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Toyota's New Rukus |
Toyota Australia is to launch an all-new model for Australia, to be known as "Rukus", before the middle of the year. In Japan the car is known as the Toyota bB and in the US it is marketed to the younger generation as the Scion B. Our images are of the 2010 US Scion B model. This model is pwered by a VVTs 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine. Toyota have not revealed Australian specifications or pricing.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
08/03/2010, 21:36
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Frightening Car Trip |
I had a truly frightening journey in a car this morning. It was down the big Brisbane to Gold Coast M1 motorway beside a driver I had never travelled with before. A pleasant lady in her forties who has been driving for many years so has had plenty of experience behind the wheel in a variety of cars.
Full Story
10/02/2010
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Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 First Drive |
The Adelaide Hills play a key role in the Classic Adelaide event – thanks to a road system that mirrors the flowing contours of the rugged terrain. A classic, Monaco-like location to launch the latest Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63. On our road test the E 63 ensured the hills were alive with the sound of raucous music that rivals – if not surpasses – the note emitted from a V8 Supercar .
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
15/12/2009
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Toyota Prado 2010 |
In an age of `pretend' or soft-roader four wheel drives, this week sees the Australian launch of a rarity – a genuine off-roader - Toyota's LandCruiser Prado. And for off-road enthusiasts Toyota are also releasing a short wheel base, three door variant, a first for this vehicle in the Australian market.
Full Story
17/11/2009
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2010 Hyundai Santa Fe |
Hyundai is running red hot in the Australian sales race, increasing sales by 36 per cent year to date in a market where others are struggling to even reach last year’s numbers let alone beat them. That's partly because the South Korean company has had a free kick by way of currency fluctuations – but its ever improving model lineup has also been a major factor.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
09/11/2009
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Subaru Liberty Exiga 2009 |
In a fascinating move, Subaru has decided to import a people mover version of its Liberty. Called the Liberty Exiga, it sits on a similar platform to the Liberty but is taller and uses squarer body lines to maximise occupant and luggage space. In the manner of the popular Subaru Forester, the Exiga is a tall station wagon rather than an SUV.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
08/11/2009
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Mazda CX-7 2009 First Drive |
Mazda Australia has greatly widened the choice of CX-7 models and at the same time trimmed prices and added an economical turbo-diesel variant. There's also the option of a 2WD version for the first time. Whereas the Mazda CX-7 used to open its price list at $41,965, the CX-7 can now be bought for just $33,990, plus on-road costs.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
15/10/2009
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HSV Upgrades Its Range To Create The New E2 |
Performance car owners are a restless and demanding mob; always on the lookout for more power, sharper vehicle response and the very latest in hot automotive styling. Fortunately, engineers and designers in this field are just as enthusiastic about their machinery. So it comes as no surprise that almost as soon as the new E Series HSV models had been launched in August 2006 these guys started work on improved models.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
24/09/2009
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2010 Land Rover Discovery |
We have to admit that the Land Rover Discovery 3 is one of our all-time favourite designs. Its ‘carved-from-a-billet’ looks appealed to us like no other 4WD and summed up the no-nonsense nature of the off-road vehicle to perfection.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY in Scotland
17/09/2009
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2009 Kia Cerato Koup |
Compact, sporty coupes – that are affordable - are thin on the ground. But that's all set to change. In the coming days Kia is set to roll it's impressive Cerato Koup to dealerships around Australia. And if the response we got during a brief test drive around Sydney are anything to go by, Cerato Koup could pull off a coup of its own.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
16/09/2009
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2009 Nissan Dualis 2WD |
Nissan has sprung a surprise on the Australian market by importing the two-wheel drive version of its Dualis at a price considerably lower than anticipated. Prices start at just $24,990 for the Dualis Hatch ST, about $2000 less than most had forecast, thus putting this Japanese vehicle down into Korean territory.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
11/08/2009
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2009 smart fortwo mhd |
We have just spent a fun week in a new 2009 smart fortwo mhd. That latter three-letter acronym stands for ‘micro hybrid drive’ and is the latest fuel-saving feature in a car already renowned for its economy and low emissions.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
31/07/2009
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| Ferrari 458 Italia |
Ferrari has released the first details of its newest supercar, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which represents one of the largest leaps forward in technology, performance and emissions ever seen from the legendary Italian car maker.
