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PEUGEOT 508 – MEDIUM IS THE NEW LARGE

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The jostling continues among imported car makers to occupy the void that’s about to be created when local production of large passenger cars ceases over the next 12 months or so. Previously ‘medium’ cars will in future carry the mantle of large cars and are likely to attract increasing buyer interest when, or if, the current SUV bubble ever bursts and traditional passenger cars come back into fashion. Among the jostlers is Peugeot with the largest model in its range, the 508. It’s sold in sedan and station wagon format,… Read more

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AUDI PREVIEWS ITS ALL-NEW Q2 COMPACT SUV

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A couple of months ago we were able to attend the global launch of Audi’s all-new Q2 compact SUV in Switzerland. Although its Australian release is still around five months away Audi has brought out a display model. We in the local motoring media have just viewed it and members of the eastern states public will be able to see Q2 at a travelling Pop-Up Roadshow over the next month. Audi is keen to attract younger buyers to its brand and the booming compact SUV segment is a logical target… Read more

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MINI MOKE

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In February 1966, the Mini-based Moke went on sale. This lightweight two-wheel drive vehicle combined Mini mechanicals with a buckboard-style body without doors and windows. The concept originated in Britain in 1956, as a light army personnel carrier for use on and off normal roads. Some four-wheel drive prototypes were built but they never went into production. Production of the 2WD versions started in Britain but sales were too slow for the parent company so the decision was made to transfer production to Sydney. A similar vehicle was also produced… Read more

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AUDI A4 ALLROAD QUATTRO

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Allroad quattro models are becoming an increasing feature of the Audi lineup in Australia. A cross between an SUV and a standard station wagon, allroads make more sense than the former and have all the advantages of lower fuel consumption and ease of driving of the latter. As its name suggests the Audi allroad is designed to work well on all roads, it’s not intended to be an off-road explorer, but to perform capably on sealed or unsealed surfaces likely to be chosen by adventurous families on big touring trips…. Read more

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FAVOURITES FEATURE IN LEVORG BLOODLINE

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The Subaru Levorg is a hybrid of sorts; not in petrol-electric power terms but in character. Its part sports machine, part sensible family station wagon. A combination that’s likely to appeal to many who enjoy their driving. Levorg is powered by the 197 kW four-cylinder turbocharged engine found in the sporty WRX and in practicality and size is a descendent of the Liberty GT wagon. Available exclusively with Subaru’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, it comes basically in two variants – 2.0GT and 2.0GT-S. In Australia, however, a third version –… Read more

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SEDAN SUPERB BY NAME AND NATURE

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Rarely does a vehicle go anywhere near living up to its title. However, Skoda’s Superb, the latest version of the large sedan from the Audi VW affiliate, goes mighty close. The third-generation flagship comes to market in the Oliver Twist manner of more, more, more in many ways over its well-credentialed predecessor. For example, the new model offers increased interior space for occupants and luggage and more driver assistance derived from upper-class vehicles. Car companies tend to supply test vehicles with cost costly – options. Skoda had the confidence in… Read more

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TALENTED MAZDA6 IN SOFT-SHOE SHUFFLE ONTO MARKET

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The Mazda6 origins go back almost 30 years to the Mazda 626 medium-size sedan. A nomenclature change to its present form accompanied its repositioning as the company’s flagship in 2002. Lately midsize SUVs have been assailing the sales charts like mountain goats at the expense of conventional sedans and wagons. The exception is the Mazda6, which has maintained a firm foothold in the market, making it the most popular midsize car import under $60,000. With the latest update, Mazda expects to sell 380 units a month through continued evolution of… Read more

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AUDI A4 2005 – 2016

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2008 Audi A4

A major player in the trio of prestigious German cars Audi has become very strong in Australia in recent times. The Audi A4 is a midrange model that’s sold as a sedan, a two-door cabriolet and an Avant station wagon. A further variation is the A4 allroad quattro. Based on the Avant it has increased ground clearance, added body and underbody protection. This allroad isn’t as common as that of big brother A6 allroad, but is starting grab quite a bit of attention due to the release of the latest… Read more

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2017 SUBARU IMPREZA PREVIEW

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By EWAN KENNEDY in Tokyo Subaru flew selected Australian motoring journalists to Japan for an advanced look at the all-new fifth generation Impreza; due in Australia in December. Subaru Australia’s chief, Nick Senior Senior says he is proud of the fact that Impreza is about 95 per cent new. Shaking his head and saying the words ‘all-new’ tend to be seriously misused in car marketing, often relating to cars that contain less than 50 per cent new parts. New Impreza is built on an all-new modular platform that Subaru will… Read more

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TALBOT 14/45

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The Talbot 14/45 was in production between 1926 and 1935. Whilst the British Talbot Vehicle Manufacturing Company was a part of the larger Anglo-French Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) combine, it was struggling to stay in business at the time when a Swiss engineer, Georges Roesch rejoined the company in 1925. By using a newly designed six-cylinder in the 14/45 of 1926 Roesch completely transformed the business’s prospects and remained with them until, due to continuing group financial difficulties, Talbot was acquired by, and became part of, the Rootes Group in 1935. Prior… Read more