Carsales Network Readers Email

Read previous letters to the Carsales Network here

Send your submissions to Editor@CarPoint.com.au

or post to Carsales Network's CarBlog 

Fairlane failings (more here)
I would like to know why Ford has never pursued Export markets to the extent GM-H has. Their successes have saved the Aussie arm of GM from an inevitable demise. The  eventual failure of the Capri was ill timed and probably into the wrong market. Could Ford have not followed GM into the Mid-East with Falcon,etc. and compete there too as here in Aust?? Pound for pound the Falcon has always stacked up as a better vehicle to the informed purchaser.
I'm sure those markets would have seen so too.
Wayne Woodlock

A failure of the BA generation Fairlanes is how cheaply they are finished compared to previous generations (same for Falcons).
The car suffers badly quality-wise alongside the '97 NL series, for example.
- so much for Ford's "premium" sound system with 150w amp and subwoofer - the NL system simply sounded better. And the AM reception is crap by comparison - no (height-adjustable) power aerial.
- lots of lost or deficient small details, i.e. no neat removable washable rubber bases for the cupholders and centre console shelf anymore, no strong, sturdy, secure clips for holding the floomats in place (just crap little flimsy hooks that work loose), no rheostat on the interior light, no driver's footrest (just a plastic moulding stuck on the carpet, that looks like the top of a footrest), etc.
- everything is flimsier/thinner/cheaper - the glovebox lid, the sunvisors, the measly padded (smaller) centre armrest with a flimsy hinge, the front seat rear map pockets, the roof headlining material, the floomats again, the door armrest mouldings, etc.
This poor quality simply doesn't justify the prices.
Aranka

Ending Fairlane production highlights the poor management Ford Australia has had for thirty years.A car that used to have this segment almost to itself has been left to wither away and die in the face of increasing competition.
Apart from Territory and Falcon ute there hasn't been much hitting of the intended target better than the opposition for decades.
Where is the diesel engines, I hope Orion is on the mark or Ford in Australia is going to end up closing manufacturing here soon, which wouldn't be good for anyone.
Peter Bailey

It's a SAD, SAD day to see the Fairlane badge be scraped. A history of 40 years and it sadly comes down to this. I really do hope to see a revival even if it is a few years down the track. Sad day for Ford fans I believe.
Sandeep Patel

It is sad Ford axe its top range Fairlane/LTD. I hope there will be a replacement for the Fairlane/LTD soon. It looks like Fairmont will hold the top range in the mean time.
Coolio Hunt

Right on Roush (more here)
Awsome...give them a few Falcon GTs / GT Ps to have a go at. Ford Australia doesn't seem to know which way next...
Give us horse power!
John

When is Ford Australia going to put this supercharged 5.4-litre V8 410kW and 678Nm into the GT that it rightfully deserves?
Mark

More Micra (more here)
It's about ruddy time.  I just sold my 95 Micra to my brother, I have purchased a Suzuki Swift Sport to tide me over til this little darling arrives in Oz, I only hope that the build quality and performance aren't disappointing, the K11 Micra will be a hard act to follow in my opinion. Is there any mention of the engine size?  Please don't let it be some underpowered shopping trolley...we need at least a 1.5 litre to get about in this country.
Caroline Owen
The Carsales Network writes: Nissan offers 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines in the Micra in the UK market. Our guess is it will offer the two larger DOHC 16-valve fours when the Micra arrives Down Under.

Must be a lightfoot (more here)
I'm intrigued at the poor fuel economy you guys always seem to get out of the Holden Commodore 195kW motor with 5spd auto.  Around town, with short freeway stints, the trip computer in my car has averaged out economy (over 15000km now) at 10l per 100 km.  I don't think I'm particularly light-footed (I'm a sales rep, after all!) but against your quoted figures I must be!
Ray Wilson
The Carsales Network writes: You must be, Ray! We'd suggest that anything better than 12-13lt/100km is better than average. What about other VE owners -- how's your economy compared to Ray?

Viv'la C4 Picasso (more here)
The Citroen C4 Picasso review is a very good report on what seems to be another great European car. Why is it that the Europeans can build cars and people movers like this that people can really enjoy and feel different in and the rest of the world just makes boring vehicles!
I would love one of these even though there is only my wife and myself. It is economical, individual, and if the suspension is like other French cars I have driven and owned, it will be a pleasure to drive...Viv-La- France.
Peter Wales
The Carsales Network writes: Europeans don't have a mortgage on building interesting cars, Peter. And conversely, while the Picasso is a good 'un there's been plenty of very average cars come out of France and Europe of late...

