Sep 16, 2015 No. 794

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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All-new model set to add even more firepower to Mazda’s enviable SUV stable

MASSIVE

31-PAGE ISSUE

By RON HAMMERTON in FRANKFURT

MAZDA calls it the Koeru concept, but GoAuto understands it will be called CX-4 when the Japanese car-maker’s all-new SUV goes into production to fill a niche alongside the wildly popular CX-5 to which it appears to bear a close resemblance under the skin.

Making its debut overnight at the Frankfurt motor show, the five-door, five-seat wagon seems to be close to production ready, perhaps arriving in showrooms next year.

With an evolutionary design and luxury aura, the concept sits on an identical 2700mm wheelbase to the current mid-sized CX-5 SUV, suggesting it is mounted on a similar

SkyActiv architecture.The fact that the Koeru is 60mm

longer and 60mm wider than the CX-5 had led some pundits to assume the company has a CX-6 or born-again CX-7 on its hands, but Mazda sources are adamant the CX-4 moniker has been reserved for the spunky crossover cruiser.

At this stage, Mazda’s plans for the vehicle are sketchy, but more should be revealed in the next 24 hours as Mazda designers and sales executives

hold media conferences to discuss the project at the Frankfurt motor show.

How Mazda plans to differentiate the CX-4 from the similar-sized CX-5 is a mystery, and we can only presume it will be either cheaper or more environmentally friendly than the CX-5, thus requiring a separate badge one step below ‘5’ but above the physically smaller CX-3.

No powertrain or performance parameters were disclosed for the Koeru, the name of which means ‘exceed’ in Japanese.

Continued next page

Mazda’s ‘CX-4’

INSIDESECTIONS OF CAR INDUSTRYWELCOME TURNBULL AS PM

As the motor show unveilings begin in Frankfurt, there is a huge buzz around one striking concept…

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Mazda’s ‘CX-4’

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PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Tim NicholsonJOURNALISTS: Daniel Gardner, Ron Hammerton,Byron Mathioudakis, Ian Porter, Tim RobsonPRODUCTION: Haitham Razagui, Ian JamesEDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Tung NguyenProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@goautomedia.net

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Continued from previous pageOne thing is for sure: this is not

the next CX-9 large SUV flagship, as that is just weeks away from launch at the Los Angeles motor show in November.

At three years old and only recently updated, the CX-5 is still only two thirds of the way through its model life, so the Koeru is believed not to be the new generation of Australia’s top-selling SUV.

However, it could well provide another string to Mazda’s bow in the heart of the SUV market.

This year, CX-5 has accumulated 16,692 sales in Australia, well ahead of all other comers in the hugely popular mid-sized SUV segment that is second only to the small-car bracket for popularity.

The CX-5 had a minor update early this year, helping to lift its fortunes and entrench it as Mazda’s second-biggest

seller behind the Mazda3 small car.After having so much success with

CX-5 and CX-3, it is unsurprising that Mazda has not tampered too much with the Kodo family design formula on Koeru.

Longer, sleeker LED lights and a slightly bolder chrome-barred grille help set the Koeru apart from the CX-5 that arrived in 2012 with the full suite of SkyActiv chassis and powertrain technologies, along with Mazda’s current Kodo design language that made the old CX-7 look positively out of date.

The media release accompanying Koeru images released late yesterday is full of Japanese-speak about “untamed animal” styling and wheels and fenders that are supposed to resemble “legs pounding the earth”.

The most useful information

disclosed in the official material was the small list of dimensions that give the first real indication of the scale of the new model that was teased with typically stylised sketches that gave a distorted picture.

The media release also informs us that the Koeru includes Mazda’s ‘i-ActivSense’ package of safety technologies and the MZD connectivity system, which should come as a shock to no one.

As for the rest of the story, stay tuned.

Sep 16, 2015 Page 3

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Race-bred ‘N’ sub-brandheralds all-new line-up ofhigh-performance models

Hyundai lights N fuse

By DANIEL GARDNERin FRANKFURT

HYUNDAI has officially kicked off its driver-focused and racecar-derived N sub-brand at the Frankfurt motor show, paving the way for a range of high-performance vehicles that will finally allow the South Korean marque to compete in high-powered sports segments.

The car-maker is yet to reveal its first N-badged production vehicle but has charged a mighty 650kW fuel-cell-powered concept car with the task of championing the new brand until a road car is confirmed.

Dubbed the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, the visceral track-focused flagship is only destined to do battle in the Playstation video game Gran Turismo at this stage, but its no-compromise focus on performance is the new N-brand mantra.

Head of Hyundai Motor Company’s

Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division, Albert Biermann, said the introduction of Hyundai N was a critical milestone for the company and will change the way customers perceive the brand.

“By revealing this exciting high-performance sub-brand N to our customers, we’re changing and challenging expectations of the Hyundai Motor brand,” he said. “Drivers will soon experience the thrills and emotions of our proven motorsport prowess for themselves.

“Our future model line-up will include performance-oriented and racetrack-capable cars full of energy. They’re just the start of what we know will be a fast and exhilarating journey.”

Named after Hyundai’s Namyang global research and development centre, the new N sub-brand will ultimately bring “the most thrilling winding-road fun to customers who truly love cars”,

according to the company.While exact details of future vehicles

and models are being kept secret at this stage, the company says the sports-focused range will go beyond its existing range of cars by using lightweight materials and high-output powertrains derived from its WRC rally technology.

Earlier this year, Hyundai revealed its first N-badged

concept with the rally-inspired RM15 arriving with a mid-mounted 224kW 2.0-litre engine, and while its layout and space-frame construction may seem far-fetched for the road, the concept’s powerplant is likely to be a glimpse at the first production car engine.

The RM15 also appeared on the Hyundai stand alongside the new i20 WRC rally car and the freshly unveiled Vision Gran Turismo car, which is just as futuristic as it appears under its skin.

Continued next pageRM15 concept

N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo

Albert Biermann

Sep 16, 2015 Page 4

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Hyundai lights N fuseContinued from previous page

Powering the low-slung track monster is a dual fuel cell that converts hydrogen into electricity to power an electric motor housed inside each wheel hub.

Hyundai says the powerplant is the first mass-produced cell of its kind and generates 500kW of instant power, but is backed up with another 150kW from its supercapacitor for even more thrilling performance.

Weight is kept to a bantam-like 972kg thanks to the battery-less fuel-cell system and extensive use of carbon-fibre construction. Performance and power-to-weight ratio rival the most exotic supercars in the world, Hyundai claims.

Ground-effect aerodynamics and active

air brakes help keep the N 2025 stick to the circuit, while its looks were inspired by aerodynamic design developed at the Muroc Dry Lake where pilots and astronauts train for space travel.

Despite being a fully electric vehicle, Hyundai says the concept has a soundtrack to appeal to petrol-heads, with an evocative sound produced by the 200,000rpm air pump that supplies oxygen to the fuel cell, as well as a satisfying whine from the four drive motors, fuel-cell stacks and cooling system purging.

In Australia, Hyundai offers the i30 SR warm hatchback but the addition of a turbocharger and N badge could

potentially introduce the company’s first true hot hatchback and a viable alternative to established European and Japanese options.

In the hot-hatch segment, Volkswagen has its Golf GTI, Honda is eyeing the market with its Civic Type-R, Holden has freshly introduced the Astra VXR and Renault attracts a strong following with its Megane RS, to name a handful.

After a first possible hot-hatchback i30 variant, Hyundai will be looking to roll its new brand out to other lines in a bid to bolster its new matured sports status to a more comprehensive range.

New Elantra let loose – page 24

Sep 16, 2015 Page 5

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Crucial redesigned modelshown in Frankfurt aheadof 2016 Australian launch

By TIM ROBSON in FRANKFURTVOLKSWAGEN has taken the covers off its bigger-but-lighter new-generation Tiguan compact SUV ahead of its launch in Europe early next year and an Australian arrival in the second half of 2016.

Four variants were unveiled to a capacity crowd at a large-scale pre-show event in an outer suburb of Frankfurt this week, including a traditional model, an off-road-specific version and a higher-performance R-Line flagship.

A production-oriented GTE plug-in concept was also revealed, with a 160kW petrol-electric hybrid system and a claimed 1000km range.

Presenting the crucial new model, which with its bigger dimensions and road presence is expected to improve its market share in Australia, VW board member Heinz-Jakob Neusser described it as “perfectly thought out from the first to the last millimetre”.

“Spacious and flexible, appealing to millions of car drivers and their families as an ideal companion for their everyday business and personal lives, it is a genuine all-round vehicle of a new era,” Dr Neusser said.

The second-generation Tiguan is built

on a new SUV-specific version of VW’s ubiquitous MQB modular platform.

At 2681mm, its wheelbase is 77mm longer than the current model, while overall length of 4486mm stretches 60mm further from nose to tail.

The new model is also 30mm wider at 1839mm, while up to 50kg of weight has been shed, depending on the variant.

Cargo space has increased by 145 litres to 615 litres with the seats up, and 1645 litres with them folded flat. VW claims it has also lowered the boot sill height for easier loading.

No fewer than eight four-cylinder powertrains were announced, with four petrol and four diesel engines on the list. All engines are Euro 6-compliant, and range in power from 92kW to 162kW for the petrol units, and 85kW to 176kW in the diesels.

All Tiguans will be fitted as standard with Emergency City braking and an active pedestrian safety bonnet, along with lane assist and emergency post-braking technology, while top-end cars will feature VW’s ACC active radar cruise control system.

A 12.3-inch infotainment screen forms the basis of the cabin architecture, while Apple and Android phone connectivity will also be fitted.

