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Volks has faults (more here)
Fuel consumption wise; I have a Volkswagen GOLF 2.0FSI, it sucks 13lt/100kms and that's the non turbo model.
On the resale side - I was offered 1/3 what I paid only 2 years and 15 000 kms after I bought it. The car is like new.
For my new car I would choose something other than VW. My Reasons - No resale and no economy. Don't go on the figures quoted they are grossly misguiding people from the real world figures. But if you want quality, I have never had a car built so good. Other than the constant clunking that comes from the Climate Control system.....
Rudolph

Any 60th Sportswagon? (more here)
I 'm looking to buy a Holden Calais V series Wagon in July, are they bringing one out for the 60th Anniversary as well?
Arthur Filletti
CN says: Pretty unlikely, Arthur, if by that, you mean will there be a 60th anniversary edition of the Sportwagon.

LPG lowers costs (more here)
I could not agree more. I have recently purchased a dual fuel Holden Commodore and my fuel costs have reduced by 65 per cent without any reduction in vehicle performance. Anyone who does a lot of driving should seriously consider converting to an LPG powered vehicle.
You will save money.
Greg Martin

Cashed up for a Clio? (more here)
The Renault Clio RS is far too expensive. Another $1500 gets you into a Volkswagen Golf GTi
Richard

Picasso price cut cements sale (more here)
The drop in price for the Citroen C4 Picasso HDI model by $5000 in May was sufficient incentive for me to purchase one today. I'm more than happy!
Michael Mardling

Can't please all Citroen drivers (more here)
Ateco got it wrong.They're importing the wrong vehicle. The Citroen Picasso Hdi with EGS (Electo-mechanical gearbox) is significantly more economical than the Hdi Auto they are selling; especially around town.
The Auto gets a torque boost system which also chews extra juice (along with the torque converter itself), a feature that the EGS version does not get due to torque limits of the transmission.
I tried to buy an EGS. Offered cash and happy to wait for it to be made, shipped and delivered. Citroen Australia would not listen and claimed the parent company was controlling what is sold in Australia. That's crap. A quick web search shows Australia as the only Citroen market without a Picasso Hdi EGS...
Citroen is a brand that relies on a bit of quirkiness, and it currently advertises its diesel economy and technology. I think if they could do very well with the right Picasso.
Michael

Don't forget about Ford (more here)
It really pisses me off when I read articles like this and it is always biased towards Holden/HSV. They are not the only car manufacturer in Australia and I think it's about time you get off the Holden couch. Yeah, sure they make great cars but so does Ford/FPV. Any damn fool can see that you prefer Holden products to anything else and that they are supposedly superior. I think you should take a long hard look at yourselves and start doing better reviews on FPV and not saving all the glory for Holden.
Sam
Reviewer, Joe Kenwright says: This review was far from complimentary about HSV where it needed to be and acknowledged key areas where FPV had gained an edge. However, the two companies are diverging more with each upgrade. For example, HSV has just released a brand new alloy wheel style barely 18 months into a new model, FPV has stuck with a four year old design in its brand new range, which sums up their very different philosophies. Under former Lexus executive Scott Grant, HSV is building cars that generate very little sensation of speed and fuss in the European way. Under former FPR race team manager, Rod Barrett, FPV is building cars that feel and drive more like a traditional Aussie muscle car with modern day refinements. When so little separates them in absolute ability especially under Aussie speed limits, it is really a case of which approach appeals more. The review highlights this without making either approach better or worse when it is such a personal thing.