No beige from Otto (more here)
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Candid, but informative. Hardly a cardigan beige statistical report. Great reading. Well done.
Fabian

Thanks for the flashback (more here)
Thanks for the Villeneuve flashback, still miss him heaps.
Enzo's most loved non Italian driver
Matteo

Subaru again, anytime (more here)
I am a Subaru owner (WRX) and very satisfied and impressed with Subaru's quality, fit and finish. I am sure the Outback is one of those outstanding Subaru vehicles. I'll buy a Subaru again anytime.
Paul

...not me
I have owned three Outbacks. The first one (first generation 2.5 ltd, auto) was by far the best and most comfortable. I then bought the following generation, 2.5l ltd manual. Not as good, heaps of transmission lash when cruising on the highway.
The third was a MY04 3.0r Premium and it was a disaster : no torque, uncomfortable particularly for passengers, huge fuel consumption of about 17l/100km in town, which Subaru said was normal, valves were pinging in spite of always refueling with pulp and Subaru could not stop the pinging. And the engine had to be cleaned due to carbon build-up every 5000km (typical from the boxer engine, but earlier models were better).
Not to mention rattles and sqeacks, which the RACV also complained about in one of their tests. Another Subaru ? no thanks. Ever.
John

Subarus appear to be exceptionally well-built and long-lasting, however they are falling behind in the technology race.
Downfalls are they're heavy so use plenty of fuel, four-speed autos on 2.5 very old world, badly need a high torque diesel engine and they are expensive.
I suspect sales will stagnate till they get the new models.
Peter Webb

Territory dreaming (more here)
I new this would happen - a Ford Territory ute with raised suspension, larger wheels and probably a V6 TDCI... bugger because I just bought a XLT Ranger coming out of a RTV and the Territory ute would have been spot on - 4W discs, cruise, six-speed auto, comfort, handling and with what looks like some bushability - the Territory could make a really good poor man's Range Rover you know and eat into LandCruiser popularity - the basics are there.
Greg Crisp
The Carsales Network writes: You must know something we don’t, Greg. FYI: Ford boss Tom Gorman has ruled out any turbodiesel Falcon or Territory before 2009 (at the earliest!)

Lifeless but good-looking CRV (more here)
I have test driven the new CRV and simply could not wait to return it to the dealership because of it's lifeless performance. What a shame because it looks good.
Anthony Burke

LS ordinaire (more here)
My opinion on the Lexus LS460 review is... spot on. My feelings exactly. I did feel in another realm, where my  senses were subdued. Car is very competent, but not involving. Lacks emotional (visceral) appeal, compared to BMW's 3 litre. Does not encourage you (to break the speed limit). So ordinaire - not wunderbar. Excellent article.
Don Marr

Renault rules in Commercials (more here)
Renault makes the best driving vans on the market. Quiet, refined and great economy. If advertised half as much as Benz and Ford they would walk out the door !
Rick

Weight on Patrol
I have been trying to find the weight of a LWB Nissan GQ Patrol. Would you know or could you point me in the right direction? Thanks.
Matt
The Carsales Network writes: check out the specifications section of CarPoint’s sister site, Carsales. The Carsales specs also include older models including the GQ Patrol. See here

On Epica (more here)
So, the previous V200 model was shared with Chevy and Suzuki. They must intend on doing the same again. Why else would they pinch the headlights from the new Suzuki SX4?
James Martin

Having driven the Epica, I found it to be refined, comfortable, sound quality and rattle free.
Without daring to compare the engine too closely to BMW, it is very smooth and has that small engine big car  flavour that I like. Thankfully the steering is not too light.
It appeals more than the Camry in appearance and deserves to get some sales.
'ronhic'

The car looks like a freshened up version of the last model Commodore and it has been deliberately focussed at those people out there who have lost the spark in their life, obviously a good market as Toyota can prove to you with their market share.
David Pickford

I have said for a while that a cheap to run and purchase six-cylinder medium size car would probably sell fairly well in Australia especially to the type of person that wouldn't do what I am now, and that is reading car stories on the internet.
After owning a VN, VR and X8 Crewman I still won't buy another Holden but there are people that will purely because they think thats' all available. These people probably already own a Toyota though.
So I think the real question is not what the car is like new but what it will be like with 120,000km on the clock as that's when a lot of people will be looking at buying one and if they are as troublesome as a second-hand Commodore then Holden will be on another loser. My current drive is a Nissan J31 Maxima
Ben Walker

