Motor Shows » Australian Car Advice

Skoda Octavia Scout 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 1 Comment

Skoda is broadening the appeal of its Octavia line-up even further with the introduction of an exciting new product – Octavia Scout 4X4.

The Scout will see Skoda enter the compact SUV segment and is designed for drivers who demand equal measures of practicality and individuality. The Octavia Scout 4X4 model features all the usual Skoda refinements but adds rugged good looks, high equipment levels and a state-of-the-art four-wheel-drive system allowing owners to go where others fear to tread in some compact crossover SUVs.

Nissan Mixim concept 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 3 Comments

Nissan’s Mixim looks like no other small city car. The dramatic swept-back wraparound windscreen is the dominant feature, inspired by a crash helmet’s visor. The flowing roofline finishes at a sharply truncated rear hatch. Large scissor-hinged doors encroach into the roof making access easy.

Behind the F1-style, centrally mounted driver’s seat are two passenger seats, while a further occasional seat is slotted in behind in the spacious luggage area. The driver’s seat can move aside to aid passengers’ entry and exit.

With a potential maximum range of 250km from the two 50kW electric motors. The futuristic laminate Lithium-Ion batteries are quick to recharge; from discharged to fully charged takes between 20 and 40 minutes, or less time than the average lunch-break.

Mixim has a 2530mm wheelbase, and is just 3700mm long, 1800mm wide and 1400mm high. Thus it is shorter and lower than a Nissan Micra, though slightly wider. The lightweight composite body allows a kerb weight of just 950kg.

Inside, the driver grasps a U-shaped steering wheel and there are rear view cameras in place of door mirrors, relaying the view from behind onto screens at each end of tes a virtual representation of the front wheels.

This is linked to real-time movement of the steering wheel to give the driver the impression of being in control of a single-seater racing car. From a steering input point of view that’s not too wide of the mark: Mixim needs just half a turn to go from lock-to-lock.

The U-shaped steering wheel resembles a computer race game controller. As with F1 racers, the wheel incorporates switches for control functions. The Mixim concept was shown for the first time at Frankfurt in 2007 and was designed by Nissan’s Japanese think-tank that’s looking well over the horizon, to cater to the needs of the young drivers of 2020.

These drivers will have been brought up in the age of computers and the internet and will be comfortable with virtual friendships and relationships, according to Nissan’s futurologists. They will not feel as passionate about cars as previous generations; rather to Inoue, the chief designer of Nissan’s exploratory design studio, led a design team with an average age of just 25 to create Mixim, a new merging of the most up-to-date electric vehicle technology in a svelte and distinctive coupé shape.

“We wanted to create an icon for this digital generation… something that went far beyond the stereotypes to which their parents tend to be attracted,” he said.

The ‘Super Motor’ features dual rotors inside and outside, a single stator coil and, as a result, can output power through two shafts at the same time. By controlling the power output of each shaft separately, it is possible to drive right and left wheels independently.

Thanks to the use of compound current, the ‘Super Motor’ offers greater power density than conventional motors. As well as powering pure electric vehicles, the ‘Super Motor’ has application potential for petrol/electric hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.

Unlike a conventional Lithium-Ion battery with its bulky cylindrical cells, Nissan’s Lithium-Ion battery uses thin laminated cells and has fewer components overall. This boosts its power by a factor of 1.5 at the same time as halving its physical size.

The cell construction, in turn, means a thin modular design is possible with a commensurate improvement in battery cooling efficiency. Higher power outputs are also achieved through material improvements made to its lithium manganate positive electrode and carbon negative electrode.

This small yet more powerful battery also provides packaging advantages. Locating the compact cells under the floor of the car not only lowers the centre of gravity, but also permits the development of a low, flat floor with commensurate gains in interior space.

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Mazda Taiki concept 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 4 Comments

Mazda has staked its claim for top billing at the Australian International Motor Show by displaying its amazing Taiki concept car.

Taiki is one of an acclaimed series of design studies unveiled by Mazda in recent years. It is an exercise in advanced aerodynamics that hints at a future generation of more sustainable sports cars.

Suzuki Kizashi 3 concept 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 7 Comments

Suzuki is set to steal the limelight at this year’s Australian International Motor Show when it unveils the latest in its acclaimed Kizashi series of concept cars.

Kizashi 3 previews Suzuki’s plans to enter the hotly contested medium passenger car segment with a high performance sports sedan.

The concept is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring plated cylinders – a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki’s MotoGP and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.

The 220 kW VVT engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and Advanced i-AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system.

