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Genesis tease (more here)
Why would Hyundai bring those coupes to tease us. I was very excited to hear that Hyundai was bringing RWD platform back into play.
It would have made them a lot of money considering the drifting seen in Australia has been such a big hit.
With the two engines variants the coupe could of squeezed into a few different markets.
David L
Great, the Genesis coupe, possibly the only Hyundai I would consider buying will never come here. Top decision
Matt Green
New Territory far off (more here)
How hard can it be for these numb nutz to do what the market wants, and put a DIESEL in the Territory?
Anything else is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Ron D
It should be called the Claytons Territory, you know, the change you have when you are not having a change. Still no E-Gas Option, Still no Diesel, Still Thirsty As, Still no dfferent! Ford OZ, you've lost the plot!
Paul
If they really want to sell more Territories, WHERE IS the Diesel!
Peter Webb
TRD pulls the pin (more here)
Very poor short-sighted decison. No time at all given to develop and sell the TRD brand as a niche player.
Zorro
It's pathetic that their performance commitment lasted approx 12 months. I am a Toyota fan and miss all the good stuff they once had. They are so boring now I don't see a reason to go into a Toyota showroom.
Phil
Scirocco in sights (more here)
Having a 25 per cent share of GTI means that the Golf GTI is represents a more compelling premium package that attracts buyers from other premium brands more readily here.
Surely this means that the combination of Golf GTI and Scirocco (practical hatch and stylish coupe) will win more buyers over from Audi and BMW rather than cannibalize VW sales?
If I were BMW I would be cheering this introspection - the 1 series is terribly ugly with great mechanicals, the Scirocco is beautiful with excellent mechanicals.
Rob
I own an R32... would love to upgrade to an R line Scirocco.
DK
Why 4 for 3? (more here)
The car scores middle of the pack for all except "X-factor" - your most dubious criteria (the most dubious of any local reviewing system).
And then it scores 4 overall?
W
CN says: Reviewers reserve the right to rate a car as better than the sum of its parts. That's what the X-Factor rating is about. It's purely subjective and we make no bones about that. As for the overall score, looks like a typo and should have been a '3.0' score.
How can it be a four star car overall if it rated only three on the first four criteria?
After reading other mags. reviews of the SP 23, I wonder if you were a bit harsh with the bevy of "threes"
I was hoping SP 25 would be more of a cut price BMW 320; the three star average indicates it ain't so. If not, what would beat it?
Bob
CN says: Three stars is a better-than-average score. Lancer VR-X would be a competitor to the SP25, but not necessarily the better car.
GCIF tiff (more here)
Excellent journalism. This article and previously published article bring into light a stark reality that reflects much of a historical pattern in the Australian Government's 'implementation' of industry policies. I would be highly interested in the next step in this path of inquiry, which would be to put the so-called experts in Innovation Australia 'under the microscrope'. What exactly is the Govt's 'measuring' criteria? And who is doing it? Engineers, which is expected if the GCIF is about technological innovation? Or are they fools that are simply accepting Toyota and Holden (and the Govt)'s window-dressing exercise. These are important questions that need to be answered in order to provide more precise predictions about whether this GCIF has any chance of working. If we don't actually implement this carefully, Australian automobile manufacturing is in serious trouble. Also, more investigation into HOW the two companies intend to help suppliers develop new technologies is also critical. Keep up the good work.
From a keen observer of Australian manufacturing industry.
SK
No Cadi for Oz (more here)
What a shame... Caddy was starting to close the gap with the Germans. And in grand fashion with the latest M5 killer, the CTS-V. Hopefully they'll transfer more of the performance to less exclusive models to keep the entire Cadillac line competitive.
Jay
Over a price barrel (more here)
BMW played it safe with the 7 series pricing all right!! Considering the 750Li Twin Turbo starts below AUS$155,000 in Canada and the US, I'd say that $291,200 is definitely safe... for BMW profits. We get royally ripped off here in Australia, and once again the local automotive media ensures the blinders are kept on the majority of the public by parroting the local BMW (and most other European manufacturers') line that we're getting a great deal! It's so ridiculously obvious to anyone who has ever purchased a car outside of this country that we're held over a barrel here, and instead of making the public aware of it, the local media tow the line. So pathetic.
Ian
CN says: You don't have to buy it if you feel that strongly about pricing. The point being made in the article is that BMW had not raised the prices substantially on a new car that represents a major improvement over the previous model. You've introduced an irrelevant argument.
