Subaru’s jacked-up XV Concept will preview the next-generation Impreza hatch, due next year.
Shown at Auto Shanghai, China, the concept also “clearly flags Subaru’s intentions to capture even more of the crossover market in the future,” according to Subaru Managing Director, Nick Senior.Expect, then, an Outback-style high-riding variant of the Impreza to launch with the new range next year.Peel away the wheelarch cladding, however, and the car is pure Impreza hatch. With similar design cues to the Impreza Sedan Concept shown at the LA Motor Show earlier this year, particularly with the rear tailights and number plate surround, though the XV gets a less aggressive front-end. The XV is a more finished concept than the Impreza Sedan, however, with its doors and wheelarches reminiscent of the current Liberty.The concept is powered by a 2.0-litre Boxer four-cylinder engine linked to a CVT transmission (which will finally replace the current four-speed auto).More information on the XV Concept will be available in Wheels, June 2011 issue, out May 18th.
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After suffering through almost four years of the slow-selling Korean-built Epica, Holden has revealed its fresh mid-sized force for 2012. Its new sedan will be known as Malibu, a nameplate that has existed in US on Chevrolets since 1964 and, like its smaller Cruze sibling, will become GM’s global offering.Unveiled at Auto Shanghai in China, the Malibu is built on GM’s Epsilon II platform, which also underpins the Opel Insignia and Saab 9-5. The front-drive chassis utilises a MacPherson strut front and four-link independent rear suspension arrangement.When the Malibu arrives in Oz in late 2012, Holden says it will be powered by a “range of efficient four-cylinder engines.” However only specs for an all-new 2.5-litre direct-injection four-cylinder were released. Producing 141kW at 6200rpm and 245Nm at 4500, the Ecotec-badged donk is tied to a GM Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission. Holden will also likely pine for a diesel engine option.While the sharp-suited exterior takes front-headlight cues from the Insignia, its rear tailights are based on the sportier Chevrolet Camaro’s. One nifty interior feature is a flip-out touch-screen audio system that reveals a hidden storage pocket behind it. Holden claims the interior also utilises premium soft-touch materials and classy ice-blue lighting.While Australian Malibus will come from South Korea, the car will also be built in the US and China.More information on the Malibu will be available in Wheels, June 2011 issue, out May 18th.
With increasing top speeds, sleek power and high tech gadgets, today’s police cars are a force to be reckoned with.In fact, they’re enough to turn you into a lawbreaker just to get a glimpse of some of these mean machines in action!From patrol to pursuit, concept to promotional, we’ve found some of the coolest cop cars from around the world.Have we finally discovered what our parking tickets pay for?
Audi has unveiled its BMW X1-fighter at this week’s Shanghai motor show. The Q3 compact SUV will be built in Martorell, Spain, and goes on sale in Europe mid this year before being introduced to Oz in early 2012.Looking much like a scaled-down Q5, the Q3 measures in at 4.39 metres long, 1.83m wide and 1.60m tall – by comparison the X1 measures 4.45m/1.79m/1.54m.The Q3 boasts an aluminium bonnet and tailgate, and Ingolstadt claims the base front-drive model tips the scales at under 1500kg. Inside, the Q3 nabs cues from its A3 hatchback sibling, including the climate control and audio switchgear. The 460-litre boot is 80L shy of a Q5, but expands to 1365L with the three-seat rear bench folded.Four 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines will be available. Two petrol versions produce 125kW and 155kW, the latter of which sprints the Q3 to 100km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds. Likewise, two oilers are available in either 103kW or 130kW guise.The lesser-powered front-drive diesel is claimed to use just 5.2L/100km. All engines mate with Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, dubbed S-tronic.Both the front- and all-wheel-drive Q3s get electric power steering, and include standard ESC with an electronic diff lock function, which mimics the operation of a mechanical LSD.A various range of options will be available including Audi Drive Select adaptive dampers, adaptive cruise control, and auto-park assist.Like its exterior dimensions, expect the Q3’s Australian pricing to be a near-facsimile of the BMW X1’s. That means around $45K for the entry-level petrol front-driver to $55K for the flagship all-drive oiler.BMW has shifted 553 X1s so far this year (VFACTS, March 2011) so the ‘premium compact SUV’ niche clearly has resonance in the Australian landscape. How much of dent can Q3 make on X1? Come early 2012, we’ll know…
Hyundai’s big iMax people mover and iLoad commercial van have come in for an upgrade, gaining new safety and convenience features for 2011.For both models, Hyundai has added Bluetooth connectivity and full iPod integration, which includes a USB connection for other audio devices. The Bluetooth connectivity allows for both hands-free phone use and music audio streaming.On the safety front, the iMax has been updated to include the now mandatory (for passenger vehicles) Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control System as standard.Both the iMax and iLoad carry a 4 Star ANCAP crash safety rating, with standard safety features including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, driver and passenger airbags and three-point retractable seatbelts for all occupants.The mechanical package of both vehicles remains unchanged, with power coming from either a 129kW/228Nm 2.4 litre petrol engine (automatic only for iMax, Manual only for iLoad) or a 125kW/392Nm 2.5 litre CRDi diesel engine (manual and automatic for iMax and iLoad).