Holden is getting desperate.
Danny

Oh Dear! The poor Astra, Commodore and Rodeo.
Holden is dumbing down their range by insisiting on importing vehicles that are a few rungs belwo the quality of the aforementioned vehicles.
David B

I have no doubts in this car's ability but stop bringing in the Korean garbage and cheapening Holden's name even more than it already has been by the Viva and new Barina. This new development of Korean cars is a disgrace and they should be using the European cars instead of importing Daewoos
Josh

If only GMH had gone for the 3.2 V6 used in the Captiva.
Colin Spencer

I was a previous and dissatisfied owner of a Holden (Vectra) and I had nothing but endless problems costing me thousands of dollars. Holden never had the decency to respond to my issues. I'll never buy a Holden again!! Using cheap Korean imports and badging them as Holdens is nothing more than a cynical marketing exercise. I expect the same GM rubbish albeit coming from a different country. Those in the know will not buy these cheapies. I'll buy Toyota Camry anytime over any Holdens.
Paul

HSV power-up mouthwatering (more here)
Mouth watering information, keep us all informed for future developments and keep up the good work.
Joseph Incorvil

Better eight (more here)
Autos like this offer substantial fuel savings as well as refinement. Hope to see it in the next Fairmont along wiht a turbo option.
Brad

Facelift for Touareg?
Can you please tell me when the new facelifted VW Touareg will be released.
Colin Phillips
The Carsales Network writes: the updated and freshened Touareg should be hitting VW dealers in the next month or so.

Soft, not off road (more here)
Yet again a senior motoring journalist has committed the cardinal sin of suggesting that 'soft-roaders' can be taken off-road.
These mildly jacked-up AWD road cars lack the most basic requirements for safe off-road travel:
1. Adequate suspension 'articulation' (ie. vertical movement) from their all-independent set-ups.
2. Effective low-range gearing for all kinds of rough terrain, not just for engine braking down steep inclines. The Forester manual's minuscule reduction ratio is ineffective.
3. Durability. Unitary construction isn't up to sustained off-road use; all-independent suspension is vulnerable to damage, and places added stress on jointed driveshafts; underbody protection of vital components is virtually non-existent.
4. Long-distance fuel range. Most soft-roaders won't go more than 300-400km on-road let alone off-road, which increases fuel consumption dramatically.
5. Wading depth. Most soft-roaders don't come with this vital off-road statistic, and those that do can splash through barely gutter-high water.
6. Ground clearance. Most soft-roaders are well below the minimum standard for a vehicle with independent suspension (around 230mm), which lowers the differential when the suspension moves.
I could list other factors like dependence on automatic electro-mechanical traction aids (most of them are ineffective, and all of them give up under prolonged use), inappropriate spare wheel location (ie. not on the back door) and puncture-prone highway tyres, but the point's already established.
Forget about soft-roaders being OK on "medium" or "light duty" terrain, because it doesn't exist. Any off-road track can have soft sand, sloppy mud, waist-deep water, footy-sized rocks, shin-level ruts and steep inclines, especially after decent rainfall or heavy traffic.
Even to imply that soft-roaders can go off-road is irresponsible and arguably culpable, but don't just take my word, as an experienced 4WD journalist, for it. Ask any 4WD workshop owner, driver trainer or tagalong tour operator.
Soft-roaders aren't (off-road) four-wheel drives, and anyone who says otherwise is talking through their hat.

New Benz C-Class: how much, when? (more here)
How much is the new C-Class? When it is on sale in australia?
Shan Chen
CN writes: pricing for the new W204 C-Class range is not expected to be announced until late June. We believe that Mercedes intends to be aggressive with both pricing and equipment levels -- especially the entry-level C180 and C200 offerings... It needs to be, it has added significant value to its C-Class during the run-out of the current model and can't afford to pull the specification back too much -- nor ramp the prices too far -- on the new car. Read about our long-term W203 C-Class here.
 
Long-term test appreciated (more here)
As a MB C-Class owner 180K 2006 Avantgarde (manual), I greatly appreciate the long-term test article content.
When ordering my vehicle I was trading in a previous (2002) C-Class knowing the previous vehicle's shortfalls. Amazingly it seems MB knew also and the fixes, the newer car being spot on and definite in meeting the shortcomings eg paint, handling, steering, styling and manual shift in the transmission.
The choices taken when tailoring the car have provided a very pleasing result. The vehicle is customised to suit myself and the driving undertaken.
It's adequate around town with great touring legs. Performance and economy are balanced and for all purposes.
I'm convinced that this engine is most true to the design objectives and complemented by the price.
David Lynch
CN writes: It's amazing how living with a car can change your attitude to it. In a short term test we criticised the low level Cs for lack of grunt and some degree of coarseness but over 9000km 'our' C 180 K has impressed. It's no powerhouse -- with the big rubber its does need ESP, because the engine has got enough off-idle urge to break traction ;) -- but it has delivered refined and quite economical motoring. And it still looks great on the lower suspension and aforemetioned big wheels.
Tell us, when you customised the C, David, did you add Blue Velvet upholstery?

