Skoda has announced the availability of two new servicing packages for its customers, which put a hard cap on the cost of scheduled maintenance across its entire model range.
Two packages are on offer, a three-year/45,000km option and a five-year/75,000km alternative for those who hang onto their cars longer. Pricing varies from model to model, but the three-year package begins at $760 (for the Fabia and Rapid hatchbacks) while the five-year package starts at $1600 (for the Fabia, Rapid, and non-RS versions of the Octavia).
Skoda’s larger cars and SUVs attract higher pricing, but the servicing packages – which cover all of the standard servicing requirements of the car such as oil and filter changes, but also brake fluid and cabin air filter changes – are designed to give owners peace of mind about post-purchase running costs.
“Comparative data sourced from manufacturer websites busts the myth that all European cars are more expensive to maintain than those from Korea or Japan,” Skoda Australia director Michael Irmer said.
“There is more to value than recommended retail pricing,” he continued.
It’s a sentiment that’s shaped much of the Czech manufacturer’s efforts in improving its sales pitch. The company boosted its warranty coverage period to five years with no kilometre limitation at the start of 2017, and has also introduced a guaranteed future value finance option to new car buyers that essentially locks in a trade-in price for when the car loan term expires.
“The value equation clearly extends to the after sale aspect of the ŠKODA ownership experience,” Irmer concluded.
SKODA SERVICE PACKAGE PRICING
FABIA
- Three years/45,000km – $760
- Five years/75,000km – $1600
- Three years/45,000km – $760
- Five years/75,000km – $1600
- Three years/45,000km – $780
- Five years/75,000km – $1600
- Three years/45,000km – $860
- Five years/75,000km – $1700
- Three years/45,000km – $890
- Five years/75,000km – $2100
- Three years/45,000km – $790
- Five years/75,000km – $1650
- Three years/45,000km – $950
- Five years/75,000km – $2100
Aussies are buying SUVs in record numbers, but there’s still plenty of love for the humble hatchback, with small cars priced under $40,000 dominating Australian new-car sales charts.
The small-car segment includes the three most popular passenger cars in Australia – the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 and Hyundai i30 – with the Kia Cerato and Volkswagen Golf also among the top-20 vehicles.
It’s also a popular way into European car ownership, ranging from mainstream models such as the Golf, Skoda Octavia, Holden Astra, Renault Megane and Peugeot 308 to premium marques including the Audi A1, BMW 1-Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
That said, even the most affordable small-cars are now available with many of the features that used to be the exclusive domain of pricier hatches, including highly efficient powertrains, sophisticated infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance technology such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
So far this year, more than 131,000 small cars have been sold, with that figure topping 140,000 if you include luxury models.
Toyota Corolla $22,870 – $31,870
Australia’s – and the world’s – biggest selling passenger car has been rebuilt from the ground up and brings a surprisingly enjoyable drive to its existing reputation for value and reliability. Available with a gutsy 2.0-litre petrol or 1.8-litre Hybrid, the all-new Corolla hatchback features advanced multi-link rear suspension, AEB and adaptive cruise control as standard. The one blemish is reduced practicality thanks to the tiny 217-litre boot.
PROS: Ride and handling, safety tech, fuel efficiency CONS: Tiny boot space, tight rear legroom OUR PICK: Corolla SX 2.0-litre petrol
Mazda 3 $20,490 – $33,490
Mazda’s most popular model will be replaced next year, and while the current version is starting to look a little dated alongside fresh opposition, it is still an excellent buy thanks to regular updates that has seen it keep up with the latest technology and trends. The Mazda 3 is available as a hatch or sedan, both of which come standard with AEB, digital radio and rear-parking sensors in every variant.
PROS: Ride and handling, safety tech, fuel efficiency CONS: Tight rear legroom, limited vision from rear seats OUR PICK: Mazda 3 Maxx Sport auto hatchback
Hyundai i30 $19,990 – $39,990
The current-model Hyundai i30 saw the Korean carmaker come of age in Australia, thanks to its sharp European-inspired styling, excellent infotainment and a long features list. The i30 is spacious, handles well and comes with four engine choices including a very economical turbocharged diesel, and sprightly turbo petrols. The i30’s credibility has been enhanced by the i30N hot hatch that’s arguably the best value performance car in the segment.
PROS: Comfort, performance, infotainment CONS: AEB isn’t standard OUR PICK: Hyundai i30 SR
IN A Sunday afternoon bar squabble about who invented the SUV, you might wander home victorious suggesting it was in fact Subaru that kicked off the revolution with its Leone four-wheel drive wagon. It would be many years until the market would grow to the self-sustaining chain reaction it is today with SUV sales overtaking passenger models last year, but 46 years on, Subaru is still very much in the game with this, the 2019 Forester.
As a spiritual successor to the 1972 Scoobie, the all new Forester arrives on the company’s Global Platform to fight it out with all the main players that have since jumped aboard the high-riding wagon bandwagon. But it’ll need more than its status as one of the longest-running names in the segment to succeed among fearsomely strong competition.
WHAT IS IT?
This is the fifth-generation of Subaru’s most hardened off-roader. While other, more car-like models in the brand’s line-up offer permanent all-wheel drive and wagon practicality, the Forester is the most generous with space and ground clearance.
For the 2019 version, the range has been pared back from nine variants to just four, with 2.5-litre four-cylinder power your only option, as is an automatic CVT gearbox. Technology gets a significant boost with more driver assistance systems and innovative driver recognition added to the model.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT
For many SUV owners, the basic advantages of large cargo spaces, easy loading of children and things, and an elevated view of surroundings are enough to seal the deal, but for a smaller audience, genuine off-road ability is a must have.
And that’s where Subaru pitches its Forester in the market. With clever electronics to make the most of traction on and off-the road, the Forester keeps the promise of adventure that others can’t. Bundle in some unique technological features and, on paper, the 2019 Forester appears to have an unmatched set of credentials.
MAIN RIVALS
Jeep Cherokee; Volkswagen Tiguan; Mazda CX-5; Hyundai Tucson; Nissan X-Trail; Toyota RAV4
THE WHEELS REVIEW
MEETING the 2019 Subaru Forester for the first time feels a bit like catching up with an old pal. Its styling won’t make you swoon like a Pininfarina-penned coupe and there’s no promise of buttock-clenching performance. But there’s a sense of familiarity and dependability that’s somehow more valuable, and completely absent in some more ostentatious models, even though this Forester is all-new.
For the fifth-generation, the Forester is built on the company’s new Global Platform, which supports electrification and will soon herald the first hybrid Forester on red dirt, but before then, the range has been pared back. In its previous generation, the Forester was on offer with an atmo 2.0-litre as well as turbo petrol and diesel versions coupled to a manual gearbox in some cases. For now though, the 2019 version is strictly a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated affair bolted to a CVT auto.
The 2.5i and 2.5i-L open proceedings with respective pricetags of $33,490 and 35,490, but for our local introduction to the range only the 2.5i Premium and 2.5i-S were in attendance, showing off their more generous equipment.
