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Feb 17, 2010 No. 519

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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

By JACQUI MADELIN in ITALYSIT the new Ferrari 458 Italia between the

car it replaces – the 430 – and the California,

and the newest offering from Marinello

seems tiny, lithe, lean and sculpted.

Even the 430 looks larger and less

focused, while the softer California appears

almost porky by comparison.

In fact, the 458 – which goes on sale in

Australia in June for about $580,000 – is

only a millimetre lower than its predecessor,

but 14mm wider and 15mm longer, with a

wheelbase stretched 50mm with overhangs

shorter to match.

The front track has been pushed 3mm

wider, although the rear is actually

narrower.

It is not just the stretched lines that

make this car seem smaller, but its design.

The dished bonnet exaggerates the blade-

like wings, the sharp headlight outline is

underlined by the bonnet-side intake and the

outlet on its trailing edge channels airfl ow to

create a negative zone over the front guard

while signalling a sharper focus for this car.

That said, there are similarities between

these Ferraris. The all-aluminium chassis

uses the same modular format as the

California’s. The 458 also uses a direct-

injection V8 and a development of the

seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – a

fi rst for the mid-rear-engined Berlinettas.

The e-diff is now incorporated within the

transmission housing to reduce dimensions

and weight. The e-diff, F1-Trac traction

control and ABS are controlled by one

ECU. Altered gearing suits the extra

power and the car’s character, while gear

actuation is quicker. Even the tyres have

been specially designed.

Like the California, the 458 uses a multi-

link rear suspension, but designed for this

car with different suspension bushings

plus new software and hardware for the

Magnetorheological magnetic suspension

(SCM2) for more rapid response.

Overall, there is greater roll stiffness and

greater lateral and longitudinal integrity.

As for the engine, it is a longitudinal

mid-mounted naturally aspirated 4499cc

V8 based loosely on the California’s but

signifi cantly developed. Output is 419kW of

power at 9000rpm, or 93kW per litre, with

540Nm of torque at 6000rpm. There is up to

15 per cent more torque at low to medium

revs than any 430 variant had, with 80 per

cent of it available from 3250 to 9000rpm.

That is an immense amount of

shove, achieved via too many technical

developments to detail here.

But perhaps the most interesting is the

scavenge system. Each of the four crank

throws is separate to reduce oil splash.

A scavenge pump creates an area of low

pressure below the crank, thus creating a

vacuum to remove excess air.

Piston action can create an oil-air froth

that causes friction and therefore reduces

effi ciency. But this set-up prevents that.

Along with a variety of other friction-

cutting devices, it is what allows this engine

to reach such high revs. Even the oil pump

uses variable geometry, with the minimal

displacement decreasing the oil pumped by

about two per cent, making for power and

fuel gains at about 170km/h.Continued next page

Winter Winter gamesgames

PORSCHE’S FIRST 911 HYBRID

- page 6

Not much snow in Vancouver? There’s more than enough in the Italian Apennines – where GoAuto has taken a fi rst drive in the fabulous Ferrari 458

Feb 17, 2010 Page 2

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PUBLISHER: John MellorEDITOR: Terry Martin MANAGING EDITOR: Marton PettendyJOURNALISTS: Byron Mathioudakis, James Stanford Philip Lord, David HassallPRODUCTION & GRAPHICS: Chris Harris, Luc BrittenSUB-EDITOR: Ron HammertonNEW MODEL DIARY: Lou PaolinoProduced by GoAutoMedia: Ph: (03) 9598 6477 newsroom@mellor.net

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Winter gamesWinter games

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

Chris Newton - Chairman (left) & Julian Newton - DP

City Holden is Australia’s most awarded Holden Dealer and won last year’s Chairmans Man Award for number one dealer in group 1 nationally!

Auto-IT is proud to supply the Dealer Management System that runs their business.

Continued from previous pageFerrari is keen to underline that this car’s

performance comes with effi ciency and

emissions improvements.

The F355 F1 from 1995 emitted 470g/

km of CO2 while this car emits 307g/km.

That is a massive reduction, obtained in a

1380kg vehicle with a 0-100km/h time of

3.4 seconds, which can do zero to 200km/h

in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of

325km/h.

Naturally, drive it like this and you will

not see the claimed 13.3L/100km but, yes,

this car delivers more power, for less fuel,

than even 2008’s 430.

Braking performance has also improved,

with 100km/h to zero in 32.5 metres, thanks

to carbon ceramic brakes and new high-

performance ABS brakes. Steering is also

sharper, with just two turns lock to lock.

This 458 can despatch a Fiorano lap in

one minute, 25 seconds, the same time as

the 430 Scuderia, the lightest and sportiest

430. And this is the standard road car – not a

sharp-focused limited production variant.

Mind you, the aero says otherwise. Just

look at those front winglets; they move by

up to 2cm according to air speed to defl ect

air where it is most useful, just one of a

number of clever aerodynamic aids that

together create more downforce at 325km/h

than the Enzo.

You need a racetrack to appreciate that.

But it was on this drive across the Italian

Apennines that the suspension decoupling

made sense. Tapping the wheel-mounted

button softens damper response, leaving

other functions at whatever Manettino

setting you have selected.

It is a kidney saver on rougher surfaces

– and improves grip by keeping rubber to

road. Aussie owners will approve.

As for that Manettino itself, it stays

the same, simple device whatever tech

developments lie behind it. But given the

wintry conditions in Italy this week, there

was no chance for us to assess the CST-

off setting that switches the ABS to sport,

and the ESP and traction control off while

setting the suspension and gearbox to its

sportiest setting; nor the CT-off mode that at

least leaves some stability control functions

in the wings.

We did not use the ‘low-grip’ setting

despite several moments pulling away on

skating-rink-slick packed snow, instead

switching between ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’.

Try the latter once and ‘Sport’ will seem

too soft thereafter, although the conditions

meant we had to use it. ‘Race’ quickens the

gearing, fi rms up the shocks, switches the

e-diff, traction control and ESP to race mode

and opens the exhaust bypass fl aps.

It puts a boot up the already quick car

which feels livelier, sounds sharper and gets

a whole lot more naughty.

At fi rst we were almost disappointed

at how easy this car is to drive. It initially

sounds a little fl at, and feels almost sensible.

The buttons and screens are clearly grouped

by function, and the items you need to access

quickly – wipers, indicators, gears – are all

fi xed to the wheel.

Sure, you are always in a supercar. The

view up front tells you that, given only the

front and rear wings are visible from the

driver’s seat. But the 458 is a supercar that

is easy to manage.

Until you start tapping that Manettino. As

driver confi dence increased so did speed, the

car swivelling round corners as surefooted

as if there was no snow, the only problem

being that even on Italy’s manic roads you

are travelling too fast in third ever to see

what the higher gears can do.

Still, in race mode the car’s agility is

matched to a popping, crackling, cackling

engine note that delivers the shrill howl of a

fl at crank motor, matched by sharp steering

and rapid-fi re gear changes that saw us

despatch our snow-clad test loop in well

under the time allowed.

That the 458 is suffi ciently tractable to

drive fast in these conditions is impressive.

The old school might mourn the loss

of hard-to-drive cars. But a vehicle this

uncompromised in performance terms that

can also be driven every day – and year-

round – is a truly impressive achievement.

Coolest of cabriolets – next page

Feb 17, 2010 Page 3

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Coolest of cabrioletsCoolest of cabrioletsGoAuto takes a drive in Maserati’s brilliant new four-seater GranCabrio

By JACQUI MADELIN in ITALYMASERATI chose a wintry Rome to

launch its latest drop-top superstar, the

GranCabrio.

The Italian marque’s fi rst four-seat

convertible – unless you count three four-

seaters built by independent coachbuilder

Castagna on the 26M chassis back in 1932

– the GranCabrio was developed from the

GranTurismo.

With the same wheelbase but extensive

structural modifi cations to the basic platform,

the GranCabrio comes only with the top-

spec 4.7-litre V8 engine, putting 323kW of

power to the rear wheels at 7000rpm and

490Nm of torque at 4650rpm.

It is matched to the same six-speed ZF

automated manual as the GranTurismo, but

with modifi ed transmission software and

an altered fi nal-drive ratio to suit the car’s

different character.

The active and passive safety systems have

been redesigned, with new rollover protection

and extensive stiffening both under the

bonnet and beneath the car, where attention

also focused on improved aerodynamics.

Changes include beefi er sills,

modifi cations to the door structure and an

enclosed compartment for the folding roof.

There is also a structural ‘torsion wall’

behind the rear seats and two reinforcing

rods across the engine bay.

Maserati claims measurable torsional

and bending stiffness are just 1.82Hz below

that of the coupe. But the bracing and roof

mechanism have added almost 100kg of

weight to an already heavy car.

Maserati vehicle integration manager,

tech and testing, Federico Landini says the

centre of gravity is 12-14mm lower than

before, and weight is still well distributed,

with a 48:52 front-to-rear bias with the roof

down, and 49:51 with it up.

At 0.35Cd, the roof-up drag coeffi cient

is not as favourable as the GranTurismo’s

0.33Cd – and it is 0.39 with the roof down.

Other changes include developments to

the hydraulic brake-assist – snow-tested in

New Zealand last year – and to the dampers

for the continuously adaptive Skyhook

suspension system.

Selecting the ‘sport’ button stiffens that

suspension and speeds up gear changes as

well as re-routing the exhaust for maximum

decibels. Like its coupe sibling, the car

boasts a truly sensational soundtrack.

As for the looks, the Pininfarina

design has it nailed, roof up or down.

You could bet that Henry Ford II,

who said he would drive his own

Maser until his engineers designed a

car as beautiful, would approve.

The roof, available in six colours,

is a three-layer affair that takes 28

seconds to electrically raise or lower

at speeds under 30km/h – or 20 seconds, not

counting the windows.

Internationally, GranCabrio will compete

with the BMW 6 Series cabrio, Jaguar XKR

cabrio and Aston DB9 Volante, although the

fact it has four useable seats pitches it more

closely to the Bentley GTC.

Mind you, Maserati acknowledges that

most owners will have to use the rear seats

as supplementary luggage space. At 173

litres, the boot is strictly limited, given the

roof compartment is an enclosed part of the

car’s bracing.

Maserati sells bags to fi t each of the two

sculpted rear seats, with a belt to hold them

in place in a crash. It says the security system

that alarms the cabin, particularly when the

wind defl ector is fi tted, effectively keeps

bags secure during that vital cafe stop.