Full Story
28/07/2009
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Dodge Viper SRT10 Safe |
Chrysler Group LLC announced that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.
Full Story
14/07/2009, 01:25
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2009 Jaguar XJ Saloon - First Look |
Jaguar has launched the all-new XJ four door saloon overnight in London's swank Saatchi Gallery.
Jaguar describe the car as `Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, the all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury'.
Full Story
09/07/2009
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2009 Renault Laguna |
While cruising along beautiful country roads nears Daylesford in Victoria it struck me that the car I was driving would sell like State of Origin tickets if it had another badge on the bonnet.
It's that good.
As it is Renault Australia expect to sell just 200 Laguna estates and hatches in 2009.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
26/05/2009
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Limited Edition Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
The class-leading and award-winning Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been enhanced with the addition of a limited edition model to its popular ranks.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sports Package is now on sale and offers customers even greater value, and is available in both four-cylinder C-Class models: the supercharged 135kW C 200 KOMPRESSOR and torque-rich but fuel-efficient 400Nm C 220 CDI turbo-diesel.
Full Story
News Sources
23/04/2009
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Fiat 500: A Vision Splendid |
The Fiat 500 is not only one of the most attractive looking automotive designs to come from Italy in the 21st century, it's also the easiest car to look out of. Claiming it's the attractive car of them all may seem like a big statement, yet we can more than back up that claim. Because the Fiat 500 has been elected 2009 ‘Design Car of the Year’ by 59 journalists from around the world .
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
20/04/2009
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VW Golf Is The 2009 World Car Of The Year |
Volkswagen Golf has been voted the 2009 World Car of the Year by a jury comprised of 59 international automotive journalists from 25 countries around the world. These include Paul Gover, Bill McKinnon and Samantha Stevens, three of Australia's most respected motor noters. The announcement was made during the New York International Auto Show which is currently in progress.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
20/04/2009
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News Briefs 6 April 2009 |
Mercedes In the Mail / New Generation Mazda3 / Spotlight On Hyundai
Full Story
Murray Hubbard / News Sources
04/06/2008
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| News: Read All Articles » |
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1937 Daimler EL24 mini limousine |
When, in 1937 or thereabouts, the fine City of Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island decided to acquire a car – one of dignity and poise - for mayoral use, the choice was fairly simple. After all, Christchurch was declared a city by Royal Decree in 1856 and 1937 was the year King George V1 was crowned. The King's favoured means of transport became Daimler so the choice of Daimler as a mayoral carriage was in keeping with choices made by the King himself.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
07/03/2010
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New Audi A4: The Best Of Both Worlds |
Audi has upped the ante in the ongoing battle between petrol/hybrid and diesel engines for the hearts and minds of the conscientious motoring public with the release of a new A4 diesel variant that combines outstanding fuel economy and excellent performance.
Full Story
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
07/03/2010
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Clever Design In Nissan Micra |
Nissan has gone back to basics with the most important model in its range – the Micra. The Japanese giant set itself the extremely difficult task of designing a car that's not only spacious, kind to the planet and simple to drive, but also one that's affordable. A bonus is that the styling is something out of the ordinary, but without going to radical extremes.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY in Geneva
05/03/2010
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2010 Mercedes Benz AMG E63: Road Test |
WHAT did you think of it, asked the service department lad I handed the keys of my latest road test car to. “That’s a silly question,” I replied, the reason being the ‘it’ in question was the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG sedan, a car of unparalleled performance in its class; one that was likely to satisfy any driver with a passion for . . . well, driving.