Premium small car sounds too pricey (more here)
If the UK made Honda Civic could be priced on par with Mazda 3 SP23 and have a six-speed manual gearbox, I would seriously consider it. As is it would be too expensive, even if it was perceived to be a premium small car.
Rob Lockwood

Honda Australia needs to re-think about what they are doing. Who is going to pay approximately $35,000 for an underpowered civic when they can purchase another vehicle in the same class with the same amount of money that has 3 times the power?
Neil

Holden wants handouts? (more here)
Despite the fact that Holden manufacturers ask the government for handouts (the humble Aussie Tax payer keeps them afloat) Holden's are cheaper to buy in the US than here. There is something wrong with that. I can understand that we need to encourage Aussies to buy local cars, but many (if not most) European and Japanese cars are safer and more economical with fuel, yet we pay massive taxes on them. Perhaps if the government reduced the handouts and the luxury car tax, Holden and Ford would be forced to make better quality cars to compete in the Australian market and the better cars would then be noticed by the world and picked up by the parent companies with more interest. This would therefore get these companies standing up on their own, and freeing up my hard earned tax dollars for better projects.
Damian
CN says: It's a complex subject and to suggest that the Australian-built product is not up to par for quality is just wrong, with respect. Furthermore, Holden had to develop the VE Commodore from scratch -- with all the engineering and development costs to go with that -- for a market of 21 million people, whereas Pontiac has had to spend nothing to bring the G8 to the 300-million-strong American market, other than sales and marketing dollars. Pontiac can afford to cut prices (and profitability) on that car to the bone. Holden can't and must balance the high development costs with retail pricing. A basic Opel Astra in Germany will set you back over 19,000 Euros; that's over AUD$30,000 on the current rates. Care to complain about the low cost of Astras in Australia also?

Alloys add to Yaris' price (more here)
The Toyota Yaris is still $500 dearer. Larger alloy wheels will only mean that the ride will be even worse that before. Alloy wheels are heavier than steel wheels as they need to be so thick to achieve the same strength as steel, therefore increasing the unsprung weight.
If they want to do some good just drop the price of each model by $500.
Ray
CN says: There's a reason why car companies bring out limited edition/extra-value models. It entices people to buy the cars without affecting the resale values for those cars already sold -- and keeping the earlier buyers happier. As for the alloy wheels weighing more than steel wheels, there would be no point in offering alloy wheels if that were the case.

Clueless about Car of the Year? (more here)
You guys haven't got a clue what makes a good car. Recent years of your wheels car of the year have left many readers dumbfounded by your inept attitude at selection.
The last car that truly was of any significance was the Mazda6.
I have got to say it; your magazines have deteriorated to such an extent I will not buy them any more. If they were offered as a free subscription I would rather read Woman's Day.
Terry Gener
CN says: That's an ACP publication too, so enjoy the beauty tips and cooking for your man with Wheels' blessing, Terri.

Not happy John? (more here)
I can't believe your selection of crappy cars ...
Lexus, I think from what I have read, has won awards even in Germany pitted against the BMW counterpart. Yet here is Wheels again going for a piece of Ford Euro junk the Mondeo and raving about a piece of cheap plastic called a Mercedes.
By the way I drive a Mazda6 and my son drives a Volkswagen Jetta which I compared to the Ford Mondeo when purchasing.The Mondeo never stood a chance and I left the dealership with the Mondeo sitting on the showroom floor with it's rear ash tray in pieces and it's flimsy tinsel like interior reminding me more of a Hyundai than anything else.
You guys need to phone Lexus and get that free lunch.
John Townes
CN says: What were you doing to the Mondeo's ashtray? You're out of touch.

Underwhelmed Euro Fan (more here)
As a Euro fan, I must say that the styling of the new Honda Accord Euro looks pretty ordinary in the photos, especially compared with the great looking Mazda6. Even though Honda engines, body quality and interiors have been very appealing to me, the Mazda6 road tests look very positive. I am wondering whether it's not only styling plus having hatch / wagon offerings that might tip me towards getting a Mazda6 next time. Also there is no mention in your review if there is a trip computer. These are really valuable, especially out of metro areas.
Geoff