As for rear passengers, even Maserati

admits only the 62.5 percentile will be

comfy. Headroom is tight but the squabs’

42mm inward and 40mm upward position

– mandated by the roof mechanism – means

rear passengers get a better-than-expected

view out even with the roof up, though anyone

taller than 1.7 metres would be cramped.

Front seat passengers get the same

gorgeous materials and cabin ambience as

the GranTurismo, and the same enormous

range of colour and trim choices.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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Feb 17, 2010 Page 4

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

GOOGLE AUSTRALIA is looking for a bright, dynamic sales person with at least ve years Automotive industry experience,

and a great network of industry contacts, to join its Sydney-based advertising sales team (Automotive).

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To review the full job description and apply online please click here or visit: http://www.google.com.au/support/jobs/bin/answer.py?answer=173731&src=goautonews

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER – Auto IndustryADVERTISING SALES MANAGER – Auto Industry

By MARTON PETTENDYPORSCHE has taken about 30 Australian

deposits for the upgraded 911 Turbo and says

it expects to sell about 80 examples in its

fi rst full year of sales, despite prices ranging

between $360,100 for the manual coupe and

$394,100 for the PDK-auto cabriolet.

Refl ecting the continuing economic

downturn, that is down 20 per cent from the

100 sales in the fi rst year of the outgoing

911 Turbo, the most successful Porsche to

wear the hallowed moniker both globally

and in Australia.

“People are still bruised by the GFC, so

we’ve pegged back our expectations for this

year, but the 911 Turbo is the one car they

will want, GFC or not,” said Porsche Cars

Australia spokesman Paul Ellis.

“We’re not in the business of forcing sales

– we won’t over-supply the market at the

expense of resale values – so every single

sale will be a legitimate sale.”

Mr Ellis said about 90 per cent of 911

Turbo pre-orders were for the more puristic

coupe, while an unprecedented 95 per

cent were for versions with the Porsche-

Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) dual-

clutch automated manual transmission,

which is available for the fi rst time in

Porsche’s fl agship 911.

Now on sale in Australia, the facelifted

997-series iteration is the latest in a 35-year

model line that dates back to 1975’s inaugural

930-series 911 Turbo, whose 3.0-litre boxer

turbo engine produced 194kW of power and

350Nm of torque, whistling the fi rst-generation

911 Turbo to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds.

Since then every 911 Turbo has delivered

more peak power, torque and standing-start

acceleration, usually at the expense of fuel

consumption.

Not so with the 2010 model, which packs

a larger new direct-injection 3.8-litre fl at six

to replace its predecessor’s 3.6-litre boxer-

turbo and, despite being the most powerful

911 Turbo, is also the most fuel-effi cient.

GoAuto drove the newest 911 Turbo at its

European launch in Portugal last October,

after the debut of Porsche’s quickest road car

at the Frankfurt motor show in September,

but many of its specifi cations are simply too

outstanding not to recap on the occasion of

the Stuttgart fl agship’s Australian launch.

The 2010 911T’s ballistic power output

of 368kW (or a neat 500hp) at 6000rpm has

already been eclipsed by the forthcoming

911 Turbo S, which slams down 390kW and

goes on sale here in August at $423,300 as

a coupe and $442,800 in cabriolet guise,

following its world debut at next month’s

Geneva motor show.Continued next page

Potent 911T Potent 911T hits townhits town

Latest-generation 911 Turbo arrives in Australia as Porsche celebrates 35 years of the force-fed super-coupe

Feb 17, 2010 Page 5

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Continued from previous pageMeantime, Porsche’s facelifted GT2,

which will also be an order-only proposition

in Australia, is expected to complete the

current 997 series two 911 range next

year, when it is likely to set a new 911

price benchmark above its predecessor’s

$447,500 sticker, before the next-generation

997-series model emerges in 2012.

However, the new 911 Turbo’s wholesome

700Nm torque peak (between 2100 and

4000rpm, when fi tted with the optional

Sport Chrono Package in overboost mode)

remains undefeated by the Turbo S.

The ‘garden-variety’ 911 Turbo may

produce ‘just’ 650Nm of torque from

1950rpm, but it is enough to propel the

latest 911T, which is up to

25kg lighter than before, to

100km/h in a claimed 3.7

seconds in its most basic

manual-transmission guise

(3.8 seconds for the cabriolet)

– down from 3.9 seconds for the current 911

Turbo manual.

Fitted with the PDK gearbox, the new

911T hits the legal highway limit in just 3.6

seconds (the same as the manual version

with the Sport Chrono pack), but the

PDK version with Sport Chrono stops the

100km/h clock in a new Porsche road car

benchmark of just 3.4 seconds.

Despite peak performance increases of

15kW (up from 353kW) and 30Nm (up from

620Nm) that deliver a 0-100km/h acceleration

improvement of eight per cent, however, the

new 911 Turbo is claimed to

consume an average of 16 per

cent or 2.2 litres per 100km

less fuel and emit up to 18 per

cent less CO2.

Fitted with the fi rst

all-new turbo engine in the model’s 35-

year history, the latest 911 Turbo returns

combined average fuel consumption of

just 11.6L/100km (11.4L/100km in PDK

form) and CO2 emissions of 272 grams per

kilometre (PDK: 268g/km).

New features include a Sport Plus button

on PDK-equipped models, which activates

a ‘Race Track Gearshift Strategy’ for both

upshifts and downshifts, while the Sport

Chrono Package Turbo also comes with

dynamic engine mounts, which aim to reduce

vibration around town while increasing body

stiffness at speed.

Joining the Turbo’s Porsche Traction

Management all-wheel drive system is

the fi rst-time option of Porsche Torque

Vectoring (PTV), which combines the

Porsche Stability Management electronic

stability control system with a mechanical

rear differential to brake the inner rear wheel

as required, further increasing potential

cornering speeds.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFor drive impressions, go to

www.GoAuto.com.au from Thursday911 hybrid! – next page

Potent 911T hits townPotent 911T hits town

PRICING:Coupe $360,100

Coupe (a) $368,000

Cabriolet $386,200

Cabriolet (a) $394,100

Feb 17, 2010 Page 6

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

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Porsche’s fi rst petrol-electric 911 emerges via GT3 racer

911 hybrid!911 hybrid!

By MARTON PETTENDYPORSCHE has revealed its fi rst ever 911

hybrid – and its fi rst petrol-electric boxer

drivetrain – in the 911 GT3 Hybrid R

racecar.

Due to make its global public premiere at

the Geneva motor show on March 2 before

undergoing a race program culminating in

the epic Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race

on May 15-16, the groundbreaking new car

is described as a “racing laboratory that will

provide invaluable knowledge and insight

on the subsequent use of hybrid technology

in road-going Porsche sportscars”.

Porsche’s fi rst ever petrol-electric

production vehicle, the all-new Cayenne

Hybrid, is expected to debut alongside the

hybrid GT3 R racer at Geneva before going

on sale in Australia later this year, and the

same technology will become available next

year in its four-door Panamera grand tourer,

which shares its engine line-up with the

Cayenne.

But the emergence of the GT3 Hybrid R

is the fi rst evidence that Porsche also intends

to apply petrol-electric technology to its

hallowed 911, which unlike the Cayenne

and Panamera employs rear-mounted fl at

six engines.

While the GT3 R previews technology

that should eventually power its iconic 911

super-coupe, Porsche suggested to GoAuto

in October that a production 911 hybrid

road car is at least fi ve years away – if it is

coming at all – ruling out the possibility of

a hybrid variant being launched as part of

the redesigned 998-series 911 coupe line-up

by 2012.

Similarly, it said packaging, weight and

range issues are likely to rule out an all-

electric version of the 911 for at least a

decade.

For now, like Porsche’s fi ve-door models,

the hybrid GT3 track model utilises a hybrid

drive system to increase both performance

and effi ciency – this time on the racetrack.

Unlike Porsche’s hybrid road cars,

however, the GT3 R’s drivetrain, developed

especially for racing, employs two 60kW

electric motors to drive the front wheels,

leaving the rear wheels powered exclusively

by its 353kW 4.0-litre fl at six race engine.

Porsche says the all-wheel drive

arrangement, which uses an electric fl ywheel

power generator instead of batteries to power

the electric motors, delivers greater traction

and agility than the non-hybrid GT3 R.

The fl ywheel generator spins at up to

40,000rpm, storing power mechanically as

kinetic energy. Similar to a KERS system

in Formula One, braking action charges

up the fl ywheel generator, with the electric

motors reversing their function and acting as

generators themselves.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

BMW set to offer 5 Series hybrid soon

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in PORTUGAL

BMW has indicated that a hybrid version

of the new F10 5 Series range is under

development and due for release in the

near future.

An imminent introduction of a close-

to-production concept version has already

been widely speculated in the North

American press over the past few weeks,

with some reports suggesting an unveiling

at the Geneva motor show next month

under the ‘ActiveHybrid 5’ moniker.

This would fall in line with the BMW

ActiveHybrid 7 concept revealed in

September. The ActiveHybrid 7 combines a

V8 petrol engine, an eight-speed automatic

transmission and an electric motor in a

mild-hybrid concept.

Speaking to GoAuto at the 5 Series

launch in Portugal last week, a BMW

insider admitted the Bavarian marque is not

likely to concede a market advantage over

its Mercedes-Benz and Audi opponents in

any area – “including the development of

hybrid powertrains”.

While he would not be drawn into

revealing any timing plans for such a

vehicle, the BMW source did say that we

should stay closely tuned to developments.

Asked to indicate what sort of engine

an ActiveHybrid 5 might use, the source

suggested most people associate BMWs

with six-cylinders – especially in hybrid-

obsessed North America – so that while

segment-leading fuel economy and low

emissions are essential for such a model to

be a success, going down the four-cylinder

path may not necessarily be in keeping

with BMW’s image.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 17, 2010 Page 7

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A1 in full sunA1 in full sunAudi fi nally reveals its A1 micro-hatch ahead of Geneva world debut

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Lexus CT200h to become premium compact segment’s fi rst full hybridBy MARTON PETTENDY

LEXUS has confi rmed its fi rst small car

will be named CT200h when the all-

new dedicated hybrid model goes on sale

globally next year.

The Japanese luxury brand’s inaugural

rival for the likes of BMW’s 1 Series and

the Audi A3 has been partly revealed via

an image of its rear quarter showing the

nameplate of Lexus’ fourth model line.

Previewed at last September’s Frankfurt

motor show by the LF-Ch concept, the CT200h

is expected on sale in Australia in early 2011.

Priced from under $50,000, the dedicated

hybrid hatchback is expected to become the

top-selling Lexus model in Australia.

