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Sep 1, 2010 No. 547

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Australia’s No.1 Automotive Industry Journal 70,000 Readers Weekly

Shine on Shinari

Mazda has revealed its new ‘Kodo’ design direction in the shape of a stunning new concept. So let the light...

BY MARTON PETTENDY IN ITALYHERE is the radical new design language

that will shape the appearance of all new

models to come from Mazda.

The stunning new styling direction,

dubbed ‘Kodo – Soul of Motion’, was

revealed this week at a lavish global design

forum in Milan by Mazda’s new chief of

design, Ikuo Maeda.

Seen for the fi rst time on a striking new

four-door sportscar concept named Shinari,

Kodo is likely to make its production debut

on the next-generation Mazda6 due to

emerge in 2012.

The adventurous new design theme, which

combines speed, tension and desirability

in an attempt to take the upstart Japanese

brand further upmarket than ever before,

will replace the Nagare design language

introduced by former Mazda styling chief

Laurens van den Acker, who now heads

design at Renault.

Kodo emerges little more than a year after

Mr Maeda, a Mazda design veteran who

penned the RX-8 and current Mazda2, took

the design reins at Mazda in April 2009.

It spells the end for – and builds on the

themes introduced by – Nagare, despite

the fact Mazda’s previous design language

was seen on seven concept vehicles but just

one production car: the Mazda5. The new

people-mover will make its world debut at

the Paris motor show on September, but will

not be sold in Australia.

Surprisingly, although the Shinari sports

coupe, which is actually a hatchback, will

be rolled out at future motor shows, it will

not be seen at this year’s Paris extravaganza,

which will have an environmental focus

and will also be used by Mazda to debut

upgraded Mazda2 and Mazda3 models.

“I have a strong will to take Mazda to

the next level,” said Mr Maeda, the son

of former Mazda chief designer and the

man behind the original RX-7 of 1978,

Matasaburo Maeda, in Milan.

“I am a proper designer. I have been at Mazda

for almost 30 years. It is good timing for me.

“We have to embody function and style

at the same time. We aim to put a premium

value onto our products. Mazda design has

always explored a variety of athletic forms.

I aim to create form with soul … to translate

the soul of motion into car design.”

The imposing C/D-segment sized

Shinari’s exterior, which measures almost

1.9 metres wide, was created by talented

36-year-old Korean Yong Wook Cho, a

former Hyundai-Kia designer who also

penned the original Mazda2 and facelifted

RX-8, at Mazda’s main production design

studio in Hiroshima, Japan.Continued next page

VE SERIES II

INSIDE: HOLDEN UNCOVERS NEW LINE-UP - AND AXES STATESMAN

Sep 1, 2010 Page 2

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Choose the leader in

New Generation Dealer Management Systems

sales@auto-it.com.au +61 3 9349 3062

Shine on ShinariBy MARTON PETTENDY in GERMANY

MAZDA will renew virtually its entire

model line-up by 2014, when a revolutionary

new Mazda3 small car is expected to help

generate 100,000 Australian sales for the

fi rst time in a calendar year.

The ambitious new sales target was

revealed to dealers more than a month ago

and represents a 20,000-unit increase on

this year’s forecast of 80,000 sales, which

Mazda Australia should easily achieve to

set its highest ever annual sales fi gure.

In a million-vehicle market, that would

equate to a share of 10 per cent – well up on

the 8.2 per cent Mazda currently enjoys.It

could cement Mazda ahead of Ford, which

has long been Australia’s third best selling

automotive brand behind Toyota and Holden

with a current market share of 9.2 per cent.

The Japanese brand’s Australian market

share continues to be second only to Israel,

where an independent distributor also owns

the majority of dealerships in that nation,

but managing director Doug Dickson

stresses that Mazda Australia does not set

targets for market share rank.

“It might sound trite, but we don’t

really concern ourselves with what they’re

doing,” he said, adding that Mazda only sets

volume and share targets for overall sales

and the segments in which it competes.

While new products will be key to

Mazda’s forecast sales growth over the

next four years, Mr Dickson said he also

expected the Australian market to increase

by 1.5 per cent overall each year, and for the

vehicle segments in which Mazda competes

to lift by a total of three per cent.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mazda Australia intent on cracking 100K sales mark

Continued from previous page“I hope the people that meet this car have a

feeling of great vitality,” he said, adding that

Mr Maeda’s only design criterion was that

the car must have four doors. “Shinari is a car

which has hot blood under its cool skin.”

The Shinari was chosen by Mr Maeda to

best represent Mazda’s future styling direction

from a range of proposals created at all four

of the car-maker’s global design studios, also

including Irvine in California, Frankfurt in

Germany and Yokohama in Japan.

A low-slung cab-rearward concept

with four individual seats, a super-narrow

glasshouse and huge 21-inch wheels, the

front-wheel drive Shinari is believed to be

powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that

does in fact make it driveable.

However, evocative images of it carving

up Japanese traffi c in a promotional video

were actually computer-generated.

Stand-out Shinari design elements –

including side air-vent inner fi ns that resemble

a stainless steel paper knife, complex front

wheel-arch creases and a ‘signature wing’

that underlines the prominent fi ve-point

grille and extends around the entire front

end to the front doors – will be applied to all

new models from Mazda.

While that will not include next year’s

facelifted Mazda3, which will be the fi rst

model to be powered by Mazda’s revolutionary

new 2.0-litre Sky G petrol engine, the new

look should appear within three years on the

next-generation Mazda6, which will debut

the brand’s equally ground-breaking 2.2-litre

twin-turbo Sky D diesel engine.

GoAuto understands the life of the current

Mazda2 may be extended because its release

was delayed in Mazda’s largest market, North

America. The Two was scheduled to be the

next all-new passenger car from Mazda, but

should now follow the next Mazda6.

The all-new third-generation Mazda3

– based on a shorter version of the next

Mazda6’s lightweight new platform – will

debut in 2014. An all-new sub-compact

model to be dubbed CX-5, plus replacements

for the current CX-7 and CX-9 SUVs – and,

possibly, the RX-8 sportscar – should also

wear the new Kodo design by 2015.

Sky’s the limit – next pageSUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton PettendyJOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford Philip Lord, David HassallPRODUCTION: Luc Britten, Haitham RazaguiSUB-EDITOR: Ron HammertonProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@mellor.net

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

CX-7

Sep 1, 2010 Page 3

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MARK HENDERSONManaging Director

For more information please contactmarkh@motorsolutions.com.auTo email now < click here >

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Sky’s the limit

GoAuto drives Mazda’s revolutionary Sky engines in the next-gen 2013 Mazda6MARTON PETTENDY in GERMANY

IT IS not often a car-maker lets journalists

loose in – and requests feedback on –

prototype vehicles underpinned by chassis

and engine technologies that remain years

away from production, but that is precisely

what Mazda did during a global ‘technology

forum’ in Berlin last week.

GoAuto was one of just 40 media

outlets in the world invited to test

its future model technologies –

including revolutionary new Sky G

petrol and Sky D diesel engines, a

revolutionary new sixth-generation

chassis and the upcoming Sky Drive

automatic transmission – in four pre-

production mules offi cially known as

‘technology prove-out vehicles’, or TPVs.

The fi rst Sky technologies will not make

their way into Australian showrooms for

at least 12 months – in the form of a 2.0-

litre Sky G petrol engine and six-speed

Sky Drive auto in selected versions of next

year’s facelifted Mazda3 small car – and the

fi rst Mazda model to combine the all-new

lightweight chassis with Sky powertrain

technology is unlikely to emerge in Australia

before 2013, in the shape of the redesigned

Mazda6.

Along with the unprecedented chance to

test the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel

drive chassis technologies that will underpin

the next generation of Mazda models fi rst

hand in real-world European conditions,

Mazda revealed a range of outstanding

performance and effi ciency statistics

for its Sky engines.

Despite the fact the brand-new

chassis – which will underpin the next-

generation Mazda6, the all-new Mazda3

due in 2014 and a range of SUVs including

the all-new sub-compact CX-5, redesigned

CX-7 and, perhaps, a new CX-9 medium

SUV – will not be fully developed for up

to 18 months, it is clear Mazda’s focus on

lightweight chassis development has paid

handsome dividends.

Equally, despite being a year away from

production and with its new automatic

transmission requiring a signifi cant amount

of calibration work, Mazda’s new Sky

engines appear to be well on target to

achieve big gains in both performance and

refi nement – while meeting formidable

new effi ciency targets that should realise

Mazda’s commitment to reduce the average

fuel consumption of its new model fl eet by

30 per cent between 2008 and 2015.

Mazda’s plan to deliver ambitious fuel

consumption and CO2 emissions reductions

by developing conventional internal

combustion engine technology to previously

unseen levels and achieving outstanding

weight reductions for all of its future models

has been well documented.