Apples with apples... (more here)
Why in the "Also consider" section it is listed 'Cayman S' ...fair enough, but to compare the Z4M with a BMW K1200S Motorbike !!! Come on !!! Please think about it - one has four wheels - the other two !!
John Baseley
CN writes: Not much gets past you, John... The point we're trying to make its that one doesn't buy a Z4M with practicality in mind. If you're after visceral performance thrills then a litre-plus bike takes some beating.
 
Convertible, old school M? (more here)
The Z4M is a great car, nice looks. Will it be coming out in a convertible? In the article it said this could be the last of the old skool M cars -- why is that? Overall an immaculate car. I would love to own one, if I could afford it
Sam
CN writes: the Z4M is already available in both coupe and roadster (convertible) versions (more here). What we mean by 'last of the old school M cars' is the essential nature of the Z4M -- not too many safety nannies, a real manual gearbox, somewhat raw power delivery, etc. The good news, since we published our piece on the Z4M coupe, is that BMW has confirmed that it will offer the new M3 with a conventional manual gearbox -- for a while there it looked as though it would only produce SMG-equipped cars.
 
Will Toyota take on the big guns? (more here)
When is Toyota (and Mitsubishi for that matter) going to enter the V8 Supercar races? I have always been a Holden lover, but used to enjoy when the Bathurst 1000 had more than two manufacturers on the track.
It would be good to see some competition from other makes to put a bit more interest in the sport. I must admit I really don't follow Australian motorsport anymore as a result of the monopoly of the two big guns.
So my question to you is, will Toyota put a V8 in this new Aurion?
Richard Hart
CN writes: It's highly unlikely we'll every see a V8-engined Aurion road car, Richard. For a start the architecture of the Aurion is shared with the Camry and as such is a conventional front-wheel drive. A V8 version would require an AWD set-up, perhaps something like Volvo's new V8 S80, or a full rear-wheel drive makeover.
That's not to say it would never happen. Would it be possible for Toyota to 'dumb down' its RWD V8-powered Lexus GS platform to produce an affordable rear-wheel drive large car? Probably, but not likely.
The fact the Camry/Aurion is front-wheel drive hasn't stopped Toyota entering the heartland of V8 racing, however. This year was the first season of the Camry in US NASCAR racing. Toyota has built a special pushrod V8 to NASCAR rules to match GM, Ford and Dodge and developed it over the last five seasons or so in NASCAR's truck (read: utes) based feeder series.
Aussie V8 supercars are closely related to NASCAR and use many of the same drivetrain components. See where are we going?
The rules currently exclude Toyota and Mitsubishi. But one day that might change...

Kluger to Passat? (more here)
The 2004 Toyota Kluger I own is by the figures you quoted 15mm wider than the new model - I guessed this would be so as the Kluger (old Kluger) is more boxy - it's about 40mm wider than a Prado. The weight wasn't mentioned either, but I looked it up and the new vehicle in similar 4x4 spec is 200 Kilos heavier - so the 28kW more power and 22Nm more torque will just even out.
In summary it's bigger, heavier but not as wide - which is why I bought mine (have teenage kids and had a tape measure with me at dealer to check against Prado!) - it probably won't go any faster or use less fuel: but it will look better. I smell an American makeover here.
I intend to look at a Passat 3.2 V6 Wagon - have driven the Mazda CX7 but it was noisy and we already own a Mazda 3 manual Sport Hatch update 2 - and don't need another noisy vehicle. The Kluger wasn't perfect, had Whiteline fit bigger anti-sway bars - handles well now but lease is up next month. What do you think of the Passat??
David
CN writes: At the moment we'd buy the Passat. But we haven't driven the new Kluger yet. The other thing to consider is the new Kluger will offer a two-wheel drive model (as well as AWD). This could potentially deliver some on-road benefits in terms of fuel economy and refinement.
 
What about Captiva? (more here)
"The seven-seat crossover/SUV contenders are led by the Ford Territory in rear-drive and AWD forms. Also up for consideration are the Mitsubishi Outlander in four-cylinder and V6 versions, and the Hyundai Santa Fe offering the choice of either petrol or diesel engines -- the only diesel seven-seat SUV in this price range; just as the Picasso is the lone diesel people-mover."
What about the Holden Captiva Diesel?
Darren
CN writes: Good pick-up Darren. Captiva Diesel is in the price range and indeed offers seven seats.