However, based on the tightly cropped

teaser image, the CT200h production car

– which will make its world debut at the

Geneva motor show on March 2 – appears

to bear little resemblance to the fi ve-door

LF-Ch show car.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By MARTON PETTENDYWE SAW the concepts, the design sketches,

the production version’s air vents, LED

running lights and some of its interior, and

we have even seen the Brussels factory in

which Audi’s all-new A1 micro-hatch will

be produced.

Now the Volkswagen Group has staged

the much-anticipated web debut of its

premium brand’s fi rst direct rival for BMW’s

Mini, revealing the pint-sized three-door

hatchback in its entirety last week for the

fi rst time ahead of its global public debut in

the metal at Geneva on March 2.

Due on sale in Australia early next year, the

A1 is expected to eventually spawn a complete

family of model derivatives, including fi ve-

door (as previewed by the A1 Sportback

concept) and convertible body styles, plus S1

and even RS1 hot-hatch iterations.

For now, the three-door VW Polo-based

A1, which like the born-again British Mini

will be both “sporty and customisable”, will

be the smallest Audi model ever sold in

Australia, which never received the German

brand’s discontinued A2.

A new-generation version of the latter is

also expected to be forthcoming, despite the

A1’s positioning at the bottom of the range

below the A3 small hatch.

However, while the A1 is designed to

attract a whole new (younger) breed of

buyers to the burgeoning Audi brand, it is

not expected to signifi cantly undercut the

price of the A3 three-door, which currently

opens at $34,700, while the Mini Cooper

three-door starts at $31,100.

As expected, the A1’s compact four-seat

interior will come with the latest automotive

infotainment functions like Bluetooth

connectivity, auxiliary inputs for portable

music players and other features from Audi’s

vastly more expensive luxury car range.

Just as promised by both the Metroproject

and Sportback show cars, the production A1,

which has a drag coeffi cient of 0.32Cd, can

be had with a variety of contrasting roof-arch

paint colours and various seat trim hues.

Also similar to the concepts is the production

car’s overall length of 3950mm, making it

about 250mm longer than the Mini hatch and

giving it more than 100 litres of extra boot

space, at 267 litres. That extends to 920 litres

with the split-folding rear seats down.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

A1 TO MULTIPLY AUDI SALES: CLICK HERE

Feb 17, 2010 Page 8

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

PROTON IS EXPANDING ITS DEALER NETWORK• Proton has released Australia’s lowest priced new car

– The New S16 is $11,990 drive away • Proton recently launched a new range of price leader

vehicles for the Satria Neo, Persona & Gen.2 • Proton achieved over 220% sales increase in December

2009 & over 100% in January 2010 • Proton has already started expanding its dealer network

with new dealers recently appointed in SA, QLD, WA & NSW • Proton sponsorships continue to grow in 2010 including

NRL Wests Tigers, Miss Universe Australia, Top Gear & Safe Drive Training

• Proton recently launched its new website www.proton.com.au

New car dealers can send an expression of interest to falconer@proton.com.au or alternatively call Billy Falconer on (02) 8707 2707

EXORA 7-SEATER COMING IN 2010

2010 | Year of the Tiger

Sublime Sublime limolimo

Audi is determined to ensure its all-new A8 fl agship will be an unqualifi ed success

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS in SPAINAUDI believes its forthcoming Audi A8

fl agship must sway more buyers away from

the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7

Series if it is to succeed in Australia.

Speaking at the launch of the all-new

D4-series limousine in Spain last week,

Audi spokesperson Anna Burgdorf revealed

that Audi AG in Germany now expects the

A8 to start making the same sort of inroads

in its market segment as the A3, A4, A5 and

TT have in their respective classes over the

past few years.

All helped Audi to record more than 60

consecutive months of sales growth in

Australia, resulting in more than 11,300

sales for the fi rst time in 2009. Upwards of

12,000 units are forecast for 2010.

Yet the company struggled to shift 50

examples of its A8 sedan last year.

While a redesigned and re-engineered

F01-generation 7 Series and facelifted

W221 S-class did not help Audi’s plight,

the outgoing model never achieved the

sales success expected from it, particularly

considering the generally positive reviews

the D3-series garnered.

Now Audi is quietly hoping for at least

100 buyers every year in Australia, and

signifi cantly more when extra variants come

on stream from the end of the year.

The current model has averaged just below

80 sales a year in its seven-year lifespan,

compared to S-class’ average of 345 units – and

the 7 Series on 270 – over the same period.

“The A8 is strategically important not

just for sales growth but for brand prestige,”

Ms Burgdorf said. “It’s the area we would

like to improve in most. The current A8 is a

great car but it has always been outsold by

the competition.”

Audi will not reveal D4-series A8 prices

until closer to its mid-year launch date, but

a “compelling value story” will be a leading

driver of increased sales.

Do not expect cheaper prices, though,

since more standard features, in a car that is

improved in every area, means the existing

A8 4.2 TDI quattro’s $211,400 ask will

probably be eclipsed when the D4 arrives.

At launch there will be just two well-

specifi ed A8 4.2-litre V8 models – the TDI

(diesel) and the FSI (petrol).

The former – powered by an evolution of the

existing 4134cc common-rail direct-injection

turbocharged engine – delivers 258kW of

power at 4000rpm and no less than 800Nm of

torque from between 1750 and 2750rpm.

It uses just 7.6L/100km on the Australian

combined average cycle, hits 100km/h from

standstill in 5.5 seconds, and emits 199g/

km of CO2 emissions. Audi engineers have

achieved a 19 per cent fuel consumption

drop in the new diesel, partly due to a new

eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Continued next page

Feb 17, 2010 Page 9

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Sublime limoSublime limo20

10

16 & 17 March 2010Grand Hyatt, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9866 6056Email: info@afma.net.auWeb: www.afma.net.au

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Continued from previous pageThe petrol unit, in contrast, is 4163cc in

size, develops 273kW at 6800rpm, 445Nm at

3500rpm, drinks premium unleaded petrol at

a rate of 9.5L/100km, is 0.2 seconds slower to

100km/h and pumps out 219g/km of CO2. Audi

also says the new petrol V8 model consumes

13 per cent less fuel than its predecessor.

An A8 3.0 TDI quattro is due by the end of

2010, powered by a 2967cc common-rail V6

turbo-diesel that produces 184kW and 550Nm,

returns 6.6L/100km, reaches 100km/h in 6.6

seconds and releases 174g/km of CO2.

More engines are on their way – including a

V6 petrol of around 3.2 litres in size – but the

3.0 TDI quattro will be the entry-level new-

generation A8 for the foreseeable future.

A long-wheelbase version will be unveiled

at the Beijing motor show in April, and this

is expected to arrive in 2011. Whether it

will be available in all models is undecided,

but the 3.0 TDI quattro version is likely to

come here since the combination of extra

rear space and a lower entry price makes the

stretched A8 version relatively popular with

some limousine companies.

However, given Audi Australia’s

quattro AWD-only policy, the special

eco-friendly 3.0 TDI version with 150kW

and a segment-busting 6.0L/100km and

159g/km will most likely not make it to

Australia, as this model will be front-

drive-only in order to keep weight down.

The A8 Hybrid, to be released later this

year, will be aimed predominantly at the US

market and so is also unlikely for Australian

consumption.

Besides quattro, all Australian-bound A8

models will include a new ZF eight-speed

Tiptronic automatic transmission and air

suspension.

The latter has been described by one

Audi engineer as being “cherry picked”

from various specialists to achieve the

Ingolstadt fi rm’s goal of class-best ride

while maintaining the current A8’s “top

level” dynamic capabilities.

Meanwhile, the 4.2 TDI quattro and

4.2 FSI quattro models will include LED

driving lights, 22-way adjustable front

seats (with a massage function and heating

and ventilation), heated rear seats, a ‘sport’

differential that varies the amount of torque

allocated between the rear wheels, an

interior ambient lighting package and MMI

Navigation Plus satellite-navigation.

The latter contains route-reading abilities

that ‘prepare’ many of the advanced driver-

assist systems, such as radar cruise control

and automatic headlights.

Also standard will be arguably the new A8’s

most impressive showroom crowd-puller, the

MMI Touch hand-writing recognition system

for the sat-nav and phone applications. The

objective here is to help the driver keep his/

her eyes and attention span on the road rather

than down in the console area.

FULL STORY AND DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

See EVENT REGISTRATION FORM back page

Feb 17, 2010 Page 10

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Aston Martin rolls out red carpet for potential Aussie Rapide buyers

Aston Rapide arrivesAston Rapide arrives

AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS GROUPDealer Principal

Automotive Holdings Group is Australia’s largest automotive group with 9 of the top 10 automotive brands in Australia, over 100 dealerships and employing over 3,500 people throughout Australia and New Zealand with a group turnover in excess of $3 billion per annum.

An opportunity has arisen within our NSW Group for a highly motivated and successful Dealer Principal in the Western Sydney area.

Reporting to the COO, this position is primarily responsible and accountable for the day to day running of a dealership including meeting budget expectations, ensuring profitability, reporting, driving outcomes, people management and maintaining franchisee relationships.

To be considered you must have the following essential attributes:

with a minimum of 2 years in a Dealer Principal role;

a sales environment;

If you are self motivated and would like to be part of our dynamic and successful team, then you are invited to submit your application to:

bmcintyre@nsw.ahg.com.au

ASX Listed Company Successful Group with solid future Attractive remuneration package

Applications are strictly confidential and close on Friday 26th February

By MARTON PETTENDYASTON Martin expects the fi rst in a series

of invitation-only “customer, prospect and

depositor” preview events – to take place

in Melbourne this Friday – to signifi cantly

boost Australian interest in the bespoke

British brand’s fi rst four-door model.

Due to be offi cially launched in late June

before fi rst deliveries occur in July, the

Rapide grand tourer has already attracted 19

fi rm Australian orders (and a further seven in

New Zealand) and more than 40 interested

parties awaiting an opportunity to view

the vehicle – despite an offi cial pricetag of

$366,280 plus on-road costs.

In contrast, the Rapide’s most direct rival,

Porsche’s four-door Panamera – which

ranges between $270,200 for the Panamera

S PDK and $364,900 for the Panamera

Turbo PDK – has found 50 homes since

going on sale here last October.

Aston Martin’s Australia, New Zealand

and South Africa operations manager,

Marcel Fabris, said anywhere between 30

and 50 Rapides were expected to be sold in

Australia in its fi rst full year, from a global

annual production run of 2000 vehicles.