But even more impressive than we

expected are the fi rst fruits of its ‘building

block’ strategy, which is designed to

deliver maximum effi ciency gains for the

widest possible range of customers without

(at least initially) the use of expensive fuel-

saving electrical devices like brake energy

regeneration and petrol-electric hybrid

drive systems.Continued next page

Sky D

Sep 1, 2010 Page 4

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

MORE THAN JUST OIL

With decades of experience, we at Castrol have a genuine understanding of the challenges and opportunities a dealership faces. With the market dynamics changing rapidly, it’s never been more important to work together for long term success.

Innovation, Analysis and Technology are our assets that are taking us ‘beyond’ a lubricant supplier, to that of a true business partner. In doing so we have broadened our thinking to maximise your opportunities across 3 areas that are of value to your business:

• PROFIT FROM LUBRICANTS• INCREASE PARTS & LABOUR SALES• CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

BECAUSE WE’VE ALWAYSBEEN MORE THAN JUST OIL.

By MARTON PETTENDY in GERMANYSELECTED versions of next year’s

facelifted Mazda3 should be the fi rst

vehicles to go on sale in Australia with the

Japanese car-maker’s groundbreaking new

Sky engine technology.

The debut here is expected to be in direct-

injection Sky G petrol form, coupled with

the company’s new ‘Sky Drive’ six-speed

automatic transmission.

Mazda’s next all-new model to appear

will be a redesigned version of the one-

tonne utility currently known as the BT-50,

which enters production in Thailand in

mid-2011 before going on sale here later

next year.

The one-tonner is expected to make its

global debut at this year’s Sydney motor

show on October 15 alongside the next-

generation Australian-designed Ford

Ranger on which it is based.

It is unclear when the BT-50 replacement

will be available with either the Sky G

petrol or Sky D diesel engines, but the fi rst

Mazda model to combine the car-maker’s

all-new sixth-generation chassis with Sky

powertrains will be the next Mazda6, due

here in 2013.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mazda3 fi rst in line for Sky power here

2011 Mazda3

Continued from previous pageGoAuto sampled both the upcoming 2.2-

litre Sky D turbo-diesel engine and the 2.0-

litre Sky G petrol engine – each equipped

with new six-speed manual and automatic

transmissions – in Mazda’s new sixth-

generation chassis.

Mazda did not offi cially specify which

model the Mk6 platform would fi rst

appear beneath, but provided a number

of comparative fi gures that made it clear

what we were driving was, in fact, the next-

generation Mazda6 that is not due to appear

for at least two years.

Cobbled up beneath the bodywork and

interior of the current Mazda6 and wearing

a number of riveted panel sections to

disguise the fact it is shoehorned within

more compact exterior body dimensions, the

all-new platform comprises a 50mm-longer

wheelbase combined with 18mm and

25mm wider front and rear wheel tracks

respectively.

Unlike today, the larger Mazda6

platform will serve both the US and other

global markets.

Driven over a range of German roads –

including everything from stop-start traffi c

to unrestricted autobahns – both engines

were considerably quieter and more refi ned

than the ones they replace.

In particular, the beefy new twin-turbo

diesel, which delivers similar peak power

of 136kW but considerably more torque at

420Nm, emits a characteristic diesel clatter

only during idle when cold, spins more

smoothly and freely to a higher 5200rpm

redline and feels a great deal stronger, both

from idle and between 2000 and 4000rpm,

with maximum torque produced at just

2000rpm.

On the road, that makes the Mazda6 diesel

more fl exible and European-like, and at one

stage we were able to accelerate cleanly

and briskly from less than 60km/h to well

beyond 200km/h in sixth gear (manual).

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 18, 19

Sky’s the limit

AIMING SKY HIGH SKY ENGINE, GEARBOX TECH NEXT-GEN C/D PLATFORM

Sep 1, 2010 Page 5

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Your future is none of our business…but it can be.

Historic nameplate axed as WM Series II Caprice becomes LWB lynchpin

Elder Statesman retiresElder Statesman retires

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISHOLDEN will discontinue its oldest

nameplate – the Statesman – with the

introduction of the WM Series II facelift

this month.

The dropping of the Statesman badge

will also see the VE long-wheelbase sedan’s

range halved to just two models.

Taking a downmarket dive will be the

WM Series II Caprice V6, replacing the

outgoing Statesman V6 as the base model.

Coming in at $61,990, it will actually cost

$2000 less than the cheapest Statesman in

the outgoing range, and a sizeable $9500

under the existing Caprice V6.

Furthermore, Holden has slashed $5500

from the price of the Caprice V8 fl agship,

which is now $69,990 – or $2000 more than

the outgoing Statesman V8.

The V8 will also be taking a leaf from the

VE Calais by adopting the V-Series “sports

luxury” branding.

According to Holden’s sales, marketing

and aftersales executive director, John

Elsworth, the change “refl ects detailed

customer feedback” and makes for a

simplifi ed walk-up process for existing

Calais owners.

“Market research consistently told us

that the Caprice nameplate, with its defi nite

sports luxury character, appealed to a far

broader customer base,” he said.

“We believe that presenting a choice of

two models which share the same strong

brand appeal but differ in specifi cation will

now make the step up to Caprice from its

short-wheelbase siblings, such as the Calais

V, a more natural move for many buyers.”

Holden has not yet released full WM Series

II specifi cation and technical details (that

comes at the September 10 media launch),

other than the Caprice V6’s 3.6-litre direct-

injection SIDI V6 will offer 210kW of power

and economy of 9.9 litres per 100km – a four

per cent saving over its MY10 equivalent.

Meanwhile, the Caprice V8 V-Series will

employ a 260kW version of the Chevrolet-

sourced 6.0-litre Gen-IV V8 with AFM

(Active Fuel Management) cylinder-

deactivation technology.

However, that is 10kW less than the

existing V8 engines, which may be related to

a two per cent reduction in fuel consumption

(12.3L/100km). Being E85 bio-ethanol

ready, there is also a CO2 reduction.

As before, a six-speed automatic gearbox

with ‘Active Select’ facility is the only

transmission choice on offer.

Exterior changes are slight, limited to

minor alterations to the front and rear

sections, different trim, and three new

colours – Alto Grey, Mirage Glow (beige)

and Sizzle (bright metallic red) – for a total

of seven choices.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREHolden fl exes VE muscle – next pageWM Statesman

Caprice V

Sep 1, 2010 Page 6

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DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENT DEALERSHIP MANAGEMENT

E85 fl ex-fuel V6 and V8 underpin Holden’s better VE Series II Commodore

Holden fl exes VE muscleHolden fl exes VE muscle

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISGM HOLDEN has revealed the fi rst details

of its VE Series II facelift, almost two

weeks ahead of its offi cial national launch

on September 10.

But the 2011 model year Commodore

family’s full specifi cation, technical and

pricing details will have to wait until then.

Visually, the makeover is minor, bringing

a new squarer front fascia incorporating

revised headlight shapes, more prominent

grille and bumper treatments, an ‘aero lip’

detail on the sedan’s bootlid, redesigned

alloys on some models, and four additional

colours (a bright red, mid-tone grey, beige

and bright yellow).

Inside, there are three distinct ‘centre

stacks’, mouldings, decorations and

illumination colours depending on base,

sports and luxury grades, a more ‘pilot-

orientated’ driving position, fresh features and

options, a restyled heating, ventilation and

air-conditioning (HVAC) control centre, and

an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship.

Of arguably more importance is fl ex-fuel

capability for models fi tted with the 3.0-litre

SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) V6

and 6.0-litre Gen IV V8 in an effort to cut

carbon dioxide emissions.

Calling it a “major step forward”, Holden

says both engines can run on any petrol

from 100 per cent pure unleaded, up to 85

per cent bio-ethanol (E85) for a sizeable

increase in performance and up to a 40 per

cent reduction in CO2 pollution compared

to a regular 3.0 or 6.0-litre powerplant.

Aiding the fl ex-fuel cause are 31 Caltex

service stations that now offer “Bio E-Flex

fuel” (as it is branded by the petroleum

company) in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra,

Melbourne and Sydney. This will increase

to 100 sites from next year.

However, while this makes the VE Series

II the fi rst Australian-made car to offer this

technology, the volume-selling 3.6-litre SIDI

V6 will not be fl ex-fuel capable until 2012.

Even without ethanol, a raft of other

improvements has lowered the sedan’s

consumption while raising the V6 models

in the federal government’s Green Vehicle

Guide to a four-star rating.

Also contributing to the lower consumption

fi gures are improved aerodynamics,

including better underfl oor air fl ow panels

(except on base Omega), reduced trim height

on Omega and Berlina, airfoils fi tted to the

front of the Omega, Berlina and Calais sedan

rear wheel housings, the redesigned bootlid,

and a more aero-friendly front undertray.