The current Australian line-up

includes the entry-level two-wheel-drive 118TSI, while the 132TSI, 130TDI and range-topping 155TSI R-Line are all-wheel drive.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 19

PORSCHE ON A MISSIONPORSCHE has fired back at the electric supercar brigade with its Mission E concept that features four doors, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and more than 400kW of power.

Given its four-door body style, the Mission E could point to a possible all-electric next-generation Panamera, and it is no doubt designed to give Tesla’s Model S P85D some opposition.

The first all-electric four-seat sportscar in the brand’s history also boasts a first in its use of an 800-volt drive system that generates 440kW of power and offers an electric driving range of more than 500km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

VW reveals new Tiguan

Sep 16, 2015 Page 6

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AUDI E-TRON QUATTROAUDI has announced that it will release a production version of its new electric e-tron crossover concept in 2018, promising a vast range and performance from a host of still-to-be-proven technologies.

Powered by a trio of electric motors (one on the front axle and two on the rear) the e-tron quattro SUV – colloquially known as the Q6 – has an output of 370kW and more than 800Nm in an overboost mode, or 320kW in regular conditions.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Next E-Class in frame as Benz reveals Concept IAABy TIM NICHOLSON

MERCEDES-BENZ has ripped the covers off a futuristic ‘Concept IAA’ four-door coupe at the Frankfurt show, previewing technology that will eventually surface in next-generation models, most likely the next E-Class.

While the German luxury car-maker has not officially announced which future model the Concept IAA previews, the company said in a statement that some of the technology and the interior “offers a foretaste of the business saloon of the near future”.

The next production sedan set to be revealed by Mercedes is the new-generation E-Class that will probably surface later this year or early in 2016, and GoAuto understands the cabin of the concept offers an early look of the all-important new E-Class.

Some publications are reporting that the exterior design previews a four-door version of the recently launched

Mercedes-AMG GT coupe, but company sources have told us that it is more likely to preview a future sedan rather than a sportscar.

The hi-tech Concept IAA – which is an acronym for ‘Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile’ rather than the more familiar ‘Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung’ (International Motor Show) – features “world-beating” aerodynamics and a slippery 0.19Cd drag coefficient, according to Mercedes, and it can even physically transform when driving.

If the driver hits 80km/h, or hits a button, Mercedes says the concept “performs a fascinating transformation” to further improve the aerodynamics.

Eight segments extend at the rear, increasing the length by up to 390mm, while flaps in the front bumper extend by up to 25mm forward and 20mm back for better airflow around the wheelarches. A front bumper shifts back towards the rear by 60mm for better underbody airflow and the cupping of the ‘active rims’ drop from 55mm to zero.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

HURACAN SPYDER BITELAMBORGHINI has lifted the lid on its Huracan LP610-4 Spyder at the Frankfurt motor show that will carry a pricetag of $470,800 plus on-road costs when it hits Australian shores next year.

The soft-top supercar brings a $42,800 premium to the $428,000 coupe that arrived here last September.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Alpine for AustraliaAustralia in line to launchreborn Renault sportscarmarque within two years

By RON HAMMERTON in PARISRENAULT’S born-again Alpine sub-brand is Australia-bound, with the global chief of the resurrected sportscar manufacturer revealing that Australia should account for a “not negligible” share of Alpine volume.

Just one day after skirting around the question of right-hand-drive production and Australian sales, Alpine CEO Bernard Olliver said on Sunday that production of right-hand-drive vehicles would start at the same time as left-hand drive, with Australia in line to get deliveries “quite soon” after the assembly line starts to roll.

While he cautioned that the production launch date would be “nothing before 2017” and could blow out by months if the development team

needs more time to perfect the vehicle, a factory representative at the Dieppe plant told journalists that the target start date was late 2016.

The manager also disclosed that a component supplier convention for Alpine’s first own-brand vehicle in 20 years was scheduled for late this month, signalling the start of the pre-production process leading up to the vehicle’s launch.

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said an Alpine launch strategy for Australia had not been defined, with various models such as digital distribution and a small network of capital city dealerships to be examined and discussed with Renault’s partners.

He stopped short of definitively confirming Alpine for this market,

saying: “Should it be made available to Australia, we would be quite interested.”

Renault Australia already takes delivery of 10 per cent of global Clio Renault Sport (RS) production, along with a large slice of Megane RS volume.

“We know RS is not Alpine, but based on that (Clio and Megane sales), hopefully we can get a good share,” Mr Hocevar said.

The unnamed Alpine sportscar will be run down the same assembly line as the Renault Clio RS at the boutique plant in Dieppe – the French coastal town that last weekend marked the 60th anniversary of Alpine’s birth there – even though the premium two-seater will take twice as long to build as the hot Clio.

Continued next page

2015 Alpine Celebration concept

Sep 16, 2015 Page 8

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Alpine for AustraliaContinued from previous page

Mr Olliver all but confirmed that the first Alpine model in 20 years will have a bespoke platform and “an Alpine engine” but he declined to give details or to confirm a mid-engine layout.

He scotched suggestions that the Alpine car would share the Clio’s architecture, saying the Clio was “quite heavy”.

“The DNA of an Alpine is not the DNA of a Clio,” he said, adding that the Clio RS was usually bought by younger drivers who needed their vehicle to have four seats and “do everything” such as take the kids to school.

By contrast, the Alpine might be the owner’s third or fourth car and be bought simply for pleasure.

Unlike the three-door Clio that arrives at Dieppe from another Renault factory as a body-in-white with all the major steel panels stamped and welded in readiness to be painted and receive the powertrain and fittings, the Alpine car’s panels will be formed at the Alpine factory on new machinery being installed there.

Most pundits expect the Alpine to

have a structure of aluminium to keep the weight down – a key goal of the design and engineering team.

Mr Olliver said the engine would be “fully adapted” to achieve the target power-to-weight ratio which he said was a signature of Alpine since its inception.

He said all the “tools” in the 21st century Alpine sportscar would be modern, most likely meaning a dual-clutch transmission could be the sole transmission choice.

That transmission is likely to be the same Getrag unit as the Clio RS, but perhaps with different ratios. The

engine is also likely to be the same 1.6-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder as in the Clio RS, but with tweaks to suit the Alpine car’s desired characteristics.

If the latest Alpine concept is any guide, the powertrain will sit sideways behind the seats as a form of transaxle driving the rear wheels, Alfa 4C style.

Alpine hopes to build 3000 to 4000 cars a year, but Mr Olliver said that the exact volume projections would be impossible to call.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE‘The perfect car’ – next page

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Global Alpine chief vowsnot to rush reborn sportsseries – and keen on SUV

‘The perfect car’

By RON HAMMERTON in PARISTHE Renault executive tasked with resurrecting the Alpine sportscar operation has promised the perfect sportscar when Alpine production resumes after a 20-year hiatus, but he says he cannot promise when he might be able to deliver it.

“There is a big expectation on the car, and we are obliged to make it a success,” Alpine CEO Bernard Olliver told Australian journalists last weekend in the French coastal town of Dieppe, where Alpine celebrated the 60th anniversary of the famous French marque with the biggest-ever rally of Alpine enthusiasts and their vehicles.

“We cannot make a mistake. If we

have to take two or three more years for the perfect car, we will take it.”

Although Renault started working on Alpine concept cars in 2012 and prototypes are already on the roads of France, Mr Olliver said the production car would not be ready for market before 2017.

He declined to go into the mechanical details of the car, other than to say it would adhere to Alpine’s “DNA” of light weight, driving pleasure and French elegance of design.

Most pundits expect the latest concept, the Alpine Celebration that was first shown at the Le Mans 24 Hour race in June this year, to set the stage for the final production vehicle.

The mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe – known as a berlinette (small coupe) to the French – is powered by a

small but powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in a package that is said to weigh no more than 1000kg.

The styling includes signature Alpine cues such as the round driving lights in the nose taken from the well-loved A110 Berlinette of the 1960s and 1970s – something that is almost certain to make it into the final product.

Asked if the first new-generation Alpine car would include both coupe and convertible versions, he answered with a smile: “Perhaps.”

Similarly, he did not rule out the rumoured crossover vehicle as a follow-up for the as yet unnamed sportscar, but said the focus of Alpine’s engineers and designers was firmly on the first vehicle.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Concept ‘95 per cent’ final – next page

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Sep 16, 2015 Page 10

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Renault confirms Alaskanutility concept is close to2016 production version

Concept ‘95 per cent’ final

By RON HAMMERTON in PARISABOUT 95 per cent of the exterior design of the concept version of Renault’s first one-tonne ute, the Alaskan, will carry over into production next year, according to Renault Group light commercial vehicle development director Louis Morasse.

“The truck will look like this,” he said when showing Australian journalists the concept in the flesh at Renault’s design centre outside Paris. “It is about 95 per cent.”

Canadian-born Mr Morasse declined to name the elements that will not translate into production, but the fanciful exterior mirrors armed with Hasselblad video cameras, and oversized 21-inch wheels with fat tyres will obviously disappear, meaning the major panels, bumpers and grille are likely to be true to production reality.

Developed in parallel with partner Nissan’s NP300 Navara over a 30-month period, the Alaskan has a unique design forward of the A-pillars, as well as its own tailgate

skin and tail-lights.Major panels such as the roof, doors

and rear tub are shared with Navara, along with underpinnings and the 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing up to 140kW of power.

The interior is yet to be revealed, and Mr Morasse would not say if the Renault cabin would be largely different from the Nissan version.

