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BMW X5 2007 – 2017

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2010 BMW X5

By EWAN KENNEDY, Marque Motoring CAPTION: A. B. C. 2015 BMW X5 BODY COPY BMW X5 has been major player in the prestige SUV field for many years since being introduced in 2000. These original models are getting on in years so we will start this used car review with the second generation X5 launched here in March 2007. By this time BMW had realised few buyers wanted a real 4WD, so designed a high-riding station wagon that has very competent on road, but only had modest off-road ability. BMW… Read more

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MINI GETS MAJOR TECH UPGRADE

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MINI’s midlife makeover (or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) has taken an interesting route in that styling changes are minimal, but technology and infotainment have received major upgrades. Following on from big-brother BMW models, the updated MINI Hatch and Convertible ranges see the introduction of MINI Connected. This is based on the 4G network and has a touchscreen interface. Included are Real-Time Traffic Information as well as Remote Services, Connected Services, Tele Services and even a Concierge function. The MINI Connected App provides send-to-car that lets you share your… Read more

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MX-5 RF LIMITED EDTION

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Mazda has introduced a limited edition to its MX-5 RF retractable fastback range. It is priced at $55,748 driveaway and is on sale now. Only 110 have been produced for Australia and these are moving out of the dealerships fast. The MX-5 RF Limited Edition is offered in Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Machine Grey Metallic, Snow Flake, White Pearl Mica, Ceramic Metallic and Eternal Blue Mica. Our test car was a white one – pity because we really have fallen in love with the Soul Red that has taken Mazda… Read more

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NISSAN X-TRAIL TL REVIEW

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Take a good look at the Nissan X-Trail. Look like a speed demon to you? It may have the 370Z as a brother but let’s face it, the X-Trail leans towards comfortable, disciplined and tempered rather than the maverick. Unfortunately, the traffic policeman I pointed that out to didn’t seem to bite, nodding patiently while still texting me my infringement (yes, that’s actually a thing). Luckily the senior constable took pity on me, keeping the points to a minimum, although I prefer to consider it my fee for discussing the… Read more

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MINI 2007 – 2017

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2012 Mini Coupe

After BMW took over some of the remains of the once great British motors industry in 2000, in March 2002 it revived the famous Mini. The BMW designers stuck to the original styling theme but enlarged the car in all directions to give it added safety and greater interior and luggage space. That new-gen Mini was a hit from day one thanks to a deep understanding of the Mini legend of fun driving and, even more importantly, trendy customisation. As these first cars are getting on in years we will… Read more

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HONDA CR-V +SPORT LIMITED EDTION

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Honda Australia has introduced a limited edition CR-V +Sport to its SUV lineup. Based on the CR-V VTi two-wheel drive model the +Sport has $4100 worth of added features for a $1900 price premium VTi. The CR-V +Sport is priced at MLP $32,490, with a national driveaway price of $35,490. A total of 900 are being imported. Along with the standard VTi features of smart keyless entry, Android Auto/Apple Carplay connectivity and three-mode reversing camera, the CR-V +Sport has: rear privacy glass, a black sports grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a… Read more

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HONDA JAZZ +SPORT LIMITED EDITION

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Honda Australia has introduced a limited edition Jazz +Sport to its lineup. Based on the Jazz VTi-S it adds $1600 worth of extra features for just $600 above the price of a VTi-S, giving it a MLP of $20,590. Only 240 are being imported. As well as the VTi-S standard features of built-in satellite navigation, remote keyless entry and LED projector headlights, the additional features for the Jazz +Sport are: 16-inch gloss black alloys, gloss black rear number plate garnish, +Sport badging, rear parking sensors to complement the reversing camera…. Read more

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NEW-GENERATION HYUNDAI SANTA FE

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Hyundai Santa Fe is now in its fourth generation, has a stylish look, extensive safety features and a strong emphasis on connectivity. Operating in the increasingly popular seven-seat SUV field Santa Fe is larger than its predecessor. It is 70mm longer, at 4770mm, rides on a 65mm greater wheelbase (2765mm). Front overhang is unchanged, but the rear overhang is greater by 5mm. Ground clearance of 185mm means it’s not quite a 4WD, but will be able to handle bush trails and the like. Santa Fe is available in the company’s… Read more

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2018 LEXUS RX350 L REVIEW

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Lexus RX has been a major player in its SUV class in Australia for close to 20 years now. Early in 2018 a stretched seven-seat model was added to the range for the first time. Using the moniker of Lexus RX L its body is 110 mm longer and the roof 10 mm higher than in the ongoing five-seater RX range. The all-wheel-drive Lexus RX L is sold in two grades, Luxury and Sports Luxury, with features almost identical to their five-seat equivalents. Our test vehicle for the past week… Read more

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CADILLAC ALLANTE

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1990 Cadillac Allante

In the mid-1980s European sporting luxury cars produced by makers such as Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar gained increasing prestige on the American market, much to the chagrin of General Motors. Around the same time GM corporate structure underwent change which meant that Cadillac became responsible for its own engineering and manufacturing. It was the only GM Division to be granted these responsibilities. Being allowed the flexibility of choosing from where they obtained their engineering elements Cadillac management, late in 1986, wasted no time in answering the challenge from Europe in planning… Read more