Report: Nissan settles GT-R transmission class action suit
September 21, 2009 by George Skentzos
Filed under Car News, In car technology, Nissan, Running Costs, Warranty Complaints
The Nissan GT-R rocked the motoring world when it arrived on the scene, offering truly supercar performance at just a fraction of the price.
Although when the GT-R finally found its way into showrooms it quickly became apparent that there was a consequence for all this performance with the transmission becoming a costly Achilles heel for [...]
Ford Falcon EcoBoost on schedule: Burela
September 11, 2009 by David Twomey
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car News, Falcon, Ford, Fuel News, In car technology, Industry, Running Costs
Ford has moved a step closer to the four-cylinder Falcon with the news that the first test prototypes using the EcoBoost engine have begun running.
Ford’s President and CEO Marin Burela told a media briefing in Melbourne this morning that the first Falcon ‘mules’ running the 2.0-litre, direct-injection, turbocharged, four cylinder were in operation.
Questioned by CarAdvice [...]
Toyota Hybrid Camry begins pilot build
August 31, 2009 by David Twomey
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Car Design, Car News, Environment, Fuel News, In car technology, Industry, Running Costs, Toyota, Toyota Camry, Victoria, electric
Toyota today moved a step closer to local production of the Hybrid Camry that it will introduce to the Australian market in February next year with the commencement of the pilot build program.
It has also indicated that it hopes the program, which is a mid-life move for the current model, will lead to the next [...]
Suzuki Alto scores top marks in GVG
August 28, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Filed under Car News, Environment, Fuel News, Running Costs, Safety, Suzuki
The new Suzuki Alto has scored top marks on Australia’s government sponsored Green Vehicle Guide ranking itself as one of the country’s top three green vehicles.
With a combined fuel economy figure of just 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres, and low CO2 emissions, the Alto scored an overall greenhouse gas rating of 8.5 out of 10.
BMW 120d Efficient Dynamics Challenge
August 20, 2009 by Paul Maric
Filed under BMW, Behind the Wheel, Car News, Diesel, Environment, First Steer, Fuel News, In car technology, Light Car, Running Costs
BMW recently called CarAdvice to see if we were interested in participating in a car challenge of a different variety.
By Paul Maric
Instead of seeing who was quickest around a track or who could post the fastest speed, BMW enlisted their latest Efficient Dynamics vehicle – the 120d – and sent 16 motoring journalists, in four [...]
Ferrari announces free roadside assistance
July 23, 2009 by George Skentzos
Filed under Car News, Ferrari, Running Costs
Supercars by their very nature can be quite volatile machines and not even a Ferrari badge can hide the shame of being stopped at the side of the road with the bonnet open when trouble strikes.
Now when the ‘CEO’ or even ‘President’ title applies to so many of your customers, a certain duty of care [...]
2009 Skoda Octavia Review and Road Test
June 29, 2009 by Paul Maric
Filed under Behind the Wheel, Car News, Car Reviews, Running Costs, Skoda
2009 Skoda Octavia 1.6 MPI and 1.8 TSI Review & Road Test
1.8 TSI and 1.6 MPI – Beauty and the Beast
Model Tested:
2009 Skoda Octavia 1.8 TSI – $35,790
2009 Skoda Octavia 1.6 MPI – $31,290 (as tested)
Options:
None fitted.
1.8 TSI: Inoffensive design cues; bang-for-buck; ripper stereo. 1.6 MPI: Price.
1.8 TSI: Jittery from standing start. 1.6 [...]
Benz reveals more fuel efficient C-Class
June 8, 2009 by David Twomey
Filed under Car News, Daimler, Diesel, Environment, Fuel News, In car technology, Industry, Mercedes-Benz, Running Costs
Mercedes-Benz has revealed three new fuel efficient engines for its C-Class sedan and Estate, although as they are BlueEFFICIENCY engines its not clear when we will see them in Australia.
Mercedes-Benz says the engines raise performance and driving enjoyment to a new level, while demonstrating exemplary economy and environmental compatibility.
Nissan loosens grip on GT-R servicing
May 20, 2009 by George Skentzos
Filed under Car News, Nissan, Running Costs
When the Nissan GT-R first launched it completely changed our perception of the benchmark performance car, matching blistering speed with a highly accessible price point.
Although as the GT-R moved from the spotlight and into the garages of doe-eyed owners it quickly became apparent this supercar for the people was not all that affordable to live [...]
2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV First Steer
March 25, 2009 by David Twomey
Filed under Australian Car Industry News, Behind the Wheel, Car News, Car Reviews, Environment, First Steer, Fuel News, In car technology, Mitsubishi, Running Costs, electric
2009 Mitsubishi i MiEV First Steer Review
Is this the face of future motoring? Mitsubishi Motors in Australia certainly believes it is the direction we will all be heading, especially as far as city commuting goes.
To enforce that point it has just obtained full Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification for this car, the electric powered i [...]
2009 Subaru Plug-in Stella – First Steer
February 26, 2009 by David Twomey
Filed under Behind the Wheel, Car News, Car Reviews, Environment, First Steer, Fuel News, In car technology, Industry, Mazda, Running Costs, Subaru, Toyota, electric
White goods on wheels is a tag often applied by some to the products of another Japanese car maker but it’s not one you would readily apply to those from Subaru.
However, the ground breaking Subaru Plug-in Stella is small, white, boxy and very expensive, at the moment.
It’s also a fully functioning electric vehicle or EV [...]