The show car seen by GoAuto is not a running prototype, lacking an engine and other running gear. Video footage of it was created digitally, as were still images set on background photos taken in Iceland.

According to Mr Morasse, the satin-silver concept is the only Alaskan in existence so far, and no other concepts

will be made public before the final production vehicle emerges towards the end of the first half of 2016.

Renault Australia is yet to confirm an Alaskan showroom launch date for Australia, but judging on timelines for other Renault models, the first quarter of 2017 seems likely.

The only Alaskan images released by Renault are of the high-end all-wheel-drive dual-cab variant, but Mr Morasse confirmed other body styles would be forthcoming, in line with the Navara range.

These will include 4x2 and single-cab workhorse variants, among others.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE Megane moves ahead – next page

Sep 16, 2015 Page 11

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MARKETING COORDINATOR - Patterson Cheney ToyotaWe are currently seeking an experienced Marketing Coordinator to join our Toyota dealership in Dandenong.Key skills and attributes include: • Hold a university degree in marketing or equivalent• Marketing/Design background.• Experience in print design and branding EDM.• Attention to detail, strong design-based principles and capabilities.• Experience in online marketing and website maintenance.• Be creative, self-motivated and enthusiastic.Duties will include but will not be limited to:• Managing dealership online, digital and social media activities

including SEO, SEM, website and online lead management.• Designing marketing material and ensuring that it complies with

the manufacturer’s design rules.• Planning and booking all press advertising, direct mail campaigns,

database marketing, sponsorship opportunities.• Assisting in the development of departmental marketing strategies.

Bigger, bolder hatchbackto spearhead new-modelpush by Renault Australia

Megane moves ahead

By RON HAMMERTONin FRANKFURT

RENAULT’S bigger new-generation Megane hatchback is set to fire the starting pistol on a hectic new-model blitz in Australia that will include the French company’s first one-tonne ute and the born-again Alpine sportscar.

Revealed at the Frankfurt motor show overnight, the fourth-generation Megane will be released in Europe in early 2016 and arrive in Australia in the second half of next year.

To be built in Spain on the Renault Nissan Alliance’s flexible Common Family Module (CFM) architecture, the five-door Euro hatchback’s unveiling comes hard on the heels of the announcement that the Renault version of partner Nissan’s NP300 Navara, to be called Alaskan, is in the pipeline for Australia, along with Alpine’s hot-shot mid-engined sportscar that should land about 2017.

GoAuto also understands that an all-new, bigger Koleos SUV is on the agenda, meaning that within a couple of years, Renault Australia will be

in its best position yet to cause some mainstream market mayhem, Euro exchange rate fluctuations permitting.

Missing from Renault’s Frankfurt show stand were Megane’s flagship Renault Sport variants, with the focus here on the lesser models topped by Megane GT with its 152kW four-cylinder petrol engine and 4Control four-wheel steering system that is new to Megane.

This time around, Megane will have two five-door body styles – the hatch that is being shown in Frankfurt, plus a wagon to be unveiled next year. Both have been confirmed for Australia.

The three-door hatch has been dropped, with the sizzling Renault Sport variants moving to the five-door hatch layout next time around.

As always, Megane RS will be along later, at earliest late next year or

more likely 2017.In Frankfurt for the Megane

unveiling, Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar told GoAuto that his company had high hopes for the new model which he believed had the wherewithal to take the brand to the next level in Australia.

The current Megane is Renault’s fourth-biggest seller in Australia, behind Clio, Koleos and Captur.

Mr Hocevar said that while he expected the SUV models to remain the brand’s top sellers, especially once a new Koleos arrives, he also expected the Megane to push higher in a segment that contains Australia’s highest sellers.

He said his company was planning a marketing splash for the new model.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Megane GT

Sep 16, 2015 Page 12

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By TIM NICHOLSON GM HOLDEN has announced that the new-generation Astra making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show this week will form a key part of its model line-up, arriving in Australian showrooms by the end of 2016.

The car-maker has confirmed that the five-door variant will be made available with a choice of a 1.4 and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, and will also feature the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity systems.

Holden has previously announced a massive product rollout that will see 24 new models launch by the end of this decade, and the Astra follows confirmation earlier this year of the new Spark micro-car and a pair of new SUVs further down the track.

The Australian-built Cruze is expected to be sold alongside the Astra until production of the ageing small car

and the Commodore (and derivatives) ceases by the end of 2017.

The current-generation three-door Astra GTC and VXR hot hatch that arrived in April will continue to be available until replacements for the sportier variants enter production, which is likely to be later next year.

When the new Astra arrives here it is expected to be positioned as a sportier, more premium model than the Cruze, but Holden senior manager of product communications Kate Lonsdale told GoAuto that both cars can co-exist as they appeal to different buyers.

“These are very different cars,” she said. “Cruze is a sedan, and we have current Astra three-doors then we will have the (five-door) hatch version of next-generation product. From a product and futures point of view, one is quite sports orientated, one has the practicality of a sedan. Very different customers I think.”

Ms Lonsdale said the Astra wagon that also makes its debut in Frankfurt

this week will be looked at, but is not locked in.

“We will look at everything. We will look at what’s going to make a good, strong Holden portfolio going forward. We absolutely look at what’s available to us, but no announcements at this stage.”

GM Holden chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard said the Astra points to the direction the company is taking its product portfolio, and highlighted the local engineering input.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFinal Aussie Commodore – next page

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Thumping 304kW LS3 V8headlines swansong localCommodore due October

Final Aussie Commodore

By TIM NICHOLSONGM HOLDEN’S final Australian-built Commodore is set to go out with a loud bang, with the company confirming its VF Series II range will be the fastest and most powerful car to wear the iconic badge.

Officially unveiled last Sunday at Holden HQ in Port Melbourne ahead of its showroom arrival next month, the facelifted Commodore gains a series of cosmetic tweaks and tech upgrades to see it out to the end of local production in 2017.

Holden’s new chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard said the VF Series II is the type of exciting car its customers have come to expect from a new Commodore.

“We made a commitment to keep this iconic car exciting and relevant for Australian motorists, and that is exactly what we have done,” he said. “This is the vehicle that our Commodore customers have been asking for.

“Commodore VFII is powerful and refined, it will evoke emotion in its driver and exhibits all of the hallmarks Commodore has become renowned for over the years.”

Mr Bernhard, who started his career at Holden in 1986, also praised the employees involved in the final

Aussie-built family car for ensuring the Commodore is the best it can be.

“Holden’s design, engineering and manufacturing teams have produced the best Commodore ever – a vehicle that truly lives up to its reputation and one that the entire company is incredibly proud of,” he said.

“This is the reason Holden is committed to ensuring we will continue to have engineering and design input into Commodore, and every other Holden vehicle in our range, for generations to come.”

As GoAuto reported in May, the Commodore swaps the current model’s 270kW 6.0-litre V8 for a new 6.2-litre LS3 engine from the Chevy Corvette in all V8 variants.

Pumping out 304kW of power and 570Nm of torque, the new unit does not quite match the output of the engine in the US-market Commodore-based Chevrolet SS, but it can now race from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.

This is down from 5.7 seconds in the outgoing SS V Redline, and undercuts

Ford’s swansong XR8 that can do the dash in 5.2s as well as the refreshed Chrysler 300 SRT that gets there in about 5.0s.

As expected, Holden has dropped the LPG-powered versions, and there are no changes to the 185kW/290Nm 3.0-litre V6 or the 210kW/350Nm 3.2-litre V6.

Holden has also announced that V8 variants will be offered with a bi-model exhaust with a unique Holden-designed ‘Baillie Tip’ and a mechanical sound enhancer.

GoAuto previously reported that Holden would introduce bonnet vents – similar to the ‘Ventiports’ found on a number of Buick models – to the 2016 Commodore and this has also been confirmed by the car-maker.

Holden says the bonnet vents and new fascia ducts were developed by local Holden engineers with support from Monash University’s wind tunnel to improve aerodynamics around the front of the car.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE GMH engineering rethink – page 15

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Holden reverses decisionto close engineering unit,promising work past 2017

GMH engineering rethink

By TIM NICHOLSONGM HOLDEN has announced that it will retain its Port Melbourne-based Powertrain Engineering department beyond the closure of its manufacturing operations in 2017, reversing its previous decision and ensuring ongoing employment for more than 300 staff.

The announcement to keep the department was made by Holden’s new chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard, who also confirmed the creation of a new Advanced Vehicle Development team that will be tasked with supporting the GM Australia Design Centre also located in Port Melbourne.

This new unit will include 18 new team members, while more than 100 staff will work in Holden’s Powertrain Engineering and Calibration team.

Mr Bernhard said the decision meant Holden can continue to engineer vehicles specifically for the Australian

market, as well as developing models for the wider GM world, including emerging markets.

“This announcement means more than 100 additional Holden engineering staff will continue to apply their skills and talents to local and global vehicle programs,” he said. “As Holden has done for decades, we will export our expertise to the world.

“In total, Holden will maintain a design and engineering workforce of more than 300 people beyond 2017. So while Holden’s business will continue to change, we will retain much of the talent that has shaped our success. Any opportunity we have to retain local jobs and talent is fantastic.”

Holden has previously announced

that it will keep its Lang Lang proving ground south-east of Melbourne – another reversal of an earlier decision to shut the facility following the end of local manufacturing – and the Port Melbourne design centre.

It has, however, already lost senior engineering personnel to other car companies and parts manufacturers in Australia and abroad. Others have also relocated to GM affiliates overseas.