Headlining the technological upgrade is a new Driver Monitoring System, which uses a camera to scan the driver’s face. Not only can the system recognise up to three different users and set all your preferences including seat position and favourite radio station, it also continuously monitors the driver for drowsiness and distraction. Reach down for your phone or start to nod and the Forester slaps you on the wrist with audible and visual alarms.
The new system joins Subaru’s proprietary EyeSight stereoscopic camera technology, which is now standard range-wide, and enables autonomous emergency braking as well as a host of other driver assistance systems.
While some SUVs may talk the off-road talk with pumped arches and raised ride height, but fail to deliver the walk, the Forester has always been one of the leaders in genuine all-terrain ability. Crushingly though, we were deprived of a chance to test that reputation with the drive route encountering little more challenging than slippery but smooth gravel.
There was no need to engage any of the Forester’s get-out-of-muddy-jail passes including the X-Mode feature, and its permanent symmetrical four-wheel drive system only manifested itself when we got a bit deep into corners with the enthusiasm dialled round to Molly Taylor. Yes, it will oversteer but it won’t make you a rally god. In adverse weather conditions the Forester will cradle you in its palm on-road but we would have loved to fully test its nomadic nature.
For hitting the long black-top though, the Forester is stoic and a loyal companion. Its 136kW is adequate for cruising but overtaking had us fantasising about forced induction and a variant that wears the coveted STI badge. We would settle for a return of the XT.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the 2.5-litre atmo boxer four is a carry-over, but Subaru says otherwise. According to its maker, 90 percent of its components have been ‘revised’ with everything from the block, head, crank, con-rods, pistons, valvetrain and exhaust, to the engine management, injectors,inlet manifold and spark plugs modified. Even the air filter is new. Sounds significant doesn’t it? But with a power increase of 10kW and efficiency gain of 8.6 percent, you be the judge.
The new Forester’s cruising ability is a strength, however, with a ride quality that walks a line between smooth and comfortable, but alert and confident. It’s paired with low cabin noise levels and a view of surroundings that is equalled by few. Even the visibility from the back seat is excellent, which will keep the whole family happy on tour.
Its CVT does a half decent job at masquerading as a conventional auto with synthesised steps and is inoffensive at low rpm. A compelling range of practical features seal the Forester’s value equation with cavernous occupant space especially in the second row, a 498-litre boot, which has widened to 1300mm and fresh new infotainment set with up to an 8.0-inch touchscreen.
Unless you parked the 2019 Forester next to an example of the previous generation, you might not believe much has changed, but that familiar face hides a significant technological evolution while maintaining a friendly warmth like the old man of the woods.
THE WHEELS VERDICT
In today’s modern and frighteningly competitive market, SUVs are becoming very good at doing more than just the job of an SUV. If you’re looking for something that will accommodate the kids, dog and shopping for the day-to-day but then sets Nurburgring lap records on the weekend, then the Forester is not the car for you.
If, however, you’re keen for something that ticks all the practicality boxes but adds in a hearty dose of all-terrain extras, the Subaru is still throwing punches in the go-anywhere fraternity. On road-behaviour is benign and friendly but it’s just a shame we didn’t get a chance to reaffirm that the Forester is an authority off the beaten trail too.
PLUS: Innovative safety systems; excellent visibility; cabin comfort MINUS: No performance hero; wheezy overtaking ability; jury’s out on all-terrain
SPECS
Model: Subaru Forester 2.5i-Premium Engine: 2498cc flat-4, dohc, 16v Max power: 136kW @ 5800rpm Max torque: 239Nm @ 4400rpm Transmission: CVT Weight: 1546kg 0-100km/h: 8.0s (estimated) Economy: 7.4L/100km Price: $38,490
MORE: Subaru Forester Range Review MORE: Subaru Forester Specs, Range & Price
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, Lanzante Motorsport showed off its only (for now) McLaren P1 GT.
Inspired by the original F1 GT Longtail, the P1 GT is a customer car which belongs to a largely anonymous collector who goes by the Instagram handle speedy_gonzales999.
As for diving into the car itself, he starts off by breaking down the design of the modern day Longtail.
Lanzante says it was a challenge to take elements from the original Longtail and apply them to a far more modern car with different lines and body elements.
“The difficult thing is trying to use styling cues of a car that’s over 20 years old, and not just for the sake of using them, but actually using them for a purpose,” he says.
“From the louvers of the wheel arches to the roof scoop, using them for an actual aerodynamic purpose, along with the splitter, as well as having it have a common theme with the original F1 GT – it has to work, it can’t just be about the looks. But it has to look good too.”
Dean Lanzante also confirmed that more P1 GTs will be built, with the first chassis having paved the way for a faster process when the next cars are build.
“They’ll be on a shorter time frame because a lot of it is tooling… but the future ones should be more like four or five months.”
He also says this particular version is fitted with a few creature comforts, such as sound deadening and a stereo, though it’s got the same suspension geometry and shares the vast majority of its technical features with the P1 LM it’s based on.
But, if you feel like you don’t need to hear Dean explain how and why the P1 GT came about, there’s always this short clip of it just cruising the driveway.
JENSON Button is having a garage sale and his loss could be your gain. Naturally, the contents of a Formula 1 world champion’s garage are a little more exotic than your average.
The 2009 titleholder is making some space in his shed by parting ways with his one-off McLaren P1.
Button’s hypercar is being sold through a company called Steve Hurn Cars, which is asking £1.6 million for it, or just less than $3 million in Aussie currency. What’s more, the unique hypercar has a special Easter egg in its software.
Like every other P1, Button’s ride has a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with an electric motor for a total power output of 674kW and 980Nm, which allows it to crack 100km/h in 2.8 seconds.
What makes the car special is its bespoke specification, which is unlike any other P1. Button’s McLaren is painted in Grauschwartz Grey, with the Stealth Pack and MSO grey/black alcantara interior.
But the real difference is the fitment of ‘Track Mode 2’, which is a McLaren Special Operations (MSO) modification that gives the car a road-legal version of the ‘Race’ driving mode. It’s a rather fitting addition for an F1 champion to have on his hypercar, and according to Steve Hurn Cars, this is the only P1 fitted with the option.
Track Mode 2 was a £20,000 option (A$36,650) when the car was new, and puts the drivetrain into track mode, without dropping the suspension to the track-only ride height.
Other notable specification additions include lightweight forged wheels, yellow-painted brake calipers, yellow contrast stitching, and a Meridian sound system.
Button purchased the P1 while he was driving for the McLaren factory Formula 1 team, but the car hasn’t seen much road use – the odometer reads just 886km. Although, Button did give the car one final blast with a road trip to Silverstone for the World Endurance Championship event he was driving in.
“It’s a tough decision but living in America I don’t really get the chance to drive this beauty,” Button stated on Instagram regarding his reason for selling.