Mechanically, the inclusion of a clutched

air-conditioning compressor which does not

pump when it is switched off, and a slightly

lower engine idle speed on the 3.6-litre SIDI

V6, help reduce fuel consumption.Continued next page

SS V

SS V

Sep 1, 2010 Page 7

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

A D

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43-47 O’Riordan Street, Alexandria, NSW. Tel: 02 9697 7777. www.mbsydney.com.au

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With an established client base and a professional leadership team, Mercedes-Benz Sydney offers one of the country’s largest ranges of Pre-Owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles in a state-of-the-art facility. This position will suit an energetic and motivating manager who wishes to establish their professional career within a positive and progressive work environment.

Having gained valuable experience in a similar role with a franchised dealer, you are now seeking a challenging and rewarding opportunity with a market leader. Responsible for the success of the Pre-Owned division, you are passionate about achieving results and leading a team of recognised sales professionals. You consistently achieve aggressive monthly targets in volume, profi t and customer satisfaction whilst maintaining strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

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Holden fl exes VE muscleHolden fl exes VE muscleContinued from previous page

As a consequence of all these measures,

the 3.0-litre SIDI V6’s combined fuel

consumption average is now down by two

per cent to 9.1L/100km (formerly 9.3), the

3.6 SIDI V6 owner will now benefi t from

a three per cent economy gain (down to

approximately 9.6L/100km from 9.9) and

the 6.0 V8’s thirst drops six per cent (from

13.9L/100km to about 13.1).

However, there are no economy

improvements for dual-fuel (petrol/LPG)

models.

The Omega ute fi nally ditches the old

180kW/330Nm 3.6-litre Alloytec V6/four-

speed automatic gearbox combination for

the much more advanced 3.0 SIDI V6/six-

speed auto pairing that the remainder of the

VE range equivalents received in September

2009, resulting in a 12 per cent improvement

in petrol consumption.

Another development in line with the

times is the adoption of the Holden-iQ

infotainment system – a standard fi tment

touch-screen device that forms part of a

redesigned dashboard.

Among its features are the ability to store

CDs on an internal fl ash drive (not standard

on Omega), along with full Bluetooth, USB

and iPod/MP3 integration.

On higher-end models it will also

support a new advanced high-clarity

full-colour mapping sat-nav system with

real-time traffi c condition info and voice

control.

A reversing camera is also present on all

models with the exception of the ute.

Breaking down the models, the Omega

gains a 6.5-inch centre screen and 16-inch

alloy wheels on top of the features already

mentioned.

As with previous models, the mid-level

Berlina adds a chrome crossbar, its own

foglight surrounds, 17-inch alloys and

different interior trim.

The Calais scores a heavy chrome bonnet

base, a smattering of greater ‘brightwork’

throughout the body and 18-inch alloys – an

inch under the Calais V-Series’ wheels.

Sportier models get a “more muscular

look”, according to Holden, with deeply

bolstered seats on both the SV6 and SS,

circular air vents, a ‘sports’ instrumentation

pack and racier cabin detailing. The SS

V-Series also gets the Calais headlight

treatment and its own 19-inch wheel design.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – next page

SS V (left) and Calais V

Sep 1, 2010 Page 8

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Audit | Tax | Advisory Member Crowe Horwath International

Motor Industry ServicesIndustry specifi c dealership solutions

(07) 3233 3555mis@whkhorwath.com.au

Chevy to show Aussie Cruze hatch as Holden takes global design stage

Cruze hatch for ParisCruze hatch for Paris

By TERRY MARTIN GM HOLDEN’S massive infl uence over the

new generation of global small cars for General

Motors will be demonstrated at the Paris motor

on September 30 with the world premiere of

the Cruze hatchback, Aveo compact car and

Orlando people-mover – all of which Holden’s

Melbourne design studio has had a signifi cant,

if not the leading, role in creating.

In the US and Europe last week, General

Motors issued photographs of the production

version of the Chevrolet Orlando

seven-seat compact people-mover,

which will be unveiled in Paris exactly

two years after the vehicle over which

Australia had a major design infl uence was

fi rst presented as a concept at the Mondial

de l’Automobile.

GM also revealed that the Orlando will be

one of four world premieres to be presented

in the French capital, and went on to

confi rm that in 2011 Chevrolet will launch

the Australian-designed Cruze hatchback

– which will be built here and sold as a

Holden for our market – along with the

Orlando, Aveo and an updated Captiva SUV

complete with four new engines.

Holden would only say last week that

it was too early to confi rm the presence

of the Cruze fi ve-door at the Paris show,

preferring to leave offi cial announcements

to Chevrolet.

However, overseas reports have said a

Cruze hatchback will be a certain starter at

the event and Holden director of external

communications Emily Perry has also told

GoAuto: “There will be some exciting news

coming out of the Paris motor show and the

Chevy reveals for the Australian market.”

The Orlando and the Cruze are built off

the same Delta II platform, with the

Cruze fi ve-door entering production

in Australia in the second half of next

year as the local production source of

the Cruze sedan also switches – in the fi rst

quarter – from South Korea to Adelaide.

Led by design director Tony Stolfo, the

Holden design team was heavily involved

in creating the Chevrolet Aveo RS show car

unveiled in Detroit earlier this year, and is

now playing a major role in reshaping much

of the Chevrolet portfolio.

The Aveo is a certain starter for Australia,

rebadged as a Barina and sold alongside

another new small car from the Asia Pacifi c

region, the sub-compact Chevrolet Spark –

or Barina Spark, as it will be known here.

As GoAuto has reported, Holden’s

Chevrolet design infl uence could extend

as far as the all-American Corvette, having

been recently asked to submit a design that,

if adopted, would see the seventh-generation

super-coupe styled by a studio outside the

US for the fi rst time in its 56-year history.

The Australian division has also been

responsible for the Holden Statesman-based

Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicles

now available for order in the US.

No longer considered solely a large-

car centre of excellence, Holden has been

increasingly involved in global small cars

and advanced design concepts, such as the

recent Volt-based Chevrolet MPV5 – another

vehicle built off the Delta II architecture –

and the futuristic EN-V concepts.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Orlando

HOLDEN BACK IN BRAZILGM HOLDEN is back in the Brazilian

way with the resumption of Commodore

exports to the big South American market.

For now, only 600 VE Series II-based

Chevrolet Omega vehicles will head to

Brazil, in time for sales to commence in

November.

It is a two-way affair because Holden’s

engineers at Fishermans Bend have

received much-needed fl ex-fuel expertise

and know-how from GM’s Chevrolet

affi liate in Brazil, where about 45 per cent

of fuel is ethanol.

Only one engine will be offered initially – a

variation of the 3.6-litre SIDI (Spark Ignition

Direct Injection) V6 – with the capability to

run up to 25 per cent ethanol (E25).

Other details will be provided closer to the

Omega’s media launch in Brazil in October.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Cruze hatch

Omega

Sep 1, 2010 Page 9

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people on the move

www.careerdriven.com.au Suite J, Level 2, Building C, 13 Joynton Avenue Zetland 2017 T: 02 9699 3144 E: info@careerdriven.com.au

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Our client is a large multi-franchised, multi-site dealership group.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, this role presents an exciting

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Specific responsibilities include; regular and month end reporting,

balance sheet reconciliations, budgeting, compliance, process

development, factory liaison, co-ordination of weekly payroll and more.

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Minimum 3 years accounting experience • Relevant accounting qualifications• Strong computer skills• Good organisational skills with a meticulous

attention to detail• A friendly, proactive and professional nature• Current driver’s licence• Exposure to the automotive industry would

be highly regarded

Dealership Accountant

For more information on this position, please call Terryn Gaudry on (02) 9699 3144 or email tgaudry@careerdriven.com.au

Citroen unveils premium hatch as Aussie importer revels in EGS expansion

By RON HAMMERTONCITROEN’S decision to offer a self-

shifting gearbox with all engines on its

all-new premium small car, the DS4, is set

to pave the way for Citroen Australia to

import the hot 147kW version of the Audi

A3 competitor when it arrives Down Under

in the third quarter of next year.

First details of the production DS4 were

announced on Monday night by the French

car-maker ahead of the car’s Paris motor

show debut on September 30, just days after

the Australian launch of its smaller light-car

sibling, the DS3.

Built on the new-generation Citroen C4

platform, the four-door, fi ve-seat DS4 is – as

forecast – taller (by 70mm), wider (40mm)

and therefore more spacious than the donor

car that is also destined for Australia next

year, but about the same length.

In Europe, the DS4 will be offered with

a choice of fi ve four-cylinder engines – two

diesels and three petrol.

That line-up will include Citroen’s hot

149kW/240Nm petrol 1.6-litre turbo four-

cylinder engine – co-developed with BMW

for its Mini – that was unveiled in the DS3

Racing at the Geneva motor show in March.

But the news that most pleases Citroen

Australia is that all fi ve engines will be

offered with Citroen’s ‘robotised’ EGS

(electronic gearbox system) – a departure

from previous policy – as well as six-speed

manual gearboxes.