Full Story
By DEREK OGDEN
04/03/2010
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Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet Launched |
Mercedes has surprised many by producing its new 2010 E-Class cabriolet as a soft-top, rather than using a folding hardtop. The latter has almost become the norm in open-top cars in recent years. Indeed, Mercedes itself brought the hardtop back to the automotive scene in the early 1990s when they introduced it in the new SLK.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY in Majorca
04/03/2010
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Mitsubishi Challenger 2010: Road Test |
In these days of trendy SUVs – that look like 4WDs but drive like cars – genuine off-roaders are few and far between. The good news is those that are designed to take us into the Great Australian Outback are more than capable. You can add Mitsubishi's new Challenger to that elite list in the medium-size segment alongside Toyota's Prado and Nissan's Pathfinder.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
03/03/2010
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Lexus Adds IS350 To Its Range |
When the latest Lexus IS250 sports sedan was introduced to Australia late in 2005 we had only one real complaint with it. While it's 2.5-litre V6 was impressive at producing up to 153 kW, we found it lacking somewhat in the torque department. Lexus has just announced that it will rectify that by introducing a 3.5-litre unit that was fitted to American versions of the Lexus IS from the start, but which wasn’t available in Australian versions.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
02/03/2010
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1928 Falcon Knight 12 |
Say the word `Falcon' and most people think of the enduring Ford Falcon manufactured in Australia since 1960. But in another time in a different place Falcon was a car manufacturer in it's own right, putting aside the financial interest of John North Willys, of Willys Overland fame.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
01/03/2010
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New Nissan Patrol 2010 |
Nissan has taken the wraps off the all-new 7th generation Nissan Patrol. The car is not expected to arrive in Australia for some time but the left hand drive variant was revealed in Abu Dhabi. That vehicle was fitted with a 5.6 litre petrol V8. Australia is a lead market for the right hand drive version.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
28/02/2010
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Limited Edition HSV Offers Excellent Value |
Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has released two new limited edition models with all the looks and performance we’ve come to expect from the Holden enhancer but at bargain prices.Concerned that its buyer demographics are drifting ever older, the new ClubSport GXP sedan and Maloo GXP ute will sell for about $10,000 less than the current entry-level ClubSport and so target new, and younger, buyers to the brand. HSV then hopes to retain these newcomers and eventually step them up to higher specced models.
Full Story
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
27/02/2010
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2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster: First Drive |
Almost 40 years after launching it's first Z car in Australia, Nissan has released it's most powerful roadster, the 370Z. The iconic 240 Z was launched in 1969 but the car - nicknamed the 'poor man's E-Type' - was not sold in Australia until early 1970. The new 370Z roadster comes with major improvements over the car it replaces, the 350Z roadster.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
26/02/2010
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1929 Chevrolet Stovebolt Six Roadster |
The cut-throat nature of vehicle manufacture is as old as the industry itself. Keeping one step ahead of rivals is critical if you are going to compete. The main exception to this rule was Ford's Model T. Production started in 1908 and ending in 1927, when the Model A was launched. But in the 19 years of Model T production the changes to the vehicle were minimal. So how did the Model T survive so long when competitors were advancing in leaps and bounds?
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
22/02/2010
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Ford Fiesta ECOnetic 2010: Road Test |
The bottom line with all cars whether they be sports cars, four wheel drives, wagons, utes or roadsters is that day-in-day-out you have to live with that car for the duration of ownership. The same goes for the latest technology cars aimed at fuel efficiency and low emissions. You may feel warm and fuzzy inside about helping the environment, but you still have to be able to enjoy the driving experience as well as other practicalities. Compromise only goes so far.