Just 375 P1s were built between 2013 and 2015, with roughly three quarters of original owners opting for some level of unique customisation from MSO.
Now might be the perfect time for an Australian to buy the multi-million dollar hypercar, with left-hook limited-run cars to become legal on Aussie roads from 2019 thanks to a review of the Motor Vehicles Standards Act.
Button won’t be left without wheels after parting ways with his P1, as the former Bugatti Veyron owner has 14 other cars in his collection according to a 2016 interview.
This includes a Ferrari F40 and 1956 VW campervan, a Ferrari 550 and 1957 Chevrolet Corvette that belonged to his father John, a 1970 Pontiac GTO that was Button’s wedding car, a Ferrari 355, and a Ferrari 275 GTS Cabriolet.
ONE of 2018’s most beautiful concept cars, which has all the hallmarks of a pure design study, is now looking like it will make production following increased backing from senior company officials.
The gorgeous Genesis Essentia 2+2 coupe was unveiled at the New York Auto Show in March, and the public’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive. So much so, Genesis chief Manfred Fitzgerald was prompted to say at the time that he was “pushing for it” to be built.
Most people took that with a grain of salt, but executive director of Genesis North America, Erwin Raphael, has since gone a step further and told MotorTrend the project is going ahead.
“We are very committed to the Essentia,” said Raphael. “We love the car. We think the car will do very well.”
Production numbers will be limited and its price will be beyond anything currently available from Hyundai’s luxury offshoot, Raphael confirmed. But its job as a flagship halo car would be to drive brand awareness, rather than generate direct profit.
The Essentia stunned crowds at New York with its transparent panels, carbonfibre construction and butterfly door design, as well as an interior that links seamlessly with the exterior, not to mention blue leather coverings on the floor and dashboard.
Hyundai-Kia’s design chief Peter Schreyer told media at the show that the dramatic pair of doors could go into production, but he expected a traditional alternative to be adapted. Beyond that, nothing about the Essentia concept from a technical standpoint is outside the realms of possibility for a production car, according to Fitzgerald. He estimated a production version could be reality by 2021, with certain elements inevitably toned down.
Details of its all-electric powertrain remain under wraps, though the brand did boast a sub-3.0sec 0-97km/h acceleration time at its debut. Its batteries are housed in an I configuration within the central tunnel of the high-tech cockpit and in parallel with the front and rear axles.
Genesis currently offers a small range of luxury vehicles overseas including large limos and the coupe-styled G70 sedan. The GV80 SUV has been shown in concept form, and more are promised as part of its plan for six models on three platforms by 2021. A compact coupe is part of that, though it is expected to ride on a version of the G70’s platform.
Essentia is totally unique in its construction and, if the drivetrain remains unchanged, could be the vehicle that introduces an EV platform within the Genesis range as an entree for its consumer-focused electric cars promised by 2021.
Rumour of a Genesis-badged supercar initially surfaced in 2016, as reported by Wheels, and was confirmed earlier this year at the Detroit motor show. No timeline hints were given at that stage, though it was confirmed that design proposals were advancing ahead of the engineering work.
THE FUN thing about Wheels Car of the Year is that you line up 22 cars and then 21 of them lose. This, in turn, means that almost all of our readers will disagree with the final choice. Every year in the wash-up from COTY, we learn that we have lost all credibility, are liberal milquetoasts and have our heads lodged in our fundaments. But 2017 was different. We were expecting the usual online shellacking after giving the award to an SUV for the first time in more than a decade but, by and large, readers just shrugged and acknowledged that the Mazda CX-9 was a worthy winner. We all sat glumly over our soy lattes and wondered where we’d gone wrong.
The thing is, there always was a chink in the CX-9’s armour. It feels vast and while its 170kW turbocharged petrol engine is reassuringly overspecified, it also drinks a bit; qualities which, when combined, don’t make it the most universally endearing urban wagon. When Mazda announced the slightly slimmer, 2.2-litre diesel-powered CX-8, it seemed the answer to many customers’ prayers and spawned this comparison of seven-seat up-spec oil-squashers. The model in question here is the 140kW/450Nm Asaki range-topper, priced at $61,490. Available options for this version run to just floor mats and premium paint.
The CX-8 might have been the catalyst, but it isn’t the only new face here. Hyundai’s fourth-generation Santa Fe also wings in, bringing greater interior sophistication while ditching the old model’s clean but anonymous lines for something with a bit more presence. Think of it as a more grown-up take on the Kona’s conspicuous and extrovert design theme, carrying over the old but well regarded 2.2-litre 147kW/440Nm transversely mounted diesel that’s now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping Highlander specification, priced at $60,500, squares up nicely to the Japanese newcomer.
Providing a durable benchmark of excellence in this sector is Skoda’s Kodiaq. The petrol version almost carried off our COTY award this year and the diesel-engined version could well prove an even more tempting proposition. This Sportline version looks a bargain at $52,990 before you have any issues with impulse control when confronted with an options list. This particular example of the 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre Czech came loaded with pearl-effect paint as well as Tech and Luxury packs, lifting the price-as-tested to a not insignificant $59,690.
The petrol version of Peugeot’s 5008 came up a little short when we last gave it a Skoda Kodiaq to chew on back in April of this year, but it gets a second chance to impress in diesel form. The 2.0-litre diesel engine only drives the front wheels but the Pug is both light and squeezes a lot out of its powerplant, making the same 400Nm as the Kodiaq, while its peak power output of 133kW gives it a superior power-to-weight ratio. City-friendly dimensions and a focus on driving dynamics also offer something a little different to the usual adipose image of seven-seat SUVs. The diesel engine is solely offered in style-driven top-spec GT guise, priced from $54,490, but supplied here with Amazonite Grey paintwork and a $4K pack that includes heated Nappa leather seats and a panoramic roof.
As is usual with Wheels comparisons, we’ve thrown in a left-fielder to keep the others on their toes. Land Rover’s Discovery Sport isn’t traditionally thought of as a seven-seat hauler, but a pair of additional seats can be optioned into one. The obvious rival for the aforementioned quartet would probably be the $60,290 TD4 132 SE but Land Rover Australia didn’t have one available on fleet, so we had to compromise slightly and step up to the more powerful 177kW SD4 engine which wears a $66,455 sticker. Add $3470 for the extra row of seats and you’re good to go. Or you would be if Land Rover hadn’t upturned another $16K worth of goodies inside, which we’ve been striving studiously to ignore.
Speaking of oversights, is it me or does the Mazda CX-8 look a bit anonymous? Okay, so the doom blue paintwork probably isn’t doing it any favours, but from some angles it looks curiously underwheeled and there’s an unsettling unorthodoxy to its proportioning. Designed for the Japanese market, which doesn’t get the chunky CX-9, the diesel-only CX-8 is otherwise only sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Its wheelbase of 2930mm is shared with the CX-9, as are some of the suspension parts, but it utilises the smaller CX-5’s body width of 1840mm. Front and rear track widths are separated by only a few millimetres compared with CX-5, while inside, virtually everything forward of the B-pillar is common. The Kodiaq is 2.49 times as long as it is wide, the 5008 2.51x and the Santa Fe’s ratio is 2.52x, so all conform to a closely templated ‘footprint’ in the class. The CX-8’s ratio is 2.66x which, combined with its modest 200mm ground clearance, results in a form factor more akin to an MPV than an SUV.
