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ALL-NEW AUDI A5 AND S5

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Audi A5s are all about style, both inside and out – as the just launched new-generation A5 two-door coupe proves. Even better news is that prices have been cut by as much as $15,000 when compared equipment-to-equipment with superseded models. Though the body is all-new it carries some cues from the superseded one, which is no bad thing. It’s as sleek as ever, but now has a sharper, edgier look that ties in neatly with the new A4 range and, to a lesser extent, the just launched Q2. If you… Read more

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VOLVO XC90 2003 – 2015

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The Volvo XC90 is more of a people mover than an SUV. Which makes sense because very few SUV buyers fall into the ‘I dream of crossing the Simpson Desert one day’ category. It was launched here in August 2003 and wasn’t discontinued until August 2015, albeit with several makeovers during that 12 year period. The XC90 has a big emphasis on space and comfort. The cabin sits well forward thanks to the use of a transversely mounted engine instead of the longitudinal units used by most large SUVs. A… Read more

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MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS COUPE ANNOUNCED

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Mercedes-Benz has released details of the coupe version of its new E-Class range. And the chances are the first ones are on their way to the docks to head downunder as we write this. They’re to be launched here in June and dealers are taking orders now. The low, sleek proportions work well with a low grille, long bonnet with power domes, and the cabin sitting further rearward. There are four frameless side windows and as there’s no B-pillar – the visual emphasis is very much about style. However, it’s… Read more

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NISSAN DUALIS 2008 – 2014

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The ‘dual’ in Nissan Dualis signifies its dual-purpose nature, a vehicle that’s a crossover between a family hatchback and a compact 4WD. Though these types of vehicle have become pretty well mainstream in the eight years since Dualis was launched here in January 2008, the Nissan was one of the first of its kind. Though not aimed at the purist 4WD buyer, Dualis has Nissan’s respected All-mode transmission so has decent traction on bush tracks, as well as on slippery sealed surfaces. It has higher than average ground clearance for… Read more

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ARE FRENCH HOLDENS COMING DOWNUNDER?

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  The world around us is changing at a bewildering rate. Back in the 1970s Peugeots and Citroens were built in Australia and Holden was king of the Australian car market. Soon Holdens will be built by Peugeot and Citroen in Europe and imported to Australia – yep, bewildering. You’re no doubt aware that GM in the USA has sold its European operations, Vauxhall in the UK and Opel in the rest of the continent, to French giant PSA which manufactures both Peugeot and Citroen models. The change has me… Read more

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MIRAGE A CLEAR LEADER IN VALUE STAKES

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Buyers surfing the info line for a new very small car are generally not looking for power or performance. Sticker price and safety are the focus and top of the pile of recent releases has to be the Mitsubishi Mirage. The entry-level Mirage 1.2-litre ES hatch with a five-speed manual hits the streets at $12,250, plus on-road costs, automatic transmission adds $2000 to the price, the topline LS CVT hatch further $1000. Closest rival is the Suzuki Celerio 1.0-litre hatch at $12,990 drive away; others form a queue right up… Read more

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SUBARU LIFTS HATCH ON THE FUTURE

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You don’t need a crystal ball to see what’s going on at Subaru over the next ten years. The fifth generation all-wheel drive Impreza is based on the new global platform that will underpin all new models for the coming decade. The platform is 95 per cent new, so it’s a major step up for a company famed for engineering excellence. The Global Platform, Subaru says, offers new levels of agility, crash protection, efficiency and enjoyable driving in a vehicle that sees the biggest step-change in Impreza since the original… Read more

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ALFA ROMEO GIULIETTA SPRINT COUPE

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  The Alfa Romeo Sprint Coupe came onto the market in 1954 as a replacement for Alfa’s first postwar production design, the 1900, which had been released in 1950. Prior to the 1950s, cars were a relatively small part of Alfa Romeo’s business, its main business being the manufacture of aircraft engines. In the 1920s and 1930s Alfa Romeo competed in many car races and were successful in Grands Prix, Mille Miglia and Le Mans on a number of occasions, soon gaining a reputation as the outstanding marque for the… Read more

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LOTUS ELAN SPRINT

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In 1962, Lotus announced the Elan to take over from the Elite. This was an entirely different type of chassis, designed specifically with series production in mind, for it could be stripped out and repaired more easily. The designer was persuaded of the advantages of having a separate chassis, particularly in an open car. From this the simple, but very rigid, folded steel backbone frame was conceived. It was agreed that the body could be made only in two parts – a top and a bottom. This type of construction… Read more

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MINI COUNTRYMAN HITS THIS COUNTRY

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The BMW Mini has been one of the most successful cars globally since its introduction in 2000. It began as a two-door that, while significantly larger than the original British design, copied its shape brilliantly. Customisation was a major feature in the new Mini’s success, offering buyers a staggering number of options. The first models were followed by various new types of bodies. Arguably the most interesting of these is the Mini Countryman. The latest version of which has finally arrived in this country. Australian buyers have been keeping a… Read more