“The Rapide is very much an unknown

quantity for Aston Martin, so while we’ve

got an idea of the interest we think it should

attract, we thought we’d leave it open and

let the market decide. If there’s a need for

more cars there is a facility to provide for

that,” he said.

“We don’t want people waiting

years and years, so we could ramp up

production for Australia or fi nd cars

from elsewhere. In a perfect world there

would be no more than a fi ve to nine-

month wait.”

The fi rst in a rolling roadshow of

regional dealer events to preview the

Rapide in most Australian capital cities

will take place in Melbourne on Friday,

followed by Sydney on February 25,

Brisbane on March 9, the Gold Coast on

March 11 and Adelaide on March 23.

For the money, Australia’s Rapide will

come standard with a 350kW/600Nm

6.0-litre V12 engine driving through a

rear-mounted ZF six-speed Touchtronic

2 automatic transmission, plus adaptive

suspension damping and a 1000-Watt Bang

& Olufsen sound system.

As GoAuto reported following its global

production debut at the Frankfurt motor

show in September, the Rapide will be both

the fi rst Aston Martin four-door and the fi rst

to be built in a new 17,000 square-metre

production facility at sub-contractor Magna

Steyr’s plant in Graz, Austria.

Billed as the world’s most elegant four-

door sportscar, the Rapide is based on a

stretched version of the four-seat DB9

coupe’s aluminium platform, offering

signifi cantly more rear legroom despite

being just 254mm longer and 63.5mm taller

than the DB9.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 17, 2010 Page 11

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Nissan’s long-awaited new-generation Patrol turns up in Abu Dhabi

Find out more by contacting David Sprague1300 041 177 or research@datamotive.com.au

PARC Data: Easily accessible & cleansed data - ready to use!

• Access all registered makes & models by postcode in all states• All makes & models matched with RedBook code• Quickly pinpoint high and low demand areas• Access the opportunities for your PMA and beyond

By MARTON PETTENDYTHE wait is fi nally over for Patrol fans,

with Nissan staging the world debut of its

fi rst all-new full-size SUV in more than a

dozen years at the Abu Dhabi motor show in

the United Arab Emirates last weekend.

Due to replace the aged GU-series Patrol

next year in Australia, where Nissan’s

stalwart off-road wagon has remained

basically unchanged since December 1997,

Nissan says the redesigned Patrol will be

the most powerful vehicle in its class thanks

to a bristling new 298kW/550Nm direct-

injection 5.6-litre petrol V8.

For now, there is no mention of a diesel

version, but Nissan is sure to provide a

replacement for the current Patrol’s staple

engine, the 118kW oil-burning 3.0-litre

four-cylinder.

Nissan Australia says it is currently

awaiting advice on right-hand drive

specifi cation and production dates for a

vehicle its parent company says will deliver

fresh new styling, superior packaging, a

powerful but economical V8 engine, clever

off-road technologies and higher levels of

luxury and comfort.

“We are into a launch countdown, but it

won’t be this year,” said spokesman Jeff

Fisher.

Wrapped in an all-new, larger and more

contemporary bodyshell is a host of new

technologies, a revised four-wheel drive

system and the new Patrol’s headline

powertrain – the new VK56VD-series

5.6-litre V8 – mated to a new seven-speed

automatic transmission.

It will replace the Patrol’s 180kW 4.8-

litre inline petrol six and fi ve-speed auto

combination, eclipsing Nissan’s direct

answer to Toyota’s relatively new 200

Series LandCruiser, which comes with

202kW/410Nm 4.7-litre petrol V8 and

195kW/650Nm 4.5-litre diesel V8 engine

options.

Whether the seventh generation of the

Patrol, which is currently priced at just

$53,190, will be able to claw back the sales

dominance of the LandCruiser, which is now

priced vastly higher from $77,500, remains

to be seen.

Last year, Toyota sold some 7755

examples of the 200 Series wagon, which

despite a 24 per cent sales slide represented

a 70 per cent share of the large SUV

market segment.

Meantime, Nissan sold less than

half that number of Patrols, with 3089

sales (29 per cent down) representing

just 28 per cent of what is now a two-

horse race following the demise of

Jeep’s seven-seat Commander SUV.

Billed “reliable, unbreakable,

affordable” and revealed in the same week

as Nissan’s pint-sized Juke mini-SUV was

previewed ahead of its Geneva motor show

debut on March 2, Nissan says its new

Patrol is the product of fi ve decades of off-

road vehicle development.

“This off-road trendsetter was one of the

fi rst dedicated four-wheel drive vehicles

in the climatically demanding Middle East

region, and boasts the notable distinction of

also being the fi rst vehicle to successfully

cross the gruelling Simpson Desert in

Australia back in 1962,” said Nissan.

Nissan says the MkVII Patrol incorporates

a new ladder-chassis platform, signifi cantly

enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful

new V8 engines, a seven-speed automatic

transmissions and a new 4WD system,

wrapped in a radical new exterior design.

“We paid special attention to the needs of

current Patrol owners, and their passengers,

and so focused on creating fi rst-class levels

of comfort for the whole family,” said

Patrol project leader Hiroyuki Fushiki.

“Heightened luxury, a roomier cabin and a

quieter ride combine to achieve this goal,

while maintaining Patrol’s superior off-

road heritage.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREBaby Juke is no joke – page 14

Back onBack on Patrol Patrol

Volkswagen Group Australia is seeking an

enthusiastic, experienced Dealer Business

Manager to join its Sydney based Commercial

Vehicles team. If you have the expertise, passion

and potential to excel in an automotive distributor

environment, we would love to hear from you.

The successful candidate will partner with

Commercial Vehicles dealers to achieve volume

and market share. You will be responsible for the

development, training and ongoing business

improvement of the Volkswagen Commercial

Vehicles Dealer Network in conjunction with the

National Sales Manager and three other Dealer

Business Managers.

You will conduct regular dealer visits for your

assigned territory in order to actively monitor

performance of your dealerships – these visits

include dealer business reporting (covering sales

volume, market share, profitability) and business

trend analysis whilst also understanding market

trends and competitive activity.

You will partner with your dealers to develop and

implement business improvement plans that address

opportunities identified above in order to ensure

achievement of overall dealer objectives. Previous

experience in an area manager or territory

manager role is essential with automotive industry

experience highly regarded.

Dealer Business ManagerVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles

For information on this role, call Amanda Lintott from Career Driven on (02) 9699 3144 or email your application to alintott@careerdriven.com.au

With exciting new products being launched in 2010including the new Amarok utility vehicle, there is no greater time to join Volkswagen.

CommercialVehicles

Feb 17, 2010 Page 13

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Citroen’s ‘High Rider’ emerges as the second member of its DS clan

‘DS4’ to the fore‘DS4’ to the fore

Sales and Marketing Roles

A career with Honda is a career with an innovative, award-winning automotive brand, with an international presence in almost 200 countries. Careers at Honda encourage you to exercise unique ideas and challenge conventional everyday thinking.

ADVERTISING MANAGER • Identify, develop and evaluate strategic marketing communications across multiple channels; • Manage all ATL advertising (including brand, product and retail) campaigns within budget and agreed time lines;• Effective management of the Advertising department and multiple agencies; and• Minimum 7 years relevant experience in marketing required.

DEALER DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT MANAGER• Ensure Honda dealerships maintain a high quality brand image that complies with corporate standards and speci cations by ongoing

project and asset control;• Provide accurate Prime Market Area sales and market trends to optimise Dealer activities in line with Honda’s dealer network strategy;• Assist in developing a strong, pro table dealer network.

Candidates for both roles will have exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. A strong strategic ability is required along with excellent presentation and a high attention to detail. You will further demonstrate an ability to work in a dynamic environment, handle priorities, meet deadlines and effectively coordinate project deliverables. Appropriate tertiary quali cations are preferred. There will also be a component of travel in these roles.

If you would like further information regarding these positions please visit www.honda.com.au and follow the links to the career page. For a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a major international player, apply now! An attractive remuneration package is offered inclusive of a fully maintained vehicle.

Please forward your resumé quoting reference #010210A to: Human Resources, Honda Australia, Locked Bag 95, Tullamarine VIC 3043. Or via e-mail to: careers@honda.com.au

Applications close Wednesday 24th February 2010.

– Strong Stakeholder Engagement– Attractive Salary Package with Honda Vehicle– Melbourne Head Office, Tullamarine Location

Honda Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer www.honda.com.au

By MARTON PETTENDYWE HAVE seen Citroen’s answer to the

Mini in the shape of the stylish new DS3,

which is based on the next-generation C3 –

both of which will go on sale in Australia in

the third quarter of this year – and now the

French brand has revealed what is expected

to become the DS4.

Based on the same platform as Citroen’s

all-new C4 small car – itself due to surface

later this year – the DS4 will be previewed

at the Geneva motor show on March 2 as the

‘DS High Rider’ concept.

However, rather than being a more

premium version of the C4, as the DS3 is

to the C3, the DS4 will put Citroen in the

same small crossover territory soon to be

occupied by the upcoming Nissan Juke and

Mini Countryman, if the latest DS show car

is any guide.

While the DS3 is essentially a sportier,

more upmarket version of the next C3 with

unique styling, the High Rider show car

indicates the DS4 will be an even more

individualised and luxurious entrant within

the C4 range – which currently comprises

hatchback and Picasso people-mover models

– complete with taller ride height.

The four-seat, three-door concept, which

is expected to gain an extra seat and two

doors by the time it reaches production next

year, is taller and wider than the current C4

hatch at 1480mm and 1820mm respectively,

though it is slightly shorter at 4260mm.

Also borrowing styling cues from the

2005 C-SportLounge concept, the High

Rider’s front end closely resembles that of

the smaller DS3 and is expected to transfer

directly into production, minus the show

car’s radical foglights, 19-inch alloy wheels

and fabric-covered roof.

Engines for next year’s DS4, which

should be followed later in 2011 by the

C5-based DS5, should come directly from

the C4, and a version of the High Rider’s

diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain is also

certain to make production.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 17, 2010 Page 14

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Nissan hits out at ‘safe, sober’ small-car market with the Juke crossover

Baby Juke is no jokeBaby Juke is no joke

MERCURY MARINE REGIONAL MANAGER – NSW

> Distribution of Market leading brands such as Mercury Outboards, MerCruiser, Quicksilver parts & Inflatables, Bermuda accessories

> Opportunity to lead a small team within the branch

> Take responsibility for key Dealers in NSW region

> Multinational parent company – Brunswick Corporation

Reporting to the Director of Sales, you will focus on motivating a small team of seasoned employees in Sales, Service & administration. This will involve being a hands on Sales Manager to maximise opportunities within an existing customer base, potential new dealers and related organisations alongside taking responsibility for the overall leadership at the branch office level.