One with the lot (more here)
When you pay this sort of price you should "Get The Lot" I drive an B8 A4, 1.8 turbo and i am very happy with the appearance. A car of this class should NOT have a so called "Spacesaver" In fact I dont know why ADR even allowed ANY "Spacesavers' in to Aus.
Bryan Mulholland
New 3 looks crossed (more here)
What are they thinking? Looks bloody awful - looks like a cross between a BMW 1 Series and Subaru Impreza and a Peugeot 308 and a dog, the Mazda 2 and the Ford Fiesta look cool, this doesn't. I hope they don't spoil the new RX8 with such hideous styling
Simon
EV for us (more here)
Being 50 y.o, semi-retired and grown up children we would welcome a car with the range of 160km. It would enable us to visit all of our married children with range left over together with the benefits of non-polluting vehicle.
Chris and Vina Compaan
V8s have no identity (more here)
Always a great article guys. Keep up the good work.
Who are the marketing/advertising men behind the Bathurst 12 hour? They should have a rocket shoved up their collective arse for the complete lack of advertising exposure in the media. This event should rival the Oct V8 Supercars (Superbores!!) event.
If the manufacturers had any sense they'd get behind it also because as Whincup indicated the V8's no longer have a manufacturer identity anyway.
Warren Barnes
iQ test not so smart (more here)
So they put 81.14kg of CO2 into the atmosphere for no productive benefit. I would have assumed the IQ bloggers would have shown more um...intelligence. Next time give the car to someone with a purpose worthy of the 81.14kg of CO2.
Dave from Perth
CN says: Since we're doing the sums, if you stopped breathing for a year you would reduce the carbon load in the atmosphere by perhaps as much as two million litres. That sounds like it's worth doing...
Is Murano on the right Pathfinder? (more here)
I have a 1998 TI Pathfinder (low 95Kms) that has included dirt roading when on driving holidays. First “in depth” that I have seen so far. I am interested but have some reservations. First, the rear visibility for Sydney driving, it looks very limited in the Pics; there was no comment. (I always drive with the passenger side rear head rest out for visibility in city driving and especially parking). Secondly, I do not like a foot brake as a hand brake, so did you have trouble in uphill take offs? Thirdly, there appears to be so much electronics, some gimmicky, so reliability is of concern even taking into account the electronics of Japanese builds. Would appreciate more comment on driving and the number of gears. Understand it has normal spare and push button rear vision mirror retraction is a big plus for me.
Regards
Ray
Currency with China (more here)
OK China which one is it? The exchange rate or production cut backs. Must be some issues at Ateco, the brand consultant and the PR Manager obviously don't communicate. I'd rather buy an Indian car at least they have arrived on our shore all be it with little fan fare but they are here and they launched when they said they would. Imagine trying to get Ateco to do something done under warranty, they would be arguing amongst themselves about who would do what. Give these things a wide berth.
Errol
Some pointers for Saab (more here)
My understanding is that Saab and Subaru (Both owned/part by GM at some stage) would have probably used the same 4wd technology. I remember reading where they had placed a Saab body on the 9-3 platform to evaluate its interest. Is this the case or have they gone down another path? For most (aware) punters the Saab have had its share of problems with reliability and resale... so the Subaru or alternative vehicles in that range are always going to be a better prospect. I quite like them myself and would be interested in test driving the oil burner (155kW) 4WD. But would hate to be stuck with an "anchor" after 3-5 years. If Saab could fix their reliability and manage to keep their running costs to an affordable amount...by increasing dealer networking and parts supply, they may be able to sell more of what is considered to be generally safe, great looking, unique car, which is a huge start over some of the opposition brands.
Greg Cleeve
CN says: The Saab 9-2 was basically a Subaru WRX with Saab front panels and badging. Intended for the American market only, it was a flop. Saab and Subaru are not a very good engineering fit, frankly. Modern Saabs run transverse engines and front-wheel drive, but Subarus (apart from cars like the Stella kei-car) run longitudinal engines and all-wheel drive. Saab uses inline engines, most of Subaru's are boxers (horizontallly opposed). It's possible that Saab might have used the rear drivetrain components from Subaru, but that's the easy part and there are companies like Haldex that can handle that sort of engineering task for Saab without involving another element of the GM corporation and tie up resources there too.