Volvo has released a new video that teases an upcoming design study to be revealed soon, although it has yet to offer any details for the concept.The video reveals a sporty coupe-like design in sketches that flow across the screen, followed by a concept that reveals itself in sketch form as the drape is pulled back.Volvo has released a new video that teases an upcoming design study to be revealed soon, although it has yet to offer any details for the concept.The video reveals a sporty coupe-like design in sketches that flow across the screen, followed by a concept that reveals itself in sketch form as the drape is pulled back.It remains to be seen what Volvo is planning, but we could expect to see a preview of a new S90 flagship model, or a replacement for the current S80 large sedan.If a larger S90 offering is on the way, Volvo could be planning an assault on the top end of luxury cars, including BMW’s 7 Series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A8 and the Jaguar XJ.Confirming only that it will be “launched shortly,” Volvo may be planning an unveiling for the New York Auto Show on April 22, or the Shanghai Auto Show on April 21. With Volvo’s new owner Geely based in China, a Shanghai debut could be on the cards.
Ford will slash 15.5% of its Australian manufacturing workforce by July, due to a downturn in large car sales.The 240 job cuts will come primarily from the company’s Broadmeadows manufacturing plant, and is the biggest loss since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, when Ford slashed 800 jobs.The news comes in the same week as Ford unveiled its new-look Territory and the specifications for the upcoming dedicated-gas Falcon LPI, due mid-year.After a big post-GFC sales push, Falcon sales have again slumped, down 39% year-to-date, including just 1157 vehicles sold in January, one of the worst figures in the nameplate’s history.Traditional arch rival, the Holden Commodore, has outsold Falcon by more than two to one so far this year. While the relaunch of a dedicated-gas Falcon is expected to improve sales, the much-hyped four-cylinder Falcon EcoBoost was expected late this year, but is now delayed until early 2012.Ford has history when it comes to altering and abandoning its on-record decisions. In 2008, the company granted its Geelong engine plant a reprieve, after previously announcing it would wind-up manufacture of its 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine in Australia by 2010. Ford also retracted its call to build the Focus small hatch and sedan at Broadmeadows, stating that the numbers didn’t add up.While the addition of an economical V6 diesel in Territory is expected to boost production (the mid-sized SUV is down 8.6% YTD), Ford Australia Public Affairs Director, Sinead McAlary, says that the job cuts are required to ensure a solid future for Ford in Australia.“We’ve taken a close look at where our business needs to be so we maintain production in line with market demand and also maintain our profitability going forward,” she said.“Although it is a difficult decision, it is the right decision for the business.” Ford will first offer a round of voluntary redundancies, before negotiating the remaining workforce cuts during the next three months.What’s your say?Is this a sign of what’s to come?
It’s a matter of fact. Many of Australia’s roads just aren’t up to scratch.From city congestion, to long oppressive outback tracks, dangers from kangaroos to speed cameras lurk behind every turn.It was a hard task but we eventually narrowed our list down to the absolute worst roads this country has to offer – although we are sure you’ll have your personal favourite we failed to mention.
