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MERCEDES BENZ SSK

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1928 Mercedes-Benz SSK

The SSK – K from the German for short – was designed by Dr Ferdinand Porsche and was among the highest performance cars of the early 1920s produced anywhere in the world. This performance came from the supercharger with which the SSK was equipped. Mercedes developed supercharging technology for use in aero engines during the 1914-18 war as a means of dramatically increasing power without adding a great deal of weight. The last Mercedes cars designed by Paul Daimler before, in 1922, he left the company founded by his father… Read more

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2017 AUDI A3 SPORTBACK

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Late in 2016 the Audi A3 and S3 ranges were given a comprehensive upgrade. They have a facelift and tail-tuck, revised engines, additional technology, added safety assistance systems, standard MMI satellite navigation on all models, and higher levels of equipment across the board. Depending on the model, the Audi A3 / S3 has up to $7000 in additional value over the outgoing car. Which, incidentally was voted World Car of the Year in 2014. The breadth of the Audi 3 range models is impressive. It starts with the A3 1.0-turbo-petrol… Read more

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THE LAST EVER HOLDEN COMMODORES?

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Holden has announced some minor changes and upgrades to the Commodore on sale for the 2017 season. Will these be the last very Commodores? Or will the company come up with some surprises as the October deadline for the factory gets closer? We suspect the latter, but like everyone else, we will have to wait and see. In the meantime potential buyers are being encouraged by Holden to lodge their interest asap at their favoured dealer. Holden says high demands are expected. Customers are encouraged to order any personally configured… Read more

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FORD MONDEO 2007 – 2015

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2007 Ford Mondeo hatch

Ford Mondeo is a full-size family car from Europe. The earlier models weren’t particularly successful in Australia but from the new, larger model of October 2007 it gained more respect in this country. It comes as no surprise that the European designed Mondeo has steering and suspension dynamics that appeal to the Australians who enjoy driving, even in their family oriented cars. Ride comfort is good and even rough country roads don’t upset the Mondeo’s feel. However, they aren’t as good as Aussie-designed Falcons. In particular, interior noise on coarse-chip… Read more

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SHARPER ‘SUIT’ FOR POPULAR LEXUS SEDAN

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Of all the Lexus lines, the IS, with 40,000 delivered Down Under, is the model Australia has taken to its heart. Across four generations the IS Line has been known for its trendsetting design and the latest lot to land is no exception. The new models feature exterior and interior styling changes, as well as improvements to the display screen and audio system. The range incorporates the full suite of Lexus Safety System+ technology. The Lexus IS Line is available as the IS 200t with the recently launched 2.0-litre turbocharged… Read more

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RENAULT KOLEOS IS A NEAT AND CAPABLE MID-SIZED SUV

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Renault Koleos is the larger of two SUVs in the French carmaker’s Australian range, the other being the compact Captur. Koleos has been on sale here since 2008 without causing much of a ripple on the sales charts but with hopes that the recent arrival of the second-generation model and some decent marketing will attract more interest. Truly cosmopolitan, Koleos was designed in France, has a Japanese-built chassis and is constructed in South Korea. Australia becoming the first country, outside of its native France, to sell it. STYLING Koleos is… Read more

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FORD MUSTANG’S POOR CRASH RATING

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Independent vehicle safety advocate, ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) has given a safety rating to the Ford Mustang of just two stars out of five. The tests were carried out in Europe by NCAP, but ANCAP nowadays follows the same procedures. ANCAP’s CEO, James Goodwin, says, “This result is simply shocking for such a newly designed and popular model. The safety of adult occupants, child occupants and the ability to avoid a crash all form the basis of our ratings and the Mustang falls short in each of these… Read more

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RANGE ROVER SVR HAS ASTONISHING GRIP – EVERYWHERE

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The Range Rover Sport SVR is one of hottest, hardest accelerating 4WDs in the world. Its 405 kW 5.0-litre V8 can blast it from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds. Far faster than a Brock Commodore or a Falcon GT of the 1980s could ever dream of. There’s no secret as to how the big Rangie can do this. Obviously driving all four wheels and all-but eliminating wheelspin off the line is a big factor. But the biggest reason for that rocketship time is advancements in technology, not… Read more

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RENAULT MEGANE GT-LINE

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Renault’s all-new Megane five-door hatchback range is very well priced, starting at just $22,490 for the Megane Life with a manual gearbox. Megane is aimed at buyers considering Asian cars but who would like a healthy dose of French flair. This will be a major selling point of fourth generation Megane. Our test car was a Megane GT-Line with a tag of $32,490, plus on-road costs. It has plenty of sporting flair in its shape but doesn’t have the added power of the $38,490 Megane GT. The GT-Line has an… Read more

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HYUNDAI VELOSTER 2012 – 2015

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2012 Hyundai Veloster

Hyundai Veloster is something right out of the ordinary: a coupe on the driver’s side and a hatchback on the other side. Not only does that make it an instant talking point and grab plenty of sales, but also makes it more usable. The bane of two-door coupes is getting passengers in and out of the rear seats. Veloster overcomes this by having a small back door on the left side. It’s forward hinged and makes access to the back easy. The diving roof line and expansive hatch give it… Read more