Why aren't you grinning? (more here)
My opinion on this article is ... garbage. I'm assuming there is another writer now working at CarSales. 2.5 for price and practicality? This is a family car, which will put a grin on any auto enthusiasts face with one squirt of the throttle. Possibly the best engine produced in Australia for the common market ever (Engine 3.0/5.0)! No clue! Comparing a 480nm rear wheel drive car to a front wheel drive Astra in the wet? WTF?? Take off your Holden cap sunshine, people after a performance car don't care about 'storage bins' or 'unlined boot-lids'. Amateur!
Martin
CN says: This response just begs so many questions. Like: Why are you reading a review from nearly two years ago, concerning a car no longer in production? Do you know the difference between an Astra and the Vectra mentioned in the review? They're like... two different vehicles? Why have you made an assumption that the parallel between front-wheel drive Holden and rear-wheel drive Ford is based on a wet-weather scenario? That's not so, if you re-read the article. Perhaps that explains your lack of appreciation for finer points of design and quality engineering.
Lexus monstrosity (more here)
I really don't believe vehicles such as these are necessary. It pretty much guarantees these vehicles will end up in driveways of suburban homes where they care less about the environment and even less about other road users (I've been witness to it everyday)
Its disgusting you carry on about how great this monstrosity is, knowing full well it will rarely go off road. Yeah great one for the environment, or maybe you are one of those dinosaurs who think the environment is your grand kids problem, not yours. You Tosser.
Thomas
CN says: It's one thing to be aware of an important issue and speak out about it, but you do the cause no good with immoderate language and hysterical pot-shots shooting the messenger. The Lexus may or may not go offroad; it may or may not tow caravans and skiboats; it may or may not transport up to six passengers for a tour operator. There could be any number of reasons why people choose to buy such vehicles -- and it's not up to a wowser like you to dictate to those buyers how they spend their money, nor is it your prerogative to influence the opinions of writers for your own ends.
Citroen (dis)service? (more here)
By saying that they will have a greater commitment to customer service just proves that they have not worried about customers in the past which unfortunately has been my experience
John Johnston
Passat's no CC to me (more here)
No... looks like a sedan to me
Alan Watson
Put your foot down, Honda (more here)
Honda Japan should just put their foot down. They cannot let themselves be dictated to by Acura USA. If they aren't careful, the dying US car market will prevent them from expanding the range of Hondas in other countries, where they still have a chance to sell well, and increase brand awareness as a "Honda".
Klaus
Hummer hell (more here)
I myself am the owner of a h3 luxury. It's now 12 months old with 40000kms on the clock. The car as a whole is fun but I have to say, I am disgusted with the engine and gearbox. I've driven 50 year old cars that run smoother than the H3. It's extremely under powered and not economical at all. As for the gearbox, I can honestly say it's the worst box I've ever driven. It's clunky, noisy, lazy and never quite knows what gear it wants to be in. Also, at 3000 revs the a/c makes a hissing sound that Hummer refuse to fix. Would I buy another one? NOT LIKELY! Car now has 40000kms on the clock. THIS IS THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!
Suvo
Hot water for M-B? (more here)
If David McCarthy thinks he can hold back the new E-Class Coupe to release it with the Sedan he may find his release date will be back to November to coincide with the New E-Class Cabrio release! Given the amount of stock the Stuttgarters have to clear before June and the current LET'S TALK campaign with guaranteed "buy-back" the "Marketing Team" from Mulgrave are getting themselves into hot water... make that boiling water, with Finance based Residuals (guaranteed) that will have no base, whatsoever, when those cars start to come back. But, I guess, the bright boys and girls will have moved on to greener pastures by then, leaving the problem to some even brighter stars to solve? German Companies sure have deep pockets, when it suits them!
Grant
Win some, lose some (more here)
What idiot wrote this garbage. Obviously the writer would love to see our car industry fold completely, then he can brag about driving imported cars to his heart's content! Having a viable vehicle industry is vital to Australia remaining anywhere near the forefront of manufacturing in the world. $6 billion is small fry compared to what it will cost when we are subject to the full effects of the varying value of the dollar if we do go fully imported.
Darren
CN says: There is not one person on staff at the Carsales Network who wants to see the local manufacturing industry fold. That's not to say we can't and shouldn't act as devil's advocates if taxpayers' money is being spent unwisely or the local manufacturers are making decisions that just don't make sense based on what we know. You can look up 'devil's advocate' on Wikipedia.
This is an excellent article. I've asked, obviously myself some of the same questions. ie. Why are we allowing Ford to waste time and some of our money to bring their 6 cylinder engine, up to only Euro 4 when Europe is at almost at Euro 5? Ford should at least be aiming for that if not Euro 6.