Another Accord View
The new Honda Accord Euro is the best car in the world. The upcoming combination of a new diesel engine and a new automatic transmission makes it 'the perfect prestige package' - great value luxurious car, with environmentally friendly credentials and superb safety, for enjoyable individual and family motoring in our beautiful land of Oz.
Vidano Anselmi

Skoda or Audi to debut DSG? (more here)
Your comment that the Aussie Superb will debut the seven-speed DSG is wrong. Audi will debut it in four months when the B8 A4 2.0T Quattro is launched with 155KW/350NM. Sorry you were misinformed.
Nigel
CN says: Information received from Audi indicates that car won't arrive until the first quarter of next year -- that's more than four months from now. Since we have word from the horses' mouths (Skoda's and Audi's), it looks like you're the one who's misinformed.

Visibility hard in the VE Holden (more here)
I have owned a Holden VE SS for 18months. It is a great car to drive, but the lack visibility is even harder to live with everyday than you article indicates. Apart from the thick A pillar which comes back and hits you in the face, and can totally obscure a small car at an intersection or roundabout (especially), the B and C pillars make looking over your shoulders to change lanes like peering out the portholes of an old ship!!
I recently hired a 5-series BMW for a day. This was identical size and safety rating, but felt so airy - like a glasshouse. Pity about this, the VE is a great car otherwise.
Paul Martin

Based where? (more here)
Was the Porsche GT9 based on the GT3? I have read elsewhere that it was based on the Turbo.
Tom

Real observations for outputs please (more here)
You need to read the latest Wheels magazine and I think you'll be quite surprised about the dyno comparison. To say that the HSV LS3 will have more torque after the upgrade is not totally true.
I propose you put each vehicle on the dyno and see the real world outputs. I can assure you that I was extremely surprised by the Ford GT's performance, which had more torque and power across the rev range (even at low rpm). This has definitely changed my mind on which V8 to buy.
Danny
CN says: Has it changed your mind? Really? It seems like you're pretty ready to defend the Ford's power and torque. In our experience, that (or defending a Holden, conversely), is a sure-fire sign of a brand terrorist.

Steep price for Saab (more here)
The Saab Aero has stupid pricing, why would I pay more for less? Mercedes C220 CDI is cheaper, has more torque in auto form and is light years ahead on ride, handling and build quality.
Ross

On the other hand...
I think Ford have got it right. Anyone wanting a premium RWD turbo six should be content with the G6E turbo. Euro badge snobs won't buy a FPV or HSV anyway (they are just a Ford or Holden anyway in these peoples eyes generally), so a F6E would be a waste of time. People wanting the extra 40kw will generally be more interested in performance anyway, and in my opinion the F6 has a pretty classy interior in any case. They know their market and are catering for what that market wants.
Travis

Insignia in or not? (more here)
The Opel Insignia would be a good replacement for the Korean Holden Epica. Cars guide said that Holden will not plan the Holden badge version the Insignia, but here it says most likely.
Coolio Hunt

Feedback for FPV (more here)
This is a no-brainer. The V8 strategy is all wrong, and they should have realised this in performance comparisons of both the 6 and 8. Whilst the 6 engine will be superseded (a real shame) it is clear that it is the best engine they have on offer. However simple luxury amenities have escaped them (no standard sat nav, no sunroof?). I haven't heard Ford's reasoning for that, but I don't know any luxury/luxury wannabe car that doesn't offer one. In summary though, an F6E would be an attractive option.
Chris

To have a premium FPV, the Ford Falcon G6E turbo is all you need. Follow me home lighting is standard on all FG's, sat nav is $2000 optional, there are 2 interiors to choose from and the FPV isn't a world quicker.
Brad

I would agree, personally I am a Holden person but that wouldn't have stopped me from buying the Ford Falcon BF Force 6. Why wouldn't you make a Luxury F6 without the black accents to the headlights and a subtle spoiler, sounds like a winner to me?
Mitch