Mr Bernhard said that while Holden’s future product portfolio will be sourced from global GM markets, retaining the engineering team would ensure they have an Australian feel.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE ‘Holden is here to win’ – next page

Sep 16, 2015 Page 16

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New boss targets return to market leadership butwill not provide timeline

‘Holden is here to win’

By TIM NICHOLSONGM HOLDEN’S new chairman and managing director Mark Bernhard still believes the company can regain market leadership in Australia but claims to be more focused on delivering quality product and making gains in customer service than unseating Toyota.

Back in April last year, Holden’s previous boss Gerry Dorizas – who lasted seven months in the job – laid out a bold plan to overtake Toyota at the top of the Australian new-car sales charts by 2020.

Mr Bernhard said last weekend that while the company wants to take back the sales crown, he would not nominate a timeline, adding that the immediate focus was on other key areas.

“I am certainly here to win,” he said. “Holden is here to win. Every employee comes to work every day to win. Just like football teams are in it for premierships, so are we.

“But I am not going to put a timeline on it. We don’t need that target on our back. Our goal is to be the best automotive company in Australia. But we are playing a long game. We need to focus on the fundamentals of our business.

“These fundamentals being customer experience, product and brand. Everything has to come back to those three fundamentals.”

Mr Bernhard highlighted Holden’s capped-price servicing scheme and its Home Ground Advantage program that supports grassroots sporting clubs through grants of up to $100,000 as examples of the company’s commitment to improving the customer experience and its brand image.

He also hinted at the coming new-model onslaught that will involve 24 new models released by 2020, but did not divulge details on any potential additions to the range.

“It’s the most comprehensive overhaul in Holden’s history,” he said.

“So far we have launched the Astra, the Insignia and the Cascada. You know the all-new Spark is coming next year and of course tomorrow (Sunday) we have VF Series II Commodore. What else will we launch? That’s commercially sensitive so I’m not going to tell you. But it does mean all-new small cars and a range of all-new SUVs.”

As GoAuto has reported, beyond the new Spark, Holden has also confirmed

that a replacement for the ageing Captiva and a new “world-class” SUV are on the way. The latter could be the SUV that Opel announced it was developing for release later in the decade.

GMH confirmed overnight that the new five-door Astra would join the Cruze from late 2016, while an imported Commodore is coming after 2017. Expect a V8-powered sportscar, too.

When asked when Holden will start communicating with its buyers about the next Commodore, Mr Bernhard said those details were still some way off being revealed.

“We haven’t worked through that,” he said. “That will be something that we plan out as we move forward. It’s certainly not a high priority to look at it at the moment.”

As well as announcing that Holden will keep its engineering development department, Mr Bernhard announced that its dealer network has committed to investing a significant sum into upgrading their facilities in the coming years.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Mark Bernhard

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484 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield 03 9489 7777 128 Denmark Street, Kew 03 9853 6669 469 Heidelberg Road, Fairfield 03 9488 7000 LMCT 433

3 Point Motors, one of Melbourne’s leading Mercedes-Benz Dealerships, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven New Vehicle Sales Manager and Retail Floor Manager to join our rapidly growing business. Put simply, we’re looking for the best in the industry!

New Vehicle Sales Manager.You will be responsible for the development and management of the New Vehicle Sales Team throughout the sales process. Your leadership abilities will inspire, motivate and support the team to consistently achieve monthly performance objectives, with a key focus on building a customer-first culture.

Key requirements for this role includes, but is not limited to:

• A comprehensive knowledge of the automotive industry• Exceptional leadership and communication skills• Proven track record of achieving targets and dealership objectives• Previous experience in a Sales Manager role, preferably in luxury automotive

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An attractive remuneration package is on offer for the successful candidate. In addition you will also receive training and development opportunities to help your personal and professional growth.

For further information about this role please contact the Joint Dealer Principal, Michael Di Muzio on 03 9489 7777.

Retail Floor Manager (Fairfield).Reporting directly to the New Vehicle Sales Manager, you will be responsible for the smooth day-to-day operation of the New Vehicle Sales Team in Fairfield.

You will be required to meet individual monthly sales targets while working closely and hands-on with the Sales Team to assist in handling customer queries and closing deals. This role requires exceptional communication skills, problem solving ability and quick-thinking on-the-go, while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.

This role is well suited to an experience Automotive Sales Executive looking to take the next step in their sales career.

To apply or express your interest in any of these positions, please submit your application including CV and Cover Letter to careers@3point.com.au

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Launch your career to amazing new heights.

Sep 16, 2015 Page 18

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Blue Oval’s Geelong andBroadmeadows factoriesto close October 7, 2016

Ford aftersales efforts are starting to show but more work required: WhickmanBy BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

FORD Australia president and CEO Graeme Whickman says that the customer and dealer satisfaction improvements being applied to help rebuild the Blue Oval brand Down Under are already yielding results.

Speaking at the facelifted Focus launch in Adelaide earlier this month, the 18-year Ford veteran said the groundwork, based on similar strategies successfully deployed in the United Kingdom and Canadian markets (where Ford is number one), is being laid out in Australian dealerships to lure buyers back to the brand.

Mr Whickman added that the changes should be reflected in stronger second-half sales results, despite record-low

numbers for the first eight months of this year.

“We’re starting to get really good feedback on that experience,” he told GoAuto. “That’s the biggest change for us, because the product we’ve got is really strong.

“(But) you can’t rely just on the product. You have to have somewhere someone’s happy to come in to. The dealers have done a great job; they

know that there’s a challenge. They know that consumers’ tastes and requirements are changing. So it’s quite an interesting time.”

In December last year, Ford announced a rollout of an overhauled dealer experience with improved contact, browsing, buying, booking and servicing methodology, involving better staff training and the adoption of new technologies based on multimedia interfaces. This was followed in February with a free loan-car scheme.

“Some of the stuff that we’re doing at the moment is really important in terms of consumer experience and the like,” Mr Whickman said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Graeme Whickman

By HAITHAM RAZAGUIFORD Australia has named October 7, 2016, as the last day of local production for the home-grown Falcon sedan and ute and Territory SUV, marking the beginning of the end for car manufacturing in this country.

The shutdown will mark the end of 56 years’ production at Broadmeadows and 91 years since the Geelong facility, comprising engine, casting and stamping plants, was established.

Employees were informed of the decision last week as part of a production planning meeting for the year ahead.

Confirming the October 7 date to GoAuto, Ford Australia communications and public affairs director Wes Sherwood explained that

the decision was based on “a solid year of production” with no down days scheduled, based on “the strength of Falcon and Territory sales”.

Mr Sherwood also confirmed that both Geelong and Broadmeadows will close simultaneously on October 7, with those involved at earlier stages, such as casting and stamping, offered the opportunity to stay working right through to the end.

“One of the things we are receiving a lot of positive feedback from the team on is that we are going to have one final day for everybody on October 7,” he said.

“Clearly some of the earlier facilities in the production process will complete manufacturing earlier but regardless of that, everybody who wants to go through to October 7 will be welcome to do so.”

Ford currently has around 850 manufacturing employees between Broadmeadows and Geelong, all of

whom stand to lose their jobs, but Mr Sherwood said that 80 per cent of the “several hundred” workers made redundant in the past year had “found new work opportunities outside the company or through redeployment inside the company”.

“As our product development team thrives and continues to get new work on global projects, that is helping with some of the redeployments,” he added.

Ford Australia is working on a swansong for the Falcon range – rumoured to be a hotted-up XR6 Turbo – which Mr Sherwood referred to as “specialty models we are looking at nearer term”.

Further commemorative vehicles to be saved for the last days of production are yet to be decided, but Mr Sherwood revealed that the manufacturing team would have a say in what they will be like.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

FORD SET TO LAUNCH SPORTY ST VERSION OF MONDEO: CLICK HERE

Ford names closure date

Sep 16, 2015 Page 19

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VW sticks to a familiar route with the appealing new-generation Passat Alltrack

High-performance version of B8-series Passat not in Volkswagen’s current plansBy TIM ROBSON in MUNICH

A SENIOR engineer who worked on Volkswagen’s new-generation B8 Passat project claims there are no plans to produce a high-performance version of its latest mid-size passenger car.

Speaking through an interpreter, technical project manager for Passat Heiko Nause told Australian journalists that while the idea for a top-end Passat had been discussed, no plans were in place.

“Many people are talking about it, but they are not planning it,” he said.

“It’s more about having a

sufficiently strong engine in the car. That’s one of the problems. Ten years ago, people said 130hp (90kW) was good. Now we have 240hp (176kW) or more as standard.”

The current top-end Passat is the GTD, which uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel that produces

176kW of power and 500Nm of torque.Mr Nause denied that a performance

version of the diesel GTD might be on the cards.

“The engineers are always trying to come up with better solutions, this is what they are working. But you can never tell the future,” he said.

“We can’t give you any information, because there is no plan in this direction or the other. Just to give you the answer again, there is no plan for anything specific.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TIM ROBSON in MUNICHVOLKSWAGEN has launched the off-road-oriented Alltrack variant of its new-generation B8-series Passat wagon in Europe, just weeks before the main range debuts in Australia.

The high-riding all-wheel-drive wagon has been a niche but popular part of the local Passat line-up, and is likely to continue in much the same specification – and at much the same price – when it lobs here next year.

Volkswagen Group Australia public relations manager Kurt McGuiness told GoAuto at the international launch in Germany this week that local details were still to be finalised, but said the strategy with the current model – which is sold as a single-spec diesel variant, starting below $50,000 – was working well and likely to continue with the redesigned model.