The Santa Fe only affords you 185mm of fresh air beneath its belly, so its all-wheel-drive abilities are best reserved for gravel roads and wet bitumen rather than anything much more involving. The squinting LED strip headlight, huge grille and auxiliary light cluster inset into a stealth-like fusion of non-orthogonal shapes gives the big Hyundai real presence. The flanks are more conventional, with a sharply rising waistline, while the rear end features the same vestigial bumper-level light pods as seen on the Kona. The 5008 and Discovery Sport are by now fairly familiar and the Kodiaq is a regular sight on Aussie roads, although this Sportline model, finished in black with standard Vega anthracite 20-inch alloys made, by common consent, the most cohesive styling statement.
The Kodiaq also convinces on road. Everything we loved about the petrol version’s dynamics are preserved in this diesel with the added benefit of more power and torque. We recorded a 9.5-second sprint to 100km/h, matching the powerhouse Land Rover in the process for the joint quickest time. From 100, however, the Kodiaq just drove away from the Discovery at the strip, its lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission, superior aerodynamics and more efficient driveline seeing it more than a second clear of the Disco by 160km/h.
Testers were impressed by the Skoda’s body control on our test routes, while considering that this car’s $2600 Tech Pack also brings Adaptive Chassis Control with three electronically regulated damper settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport. Ride quality, even in Comfort, is on the firm side and wind noise comfortably the loudest of the lot, but the Kodiaq’s front end is so responsive that you find yourself driving it like an upscaled all-wheel-drive hot hatch.
That said, you’d have difficulty shaking a Peugeot 5008 on the twisty way home from the school run. Tipping the scales at just 1575kg thanks to its gossamer EMP2 chassis – less than some Porsche 911s – the 5008 features the best power-to-weight ratio of anything here without a Land Rover badge, and had our Discovery been fitted with the more suitable 132 TSI engine, it would have topped the lot. We bettered Peugeot’s claimed 0-100km/h time of 10.2 seconds by a chunky seven-tenths and loved the 5008’s wieldy slottability along both urban streets and country lanes. The sport mode adds some welcome attitude to the soundtrack, artificially drowning out its rather sibilant engine, although it does introduce an unwelcome propensity to hang onto gears for a fraction too long. The 5008 GT feels taut, poised and generous in its feedback, and might have made the Santa Fe feel like a lumpen clod.
That’s what we expected, at least. The reality is that the Hyundai’s a real eye-opener, carrying speed effortlessly across country. It’s necessary to manage that 1995kg kerb weight at times, but the Santa Fe delivers meaty and talkative rack-mounted electric steering, decent pitch and roll control and strong stoppers, registering the best braking performance on track, even pulling up more sharply than the featherweight Peugeot. Like the French car, it rode on excellent Continental ContiSportContact 5 rubber, albeit with a slightly more generous sidewall. The subjective feel of the brake pedal can seem a bit flabby with the car switched into Sport mode, which sharpens the throttle mapping to such an extent that the brake pedal feels long by comparison.
The Discovery Sport felt a few degrees vaguer in its responses, the car porpoising and grabbing at the stability control when harried through bumpy corners. Any gripes about the Land Rover’s handling in extremis on bitumen has to be tempered by off-road chops that are vastly superior to anything else here. Judged in that context, its ride and handling are better than they have any real right to be. The engine never quite feels its big kilowatt advantage and there’s a fair degree of old-school head toss on so-so surfaces. Driven at something less than eight-tenths it can feel beautifully relaxed, the nine-speed transmission slurring through changes with real sophistication.
Like the Discovery Sport, the CX-8 isn’t a car that encourages you to give it a good workout, despite its promisingly low driver’s hip point. There’s that nagging suspicion that you’re getting the aloofness of the CX-9’s turn-in but missing out on the COTY winner’s imperious ride quality. What it lacks through corners, the Mazda makes up with a beautifully calibrated drivetrain and easily the best refinement here. Dial things back a little and it all makes sense, the CX-8 encouraging this by eschewing fixtures such as shift paddles or selectable drive modes. There’s a languid long-wheelbase sang-froid to its comportment that’s wholly pragmatic, if a little disappointing from a company that can usually be relied upon to deliver a broad and satisfying dynamic repertoire.
There are no complaints about the CX-8’s practicality, though. It features comfortably the longest passenger cell of this group, and is the only one where you’d countenance putting adults in the third row. Or kids under seven come to that, as it’s alone in providing top tethers built into its third row. Egress from the third row is also the best of this bunch; an often overlooked safety consideration. The cabin is wholly unadventurous in its execution if you’re familiar with Mazda’s current design language, but it all feels well finished and practically executed. The small centre screen feels a bit behind the curve, but the CX-8 gets a head-up display to complement the analogue clocks. Headroom is excellent throughout, with a massive 9cm more driver’s headroom than the pinched Peugeot (104cm vs 95cm) although much of this disparity comes about due to the French vehicle’s accursed optional panoramic sunroof.
The Santa Fe requires a little more flexibility to clamber into the third row and while space there isn’t too bad, the view out is poor for small kids, the rising window line offering a lofty porthole to peep out of. Hyundai claims that this aperture is 41 percent bigger than that of its predecessor. It still feels poky back there. The story’s a lot happier up front with stacks of standard equipment in this Highlander flagship, including wireless mobile charging, a heated steering wheel, a gutsy Infinity stereo, heated and cooled seats, a massive panoramic glass roof, a head-up display, and a surround-view parking monitor, at which point you get the idea. We expect this from Hyundai. We haven’t always expected a car that’s rewarding to drive as well.
The Skoda probably marks the limit of acceptability for a seven seater where the rearmost seats will get used on a semi-regular basis. It makes the most of the real estate afforded by its modest 2791mm wheelbase, with the most second-row headroom and plenty of available legroom thanks to the generous travel of the sliding 60:40 rear bench. The Sportline trim brings a carbonfibre effect to the fascia panels that sounds utterly egregious in a family SUV but which complements the finish of the perforated leather wheel and deeply bolstered Alcantara-trimmed front seats. The usual Skoda thoughtfulness is evident, with unique door-edge protectors, a sensible division of physical buttons and on-screen menu items, surprise-and-delight blankets, umbrellas and twin gloveboxes.
The 5008 is a mixed bag. Judged purely on its interior aesthetic, it’s a winner. Practicality? Not so much. So many of its control systems seem to prioritise style over functionality, the sunroof that most buyers specify crucifies available headroom and the removable rearmost seats are perfunctory at best, hidden beneath a mess of folding flaps. The Discovery is even worse for third-row occupants, its pair of chairs offering a mean 85cm of headroom, little view out, footspace crippled by huge plastic floor-mounted cupholders and terrible access to the rear doors. Why you’d put anyone you had any regard for in these seats frankly boggles the mind.