Since Ford dropped the 351 (for example) they have not been listening to their 'loyal fans'; are there even any left? Your argument is absolutely on the money. How hard is it for FPV to learn from other people's mistakes?Has BMW, Mercedes, Audi listened to their followers? Yes...ala BMW M3 - 335, Mercedes C63's and Audi S4 V8's. Everything they touch lately turns to gold. Has HSV been listening? Yes, every year they produce a performance sedan that you will gladly put in your garage (mind you they are slowly learning that less is more when it comes to 'wings' and try hard stuff).Go on FPV go out and ask your loyal fans "What do you really want?" If you listen and build it...they will come. It really isn't that hard, so grow some gonads and get on with it!
Jason

Further feedback for Ford (more here)
I am a fan of Fords - but this new model is going to be a big flop if Ford does not immediately give priority to the LPG, diesel and hybrid models.
Until they wake up and smell the coffee in the new world of oil at $129 per barrel and climbing, you won't find me in their caryards.
Brian Fitzjohn

Ford must first control quality if it wants to sell more cars. My 2007 Ford XR6 Ute has had a chronic drive line imbalance since new (whole car shakes at 90km /h).So far 3 trips back to the dealer and it's not fixed. I had the same problem with an AU2 xr8 Ute; again 3 trips back to dealer who found a problem with drive shaft. Mr Lillie quality is your problem. Twice bitten ....you know the rest.
Rod Wales

So Ford has finally woken up to the consequences of their juvenile "Aussie lad" wanker advertising for the Falcon, during the BA lifecycle. Why is Ford now so surprised that the public perceive the Falcon like they do?
Ross

Mitsubishi misses a sale (more here)
I went straight to my closest Mitsubishi dealer ready to buy the Triton dual cab diesel version...until I sat in it! Why didn't your review explain just how uncomfortable these bucket seats are and the armrest is useless!!! It was so bad I didn't bother test driving it.....maybe it's because I'm 6 foot 4 and have been driving a late model Falcon but those seats were awful!!!
Carl

The high price of a Hybrid... (more here)
The Hybrid Commodore is $45+ grand. Are we interested now?
Barry

Ferrari fact check (more here)
"It's the first Ferrari to use a mid-front-mounted engine..."
Don't the 612 Scaglietti and 599 GTB Fiorano use a mid-front-mounted engine configuration?
Frank Cardamone

Ferrari are making a huge mistake but pushing into Porsche territory. For years Porsche has sat just below Ferrari in terms of power and performance but now there is nothing to stop Porsche moving up a gear. It's a battle in which Ferrari can't compete!
James Fahey

What goes around... (more here)
I found it an interesting read about the HSV owner being given a Holden Barina as a courtesy car. I had an Alfa 147 and they always gave me a 156 when I had it serviced. The theory was they want me to step up for my next purchase.
As for Scott Grant, MD of HSV who was once from Lexus. My father went to trade in his Lexus recently and was told that it would usually be worth $40,000, but his model was known to have a bad factory paint job (evident on his vehicle) so it was only worth $30,000. The dealer stated that most customers had the paint fixed under warranty and his vehicle was now out of warranty. He questioned why Lexus did not stand by their products and did not mention this issue during his many services at Lexus. Needless to say, my father did not buy another Lexus. I still find it appalling that Lexus did not cop the $10,000 difference for a known factory problem. They also missed out on another $120,000 sale and my father lets people know his story.
Andrew Sansome

Suzuki Kizashi Cost? (more here)
And the price is....????????????
Gabby
CN says: If you have to ask...

A picture tells a thousand words? (more here)
Your comments and conclusions are spot on but you could at least have found a picture of a Subaru WRX STi instead of the cooking model RX wagon!
Mark
CN says: Whoops, thanks Mark.