Suzuki says Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste - is a clear sign of things to come from the brand.

“This concept represents a new direction for Suzuki in that it takes our expertise with smaller sporty vehicles and translates that into the midsized segment,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers, “We believe Kizashi will break the mould of typical midsized or family vehicles, when it goes into production next year.”

Suzuki grew sales to over 2.3 million motor vehicles world-wide last year and says a new medium segment car is essential to achieve further sales growth.

While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Devers said production of the exciting new mid-sized sedan would begin in late 2009.

“Our engineers are also considering the possibilities of hybrid-powered and state-of-the-art clean diesel versions of the car,” said Devers, “The Concept Kizashi series was developed by Suzuki’s Advanced Design Group to reflect, it says, “the strong, honed physique of a dynamic athlete in motion.”

The bulging bonnet, wide track abbreviated overhangs and aggressive wheel and tyre combinations convey an underlying strength and performance orientated image.

Kizashi is designed to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of customers who want to stay with Suzuki when purchasing larger, midsize cars.

Specifications:

Powertrain: Front engine, all-wheel drive with i-AWD system
Seating capacity: Five
Tyres: 255/30ZR21 9.5J
Wheels: 21-inch, nine-spoke, aluminium
Engine: 3.6-litre DOHC 24-valve V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Maximum power: 220 kW
Overall length: 4,650mm
Overall width: 1,900 mm
Overall height: 1,450mm
Wheelbase: 2,800mm
Body colour: Kizashi Silver

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Suzuki Alto 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 5 Comments

Suzuki Australia today confirmed the all-new Alto would join the Suzuki model line-up next year.

The fifth and smallest member of its acclaimed line-up of world strategic models, the new Alto combines eye-catching style and easy urban mobility with great performance in terms of fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

“Alto is the answer for people wanting a quality vehicle offering great performance, high levels of safety and outstanding fuel economy,” said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers “Alto meets the lifestyle needs of today’s motorists and the pressing global need for environmental compatibility. It will also be one of the most fun-to-drive cars available and a great example of Suzuki’s Way of Life! philosophy”.

Devers said the new Suzuki Alto would put a quality, environmentally friendly car within reach of all customers for the first time.

“Alto will represent the essence of the Suzuki commitment of offering outstanding value for money. Suzuki has long been a pioneer in the automotive industry, and the new Alto is pioneering a new sub-light car for Australia”.

As the second model in the second phase of Suzuki’s world strategy, the new Alto offers high levels of comfort and convenience in a design that combines sporty, European-inspired looks with great aerodynamics.

The new Alto reflects the unparalleled knowledge of small-cars that has made Suzuki so successful with mini-vehicles in Japan and compact cars like the Swift all over the world.

Manufactured in Suzuki’s Manesar plant in India, the Alto was designed by Suzuki engineers and tuned for European customers based on an extensive test drive program.

The new Alto is aimed mainly at urban people who want a small car that offers style and enjoyment together with great environmental credentials.

At the heart of the concept for the new Alto is Suzuki’s belief that people should be able to enjoy economical, eco-friendly motoring without sacrificing style, comfort, practicality, or performance.

Compact dimensions (the new Alto is the smallest of Suzuki’s world strategic models) play a large part in realizing outstanding environmental credentials by keeping weight to a minimum, but without detracting from user-friendliness.

The new Alto has a sporty, solid look that exudes urban energy despite the body’s compact dimensions. The design is elegant thanks to aerodynamically efficient contours that combine tautness with evocative curviness.

Designed for the global market, a low drag coefficient of just 0.30 promotes outstanding fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

The cabin layout apportions most of the space to the front seats but still provides ample space for four adults with numerous handy storage spaces for small items located throughout the cabin.

Notwithstanding the new Alto’s compact exterior dimensions, there’s a usable amount of luggage space behind the rear seats, and folding down the rear seatback expands the space into a roomy luggage area suited to daily use.

The new Alto has an overall length of 3,500mm, width of 1,600mm, height of 1,470mm and a wheelbase of 2,360mm and is powered by a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing peak power output of 50kW with a maximum torque of 90Nm.

The Euro IV-compliant engine delivers fuel consumption of just 4.5L/100km and produces only 103g/km of CO2 emissions. Standard transmission is five-speed manual, while a four-speed automatic transmission will be available as an option.

Front suspension is of MacPherson strut type and the large, high-rigidity suspension frame is complemented by further strengthening in the strut mounting areas for superior handling. The rear suspension has Suzuki’s proprietary 3-link rigid axle design, and incorporates numerous refinements for the new car. The coil springs and dampers were tuned for optimum handling stability through extensive testing on roads in Europe.

