FEATURES
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: Volkswagen Golf GTI
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Top 10 2013: Holden Calais
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, including the Holden Calais.
Top 10 2013: Renault Clio
We take a look back at the cars that really moved us in 2013, starting with the Renault Clio.
Holden: Through the ages
We take a look back at Holden Australian vehicle manufacturing over the years.
The $3.2 million transporter
It’s from the 60s, used to ferry Le Mans winning racing cars all over Europe and is worth $3.2 million – meet the ex-Ecurie Ecosse Commer transporter.
New WRX revealed; more grunt, but slower
Forget the rumours, renders and teasers: this is the new Subaru WRX
Driven: All-new Honda Civic Type R
IT WEARS a turbo, sounds like an enraged swam of killer bees and will churn out up to 220kW — meet the next-gen Honda Civic Type R
Scooby unmasks 2014 WRX
Fourth-generation road rocket to be unveiled at Los Angeles Auto Show
VIDEO: KEN BLOCK’S GYMKHANA SIX – ULTIMATE GRID COURSE
Serial tyre-torturer Ken Block is at it again…
Oz’s first Holden for sale for $1 million
Australia’s first ever Holden, a prototype for what eventually became the 48-215 or FX, is up for auction at this weekend’s Motorclassica in Melbourne for $1 million.
McLaren P1 quicker than a Veyron
0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds. 0-200km/h in 6.8 sec. 0-300km/h in 16.5 sec. Vmax of 350km/h (limited) and a 9.8 sec 1.4 mile. McLaren’s P1is officially, brutally FAST!
Raging bull goes topless
Zero to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds, 354km/h vmax, 552kW/690Nm 6.5-litre V12 and a price tag of…$5.5 million – it’s the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster.