The practical shortcomings of the British and French vehicles help decide this test. The Land Rover brings up the rear. It has to. It’s expensive, cramped and, in certain regards, it feels very old with its incandescent globe headlamps, CD slot in the dash, non-adaptive cruise control and variable finish of dash materials.
The exterior styling has aged very well – the Discovery Sport still looking sharp and elegant – and its off-road credentials still make the Sport a worthy purchase, but it’s a heavily compromised seven-seat pretender.
The 5008 is an interesting one. We can certainly see how it might appeal to those who want something manageably sized, stylish, economical and fun to drive. The thing is, many of these qualities diminish its usefulness as genuinely practical transport for larger families. Interior space is compromised by the optional overhead glazing, which you should avoid if you’re anywhere near six foot, but even aside from that, you’re not getting the benefits of all-wheel drive and there’s the nagging suspicion that you’re buying less all-weather ability, less towing capacity and less useable luggage space; in effect paying the same for a vehicle that’s half a class behind the best three cars here.
Separating the Mazda, Skoda and Hyundai isn’t easy, partly because they’re three very different means to much the same end. It’s most instructive to think of them as a continuum. At one extreme, representing comfort, practicality and discreet commonsense is the Mazda CX-8 Asaki, while the Kodiaq Sportline is at the other end, delivering a sharp steer, slick styling and acceptable compromises for third-row occupants.
Somewhere between the two is the Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander, which is composed and punchy enough to entertain on a good road while delivering plenty of space and equipment. On that basis, it just does enough to squeak a win. We expected something big but vanilla from Hyundai, but the Santa Fe is a far more nuanced proposition. Whether it would top the podium had Mazda merely plumbed a diesel engine into the CX-9 is another question altogether. Still, it’ll be interesting to see how deep the Hyundai will go at the next COTY. You’ll still get pretty good odds on a maiden win for South Korea.
After some of it was leaked on reddit a few weeks ago, the Forza Horizon 4 car list has been officially revealed by Turn 10 Studios.
A lot of the leaked car list appears to have been accurate, though more cars show up on the official list, which includes plenty of variety – and a fair heft of Aussie metal.
HSV and FPV also make a showing, with Pursuit Utes and Maloos likely to be seen battling it out on the digital UK countryside.
Rather than take itself seriously (something left to Forza Motorsport), Horizon aims for a less realistic approach to gaming for car enthusiasts, with vehicles such as a Cadillac XTS Limo and a Reliant Supervan (a.k.a the Regal van, the 3-wheeled van from Mr Bean) able to be driven in anger.
Yes, there’s also a classic Mini, though it’s a ’65 model and therefore not exactly the same as Bean’s.
Unfortunately, Forza Horizon 4 is missing a rather large manufacturer from its line-up of cars – Mitsubishi.
“While our teams work hard to license hundreds of brands for Forza games, we can’t always align our fans’ desires with the interests of every licensor, as is the case here with Mitsubishi,” a statement from Turn 10 says.
“As a result, we’re unable to include Mitsubishi cars in Forza Horizon 4 at this time.”
Still, more than 450 cars are available from launch, with more to come in the form of unlockable ‘Forza Edition’ cars as well as extra packs, such as the ‘Day One Car Pack’.
In addition to the cars, Turn 10 also announced the soundtrack with more than 100 songs – there’s plenty of excellent driving music to be heard.
UPDATE: Bond cars added in ‘Best of Bond Car Pack’
Forza developer Turn 10 Studios has announced an addition to the list of cars available in Horizon 4 in the form of the ‘Best of Bond Car Pack’.
It includes some of the most memorable cars to ever feature in Bond flicks, even with some additional 007-specific features.
The most notable is the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5, which features in several Bond films dating back to Goldfinger, released in the same year as the car was built.
Other Astons added include the ’69 DBS from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the V8 Vantage from the first of two Dalton-era films, The Living Daylights, The DBS from Quantum of Solace, and even the one-off DB10 which features in Spectre.
One BMW features from the Brosnan era when BMW became the car of choice for MI6’s top agent, the Z8 which was rather unceremoniously halved by a tree-lopper.
Joining these are the AMC Hornet X Hatchback (we wonder if there’s a slide whistle for getting air…), the Lotus Esprit S1 (which has a ‘Wet Nelly’-inspired body kit available), a Citroën 2CV6, and the Jaguar C-X75 as counterpart to the DB10.
Sadly, there’s no Toyota 2000GT roadster, but already included in the game is the Bentley 4-1/2 Litre Supercharged – the car bond owned in Ian Fleming’s original novel, Casino Royale.
You can find the whole list of cars for Forza Horizon 4 below:
ABARTH/FIAT
2017 Abarth 124 Spider 2016 Abarth 695 Biposto 1980 Abarth Fiat 131 1980 FIAT 124 Sport Spider 1968 Abarth 595 esseesse
ALFA ROMEO
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C 2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Stradale 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 1934 Alfa Romeo P3
AMC
1974 AMC Hornet X Hatchback from The Man With the Golden Gun (1974) – “Best of Bond” 1973 AMC Gremlin X 1971 AMC Javelin AMX
AMG (Halo video game series)
2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12S Warthog CST
ARIEL
2016 Ariel Nomad 2013 Ariel Atom 500 V8
ASCARI
2012 Ascari KZ1R
ASTON MARTIN
2017 Aston Martin DB11 2016 Aston Martin Vulcan 2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT12 2015 Aston Martin DB10 from Spectre (2015) – “Best of Bond” 2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S 2012 Aston Martin Vanquish 2010 Aston Martin One-77 2008 Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace (2008) – “Best of Bond” 1986 Aston Martin V8 from The Living Daylights (1987) – “Best of Bond” 1969 Aston Martin DBS from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) – “Best of Bond” 1964 Aston Martin DB5 inspired by Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965), GoldenEye (1995), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015) – “Best of Bond” 1964 Aston Martin DB5 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato 1958 Aston Martin DBR1
AUDI
2016 Audi R8 V10 plus 2015 Audi S1 2015 Audi RS 6 Avant 2015 Audi TTS Coupé 2013 Audi RS 4 Avant 2013 Audi RS 7 Sportback 2013 Audi R8 Coupé V10 plus 5.2 FSI quattro 2011 Audi RS 3 Sportback 2011 Audi RS 5 Coupé 2010 Audi TT RS Coupé 2009 Audi RS 6 2006 Audi RS 4 2003 Audi RS 6 2001 Audi RS 4 Avant 1995 Audi RS 2 Avant 1986 Audi #2 Audi Sport quattro S1 1983 Audi Sport quattro 1939 Auto Union Type D
AUSTIN