He said the current Passat Alltrack makes up 40 per cent of all Passat wagon sales, and that the new version will bolster the burgeoning ‘Alltrack’ stable which from next month will include the smaller Golf Alltrack.

“We see the Alltrack as a sub-brand across the group,” Mr McGuiness said.

“Look at where the current one sits in terms of spec and pricing for an indication of where this will be positioned.”

The Alltrack mimics the basic architecture of the regular B8 Passat wagon, but adds ride height – an extra

27.5mm, for a total of 147mm ground clearance – as well as underbody protection and all-wheel-drive capability.

Also setting it apart are new bumpers, trapezoidal exhaust trims, bespoke rims, black plastic wheelarch overfenders and sills, roof rails and a set of unique exterior colours.

Slight variations to the interior include different coloured trim inserts and a set of suede and leather seats with ‘Alltrack’ embroidery on the headrests.

The Alltrack is currently the only all-wheel-drive variant in the latest Passat family, and uses a fifth-generation Haldex coupling to connect the active front wheels to the passive rears.

A six-speed DSG gearbox augments electronic front and rear differentials, while longer springs and retuned dampers give the Alltrack its taller stance.

Continued next page

The right track

Sep 16, 2015 Page 20

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VW readies boosted Clubsport model to celebrate 40th anniversary of Golf GTIBy TERRY MARTIN

VOLKSWAGEN has wasted no time shifting its Golf GTI Clubsport concept into production, with essentially the same 195kW turbocharged hot hatch – as seen at the Wörthersee enthusiasts’ festival in May – emerging last week ahead of its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show.

Created to celebrate the Golf GTI’s 40th anniversary early next year, the production Clubsport has thundered in with the same additional boost as the concept that pushes maximum power up from 169kW on the GTI Performance model to 195kW – and increasing to 213kW on overboost.

The modified version of the EA888 2.0-litre direct-injection TSI turbo-four combines with either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to send the front-wheel-drive Clubsport from 0-100km/h in just 5.9 seconds with the DSG, or 6.0s with the manual gearbox.

This is 0.5 seconds faster than the GTI Performance (sold only with DSG in Australia) and makes it the most powerful production GTI in history.

It does, however, fall short of the blistering all-wheel-drive Golf R, which musters 206kW and can hit the national highway limit in five seconds flat with the DSG – or 5.2s with the manual.

Top speed on the Clubsport is electronically limited to 250km/h, while fuel consumption on the official European combined cycle is as low as 6.7L/100km with DSG, or 6.9L/100km with the manual.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Continued from previous pageThe outgoing B7 Passat Alltrack uses

a 130kW version of VW’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and the B8 will likely ship Down Under with an all-new, similarly sized, all-aluminium Euro 6-compliant turbo-diesel that develops 140kW from 3000-4000rpm and 400Nm from 1950-3000rpm in European trim.

The new engine can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 8.0 seconds, topping out at 220km/h. It returns a claimed 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined fuel economy cycle and emits 135 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Volkswagen claims it has saved up to 80kg in weight over the B7, mainly via the new and lighter engine, more high-strength steel in the body and the use of a lighter one-piece plastic composite sump guard.

The Drive Mode system is augmented for the Alltrack with additional off-road modes, including hill-hold and descent modes, which complement the Sport, Comfort, Eco and Individual functions.

Available only as a wagon, the B8 Alltrack has 639 litres of storage space with the rear seats in position, and 1769 litres with the seatbacks folded down. A flexible architecture includes a cargo floor that can be lowered, alloy cargo rails and an adjustable netting divider.

While a sophisticated trailer control mode is available on European-spec cars that allows the Alltrack to steer itself to park a trailer while reversing,

this feature may not make it to the Australian market due to stricter rules concerning trailer chain retainers.

Volkswagen AG’s claims of a 2200kg (braked) towing capacity are also unlikely to be realised for Australia; most states stipulate that the mass of a towed trailer must not exceed that of the tow vehicles. Current Alltracks are limited to 1800kg.

While definitive specifications are yet to be announced for the local car, expect a high level of equipment including powered and heated front seats (with a massage function for the driver), heated and cooled rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity via a bespoke Alltrack infotainment system, LED headlights and tail-lamps, a TFT dash, satellite navigation, Drive Mode Select, a rearview camera and radar cruise with city emergency stop.

Outside, alloy roof rails, 17-inch rims and black body panels, along with unique

colours, will set the Alltrack apart.Options are likely to include a

sunroof, VW’s XDS+ torque-vectoring diffs and larger rims.

Over a limited test run on largely unchallenging terrain, the Alltrack presents as an excellent alternative to a larger, taller, heavier SUV.

This is GoAuto’s first drive of a Passat since the international launch in August 2014, and it is instantly clear that the high-level DNA has carried over to the Alltrack. Despite sitting some 27mm higher on taller and softer springs, the Alltrack’s ride and composure is exemplary.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

The right track

Sep 16, 2015 Page 21

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Supply restrictions to limit sales at first, but Suzuki confident in all-new crossover

Vitara sets sail

Suzuki to resurrect Ignis nameplate with production version of iM-4 conceptBy TIM NICHOLSON

SUZUKI will continue its retro name revival by reintroducing the Ignis nameplate to the production version of the iM-4 crossover that is due to launch globally next year.

The Ignis nameplate was last seen on a Suzuki-badged model early last decade when the Japanese car-maker, in partnership with General Motors, produced the tiny city crossover that lasted just two generations internationally.

The unusual hatch was sold in Australian Suzuki showrooms for five

years from 2000 to 2005 alongside Holden’s version of the same car, which constituted the first-generation Cruze.

While Suzuki is yet to officially announce the return of the decade-old nameplate, GoAuto understands that it

is confirmed for the production-ready version of the quirky iM-4.

That concept was revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, sharing a stand with the iK-2 hatch that was officially revealed in production guise this week at the Frankfurt motor show as the Baleno small hatch.

Another blast from the past, the Baleno nameplate was originally worn by a small hatch and sedan model sold in Australia from 1995 to 2001.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TIM NICHOLSONSUZUKI’S “game-changing” Vitara has arrived in Australian showrooms to take on the top sellers in the booming segment, with the smash-hit Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3 crossovers square in its sights.

Speaking with media at the local media launch last week, Suzuki Australia general manager Andrew Moore talked up the Vitara’s potential volume in the busy small SUV segment.

“We want to once again be a leader in a category we invented,” he said.

“We know this car will be a game changer, not just for Suzuki but for compact motoring in the Australian automobile industry.

“In the early months, high global demand for Vitara will limit our supply with volumes around 300 a month. However, I am confident that with a focus on private sales we will be able to build beyond 500 a month to

seriously challenge the bigger players in this segment.”

While 500 sales per month is a strong number for the brand, it would still place it behind the HR-V and CX-3, which have already soared to 7297 and 7130 sales respectively so far this year to be two of the top sellers.

The numbers Suzuki is hoping to achieve would put it in direct competition with Volkswagen’s ageing Tiguan and the Subaru XV.

Suzuki already has an entrant in the small SUV segment – the S-Cross that shares a platform with the Vitara – but Mr Moore said there is room in

dealerships for both models as they appeal to different buyers.

“S-Cross is more a crossover hatch; we see this (Vitara) as more of an SUV,” he said. “Younger customers like the adventurous design and go for Vitara, but some older customers may be more conservative and may choose the S-Cross style.”

Mr Moore said the company was “excited” about the new customers Vitara will bring to the brand, and added that rather than cannibalising S-Cross sales, the Vitara would add incremental volume.

“There are maybe some customers who, 12 months ago, may have chosen an S-Cross that would now choose a Vitara, however we think we will have so many more customers in the Suzuki showroom that we will be able to maintain our S-Cross sales and add significant volume with Vitara,” he said.

Continued next page

Sep 16, 2015 Page 22

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Vitara sets sailContinued from previous page

“In essence, we will be growing our share of the SUV segment with two vehicles. And I think we will be growing it significantly with this car making a big splash in the marketplace.”

Kicking off from $21,990 plus on-road costs, the Vitara undercuts the entry-level HR-V from $24,990, as well as the similarly equipped mid-range CX-3 that is priced at $22,390.

Just two variants will be offered from launch – the two-wheel-drive RT-S and four-wheel-drive (AllGrip) RT-X. Mr Moore said he expects the 2WD variant to make up 75 per cent of sales.

The $21,990 entry variant is matched with a five-speed manual gearbox, while substituting a six-speed automatic transmission adds $2000 for a $23,990 kick-off.

Suzuki is offering the RT-S with a driveaway price of $22,990 for the manual and $24,990 for the auto. Mr Moore said there was no specific end date for the driveaway pricing deal.

Topping the range is the 4x4 RT-X in automatic guise only, priced from $31,990 plus on-roads.

Both variants are powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol unit producing 88kW of power at 6000rpm and 156Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

Suzuki Australia has not provided 0-100km/h figures.

In 2WD manual guise, the Vitara consumes 5.8 litres per 100km on the official combined cycle, rising to

6.0L/100km when matched with the auto, while the 4x4 RT-X sips 6.3L/100km.

The manual figure edges out the Mazda CX-3 2WD manual

Maxx, which consumes 6.3L/100km, as well as small hatches including the 1.8-litre Toyota Corolla Ascent manual hatch that consumes 7.0L/100km.

Mr Moore said the company was “considering” a diesel engine that is on offer in Europe, but given the low fuel consumption figures of the petrol engine, it is unclear if it will be introduced here.

The Vitara weighs in at 1075kg for the RT-S and 1185kg for the RT-X, and at 4175mm long and 1775mm wide is 285mm shorter and 20mm narrower than a Mazda3 hatch.