Full Story
22/02/2010
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Ford Thunderbird 1961-63 report |
You might well ask what a classic American muscle car and the Great Australian shed have in common? Besides doubling in many cases as a garage for the car, the most obvious link is the third generation Ford Thunderbird. The manufacturer of Titan garages and carports uses a red-third generation T-Bird as key marketing tool for their line up of sheds in Australia ... along with a couple of knockabout blokes.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
16/02/2010
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2010 Hyundai ix35: First Drive |
The hotly-contested compact SUV market just got a whole lot sexier with Hyundai launching a replacement for Tucson, the ix35. At first glance it has similarities to the best-looking medium SUV, the Mazda CX-7. In fact if it had a CX-5 badge to go with Mazda's CX-9 and CX-7 no one would spot the intruder.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
12/02/2010
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BMW's Elegant New 5 Series |
BMW has introduced its all-new 5 Series to the world’s motoring press at a function based in Lisbon and which included track time on the Estoril racing circuit, the home of the Portuguese Grand Prix. It's not unusual for cars that feel good on the road to become rather ordinary when subjected to the extremes of racetrack driving. But BMWs are a major exception to this rule.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY in Lisbon
12/02/2010
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Hyundai Sonata Replacement 2010 |
Hyundai used it's Melbourne launch of the new ix35 to preview two more models which it will launch in the first half of 2010 – the small i20 and the Sonata replacement, code named the XF. This was the first time the XF has been seen in Australia.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
12/02/2010
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Ford Territory TS 2010 Road Test |
As our only home-grown SUV the Ford Territory is a remarkable achievement. It has been compared in favourable terms to BMW X5 which is no mean feat. Early this year Ford announced Territory had achieved a five star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to seat belt sensors and warnings when the vehicle was underway.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
10/02/2010
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Toyota Recalls Prius |
Toyota Motor Corporation Japan and Toyota Motor Corporation Australia have initiated a safety recall campaign on its current generation Prius vehicles. Current generation Prius commenced being sold in Australia in July 2009.
Full Story
09/02/2010, 02:20
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Toyota Camry Hybrid 2010 First Drive |
After months of teasing releases on just about every aspect of the new Australian-built Camry Hybrid Toyota have at last launched the car which it hopes will find 10,000 homes a year with mainstream Aussies. The car was launched in Melbourne with two questions to be answered: pricing and what is it like to drive?
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
08/02/2010, 14:46
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Mercedes Benz S350 Road Test |
The flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range, the S-Class saloon, received a major makeover late last year and we have just spent a most pleasant week wafting around in the new for 2010 model.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
06/02/2010
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Challenge Your Mini On The Road |
Those who have been to major car race meetings in Australia in recent years will have enjoyed the close cut and thrust of the MINI Challenge race series. Now you can drive a car that looks just like the real thing and use it legally on the road. The MINI John Cooper Challenge Edition is close to the racing car both in appearance and performance.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
04/02/2010
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1927 Rugby Tourer |
How do cars get their names? In many cases it's the obvious ... particularly in the early days of the horseless carriage. Austin, Morris, Studebaker, Ford, Chrysler, Rolls-Royce – to name a few were all named after the company founder(s). Even our own Holden was no different. Then there are the different brands within a make. Of all the car names one of the more unusual is the Rugby.
Full Story
Images and story by MURRAY HUBBARD
03/02/2010, 23:20
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Mercedes Benz G-Wagon 4x4 and 6x6 |
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has taken delivery of its first new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon cross-country vehicles - the first to be delivered on Australian soil. These first locally delivered vehicles, nine in total, follow on from the initial hand-over of the first two units at the G-Wagon’s factory in Austria, which took place late last year.
Full Story
03/02/2010
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BMW Announces X1 Prices - And Some Additional Models |
BMW will launch its all-new X1 in Australia in mid April and has just announced details of pricing and the model lineup. The BMW X1 is, as its name suggests, a smaller version of the BMW X3 and X5, both of which have been on sale for some time now with a good degree of success.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
01/02/2010
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Chevrolet Sloper (Coupe) 1939 |
From the front, Noel and Lyn Neuendorf's 1939 Chevrolet looks typical of that era's American sedans - it sits fairly high, has a long, prominent bonnet, almost vertical grille and head lamps perched inboard on the mudguards. Step to one side and it becomes obvious its not a sedan, but a coupe which we called a `sloper'. Not just any old coupe, but a design unique to Australia not only used on GM Holden product but also some Chrysler and Ford vehicles too.