1964 Austin FX4 Taxi 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIII 1958 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI
BAC
2014 BAC Mono
BENTLEY
2017 Bentley Continental Supersports 2016 Bentley Bentayga 2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed 1931 Bentley 4-1/2 Litre Supercharged 1931 Bentley 8-Litre
BMW
2016 BMW M2 Coupé 2016 BMW M4 GTS 2015 BMW i8 2015 BMW X6 M 2014 BMW M4 Coupe 2013 BMW M6 Coupe 2012 BMW M5 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is 2011 BMW X5 M 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe 2009 BMW M5 2008 BMW M3 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe 2005 BMW M3 2003 BMW M5 2002 BMW Z3 M Coupe 1999 BMW Z8 from The World is Not Enough (1999) – “Best of Bond” 1997 BMW M3 1995 BMW M5 1991 BMW M3 1988 BMW M5 1981 BMW M1 1973 BMW 2002 Turbo 1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export
BOWLER
2012 Bowler EXR S
BUGATTI
2018 Bugatti Chiron 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport 1926 Bugatti Type 35 C
BUICK
1987 Buick Regal GNX
CADILLAC
2016 Cadillac ATS-V 2016 Cadillac CTS-V Sedan 2013 Cadillac XTS Limousine
CATERHAM
2013 Caterham Superlight R500
CHEVROLET
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super Sport 1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport 454 1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 1970 Chevrolet El Camino Super Sport 454 1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport Coupe 1969 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport 396 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427 1966 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport 1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport 409 1960 Chevrolet Corvette 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air 1955 Chevrolet 150 Utility Sedan 1953 Chevrolet Corvette
CHRYSLER
1972 Chrysler VH Valiant Charger R/T E49
CITROEN
1981 Citroën 2CV6 from For Your Eyes Only (1981) – “Best of Bond”
DODGE
2018 Dodge Durango SRT 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 2016 Dodge Viper ACR 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat 2013 SRT Viper GTS 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona HEMI 1968 Dodge Dart HEMI Super Stock
DONKERVOORT
2013 Donkervoort D8 GTO
FERRARI
2015 Ferrari 488 GTB 2015 Ferrari F12tdf 2014 Ferrari California T 2014 Ferrari FXX K 2013 Ferrari LaFerrari 2013 Ferrari 458 Speciale 2012 Ferrari F12berlinetta 2011 Ferrari FF 2010 Ferrari 599XX 2010 Ferrari 599 GTO 2009 Ferrari 458 Italia 2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia 2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello 2002 Ferrari Enzo Ferrari 1996 Ferrari F50 GT 1995 Ferrari F50 1994 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 1992 Ferrari 512 TR 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione 1987 Ferrari F40 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 1967 Ferrari #24 Ferrari Spa 330 P4 1963 Ferrari 250LM 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 1957 Ferrari 250 California 1953 Ferrari 500 Mondial 1948 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta
FORD
2018 Ford Mustang GT 2017 Ford Focus RS 2017 Ford GT 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor 2017 Ford #14 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing GRC Fiesta 2017 Ford M-Sport Fiesta RS 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R 2015 Ford Falcon GT F 351 2014 Ford Fiesta ST 2014 Ford Ranger T6 Rally Raid 2014 Ford #11 Rockstar F-150 Trophy Truck 2014 Ford FPV Limited Edition Pursuit Ute 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan 2011 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor 2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor 2009 Ford Focus RS 2005 Ford GT 2003 Ford Focus RS 2000 Ford SVT Cobra R 1993 Ford SVT Cobra R 1992 Ford Escort RS Cosworth 1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500 1986 Ford Escort RS Turbo 1985 Ford RS200 Evolution 1981 Ford Fiesta XR2 1977 Ford Escort RS1800 1975 Ford Bronco 1973 Ford XB Falcon GT 1973 Ford Capri RS3100 1973 Ford Escort RS1600 1972 Ford Falcon XA GT-HO 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 1966 Ford Lotus Cortina 1966 Ford #2 GT40 Mk II Le Mans 1965 Ford Mustang GT Coupe 1964 Ford GT40 Mk I 1959 Ford Anglia 105E 1956 Ford F-100 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon 1940 Ford De Luxe Coupe 1932 Ford De Luxe Five-Window Coupe
GMC/HUMMER
2006 HUMMER H1 Alpha 1983 GMC Vandura G-1500
HENNESSEY
2012 Hennessey Venom GT
HOLDEN/HSV/HDT
2014 HSV GEN-F GTS 2014 HSV Limited Edition Gen-F GTS Maloo 1985 HDT VK Commodore Group A 1977 Holden Torana A9X 1974 Holden Sandman HQ panel van 1973 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350
HONDA/ACURA
2017 Acura NSX 2016 Honda Civic Type R 2015 Honda Ridgeline Baja Trophy Truck 2009 Honda S2000 CR 2007 Honda Civic Type-R 2005 Honda NSX-R 2004 Honda Civic Type-R 2002 Acura RSX Type-S 2001 Acura Integra Type-R 1997 Honda Civic Type R 1992 Honda NSX-R 1991 Honda CR-X SiR
HOONIGAN
2016 Hoonigan GYMKHANA 9 Ford Focus RS RX 1992 Hoonigan Mazda RX-7 Twerkstallion 1991 Hoonigan Rauh-Welt Begriff Porsche 911 Turbo 1978 Hoonigan Ford Escort RS1800 1972 Hoonigan Chevrolet Napalm Nova 1965 Hoonigan Ford ‘Hoonicorn’ Mustang 1955 Hoonigan Chevrolet Bel Air
HYUNDAI
2019 Hyundai Veloster N
INFINITI
2015 Infiniti Q60 Concept 2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER
1970 International Scout 800A
JAGUAR
2017 Jaguar F-PACE S 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupé 2015 Jaguar XFR-S 2015 Jaguar XE-S 2015 Jaguar XKR-S GT 2012 Jaguar XKR-S 2012 Eagle Speedster 2010 Jaguar C-X75 from Spectre (2015) – “Best of Bond” 1993 Jaguar XJ220 1990 Jaguar XJ-S 1964 Jaguar Lightweight E-Type 1961 Jaguar E-type S1 1959 Jaguar Mk II 3.8 1956 Jaguar D-Type 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE
JEEP
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 2016 Jeep Trailcat 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 1976 Jeep CJ5 Renegade 1945 Willys MB Jeep
KIA
2018 Kia Stinger
KOENIGSEGG
2016 Koenigsegg Regera 2015 Koenigsegg One:1 2011 Koenigsegg Agera
KTM
2013 KTM X-Bow R
LAMBORGHINI
2016 Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV 2014 Lamborghini Urus Concept 2014 Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 2013 Lamborghini Veneno 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera 2011 Lamborghini Sesto Elemento 2010 Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SV 2008 Lamborghini Reventón 1997 Lamborghini Diablo SV 1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV 1986 Lamborghini LM 002 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
LANCIA
1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale EVO 1986 Lancia Delta S4 1982 Lancia 037 Stradale 1974 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale 1968 Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF
LAND ROVER
2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 1973 Land Rover Range Rover 1972 Land Rover Series III
LOLA
1969 Lola #6 Penske Sunoco T70 MkIIIB