Cargo space is 375 litres, well above the 264 litres offered by the Mazda CX-3, but off the pace of the cavernous 437 litres of the HR-V.

In terms of standard gear, the RT-S offers a multimedia system with satellite navigation and reversing camera via a 7.0-inch touchscreen, seven airbags, cruise control, digital climate control, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, power windows, daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Opting for the RT-X adds the AllGrip four-wheel-drive system, hill-descent control, keyless entry/start, a panoramic sunroof, polished 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, auto-levelling automatic headlights, automatic wipers, electric folding mirrors, leather seats with suede inserts, and a sunglasses holder.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

ANCAP awards five-star rating to Mazda2, CX-3 but Audi TT down a rung with fourBy TIM NICHOLSON

MAZDA has improved on its disappointing four-star Euro NCAP rating for its CX-3 crossover with a maximum five-star result awarded by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) in the latest round of testing.

The CX-3 was marked down in Europe for its lack of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard, which kept its score in the ‘safety assist’ category to 64 per cent, ensuring a four-star rating.

In the Australian test, however, the CX-3 – which is offered with AEB as an option in this market – was awarded an overall score of 36.44 out of 37, which put it comfortably in five-star territory.

The CX-3 only lost points in the pedestrian impact test, receiving 27.60

out of 36 to still ensure a ‘good’ rating, and slight deductions in the frontal offset test.

The Mazda2 light car – on which the CX-3 is based – also achieved the maximum five-star rating with a total of 36.65 out of 37. It also received a ‘good’ rating for pedestrian protection, despite losing a few points for stiff A-pillars, and it achieved strong results in the frontal offset and side impact tests.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREANCAP CEO steps down – page 30

PRICING:RT-S $21,990 RT-S (a) $23,990 RT-X (a) $31,990

CX-3

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Fastest road-legal Abarthnow on sale here but just14 cars on offer – at $65K

695 Biposto races in

FCA Australia undertakes to better manage customer enquiries and complaintsBy STUART MARTIN

THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has sounded a warning to the wider automotive industry as part of an investigation into customer complaints to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia.

The ACCC investigation is looking into between 800 and 1000 consumer complaints concerning vehicle faults, and the manner in which FCA Australia handled those complaints.

“The consumer guarantees mandate that vehicles will be fit for purpose, free from defects and as durable as a reasonable consumer would expect,” said ACCC chairman Rod Sims.

“Where the guarantee is not complied with, a consumer will have

rights against the supplier and in some cases the manufacturer, who will have to provide a remedy.

“This means that all car manufacturers and suppliers, including dealers, need to think beyond the initial sale and invest in their aftersales care.”

FCA Australia said it has co-operated fully with the commission’s investigations – in the process avoiding seven-figure fines – into its treatment of customer complaints under its

previous management, covering a two-year period between the start of 2013 and the end of 2014.

“The ACCC is considering concerns about the motor vehicle industry more generally, with a particular focus on ensuring compliance with the consumer guarantee provisions of the consumer law,” Mr Sims said.

FCA Australia said many of the changes to the company’s processes and staffing were already underway or in place prior to the ACCC investigation.

The company’s president and CEO Pat Dougherty “acknowledged its shortcomings in handling customer enquiries and complaints under previous management”.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By STUART MARTINTOUTED as the world’s smallest supercar, the Abarth 695 Biposto has finally turned a wheel on Australian roads, with just 14 examples earmarked priced from a staggering $65,000 plus on-road costs.

With every box ticked, the Abarth can reach $108,000, placing it in Porsche Cayman pricing territory, so demand is not forcing Fiat to ask for any more than the 14 vehicles so far destined for Australian homes.

Fiat and Alfa Romeo product manager Aitezaz Khan said it would be difficult to identify a better example of the brand’s slogan “performance is a state of mind” than the 695 Biposto.

“Even with every option ticked I challenge you to find anything anywhere near its price point that even comes close

to offering this level of theatre and this racecar experience,” he said.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia director of marketing and product strategy Zac Loo said the Fiat brand’s success in Australia had largely come from the aspirational rather than the rational side of the product portfolio, which suggests Abarth will be key to Fiat’s revival in Australia.

This is the road-going version of the Asseto Corsa racecar that campaigned at recent production-car endurance events in Australia.

The two-seater might not have a sound system or air-conditioning but can be upgraded with several options, including the $15,000 racetrack-sourced Bacci Romano gearbox kit that adds dog-rings, allowing rapid upshifts using the long gearshift mechanism – an all-aluminium affair with a standard ‘H’ configuration.

The dog-ring gearbox allows for quick gearshifts without using the

copper racing clutch. Fiat says around three quarters of Bipostos sold in Australia will be fitted with the optional dog gearbox.

The option pack also includes a mechanical limited-slip differential and carbon-fibre tunnel and handbrake cover.

There is more carbon-fibre to be had through the interior with the $9000 ‘carbon kit’, while the ‘124 Speciale’ option pack adds $5000 worth of aluminium bonnet and lightweight metal caps for coolant, oil and fuel.

The fastest street-legal Abarth ever made tips the scales at 997kg, with 140kW of power and 250Nm of torque coming from the 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. It is enough to see 100km/h appearing on the digital dashboard in 5.9 seconds and a 230km/h top speed, yet it still has a 6.5L/100km combined-cycle fuel figure.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Sep 16, 2015 Page 24

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Hyundai reveals all-newsmall car ahead of debuthere in first half of 2016

More efficient turbo-diesel engine and driveaway pricing for Peugeot 508 GTBy HAITHAM RAZAGUI

PEUGEOT has slashed fuel consumption on flagship GT variants of its 508 large-car range, resulting in a theoretical tank range of 1636km for the sedan and 1565km for the Touring wagon based on the official ADR 81/02 combined cycle figure of 4.4 litres per 100km.

In addition to replacing the GT’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with a smaller Euro 6-compliant unit, Peugeot Australia has applied driveaway pricing of $59,990 for the sedan and $62,990

for the Touring, both representing claimed savings of $3000.

The new 2.0L BlueHDi engine develops 133kW and 400Nm, which is down 17kW and 50Nm compared with the outgoing Euro 5 2.2-litre

unit, meaning the 0-100km/h dash is now completed four-tenths slower at 8.6 seconds.

But in return is significantly improved efficiency that is 1.0L/100km (or 18.5 per cent) less on the combined cycle than before, dropping CO2 emissions from 140 grams per kilometre to 114g/km.

Official urban and highway figures now sit at 5.1L/100km and 4.0L/100km respectively.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TIM NICHOLSONHYUNDAI’S sixth-generation Elantra was revealed in South Korea last week, with the stylish small sedan bringing new active safety technology, a larger body and claimed improvements in ride quality and comfort.

The all-new Elantra is expected to hit Australian showrooms in the first half of next year, following a motor show debut in Los Angeles in November.

The latest version is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than before, which provides cabin space that is “comparable with that of the segment above”, according to Hyundai.

While the new model carries a similar profile to the existing version, Hyundai has given it the ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design treatment to bring it into line with other models in the range.

The large chrome-heavy single-frame hexagonal grille was most recently seen on the Tucson SUV, while the modern slimline tail-lights are reminiscent of the Genesis luxury sedan, which is

in keeping with Hyundai’s ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction.

According to the South Korean car-maker, particular attention was paid to the design of the wheelarches to give the Elantra a more dynamic stance, while character lines and a “bold” rear bumper help it stand out from the pack.

Inside, the Elantra again borrows from some of its larger, more expensive stablemates, with the dash design – in particular the placement of the large touchscreen and surrounding air vents – in keeping with the Sonata mid-sizer and the Genesis.

Hyundai says it angled the dash and instruments 6.9 degrees towards the driver for a more cockpit-like feel, the controls have been repositioned for improved ergonomics, and extra soft-touch materials have been applied throughout.

In terms of active safety, the new Elantra will feature autonomous emergency braking, high-beam assist, a blind-spot monitor, lane-change monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, but whether these are offered across the range or only on higher-spec models

remains to be seen.Comfort and convenience functions

include a ‘smart trunk’ that automatically opens the boot if the smart key is within a ‘sensing zone’ of the rear bumper for more than three seconds.

In Korean guise, the Elantra will be offered with a choice of three four-cylinder powertrains, including a 97kW/161Nm 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine, a 100kW/300Nm 1.6-litre diesel, and a 110kW/179Nm 2.0-litre MPi Atkinson-cycle unit.

While Hyundai Motor Company Australia says it is too early to confirm the local line-up, it is likely to follow the current model in offering one powertrain across a number of specification levels.

The current model uses a 110kW/178Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The new Elantra will be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, with Hyundai’s new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission only available on the diesel variant internationally.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

New Elantra let loose

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

All-new stiffer but lighterplatform underpins fourthgeneration of Prius hybrid

Toyota Australia brings the axe down on slow-selling Rukus small carBy HAITHAM RAZAGUIand TIM NICHOLSON

TOYOTA Australia has confirmed the boxy Rukus small car will be discontinued “in line with customer demand”, with production for this market ceasing from next month.

With just 122 registered to the end of August, a 26.5 per cent slide compared with the same period in 2014, the Corolla-based Rukus is by far Toyota Australia’s slowest-selling passenger car and its least popular model overall.

Since its May 2010 launch, 3867

Rukuses have been sold in Australia. For comparison, Toyota regularly shifts more than 3000 Corollas per month here.

But Toyota Australia product public relations manager Steve Coughlan told GoAuto there had been benefits to introducing the Rukus to this market.