Citroen Australia spokesman Edward

Rowe said the decision meant top-end

petrol engines that would previously be

offered only with a manual gearbox would

now be on the wish-list for Australia,

where many premium car buyers demand

self-shifting alternatives.

He said that while Citroen Australia had

not yet decided its powertrain line-up, it

most likely would include the top two petrol

engines and possibly a diesel.

This means the DS3 would be an all-

turbo line-up in Australia, starting with a

115kW/240Nm 1.6-litre petrol engine –

codenamed THP 115 and shared with the

C4 donor car – before stepping up to the

high-performance THP 200, with 147kW

and 275Nm.

The latter is said to emit 149 grams of

CO2 per kilometre and, like all engines in

the range, is Euro 5-compliant.

The diesel engine choices are an

81kW/270Nm 1.6-litre 110 HDi that made

its debut in the C3, and a range-topping

120kW/340Nm 2.0-litre HDi 160 from the C4.

A more frugal e-HDi variant of the smaller

diesel engine will be available in Europe,

using technologies such as idle-stop and

energy-recovery alternator to trim fuel

consumption by 15 per cent in urban driving.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

DS4 to wow ParisDS4 to wow Paris

Sep 1, 2010 Page 10

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Looking for improvement in your genuine parts sales?

Sharper looks, better economy and more kit headline 2011 IS series

Lexus sharpens ISLexus sharpens IS

Supercharged V6 and auto transmission set to lift Lotus Evora appealBy RON HAMMERTON

LOTUS is set to broaden the appeal of

its fl agship Evora sports coupe, adding a

supercharged version of its Toyota-sourced

3.5-litre V6, as well as a six-speed automatic

transmission option.

Belting out 257kW – about 20 per cent

more power than the standard 206kW

Evora – the supercharged Evora S is set to

make its public debut at the Paris motor

show on September 30.

Lotus Cars Australia has confi rmed

the Evora S and the automatic Evora IPS

(Intelligent Precision Shift) for Australia,

probably arriving in late 2010 or early 2011

to rev up slow Evora sales in this country.

The supercharged V6 is similar to the

Australian-developed supercharged engine

that powered the now defunct Aurion TRD

built by Toyota Australia’s go-fast outfi t.

That version, which used the latest Eaton

supercharger technology, produced 241kW

and 400Nm.

While the torque of the Lotus version

remains the same at 400Nm, power has

been ramped up to 257kW, helping the

lightweight (1437kg) Evora to sprint from

zero to 100km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds

and on to a top speed of 275km/h.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TERRY MARTINLEXUS has issued details of the most

signifi cant upgrade of its IS series since the

second-generation model was launched in

2005, with sharper looks, improved equipment

levels and revised powertrains among the

changes heralded ahead of its debut at the

Paris motor show on September 30.

Lexus Australia has confi rmed that the

MY11 series is on track for release in late-

October this year – just days after its local

debut at the Sydney motor show – and will

coincide with the previously announced

introduction of an IS350 variant with a

powerful 3.5-litre V6 developing 233kW of

power and 378Nm of torque.

The 2.5-litre V6 in the IS250 has been

tweaked, offering the same 153kW and

252Nm but with improved fuel consumption

and CO2 emissions – now at 8.4L/100km

(down 0.7L) and 194g/km (down 20g) for

the sedan – as a result of lowering the fi nal-

drive gear ratio from 3.9 to 3.7:1.

Lexus said the air-fuel ratio control of

the exhaust system has also been optimised

to comply with Euro 5 emission standards,

which has also seen the IS250C coupe-

cabriolet improve its environmental

performance slightly, falling to 9.2L/100km

(down 0.1L) and 213g/km (down 6g).

The IS250’s ‘6 Super ECT’ six-speed

automatic transmission also now features

a ‘Road Condition Response Control’

system, which monitors throttle opening

and vehicle speed on undulating terrain,

preventing unwanted upshifts on inclines

and automatically downshifting on descents

to increase engine braking.

In Europe, Lexus has also announced the

arrival of a 200d 2.0-litre turbo-diesel sedan

variant – a new 110kW/340Nm derivative of

the existing 130kW/400Nm 2.2-litre 220d

model, which continues in the range.

The 200d – which remains off the

agenda for release in Australia, along with

the 220d – also becomes the greenest IS

model, offering 5.1L/100km (compared to

5.5L for the 220d) and 134g/km in CO2

emissions (down 10g from the 2.2) from the

standard six-speed manual version. In other

performance measures, it can accelerate

from 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds, on its way

to a 205km/h top speed.

There are a host of subtle design revisions

to the exterior and cabin of the 2011 IS

series, including a more deeply recessed

front grille with reshaped vertical bars

and revised Lexus L-fi nesse ‘arrowhead’

motif, and revised ‘dark smoke’ coated

headlights, complete with LED daytime

running lamps (on models where Xenon

headlights are fi tted).

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

IS250

Sep 1, 2010 Page 11

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1800 810 103 microcatmarket.ifmsystems.com

Let your trade customers buy genuine parts online using Microcat MARKET™

Visit theInfomedia stand at AADAfor a demo

By TERRY MARTINELECTRIC vehicle infrastructure

provider Better Place has extended its

pilot program involving the world’s fi rst

switchable-battery taxi station in Tokyo

until the end of the year.

Originally scheduled to run for three

months, the program duration has now

been doubled to enable Better Place and its

partners, including the Japanese Ministry

of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

and taxi operator Nihon Kotsu, to “further

evaluate and optimise the design and

integration” of the entire system.

This includes the battery-swap station,

the converted Nissan Dualis EV taxis,

battery performance and charging, and

driver behaviour and consumer acceptance.

The Tokyo taxi pilot program is

considered a vital precursor to Better

Place’s network rollout across the globe,

which includes Israel in the coming

months, Denmark during 2011 and

Australia in 2012.

Operations were suspended during

August for battery and onboard vehicle

data to be analysed, with the program

resuming on September 1.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Tokyo EV battery swap pilot program extended

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISMELBOURNE will host what is claimed to

be the world’s fi rst public awareness expo on

low emissions vehicles early next month.

The Green Zone test drive event will give

consumers the chance to experience current-

generation and near-future LEVs fi rst-hand.

The innovative education program will

be held in the new extended part of Collins

Street at the city’s Docklands development

area for one week from October 2-8.

Organisers hope the Green Zone event

concept will be picked up in other major

centres across the world in the future.

Staged by the RACV and the LEV

Automotive Partnership – with support from

the Victorian Department of Transport, the

Victorian EPA, the Global Fuel Effi ciency

Initiative 50BY50 program and the

Australian Conservation Foundation – it

was devised as an exposure to the growing

world of LEV motoring.

“Increased awareness of climate change

issues has prompted a thirst for information

on low emission vehicles from the general

public, but as yet there has been no

single, independent body from which this

information can be sourced,” said event

spokesman Simon Mikedis, the RACV’s

manager of environmental programs.

“By creating the Green Zone event in

the heart of Melbourne, and inviting car

manufacturers and importers to show off

their latest low emission vehicles, we are

able to offer Victorian motorists the chance

to get behind the wheel of the lowest emitting

cars in Australia.

“It is important to note that this is a real-

world event. The cars that are being test-

driven can actually be bought right now.

They are not over-the-horizon dream cars,

but commercially available.

“It is very important that the public gets

the opportunity to see close-up exactly how

much choice there is in the market. ‘Green’

options are available in a wide range of

market segments, from luxury cars to

compact SUVs to city commuters, even full

electric vehicles.”

For further details, go to www.GoAuto.com.au from 10:30am

In the ZoneIn the Zone

Melbourne to host ‘world-fi rst’ low-CO2 auto expo

MORE THAN JUST

Training

Sep 1, 2010 Page 13

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INF

OR

ME

D

WE CAN HELP

Nobody does it better than JATO! Australia’s major vehicle manufacturers, importers, dealer groups, leasing companies and web portals, rely daily on JATO’s undisputed reputation for timely, accurate and complete new vehicle data, gathered in 45 countries globally. JATO Dynamics is Australia’s premier source for independent automotive information and analysis of vehicle specifications, vehicle prices, sales volume by model, pricing history, industry news, national and state consumer incentives…. and much more. To see how OUR KNOWLEDGE IS YOUR POWER, contact us:

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Analysing or Agonising

Two diesel variants and an M Sport pack bolster BMW’s 5 Series line-up

ThrillThrill seekerseeker

By JAMES STANFORD in NEW ZEALANDSMALL-CAR specialist Suzuki has continued

its mid-sized expansion with a sportier,

all-wheel-drive version of its just-released

Kizashi sedan, designed to appeal to younger

customers interested in the thrill of the drive.

The Kizashi Sport AWD – a competitor

for the Subaru Liberty – was part of the

Kizashi model plan from the start.

“It is not a racecar,” explained Suzuki

Australia general manager Tony Devers.

“What it does is set a new driving benchmark

for the brand.”