Full Story
Story and Images by MURRAY HUBBARD
29/01/2010
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Fiat 500C Downunder |
Ahead of schedule, the gorgeous little Fiat 500C convertible has reached Australia. Probably because it's not really the car the Europeans want at the moment, not when the temperature is hovering around zero degrees up there.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
28/01/2010
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Suzuki SX4 2010:First Drive |
Small car specialist Suzuki has released its 2010 all wheel drive SX4 hatch with an all new engine and new transmission options. At the same time the company has launched a new two wheel drive model which will come under the SX4 banner in all states but Queensland, which elected to capitalise on the Liana name, dropped in 2008.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
27/01/2010
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Rambler Model G Roadster 1904 |
For the past couple of years the annual Gold Coast Antique Fair – a Rotary-run Gold Coast institution held at Conrad Jupiters Hotel and Casino – has added an extra dimension to the fair with the holding of a car show. Old cars – old stuff, together, that makes sense. This year's show, held during the Australia Day weekend, featured more than 30 classic cars, and the undoubted star of the display was the RACQ's own Belle of the Ball, a 1904 Rambler Model G Roadster.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
26/01/2010, 16:56
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New Five-Door Coupe From Audi |
Audi has added a third body style to its A5 range; a five-door hatchback tagged as being a ‘Sportback’. It joins the two -door coupe and cabriolet. The prestige German car maker regards the new model as being a five-door coupe rather than merely another family style hatchback.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
19/01/2010
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Cleaner, Greener BMWs Thanks To Efficient Dynamics |
BMW has given its cleanest, most economical models the title of BMW EfficientDynamics with many of these being introduced to Australia later this month. Ours is the first market outside of the European Union to offer such a comprehensive array of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, indicating just how seriously our market is being treated by the upmarket German marque.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
05/05/2009
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All New City In Australia |
Honda is introducing the all-new third-generation City to Australia. This latest model introduces new levels of styling, performance, driving dynamics and ride quality combined with outstanding packaging, functionality and versatility.
Full Story
By MURRAY HUBBARD
02/05/2009
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Camry Hybrid Leads The Field |
And now for something right out of left track. A hybrid vehicle will act as a pace car at upcoming NASCAR oval track races. The petrol-electric Camry will pace a 600 mile (960 km) race around a one and a half mile (2.4 km) oval in North Carolina on May 24.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
01/05/2009
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Dress Up Packages For Audi's New Q5 |
Pleased with the success of its new Q5 compact SUV Audi has introduced exterior styling packages to allow owners to personalise their vehicles. The ‘Off-road Styling Package’ is aimed at giving the Q5 a more ‘outdoor’ look, or a sportier appearance with an ‘S line’ package.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
01/05/2009
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Focus On Quietness In New Focus |
Ford Australia is about to introduce a heavily reworked version of its mid-sized Focus series. Officially it's not on display at dealers until May 1, but a little bird tells us you may be able to see one, perhaps even test drive it, before then. Styling changes are relatively small, but under that steeply sloping bonnet there are some serious mechanical changes.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
24/04/2009
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Honda's Odyssey Into Greater Refinement |
Honda has never followed convention. Nowhere is this more obvious than in its Odyssey range of people movers. Whilst other makers come up with tall boxy vehicles, with, perhaps a sloping front, Honda has always gone for a low, sleek look. Coming up with a vehicle car lovers don’t mind being seen in.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
13/04/2009
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Soul, Man - And Woman |
And now for something completely different. Kia's Soul isn't aimed so much at those looking for transport, but at people wanting to set trends and to be seen as making their own distinctive way in life. Launched to lifestyle and motoring journalists alike at a spectacular event in Sydney, the new Soul apparently caused the skies to open.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
04/04/2009
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Volkswagen Eos Practical Open Air Motoring |
Volkswagen's Eos convertible has a fascinating new design of folding hardtop that's unlike any other on the market. Fascinating because it has a conventional glass sunroof built into the folding roof. The sunroof can be operated while the car is moving, so the moment the impulse for extra fresh air strikes it's there for the asking without having to find somewhere to stop.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
04/04/2009
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Maximum Celebrations For Mini’s Birthday |
