Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests NEWS INDEX:   February 2011 Home > News Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives 1st February, 2011 The all-new Quadra-Lift™ air suspension system is a first for Jeep, delivering legendary Jeep off-road capability and delightful on-road ride. In addition, the new Selec-Terrain™ traction control system allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort ..... more Subaru Forester S-Edition 2nd February, 2011 Forester S-Edition is joined by a revised Forester line-up for 2011 that includes the new FB naturally aspirated (NA) horizontally opposed Boxer engine – replacing the EJ unit first introduced in 1989. It offers improved low-end torque, increased by six Newtonmetres to 235 Nm at 4,100 rpm, while refinement, NVH and drivability are also enhanced ..... more Morgan for 2011 2nd February, 2011 For the 2011 model year, there are now standard (bespoke) models and Sport models across the range. Importantly due to the new addition of the standard Morgan 4/4, it now means that it is possible to ‘drive-away’ from the Melbourne showroom in a new Victorian registered Morgan 4/4 for under $75,000 ..... more Renault Wind Gordini 2nd February, 2011 After Twingo Gordini R.S., Clio Gordini R.S. and Twingo Gordini, the new Renault Wind is the next model to receive the “French touch”. Renault Wind Gordini expands the coupé-roadster range with a version featuring the best equipment available on Wind ..... more Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG for 2011 3rd February, 2011 The introduction of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission with the "Controlled Efficiency" mode as standard along with a new power steering pump helps to reduce the combined NEDC fuel consumption by about ten per cent to 12.0 l/100 km (Estate: 12.3 l/100 km) ..... more Toyota FJ Cruiser here next month 3rd February, 2011 The modern day FJ will appeal to serious off-road enthusiasts with its 200 kW, 380 Nm 4.0 litre petrol V6 engine, dual-range transfer case and large wheel articulation ..... more Porsche Boxster S Black Edition 3rd February, 2011 Porsche is continuing its range of special edition sports cars with the release of the new Boxster S Black Edition. There will be 987 units available for global consumption ..... more M Sport package for BMW X1 3rd February, 2011 The X1 M Sport package features exterior and interior enhancements combined with upgraded suspension and chassis components which emphasise the driving characteristics of this compact SUV ..... more Home on the Ranger 3rd February, 2011 The engineers behind the all-new Ford Ranger have been thinking out of the box. Not only can the Ranger swallow any number of things in its cargo box, the Double Cab model has 23 stowage spaces in its cabin – more than many rivals – which can store a wide number and variety of objects ..... more McLaren MP4-12C production commences 3rd February, 2011 The first McLaren MP4-12C high-performance sports car has begun production at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, England. McLaren Automotive plans to build up to 1,000 12Cs in 2011 ..... more Australia's first public "Fast Charge Unit" for EVs 3rd February, 2011 The fast charging unit has been installed in front of the company’s Adelaide, South Australia head office and is designed to offer the convenience of a fast charge facility to drivers of MMAL’s ground breaking Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric vehicle ..... more Land Rover Defender Limited Edition 3rd February, 2011 On-sale in Australia from March 2011 priced from $51,190* (MLP*), the Defender Limited Edition offers raw and edgy style, with the class-leading all-terrain capability you would expect of this motoring icon ..... more Out the door: 900,000 MX-5s 4th February, 2011 Total production of the Mazda MX-5 sports car has today reached 900,000 units ..... more BMW 1-Series M Coupe here in June 4th February, 2011 The BMW 1 Series M Coupé features an in-line 6 cylinder engine boasting two exhaust turbo chargers of identical size. Based on BMW’s multi award-winning three-litre engine, this BMW M power plant sees an increase in engine output to 250 kW. There is 450 Nm of torque available from 1,500 rpm ..... more 2.7 litre V6 diesel for Ford Territory 4th February, 2011 Thousands of Ford's 2.7 litre V6 diesel will be supplied to Ford Australia for the upcoming Ford Territory which is due this year (see sketch) ..... more Volkswagen Touareg R-Line 6th February, 2011 The R-Line “Exterior” equipment pack will now round out the options offered on the Touareg in the European market ..... more Ferrari's snow job 6th