A target driven environment must suit your approach and with success will come opportuinities for future leadership roles within the business both with Australia & overseas.

In order to be considered for this role you will have a business/marketing/ technical qualification. Also 3-5 years strong sales & people management skills gained from a power equipment, automotive, motorcycle or similar sectors with focus on dealership, service and engineering product sales and have evidence of leading your team to accomplish strong results.

The position will be based in Sydney NSW South Western suburbs and involves considerable travel within NSW and regular or occasional travel within Australia/overseas. To apply please email your resume in confidence to: recruitment@mercmarine.com

By TERRY MARTINNISSAN is set to broaden its portfolio of

crossover vehicles with the new sub-Dualis

Juke, moving into a mini-SUV segment with

a model it describes as a “funky alternative

to the conventional urban hatchback”.

Not on the agenda for release in Australia

at this stage, the Juke has emerged in

production trim from Nissan’s European

design centre in London (after some

refi nement at head offi ce in Japan) ahead

of its world premiere at the Geneva motor

show on March 2 and its European release

in the fi nal quarter of 2010.

Just as the Murano was built as a city

slicker, and the Dualis followed as a crossover

competing with traditional small cars, the

even smaller Juke has the same high-riding

sports fl avour but with exaggerated, blokey

body styling which is in stark contrast to

other models in the “sober, safe” (Nissan’s

words) B-segment.

That much is evident in the fi rst offi cial

pictures released last week ahead of the

Swiss show.

But to ram home the point, Nissan’s press

material is peppered with references to the

Juke’s “tough solid body”, “maverick design”

and “masculinity and dynamism”, while the

designers admit to drawing inspiration from

rally cars and motorcycles – and the cabin’s

high-gloss centre dash stack is meant to look

like a motorcycle fuel tank.

Unsurprisingly, Nissan says two thirds

of its sales in Europe are expected to come

from “urbanite male customers” who are

“disillusioned at the lack of excitement in

the small-car sector in Europe”.

“Juke brings a sense of adventure to

the car market – it’s light, nimble, urban,

reactive: qualities designed to grab a

younger audience,” said Nissan Motor Co

senior vice-president of product planning,

Andy Palmer. “It offers something entirely

different to the traditional B-segment

vehicles and cements Nissan as a car-maker

prepared to do something different.”

Where comments like that leave the Micra,

one can only imagine. There will doubtless

be a fresh barrage of spin from Nissan

when it unveils the new-generation baby car

alongside the Juke in Geneva, just ahead of its

production debut in Thailand in March/April.

Nissan Australia head of corporate

communications Jeff Fisher has confi rmed

to GoAuto that the all-new Micra will debut

at Geneva, with Thai-built versions to reach

Australia in the fourth quarter.

As for the Juke, which will be built in

England and Japan, Mr Fisher said: “Juke

is not in the plan at the moment – but we’re

watching.”

The Juke is built off the same Renault

Nissan Alliance B-Platform as the Micra

and other models such as the Renault Clio

– an architecture that enters a new stage,

beginning with the new Micra, known

as the V-Platform – but the crossover’s

underpinnings have been lengthened,

widened and strengthened.

It has a 2530mm wheelbase, and measures

4135mm long, 1765mm wide and 1570mm

high. To enable the fi tment of 17-inch wheels

and 215/55-section rubber, the front and rear

track have also been widened to 1525mm.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 17, 2010 Page 15

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

VW’s new SUV is vastly lighter and more effi cient, but hybrid off Oz agenda

Trim, terrifi c TouaregTrim, terrifi c Touareg

Build your future leadersLast chance to registerThere are only a few places left in our Academy of Excellence Program scheduled for 8 – 11 March 2010, Sydney.

The Academy of Excellence is a four day intensive program aimed at improving the all round management and operational skills of:

• Anyone being groomed to be a General Manager/Dealer Principal• Anyone who wants to be a General Manager• Anyone currently in the role who wants to better themselves and obtain a more ‘all-round

knowledge’ on the things that matter to be a successful operator• Attendee numbers are limited and places will be fi lled on a ‘fi rst come fi rst served basis’.

For further details and to secure your position click here

Dale McCauley Rachael TomkinsDirector Training Coordinator Tel: +61 (0) 2 9322 7277 Tel: +61 (0) 2 9322 3651email: dmccauley@deloitte.com.au email: rtomkins@deloitte.com.au

By MARTON PETTENDYVOLKSWAGEN has peeled the wraps

off its second-generation Touareg SUV,

gazumping the German giant’s newest

brand Porsche, whose closely related MkII

Cayenne will also make its world premiere

at the Geneva motor show on March 2.

Described as the most technically advanced

VW ever, the redesigned luxury SUV, which

goes on sale in Australia in 2011, is headlined

by weight reductions of up to 208kg and

effi ciency gains of nearly 20 per cent.

The latter is aided by a new range of

engines, but the starring powertrain role is

played by an all-new petrol-electric hybrid

drive system that will not initially be made

available in Australia.

“We think that with the improvements in

fuel consumption brought about by weight

reductions and more effi cient engines the

demand for a hybrid version won’t warrant

its inclusion in the new range at this stage,”

said Volkswagen Group Australia spokesman

Karl Gehling.

In contrast, Porsche’s new Cayenne –

including a hybrid version – is also expected

to emerge at Geneva before going on sale in

Australia before the end of this year.

Volkswagen says the new Touareg is

“the fi rst and only off-roader in Europe by

a German car-maker to be available in a

hybrid version too”.

Like the Cayenne Hybrid, the full two-

mode parallel-drive hybrid version of the

next Touareg can be driven at up to 50km/h

in full-electric emissions-free mode. It is

claimed to return average fuel consumption

of just 8.2 litres per 100km – “the best value

in the segment of genuine SUVs”.

With the new Touareg V6 TDI diesel said

to return an even lower 7.4L/100km average,

Volkswagen says the Touareg Hybrid and

V6 TDI are “the most fuel-effi cient petrol

and diesel SUVs ever built in Europe in this

large vehicle class”.

Both V6 models will also come with an

automatic idle-stop system, which shuts off

the engine at standstill and restarts it as soon

as the driver releases the brake pedal.

The fi tment of an eight-speed automatic

transmission as standard across the range

– which Volkswagen claims is “a fi rst in

this market segment”, despite BMW fi tting

the same number of ratios to its facelifted

X5, due here mid-year – is claimed to help

deliver fuel economy advances of up to

2L/100km on some models.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREMore reports – page 19, 20

Feb 17, 2010 Page 16

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Hyundai i-fl ow concept previews Euro-oriented medium-size i40 sedan

Audi, BMW, Daihatsu, Mercedes, Subaru, Toyota, Motorcycles, Trucks, Off Road

Attractive Introductory Prices and quick implement including upgrade from other DMSContact: Steve Bungay – (03) 9886 7322steve@envisionit.com.auwww.envisionit.com.au/Autoline

Get the best of both worlds!

Mature DMS with Excellent Support

formerly Kerridge

Acclaimed International Product with Local roots (Kerridge) and conforming to Australian Laws

Reliability of Linux with Windows type GUI

State of the Art, Decades Mature Product from ADP DSI and legendary Support from Envision IT

Fully Integrated and covers complete operations Sales, Service, Parts, Accounts, Showroom

Especially good for Multi-location, Multi-company, Multi-franchisee dealerships

Support Everywhere, Metro and Regional

By MARTON PETTENDYPROTON and Giugiaro have jointly

revealed the concept version of a striking

new city-car that will become the Malaysian

national car-maker’s fi rst hybrid model.

Expected to go on sale around the world

– including in Australia – next year, the

as-yet-unnamed vehicle will be previewed

by a show car to debut at the Geneva motor

show on March 2.

The smartly-styled fi ve-door hatchback,

which is just 3550mm long (160mm shorter

than Proton’s range-opening Savvy) and

features four identical and independently

sliding seats, was designed by the ItalDesign

Giugiaro design studio.

Expected to closely resemble the

forthcoming production version, it is built

on a new Giugiaro-designed platform

featuring a higher than usual roofl ine

and fl oorpan to accommodate the hybrid

system’s rear-mounted lithium-ion battery

pack while offering cabin space that is

claimed to match many mid-size vehicles.

The hybrid system incorporates a front-

mounted internal combustion engine to

charge the batteries which, in a similar

arrangement to GM’s Volt plug-in hybrid,

drive the front wheels exclusively at all

times.

Full details and more images are expected

to be released at Geneva, but for now

Giugiaro claims Proton’s new mini-car is

“set to revolutionise traditional segmentation

in the car market” because it was “developed

with the aim of optimising the available

onboard space and car access ergonomics”.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Proton produces its fi rst-ever hybrid car

By MARTON PETTENDYHYUNDAI has issued the fi rst image of a

concept that is expected to morph into an

all-new rival for the Ford Mondeo in Europe

– and possibly Australia.

The sleek ‘i-fl ow’ concept, which will

make its world debut at the Geneva motor

show on March 2, previews the VF-series

mid-size sedan, which is based on the

same platform as this year’s new YF-series

replacement for the Sonata and is expected

to be labelled the i40.

Already released successfully in Korea,

the YF Sonata will go on sale in Australia by

mid-year under a new name, while Hyundai

will investigate the viability of adding the

sportier sedan to its Australian range.

Hyundai has revealed little about the i-fl ow,

apart from confi rming that it “previews

the look of its new D-segment (mid-size)

saloon” and that the concept, designed at the

company’s European design headquarters

at Russelsheim in Germany, incorporates

lightweight materials developed by chemical

company BASF.

However, former Hyundai Motor Co

Australia sales and marketing director Kevin

McCann has previously revealed the Korean

car-maker would embark on a two-pronged

mid-size model strategy, with the Euro-

oriented VF set to bring R-Series diesel

power while the US-directed YF, which will

also be produced in North America this year,

will be manufactured with 2.0 and 2.4-litre

petrol engines.

“The global strategy is that the YF will

essentially be built for the North American and

Asian markets and will therefore only have

petrol engines,” Mr McCann told GoAuto

in late October. “The VF, which is a car that

will come about 12 months later on the same

platform, is intended for European markets

and that will have a diesel alternative.

“We’re defi nitely taking the YF and

the jury is out on the VF. We’ll make the

decision based on what it is, when we know

more about it, probably after the next round

of product meetings, which happen on a

twice-a-year basis.”