Nissan will never learn? (more here)
Nissan is letting the Patrol die. With out a big and a more environmentally V6 or V8 Diesel they are going to lose against the 70 series. A new motor same Patrol will be a winner.
Cav

What a load of garbage. Nissan with the 3.0 Grenade have signed the death certificate of the Patrol. Nobody would risk buying another time bomb... Shame, I've been a Nissan man for years.
RIP Patrol

Nissan is in serious trouble attempting to pass off the 3.0l Patrol engine to the discriminating public who now view the engine as a 'Grenade'. Nissan Australia have a well deserved reputation as an company that goes to great lengths to ignore and avoid the many warranty issues that the Patrol presents. One only has to log into Patrol 4x4. Patrol forum to see the number of melt downs of engines, warranty complaints and the indifferent Dealer Network servicing issues. Perhaps the Patrol will just fade away. A shame as it represents honest value with real 4WD ability...but not with that engine! Nissan Australia is bowing smoke up our exhausts.
Kerry Meaker

You would think that Nissan would have learnt something from changing the name of pulsar to Tiida. Sales of Pulsar were great however Tiida sales have never been as good as Pulsar because people didn't recognise the name. Now they want to call Maxima the Teana and start from scratch again. The Maxima is a great car maybe instead of wasting money on ad campaigns that are just plain stupid (Dualis and superstars of value) bring the best car in the range to the forefront of peoples minds and market it properly.
Trevor Evans

Pining for the Pulsar (more here)
When Nissan dropped the Pulsar brand (and especially when they stopped the SSS range) is where the failure was and where the downturn began. I say, bring back the Pulsar!
Anthony

Carparazzi not bringing the shots (more here)
It's about time the Carparazzi mob lifted their game. All their shots lately seem to be of the same old disguised something or other variety. If they came up with more shots of actual undisguised cars, I would be more impressed.
Harry Calderbank
CN says: Harry, you've nailed the problem. We'd add also that they're taking way too many blurred pictures.

Will the Government get with the times? (more here)
Good on Mini! I still cannot understand why the Australian Government do not give a subsidy for small Diesel Cars like in Europe and the Australian LPG Conversion Plan. But there again there is too big a quid in the Current Petrol Tax, to make them look at practical things for the motorist.
Dave Hayden

Satisfied second-hand car buyer (more here)
I am a first time second-hand car purchaser and was seriously concerned about purchasing someone else's problems.
I just wanted to let you know that I have found your articles comprehensive, educational and easy to understand. I am very impressed. I now feel better equipped and prepared for my first purchase.Many thanks to all the authors and specialists.
Guida Coutinho

Patiently waiting for price drop (more here)
It is still not a good deal as its price has been too high (overcharge). New CRV is imported from Thailand instead of Japan. There is no import duty because of Free Trades Agreement and the Australian Dollar is very strong against Thai Baht or US Dollar. Honda jacked up the price on this new CRV on the ground that it has more features. Hello! How come new Subaru can afford to reduce price of new Forester which is made in Japan and no Import Duty concession? I replaced my CRV generation 1 with generation 2 as soon as generation 2 came out. But with this latest one (generation 3), I am not stupid to give away my money to Honda so I am sitting and wait until Honda reduces the price.
Don

Technically challenged? (more here)
I wonder how reliable this new technology is. My Volkswagen Golf is the most problem car I have ever owned, and the VW dealer doesn't even want to know me.
Raymond Tang

Muddled over Mazda review (more here)
Am I confused or is Ken? He says the ride in the Mazda6 is very good, neutral handling, ideal balance, nice weighting, a compromise that suits the vast majority, a high standard etc. He goes on about the great driving position, low wind and road noise, and an engine that's pleasant and refined and has torque across a broad rev range. But Ken says that's only 3.5 out of 5 for behind the wheel. What does a 40 grand wagon have to do to be a 4?
Then Ken doesn't like Mazda6 gauge layout coz his left hand hides the fuel gauge. Move ya hand Ken. But wait; now Ken wants more rake on the steering wheel so he can hide some other gauges and criticize them for being hidden. Ken's on a roll: the handbrakes on the wrong side of the cup holders. When I get home I hate digging around for phone Ipod and coins in the cup-holders with the handbrake in the way. And if the handbrake was on Ken's preferred side lets imagine the fun of catching a drink on it while driving.
But what would I know? You're the experts. Derek Danners
CN says: So Derek, as far as we can tell, you're prone to spilling drinks while you're driving and you can't hang on to your money either? By the way, more rake on the steering wheel would actually improve the ease of reading the instruments; a point you appear to have misunderstood -- now there's a surprise!