LOTUS
2016 Lotus 3-Eleven 2012 Lotus Exige S 2011 Lotus Evora S 2009 Lotus 2-Eleven 2005 Lotus Elise 111S 2002 Lotus Esprit V8 2000 Lotus 340R 1997 Lotus Elise GT1 1977 Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – “Best of Bond” 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint 1956 Lotus Eleven
MASERATI
2010 Maserati Gran Turismo S 2004 Maserati MC12 1961 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage 1957 Maserati 300 S 1953 Maserati A6GCS/53 Pininfarina Berlinetta 1939 Maserati 8CTF
MAZDA
2016 Mazda MX-5 2013 Mazda MX-5 2011 Mazda RX-8 R3 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 1997 Mazda RX-7 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1990 Mazda Savanna RX-7
MCLAREN
2018 McLaren 720s Coupé 2018 McLaren Senna 2015 McLaren 650S Coupe 2015 McLaren 570S Coupé 2013 McLaren P1 1997 McLaren F1 GT 1993 McLaren F1
MERCEDES-BENZ
2017 Mercedes-AMG GT R 2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé 2015 Mercedes-AMG GT S 2015 Mercedes-Benz #24 Tankpool24 Racing Truck 2014 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023 2013 Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG 2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupé 1939 Mercedes-Benz W154
MERCURY
1949 Mercury Coupe
MG
1986 MG Metro 6R4 1966 MG MGB GT 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam
MINI
2013 MINI X-Raid All4 Racing Countryman 2012 MINI John Cooper Works GP 2009 MINI John Cooper Works 1965 MINI Cooper S
MORGAN
2014 Morgan 3 Wheeler 2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports
MORRIS
1958 Morris Minor 1000
NISSAN
2017 Nissan GT-R 2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition 2010 Nissan 370Z 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II 2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-R 1998 Nissan R390 1998 Nissan Silvia K’s Aero 1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec 1995 Nissan NISMO GT-R LM 1994 Nissan Silvia K’s 1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec 1993 Nissan 240SX SE 1992 Nissan Silvia CLUB K’s 1987 Nissan Skyline GTS-R (R31) 1973 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z 432 1970 Datsun 510
NOBLE
2010 Noble M600
OFF-ROAD BUGGY/RACERS
2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck 2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS 2015 Alumi Craft Class 10 Race Car 2014 Local Motors Rally Fighter 2014 Terradyne Gurkha LAPV 2011 Penhall The Cholla 1971 Meyers Manx
OLDSMOBILE
1969 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 442
OPEL
1984 Opel Manta 400
PAGANI
2016 Pagani Huayra BC 2012 Pagani Huayra 2010 Pagani Zonda R 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster
PEEL
1962 Peel P50
PEUGEOT
1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16
PLYMOUTH
1971 Plymouth Cuda 426 HEMI
PONTIAC
1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
PORSCHE
2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 2015 Porsche Macan Turbo 2015 Porsche Cayman GTS 2014 Porsche 911 Turbo S 2014 Porsche 918 Spyder 2012 Porsche 911 GT2 RS 2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 2003 Porsche Carrera GT 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 1989 Porsche 944 Turbo 1987 Porsche 959 1982 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 1971 Porsche #23 917/20 1960 Porsche 718 RS 60 1957 Porsche 356A Speedster 1955 Porsche 550A Spyder
RADICAL
2015 Radical RXC Turbo
RAM
2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon
RELIANT
1972 Reliant Supervan III
RENAULT
2013 Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC 2010 Renault Megane R.S. 250 2010 Renault Clio R.S. 1993 Renault Clio Williams 1980 Renault 5 Turbo 1973 Renault Alpine A110 1600s
SALEEN
2004 Saleen S7
SHELBY
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe
SPANIA
2016 Spania GTA GTA Spano
SUBARU
2016 Subaru #199 WRX STI VT15r Rally Car 2015 Subaru WRX STI 2013 Subaru BRZ 2011 Subaru WRX STI 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1998 Subaru Impreza 22B STi 1990 Subaru Legacy RS
SUNBEAM
1967 Sunbeam Tiger
TALBOT
1979 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
TAMO
2017 Tamo Racemo
TOYOTA
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Arctic Trucks AT37 2007 Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT38 1993 Toyota #1 T100 Baja Truck
TRIUMPH
1962 Triumph Spitfire
TVR
2005 TVR Sagaris 1998 TVR Cerbera Speed 12
ULTIMA
2015 Ultima Evolution Coupe 1020
VAUXHALL
2016 Vauxhall Corsa VXR 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR 2005 Vauxhall Monaro VXR 1990 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton
VOLKSWAGEN
2017 Volkswagen #34 Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross Beetle 2014 Volkswagen Global RallyCross Beetle 2014 Volkswagen Golf R 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco R 2010 Volkswagen Golf R 2008 Volkswagen Touareg R50 2003 Volkswagen Golf R32 1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Mk3 1995 Volkswagen Corrado VR6 1992 Volkswagen Golf Gti 16v Mk2 1983 Volkswagen Golf GTI 1981 Volkswagen Scirocco S 1970 Volkswagen #1107 Desert Dingo Racing Stock Bug 1969 Volkswagen Class 5/1600 Baja Bug 1963 Volkswagen Beetle 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe
VOLVO
2016 Volvo Iron Knight 2015 Volvo V60 Polestar 1997 Volvo 850 R 1983 Volvo 242 Turbo Evolution
W MOTORS
2016 W Motors Lykan HyperSport
ZENVO
2016 Zenvo ST1
South Australia has taken the initiative on removing cars affected by the Takata airbag recall from its roads, announcing that it will refuse the re-registration of any car currently on the recall list for the most dangerous type of Takata airbag unless owners can prove they’ve had their car fixed.
It’s the toughest response so far from a government authority regarding the Takata recall saga, which centres around faulty airbag inflators that can eject metal fragments into the cabin when deployed in a crash. The number of cars affected stretches into the millions across at least 20 brands, and globally 24 lives have been claimed and 266 people injured by defective Takata airbags – the most dangerous of which are termed ‘Alpha’ airbags, which are the subject of South Australia’s Takata crackdown.
So far, much of the responsibility for tackling the Takata problem has rested on the manufacturers of affected vehicles and their owners, with the former ramping up supply of replacement airbags and contacting owners of the cars. However, whether repair work is done or not ultimately depends on the owner both responding to the manufacturer and bringing their car in to have its airbags replaced.
South Australia’s approach introduces a level of enforcement. Cars with a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that’s linked to the Takata recall will not be permitted to be re-registered in the state unless the owner is able to prove that the vehicle’s airbag has been replaced. Cars fitted with the deadliest Alpha airbags are the focus of the South Australia’s road safety regulators for now – other cars subject to the recall but aren’t fitted with Alpha type airbags can still be re-registered.