Outlander right on (more here)
I have already ordered my VRX, so thanks for the great article, only confirms all the homework. Now I'm busting to load the family and all the gear, get behind the wheel and have some fun.
By the way, to upspec a Captiva to a similar level as the Outie, there is less than $700 in it, and the dealer doesn't have to rip the car apart to put all the gear in.
Chris
 
An excellent and well-written article that has led me to re-include the Outlander on my short list. Would you comment on it's towing capability, as I regularly tow a boat up a steep windy hill.
Cameron
 
Outlander is Japan's best-selling vehicle in its class, better than Toyota and Honda!
Steven A
CN writes: Outlander is good solid offering at the moment -- especially given the fact Mitsubishi dealers are happy to talk turkey on price. We wouldn't rate it as a heavy-duty tow vehicle. Experience suggests that any vehicle is rarely 'happy' at it maximum quoted towing weight. With the exceptions of LandCruisers F250s and the like, we use about 70-80 per cent of quoted maximum braked towing wieght as a good rule of thumb...

Regardless of sex... (more here)
Let's face it - the standard of driving is well below what it should be. Police and law makers are missing the point a bit, when the seem to focus on speed a little too much.
I would just like to see more police charging people with the lesser known laws, so that the standard improves.
Whether a single statistic, which ignores facts like klms driven and time of driving, can answer this long standing battle, is unlikely.
Remember regardless of sex, race, religon, age or creed, everyone believes that they're an above-average driver.
SM of Sydney
 
Automakers all wrong (more here)
It seems that car and 4WD makers are getting out of touch with what the public want in in their 4WDs and cars.
I realize that we must go green and this means more electronics and anti-pollution gear, however the motorist in the street needs reliable transport with reasonable service costs... a good friend of mine just got charged $3500 for a simple 4WD service at 30,000 kms.
Toyota seems to be hell-bent on front-wheel drive wagons which are next to useless in the bush or a steep slop as you lose all wheel traction and we seem to be getting more and more things like heated meter money holders and self polishing hub caps rather than simple things you need for every day practical motoring.
How do others feel? We also seem to be getting to the place again where saftey gear is an optional extra and stupid things you never use are standard equipment. I was told by a car salesperson this is to keep costs down.
Well, how about less useless junk and more inbuilt safety gear, I can do without heated seats and six-stack CD systems and auto fold seats. And the space saver spare tyer is another nightmare yet to be contested in a court of law.
David H
CN writes: Agree with David H? Let us know. And while we're at it, is Toyota right in releasing its 70 Series LandCruiser range sans airbags or ABS?
 
Epica copy (more here)
Unbelivable, the new Holden Epica is nothing shy of a blatant attempt to copy BMW's 5 Series. Styling cue can be seen all over the car, from the bodykit design through to the lights and bonnet shaping which tapers down to the front bodykit.
When will Holden learn to design their own cars instead of ripping off BMW. A BMW owner myself I feel disgraced when I hear Holden comparing themselves to BMW.
The only reason they can compare themselves to BMW is because they have stolen their designs. Surely there are others who agree with me?
Dj Savvas
CN writes: Epica and 5 Series?!? May be online, but not in the metal...
 
Long way for Lexus (more here)
Reviewers of Lexus in this country are critical of the vehicles not being like BMW or the like, with steering feel, exhaust sound etc ("not engaging enough"...please explain!) whereas the goal of Lexus is to produce a vehicle which is quiet, luxurious, reliable and a totally acceptable car.
After owning three with almost no defects and no break downs, the ownership satisfaction surveys eg JD Power can not be wrong and the public are "voting" with their feet.
As the largest selling luxury brand in the most competitive market on earth eg USA, Lexus must be on the correct track.
Another satisfied Lexus driver (not everyone aspires to being an AMG or M racer)
Ian McDowell
CN writes: That's fair comment, Ian -- apart from the fact that you contend that Lexus sells a lot of cars in the USA, therefore Yanks are good judges of automobiles!
Equally fair is the premise that a car/marque can have all the attributes you look for and still have some degree of brio, verve and driver involvement. We stand by the fact that Lexi, largely, are too clinical for our tastes. Someone at Lexus must agree -- that's why the brand is adding a performance arm to its range.