The Kizashi Sport AWD slots in at the

top of the model line-up with a list price

of $39,990 with a standard automatic

transmission. That means it comes at a

$5000 premium over the XLS model it is

based on – and is a considerable distance

from the entry-level XL model at $27,990.

As the name indicates, the Sport is

positioned as the most dynamic model

of the range, but Suzuki has resisted the

temptation to increase the performance. The

Sport AWD model runs the same engine

as other Kizashis, which means a 2.4-litre

four-cylinder with 131kW at 6500rpm and

230Nm at 4000rpm.

This is the same variable intake camshaft

timing engine that can be found in the

Vitara 4WD. It is also available only with a

continuously variable automatic transmission.

The AWD system takes the proven

on-demand system of the SX4 hatch but

uses a raft of electronic programs to deliver

optimum torque.

The i-AWD system operates in front-

drive mode for optimum fuel consumption,

but can send up to 50 per cent of the drive

to the rear wheels in response to inputs

from sensors that are also used to alert the

electronic stability control.

These sense wheel movement, steering

wheel input, yaw movements and lateral Gs

to determine if the vehicle requires more

torque at the rear wheels, to a maximum 50

per cent under heavy acceleration.

It uses an electronically controlled wet-

type multi-plate clutch coupling that is

regulated by an electrical current.

Interestingly, Suzuki has also included a

dashboard-mounted switch to allow the driver

to turn off the AWD system and have the car

run as a front-driver and save more fuel.

The i-AWD system adds about 70kg to the

weight of the vehicle, meaning the Sport model

now tips the scales at 1600kg. Fuel economy

and emissions do not suffer greatly, moving up

from 7.9 litres per 100km of the XLS model to

8.4L/100km and 198g/km.

In terms of performance, the Sport AWD’s

extra weight is cancelled out by its traction

advantage off the line and achieves the same

0-100km/h time as the 2WD CVT Kizashi,

8.8 seconds, which is one second slower

than the base manual model.

The Sport AWD looks like the XLS, but

sits 10mm lower, has 10-spoke 18-inch alloy

wheels, a deeper front bumper with mesh

lower grille, chrome side strips and foglight

surrounds, side skirts and unique badges.

The interior is largely the same, but there

is a sporty steering wheel with metal-look

accents and the leather seats and gearshift

leather surfaces feature silver stitching.

This steering wheel also has controls for the

Bluetooth wireless system that is unique to

the Sports AWD model.

As it is based on the XLS model, the

Kizashi Sport AWD also comes with leather

sports seats with front heating, dual-zone

climate-control air-conditioning, a 425-

Watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, rain-

sensing windscreen wipers, an auto-dimming

rearview mirror, keyless entry and start,

automatic HID headlights and a sunroof.

All Kizashi models come standard with

ABS brakes, ESC and six airbags.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

No power boost on offer, but Kizashi’s street cred climbs with Sport AWD

Sep 1, 2010 Page 14

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BECOME PART OF THE TEAMProton Cars Australia welcomes expressions of interest for dealer representation across Australia as part of our exciting expansion. Over the past 25 years Proton has built a reputation based on stylish designs with industry leading ride and handling afforded by its wholly owned subsidiary Lotus. Our extensive model range has been aggressively priced for the current economic environment with industry leading margins. Opportunities exist in North Queensland, Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Coffs Harbour and the ACT.

Dealership | Opportunities

Franchise benefits include:

• Large Prime Marketing Areas • Co-operative Marketing Support • Expanding Future Product Range • Minimal Start Up Costs

For further information email dealer@proton.com.au or contact Billy Falconer on (02) 8707 2707.

Turbo and price cut help to shift baseline Octavia model into new territory

Skoda’s better mediumSkoda’s better medium

By PHILIP LORDREDUCING the entry price to its medium-

size Octavia range by $2000 to $24,990

while increasing its engine performance

and reducing fuel consumption are the main

elements to a tweaked Octavia range for the

2011 model year.

The Octavia 90TSI is the new entry point

to the Skoda range and the replacement for

the 1.6 MPI, available in hatch (Liftback)

and wagon form, and with either a six-

speed manual transmission or a seven-

speed DSG gearbox.

The 1.4-litre TSI is a turbocharged four-

cylinder that develops power peak of 90kW

at 5000-5500rpm and 200Nm of torque at

1500-4000rpm.

Fuel consumption is quoted as 6.7 litres

per 100km combined for the manual and

6.5L/100km for the DSG. CO2 emissions are

158g/km for the manual and 152g/km for the

DSG. The 90 TSI is rated at Euro 5 emissions

level, all on 95 RON petrol. Acceleration

from rest to 100km/h is claimed to take 9.7

seconds for both manual and DSG.

The manual variant weighs 1390kg and

the DSG 1410kg.

Standard safety equipment on the Octavia

90TSI includes six airbags (dual front, front side

and side curtain), ESC, ABS, EBD and ASR.

The 90TSI is also equipped with semi-

automatic air-conditioning, remote central

locking, front and rear power windows,

15-inch alloy wheels, leather-clad steering

wheel, eight-speaker AM/FM tuner with

CD and MP3 player and

aux input, cruise control, a

trip computer and height-

adjustable front seats with

adjustable lumbar support.

Other models have been

updated further up the

model range, with the 2011 Octavia Scout,

118TSI and 103TDI equipped with satellite-

navigation, which also includes a 30GB

hard drive as well as voice control.

The Octavia Scout is currently only

available with a six-speed manual

transmission, but will come with a six-speed

DSG option from early 2011.

The 2011 Octavia RS is fi tted with a new

ESC system, which includes an additional

function to the electronic differential lock,

called XDL. When cornering, XDL applies

brake pressure to the wheel on the inside

corner to avoid wheelspin.

Two diesel models – the 77TDI and

103TDI – will feature improved fuel

economy and reduced emissions from

early 2011 with a running

change of common-rail

fuel injection in place of

the existing pumpe duese

system.

Power and torque fi gures

remain unchanged for both

77TDI and 103TDI models.

The 77TDI manual combined fuel

consumption will reduce from 5.3 to

4.9L/100km (DSG: from 6.3 to 5.1L/100km)

and CO2 emissions from 140g/km to 129g/

km (DSG: 167 to 133g/km).

The 103TDI manual fuel consumption

will reduce from 5.7 to 5.1L/100km

(DSG: from 6.4 to 5.5L/100km) and CO2

emissions from 150g/km to 134g/km

(DSG: 169 to 143g/km.)

DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

PRICING:Liftback 90TSI $24,990

Wagon 90TSI $26,990

Liftback 90TSI (a) $27,290

Wagon 90TSI (a) $29,290

Sep 1, 2010 Page 15

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NADA study tour San Francisco3–8 February 2011For itinerary and online registration, click here

Renault set for Megane sales rise with redesign and $22,990 start price

Megane hits mainstreamMegane hits mainstream

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISRENAULT’S biggest new-model offensive

has started with lowest-ever pricing for the

Megane small car.

On sale from mid-September and priced

from $22,990, the Mazda3-sized fi ve-door

X32-series hatch gives nothing away to its

Japanese, European and Korean mainstream

rivals in terms of packaging, performance

and equipment levels.

That is for the Megane Dynamique fi tted

with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, six-speed manual

gearbox, and offering fi ve-star Euro NCAP

safety, ESC, ABS brakes with electronic brake-

force distribution, cruise control with speed

limiter, foglights, hands-free entry, central

locking, steering wheel-mounted controls,

Bluetooth connectivity, 16-inch alloy wheels

and pollen-fi lter air-conditioning.

Choosing the Megane automatic

adds $2000 to the price, while the more

comprehensively equipped auto-only

Privilege will set you back another $5000 on

top of that. It includes satellite-navigation,

leather upholstery, dual-zone climate-

control, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing

wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels shod with

205/55 R17 tyres, and a sunroof.

Lower-than-usual pricing has been made

possible due to cheaper sourcing – the Megane

is now built in Turkey (home of the previous

X84 Megane sedan), and is derived from the

same Renault-Nissan Alliance C-platform

as the Renault Koleos, Nissan

Dualis and Nissan X-Trail,

among other models.

In October the Fluence

four-door sedan and Megane

Coupe-Cabriolet will join the

fi ve-door hatch, while the long-awaited

Megane Renaultsport 250 Cup three-door

coupe will follow soon after.

It will give Renault one of the most

comprehensive small-car offerings in

Australia, as well as a fi ghting chance

in fi nally re-establishing the century-

old French marque after almost a decade

of inconsistent product and marketing

strategy.

Topping off a busy last quarter will be the

long-delayed release of the second-generation

Kangoo panel van, as well as a Gordini

version of the cult Clio Renaultsport.

But the Megane is expected to make

or break the Nissan Australia-controlled

franchise in Australia, and the group has

gone into the biggest car segment in this

country with all guns blazing.

Now in its third generation, the X32

Megane is based on the French-made

bustle-backed X84 hatch that was sold

unsuccessfully in Australia

from 2003 to 2009, as well as

the Turkish-built X84 Megane

sedan.