What was the "actual" fuel consumption - not Mazda's "claimed" fuel consumption? Another question for the Mazda 6 - fuel requirement is 98RON can one use the 95 Ethanol added to make up the extra Octane's??
George Watson
CN says: George, by law, Mazda must advertise the 6 with fuel consumption as per a standard determined by the Australian Government's Department of Transport and Regional Services. That figure's generally closer to a true indicative figure that the car might achieve in the real world. On media launches, journalists usually drive the cars only in an open-road environment, so the combined cycle figure will usually be closer to reality there. For seven-day tests (as in this case), one individual tester may have a different test route and pattern of road usage than another, so the combined cycle figure is bound to be more consistent for most prospective car buyers.

You call the Mazda6 an affordable wagon? Get real. I haven't driven the "6" but if it's anything like the "3" it's a noisy overrated second class effort that's way over priced.
Ray
CN says: Good one Ray! You haven't driven the car, but if it's anything like a completely different car, then it's nothing like the car we reviewed. We think you're right -- we just can't figure out why.  

Bogus BMW? (more here)
This is a fake, a very good one. I think it's a photo shopped Audi R8. The C pillar in particular looks very suspicious, and many other visual features are very similarly located.
What do other people think?
Peter

FAKE! I checked the original website 'freshtarmac' and they have admitted it was a fake.
jatin

It should be child's play? (more here)
It's just a Ford Falcon BF series 4. At least the ugly AU looked nothing like the EL. This FG is nothing more than a revamped Falcon BA and the BA was just a revamped AU so we haven't come all that far in 10 years, have we? Ford Australia needs to hire a room full of 6 year olds to design their new models, bet they'll look different then, hey!
Ross Geoghegan
CN says: We feel the FG Falcon is more attractive than the dismissive accusation that it looks just like the BF model would suggest.  

Ah, the good ol' Ford days (more here)
Get back into the performance market with something more than a 5.4 litre engine. Ford at one stage in the early seventies ruled the race tracks and prospered in the sales market because of the respect Ford demanded through the Phase III.
American CEO's do not understand the importance Australians place on their performance cars, except if they are the CEO of GM Holden. Ford now has a chance to set a new bench mark in the performance stakes, their FG falcon looks the part and will hopefully close the gap on Holden for sales figures. I have waited 36 years to see the equivalent to the Phase III, but I guess I will have to wait in the hope that the next new Falcon model in 6 years time will be the one. Tell your American CEO to go home and hire Craig Lowndes' to run the performance side of the business, listen to what Aussies want Ford before your sales figures fall below that of the Smart car and bring back a ball tearing Fairlane as well.
Ross Geoghegan

Raving about our reviews (more here)
I'm in the market for a new car to replace my ageing Jaguar and I looked at the new Audi today. I found your article excellent. Tomorrow I'll be looking at the Mercedes C class and the BMW. Thank you for information, it certainly helped me in the early stages of looking for a new car.
Kathie

Indistinguishable imports (more here)
Why is it such a shock to many that these vehicles are similar if not the same as some of the Holden vehicles? After all, most of the Holden range are Daewoo vehicles and passed off to our punters as "Australia's own". What a joke if not a crime!
Ray
CN says: Who says they're the same? Daewoo is not a Chinese company, it's Korean. Both GM-DAT and GWM are headquartered in Asian countries, but there the similarity ends.