Suzuki targeted handling that makes driving enjoyable on urban roads, so drivers enjoy linear response, gentle roll movements, light steering feel, and good absorption of shock and vibration.

The new Alto has a minimum turning radius of just 4.5m making it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces.

To help the driver avoid hazards on the road, the new Alto will be available with Electronic Stability Program, which modulates the engine performance and applies the brakes during cornering and under acceleration.

In the unfortunate event of an accident, the new Alto’s body reflects Suzuki’s Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) concept in the form of crushable structures that absorb impact energy, frame members that disperse impact energy away from occupants and a strong cabin structure.

Use of high-tensile steel for major body parts means the resulting high level of occupant safety does not add excessive weight to the body.

SRS front, side, and curtain airbags are available to reduce the severity of impacts suffered by occupants in the event of a collision. Energy-absorbing trim materials provide further head protection.

Devers said the Australian version of Alto would go on sale in the second quarter of 2009. Pricing and final specification will be released closer to launch.

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Elfin Type 5 Clubman 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 9 Comments

Elfin Sports Cars has officially unveiled the next phase in its already impressive range of sports cars at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Australia with the debut of a new four cylinder Showcar.

To be known as the ‘Type 5’ Clubman, the all new Elfin promises to deliver exciting levels of performance at an unprecedented price for enthusiasts and track specialists alike.

Mitsubishi Ralliart Lancer 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 16 Comments

Mitsubishi has unveiled the highly anticipated new Ralliart Lancer, a model which is set to compete directly with the standard Impreza WRX for the first time.

Available in both sedan and sportback guise, the Ralliart Lancer is powered by a slightly detuned version of the Evolution’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

2009 Subaru WRX Sedan & Hatch

October 9th, 2008 17 Comments

Subaru’s new 2009 Impreza WRX has made its inaugural appearance at AIMS.

Boasting 26kw more power and 23Nm more torque, the 2009 WRX also features uprgraded suspension and better fuel efficiency than the existing 2008 (hatch) model.

Model Year 2009 Impreza WRX sedan and hatch will be available by early December with a larger turbocharger and increased boost, plus the options of leather trim with sunroof, and satellite navigation.

In addition to the power and torque enhancements, all Impreza WRX versions will share the new suspension package, producing even sharper, aggressive handling. It will feature increased spring and damping rates, and thickened stabilizer bars as well as cosmetic changes including a new mesh grille and badge, distinctive red brake calipers and wider tyres. Inside, red stitch seating will add to the sporty appearance.

MY09 Impreza WRX will produce 195kW @ 6000 rpm and 343Nm @ 4000 rpm, while fuel consumption is improved in the combined cycle from 10.7 l/100km to 10.4 l/100km. Carbondioxide emissions are down from 252 g/km to 247 g/km.

Recommended Retail Pricing is maintained at MY08 levels – both hatch and the newly introduced sedan will start from $39,990 (RRP).

Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, said “This latest model year Impreza WRX is a step change.

“We’re not only introducing big power and torque increases, we’ve dramatically sharpened handling too.

“We’ve spent a lot of time with the engineers on Australian roads and in local conditions, developing a suspension package that appeals to the driving enthusiast.

“The result is an Impreza WRX that is true to our core Subaru DNA, of delivering pure driving confidence.”

He added “Drivability of Impreza WRX is sharper and, combined with the power and torque benefits, this is a compelling, aggressive package.

“For the first time we’re also offering a leather trim with sunroof option as part of the regular Impreza WRX line-up, addressing clear customer demand seen in our retail network.

“The extra power, torque, upgraded suspension and other refinements on entry-level Impreza WRX will come at no extra cost.

“Equivalent sedan and hatch pricing will also be identical, making it a straight choice for customers between body styles.”

Tech Talk:Intercooler capacity is up to 14.0 kW, from 12.1 kW in the MY08 model, while the bigger turbocharger sees maximum boost increased from 78 kPa to 103 kPa. A revised exhaust system provides a 30 per cent reduction in gas flow restriction, to match the new turbocharger performance and increase engine power.

Significant suspension testing was conducted in Australia and Japan to tune suspension settings for local conditions. MY09 Impreza WRX is biased towards sports handling, while retaining good ride comfort, grip and stability when driven enthusiastically.

The coil springs, stabilizers and top mounts are stiffened and roll rigidity increased to improve maximum lateral G and turning ability. Fine tuning of the damping forces in the shock absorbers provides linear response with minimal delay when steering.