The writer of the Lexus LS460 review is not yet retired and not in his sixties or seventies and therefore unlikely to be at the stage to really appreciate luxury motoring as it really should be.
Most all motoring writers seem to expect super luxury to be blended with racing-car handling and performance, but it will never be because it is just not wanted by the sort of people who buy cars like Lexus and that is why the Lexus design engineers have proven themselves to be so successful because they have done their homework thus eminently equipping themselves with a knowledge of the desires of luxury car buyers, not the likes and dislikes of motoring journalists of a younger generation.
Harold Mattner
CN writes: so Harold, you have to be retired, male and in your 60s or 70s to appreciate luxury motoring... don't tell 80 per cent of Mercedes' or BMW's customers will you! Please see above reply...
 
Gaps in used softroader line-up (more here)
Sure, all these SUVs are predominantly good cars, but you forgot one of the most best SUVs of all...
Better then all of these put together is the Suzuki Grand Vitara V6. It has better features, looks, handling.
It is one of the only small SUVs that can really take off road. This car is not taken very seriously because it's a Suzuki. But it has a 174kw V6 engine, real off-road capabilities, style and good handling. It blows all the other competitors out of the water.
I highly suggest you take it for a test drive
Hayden Akins
 
I cannot believe you rate the Escape/Tribute so highly given their thirst, and poor resale.
Paul
 
Alfa Romeo bows to lazy drivers (more here)
I find it extremely disappointing that Alfa Romeo are bowing to the demands of the lazy masses and fitting autos to their cars. The exclusivity of having manual-only cars used to be a big drawcard for the brand, but now (tragically) all brands seem to be chasing every market. What's next - a Ferrari seven-seater MPV?
I just hope that when people drive the slush-box models, they realise that they are driving a lesser Alfa.
Phill
 
Same-same steering review (more here)
Nice article, but do you guys have to keep on bringing back the steering of every Audi?
William N
CN writes: because every Audi except the RS4 has crap steering!

Camry call correction (more here)
"....but with the steering wheel only adjustable for height, my 6ft body seemed at odds with getting comfortable in this family...." Dr Alex, "Camry call".
Dr Alex, the Camry steering column is both reach and rake adjustable, and with a decent range for both.
Ross Winter
 
Harm is in the burn (more here)
I am no scientist, but when you think about it, burning anything creates carbon dioxide/monoxide and other bad gases, so burning sugar ethanol), is going to have somewhat the same impact on the environment.
Maybe we need to focus of non-combustion forms of transport such as the Fuel Cell, which burn nothing and create water (maybe even stop the drought with it!)
Brad Quilty
 
The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest disagrees with the Standford computer model.
See CleanAirChoice.org
Bob Moffitt
 
My opinion on the ethanol emissions article is that it does not portray the benefits gained by ethanol related fuels to the full extent as the deaths created by global warming will mostlikely outweigh the deaths that either fuel creates through emmissions.
It is also worthy to mention that this is a new product and has not had the 60 years of research and trial and error that petroleum has received to reduce the emissions from those of a '75 Kingswood to your modern day Commondore.
With further research and improved fuel refinement and catalytic / engine development these harmful emissions are likely to be further reduced.
The end predict would be a more sustainable fuel, lessened effect on global warming and no reliance on petroleum producing countries. Isn't that worth reporting...
Geoff Swinney
 
The switch to renewable fuels such as ethanol is not intended to reduce emissions that are unhealthy to humans in the short term. They are intended to and will reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Tail pipe emissions will still contain carbon dioxide and other emissions that you wouldn't want to breathe too deeply, just as they do with petrol-fuelled vehicles. But the carbon dioxide will be re-absorbed in an ongoing cycle by the plants used to make the ethanol.
Chris A
CN writes: that forgets that the production of sugar cane -- one of the projected sources of ethanol raw materials -- is arguably one of the most fertiliser and pesticide heavy agricultural enterprises on the planet... Cotton's worse -- but not much.
 
Top Triton (more here)
Good article, great car. I currently drive a 2002 LT Rodeo 2wd Dual cab, nice car but heavy on fuel.
I've been looking around for my next buy. I am one who wants a dual cab but cares more about the fuel economy than if I can pull up trees or tow the QE2. I have a dog, do minor reno's and maintenance on several properties and  have a daughter, so a vehicle like this with the alloy wheels option fits my price, fuel economy rating and comfort list perfectly, then you have the warranty.
Toyota almost had me but the low height, small wheels and price for standard options left a question mark.
Good on Mitsubishi for going down this path
Hey, who would have thought the 2wd Territory would be so popular. Now other makers are looking at that market
Rob Bartlett
 