The Morris Mini is one of the most influential automotive designs since the end of the Second World War. Now the little car that change the world is about to celebrate its 50th birthday, and will do so in a huge way over an action packed weekend at the Silverstone race track in the UK from 22 - 24 May 2009.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
05/01/2009
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Ride with Jim Richards! |
Jim Richards is arguably the most popular racing car driver of all time in Australia. The fascinating thing about this guy is that he appeals to everyone, not just the revheads. Bored wives and girlfriends watching car racing on TV with their partners support Jim
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
05/01/2009
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| Opinions: Read All Articles » |
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Misleading Advertising |
The people striving to sell cars, particularly those in the creative centres putting together major marketing campaigns, sometimes get so far away from reality that they begin to twist people’s perceptions. One of their favourite tricks is to make consumers believe that ordinary things are really something very different, special and highly desirable.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
04/02/2010
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Traffic Lights At Rail Crossings? |
I received an interesting email from a regular reader this morning, let's call him Tony. He was saddened by the memories of the Kerang level-crossing crash in 2007 which killed 11 people and seriously injured eight more. Memories that were brought back by the recent trial and acquittal of truck driver involved in the crash.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
19/06/2009
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Soft And Fluffy Things |
I would like to talk about soft and fluffy things this week. Soft and fluffy toys are wonderful things in their correct place, kids of all ages love to play with them. They can make great displays in bedrooms, sunrooms and suchlike locations. I love them there and admire the displays that are put together at times. But the soft and fluffy things have to be in the right location and that's not in the potentially dangerous environment of the motor car.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
14/06/2009
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Cooperation Enhances Road Safety |
Had an interesting talk with a high level policeman the other day. No, I hadn't done anything wrong, at least nothing that he knew about! It was during a break from talks at a road safety function and the policeman was more willing than usual to talk to a journalist. Because he realised I wasn’t out for a sensational story, but that I was genuinely interested in making our roads safer.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
06/04/2009
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Changing Lanes |
Since penning a piece on the failure of too many drivers to ‘Keep Left Unless Overtaking’, particularly on motorways, I've received quite a few emails. The great majority are in complete agreement with my words. With many replies saying that if the police spent more time enforcing this law instead of simply sitting behind speed cameras life would be safer and more relaxed on the road.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
23/02/2009
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Keep Left Unless Overtaking |
“Keep Left Unless Overtaking” say the signs. It’s a simple instruction that should be easy to obey. So why do so many drivers struggle with the concept?
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By EWAN KENNEDY
02/02/2009
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Lost Souls |
Short of a car crash there can be few things more terrifying to a driver than getting lost in a strange city. Feeling trapped in a crowded traffic situation with vehicles everywhere, street signs that often make sense only to locals, or streets without any signs at all. Then there's the frustration of not being unable to turn in the direction you want because there's no-right-turn.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
14/01/2009
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Slow And Dirty |
I walked from a hotel to the domestic terminal at Sydney airport the other day. I could have caught the hotel shuttle bus but I reasoned that 15 minutes of early morning exercise would do me good and tie in with my new-year’s resolution to look after myself better.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
13/01/2009
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Take The Sting Out Of Roundabouts |
Roundabouts are one of the most sensible pieces of traffic engineering every devised. Yet they seem to create huge amounts of confusion in the minds of many drivers. Perhaps because the concept of a roundabout is so simple they feel there must be hidden traps. The really good thing about roundabouts is that they eliminate complex turns.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
05/01/2009
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Excessive Speed Is Not Particularly Dangerous |
Yet another unbiased and scientifically correct study has come out on the subject of causes of car crashes. And yet again excessive speed has been shown as being the reason for only a small percentage of crashes.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
29/12/2008
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Beware The Missing Motor Show |
Those of you who attended the 2008 Sydney motor show – these days known somewhat grandly as the Australian International Motor Show – would have noticed the event was somewhat less grand than usual.
