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MAHINDRA UPGRADES ITS XUV 500 SUV

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The XUV500 is a large seven-seat SUV from Indian manufacturer Mahindra that’s been on sale in Australia since 2012. Originally sold as a diesel manual the latest just-released model comes with a Euro 5 2.2-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Mahindra says the new turbo-petrol/auto combination in the XUV 500 is likely to boost sales numbers – not that we’ll know because Mahindra has chosen not to supply them to the FCAI for inclusion in the industry standard VFACTS sales reports. The XUV500 is well-equipped seven-seater that… Read more

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TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL: STATE BY STATE

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The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry, has announced a state-based campaign to raise awareness of the Takata airbag recall. Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said that while a national advertising campaign had been successful in helping to locate over a million of the faulty airbags, there were still many outstanding. “We are now trying a state-based approach, letting each state and territory in Australia know how many airbags have been rectified, and how many are still to go in their… Read more

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HONDA JAZZ, CITY 2008 – 2017

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  Jazz is the smallest Honda model that’s sold in Australia. It was initially launched here in October 2002, but we will only cover from the second generation of September 2008 in this review. Not only is the 2002 getting on years but the 2008 is significantly larger to make it more suited to adults in the rear seats. It has better in-cabin refinement and overall equipment levels. Handling was given a slightly more sporty feeling though, as it’s intended as a city car, the emphasis still leans to the… Read more

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AUSTRALIAN SIX

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Despite good looks and excellent engineering, the Australian Six was one of the great failures of motoring history. The story started when Frederick Hugh Gordon, a motor trade figure who claimed to have imported and sold the first Ford in Australia, reasoned that a locally assembled car could sell for much less than comparable imported models. In 1917 Gordon visited the US and met Louis Chevrolet who, at great expense, gave not only engineering advice but the names of all companies supplying parts for the Chevrolet Light Six. In 1918… Read more

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SUZUKI GRAND VITARA, VITARA 2005 – 2017

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Unlike many ‘toy’ 4WDs in the so-called SUV class, the Suzuki Vitara is the real deal. Popular with those who like to have fun away from the beaten track, the Vitara works well on the beach, on forest trails and even in reasonably serious off-road conditions. Though the names ‘Grand Vitara’ and just plain ‘Vitara’ were used in different series most people simply refer to them all as Vitara. Basically, the Grand title was used on the 2005 models being reviewed here, but from the model change of 2015, it… Read more

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ALL-NEW TOYOTA HIACE IS THE SAFEST YET

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Fifteen years is almost three lifetimes in motor car terms but that’s how long the previous Toyota HiAce commercial van was on the Australian market. Despite increased competition in recent years it’s been the top-selling van throughout that 15-year period and is sure to continue there with the release of an all-new model. The most noticeable change with new HiAce is that it now comes in a semi-bonneted configuration that not only provides extra collision safety but also, because it allows the engine to be moved forward ahead of the… Read more

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NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE NOW ON SALE

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Launched in London late last year with all the glitz and glamour associated with the Range Rover brand, the new second-generation Evoque compact SUV has now arrived in Australia. Given the popularity of the original Evoque’s stylish design changes with the new model have been kept to a minimum with a number of elements brought over from its larger sibling the Velar including flush-mounted door handle that give Evoque a cleaner, smoother shape. It retains the distinctive coupe-like silhouette, rising waistline, pronounced shoulders and powerful wheelarches and large wheels that… Read more

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SSANGYONG THROWS DOWN BEAUT UTE CHALLENGE

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SsangYong is going to great lengths, with one of the most spacious trays in class, to make an impression in the ute market. The new Musso XLV can be loaded up with 1262 litres weighing up to 1020 kg. And just to show how serious the South Korean automobile maker is, SsangYong is aiming to expand to 50 dealers in Australia by the end of the year. The new long wheelbase version of the Musso, according to the maker, combines high levels of safety, creature comforts, off-road performance and, last… Read more

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ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA SPECIAL EDITION

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Alfa Romeo Australia is importing a limited run of 30 vehicles, the Giulietta Veloce S Edition offers $6,900 in additional customer value for only $3,500 and is now available in Alfa Romeo dealerships from $45,400. These are MSRP prices and on roads have to be factored in. Featuring premium exterior enhancements, the captivating Giulietta Veloce S Edition is available in three exterior colours, solid Alfa White, solid Alfa Black, and a metallic variant of Stromboli Grey. It rides on 18-inch dark Miron wheels with laser-etched red motif. Additional red design… Read more

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MAZDA BT-50 BOSS

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Mazda has added a new topline model to its BT-50 range. Tagged as ‘Boss’ it has advanced audio and premium accessories. Boss is offered exclusively in Snowflake White Pearl Mica, chrome accents replaced with gloss black on the grille, door handles, mirror caps, sports bar and tubular side steps. It sits on 17-inch 8-spoke black alloy wheels and has a soft tonneau. Bold black and white ‘Boss’ decal runs the length of the body. Ascending and increasing in width from the base of the front wheel arch to the rear… Read more