Transmission tech to the world (more here)
It is absolutely commendable to have an Australian sourced technology on our doorstep ready to sell to a world market and to keep high calibre staff from all levels in solid secure employment for the industrial economy
Barry Pratt
 
Great news! I have been preaching for years (I'm an ex Mercedes Tech. and in auto sales these days) just how much the new generation "smart" hydraulic auto trans have improved the driveability of the modern vehicle.
Five forward gears should be an absolute minimum today... CVT's should be banned!!
Robert Duley
 
Brilliant move by DSI! Very good transmissions at local prices!
I would love one of their seven-speed autos for my V8 Commodore. The US sourced 6L80E is a dog. Based on their track record their six and seven-speeds would be much better. Can't wait to see them in all locally built Holdens and Falcons.
Bring it on!
Brad
CN writes: "The US sourced 6L80E is a dog"??? Since when?
 
Wouldn't it be great if they offered auto trans specialists retro-fit kits for existing Commodores and Falcons both six and eight-cylinder. models) needing an overhaul.
Many owners are unhappy with the poor shift quality and fuel inefficiency of the older boxes and I think we could sell quite a few six or seven-speeders, purely on improved fuel efficiency, not to mention improved performance.
Jason
CN writes: Great, but impractical. The kits would probably cost more than the cars they're being fitted to, not to mention the fact that modern autos need to interact with a level of engine management computer that is likely far advanced from those fitted to anything but the most current models.

Not-so state-of-the-art (more here)
After experiencing a Territory with the 'State Of the Art' four-speed box, I wouldn't have another car with the Box, let alone wish it upon an enemy!
My Territory was my first auto, if it wasn't for the ZF box in the Falcons, it would be enough to turn somebody off automatics for life.  My gearbox (admittedly with 80,000kms on it) bangs, clunks, whines, and has a labouring effect on the engine above 80km/h, as it won't change back to third.
To make matters worse, Ford won't (because they can't) make any modifications to the software, as it has the most recent (December 2004!) software on it.
If the new five, six or seven-speed box is anything like my ION (after BW, before DSI)  four-speeder, it can stay in the Ssangyongs.  I'll take a ZF any day.
Paxton

Love my Megane Sport (more here)
Hi, I am 48 years old and I own a Megane Sport. It is clearly an unbelievably capable motor car.
At first the six-speed is a bit hard to work out, but it is really very clever. The gearbox is broken up into sets of  two, each set has it's own gate, so when changing down you tap the stick left and you're in. It's fantastic.
All I am worried about is losing my licence after 20 years of no tickets.
The Megane really makes you want to go fast. Why. Because you can. It inspires confidence like no other and the standard features leave the local offerings wanting.
Really, if you want something different and have people asking "what is that car" then this is the one.
I am really impresed with this car and I have not even mentioned the brakes. I leave braking to the last minute just for fun, they are that good, really. Brembos of course. Passengers are reaching for air brakes and then when I DO brake, they can't believe it.
I was contemplating a Rex, but the boy racer image did not suit my style. This vehicle is stylish, inspiring and boundry pushing and has a European five-star safety rating.
What are you waiting for!
Stephen Lipshus
CN writes: it's one of our favourites too, Stephen...
 
Big deal on stamp duty discount (more here)
Big deal...
What not get rid off stamp duty all together in a country where we pay 80 per cent TAX
Bob

Hi-tech ahead (more here)
Holden's hi-tech V8 news is exciting, as I will be in the market for a Calais V by the end of 07.
Whilst the V6 engine will most likely be adequate, I will evaluate the new V8 with AFM.
I also will be disappointed if holden do not 'fix' the handbrake lever (terrible and unnecessary blunder) and the 'thick' front door pillars while they are at it?
Otherwise a very nice car.
Trevor Tregenza
CN writes: we're stuck with the thick A-pillar but expect the handbrake to be 'fixed' soon, Trevor.
If you check out the recent VE/WM based cars for Korea and China (more here) you'll notice the console-mounted handbrake is gone, replaced by a Benz/Jag style electronc handbrake.
Holden probably won't fit this to the local SS and base models, but it almost certainly will appear in the next update of the WMs and perhaps the Calais and Berlina.