Your comments about GM are also right on the money, the Cruise is hardly leading the 'eco' charge and is a very ordinary car by all accounts.
It seems the Government has breathtaking ignorance of what's happening in the automotive world and is under the thrall of these American car companies. And I can say from personal experience of one of them that are cultures of blame, arrogance, complacency and often outright stupidity.
They should be allowed to go bankrupt and the unemployable dolts who run them be forced into the dole queue.
Bruce Kneale
Are you paid by Toyota? Our industries are struggling, and we make one of the best value large cars in the world yet you continue to hammer Holden and in particular Ford.
Ford can the i6 so you whinge and whinge, so the reverse the decision and now you whinge cause it's not green enough, they make the commitment to build Focus... it's not good enough.... what do you expect out of our motor manufacturers who are doing it tough...
Then you praise Kevin Rudd who launches this scheme, blind sided by Toyota's hybrid which is worse for the environment than most diesels yet we all praise the Prius for being so friendly to the environment.... so how smart are we all?
I think Ford in particular should be given a break, they are doing everything they can to appeal to the public, yet you journos seem to bring them down.
Maybe you should all stick to writing about general news... sorry but sometimes what is written is total rubbish.... and this article is one of them!
Anthony
CN says: Toyota is one of those struggling industries in this country. They may be number one, but the viability of manufacturing at the Altona plant hangs by a slender thread. You're having a general whinge about divergent opinions you've read in other forums. We've never criticised Ford for announcing local production of the Focus; quite the reverse if anything. You personally may not understand the message, but the local media want to see a car like the Falcon succeed, because we all know people who work at Ford...
On a happier note... (more here)
I am very pleased to read your article, having owned 4 I6 engined fords and still running two of these, I understand what a fantastic engine they are. I consider the Barra 195 is a good news story for people who appreciate the dedication Ford has made to an Aussie car. I note the popularity of the Barra powered vehicles used by families especially for country touring. Keep up the good work FORD Aust.
I will be making sure I have a Barra powered territory in the next couple of years, will be very keen to see what the 195 engine dose to the Territory Facelift, due sometime in 2009.
I like the way Ford gets on making better engineering designs without the spin some others manufacturers come up with. The FG is the icing on the cake when the knockers are wanting us to drive small death traps. Don't abandon the loyal customers who need sound cars with rear wheel drives... I could go on and on.
Peter Morris
Light on Hyundai's diesel figures (more here)
This increase in power is hard to believe.
A turbocharged 1.6L Mini has an output of 80kW so pro rata a 2.0L engine would have an output of 100kW and the Hyundai 2 litre has an output of 135kW which is an incredible increase of 35 per cent. The torque figure is also phenomenal.
My 1985XF Falcon had a 4.2L petrol engine and had an output of 100kW and was in its day sold for pulling a caravan around Australia and now one should be able to do this with a 2.0L turbo charged diesel engine.
When will these engines be sold in Australia, in Hyundai cars?
Berthe Cotte
CN says: Berthe, it's not an entirely valid comparison, power figures for an XF Falcon versus a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. It's actually the Falcon's torque that makes it suitable for towing caravans. The turbodiesel engine also develops a lot of torque, but towing a caravan behind a small car -- even with a turbodiesel -- might be unsafe and hard on the car's other drivetrain components and body structure. Even with turbodiesels, small cars are often limited in their towing capacity. What you should consider though, is a turbodiesel-powered light commercial vehicle, like a dual-cab ute. It has the necessary torque and is specifically designed for towing caravans and trailers. Plus, it should be a fair bit more economical than the Falcon.
Why always 3.5? (more here)
Why do you seem to always give the cars you review 3.5 out of 5?! To me it seems such a sitting on the fence point of the view? Is the car average? Then give it 3 but if the car is good be adventurous go out on a limb and give it 4 but if it's outstanding give it 4.5. How can it be given 3 out of 5 for safety when it has 6 airbags ABS bla bla as standard and stability control as option?! Is it made of tin fold like the Holden Barina?
Vaughan Minto
CN says: Vaughan, 3.5 is a good score. An average car would score just 2.5 stars. If a large number of the cars we review are rated at three or 3.5 stars, it's a reflection on the high standard of many of the cars sold in the Australian market. Read 'About our ratings' in the review.