Improved shift feel is achieved in the transmission through use of a ball type key for the first and second gear synchro hubs and a change to the key groove on third and fourth synchro sleeve.

Hardened materials are used for the main shaft and first driven gear, while operation of the clutch slave cylinder now incorporates an orifice valve to protect the drivetrain during rapid clutch engagement.

A damper valve is added to the steering gearbox to reduce kickback, particularly when cornering on rough roads.

Wheels and tyres were chosen to complement the suspension springs, damping and bushing, to ensure optimum grip and ride comfort.

The tyres also optimize the balance of dry and wet weather grip, steering response, NVH levels and ride comfort. Rolling resistance and stopping distance are also reduced.

Tyres are increased in width to 225/45 from 205/50, benefitting grip and handling performance to match the more aggressive sports suspension setting. MY09 Impreza WRX is fitted with Dunlop SP Sport 01 225/45R17 tyres and 17 x 7 JJ alloy wheels.

In line with Subaru’s safety commitment, Impreza WRX sedan maintains the five-star rating for occupant safety from the independent Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). All Imprezas also share the highest four-star rating for pedestrian safety.

With the imminent introduction of Model Year 2009 Liberty and Outback, every Subaru will have standard electronic stability control. The Subaru retail network is now taking orders for MY09 Impreza WRX.

Impreza WRX MY09 Recommended Retail Pricing:

Impreza WRX sedan & hatch $39,990
Impreza WRX sedan & hatch with leather trim and sunroof $42,490
Impreza WRX sedan & hatch with Sat Nav $42,980
Impreza WRX sedan & hatch with Sat Nav, leather and sunroof $45,480

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Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 13 Comments

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has unveiled the first production vehicles and announced Australian specifications and pricing for its all-new Lancer Sportback hatch at the Australian International Motor Show.

Launching the vehicle at the Sydney Show, Mitsubishi’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, said the arrival of the all-new Lancer Sportback completed the wide-ranging and award winning Lancer family in Australia.

“The all-new Lancer Sportback joins the acclaimed Lancer sedan line-up, along with 2.0-litre ES and VR variants, the new premium 2.4-litre Aspire and sporty VRX sedans, the outstanding Lancer Evolution sports sedan and the all-new Ralliart Lancer sedan and Sportback. Mitsubishi now offers a complete range of vehicles in the small car segment, and we can meet just about any requirement any small car owner could ever have,” Mr McEniry said.

The all-new Lancer Sportback continues the Lancer initiative of bringing life-saving five-star safety to the small car market – just like its sedan brother - with standard Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC), ABS braking system with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and the availability of seven airbags across the entire range.

Designed in Europe to meet the exacting standards of Continental car connoisseurs, the Lancer Sportback will appeal to all small-car consumers who seek stunning style, pert performance, five-star safety and the versatility of a hatch-style body in their vehicle.

According to Mr McEniry, the company has experienced solid success with sales of the Lancer sedan since its release last year, and with its versatile hatch style body, the all-new Lancer Sportback will open up additional opportunities.

“In the current economic environment, Australia is turning to the small car to meet their driving needs, and the success of the Lancer sedan is testament to that fact.

“There is no doubt that the all-new Lancer Sportback will open up additional opportunities for us here in Australia. It is 13 years since Mitsubishi has been able to offer a hatch-style body in the small car market, and now we have the opportunity to expand our appeal to all small-car consumers.

“This car looks fantastic and is designed to appeal to the style-conscious driver who enjoys an active lifestyle and demands great looks, great flexibility and great safety and performance from their vehicle,” Mr McEniry said.

The new Lancer Sportback comes to the Australian market place in three well equipped and attractively priced street variants that mirror the sedan’s line-up – the entry level ES, mid-range VR and sporty VRX. In addition, the Lancer Ralliart Sportback will join the line-up, and along with its Ralliart Sedan brother, will provide a logical transformation to the big daddy of the Lancer range, the Evolution sedan.

Three engines will be available in the Lancer Sportback line-up, with the ES and VR receiving the 2.0-litre dual overhead cam MIVEC four-cylinder engine which delivers 113kW of power @ 6000 rpm and 198 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm. VRX Sportbacks will be powered by the new 2.4-litre engine just released in the premium Lancer Aspire sedan. Generating 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, the Lancer Sportback VRX offers a more powerful, yet more economical driving experience than many of its competitors.