More reports – page 18, 22, 24

NEW LOOK FOR RAV4TOYOTA has revealed its intention to

stage world debuts of a facelifted RAV4

and the new Corolla hybrid at the Geneva

motor show on March 2. While a facelifted

version of the RAV is expected to go on

sale in Australia later this year, the new-

look 2010 model shown here is based on

Europe’s short-wheelbase model rather

than the LWB version sold in Australia

and the US.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Flow-on effectFlow-on effect

Feb 17, 2010 Page 17

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Volvo issues full details of its ‘best car ever’

S60 in detailS60 in detail

By TERRY MARTINVOLVO’S new-generation S60 prestige

sedan remains on track for a launch in

Australia in December, following its long-

awaited world debut at the Geneva motor

show next month and, during the second

quarter, its shift in ownership from the Ford

Motor Co to Chinese manufacturer Geely.

Although images of the production version

were released last November, the Swedish

marque has now issued full details and more

images of the medium-sized sedan ahead of

its premiere in Switzerland on March 2.

There are few surprises, but much to look

forward to, with confi rmation that the sleek

new Belgium-built S60 will be the fi rst Volvo

fi tted with a new 2.0-litre direct-injection

turbocharged engine – fi rst details of which

were released late last month – and should be

competitive in terms of design, packaging,

new technologies and performance.

As GoAuto has reported previously,

Volvo’s most signifi cant new model to

appear in 2010 will be offered in Australia

with its world-fi rst pedestrian collision

prevention system, which uses radar and

camera technology to detect objects on a

crash course with the vehicle.

“We are truly proud of our success in making

our technology so reliable that we can offer a

complete system that can avoid a collision

with a pedestrian by detecting, alerting and

applying full braking,” said Volvo Cars senior

safety adviser Thomas Broberg.

“It’s a world fi rst, to the best of our

knowledge. With this technology we have

increased the braking force in our automatic

braking system from 50 per cent to full

stopping power.”

The S60 will also be the fi rst Volvo

sedan with ‘Advanced Stability Control’

(ASC) that includes a new roll-angle sensor

designed to detect a loss of traction at an

earlier stage. According to Volvo, this means

the standard Dynamic Stability and Traction

Control (DSTC) system can step in earlier

and with greater precision.

Corner Traction Control (CTC) also debuts

on the sedan, which is a further refi nement

of DSTC and uses torque vectoring to

improve cornering and reduce understeer.

CTC allows the inner wheel to be braked

during cornering at the same time as power

is transmitted to the outer wheel.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Peugeot previews 508 with Geneva ‘5’ concept

By MARTON PETTENDYLAST week Peugeot offi cially uncovered the

Chinese-built, 308 Touring-based 408 sedan

and now it has staged the equally surprising

reveal of the ‘5 by Peugeot’ concept, which

previews the car that will replace both its

mid-size 407 and large 607 sedans.

Also previewing the diesel-electric

hybrid drive system that will be launched

globally and in Australia in the 3008

Hybrid4 in 2011, the 5 by Peugeot will

make its global debut at the Geneva motor

show on March 2.

As in the hybrid 3008 – which will

be launched here within months with

conventional petrol and diesel drivetrains,

and should be joined by a plug-in version

in 2012 – the 5 by Peugeot is motivated

by the combination of a front-mounted

122kW 2.0-litre HDi FAP diesel engine

and a rear-mounted 28kW electric motor.

The arrangement gives both the 3008

and the sleek new sedan concept an AWD

confi guration with a peak output of 150kW,

and is claimed to produce average CO2

emissions of less than 99g/km – or zero

when driven in all-electric mode.

“(The) ‘5 by Peugeot’ is further proof

of Peugeot’s environmental strategy,” said

Peugeot. “The modular technology of the

Hybrid4 system can be combined with a

range of naturally aspirated engines ... and

can be fi tted to different body shapes and

different platforms.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

Feb 17, 2010 Page 18

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Hyundai heads upmarket, offers petrol/diesel choice with impressive new ix35

ix35 is Tucson elixirix35 is Tucson elixir

By JAMES STANFORDHYUNDAI Motor Co Australia has pushed

its representative in the busy compact SUV

segment more upmarket with a dramatic

new design, advanced powertrains, a new

name and a price increase.

The South Korean marque has ditched the

top-selling Tucson tag, which is still used in the

US, in favour for the iPod-inspired European

title, ix35, linking it with models such as the

iMax, iLoad, i30 and upcoming i20.

It has also moved away from the more

traditional SUV shape of the previous

model, opting for a bolder design with more

pronounced shoulders and lines, which is

part of a new styling language Hyundai calls

‘Fluidic Sculpture’.

Prices have moved upstream, too, and

although the make-up of the range is

different, increases of between $500 and

$1500 are now payable.

The entry price for the new model is

$26,990 – up from $25,490 for the equivalent

front-drive Tucson City 2.0-litre manual –

while the most affordable AWD ix35 costs

$31,990, $500 more than before.

The fi ve-seater iX35 is new from the ground

up, built on a body which comprises 68.9 per

cent high-tensile steel for improved stiffness.

The ix35 runs Hyundai’s new Theta II

four-cylinder petrol engines, in both 2.0-litre

and 2.4-litre guises, as well as a diesel engine

for the fi rst time.

The base engine is again a 2.0-litre petrol

four, this time weighing 10kg less and

producing more performance, with peak

power rising from 104kW to 122kW and

maximum torque

moving up from

184Nm to 197Nm.

Available only

in the entry-level

front-drive Active

model, the 2.0-litre

petrol engine employs a two-stage variable

inlet manifold and features variable exhaust

camshaft phasing.

A fi ve-speed manual is standard fi t, but

a six-speed automatic transmission is now

available as a $2000 option on the base

engine – and standard on all other models.

Replacing a four-speed automatic, the

new transmission is a conventional torque

converter-style automatic developed in-

house by Hyundai engineers.

Hyundai says it is the smallest and lightest

six-speed automatic in the world. The

transmission is designed to be maintenance

free, as there is no dipstick and the fl uid is

supposed to remain in the gearbox for the

life of the vehicle.

A Theta II 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol

engine replaces the ancient 2.7-litre V6 of

the previous model. Hyundai claims the new

four matches the performance feel of the old

six, but uses 16 per cent less fuel.

The new 2.4-litre four generates 130kW

and 227Nm compared to the old 2.7-litre

V6’s 129kW and 241Nm. It is available only

with the AWD Elite model and only with the

six-speed automatic

transmission.

Hyundai has also

decided to offer a

diesel iX35, making the

new premium engine

available in mid-range

Elite and range-topping Highlander versions.

The R-Series 2.0-litre four-cylinder was

developed by a team of 150 engineers with

a budget of $227 million. It uses a Bosch

common-rail system with 1800-bar of

peak pressure and features an exhaust gas

recirculation system as well as a traditional

particulate fi lter.

The diesel generates peak power outputs of

135kW and 392Nm – the latter between just

1800 and 2500rpm – and is only available

with AWD and the six-speed automatic

transmission. It is the fuel economy star of

the ix35 range, with an ADR82/02 combined

average of 7.5 litres per 100km.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

More reports – page 22, 24

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PRICING:Active 2.0 petrol 2WD $26,990

Active 2.0 petrol 2WD (a) $28,990

Elite 2.4 petrol AWD (a) $31,990

Elite 2.0 diesel AWD (a) $34,990

Highlander 2.0 diesel AWD (a) $37,990

Feb 17, 2010 Page 19

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

VW’s fi rst ‘Australian’ Golf wagon arrives with a sub-$30,000 start price

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SSeerriiousous PPuulllliingng PowerPower

By PHILIP LORDVOLKSWAGEN has joined the premium

compact wagon segment with a station

wagon version of the latest MkVI Golf, with

prices starting well under the previously

envisaged $30,000 mark.

The 90TSI Trendline manual opens the

new range at $26,990 (plus statutory and

dealer delivery costs), which is just $2000

more than the equivalent fi ve-door hatch.

The remainder of the wagon range

comprises an abbreviated version of the

hatch line-up, not including the Comfortline

manual, GTI and forthcoming R models.

The Golf became available as a wagon

overseas with the introduction of the 1991

Golf III, but this is the fi rst time the model

has been offi cially sold in Australia, where

it is the fi rst small-to-medium Volkswagen

station wagon since the 1982 Passat

Wagon.

The Golf Wagon uses the Jetta

sedan platform rather than the hatch’s

underpinnings. While all three are closely

related, the rear section of the Jetta and Golf

wagon are different to the (shorter) hatch.

The wagon adds between 70kg and 160kg

over the hatch models, and is 432mm longer

than the hatch.

Volkswagen Group Australia press and

PR manager Karl Gehling said the company

would not divulge projected sales forecasts

for the Golf Wagon, saying only “we see

that there is a market there”.

Mr Gehling said the Golf Wagon will go

head-to-head with the Peugeot 308 Estate

and Hyundai i30 CW, as well as targeting

shoppers of medium wagons such as the

Mazda6 and Ford Mondeo.

The Golf Wagon is available across a

condensed version of the

hatch’s model line-up,

with two trim levels and

four engines offered.

The entry-level

Trendline is available

with a 77kW TDI

turbo-diesel engine or a

90kW TSI petrol engine. The 77kW TDI

engine comes with a fi ve-speed manual

as standard or an optional seven-speed

DSG automatic, while the 90TSI has a

six-speed manual as standard and a seven-

speed DSG as an option.

The fl agship Comfortline specifi cation

is equipped with either the 118TSI petrol

engine or the 103TDI engine.

The Trendline 90TSI develops 90kW of

power at 5000rpm and 200Nm of torque at

1500-4000rpm. It accelerates to 100km/h

in a claimed 9.9 seconds (manual and

DSG) and consumes an average

of 6.7L/100km (manual) and

6.2L/100km (DSG), while CO2

outputs are 156g/km (manual)

and 144g/km (DSG).

The Trendline 77TDI produces

77kW at 4400rpm and 250Nm at 1900-

2500rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h takes 11.9

seconds (manual and DSG) and combined

fuel consumption is 4.7L/100km (manual)

and 5.2L/100km (DSG), while CO2 outputs

are a respective 124g/km and 135g/km.

The Comfortline 118TSI develops 118kW

at 5900rpm and 240Nm at 1750-4500rpm and

accelerates to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds. The

fuel consumption average

is 6.3L/100km, with a CO2

output of 148g/km.

The Comfortline

103TDI produces 103kW

at 4200rpm and 320Nm at

1750-2500rpm and sprints

to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.

Fuel consumption is quoted at 5.7L/100km

combined and the CO2 output is 149g/km.