Drive it like you stole it... (more here)
Re the comment "be economical with the brakes, shift gear and use engine braking. As God intended." Which particular god are you talking about, the god of engine abuse, or the god of drivers who don't know how to drive? Whilst it is rarely necessary on the public roads to abuse brakes, let me remind you of the quote by Jackie Stewart, "brakes are for slowing, gears are for going." Perhaps your correspondent was taught to use the old push pull steering method as well, it would appear so from such an uninformed comment. You have to remember that push pull and using your gears for slowing was introduced to teach women how to drive very unsophisticated trucks during the second world war.
Mark Wells
CN says: Engine abuse? Tell us you're not selecting first gear from freeway speeds or that you're still driving something with a side-valve engine. Jackie Stewart? Not a rally driver, was he? Or heavy commercial vehicle driver? or economy run expert?
Cars are (still) too heavy (more here)
Marshall sums up the situation very succinctly, but there is a disconnect between his perceptions and his stated solution to the diverse problems stated. It is plain wrong that a Commodore weighs 1650kg to carry 5 people.
The first Holden in 1948 weighed 1010kg and could seat 6 people and even with the low grade fuel of the day dictating a low compression ratio of 6.5 to 1,gave better city and equal country fuel economy to the current Commodore.
The V6 Engine in the Commodore is all alloy and at 3.6 litres weighs less than the old 2.2 litre grey motor in the 48 Holden.
But beyond that, the mechanicals are dreadfully heavy. Try lifting a modern Automatic transmission or a big set of disc brakes. Then there's the safety gear but I don't think that weighs in at a huge amount.
How much can an airbag weigh after all?
ALL cars are too heavy, I think attempts to improve ride quality and NVH factors by just adding ballast are a bit of an industry secret.
I cannot see why Holden can't bite the bullet and build a 5 seater medium size rear drive car which weighs in at 1000kg,with a 2.8 litre six. Less torque pushing a lighter body means the drivetrain and brakes can be lighter--it can be a self fulfilling aim once the concept is accepted.
Paul Murphy
CN says: We agree with you in theory Paul, but Holden, if presented with a brief to build a rear-wheel drive car capable of seating five, powered by a 2.8-litre V6 and weighing 1000kg, would produce two possible outcomes. The first would be a car incapable of passing current safety ADRs. The second would be a car that would cost too much to build by conventional production-line means and would be unaccessible by any but the richest buyers.
Insider on the E (more here)
You are still not up to date with this article guys. The Australian release of the new E-Class will see the coupe released prior to the sedan! This will cause the local lads at Lexia Place alot of pain as they still have big stocks of the CLK coupes and cabs to clear,as well as W211 sedans and wagons and are unclear, as usual, as to the best way to inscent the clearance of the 209s and 211s through a struggling dealer network. The new E-Class cab will be on the horizon at Melbourne Cup time with some dealers already holding orders. As you already know fellas the addition of the 2 door models will clear the way for the widening of the C-Class range later with a booted coupe and cabrio as well as a new convertible C-Class roadster... does this mean the end of the SLK as we know it? Interesting but maybe the locals don't want this as "common knowledge" due to the Stuttgart based company's stock problem both with dealers and on the "grass" and the wharf.
Passat better than all of them... (more here)
I suggest Passat R36 is a better choice than any of these- cheaper, better equipped, higher performance better economy (than alfa). It even looks good- only downside is less brand cachet?
Richard Holland
Serious on green (more here)
If the Government is serious about creating a "Greener Future" it should first revisit the duties and taxes levied on Diesel fuel. This is the only country I know of where Diesel costs more than unleaded. Not only is Diesel cheaper to produce it burns cleaner than other alternate fuels.
Whilst the development of other hybrid fuel sources / motors, be it hydrogen cell or ethanol for example, is a good medium term goal more immediate action is required, namely get the price of diesel down...
Kim Parkin
(No) more models?(more here)
I was under the impression that the Button plan was designed to reduce the number of models available in Australia. With so many manufactures having excess stock in every nook and cranny around Australia they can find. Is it wise to bring more models into Australia, be they inexpensive or not. (Just a thought)
Ven Colicchia
CN says: One of the aims of the Button plan was to reduce the number of models built in Australia, not just sold in Australia -- which obviously includes imports. Most car companies in Australia, whether manufacturer/importers or full-line importers, appear to be getting their stock levels back to a reasonable volume. Inexpensive imports are unlikely to pose a significant threat to large cars manufactured here. They're unlikely to pose much of a threat to anything in the short term. We would just about lay money that any new brand commencing operations in Australia tomorrow would still be finding its feet when the current economic and financial crisis ends.