What's in a number? (more here)
Regardless if you use the Euro or Redbook, the difference between the top and bottom of the four vehicles is very small.
Buy what you like and have to drive for three years, don't get anal over a few per cent points!
Ottoau
CN says: Fair comment, but if you're a car company manipulating marketing data to provide you with an unfair advantage over a competitor, that might be reason to get 'anal'.

Unclear gear (more here)
I've got a 2.4 litre 2007 Holden Rodeo tray back, and I can't find what speed you can get to in each gear. There's no taco, nothing on the dash, on the internet or even in the manual. If you can find out please tell me, and add it in your article. p.s. I've got a Ford Courier that's 20 years old and it tells you in the manual, speeds for each gear.
Mark

TATA Just bring Jaguar back to the top (more here)
I really don't like critising when I can't offer to help fix something or a solution for what I am critising but I find myself quite saddened and disappointed by what is going on with Jaguar marketing in the last little while. They have only themselves to blame for being left behind by the buyers and not exciting the new younger ones.
As many Jaguar owners know, Jaguars are something special and when properly maintained are good, reliable and even affordable cars to own with unequalled driving experience. Then there is the fact that they are one of the last bastions of a car that is actually easily recognisable, not the same as all the others. They are consistently winning awards for excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction and now beating out everyone for car of the year in the UK.
Yet we keep reading, hearing and experiencing negative stories and perceptions of how bad, expensive, unreliable they are supposed to be. You suggest a Jaguar to someone and they say "Aren't they unreliable and expensive?" The X-type, despite being the most prolific Jaguar and everyone who owns one being almost completely happy, is supposed to be a failure!
Certainly a large percentage of the Australian media likes attacking them too. I read an article the other day comparing the S-type with it's contempories saying that if you don't mind loosing money it might be the one to consider. When you actually look at the figures and read the details in the article it was just bias from a lousy journalist who couldn't even draw a factual conclusion from his own material! The Jaguar lost the least from all the cars compared!
Then we have the XF by everything we read a fantastic car, every one coming to Australia has been sold, and we don't get them for another four months. Yet despite constant complaints of not selling enough cars, Jaguar in trouble, financial losses etc, what do Jaguar Australia do? They don't even turn up to the Motor Shows! They are "happy with the results"...
With my experiences in the past I have driven many of the Jaguar's competitors and whilst some of them are very good when you compare others, especially the entry level BMWs, it is those that are the rubbish, more "plasticky" than a Toyota for heavens sake and less capable.
Why isn't Jaguar Australia getting stuck into these negative stories?
Why aren't they promoting the cars?
Why can't we see them and get excited at motor shows and other promotional events?
Many, Many of the members of Jaguar Clubs worldwide relate their wanting a Jaguar, to a trip they made to the motor show as a youth and now owning that very same Jaguar!
In the time that BMW have taken over the minds of the public, it is only marketing that has done it; they have not won GP championships. They were absolutely blown away by XJSs in touring car championships world wide. Hell, in Australia Commodores were blowing them away!
Yet if new car buyers want a car it is the BMW, not the X-type, that's first choice.
Why are JA resting on their laurels and not getting more XFs? Why are they more affordable in the UK and US than here? Why isn't it "exciting" to own a Jaguar for those aspiring to car ownership?
This can all be firmly placed at the feet of the marketing and PR departments and it is just not good enough! Just look at last Friday's Herald Sun cars guide with more than 5 BMW articles! BMW and Mercedes are constantly mentioned for being good quality, yet in those same surveys Jaguar is much higher. Jag has topped the survey more than once and yet never mentioned!!
If given the chance I could certainly do a better job.... Good Luck TATA, there is certainly some new blood and ideas needed.
What is the point of the world's best cars if you are doing nothing to sell them!! A wasted opportunity!
Stuart
CN says: Stuart, we understand your frustration. Welcome to the world of brand stereotyping.

Read previous letters to the Carsales Network here