February, 2011 Ferrari, with no experience in four-wheel driving, are keen to show they have least put their new all-wheel drive car on snow. Their new FF has been tested in Finland as indicated in the accompying images ..... more Volkswagen Tiguan for 2011 6th February, 2011 The 2011 Tiguan’s world debut will be at the Geneva Motor Show next month ..... more Toyota at Geneva Motor Show 7th February, 2011 Toyota will unveil the next major advances in its hybrid power technology strategy for sustainable future transport at the Geneva Motor Show 3rd-13th March 2011 ..... more 2011 Suzuki Swift released 7th February, 2011 Almost every element of the car has been redesigned, with similar but evolutionary new looks, an upgraded handling package, a new fuel efficient engine and class-leading safety. Named by Next Car's as a car that rang our 2010 "Jingle Bells" the previous Suzuki Swift has been a winner of 63 car of the year awards in 19 countries ..... more 2012 SsangYong Actyon Sports 8th February, 2011 SsangYong will show a stylish new concept of its Actyon Sports at Switzerland's Geneva Motor Show, 3rd-13th March 2011 ..... more Mazda MX-5 Special Edition 8th February, 2011 With just 200 MX-5 Special Editions being brought into the country and the upgrades being added at no additional cost ..... more 2011 Ford Territory unveiled 8th February, 2011 The Australian-designed-and-developed Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) has undergone an extensive visual update inside and out. The new Ford Territory wears a stylish 'suit' cut from Ford's kinetic design language and its bold new look makes it instantly recognisable as a member of Ford's comprehensive model range ..... more Suzuki Kizashi upgrade for 2011 9th February, 2011 Suzuki's General Manager Tony Devers yesterday announced the Kizashi would now come standard with a driver knee airbag, bringing the total number of standard airbags to seven in all Kizashi models ..... more Mercedes-Benz Vito 10th February, 2011 Mercedes-Benz has undertaken a comprehensive revamp of the Vito van, which is now more economical and kinder to the environment, yet more practical and more dynamic. New engines and new transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent while enhancing performance ..... more Nissan Esflow Concept - an electric sports car 10th February, 2011 It may be a concept, but the Nissan Esflow electric sports car proves it’s possible to remain environmentally sympathetic without having to give up the joy of driving ..... more Audi A8 arrives 11th February, 2011 Joining the existing 4.2 FSI petrol V8 will be a 184 kW six-cylinder 3.0 TDI and a 258 kW V8 4.2 TDI. The addition of these two diesel engines elevates Audi’s aluminium-bodied technology leader to new heights of fuel efficiency and diesel-powered performance ..... more Suzuki Swift S Concept 11th February, 2011 Based on the all-new Swift which went on sale in Australia this week, the Swift S Concept conveys a more sporty design theme than the 'regular' production version ..... more Kia Rio: the next generation 11th February, 2011 The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness ..... more Lamborghini Murcielago replacement 11th February, 2011 The cell of the future Lamborghini flagship super sports car is made entirely from carbon fibre and has been designed as a monocoque structure. The load-bearing structure of the vehicle is engineered as a 'single shell' that functions physically as one component ..... more Abarth 500 due next month 13th February, 2011 Although it was due to arrive in Australia last year, the Australian importer of Fiat has now confirmed that the hotted-up version of Fiat’s 'bambino', the Fiat 500, will arrive in the middle of March and that the Abarth 500 will be the extra 'hot' Esseesse version as standard ..... more Renault Captur Concept 13th February, 2011 Just like its predecessor, Renault Captur defines the simple and warm style that will be progressively extended to future Renault car designs ..... more SsangYong Korando arriving 14th February, 2011 Following some delays, Ssangyong is in the course of launching its first all-new model in more than three years with the arrival of the Korando, an SUV that is set to 'reboot' the Ssangyong brand ..... more Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe 14th February, 2011 The expressive C-Class Coupé sees Mercedes-Benz, now in its 125th year of corporate history, entering the prestige compact coupe market segment with a new classic coupé. This youthful, sporty two-door car will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in early March ..... more Hyundai's new V8 15th February, 2011 Five litres, eight