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MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE CROSS: PRICE TRIMMED

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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

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RENAULT MEGANE R.S. 280

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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

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MAZDA MX-5 GETS MORE POWER

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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

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SHARPER LOOKS TO LEADING-EDGE KIA

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Since it was launched 12 months ago, the Kia Picanto has taken up a position at the leading edge of the Australian light-car market. In January that edge was sharpened with the addition of a special edition, designated GT-Line, to mark Kia’s sponsorship of the Australian Tennis Open. Such was the popularity of the sporty Picanto, the new ‘top seed’ has been made a permanent fixture of the team, at $17,290, plus on-road costs. Already replete with features following a substantial upgrade in equipment, including the addition of Apple i-Play,… Read more

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SKODA OCTAVIA 2007 – 2017

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2007 Skoda Octavia

Skoda Octavia can be described as a Volkswagen Jetta (Golf sedan) with a different body. German Volkswagen has controlled Czech Skoda since the fall of communion in the early 1990s. Therefore the Octavia’s mechanicals are from the VW, but the Czechs designed a body around the skeleton of the Jetta. The Czechs like to have room to move in their cars and the Octavia is larger inside than its Volkswagen cousins. In fact it’s more VW Passat than Jetta in its spacious cabin and boot. Octavia became slightly larger with… Read more

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MITSUBISHI ASX: NEW ‘ES’ GRADE

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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

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2018 JAGUAR E-PACE FIRST EDITION

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Jaguar was relatively slow at getting into the small end of the booming prestige SUV market, a segment that is not only popular here but in many other countries. Now the Brit marque is in there. Tagged the Jaguar E-Pace it joins big brother Jaguar F-Pace that has been on sale here since October 2016. Jaguar E-Pace is pretty well line-ball in size for the prestige class, being 4395mm long and sitting on a 2681mm wheelbase. In a smart marketing move Jaguar has introduced the E-Pace to Australia with a… Read more

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HOLDEN ACADIA GETTING CLOSER

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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

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PLYMOUTH VOLARE

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1978 Plymouth Volare

In the USA the Plymouth’s Volare replaced the Valiant in 1976. Introduced in 1960, the Valiant had had a very long model run proving to be such reliable transport that it was kept in production for 16 years as good sales continued to be sustained. The slightly sportier Dodge version was initially named the Lancer, then later the Dart. The key to its success was the performance of the OHV Slant-Six engine which was available as either a 2.7-litre version developing 85kW or a more powerful 3.6-litre version. The engine’s… Read more

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HONDA HR-V: NEW RS MODEL

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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