The fi ve-door hatch,

too, is now built in Bursa,

Turkey, for Australian consumers. Only

the Renaultsport 250 and Coupe-Cabriolet

will be made in Douai, France – the

Fluence is based on the Samsung SM3

(itself X84 Megane-derived) and is made

in South Korea alongside the Koleos. The

other X32 manufacturing site is Palencia,

in Spain.

In accordance with most other C-segment

two-box designs, it is 4295mm in length,

1808mm in width, 1471mm in height, and

sits on a wheelbase that measures in at

2641mm. Front and rear tracks are 1546mm

and 1547mm wide respectively.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

PRICING:Dynamique $22,990

Dynamique (a) $24,990

Privilege (a) $29,990

Sep 1, 2010 Page 16

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Are you determined to make a difference?Commonwealth Bank Car Finance is one of the largest vehicle financiers in Australia. The business, having been in operation for over 30 years, is rapidly expanding and has significantly grown its market share.

This market leading brand is renowned for providing quick, easy and accurate car finance and is looking at further growth prospects in the sales, credit and customer service divisions. As a result we are seeking highly motivated, energetic people to be part of this professional and high performing team.

Imagine being part of a fast-paced and dynamic team of professionals offering Car Finance Solutions directly to a large and highly valued client base.

Commonwealth Bank Car Finance Centre (Parramatta) – continuously looking for experienced staff. Join our highly valued and committed team today!

To apply please visit www.commbank.com.au/careers and click on the Job Search link.

Enter Job reference number 914256 in the keyword search area and complete an online application.

OUR VISION IS TO BE AUSTRALIA’S FINEST FINANCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATION THROUGH EXCELLING IN CUSTOMER SERVICE.

An even fi ner FiestaAn even fi ner Fiesta

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in THAILANDFORD has revealed more details of the

facelifted Fiesta due in October, and

GoAuto has taken the Blue Oval brand’s all-

important new light car for a fi rst drive, but

pricing is still to be divulged.

That will not happen until later this

month, but it seems almost certain that the

switch from Germany to Thailand as the

production source will not necessarily result

in cheaper prices, despite Australia’s free

trade agreement with Thailand.

Instead, Ford says it will take the added-value

route with the WT Fiesta, fi tting more standard

features in every model, including a new sports

suspension tune for the popular Zetec.

Furthermore, all Thai-built Fiestas will

boast a number of refi nement, comfort

and dynamic upgrades compared with the

European-manufactured WS.

But do not discount a small downward

price movement. Ford intends to go hard

against the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Honda

Jazz – the latter two are Thai-built, too – to

nearly double the Fiesta’s market share from

a little over eight per cent.

So expect a $16,500 opener or thereabouts

for the CL fi ve-door (replacing the outgoing

$16,090 three-door version, a bodystyle that

is now history for Australia), approximately

$18,500 for the mid-range LX fi ve-door, and

a $20,500 or so ask for the Zetec fi ve-door.

The new B409 sedan’s pricing will most

likely mirror its corresponding B299 hatch

siblings’, while the second diesel to join

the range after the $24,990 driveaway low-

emissions Econetic range-topper – the

performance-orientated TDCi – is expected to

attract a premium of about $2000 over the LX

and Zetec models that it is fi tted to. Bank on

diesel prices to kick off from about $21,000.

Petrol-powered Fiesta sedans are auto-

only, and come in CL and LX formats.

All Zetecs are scheduled to dock Down

Under in the fi rst quarter of next year.

So how is WT different from WS? Think

of it as a facelift under the skin, with a new

sedan option (complete with a 430-litre

boot capacity), no more three-door hatch

versions, minor front bumper changes,

different wheels, and new colours and trim.

The Australian-bound Fiesta’s shift from

Saarlouis to Rayong means that it is now

more closely aligned in some key features

to the DE Mazda2 that is built alongside it;

no bad thing, except that in the interests of

saving money presumably, the Fiesta loses

reach-adjustable steering.

The soft dash cover has also gone, along

with a sequential-shift facility beside the

automatic transmission lever. All these

criticisms have been levelled at the Mazda2,

too, along with the introduction of tyre

sealant in lieu of a spare wheel.

Get over those omissions and the world

does become much brighter for the WT

Fiesta buyer.Continued next page

Thailand switch adds value to Ford light car - and enhances strong driver appeal

Sep 1, 2010 Page 17

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By BYRON MATHIOUDAKISFORD has hit back at suggestions that

it is allowing Focus sales to falter while

it concentrates on the high-fl ying Fiesta

light car.

Instead, the company is blaming

industrial unrest and subsequent supply

shortages at Ford’s Pretoria plant in South

Africa that provides the current volume-

selling LV Focus CL, LX and Zetec hatch

and sedan models.

The ageing small car has suffered a 15

per cent sales dip in the fi rst seven months

of 2010, in a segment that has seen a 17.5

per cent rise over the same period.

In stark contrast, Fiesta sales have

outstripped its booming light-car segment,

to the tune of 28.6 per cent against the

class average of 18.7 per cent from January

through July.

Furthermore, driven by much better

model availability, improved value and

perhaps even lower pricing, Ford is

predicting that the Fiesta’s market share

will soar from its current level of a little

over eight per cent to match its light-car

rivals, the Hyundai Getz and Toyota Yaris,

at about 15 per cent.

Speaking to GoAuto at last week’s

launch of the facelifted Fiesta hatch and

new sedan version (both of which are now

made in Thailand rather than Germany),

Ford Australia marketing manager David

Katic denied that the company was

switching tack away from the Focus in

favour of Fiesta.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Ford lists factors hurting Focus as Fiesta runs hot

Fiesta

Continued from previous pageThe biggest news is the adoption of Ford’s

six-speed Dual Dry Multiple Disc Clutch

Powershift ‘automatic’ transmission (built in

Mexico by Getrag and similar to Volkswagen’s

DSG) for the 1.6-litre twin-cam 16-valve

Ti-VCT four-cylinder petrol engine.

Displacing the maligned 71kW/125Nm 1.4-

litre four-cylinder engine/four-speed torque-

converter automatic gearbox combination,

it delivers 89kW of power at 6000rpm and

151Nm of torque at 4050rpm. Also offered in

fi ve-speed manual guise (hatchbacks only), it

sees a 1kW rise and 1Nm fall over the WS’s

1.6-litre Ti-VCT unit.

The Fiesta’s combined average fuel

consumption fi gure is 6.1 litres per 100km

for both gearboxes, representing a 10 per

cent improvement over the old 1.4/four-

speed auto pairing. At 73kg, Powershift also

weighs some 13kg less.

Other interesting transmission tidbits

include a ‘Grade Assist’ function that

reduces gearbox hunting when driving,

for example, in hilly terrain; a ‘Hill Start

Assist’ device that holds the brakes for a

couple of moments to stop the Fiesta rolling

forwards or backwards; ‘Neutral Idle’ – an

economy feature that takes the Powershift

out of ‘Drive’ when the car is stationary;

and a ‘creep’ function that emulates regular

torque-converter autos in edging the car

forwards when in Drive.

The company says Powershift is a sealed

unit with no maintenance required, and falls

under Ford’s global durability standards in

that it is designed to operate for 240,000km

or 10 years.

Unfortunately, Powershift is a petrol-

only proposition for now, although the fi ve-

speed manual-only Econetic and TDCi are

expected to eventually gain it as an option.

Speaking of diesels, the TDCi is closely

related to the 1.6-litre common-rail direct-

injection turbo-diesel unit found in the

Fiesta Econetic, producing the same 66kW

and 200Nm.

But the TDCi lacks its eco-siblings’

lower ride height, slipperier aerodynamics,

14-inch wheels, low-viscosity oils, and taller

fi nal drive ratio, so it uses 0.7L/100km more

diesel (4.4L) compared with Australia’s most

economical new car (Econetic – at 3.7L).

Economy, however, has long taken a back

seat to the baby Ford’s spirited steering and

handling characteristics.

Those worried that going Thai would

unravel the Fiesta’s renowned athleticism

will be pleased to hear that Ford’s global

integration team in Germany tuned the WT

for its intended markets using the European

architecture in place.

FULL STORY AND DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

More reports – p18, 22

A fi ner FiestaA fi ner Fiesta

Sep 1, 2010 Page 18

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By TERRY MARTINMAZDA and Ford have committed $US350

million ($A394m) toward shared production

facilities in Thailand for each brand to build

a version of the new-generation, Australian-

developed one-tonne utility, codenamed T6,

from next year.

To replace the Ranger and BT-50 utes,

the T6 versions again will be built under

Mazda and Ford’s AutoAlliance Thailand

(AAT) joint-venture where the two

companies last week confi rmed production

would start in mid-2011.

Pre-production versions of the T6 have

been spotted testing in Victoria at various

times over the past month or so, while the

fi nal product – in both Ford and Mazda

form – should be shown at the Australian

International Motor Show in Sydney in

October.