Standard in both Trendline and

Comfortline are six airbags, ESP electronic

stability control, cargo net and a trip

computer.

The Wagon does not get the driver’s knee

airbag offered in hatch models as it is based

on the Jetta platform, which has not been

engineered for this additional airbag.

The Trendline has visible exhaust tips,

daytime running lights integrated into the

headlights, a dual-tone horn, body-coloured

doorhandles and mirrors and the semi-

automatic ‘Climatic’ climate-control system.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

VW transforms Passat - next page

PRICING:90TSI Trendline $26,990

90TSI Trendline (a) $29,490

77TDI Trendline $29,490

77TDI Trendline (a) $31,990

118TSI Comfortline (a) $33,990

103TDI Comfortline (a) $36,490

Feb 17, 2010 Page 20

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

Honda slashes CR-V prices by up to $3500

2010 Passat offers new engines, more features and huge price savings

By PHILIP LORDVOLKSWAGEN has rationalised its Passat

range for 2010 with new engines, more

features and price reductions of up to $4000

in an effort to boost sales of its passenger car

fl agship in Australia, where sales slowed by

31.5 per cent last year.

Previously, the entry-level 103TDI

diesel sedan kicked off the Passat range

at $42,990, but now the petrol 118TSI

opens the restructured line-up at $38,990.

The rest of the existing range has received

price reductions of

$1000, also despite

gaining more standard

features.

Key changes to the

engine line-up include

the introduction of

VW’s 118TSI direct-

injection petrol engine

with its new seven-

speed DSG twin-clutch automated manual

transmission as the new entry point to the

Passat range, and the deletion of 103TDI

and 147TSI engines from the line-up.

The new entry-level 118TSI comes with

a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, combined

with the seven-speed DSG as standard (all

other Passats use the six-speed DSG).

The most popular model in the Passat

range, the 2.0-litre 125TDI, now comes in

Volkswagen’s premium Highline grade with

chrome plated strips for the grille, front

foglights and 17x7.5-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, new features include Nappa leather

upholstery, sports fronts seats and brushed

aluminium trim.

The Passat V6 FSI

Highline has several

added features on its

standard equipment

list, such as 18x8.0-

inch alloy wheels,

sport suspension

(Adaptive Chassis

Control), electric

adjustment for the

front seats (with three-position memory

for the driver’s seat), Media Device

Interface (MDI) and an automatic kerb

function on the passenger’s side exterior

mirror when reversing. The Passat V6 FSI

Highline continues with its six-speed DSG

transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive.

The premium Passat, the R36, has been

upgraded with dark tinted rear and rear-side

window glass (65 per cent light-absorbing)

and MDI.

The Passat’s options list has been

broadened for 2010 and includes Adaptive

Cruise Control with Front Assist ($2000),

Park Assist ($900, not available on R36),

Adaptive Chassis Control ($1650), Lane

Assist ($1000) and VW’s latest radio

navigation system, the RNS510 ($2500, or

$4500 with a 600-Watt audio system).

The 118TSI outputs 118kW of power at

4500rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1500-

4500rpm and its 0-100km/h claimed

acceleration fi gure is 8.5 seconds (wagon:

8.7 seconds). The offi cial fuel consumption

average is 7.7L/100km (wagon: 7.8L/100km),

with average CO2 outputs rated at 180g/km

(sedan) and 182g/km (wagon).

The 125TDI 2.0TDI engine produces

125kW at 4200rpm and 350Nm between 1750

and 2500rpm, and accelerates to 100km/h in

8.6 seconds (wagon 8.8 seconds).

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREDRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE

VW transforms PassatVW transforms Passat

By MARTON PETTENDYHONDA Australia has fi nally ushered in

the facelifted version of its CR-V compact

SUV, complete with price savings ranging

between $2000 and $3500.

Apart from the “aggressive repricing”,

the new-look CR-V, which is on sale in

Australia from this month after being

delayed by up to six months, comes

with “generous specifi cation upgrades”,

including the standard fi tment of full-length

side curtain airbags across the range.

There is no sign of the European model’s

new 110kW/350Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine,

with the third-generation CR-V soldiering

on solely with the current 2.4-litre i-VTEC

four-cylinder petrol engine.

However, the Thai-built small crossover

wagon does come with a signifi cant $2000

reduction at base level – not as a result

of the federal government’s fi ve per cent

import tariff reduction from 2010, because

it only affects passenger cars (not SUVs)

and Thailand already has a free-trade

agreement with Australia.

More likely, the entry-level CR-V

manual’s new list price of $30,990 (down

from $32,990) is in response to the once-

dominant model’s sales slide in 2009, when

it was a massive 48 per cent less popular

than the year before, as well as formidable

new compact SUV rivals led by Hyundai’s

just-launched Tucson-replacing ix35.

As with all Honda models, however,

metallic paint is optional on the CR-V, which

at $455 brings the base price to $31,465,

while the base CR-V auto now costs $33,290,

or $33,765 with metallic paint.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

SN

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PRICING:118TSI sedan (a) $38,990

118TSI wagon (a) $40,990

125TDI Highline sedan (a) $43,990

125TDI Highline wagon (a) $45,990

V6 FSI Highline AWD sedan (a) $55,990

V6 FSI Highline AWD wagon (a) $57,990

R36 AWD sedan (a) $64,990

R36 AWD wagon (a) $66,990

Feb 17, 2010 Page 21

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GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

By MARTON PETTENDYSUZUKI Australia has released an upgraded

SX4 sedan and hatchback range, offering

improved performance, fuel effi ciency,

safety and convenience.

Already available in Queensland, the

midlife makeover for Suzuki’s small car –

which also comprises two new transmissions

and electronic stability control across the

range – comes with price increases averaging

1.5 per cent.

The headline act of the

2010 SX4 is Suzuki’s new

J20B 2.0-litre four-cylinder

petrol engine, which adds

variable valve timing to

boost peak power output by

fi ve per cent from 107kW

to 112kW and maximum

torque by three per cent from

184Nm to 190Nm.

The new engine features

a different cylinder block

design, plastic cylinder-head cover and

increased (10.2 v 9.5:1) compression ratio.

Suzuki says the performance gains – as

well as advances in noise, vibration and

harshness suppression – come courtesy

of lower friction levels, enhanced thermal

effi ciencies, and increased rigidity.

Matched with a new six-speed manual

transmission to replace the current fi ve-

speed unit, the new engine offers 11 per cent

better fuel consumption, at 7.3 litres per

100km, plus a 12 per cent reduction in CO2

outputs, at 170 grams per kilometre (down

from 193g/km).

Meantime, the optional new continuously

variable transmission (CVT), which Suzuki

claims brings a new level of refi nement for its

customers, improves fuel economy by 16 per

cent over the conventional automatic gearbox

it replaces, to 7.6L/100km, with average CO2

emissions reducing 17 per cent, from 215 to

178g/km.

While the new CVT

– which comes with

six preset ratios and is

operated via steering

wheel shift paddles on

the fl agship ‘S’ versions

– will be available

across the SX4 range,

ESP electronic stability

control and, on the sedan,

rear disc brakes are now

standard on the SX4. Six airbags continue

to be standard on all but the entry-level SX4

2WD hatch.

The range-topping SX4 AWD hatch

continues to be available with Suzuki’s

unique-in-class switchable three-mode

intelligent all-wheel drive (i-AWD) system,

which offers 2WD, 4WD and – at speeds of

up to 60km/h – 4WD Lock programs.

Leading the list of cosmetic updates for 2010

is the addition of a boot-lid spoiler for the SX4

sedan, while both the entry-level 2WD hatch

and AWD hatch offer 16-inch steel wheels

with covers. The SX4 S AWD features new

16-inch alloys and the SX4 S 2WD and SX4

sedan gain new 17-inch alloys.

Interior SX4 changes aim to deliver a

more upmarket impression, led by a new

instrument panel with an integrated digital

information display, a new-design digital

climate-control panel and, in response to

customer demand, backlit steering wheel

audio switches.

Other cabin changes include softer door

armrests, chrome-plated doorhandles for the S

version and a centre speaker in the dashboard.

The SX4 sedan, S hatch and S AWD all retain

Suzuki’s keyless start system.

While ESC is new to the base SX4 2WD

hatch, pricing for which rises by $200 to

$20,490, it continues to come standard

with twin front airbags, fi ve three-point

seatbelts, ABS brakes with electronic brake-

force distribution, electric power steering,

front/rear power windows, an adjustable

steering wheel, remote central locking, air-

conditioning, an eight-speaker AM/FM/CD

audio system with MP3-compatible auxiliary

input jack, trip computer and power mirrors.

FULL STORY: CLICK HEREFor drive impressions, go to

www.GoAuto.com.au from this afternoon

Much more Much more for SX4for SX4

Suzuki’s facelifted small car arrives Down Under with

more power, economy and safety

PRICING:2WD hatch $20,490

2WD hatch (a) $22,490

2WD S hatch $23,490

2WD S hatch (a) $25,490

AWD hatch $23,490

AWD hatch (a) $25,490

AWD S hatch $25,690

AWD S hatch (a) $27,690

2WD S sedan $23,990

2WD S sedan (a) $25,990

Feb 17, 2010 Page 22

GoAuto Market Insight is brought to you by Dealer Solutions

GoAuto Market Insight

John Mellor’s

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

Hyundai is now a big threat to VW, Toyota in the global sales race

Hyundai Hyundai aims highaims highToyota vs Hyundai sales in Australia (2004-2009)

By JAMES STANFORDTOUGH times can provide aggressive

companies a chance to gain ground on their

opposition. Take Hyundai, for example.

The South Korean manufacturer was the

only mainstream car company to grow its

global sales of cars and light trucks in 2009,

up 11.1 per cent at a time when its main

rivals watched their own sales plummet.

IHS Global Insight claims Hyundai now

outsells Ford and is closing in on General

Motors which would move it into third place

behind Toyota and the Volkswagen Group.

Hyundai has managed to grow its global

share without taking a fi nancial hit, posting a

$938.2 million profi t in the third quarter of last

year as many of its rivals posted huge losses.

Its progress has landed Hyundai on the front

cover of Fortune magazine with the headline

‘The Toughest Car Company of Them All’.

Fortune writer Alex Taylor III alluded to

the notion that Toyota has long seen Hyundai

as its biggest threat and added: “Today those

fears have grown into a nightmare.”

The magazine quotes Grant Thornton

consultant Kimberly Rodriguez as saying

Hyundai spent an average of $3185 on

incentives through most of 2009 in the US,

the most of any Asian car-maker.