Car loans may seem more bite-sized than your average mortgage, so borrowers sometimes forget that mismanaging these loans can end up in a collision with big debts. This is exactly what happened to hundreds of Australians who now owe BMW millions.BMW reportedly chased over 226 Australians to court last year over a collective $18 million in unpaid car loans. In 2011, an additional 21 proceedings have been launched.This sobering figure reminds us how important it is to know what you can handle as a borrower, and to never let large debts get the better of you. For example, one Aussie owing $190,000 in car loan repayments will be working hard for a long time before they see the end of this debt.Driving around the debt trap First of all, know what you can borrow on your income. If your weekly income is $1,000, giving up more than $300 of that in car loan repayments could put you under financial stress.Then think about how likely you will be to repay that debt in full. If you’re between jobs, paying multiple debts or unsure about your financial security this year talk to an adviser about whether a large car loan is the best option for you.Another mistake that people make is being too ambitious or slack with their repayment timeline. If you’re sure that you can repay a car loan in two years, then there’s no point dragging it out for five years. Similarly, don’t force yourself to make large repayments early on if your regular expenses open you up to the risk of missing payments.Tricks of the trade Some of the BMW luxury car owners are faced with losing their homes due to their debt. To avoid this, think about what you can secure to your loan that you can stand to lose in the event of bankruptcy – whether it’s your shares, property, or other cars.Use your good months to make extra repayments and buffer against misfortunes down the track. Consider repaying your loan on a weekly basis to further reduce your interest in the long term.Finally, every driver needs a safety net, so look at the insurance options available for your car loan. These steps could save your life down the track and make sure you won’t be parted from your assets or lifestyle if your circumstances change.It’s not just the upper class drivers who are in danger of debt – compare the best car loans online today and give yourself every advantage to keep yourself smiling on the road.Find best interest rates and no ongoing fees at RateCity.
With the Easter long weekend on the horizon, tens of thousands of families are expected to hit the road. A new study by Suncorp Insurance however suggests many of them may be in danger of fatigue-related accidents.According to the study, which surveyed nearly 3000 motorists around Australia, more than one quarter of motorists travelling long distances are unlikely to stop for a break.Despite strong awareness campaigns, fatigue continues to be a major cause of road deaths around Australia.Statistics from Victoria and NSW show that fatigue accounts for around 20 percent of each state’s road fatalities, while some 13 percent of road deaths can be attributed to drowsy driving.“Driving while fatigued represents a serious risk for drivers and their passengers – drivers are advised to travel no more than 8-10 hours in total per day and to take regular breaks of 10-15 minutes out of their vehicle, at least every two hours,” Suncorp Insurance Corporate Affairs Manager Mike Sopinski said.Young females aged 18 to 24 proved to be the worst offenders according to the survey, with 41 percent of respondents unlikely to stop for a break. Male drivers aged 25 to 34 are nearly as resistant to a rest, at 39 percent.Around 25 percent of drivers that cover between 10,000 to 20,000km per year said that they were unlikely to stop for a break on long drives.Perhaps most alarmingly, 36 percent of drivers with less than 10 years driving experience said they were unlikely to seek a roadside rest.“Fatigue-related crashes tend to be more severe than others, due to drivers’ delayed reaction times and failure to take action to avoid a crash. As a driver, you are responsible not only for yourself but also for your passengers and other road users,” Mr Sopinski said.“Fatigue is the only one of the ‘Fatal Four’ which police are not able to immediately identify and take action against as no device or established measure to gauge car driver fatigue levels currently exists,” he said.What’s your say? Does this research raise new concerns?Ten tips for avoiding fatigue 1) Avoid beginning a trip at the end of a day’s work 2) Ensure you have adequate sleep and are well-rested the night before you set out 3) Don‟t drive at times when you would normally be asleep e.g. early hours of the morning 4) Schedule regular rest breaks outside the vehicle – 10-15 minutes rest every two hours 5) Share the driving where possible 6) Never drink alcohol (not even small quantities) before or during long trips 7) Eat proper and well-balanced meals preferably at your normal mealtimes 8) Try to maintain a cool temperature inside the vehicle 9) Don’t drive while taking medication that may affect your driving – check labels on medicine 10) Allow extra time and take a powernap if tiredTen signs of fatigue 1) Constant yawning 2) Drifting in your lane of traffic 3) Sore or heavy eyes 4) Trouble keeping your head up 5) Delayed reactions 6) Loss of attention, daydreaming or “zoning out‟ 7) Difficulty remembering the last few kilometres 8) Variations in driving speed 9) Mood swings such as irritability or boredom 10) Blurry vision or “seeing things‟ e.g. objects or shadows on the roadside appear distorted
