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BMW’S 220i IS THE REAL DEAL

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BMW 2 Series in convertible format is a pure BMW in the eyes of those who love the upmarket German marque. That’s because it has rear-wheel drive and is offered with a straight-six engine (though the test car reviewed here was a four-cylinder). Though it shares its ‘2 Series’ numbering system with some new BMW models that have a transverse engine and front-wheel-drive we can assure keen drivers the 220i convertible and its coupe brothers have a differential just where you want it – between the rear wheels. STYLING The… Read more

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FERRARI’S STUNNING 488 GTB SETS NEW PERFORMANCE BENCHMARK

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With the type of fanfare that only the Italians can muster Ferrari Australia has launched its 488 GTB supercar. As a tribute to Ferrari’s iconic prancing horse logo the venue chosen for the launch was the historic Inglis Newmarket Stables near Randwick racecourse. There was even a real-live horse that, while it didn’t exactly prance, it did kick its front legs up a couple of times. The 488 GTB is a direct descendant of Ferrari’s first ever mid-mounted V8 the 308 GTB which was launched in 1975. Its immediate predecessor,… Read more

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NISSAN PATROL 1996 – 2015

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2006 Nissan Patrol

Nissan Patrol is the real deal. It’s a 4WD not an SUV, with truck-type body-on-chassis construction for maximum strength in harsh driving conditions, particularly in real off-road conditions. The drawback of a ladder-frame is a lack of refinement and comfort compared to the typical SUVs of the modern era. Though Patrol has been improved over the years, it’s still on the crude side and may not suit those who are looking for a macho people mover rather than a genuine bush-going wagon. Patrol has been a solid seller in the… Read more

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HYUNDAI TUCSON MAKES A WELCOME RETURN

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Hyundai Tucson is back in Australia, albeit in a totally new format to the older model sold here till 2010. It replaces the Hyundai ix35 which did reasonably well in the sales race and the Australian importer is confident Tucson will do at least as well. Sleek styling, a suspension system with considerable Australian engineering input, and the latest infotainment technology lift the all-new Hyundai Tucson into an altogether new class. And its growth in size has seen it lifted into a different category, now being classed as a medium… Read more

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AUDI’S ALL-NEW R8 SUPERCAR

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Audi R8 created quite a stir when launched in 2007 because it showcased the German giant’s winning ways in the ultra-tough Le Mans 24-hour race, not to mention the advantages of all-wheel drive. The original sold for an amazingly long time in supercar terms, but an all-new model was unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show and details of the Australian imports have just been finalised. Right from the start the Audi A8’s styling was out of the ordinary, particularly in the area of the controversial blades, usually in contrasting… Read more

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TOUGH-GUY IMAGE BLURRED IN NISSAN MICRA

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As much as a small 1.2-litre three-cylinder hatchback could be considered aggressive, the new Micra is more so, according to Nissan. The city runabout has ‘a new style that delivers a stronger, more assertive and dynamic look,’ its maker opines. With almost seven million sales under its belt in more than 30 years, the Nissan small car now checks in with a long list of upgrades, including revised spec levels, a new look and a slew of technical innovations. The Micra, known as Nissan March in some countries, is built… Read more

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2015 DODGE JOURNEY R/T BLACKTOP

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Dodge is unusual in currently being a single-model brand in the country. In this case, it’s the seven-seat Dodge Journey in three trim levels – SXT, R/T and R/T Blacktop. It’s a curious thing to have just the one Dodge when the parent company is doing pretty decent business with the Jeep brand. But, as they say, smoke them if you’ve got them and in a world where niche cars can become surprise hits, why not? VALUE The Journey Blacktop is loaded with stuff for its relatively modest price which… Read more

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CHRYSLER 300C – THE BIG ‘ONE’?

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Chrysler has launched an upgrade to its second generation 300C sedan with a new front and rear fascia design and a number of improvements under the skin. The generation two model, launched in 2012, came with a smaller, more subdued grille that softened its appearance and took away some of its distinctiveness. The 2015 grille moves back in the previous direction being taller, with a honeycomb infill and the Chrysler wing badge in the centre, rather than at the top of the grille. There are also new LED foglamps and… Read more

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QX80 PROVES THERE’S NOTHING BEYOND INFINITI

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Infiniti: there’s no end to it. Since returning to Australia three years ago, Infiniti has planned to drop off a stream of new product, from sleek sedans to sporty coupes and crossover vehicles. Recently, a special edition has been added to the company’s QX70 crossover range. The QX70 S Design is based on the V6-powered top-grade QX70 S Premium variants and adds a number of stylish touches inside and out. Now, the QX80, which heralds the start of Infiniti’s next phase of new releases Down Under, is muscling in on… Read more

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A LOT TO LIKE ABOUT MAZDA’S NEW KID

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If the CX-3 were a child, it would likely be called precocious, so full of itself is the new Mazda compact crossover. However, I mean this in the nicest possible way. The first-ever CX-3 has plenty to say in all its offerings, from the most extensive range in its segment, MZD Connect; including Mazda’s new infotainment system on Maxx, sTouring and Akari, three of its four grades. Entry-level Neo is the odd man out. Two engines – a 1.5-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol – are on offer. Available in… Read more