they have succeeded, but there is one problem that needs to be sorted out asap, more about it later in this report. In the European manner new Kia Rio sits on a 10 mm longer wheelbase to permit a bigger cabin for greater legroom and comfort…. Read more

ALL-NEW AUDI A5 AND S5

Audi A5s are all about style, both inside and out – as the just launched new-generation A5 two-door coupe proves. Even better news is that prices have been cut by as much as $15,000 when compared equipment-to-equipment with superseded models. Though the body is all-new it carries some cues from the superseded one, which is no bad thing. It’s as sleek as ever, but now has a sharper, edgier look that ties in neatly with the new A4 range and, to a lesser extent, the just launched Q2. If you… Read more

MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE ANNOUNCED

Mercedes-Benz has released details of the coupe version of its new E-Class range. And the chances are the first ones are on their way to the docks to head downunder as we write this. They’re to be launched here in June and dealers are taking orders now. The low, sleek proportions work well with a low grille, long bonnet with power domes, and the cabin sitting further rearward. There are four frameless side windows and as there’s no B-pillar – the visual emphasis is very much about style. However, it’s… Read more