In a joint statement, Mazda and Ford said

the new investment would support production

of the new-generation compact pick-up

trucks “and reaffi rms the ongoing strategic

relationship between Ford and Mazda”.

The companies said the investment would

support facility upgrades and supplier tooling

for both vehicles, and that, once completed,

Mazda and Ford’s total joint investment in

the AAT facility would exceed $US1.85

billion since operations began in 1995.

AAT president Toshinori Kusuhashi

said: “Today’s investment announcement

marks another important step forward in

AAT’s development as a state-of-the-art

manufacturing hub.

“Through the ongoing support of the Thai

government, Thailand’s automotive industry

has continued to grow and become more

effi cient, enabling AAT to build and export

world-class pick-up trucks and cars.

“This new investment will enable us to

continue to enhance the one-tonne pick-

up’s reputation as product champion of

Thailand’s automotive industry.”

Ford’s Asia Pacifi c and Africa president

Joe Hinrichs said: “This new investment

in AAT reinforces Ford Motor Company’s

long-term commitment to Thailand as a

strategic manufacturing base for our global

operations.”

Mazda’s representative director Masaharu

Yamaki added: “The new investment means

that AAT will continue to be a global centre

of excellence for the production of both

brands’ compact pick-up trucks, and play an

important role in Mazda’s global strategy.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mazda and Ford confi rm 2011 Thai production of Aussie-developed utilities

All set for T6 ute twinsAll set for T6 ute twins

Thailand set to supply Ford’s next Focus, but Australia will look to Europe fi rstBy BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in THAILAND

FIRST it was to be built in Melbourne, and

then Thailand was strongly rumoured to

be the supplier, but now it is highly likely

that the next-generation Focus will initially

come from a European production facility

when it is released in Australia in the third

quarter of 2011.

But the Saarlouis, Germany, sourcing of

Ford’s all-important new small car will only

be a stopgap, as the second phase of the

AutoAlliance Thailand (AAT) site that Ford

shares with Mazda will eventually come on

stream to supply all mainstream Australia-

bound Focus models from 2012.

In the meantime, however, European

Focus sourcing may put pricing pressure

on the new model as it competes head-on

with rivals such as the top-selling

Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and the upcoming

(Holden-designed) Cruze hatchback.

As GoAuto has reported, the latter will

make its world debut (as a Chevrolet) at the

Paris motor show later this month before

production in Adelaide (as a Holden) starts

in the second half of next year.

Ford’s reliance on Europe to supply

Australia with the next Focus ends

uncertainty for the Broadmeadows team.

Supplies for the existing Mk2 model from

Pretoria in South Africa will dry up when

production ceases there in early 2011.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Current BT-50

Sep 1, 2010 Page 19

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Hyundai ‘hare’ lines up against Mazda ‘tortoise’ in sales and profi tability

‘Tortoise and the hare’‘Tortoise and the hare’

By RON HAMMERTONMAZDA and Hyundai are two of the most

watched car importers on the Australian

market.

Separated by just 0.2 percentage points of

market share – Mazda 8.2 per cent share to

Hyundai’s 8.0 per cent – after seven months

of showroom showdowns this year, both

companies are in with a chance of snatching

third place in the market if Ford Australia

fails to get a wriggle on.

In July, Mazda came within one unit

of tipping former owner Ford out of its

long-held third spot, and few would bet

against Hyundai reaching the podium in the

medium term.

Although the two importers have never

been considered natural rivals, with

‘tortoise’ Mazda pushing its Japanese

premium position compared with ‘the hare’

Hyundai’s cheap and cheerful proposition,

the gap is narrowing.

Hyundai unashamedly wants to emulate

the Japanese makers and – like almost

every product coming from Korea these

days – is making major headway in

both quality and ‘bang for buck’. Think

Samsung versus Sony.

The common perception in Australia,

particularly in the motor trade, is that Hyundai

has been buying share of the Australian

motor market, using its relatively cheap

manufacturing base in Korea – and now India

– to make motorists an offer too good to refuse

while also eschewing profi t for volume.

Like most of the Japanese car-makers,

Mazda has been fi ghting back on this

front, drawing more models from its

joint manufacturing base with Ford in

Thailand where lower costs and a free trade

agreement with Australia help to cut its

offshore overheads.

While we will never know the full story

on supply costs – they are not only carefully

guarded secrets but hugely complex – we

can look at the fi nancials on the Australian

side to get some clue as to the mindset of

the two protagonists.

For two decades, Mazda Australia has been

a model of profi t consistency, fi nishing in the

net-profi t red only four times in that period.

A more interesting way of looking at

the profi ts is the return as a percentage of

sales revenue. More often than not, Mazda

has returned between two and four per cent

on sales revenue, peaking at 4.5 per cent in

2004, when it made a record $54 million net

profi t (although a change to the company’s

fi nancial year confused matters).

Through the ‘noughties’, its return has

averaged about 3.0 per cent, dipping to 1.6 per

cent in the fi nancial year ending in 2009 after

taking a hit from the global fi nancial crisis.

Hyundai, on the other hand, has fl uctuated

more readily, dipping into the red six times in

the past couple of decades. Its best result was

a $28.5 million net profi t in 1996, when it was

being distributed by an independent importer.

Back then, in the mid-1990s, Hyundai’s

percentage return on sales revenue in

Australia topped out at 5.8 per cent in 1995,

closely followed by 5.7 per cent in 1996.

In the late-1990s, however, the Hyundai

profi t took a hammering, and for fi ve out

of the six subsequent years Hyundai’s profi t

return on sales revenue was negative.

It was not until head offi ce took control of

the local operation in 2004 that the company

got its nose back in front. Since then, Hyundai

has drawn a profi table percentage – if only a

small one – in all but one year (2008).

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Roger Reilly Drewe Apps

Want to click with more customers?

Let us develop your website.

1300 66 11 33

Click on www.dealersolutions.com.au

DEALERSHIP WEBSITES

-3

-2

-1

0

1

2

3

4

5

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Mazda Hyundai

Mazda vs Hyundai profi t on sales revenue

%

Source: Australian Automotive Intelligence Yearbook

Sep 1, 2010 Page 20Green issues in the auto world

GoAuto Green is brought to you by Custom Fleet

GoAuto Green

John Mellor’s

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By MARTON PETTENDYHONDA has confi rmed the Jazz hybrid –

which it bills as the world’s fi rst B-segment,

or light-sized, petrol-electric production

vehicle – will make its world debut at the

Paris motor show on September 30.

The Jazz hybrid will go on sale in Japan

in October and has also been confi rmed for

release in the UK in early 2011, but remains

under consideration for Australia, where it

could become the fourth Honda hybrid to

be sold here following the existing Civic

sedan, this year’s upcoming Insight hatch

and next year’s CR-Z coupe.

Honda’s smallest hybrid will be powered

by the same IMA petrol-electric drive

system as seen in the Insight, meaning a

65kW/121Nm SOHC eight-valve 1.3-litre

i-VTEC petrol engine combined with a

continuously variable transmission (CVT),

with a 10kW/78Nm synchronous AC motor

sandwiched between the two to create a

parallel hybrid system with total outputs of

75kW and 199Nm.

Like the Insight and Civic Hybrid, it will

be able to run on electric-only power in

some low-speed conditions.

Honda says the hybrid version will come

with the same practicality and fl exibility of

the current Jazz, but will also offer reduced

fuel consumption and CO2 emissions that

will be comparable to the Insight – fi rst

offi cial details of which will be formally

revealed at Paris.

As GoAuto reported in July, however,

pre-release information announced in

Japan indicated the Jazz hybrid will emit

just 77 grams of CO2 per kilometre – 12g/

km less than the ‘cleanest’ new vehicle

currently available in Australia – Toyota’s

Prius (89g/km).

Offi cial Honda documents also state the

hybrid Fit – as the Jazz is known in Japan

– returns fuel economy of just 30km/L

(3.33L/100km), according to Japan’s 10/15

fuel consumption standard, or 26km/L

(3.85L/100km) when measured using the

JC08 standard.

While the Prius has lost its mantle

as Australia’s most fuel-effi cient new

car to Ford’s Fiesta Econetic (3.7 v

3.9L/100km), those sort of fi gures should

allow the Jazz hybrid to lower that mark

further if it is sold here.

Honda says the cleaner Jazz is visually

distinguished from mainstream variants

by revised headlights with blue surrounds,

clear-lens tail-lights, a new front grille,

restyled bumpers and a chrome tailgate

garnish. It will be available in a range of

existing colours, plus a bespoke Lime

Green metallic.

The Jazz hybrid’s interior will also be

unique, courtesy of a darker, single-colour

dashboard designed to contrast with the

blue lighting of the dials and instruments.

According to Honda UK, the Jazz hybrid

will also be the fi rst Jazz to be available

with leather trim.