Sports car fans will appreciate the blistering performance of the Lancer Sportback Ralliart, which features a retuned version of the Lancer Evolution’s inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre MIVEC engine which delivers 177 kW @ 6,000 rpm and 343 Nm of torque @ 4750 rpm and comes standard with the famous Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), also borrowed from the Lancer Evolution.

ES, VR and VRX Lancer Sportbacks offer a standard five-speed manual transmission or optional Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with Sport Mode and INVECS III software, to deliver flexible, responsive and economical motoring.

Just like its sedan brother, safety is an integral part of the Lancer Sportback’s design and all variants bear the latest Mitsubishi safety technology. ASTC is standard across the range, as is ABS, EBD and BA. A total of seven airbags are available on all Mitsubishi Lancers - entry level ES models receive standard SRS driver and passenger airbags and driver knee airbag, with side and curtain airbags an affordable option. All other Lancer models receive the full seven-airbag pack as standard fitment.

Add to this Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE body structure, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, five height adjustable headrests and the Lancer range presents the prime, affordable, safety-oriented choice in the Australian small car segment.

Solid, stable and enjoyable performance adds to the Lancer Sportback driving experience. ES and VR models bear standard sixteen inch wheels (alloy on VR) and 205/60 R16 tyres and 15 inch ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs. The VRX variant adds a special sport-tuned suspension package and eighteen inch wheels with 215/45 R18 tyres and stops promptly courtesy of 16 inch ventilated front and solid rear discs.

Key to the Australian small car hatch segment consumer is the flexibility to meet the demands of their active lifestyle, and the Lancer Sportback leaves nothing to chance. The vehicle has been designed from the inside out to promote a variety of interior configurations, ease of use and voluminous storage solutions.

In addition to numerous bins, door and seat pockets, consoles and stowage boxes, the Lancer Sportback offers a large rear cargo area, with the added benefit of a cargo floor height adjustable function which can add 90mm to the depth of the area. A handy rear seat auto folding function means it is possible to fold the rear seats separately (60/40 split) via a lever located near the tail gate, providing even more storage space.

All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks receive the top end specifications and features that consumers have come to expect from the high quality Japanese-manufactured Lancer line-up.

The entry-level ES variant offers all the safety and engineering features listed before for secure, relaxed driving and adds a plethora of creature comforts – three-way adjustable driver’s seat, central locking, front and rear power windows, air-conditioning, FM/AM Tuner with CD and MP3 compatibility and audio jacks, and cruise control with steering mounted controls. Optional side and curtain airbags are available on the ES model.

The mid-range VR model includes all these specifications and builds in even more features – side and curtain airbags, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, lip spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, six CD stacker with remote steering mounted controls and, for lovers of wide open spaces, an optional sunroof is available.

For drivers who like an energetic, flexible and dynamic on-road experience, there is only one choice – the sporty VRX model. This variant of the all-new Lancer range takes the standard specifications of the VR model and adds sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, front air dam, rear spoiler, eighteen inch wheels, sport type front seats and fabric, unique panel and door trim, paddle shifts (CVT model only), Smart Key entry and Bluetooth hands-free phone with steering wheel controls. Options include the sunroof from the VR model as well as an optional Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with nine speakers and the acclaimed Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System which offers satellite navigation and integrates with the vehicle’s computer to control lighting, audio, telephone and comfort settings.

All Mitsubishi Lancer Sportbacks are available in a palette of designer colours, including Effect Grey, Lightening Blue, Red, Black, Mystic Blue, Champagne, Cool Silver and Solid White.

Just like all Mitsubishi vehicles, the Lancer Sportback is protected by the company’s industry leading and comprehensive five year/130,000 whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/unlimited km roadside assistance package.

As has come to be expected from Mitsubishi’s Australian vehicle line-up, enhanced value is achieved through offering exceptional levels of standard safety and comfort features, and the Lancer Sportback is no exception to the rule. Once again takings its cues from its sedan sibling, the Lancer Sportback pricing starts at just $20,990 for the ES model, $25,590 for the VR model, and $29,790 for the 2.4-litre VRX model.

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HSV GTS 40th and Senator SV08 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 33 Comments

HSV has unveiled two new models at the Australian International Motor with the new 40th Anniversary GTS and Senator Signature SV08.

This launch also marks the introduction of the new TR6060 manual gearbox into the range, which will become standard across the HSV model line-up later this month.

Volvo XC60 2008 AIMS

October 9th, 2008 6 Comments

Volvo’s stunning XC60 was introduced this morning by Volvo Cars Australia Managing Director Alan Desselss and Olympic Sprinter Matt Shirvington to a crowd seemingly pleased to receive such a good looking SUV.