FEATURES
2013 Holden VF Commodore unveiled
Behold, the all-important VF Commodore.
FIRST PICS! Lamborghini Veneno breaks cover
Top speed? 355km/h, enough to get from Melbourne to Sydney in just over 2.5 hours.
Aussie soccer stars and their cars
Soccer fever has gripped the nation once again, with Australia hoping to secure a place at the 2014 world Cup with a win over Iraq in Sydney tonight. But what do Australia’s soccer stars drive on the road?
World’s fastest amphibious car
It looks more James Bond than real life transport, but for $135,000 you could own the world’s fastest amphibious car.
Jaguar unleashes F-Type racer
Need a moment to yourself? We don’t blame you.
10 for 2014: Your next top model
You’ve seen the cars that moved us in 2013, but what will excite in 2014? It’s Next Top Model, Wheels style.
A hot lap with Mick Doohan
A wet track, a pit lane full of F1 cars and a five-time MotoGP world champ. Wheels tackles Albert Park with Mick Doohan and tries to distract him … at 220km/h
Friday rant: The naked truth
Why Porsche is like a car magazine with naked women
Caught! BMW M4 cabriolet
Love the look of BMW’s new tyre-shredding M4 but want to feel the wind in your hair? This is the answer – the new BMW M4 cabriolet.
Holden – The Wheels Report 2014
Not reaching its potential. With little in the way of new – or at least refreshed – metal that will bring significant volume, and competitors years ahead in their plans and transformations, 2015 is not shaping up to be a great year for Holden.
Hyundai – The Wheels Report 2014
An astute performer that listens, but can’t get complacent. Renewed vigour to Hyundai, unlikely to let up in 2015 with important new models and updates likely to boost brand further. Reputation is also in good stead thanks to now-proven reliability and good after-sales support. But without ute, Hyundai is limited in how far it can go, with number two the best it can hope for in medium term.
Ford – The Wheels Report 2014
Once great at core subject, but staring out the window since. Plenty coming to the road but Ford still struggles to sell anything not built in Australia. HQ and dealers need to shift into top gear and convince shoppers to buy new arrivals, which could be harder than sounds.
Mitsubishi – The Wheels Report 2014
Struggles with some subjects. It’s too little too late for Mitsubishi in 2015. A new Triton will be a welcome sight for dealers, but the rest of the market is pulling away from the brand. New models can’t come soon enough – but most appear to be in 2016 and beyond.
Nissan – The Wheels Report 2014
Has mended naughty ways. On paper 2014 a disappointment for Nissan, but what’s happened behind the scenes positions it well for future growth.
Volkswagen – The Wheels Report 2014
Always good in class and now listening in the playground, too. Renewed focus on keeping owners happy, manageable growth and more engaged dealer network, Volkswagen now in reasonable shape after challenging 18 months. How it responds to competition in premium mainstream market will define growth, but well placed to surpass Mitsubishi in local sales race.
Subaru – The Wheels Report 2014
A good listener that’s capitalising on solid groundwork. Settling in new arrivals key to Subaru’s 2015. Careful management also required to protect existing sales, but history suggests it will be a target easily achieved. Levorg wagon squaring up as welcome addition to slim but powerful range.
Honda – The Wheels Report 2014
Needs to learn to keep its head down. The HR-V should bring some sales upside but it’s difficult to see Honda growing too much without other new arrivals or some tempting offers.
Mercedes-Benz – The Wheels Report 2014
Hard work has paid off, but needs to stay focused. Momentum and longevity count for plenty at this end of market and Mercedes has full dance card for foreseeable future.
Jeep – The Wheels Report 2014
Enjoys challenge, but needs to concentrate in class. Plenty of happy Jeep owners, but challenge will be ensuring they remain happy and buy a Jeep next time around. Brand well positioned for moderate growth but needs to tackle quality issues as assertively as it does rocky trails.
Kia – The Wheels Report 2014
Not reaching its potential … yet. While sales were soft in 2014, expect growth in 2015 as Kia winds up its aspirations of being a major player.
Renault – The Wheels Report 2014
ONE TO WATCH: Temperamental but finally listening in class. Has taken a while but Renault finally seems to be getting hold on Australian market.
Top 10 2013: Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Merry Christmas! Of the cars that moved us most in 2013, the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is the loudest, fastest and most expensive.
Top 10 2013: Porsche Cayman
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Porsche Cayman.
Top 10 2013: Ford Fiesta ST
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Ford Fiesta ST.