Though it is the biggest motor show in Australia, the Sydney event wasn’t attended by many of the major marques. Companies such as Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz and quite a few others chose not to make an appearance this year.
Full Story
By EWAN KENNEDY
01/12/2008
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Hands-On Driving |
Keeping two hands on the steering wheel seems like the most basic of requirements for safe driving. Yet it’s becoming appallingly apparent that people driving with both hands on the steering is increasingly unusual. To make matters worse, having two hands on a steering in something remotely resembling the correct position is an even less common sight.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
24/11/2008
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Measure Competency, Not Speed? |
I recently commented that a good driver in an excellent car exceeding the speed limit was far more likely to get booked than a sloppy driver in a bad car travelling within the speed limit. I’ve yet to find anyone who disagrees with my statement, indeed some people to whom I have spoken are becoming increasingly heated on the subject of their speeding tickets, with hidden cameras being universally hated. But what can be done to make things fairer?
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By EWAN KENNEDY
17/11/2008
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Aurion Racer Backs V8 Supercars |
For years there has been speculation that Toyota Australia might enter V8 Supercar racing. There are two schools of thought on this, the more broadminded feel that having a third marque join Ford and Holden would further liven up what's already a very popular racing series. The more traditional racegoer likes things just the way they are.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
27/10/2008
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Too Close To Home |
You would think that drivers would take extra care as they entered their home area. After all, their neighbours are close by, as are kids, dogs and all sorts of assorted items like footballs, cricket bats, skateboards and the like. Sadly, my observations show exactly the opposite takes place. The closer people are to their home the more likely they are to drive dangerously.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
22/09/2008, 01:53
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Brake Light Or Breaks? |
There don't seem to be as many brake lights on cars these days as there used to. Sure the lenses are still attached to the rears of cars, but not all of them light up. Indeed it’s not unusual to see a car that should have three brake lights, but only one of them goes on when the pedal is pushed. And I’ve seen a fair few cars with no brake lights at all…
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By EWAN KENNEDY
30/06/2008
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Lighting Up |
Do we need to drive with our vehicles’ headlights on all the time in Australia? It’s becoming quite a common requirement in some European countries, with drivers being told to have the lights on, and some countries are telling makers to design all new models with headlights that come on automatically with the ignition.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
09/06/2008
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Backwards Or Upside Down? |
“Way Free” said the traffic sign on the road in front of my car. Having grown up in an era where hippies and beatniks were a colourful part of the social scene, my mind wondered what was so free. The “Way Free” presumably fell into line with phrases like “way out”, “way cool”, perhaps even “way to go, man”.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
12/01/2008
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1.5 Seconds Early – Or Dead On Time? |
I saved a man a lot of money, time and trouble earlier this week, though I’m not sure he is aware of the fact. Let me explain: his BMW 3 Series was a mere car length behind the Volkswagen Golf I was road testing and we were running in a line of traffic, doing around 80 km/h in an 80 zone. He was far too close and tailgating for no reason other than a sense of urgency, an urgency that was possibly real, but much more likely was purely imaginary.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
06/01/2008
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Eat-Driving |
The National Motorists Association of Australia (NMAA) has expressed concern about the dangerous practice of 'eat-driving'. Jim Wright, the secretary of the NMAA, says that American findings appear to prove that eating behind the wheel is potentially even more dangerous than using a mobile phone. I don’t know if that research can be directly translated to Australia as our habits usually aren't as bad as the American's.
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By EWAN KENNEDY
09/01/2006
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