Toyota Prius Review & Road Test

Like all that is more than skin deep, so are the changes found in new Prius
Model Tested:

2009 Toyota ZVW30 Prius i-Tech; 1.8-litre four-cylinder, petrol-electric hybrid; CVT, five-door hatch – $53,500*

Options:

Metallic Paint $350 (Fitted – Silver Pearl)

Improved dynamics, steering and brakes; intuitive features; better performance
Rear vision through split window; positioning of some [...]

Holden Sportwagon to enter Global Green Challenge

Holden will enter a Commodore Omega Sportwagon, running its new 3.0-litre V6 engine, in next month’s Global Green Challenge.

The event, a showcase of low emission and alternative energy vehicles, aims to test the car’s fuel economy claims over a 3000 kilometre run from Darwin to Adelaide.
Formerly the World Solar Challenge, the Global Green Challenge will [...]

Peugeot-Citroen to sell Mitsubishi i-MiEV

Japan’s Mitsubishi Motor Corporation has formally signed an agreement, confirming a previously announced tie-up, to build electric cars in co-operation with France’s Peugeot-Citroen.

The car, which will be based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV that was launched in Japan in June, will be sold by Peugeot-Citroen .
Peugeot has revealed its version will be called iON and wil [...]

Toyota Hybrid Camry begins pilot build

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 [...]

BMW launches Efficient Dynamics onslaught

EDIT: Slight clarification with regards to the amount and delivery of Efficient Dynamics vehicles for 2009.
While CarAdvice was attending BMW’s Efficient Dynamics Challenge in Melbourne the German importer also announced the introduction of 15 new models that are headed to Australia and set for a launch by the end of the year.

By Paul Maric
The addition [...]

Lexus RX450h Review & Road Test

2009 Lexus RX450h Review & Road Test

Is the existence of the hybrid SUV motoring’s greatest oxymoron?

Model Tested:

2009 Lexus RX450h; 3.5-litre V6 hybrid; six-speed variable automatic; wagon – $107,900*

Options:

Full-size spare wheel $1000 (Fitted)

Open road performance; equipment level; passenger comfort
Initial take-off lag; some wind noise; body roll; fuel economy

CarAdvice Rating:
By Matt Brogan
As the only [...]

Mitsubishi to launch i-MiEV in Australia

Japanese importer Mitsubishi plans to have its electric vehicle, the i-MiEV, on sale in Australia by late this year or very early in 2010, according to Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited CEO Rob McEniry.

Mr McEniry told a media briefing in Melbourne today that the i-MiEV, which has already passed through the Australian Design Rules (ADR) certification [...]

Nissan and Victoria team up on EVs

The Renault-Nissan Alliance and the Victorian state government have formed a partnership to explore the development of a Zero Emission Vehicles program.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which a working team of representatives from the Victoria Government and Nissan will identify potential areas of cooperation in promoting the use of [...]

BMW 7 Series Review & Road Test

2009 BMW 730d Review & Road Test

Good things come in sevens

Model Tested:

2009 BMW 730d; 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel; six-speed automatic; sedan – $198,900*

Options:

None fitted

Diesel engine; smoothness; quietness; driver involvement
Rear leg room; auto calibration with diesel

CarAdvice Rating:
By Karl Peskett
There was an interesting attempt at salving someone’s conscience recently. You see, a Rolls Royce [...]

Need a cab? Hail a Honda Hybrid

Victorian taxi driver Sandeep Singh, has introduced the first Honda Civic Hybrid taxi to Melbourne roads.

A taxi operator for seven years, Mr. Singh’s decision to introduce a hybrid car is part of his ongoing efforts to become more environmentally conscious.

Kia Forte LP1 Hybrid

This is Kia’s Forte(known as Cerato in Australia) LP1 Hybrid, which is due for release in the Korean market next month.

Its part of Kia Motors push towards a range of what they are calling “earth-positive vehicles” and their new environmental brand “EcoDynamics”.

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