2008 Holden Captiva 2WD diesel
Holden is now set to offer its diesel engine in a two-wheel drive Captiva for the first time.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine had previously been available only with all-wheel drive Captiva models.
Archive for the ‘Car News’ Category
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
CarAdvice was invited to the Suzuki launch of the all-new Grand Vitara in the Northern Territory over the weekend. But before our travel log and first steer go live in the next 24-hours, here are some facts about the new compact SUV.
Although called a new Grand Vitara, from the outside it’s hard to tell, but that’s only because the Japanese company has kept the current styling due to its popularity in Europe.
Top Gear Australia audience sign-up
Production for Top Gear Australia is coming along nicely, with the team already spotted filming in various locations across the country.
Whilst the production company behind the Aussie series has made it available on its website for some time now, SBS has now included its own form to enrol for the studio audience on the trio’s homepage.
Spied: Insignia OPC at the Ring
The Opel Insignia has certainly made an impression since the staggered reveal of the sedan, hatch and wagon variants over the past few weeks.
Now the final iteration has been spotted prowling the Nurburgring during a stint of performance testing.
Spied: 2011 Jaguar XJ mule
Jaguar is obviously suffering no ill-effect following the Tata takeover, with yet another test mule - this time of the new XJ - spotted in the US.
While the limited camouflage may seem to indicate this is nothing more than a subtle face lift - make no mistake, the next XJ is tipped to sport a radical new and daring look.
Spied: New ‘Daewoo’ Matiz
Judging from the big grins and thumbs up the engineers gave our photographers, they were very happy to see them. Not that we are complaining, it’s not everyday you get to see a glimpse of the upcoming “Chevrolet” Matiz development car.
Riding under various panelling, the new Matiz is currently undergoing some early testing in France. Code-named M300, a new, ultra small car platform will also underpin the next generation Chevrolet Beat and Spark.
Spied: Audi R8 Spider
The convertible version of Audi’s R8 supercar has been spotted testing in Germany without a hint of camouflage material. These latest images of the test car reveal that the new convertible will gain a conventional fabric roof but misses out on the R8’s trademark aluminium side blades.
Other major changes for the new Spider that are expected to make it to production will be additional air intakes located behind the seats as well as a pair of safety roll-over bars.
2008 Volvo C30 D5 review
2008 Volvo C30 D5 review and road test
Model tested: 2008 Volvo C30 D5 automatic
Recommended Retail Price: $43,950
Options fitted: High-Performance Sound AM/FM radio, 8 speakers - $1350
Styling, handling/ride balance, safety, torque
Loud engine, stolid steering, pricey
CarAdvice rating: 
(3.75)
Photograhy and review by Karl Peskett
Small with big is good. Just look back to the good old days. The Holden Torana GTR XU-1 - which I’m proud to say was my introduction to motoring (courtesy of my father) - was one such recipe.
Small body, powerful engine - it made for a great package. So if you combine something small with a torquey engine, you’re automatically onto a good thing, right? Well, yes and no. Small with big is good … usually.
Ford Australia President shock resignation
Ford Australia President Bill Osborne has announced his shock resignation, less than eight months after taking on the top job.
This news follows the proposed loss of 350 jobs from Ford’s workforce on the back of slowing FG production as a result of declining demand for large cars.
Spied: 2009 Hyundai i20
Hyundai’s latest generation of cars have been given the highest praise by the motoring world. The i-series is set for expansion with the release of the i10 shortly as well as the car we have pictured here, the VW Polo-rival, likely to be called the i20.
Expected to go on sale overseas sometime next year, the i20 will replace the ageing Hyundai Getz which has been on the market since 2002.