cylinders, 320 kW: it could be the latest high performance powerplant from a German prestige car manufacturer. But it’s not. It’s actually the latest technological showcase from the world’s fastest growing volume brand – Hyundai ..... more Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari 15th February, 2011 The new Abarth 695 "Tributo Ferrari" is distinguished by a number of stylistic changes, but more importantly by substantial modifications developed by Abarth and Ferrari engineers. The engine, for a start, is a Fiat 1.4 Turbo T-Jet 16v, tuned to develop more than 180 HP ..... more Infiniti Etherea Concept 16th February, 2011 With Nissan's Infiniti brand expanding their global presence and with an expanding product line-up, it is only a matter of time before Infiniti returns to the Australian market ..... more Holden Captiva Series 2 for March release 16th February, 2011 The seven-seat Captiva 7 range now offers three new powertrain options including a price-leading 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol variant, a 2.2 litre turbo diesel and the Commodore-proven performance benefits of Holden’s advanced, Australian-built 3.0-litre (SIDI) V6 ..... more Mazda 3 for 2012 18th February, 2011 Making its debut later today, at Canada's Toronto Motor Show, is the 2012 Mazda 3, which, in addition to receiving a facelift, will also offer the option of Mazda’s new SKYACTIV-G petrol engine and SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission when it is launched in Canada later this year ..... more Holden to fire-up LPG option 18th February, 2011 Later this year, Holden will launch a new powertrain that will provide Commodore with enhanced LPG technology, including LPG-optimised engine performance resulting in better performance and economy ..... more Long wheelbase for new Mercedes-Benz R-Class variant 18th February, 2011 The new R-Class range is about to gain a more powerful long wheelbase model to supplement the short wheelbase R 300 CDI. Available from March 2011, the Mercedes-Benz R 350 CDI long wheelbase (LWB) adds additional space for more gear and leg room for third row passengers ..... more Porsche Panamera S Hybrid 18th February, 2011 The range in purely electric mode is approximately two kilometres ..... more Saab 9-4X production begins 20th February, 2011 Production of the Saab 9-4X cross-over begun at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico on 14th February, 2011. Saab Automobile President & CEO Jan Åke Jonsson was on hand to see production begin just three months after the 9-4X was unveiled at the 2010 Los Angeles Motor Show last November ..... more Hyundai i40 for Australia 21st February, 2011 Hyundai Motor Company Australia has indicated that the all-new i40 is under consideration for an Australian release ..... more Volkswagen Amarok here next week 21st February, 2011 With the new Amarok, Volkswagen is presenting a new-comer for their Australian line-up. The Argentine-manufactured Volkswagen Amarok will go into a showroom battle with Next Car favourites, the Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota Hi-Lux along with other strong competitors, such as the Nissan Navara, Holden Colorado, Ford Ranger and Mahindra Pik-Up ..... more Maserati GranCabrio Sport 22nd February, 2011 Meant to give the GranCabrio a harder-edged model to sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, the GranCabrio Sport uses a more powerful and fuel-efficient version of Maserati’s, all-alloy 4.7 litre V8 ..... more Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid: more details 22nd February, 2011 The Plug-in Hybrid, which will be launched on the market in 2012, is the result of close cooperation between Volvo Cars and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall ..... more Alfa Romeo 159 1750 wagon 22nd February, 2011 The all-new Alfa Romeo 1750 TBi engine is now available in the 159 Sportwagon to special order, complimenting the 2.4 litre JTB Turbo Diesel and 3.2 V6 JTS engines which are now available as standard with automatic gearboxes ..... more Audi A3 Concept 23rd February, 2011 Audi will present an attractive technological concept car based on the next generation of the Audi A3 at the 81st Geneva Motor Show in early March 2011 ..... more Lexus CT 200h arrives in March 23rd February, 2011 The all-new Lexus CT 200h hybrid hatch will bring new levels of technology, equipment and customer service to the compact luxury segment when it launches locally late next month ..... more Mercedes-Benz S-Class for 2011 released 23rd February, 2011 With the new engines for the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz once again raises the standard for efficiency and exclusivity in the luxury saloon segment. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes with highly efficient engines with direct petrol injection whose output has been increased by as much as 12.5 per cent and petrol consumption has been reduced by as much as 24 per cent ..... more Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 24th February, 2011 In its presentation of the new Golf Cabriolet at the 81st Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen is writing a new chapter of its history of convertibles. The four-seater has an innovative soft top with an electro-hydraulic drive that opens the Golf’s top in just 9.5 seconds ..... more Chery, cheap Chinese cars, now arriving 24th February, 2011 The lack of six airbags reinforces the long held popular view that Chinese vehicle manufacturers just don't get it when it comes to occupant safety ..... more AC returns 24th February, 2011 The AC MkVI is a high performance muscle car in the worthy tradition of the Cobra line which couples the power of a classic American V8 engine (in this case the 430 bhp unit used in the Corvette) with outstanding German build quality ..... more Winnebago Eyre motor home 24th February, 2011 Built on the AL-KO chassis variant of the Fiat Ducato, the Winnebago Eyre is able to combine an unusually low overall height – just 2.75 metres – with a spacious, flexible interior that includes such notable features as an island double bed, a spacious kitchen, seating for four people and provide separate shower and toilet facilities ..... more Jaguar XKR-S 25th February, 2011 This new model will significantly broaden the appeal of the XK range, offering enthusiastic drivers a compelling, fresh choice in the luxury GT class. With an uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension and a new aerodynamically-driven design, the XKR-S is the ultimate expression of Jaguar's long held duality of purpose ..... more Mini Rocketman Concept 25th February, 2011 The study car harks back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions, while its technology points to the future of automotive design. A 3+1-seater with 3 doors and a length of just over 3 metres (approx. 10 feet), the Mini Rocketman Concept responds to the fundamental requirements of mobile lifestyles in the big cities of the future by pooling the brand’s core values in concentrated form ..... more One million new Ford Fiestas in Europe 25th February, 2011 Popular for decades, the Ford Fiesta has reached another 'milestone' in its long 'career'. The landmark was achieved just 28 months after Ford's small car – the brand's top-selling car in Europe – went on sale in dealerships across Europe ..... more Morgan 3 Wheeler 25th February, 2011 The iconic design of the Morgan Three Wheeler has been updated with 21st Century technology. The powertrain is a V Twin fuel injected engine matched to a Mazda 5 speed gearbox. This provides smooth “get in and drive” convenience with the thrill of extreme performance ..... more Smart Forspeed Concept 27th February, 2011 No roof, minimal windows and a responsive and zero-emission electric drive at the rear: the Smart Forspeed concept combines responsibility and emotional appeal in a new and pleasurable way ..... more Abarth 500C 27th February, 2011 The Geneva Motor Show presents the occasion to make an advance announcement of the commercial launch, expected during the second quarter of 2011, of the manual five-speed gearbox on the Abarth 500C, combined with the 135 HP 1.4 T-Jet engine ..... more Five stars for Mitsubishi ASX from Euro-NCAP 27th February, 2011 The Mitsubishi ASX was highly rated in all the criteria of adult occupant protection (front, side, and rear impacts), child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and safety assist ..... more Aston Martin Virage 28th February, 2011 Aston Martin introduces the new Virage - supremely elegant and powerful, yet juxtaposed as an understated sports car. The marque can now provide customers with a class-leading range, all with different 'characters', yet with the same unique Aston Martin soul and luxury ..... more Holden Cruze Series II arriving soon 28th February, 2011 Two new "sports" models, Cruze SRi and range topping Cruze SRi-V, join the line-up alongside the popular Cruze CD and the high-feature Cruze CDX. When the hatchback version arrives, it will be available in the same four model designations ..... more Top of page Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more March 2011 News ..... here January 2011 News ..... here December 2010 News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2011   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.