Tiida not bad (more here)
I have had a Nissan Tiida for about six months and what all my passengers love is the comfort and space on a long trip. However it could do with more equipment thrown in... but for 18K - not bad
Terry Osborne
 
Hybrid rego rubbish (more here)
What a load of rubbish. These cars are fine and are probably as enviromentally friendly as they are made out to be but at the end of the five-year battery life what happens to all of the used batteries and the chemicals they contain which I assume are more hazarous than the CO2 emissions produced by an equivalent 1.6 to 2-litre car in this period. Absolute rubbish
Ron
 
Hybrid rego discount for all (more here)
Excellent work Queensland. I hope this offer is considered on a national level or by all the other states.
Paul M
CN writes: perhaps you should talk to Ron? Can anybody tell us why a Prius 'deserves' this discount, while a VW Polo TDI or Fiat Punto diesel -- which both return significantly better real world fuel consumption -- don't?
 
SX4 steering (more here)
I would have liked a comment - good or bad - about the electric steering. I found this a major turn off and in fact bought a Toyota. Really disappointed with twitchy handling. We need another small 4x4,  and Suzuki say this is standard... I can't  accept this.
Keith Bridger
 
Turbodiesel SX4 for me
The SX4 is Suzuki's end result from a collaboration with Fiat. It uses essentially the same AWD system as the Fiat Panda 4x4. If anyone has any doubts about the ability of this system, they should do a search on YouTube for "fiat panda vs range rover".
It's an interesting vehicle and one I'd definitely have a look at... When it's available here with the excellent Fiat-sourced 1.9 turbo diesel.
Chris A
 
Aurion spin (more here)
Toyota should spend less on spin and marketing and more on dynamics and chassis tuning!
Mike
CN writes: there's little wrong with the Aurion's chassis tuning (nor the Camry's for that matter). Fact is there's a limit to how much power you can put down in a front-wheel drive car and the standard Aurion's on that limit.
 
The Baurion (yawn) was never and will never be a threat to the V8. Toyota are kidding themselves as well as the general public with their clever marketing spins. The Baurion is a Camry V6 with oh so slight body mods and if that's not bad enough it's a FWD. Oh the concept said AWD (HA HA!), Toyota will bring out an AWD Baurion when the Pamela Anderson and John Howard sex scandal breaks. Hmmmm, just imagine a Camry sporteevo (sic) with it's scorching 2.4, four-cylinder, one hundred and nothing kw engine with AWD: firstly, what the **** for and secondly I doubt that it would have the power to drive all four wheels at once.
Stek
 
What a shame it's not a rear-wheel drive. Having owned three new front-wheel drive Toyotas over the last 12 years, I've gone back to rear-wheel drive Holdens and Fords.
Reason - Hate front-wheel-drive wheel spin (clatter), especially around tight corners.
Geoff Moss
 
What a joke! You can snap up a RWD R34 GTT Skyline for under $30K and with some minor modifications it would beat this joke into submission.
Quinton Evans
 
Most reviews I have read of the Aurion already praise the performance of the engine (it is two seconds faster to 100km/h than an SV6 Commodore), but are highly critical of the handling dynamics. Toyota need to get both aspects sorted, in the current car, as well as any future performance models.
Geoff Bomford
CN writes: see above re "handling dynamics"...
 
Toyota doesn't need to compete with Ford or Holden, because they are renowned for economy and reliability. Especially in a country that continues to reduce the speed limits because our young and stupid are in these V8s.
I have two Toyotas (four-cylinders) and they keep up with the big cars anyway. Iit's only over 140km/h they have an advantage and by then you're breaking every rule in book.
The R.A.C rate many of the large Fords and Holdens very low when it comes to reliablity. I know when boys finally grow up they realise economy, style, and reliabiltiy are found in imported cars, not your Aussie gas guzzlers
Steve Tilley
 
Diesel Hummer, please (more here)
Bring out a diesel V8 and I'll buy it tommorrow. It's awsome. Hummer has been proven to be a winner, the  US Army has them and they go anywhere time and time again. I want one.
Ron G Svechheimers
CN writes: the diesel Hummer (H1) uses the older generation 6.5-litre turbodiesel GM V8 and frankly it's a pretty old-tech engine. We know, we had a Suburban (a Holden Suburban, no less) tow car with the same powerplant. It was an 'honest' engine but far from refined. The H2 has yet to be offered with a diesel but both it and the Rodeo-based H3 will eventually get TDI powerplants.
 
M3 may not be good enough (more here)
I think BMW are very worried abut Audi. The RS4 scared them s*&tless so they have had to stuff a V8 in the M3 just to be in the race. Can't wait to see what Audi do with the RS5. Watch out BMW. This car may not be good enough...
Nigel
CN writes: "had to stuff a V8 in the M3 just to be in the race"... Like Audi had to stuff a V8 in the RS4 to match the six-cylinder M3 in the first place?
 
 

Read previous letters to the Carsales Network here