“A large number of these sales were to people who had never previously considered a Toyota,” he said.

“Rukus succeeded in bringing new buyers to the Toyota brand – and our dealers report that many of those people have now progressed to other vehicles in our range, such as RAV4 and Corolla.

“In a similar fashion to the FJ Cruiser and the Toyota 86 sportscar, the Rukus has been successful in appealing to a different type of buyer.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TIM NICHOLSONTOYOTA has ripped the covers off its all-important fourth-generation Prius hybrid hero that introduces the Japanese giant’s new lightweight architecture, while promising “significant improvements” to fuel economy.

The all-new Prius was revealed at an event in Las Vegas last week ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show and an Australian arrival early next year.

It is underpinned by Toyota’s New Generation Architecture (TNGA) that will eventually form the basis of more than half of its models, including some Lexus vehicles, by 2020.

The new platform is stiffer, according to Toyota, and is “at the heart” of the major changes and improvements to the new-generation Prius, including greater occupant protection and a more responsive driving experience.

The Japanese car-maker also says

that the engine powering the hybrid hatch is the most thermally efficient petrol engine in the world at 40 per cent, thanks to the use of new or significantly updated components that were “effectively blueprinted to the finest limits and tolerances”.

While Toyota is yet to reveal the fuel economy figure of the new Prius, it is expected to better the third-generation model by about 15 per cent. The current model sips 3.9 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

The size and weight of some major hybrid components have been reduced, while the company says that a lower centre of gravity, a new double wishbone rear suspension set-up and a more rigid body make for a better driving experience.

According to Toyota, the new suspension set-up ensures a better connection to the road and greater control and feedback, while the body helps improve responsiveness without impacting ride quality.

The latest iteration of the Prius is 60mm longer, 20mm lower and 15mm wider than the outgoing model, ensuring

more cargo space and cabin room. Toyota has gone for a bold look for

the new Prius, and while it is not directly related to its Mirai fuel-cell-powered stablemate, the environmentally friendly pair does have a similar design theme.

The Prius has sharp lines and angles, and while it carries a similar shape and profile to its predecessor, the new version carries dramatic front-end styling with angled, high-mounted headlights that look almost pinched.

The drama continues at the rear, with long tail-lights marking a big departure while the split dual-glass tailgate has been updated for the 2016 version.

Toyota says its designers embraced the concept of “Iconic Human-tech” to meld the sharp edges with flowing curves, benefiting aerodynamics, while the bonnet is lower.

A new Emotional Red body colour and the placement of the Toyota badge on the front grille at exactly the same height as the 86 sportscar accentuates the Prius’ sporty theme, according to Toyota.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERESUV share speaks volumes – page 28

Toyota sharpens Prius

Sep 16, 2015 Page 26

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Bentley describes its firstSUV as ‘next step in boldfuture’ of hallowed brand

Bentayga breaks cover

Rolls-Royce Dawn to launch here in November ahead of first deliveries early next yearBy TIM ROBSON

ROLLS-ROYCE is set to target a younger, more socially connected clientele with its new four-seater drop-top dubbed the Dawn, which is named after a limited run of 28 Silver Dawn dropheads built by the company in 1952.

In terms of its Australian timing, the Dawn will have a local launch in November, with customer deliveries kicking off in the second quarter of next year. Pricing will be confirmed at a later date.

While its underpinnings are shared

with the Wraith coupe – the fastest and most powerful model Rolls-Royce has ever made – the Dawn has been given a bespoke body treatment as befitting a vehicle that will likely cost more than the $645,000 (driveaway) asking price of the related Wraith coupe.

The company claims 80 per cent of the body panels are unique to the Dawn.

Its 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 engine is more closely aligned with the Ghost than the performance-orientated Wraith, and will produce 420kW of power and 780Nm of torque. The Dawn will reach 100km/h from standstill in 4.9 seconds, before topping out at an electronically limited 250km/h. Claimed fuel consumption is 14.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TIM NICHOLSONBENTLEY has finally uncovered its Bentayga SUV, revealing a hulking W12-powered high-riding wagon that the iconic luxury brand is referring to as a “true Bentley”.

Lifting the covers off the Bentayga last week ahead of its Frankfurt motor show debut, Bentley described its first SUV is “the fastest, most powerful, most luxurious and most exclusive SUV in the world”.

Australian timing is unclear at this stage, but Bentley said in a global press release that customer deliveries will start in early 2016, so expect it to roll into local showrooms later next year.

Pricing is also yet to be confirmed, however the W12 version of the Flying Spur sedan retails in Australia for $423,160 plus on-road costs. The Bentayga could sit in this vicinity or perhaps a little higher.

Bentley Motors chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Duerheimer said the Bentayga will lift the British luxury

marque to new sales heights when it is officially released.

“The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs,” he said. “It redefines luxury in the SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in any environment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention to detail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology.

“With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an exciting period of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga is the next step in our brand’s bold future.”

The design is an evolution of the polarising EXP 9 F concept that divided opinion when it was revealed more than three years ago at the 2012 Geneva motor show.

It carries the same basic shape, with puffed-out rear-three-quarter panels over the wheelarches providing a muscular look, and a traditional-style Bentley bonnet, but other elements have been toned down from the concept.

The front end has a softer look and the odd headlight design of the EXP 9 F has been replaced by a more ‘Bentley’ set incorporating four round LED lights

similar to those on the Continental GT sportscar and Flying Spur.

The production model features smoother and more rounded aluminium front fenders and the large matrix grille leaves little doubt of the Bentayga’s brand heritage.

Bentley claims the Bentayga uses “the largest single-piece aluminium pressing in the automotive world”. It also features an integrated skidplate in the lower front bumper and discreet headlight washers hidden in the outer headlight’s body-coloured centre.

At the tail end, the Bentayga has a sportier look compared with the concept, with a lip on the tailgate and redesigned tail-lights with a ‘B’ motif, while a split-pane panoramic glass roof makes up 60 per cent of the roof that can be covered with an electric roof blind, with a pair of aluminium roof rails on either side.

Bentley says the use of lightweight aluminium in the Bentayga has made for a 236kg weight saving compared to a more traditional body construction.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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John Mellor’s

Sep 16, 2015 Page 27

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

Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4Reviewing a car is an uncomplicated process. All one must do is ask a given manufacturer what they believe their vehicle can do, and then see if it can do it. Simple. We drove the big daddy of the Lamborghini range and found the Aventador LP700-4 does exactly what Lamborghini says it will do – spectacularly and unforgettably. FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

SPECIAL-ISSUE HONDASHONDA has added extra specification to its four best-selling models, with limited-edition versions of the HR-V, CR-V, Civic sedan and Jazz in Australian dealerships now.

The Jazz Limited Edition is based on the entry level VTi matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and is priced from $18,290, which is a $1300 premium over the regular model, but Honda says it represents $1600 in extra value.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

RANGE ROVER SENTINELJAGUAR Land Rover’s freshly formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) has created its first armoured vehicle, with the grenade-proof Range Rover Sentinel now on sale to those with enemies from €400,000 ($A643,000).

Based on the British car-maker’s Range Rover Autobiography, the Sentinel reveals none of its security secrets from the outside and appears completely standard, but under its heavily armoured skin it is a very different beast.

SVO engineers build the toughened SUVs by hand, adding in super-high-strength steel and multi-laminated glass to produce a six-piece passenger cell that can withstand high-velocity bullets and a direct grenade blast.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Turnbull rises

Sections of the auto industry welcome new PMBy IAN PORTER

MALCOLM Turnbull’s ascension to prime ministership this week has been welcomed by sections of the automotive industry, both for what it could potentially bring and for what it might stop.

With prior experience in the business world, Mr Turnbull is expected to bring a more focused approach to the auto industry and its needs, rather than a philosophical approach that ignores the realities on the ground, according to Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) chief executive Geoff Gwilym.

“I think a Turnbull government will bring a better focus on industry,” he said.

“We need a more balanced view on the industry, which has such a strong economic basis in employment and revenue.”

Queensland dealer and director of the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) Ian Field praised both Mr Abbott and Mr Turnbull as highly intelligent men, but highlighted their different leadership style.

“I think Mr Turnbull focuses on what’s possible and Mr Abbott focused too much on the negative,” he said.

“Leadership is a funny thing. It’s

not about telling people what to do; it’s about finding consensus amongst clever people.”

Mr Gwilym said he would like to see the small business ministerial role continue in Mr Turnbull’s new cabinet, and he endorsed the current minister Bruce Billson, who he believed had engaged well with the industry.

The VACC particularly supported Mr Billson’s approach to Section 46 of the Trade Practices Act, which prohibits misuse of market power.

“Back in 2013, Mr Billson went on record as a fan of the effects test, saying that would make it easier for the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to determine whether there had been misuse of market power,” Mr Gwilym said.

Mr Field said he was uncertain about the performance of the assistant minister for infrastructure and regional development Jamie Briggs and his handling of the vehicle importation rules.

“We still don’t know what his recommendations are, although he appears to have backed away from the importation of used cars,” Mr Field said.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Jazz

Malcolm Turnbull at the Tesla factory in California

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GoAuto Market Insight – brought to you by Dealer Solutions

DealerSolutions

Means Performance.

Sep 16, 2015 Page 28

By TIM ROBSONand TERRY MARTIN

MARKET leader Toyota took the opportunity to underline its dominance of the surging SUV segment in Australia at the launch of its updated Prado earlier this month.

Although currently without a contender in the burgeoning small SUV segment – the fastest-growing class, with sales up 30.7 per cent this year – Toyota still rules the roost when it comes to total SUV sales.

