No comments

ALFA ROMEO 2000 SPYDER

  By
1957 Alfa Romeo 2000 Spider

In the early 1950s the Alfa Romeo plant at Portello had limited production space and a new factory at Arese north of Milan was under construction. Several prototypes of proposed new models such as the 2000 Sportiva were developed and put on display to gauge public acceptance. However, due to a complete lack of public interest and minimal interest in placing orders, the projects were all abandoned. Whilst the 2000 Sportiva was canned, the 2000 four-cylinder engine developed especially for it was not. At the time Alfa’s main line was… Read more

No comments

NISSAN QASHQAI N-SPORT

  By ,

Nissan Australia has announced it will bring a tough looking Nissan Qashqai N-SPORT to SUV lovers downunder. Nissan Qashqai ST-L-based N-SPORT is limited to 600 units. It has 19-inch wheels; body-coloured bumpers front and rear that incorporate matt silver trim highlights. Bodyside mouldings with matt silver trim and wheel arches are also body-colour coded. Further exterior flourishes include silver-painted caps for the auto folding and heated door mirrors, while inside the headlining is finished in black. As well as that limited edition Nissan Australia has updated others Qashqai models, adding… Read more

No comments

2020 MITSUBISHI ASX EXCEED

  By ,

Mitsubishi has been a major player in the SUV and 4WD segments, selling the Eclipse Cross, Outlander, Pajero Sport and Pajero. The baby of the bunch is the ASX. It’s not really an SUV and only has 2WD (the front wheels) but is hardly alone in this. Mitsubishi ASX is a small SUV that’s been on sale in Australia since 2010. It frequently sits in top spot in sales for its class. A major reason for its success is the low prices achieved because its capital costs have been paid… Read more

No comments

SALES FIGURES FOR JANUARY 2020

  By

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released the new vehicle sales figures for the month of January 2020, utilising the updated VFACTS (i.e. more honest) reporting system for the first time. New vehicle sales for the month totalled 71,731, and were comprised of 20,494 passenger vehicles, 35,393 Sports Utility Vehicles and 14,035 Light Commercial Vehicles. Tony Weber, chief executive for the FCAI, commented on the sales result, “Given the broad range of environmental, financial, international and political issues facing Australia during January, it is no surprise to see… Read more

No comments

MAZDA CX-30 FIRST DRIVE

  By ,

Mazda CX-30 is an SUV that sits neatly between Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in size and price. In times when fewer and fewer so-called SUVs are only driven by two wheels the CX-30 is offered with a choice between two and all-wheel drive. Interestingly its chief designer, Ryo Yanagisawa, who travelled to Australia for the media launch of the vehicle calls it, “a crossover SUV”. Mazda Australia chief, Vinesh Bhindi, says “All-New Mazda CX-30 is the perfect middle ground between small and medium SUV, giving customers a really sensible alternative… Read more

No comments

FORD EVEREST 2015 – 2018

  By ,
2019 Ford Everest

Ford Everest is a large 4WD / SUV that’s been sold overseas since 2003 but didn’t come to Australia until the release of the third generation model in October 2015. It is a serious off-roader that’s built on the same platform as Ford Ranger ute. Everest is just under five metres long and over two metres wide so has a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to seven occupants. The entry-level Ambients have seating for five. Trend and Titanium models have the rearmost pair of twin seats as standard. We’ve… Read more

No comments

JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON IS 4X4 AUSTRALIA’s 4X4 OF THE YEAR

  By ,

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has been named 4×4 Australia 4×4 of the Year. It’s one of the most capable SUV on the planet, and was celebrated for being unstoppable even on the toughest terrain, with its undeniable off-road prowess and rich heritage. “The Wrangler Rubicon Diesel shone out for its unrivalled off road ability and uncompromised approach to adventure driving. With its removable roof and 80 years of heritage behind it, the Rubicon is a truly unique vehicle,” said Matt Raudonikis, Editor of 4×4 Australia. Kevin Flynn, Managing Director of… Read more

No comments

MERCEDES-BENZ EQC IS WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR

  By ,

The Mercedes-Benz EQC is Wheels Car of the Year for 2020. The family-sized SUV launched in 2019 is the first pure-electric series-production vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. Hopefully it will be the first of many electrics to win awards in what is an ever-changing world. “The Mercedes-Benz EQC was a clear winner,” said Wheels Editor, Alex Inwood. “The EQC’s masterstroke is its stunning completeness. It was the safest car in this year’s field and also one of the most refined.” Mercedes-Benz Australia-Pacific CEO and Managing Director, Horst von Sanden said, “We are… Read more

No comments

PEUGEOT 404

  By ,
1962 Peugeot 404

The Peugeot 404 followed on from the popular 403. It was sold with a number of different bodies – four-door sedan, two-door coupe, two-door convertible, two different five-door wagon versions, a utility and a light truck. With a body by Pininfarina, the result of a partnership that began back in the 1950s, the 404 along with the 403, 504, 104 and 406 were considered to be among Peugeot’s most beautiful cars. Popular as a taxi, the 404 enjoyed a fine reputation for both durability and value. With a wheelbase of… Read more

No comments

MASERATI GOING ELECTRIC

  By
Maserati GranCabrio

Maserati has started the testing phase of its new full electric propulsion systems which will equip future models from the famed Italian maker of sports vehicles. Some experimental vehicles have now been built equipped with the new powertrain, 100 per cent electric with 100 per cent Maserati technology, developed at the new Innovation Lab in Modena. All Maserati owners love the sound of their cars so during this experimental phase, we are assured the sound that will characterise the electric engine will also be developed. Maserati assures us, “The next… Read more