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HYUNDAI EV PROPHECY

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Hyundai Motor has revealed more details of its Prophecy Concept EV, saying it’s shape is inspired by the vintage cars of the 1920s and 30s, with a smooth, coupe-like design. Prophecy doesn’t have a steering wheel, it is controlled by dual joysticks located left and right from the driver: one on the centre console and the other on the door trim. Some 90 per cent of the vehicle’s functions can be controlled via buttons on the joysticks The infotainment system is integrated into a large screen stretching across the entire… Read more

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METALLURGIQUE

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1908 Metallurgique

Metallurgique was a Belgium-built rival for Mercedes, especially in the years between 1906 and 1914. Production was on a leisurely scale, the car being meticulously hand built. Though the first Metallurgique was produced in 1900, the oldest known survivor is a 1907 model, fitted with a massive 21-litre 100 horsepower Maybach engine. The 1908 model pictured was a 2.8-litre, four cylinder engine rated at 18 hp. An unusual feature is the Des Axe crankshaft which is off-set to the line of the bores (the camshaft is also off-set). An advanced… Read more

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NEW VEHICLE SALES: MARCH 2020

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The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry, has announced new vehicle sales figures for the month of March 2020. Sales for the month totalled 81,690, consisting of 21,777 passenger vehicles for a 26.7 per cent share of the market, 39,171 SUVs (48.0 per cent share) and 18,162 light commercial vehicles (22.2 per cent share). These figures represent negative growth of 17.9 per cent when compared to March 2019 and are mainly attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general economy…. Read more

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2020 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE UPGRADES

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Mitsubishi Mirage has received significant updates with changes to the style inside and out, improved infotainment and additional safety features. The Mitsubishi’s dynamic shield front ties in with new bumpers with large, angular recesses are aimed at giving it a broaded frontal stance. The rear has a squared-off look at the bumper corners and a colour-key rear spoiler. In addition, the Mirage LS gains new LED headlamps with headlamp-levelling, LED daytime running lamps, and LED rear combination lamps. It rides on 15-inch alloys. The revised interior includes Mitsubishi’s 7-inch smartphone… Read more

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COROLLA SEDAN PLANS TO PUT A SPURT ON HYBRID SALES

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When it comes to buying cars, Australians are no fools. Just ask Toyota, the maker of this country’s most popular passenger vehicle, the Corolla, which with 30,468 units in 2019, maintained leadership in passenger-car sales for a seventh consecutive year. Petrol / electric hybrid models make up a fair chunk of these and, with the release of the Corolla Hybrid sedan at the end of last year, are set to turn up the wick on sales. Toyota Australia president Matthew Callachor says: “Along with our existing RAV4, Camry and Corolla… Read more

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2020 AUDI Q5 REVIEW

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Q5 is the mid-sized model in Audi’s SUV range and its most popular. It made an immediate impact when it first went on sale in 2008. The current, second generation, model has been on sale since 2017 with an upgrade late last year. There are five variants with petrol or diesel engines ranging in price from $65,900 for the entry level 40 TDI design model to $84,700 for the 50 TDI sport. STYLING The Q5 carries the latest form of Audi’s successful design theme including the familiar and apparently ageless… Read more

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SUBARU XV 2012 -2018

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2012 Subaru XV

Subarus have long been popular in Australia where they are appreciated for their no nonsense design and rugged build. Australian buyers virtually from the day it went on sale and there are now plenty on the used-car market. This time around we’re looking at the XV range from 2012 onwards. Subaru originally called it the Impreza XV but the Japanese specialist in all-wheel-drive models called the new generation released in 2012 just plain Subaru XV. The idea was to promote it as being a real AWD, not a pretender as… Read more

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GEN-THREE GENESIS G80: FIRST DETAILS

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All-new Genesis G80 is the third generation of the South Korean brand’s executive sedan and will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2020. Styling is impressive, with a Parabolic Line, which the designers tell us, “begins at the front Quad Lamp and gradually runs lower to the rear through the top of the door. This elegant line is counter-balanced by athletic power lines emphasising the strength of fender volume and the up-fitted 20-inch wheels. In addition, the chrome trim beginning from behind the front wheels stretches out along… Read more

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DANGEROUS TAKATA AIRBAGS

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Car manufacturers have reminded vehicle owners that many car dealerships are open and ready to complete the rectification of faulty Takata airbags. A faulty Takata airbag has the potential to seriously injure, or even kill, vehicle drivers and passengers. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive, Tony Weber, said vehicle owners could easily check the recall status of their vehicles by visiting the industry website www.ismyairbagsafe.com.au. “We understand this is a very stressful time in our community, but we can’t afford to lose sight of the safety of our… Read more

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TOYOTA GRANVIA CHASING PASSENGERS BIG TIME

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Describing the Toyota Granvia as a mere replacement for the Tarago is selling both vehicles short. The Tarago people mover came to Australia in 1983 as basically a van with windows and seats. Seven years later the revolutionary ‘egg-shaped’ model broke ground here and soon became a popular fashion leader in the people mover field. However, 36 years later, families appear to have forsaken the Tarago-type people mover in favour of the big seven-seater sports utility vehicle. Needless to say, Toyota is on to it. The Granvia has come calling… Read more