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2018 KIA STINGER: FURTHER INFORMATION RELEASED

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Kia is continuing its drip-feed of information on its Stinger to the local media, now providing details of equipment levels of the eagerly awaited three-model range that’s due to be launched in mid-September. The South Korean auto maker is very keen to attract buyers who once bought high-performance V8 versions of the Commodore and Falcon. It also has an eye on the performance all-wheel-drive models in the upcoming 2018 NG Holden Commodore, though these won’t be directly comparable to the Stinger. All of the first Kia Stingers will be powered… Read more

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FORD EVEREST IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF AUSSIE KNOW-HOW

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Ford Everest is a big, rugged 4WD / SUV that’s been around in other countries since 2003 but didn’t arrive in Australia until the release of the third generation model in late 2015. Although it’s fully imported from Thailand it is an important model for Ford Australia as the company moves away from vehicle production while retaining local employment by providing technical input through its research and development investment. Although the arrival of Ford Everest almost dove-tailed with the departure of the popular Territory the two vehicles are quite different…. Read more

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HYUNDAI i45 2010 – 2013

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The i45 moved the image of Hyundai as a maker of small, low-cost, sensible cars to largish sedans with style – lots of style. Its swooping curves and brave style lines were at the outer edge of automotive thinking when it was launched in 2010 – and still look stunning to this day. It was brought to Australia in three models, in increasing level of equipment these are i45 Active, i45 Elite and i45 Premium. Quality of build was eons ahead of that in the original rather crude 1980s Hyundais…. Read more

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PORSCHE CAYENNE: GEN-THREE DETAILS RELEASED

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The third generation Porsche Cayenne was announced at a major special event in the German company’s home city of Stuttgart. Virtually an all-new design it offers increased performance not only due to improved engines, but also because clever engineering has reduced its weight. Following the 911 and the Panamera, the body of the Cayenne uses a combination of alloy and steel. The exterior is made entirely of aluminium. The floorpan assembly, front section and virtually all the chassis components are also manufactured from alloy. Fascinatingly, a lithium-ion polymer starter battery… Read more

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NISSAN 370Z NISMO IS LOW, SPORTY AND WELL-PRICED

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Nissan has introduced a low-cost competitor into the high-performance sportscar scene. The bargain priced Nissan 370Z Nismo will sell from only $61,490 for the six-speed manual and $63,990 for the seven-speed paddle-shift automatic. This is around $8000 less than had been anticipated when Nissan Australia confirmed to us Nismo would definitely be coming here a few months back. Based on the standard Nissan 370Z, which is already astonishingly cheap for this class with a tag starting at just $49,990. The Nismo edition has added power, revised suspension, wider tyres, bigger… Read more

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2018 VOLVO S60 AND V60 POLESTARS

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Polestar, the high-performance division of Volvo Cars, has come up with major updates for the special editions of Volvo S60 and V60 Polestar for the 2018 model year. More than 250 components have been changed compared to the standard models. High on the list are carbon-fibre aerodynamic components that increase downforce by as much as 30 per cent. These editions are obviously aimed at very serious driver. The new aerodynamic exterior package has been developed jointly by the engineers of Polestar and Cyan Racing, the motorsport partner of Polestar. Data… Read more

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BUGATTI TYPE 35

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After World War I much development took place in motor vehicles and, in particular, in sportscars. Every country was determined to showcase their engineering ability and frequently the racing track was used as the place to do this. The sportscars that emerged in the early twenties began to show substantial reductions in engine size and a far greater reliance on the gearbox to provide reasonable – and in some cases very rapid – acceleration. Prior to 1914 the gearbox was seen purely as a device to get the large-engined cars… Read more

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VISION MERCEDES-MAYBACH 6 CABRIOLET

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Pebble Beach, California, USA hosts an annual gathering of the most magnificent classic cars on the planet. The final event of this year’s Concours d’Elegance was the unveiling by Mercedes-Benz of its astonishingly beautiful concept car, the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet. Is this the most gorgeous car you’ve ever seen? That was the question that flashed around the world the moment the concept was unveiled. A huge car – it’s almost six metres long and over two metres wide – the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet is a reminder of the… Read more

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2017 BMW 430i COUPE REVIEW

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Two-door coupes have a certain allure that seem to transcend the tricky access to the back seat. They feel sporty and fun and suggest a freedom that many of us crave. BMW’s 430i Coupe is no different. A spin-off from the 3-Series as the Bavarian manufacturer looked to capture a market that was looking for more lifestyle options than the everyday 3-Series, it has the luxury and performance to add credence to the deal. Now it has been updated with new lights, infotainment unit and adjusted suspension making for an… Read more

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HOLDEN CRUZE 2011 – 2016

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For what’s classified as a small car the Holden Cruze is quite large and has good leg and shoulder room for four adults. Three children in the back and parents in the front all have room to move. You get a lot for your money if you’re mainly seeking comfortable travel, but if you’re looking for a smaller sportier Commodore you won’t find it here Comfort is generally good and noise, vibration and harshness are well suppressed. Rough roads do challenge the suspension at times, but for its class Cruze… Read more