Meanwhile, Honda’s forthcoming CR-Z

hybrid has also been handed a fi ve-star

crash test rating from the European NCAP

program, with a commendable 93 per cent

adult occupant protection result and 80

and 71 per cent returns in the child and

pedestrian categories respectively.

It also received an 86 per cent score in

the ‘safety assist’ category, which takes into

account crash-avoidance features such as

electronic stability control.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Honda’s Jazz hybrid to debut in Paris as CR-Z gains fi ve NCAP stars

Green Jazz festivalGreen Jazz festival

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Sep 1, 2010 Page 21GoAuto Personnel

John Mellor’s

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BARLOW RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER FOR KIABy TERRY MARTIN

KIA Motors Australia (KMAu) has

announced the appointment of Tony Barlow

as chief operating offi cer, bolstering its

senior management team in a position that

has not been fi lled since Peter Nochar left

the company in May 2008.

Taking up the new role this week,

Mr Barlow has more than two decades

of experience in the Australian and

international motor industry, including 17

years with Toyota Australia in a range of

executive positions and, since 2003, senior

management positions in the Middle East.

For the past two years, Mr Barlow has been

director of sales and marketing at Nissan

Gulf FZCO – a joint-venture company

between Nissan Motor Co and Al Dahana

FZCO established

in 2008 to “enhance

Nissan’s marketing

and sales strategy,

dealer development and

frontline management”

in Saudi Arabia, Abu

Dhabi, Kuwait and

Bahrain.

Prior to that, he was

senior general manager for sales and marketing

at Al-Futtaim Motors, the largest vehicle

distributor in the United Arab Emirates and

“synonymous with Toyota and Lexus”.

At Toyota Australia, Mr Barlow’s

positions included national dealer placement

manager, corporate strategy manager and

general manager of export and distribution.

“I could not be more pleased at the

opportunity to join a progressive company

like Kia at a time when the old clichés about

cheap and cheerful Korean cars are being

swept aside,” Mr Barlow said. “The latest

cars from this exciting company are not only

cutting edge for styling and engineering,

but have retained that magical ingredient of

great value as well.

“I am genuinely excited about the journey

ahead.”

KMAu president and CEO MK Kim said:

“We are delighted to have a man of Tony’s

experience and undoubted ability joining us

for the exciting times ahead.

“Tony’s qualities will be an excellent

addition to the strong and dedicated Kia team

we have built over the past couple of years.”

Tony Barlow

SUBARU BOLSTERS MARKETING, AFTERSALES AS ASHBY RETIRES AFTER 33 YEARSBy TERRY MARTIN

SUBARU Australia

has hired former Lexus

executive Andrew Caie

as its new marketing

general manager and

has further bolstered

its senior management

ranks with the return of

Gary Watson to the newly created role of

aftersales general manager.

It has also announced the retirement of

national customer and technical services

manager Derek Ashby after 33 years of

service.

Mr Caie has more than 20 years’

experience in sales and marketing with

brands including Lexus, Toyota, Daihatsu,

McDonalds, AMP and DDB Needham.

Most recently, he was head of marketing

and aftersales at Lexus Australia, having

spent the past eight years with Lexus/

Toyota in a number of senior roles,

including national sales manager for Lexus

and advertising and marketing operations

manager for Toyota.

Mr Caie will report directly to Subaru

Australia managing

director Nick Senior

and will be in charge

of a marketing team of

12, including national

marketing manager

Toby O’Bree who fi lled

the breach when former

marketing general

manager Richard Buitenhek left in October

last year.

Mr Watson is a former national sales

manager at Subaru Australia but has spent

the past four-and-a-half years as dealer

principal of Subaru Melbourne. He will

be responsible for “driving continued

performance” in Subaru’s aftersales

division, which includes both parts and

technical departments. Mr Watson is

also a former director and owner of Fuel

Automotive, which partnered Subaru in a

number of retail and aftersales initiatives.

Announcing the management moves

last week, Mr Senior said: “We’re thrilled

to have Andrew and Gary heading up our

marketing and aftersales teams. Both have

broad experience in the corporate and retail

environment and their

extensive automotive

backgrounds will

undoubtedly help

strengthen and grow our

business.”

Mr Senior also paid

tribute to Mr Ashby, who

is credited with driving

Subaru’s commitment to safety, including

its advocacy of the fi ve-star ANCAP safety

rating and the standard fi tment of electronic

stability control across its model range.

Mr Ashby has also been a passionate

advocate of Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel

drive system. “Derek’s wealth of experience

and knowledge will be sorely missed,” Mr

Senior said. “His passion and dedication to

the Subaru brand has been instrumental in

the success we’ve had over the last decade

and his commitment to developing drivers’

cars is unparalleled.”

Mr Ashby has held the role of national

customer and technical services manager for

the past 16 years, having risen through the

ranks after joining Subaru in the 1970s as a

regional service manager in Queensland.

Andrew Caie Gary Watson Derek Ashby

Sep 1, 2010 Page 22

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

GoAuto’s latest car review www.GoAuto.com.au

BMW 535i sedanBMW fans, it is time to rejoice because the 5 Series is back on form, with redefi ning dynamics and limo levels of luxury combined with the traditional styling of the much-loved E39 model of the latter 1990s. Better still, non-BMW drivers also have something to be grateful for as well, because the 535i as tested here displays some atypical brand traits, making it one of the most complete sedans we have ever tested. Of course, the luxury mid-sizer is not perfect, and the price as per usual is heart-breakingly high, but the 5 Series at last delivers with style, quality and panache. FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

From the back of Bourke to the big smoke - it works!

To nd out why, call us on 1300 728 800or email dealer@carsales.com.au

o

SOLD

BEST BUSINESS ADVICEAUSTRALIA’S premier event for car

retailers starts in just over a week with

some of the industry’s leading business

advisers and industry analysts on hand to

challenge delegates on ways of running their

enterprises more effectively.

This year the Australian Automobile

Dealers’ Association Convention, which

starts on the Gold Coast on Thursday,

September 9 at the RACV Royal Pines

Resort, is focused on three business streams

over the three days.

In Thursday’s Business Day, eight

presenters will outline their expert take on

the business landscape dealers are facing.

The program includes: international

speaker David Martin on leadership; publisher

Sue Klose on media trends; Carsales CEO

Greg Roebuck on digital directions; St

George Bank economist Justin Smirk on the

economic outlook; Better Place CEO Evan

Thornley on the EV outlook; Salesforce

founder Kevin Panozza on transforming the

customer experience; Deloitte MIS partner

Grant Cameron on the value of budgets; and

communications authority Robyn Moore on the

power of words in business communications.

The GoAuto Q&A keynote session on

Thursday evening will feature former

Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Robert

McEniry with GoAuto.com.au publisher

and editorial director John Mellor putting

key questions about Mr McEniry’s career at

Holden and overseas at GM, his reconstruction

of MMAL as well as his take on the vital

issues affecting factory-dealer relationships.

Friday is Feature Day in which international

sales guru Tom Hopkins will pass on the

knowledge that led him to become one of the

top sales practitioners in the US.

Saturday is Management Day including

a highly rated panel of Deloitte MIS

management experts who will discuss a

wide range of issues in achieving benchmark

dealership business operations.

Saturday also features Alan Syer (the used

car profi t centre), Paul Quilligan (optimising

fi xed operations), Simon Bowkett (ensuring

day-to-day sales performance) and David

Martin (lessons from US dealership crisis).

Places are still available. Dealers

located in SE Queensland are able to send

management on a daily basis by contacting

the AADA Convention staff through the

website: www.aadaconvention.com.au.– John Mellor

MONDEO ECOBOOSTED‘PREMIUM’ was the word as Ford of Europe

revealed a facelifted Mondeo for 2011 at last

week’s Moscow motor show.

Due in Australia at the end of 2010 or

early in the New Year, according to one Ford

insider, the model’s mid-cycle makeover runs

deeper than the mildly revised nose and tail

treatments suggest. Among the changes is a

variation of the all-new 2.0-litre EcoBoost

four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that is also

destined for the Falcon next year.FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

AUDI UPS A1 OUTPUTAUDI will increase production of its A1

compact car by 20 per cent to meet strong

international demand, including from

Australia which is due to launch the all-new

model in the fi rst quarter of 2011.FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

COYOTE IMPOUNDEDAS WE reported last week, Ford Performance

Vehicles this week unveils its new

supercharged ‘Coyote V8’ engine that will

power its Falcon-based muscle-car line-up

from October. However, an embargo has

restricted publication of the offi cial details

until Thursday.

Read it all on www.GoAuto.com.au from

tomorrow, and in GoAutoNews next week.

Launch Padbrought to you by

Australia’s No.1 because it works!

September:Citroen DS3Ford Focus RSHolden VE Series 2 CommodoreHolden WM Series 2 StatesmanPeugeot RCZ CoupeSubaru MY11 Impreza WRXSubaru MY11 Impreza STI

New model diary: CLICK HERE

Citroen DS3

Focus RS

Tom Hopkins