The South Australian Registrar of Motor Vehicles will introduce its Takata registration restriction from November 1. To see if your car may be affected, visit ismyairbagsafe.com.au to enter your VIN.
The VIN is a 17-character serial number with letters and numbers that can be found either under the bonnet in front of the engine, inside the base of the windscreen on the dashboard, or in the driver’s door jam. The VIN is also recorded on you vehicle’s registration certificate and insurance documents.
EVERY year in late August, a quaint seaside county in California plays host to a mass influx of car enthusiasts, who travel from all over the globe for what is colloquially known as Monterey Car Week.
Running for 11 days this year, the ‘week’ is comprised of multiple events related by location – including Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion held at Laguna Seca Raceway, Quail Motorsports Gathering, Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance and Exotics on Cannery Row – culminating in what is effectively a grand finale at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday.
Outside of those official events, however, the most jaw-dropping, exclusive and expensive cars descend upon the public roads surrounding the Monterey Peninsula for a sight like no other.
If you’ve ever played the Forza Horizon video game, where there are more exotic supercars on the streets than average commuter cars, you’ll immediately recognise the resemblance to Car Week.
The 2018 Monterey Car Week was most certainly one for the books and Wheels managed to hit a variety of shows, capturing some of the world’s best – and rarest – cars on camera.
Arriving in Monterey
For those thinking about making the trip, it’s best to stay for all of the main period between Sunday and Sunday if you’re keen to see the most cars and attend all the main events, but realistically it heats up in an exponential way as the week progresses in terms of activities, hype and people.
As such, the start of the week this year was leisurely, with car transporters unloading million-dollar works of art and marquees being erected on fairways of famous golf courses.
Plenty of exotic metal was out and about, and we made a point to hang around the Monterey Conference Centre where the RM Auctions cars were being unloaded, ready to hit the auction block later in the week. Amongst a sea of car carriers lining the streets of downtown Monterey, a haphazard mix of vintage classics and modern hypercars including the $67-million 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO and the newer 2014 LaFerrari rolled by on their way to the makeshift holding bay.
Once the standout lots of the Monterey RM Auction like the 1963 Aston Martin DP215 GT Competition, 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II and 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR passed by our photographic trap, we ventured off elsewhere to see what we could find.
Roaming the streets of Carmel during Car Week will always result in discovering something cool, it just depends on how high your standards are. About halfway through the week, we stopped looking at run-of-the-mill supercars like the McLaren 720S, Lamborghini Huracans and Ferrari 488 GTBs, because they were literally becoming too common.
The thrill of the chase began after spying something truly incredible, something that you’d never see in Australia, like a Ferrari F50. Cars of this calibre prompted a lot of less-than-legal U-turns to go chase them down throughout the week.
We made sure to scour the entire town in order to find the most amazing cars. But once the events started, seeing awesome automotive machinery was a guarantee.
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Having grown up playing Gran Turismo, visiting one of the most iconic tracks from the series was a non-negotiable. Laguna Seca Raceway was the setting for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, which could be described as the United States’ low-rent version of the Goodwood Revival. Yet, the Reunion still sees multi-million dollar Bugattis, Maseratis and Ferraris going toe-to-toe down the Corkscrew.
Every year, the race meeting highlights a specific brand, this year being a celebration of Nissan’s motorsport heritage. To commemorate the celebration, Nissan rolled out a few of its finest racing hardware, most notably the road-going version of the legendary Le Mans-competing R390. Dotted throughout the rest of the garages was a broad selection of proper pedigree race cars.
One of the highlights was organised by McLaren. We’re still not entirely sure how it was done, but they managed to bring along the 1995 Le Mans winning F1 GTR and set it up on circuit at the hands of two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen. After a short stint at what looked like qualifying pace – a scary thought for a virtually priceless car – it was brought in and parked next to BMW America’s FINA-livered F1 GTR for a photo opportunity to end all others.
Quail, A Motorsports Gathering
A more manufacturer-based event, Quail Motorsports Gathering is a chance for potential customers of million-dollar exotica to get up close with the latest machinery and manufacturer representatives from around the world.
Debuting at this year’s event was none other than the track-focused Bugatti Divo and the Nurburgring-record-shattering Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, among others. Held on a golf course, Quail also displayed cars like Koenigsegg’s final two versions of the world’s fastest car, the Agera, McLaren’s Senna and Senna GTR, BMW’s new Z4 roadster, Audi’s PB18 e-tron concept and Singer’s $1.6-million DLS 911.
If the manufacturer debuts weren’t enough, there’s historical timeline displays from brands like Porsche and Ferrari, and you can get up close to a variety of concours-competing cars.
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance
In order to be eligible to compete at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, cars must complete a road-loop on the Thursday prior to the concours event. The route includes iconic roads from 17 Mile Drive and Highway 1 on the way down to Big Sur (roughly an hour south of Monterey) before the cars roll back through Carmel on their return to Pebble Beach.
Watching these museum pieces roll by on their tour of Monterey against the backdrop of stunning 17 Mile Drive is truly special and arguably more impressive than attending the show itself. Even the locals, who must hate the Car Week circus intruding on their solitude, are happy to pause and watch as all the cars drive past in a cacophony of noise and unburnt fuel under police escort.
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
The 18th Hole of Pebble Beach Golf Course is the setting for the world’s most prestigious concours event, and those eager enough are allowed onto the hallowed turf from 5:30AM for the Dawn Patrol, which sees the vintage cars roll onto the field for the day. Even car enthusiast celebrities like Jay Leno and Jerry Seinfeld forego a sleep-in to be among the first few to enter the show for the day.
The show itself is open to both pre- and post-war classics, which are organised into categories based on type, manufacturer, country of origin and coachbuilder. Cars are judged upon their authenticity, condition, function, style and history by the judging team, which often includes honorary judges like Tom Kristensen (Le Mans-winning driver) and Valentino Balboni (Lamborghini factory test driver).
Competitors often spend years and hundreds of thousands of dollars preparing their cars to compete for the prestige of a class win. Furthermore, a Best of Show award is handed out to the best of the best.
However, it’s not all about cars of history. The Concept Lawn shows off the latest and greatest like the McLaren 600LT, SSC Tuatara, Hennessey Venom F5 and Volkswagen I.D. R, and manufacturers including Ferrari had tents displaying some of their customer’s most desirable cars. Mercedes-Benz was keen to show off its F1-engined Project One, and even offered test drives of the AMG range.
Against the backdrop of the sun setting over Pebble Beach, Jay Leno announces the winners of the concours, with the Best of Show award handed to a 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Touring Berlinetta this year.
And just like that, a week packed full of the best cars we’ve ever seen comes to a close. After Monterey Car Week, we have to force ourselves back down to the reality of the Australian car scene, having walked straight past a relatively run-of-the-mill McLaren 720S spotted at Melbourne Airport. Might take some time to get used to once again.