It enjoys podium positions across the medium, large and upper-large categories – holding outright leadership in all bar the mid-size segment, where RAV4 is second to the Mazda CX-5 – and has racked up no fewer than 38,232 total SUV registrations year-to-date.

As well as RAV4, Toyota’s SUV line-up currently includes Kluger, Prado, LandCruiser and FJ Cruiser, with the HiLux-based Fortuner set to join the ranks later this year and a small SUV expected during 2016.

The dominant Japanese brand currently holds a 14.4 per cent share of all SUV sales across the market, well ahead of second-placed Nissan on 9.9 per cent and 26,280 sales YTD.

Notwithstanding the fact that Toyota’s stranglehold on the segment has loosened from 27 per cent in 2008,

Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the company’s SUV line-up had still dominated the sector for years, and was set to continue that trend.

“This is a leadership position we have held since the term SUV was adopted, and for decades before that when these vehicles were known more generally as all-terrain wagons,” he said at the Prado launch in Canberra.

“We’ve sold 46 per cent more SUVs than any other brand this year, a lead of more than 10,000 vehicles. The changes we’ve announced for Prado are also important for a vehicle which is again the top-selling large SUV in 2015.

“These vehicles make a vital contribution to Toyota’s overall market leadership.”

SUVs make up 28.7 per cent of

Toyota’s sales this year, marking a 3.0 per cent increase over the same period last year and pushing ahead of light commercial vehicles – sales of which have fallen 3.4 per cent this year and currently account for 26.2 per cent of the brand’s sales.

Toyota passenger car sales have also dipped into negative territory, down 0.1 per cent for the year to date and making up 45.1 per cent of total brand sales – a figure that is expected to fall as buyers continue to gravitate towards SUVs, and as new models come on line.

In the medium SUV segment, RAV4 has clocked up 12,119 sales to the end of August (+1.3 per cent) to be 4573 units behind the CX-5 (16,692) – the biggest-selling SUV in Australia.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

SUV share speaks volumesToyota points to its SUVsales as key indicator ofstrength in total market

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 YTD

Source: VFACTS

Share of SUV market

MitsubishiNissan Mazda SubaruToyotaHyundai Jeep Holden Ford

% S

hare

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1300 66 11 33 dealersolutions.com.au

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By HAITHAM RAZAGUIJAGUAR Land Rover is working on next-generation electric drivetrain technology encompassing a modular electric drive module, designed to be inserted between any engine and transmission to create a hybrid and claimed to be capable of producing double the power and torque of currently available motor-generators.

Two concept vehicles and a rolling chassis were produced to showcase the technology developed in-house by JLR at last week’s CENEX Low Carbon Vehicle event, held at the Millbrook proving ground 80km north of London.

JLR says the electric drive modules can be used in conjunction with combustion engines to create mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid or pure electric powertrains.

A Range Rover Evoque was used to demonstrate the mild hybrid application, with a 15kW electric motor sandwiched (via a disconnect clutch) between the crankshaft of a prototype transverse-mounted 66kW three-cylinder diesel engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.

The electric motor is powered by a compact 48V lithium-ion battery pack and air-cooled DC-DC converter located under the boot floor.

For the plug-in hybrid concept, a Range Rover Sport was fitted with a boot-mounted 320V lithium-ion battery pack and a prototype 221kW four-cylinder petrol engine which is started and supplemented by a 150kW electric motor that sends drive via an integrated clutch mechanism to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the vehicle’s 4WD system.

JLR’s aluminium vehicle architecture provided a modified rolling chassis housing the 70kWh lithium-ion battery pack and electric axle drive units comprising a pure electric all-wheel-drive system.

Its front axle is driven by an 85kW electric motor and single-speed transmission, with the rear two-speed transmission delivering drive from a 145kW electric motor.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Next-generation electricdrive systems could makeany drivetrain hybrid: JLR

JLR showcases eco tech

NISSAN LEAF BOOSTNISSAN has boosted the battery capacity of its all-electric Leaf hatchback to extend the range on a full charge by 50km to 250km, but Australia’s slow EV uptake means this country is unlikely to reap the benefits anytime soon.

The model year 2016 Leaf update is a stepping stone to the 400km range of Nissan’s next-generation EV, as confirmed by the company’s CEO Carlos Ghosn during an interview on Tokyo Business News late last year.

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Sep 16, 2015 Page 30

SEARCH BEGINS FOR ANCAP CEO AS CLARKE STEPS DOWN, MACHIN NOW CHAIR

Nick Clarke Wendy Machin

Arnold Mouw Stuart Charity

By HAITHAM RAZAGUITHE Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) is preparing to enter a new era, with CEO Nick Clarke stepping down at the end of this month and long-standing chairman Lauchlan McIntosh handing over to NRMA deputy president Wendy Machin.

The search is now on for a new CEO, a process that will be assisted by Mr McIntosh, who will remain on the ANCAP board as deputy chair.

During Mr Clarke’s decade-long career with ANCAP he has served in a number of roles and played a key part in developing awareness of the crash

safety ratings program to the point where safety is now considered equal in many buyers’ minds to price.

He was also pivotal in the establishment of the ASEAN NCAP program for South-East Asia in 2012.

In tribute to Mr Clarke’s contribution to ANCAP, Mr McIntosh described the outgoing CEO as

“a fearless and passionate advocate for safer cars”.

“There is no doubt that his work has led to the saving of many lives and less injuries,” he said.

“We wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next and thank him for the work he has done over his years at the helm of ANCAP.”

As chair-elect, Ms Machin credited both Mr Clarke and Mr McIntosh for being “tireless campaigners for the safest possible cars and uncompromising about the standards we accept in Australia”.

“On behalf of the ANCAP board I would like to acknowledge their combined efforts and thank them for their contribution,” she said.

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AAAA LAUNCHES AUTO PRODUCTS MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS COUNCILBy TERRY MARTIN

THE peak industry body for the automotive aftermarket sector has set up an Automotive Products Manufacturers and Exporters Council (APMEC) to support parts-makers beyond the manufacturing exit of Ford next year and Holden and Toyota in 2017.

In announcing the establishment of APMEC, which will be chaired by Dayco Australia managing director Arnold Mouw, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) said the council would assist component manufacturers for both the original equipment and aftermarket sectors “and is open to businesses engaged in research, design, product development or production”.

The move follows the closure

earlier this year of the Federation of Automotive Products Manufacturers (FAPM), which was placed into voluntary liquidation when its directors determined that the organisation had no future with the closure of all three car manufacturers and the

subsequent impact on the Australian supply chain.

However, as GoAuto has reported, FAPM is maintaining a presence through the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC),

with a one-day-a-week secretariat in place until the end of 2017.

AAAA executive director Stuart Charity described the newly formed APMEC as “a natural extension of the association’s operations” and said it was set up to “promote the interests

and growth of the local automotive components manufacturing sector by focusing on innovation and export expansion”.

“AAAA has operated successful four-wheel-drive and performance racing and tuning industry councils

for many years to support these specialist sectors of the Australian automotive aftermarket,” Mr Charity said.

“These AAAA industry councils actively advocate on behalf of member businesses to promote

growth opportunities and also act as networking and information exchange groups. They have been very effective at expanding markets for Australian automotive components.”

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GoAuto New Car Diary

John Mellor’s

Sep 16, 2015 Page 31

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SEPLAUNCH

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Mazda has given its BT-50 workhorse a midlife refresh with a slightly bolder approach to the exterior design and an expansion of available tech features. Price hikes have been kept to a minimum.

Ford Focus

Lexus ES

Lexus IS200t

Mazda BT-50

Mercedes-Benz GLE/GLE Coupe

Suzuki Vitara

Toyota HiLux

Toyota Prado

VW Golf Alltrack

VW Golf R Wolfsburg edition

To keep the Prado fresh against a raft of newer rivals, Toyota has swapped the previous diesel engine for a more efficient 2.8-litre unit that will also be used in the forthcoming HiLux ute.

Lexus details Australian line-up for all-new RX SUV ahead of November launchBy TIM NICHOLSON

LEXUS has announced a November showroom debut in Australia for its all-new RX SUV, which will be offered with a choice of three powertrains – including the company’s first turbo-petrol engine.

The Japanese luxury car-maker has confirmed the current entry-level RX270 that uses a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit will be dropped in favour of the RX200t that uses the new 2.0-litre turbocharged unit producing 175kW of power and 350Nm of torque.

This is the same output the turbocharged unit puts out under the bonnet of the smaller NX crossover that launched earlier this year and marked the introduction of the engine for the brand.

In RX guise, the 200t will drive the front wheels only and combine with a six-speed automatic transmission. It will also only be offered in the base Luxury specification grade.

The adoption of the force-fed petrol engine in the RX follows the IS and GS sedans, and the RC coupe that

will each offer a 200t variant in the coming months.

Next in the line-up is the RX350 which uses an upgraded and more powerful version of the 3.5-litre direct-injection V6 found in the outgoing model. It now produces 221kW/370Nm, up from 204kW/346Nm.

The RX350 is all-wheel drive, comes with an eight-speed auto transmission and will continue to be offered in Australia in Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury grades.

Those same three grades will also

be available in the RX450h petrol-electric hybrid version that is all-wheel drive, uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and pumps out a combined power output of 230kW, up 10kW over its predecessor.

As reported following its reveal at the New York motor show in April this year, the RX carries a completely new exterior design, based on the L-finesse design language already seen across the Lexus range, but most notably on the NX.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

RX350 F Sport

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