She also told Fortune that Hyundai sold lots

of excess production into rental car fl eets.

Hyundai Motor Co Australia (HMCA)

remained particularly aggressive through last

year in Australia, with sharp deals and strong

marketing. Company insiders were surprised

by the lack of keen prices and offers from

its rivals.

HMCA CEO Edward Lee said fl eets

were important to Hyundai as it sought

to expand its volume. The brand’s 2009

result was nothing short of incredible,

with the company seemingly immune to

the fi nancial woes sweeping the country.

It sold 17,798 more cars than it did in the

previous year, which translates into a 39.2

per cent increase while the Australian new-

car market fell 7.4 per cent.

In the worst result for the Australian

operation in six years, Toyota Australia sold

37,992 fewer cars last year than it did in

2008, representing a 15.9 per cent decrease.

The company is still way ahead in terms of

outright numbers with 200,991 2009 sales

compared with Hyundai’s 63,207, but it

would take a brave punter to bet the gap

won’t shrink.

VFACTS fi gures show Hyundai is

continuing its momentum, selling 6208 cars

in January, representing a massive 67.7 per

cent increase on the same month a year ago.

Toyota Australia managed to stem the

tide, selling 14,564 for an 8.5 per cent

increase. It is not yet known if the fallout

from Toyota recalls will affect local sales.

Hyundai is pushing on and last week

introduced its new compact SUV, the ix35.

It is preparing to launch a new small car to

sit above the Getz – called the i20 – in April

and a mid-sized sedan to replace the Sonata

mid-year.

The only grey cloud on the horizon is the

forthcoming mid-2011 discontinuation of

the Getz, which will surely take a bite out

of its sales here.

Up Close on Personnel – page 24

20082005 20072004 20092006

Sal

es u

nit

s (t

ho

usa

nd

s)

Michelle Betts Joanne Park

REVS & Vcheck

1300 66 11 33

Want to buy and sell with more security?

Protect yourself with REVS & Vcheck.

www.dealersolutions.com.au

160

180

200

220

100

120

140

60

80

40

240

Source: VFACTS

200442,510

200548,010

200646,523

2008238,983

200845,409

2005202,817

2007236,647

200750,007

2004201,737

2009200,991

200963,207

2006213,847

ix35iiii 3ix3ix35 RAV4

Feb 17, 2010 Page 23Green issues in the auto world

GoAuto Green is brought to you by Custom Fleet

GoAuto Green

John Mellor’s

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Kia turns the light on its sleek Cerato-based Ray plug-in hybrid concept

By TERRY MARTINKIA Motors has taken the wraps off its

Cerato-based Ray hybrid concept at the

Chicago motor show, demonstrating its

advanced work on a plug-in petrol-electric

powertrain and previewing design elements

of its future small cars.

It remains to be seen whether Kia

introduces a dedicated hybrid model, such

as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight, or

sticks with its current model lines for the

alternative powertrain.

Some overseas reports suggest the Ray is

a pointer to the next-generation Cee’d small

car, which is due for release in Europe in

2012. But the concept could equally apply

to the next-generation Cerato, upon which

it is based.

It also stands as a departure point from

the conventional hybrid car Kia now has in

production (and which remains a prospect

for release in Australia) – the Cerato/Forte

LPI, which combines an 85kW 1.6-litre

LPG engine with a 15kW electric motor and

CVT transmission.

The Ray, on the other hand, is powered

by an all-aluminium 114kW 1.4-litre direct-

injection ‘Gamma’ GDI engine paired with

a permanently engaged fi xed-ratio CVT and

used in combination with a 78kW electric

motor and lithium-ion polymer battery pack.

Power is sent to the front wheels from

the electric motor, petrol engine or both,

depending on the driving conditions.

Other technology onboard includes an

engine-power-saving alternator management

system and a gearshift indicator which

encourages economical driving. Custom-

designed low-rolling-resistance tyres on

narrow 195/50-section 20-inch wheels are

also designed to improve effi ciency.

As for the economy claims, Kia says

the Ray offers fuel consumption as low

as 3L/100km in ‘pure HEV’ mode, while

in ‘plug-in HEV’ mode it returns just

1.2L/100km. The Korean manufacturer also

claims the vehicle can drive up to 80km on

a single charge without intervention from

the internal combustion engine, and has a

total driving range of up to 1200km.

The four-seat Ray concept rests on a

2700mm wheelbase and measures 4400mm

in overall length, 1850mm in width and

1360mm in height. This is a touch longer

in wheelbase than the current Cerato sedan,

but shorter, narrower and lower overall.

The Ray has a slippery 0.25Cd drag

coeffi cient and is built using lightweight

and recycled materials. It also features

hexagonal solar cells embedded in the glass

roof panel to power ancillary systems such

as cabin lighting and the air-conditioning.

Drive-by-wire steering, ‘cool glazing’

solar glass and touch-screen controls are all

included, and, along with the powertrain and

battery, are described as possible indicators

of future technology from Kia.

“It is important to imagine early in the

design process what people will want in the

future from a green perspective,” said Kia

Motors Corporation chief design offi cer Peter

Schreyer. “People want to reduce their carbon

footprint without driving carbon copies.

“Being green doesn’t have to be an

obvious statement anymore and the Kia Ray

exemplifi es a viable blend of modern, eco-

minded features for today’s environmentally

conscious consumers.”

Like the Cerato hybrid, the Ray sits under

Kia’s EcoDynamics umbrella.

Flush, clean surfaces that minimise edges

are employed across the bodywork and

aim to impart a ‘fl owing’ profi le, while the

pronounced rear shoulder that runs into

a higher-than-usual deck is designed to

reduce drag.

Kia says the tapering greenhouse cabin

and the long ‘tail’ improve aerodynamics,

and that drag is further reduced with a one-

piece integrated underbody panel.

Traditional wing mirrors and doorhandles

are substituted with motion-detector

cameras mounted fl ush with the body. Rear-

hinged back doors and, on the front door

openings, a forward ‘cut-out’ design for the

feet are designed to maximise ease of entry

for occupants.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

How can you improve employee satisfaction?It’s not just about money. It’s often about the benefits you can offer your employees. Novated Leasing is a prime example – and it’s easy to arrange. Custom Fleet can provide a complete Novated Leasing service with online quoting, ordering, applications and reporting. Plus, our team of Customer Service Executives is always available to answer any questions. So while you’re doing your utmost to keep your employees satisfied, we’ll be going out of our way to satisfy you.

To find out more, click here or call Custom Fleet on 1800 812 681.

LLittle Ray of sunshineittle Ray of sunshine

Brought to you by Motor Staff – the Motor Industry’s No.1 Recruitment Specialist

UP CLOSE ON PERSONNEL

Feb 17, 2010 Page 24GoAuto Personnel

John Mellor’s

Brought to you by Motor Staff – the Motor Industry’s No.1 Recruitment Specialist

UP CLOSE ON PERSONNELUP CLOSE ON PERSSONNELUP CLOSE ON PERSONNEUP CLOSE ON PERSONNELBrought to you by Motor Staff – the Motor Industry’s No.1 Recruitment Specialist

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LEE PROMISES TO FACE HYUNDAI STAFF CONCERNS AFTER TWITTER OUTBURST

PERFORMAX MAKES KEY APPOINTMENT AS RHD CAMARO HITS THE STREETS

By JAMES STANFORDHYUNDAI Motor Co. Australia (HMCA)

management has been stung by comments

made by its employees on the Twitter social

networking site.

A Twitter thread featured accusations

that HMCA chief executive Edward Lee

had introduced harsh working conditions,

that redundancies were being planned, and

even suggested last year’s departure of sales

and marketing director Kevin McCann

was related to Hyundai’s failure to pay a

promised bonus for reaching 60,000 sales.

The authors appeared to have inside

knowledge of the HMCA operation, but it

is diffi cult to trace their identities as none

used their real names.

Some of the statements on the thread,

which gained publicity when it was reported

by Crikey.com.au, verged on the bizarre

including one that read: “All long-term staff

be careful, Edward wants to get rid of you.”

Others spoke of long hours and their

effects on workers: “I can tell you there are

a lot of stressed employees who take their

frustrations home with them. There are

sleepness nights, health problems.”

Another used the Twitter thread to make

a direct appeal to Mr Lee: “Edward, how

do you think the husbands, wives, children

and families of your staff are feeling. Been

doing 11-hour days, it is expected when

working for an autocratic operator.”

Mr Lee has confi rmed he will raise the

issues aired on Twitter with employees at

HMCA’s next quarterly meeting and ask them

to voice any concerns they have with him.

“I will meet our employees next Monday

and have an open discussion, (and ask) what

is the problem? What is wrong?” he said.

“If there is any misunderstanding I will

try to explain. If there is any concern we can

discuss, I am open-minded, come to me and

we can discuss.”

Mr Lee said he was not aware why any of

the 110 employees at Hyundai’s head offi ce

in Sydney would be unhappy.

“I don’t know what is the reason,” he said.

“I was very surprised

that there were any

negative comments. We

are a growing company,

doing very well and

most of our people are

doing very well I think.”

One of the comments

alluded to the sudden

departure of sales and

marketing chief Kevin McCann at the end of

last year. Mr McCann did not have another

job to go to and no reasons for his departure

were made public at the time he left.

One Twitter post alleged: “Sales and

marketing director has been sacked, he

asked for the bonus promised for 60,000

sales and gets sacked.” Mr Lee would not

comment when GoAuto asked why Mr

McCann left the company suddenly, but did

say that he, along with other staff, was paid

a bonus for reaching 60,000 sales.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

By TERRY MARTINAUSTRALIAN car conversion specialist

Performax International has bolstered its

executive ranks, appointing former Renault

Australia NSW regional manager Glenn

Soper as general manager.

Announced last week at the offi cial launch

of the Performax-converted right-hand-drive

Chevrolet Camaro, which has now received

Australian Design Rule clearance, Mr

Soper’s appointment is understood to mark

the Queensland fi rm’s fi rst senior executive

recruitment from the

mainstream car industry.

He replaces Nicholas

Vandenberg, who

Performax said had

resigned to start his

own business.

Mr Soper has more

than 25 years’ experience in the industry

across management, sales, aftersales and

dealer development areas. As well as working

in the Australian market, he has worked in

New Zealand and other locations in the Asia-

Pacifi c and South Pacifi c regions.

In a statement released last week,

Performax said Mr Soper’s experience, in

addition to his time at Renault, included

stints with Holden, Ford Thailand, Bentley

Motors, Pentana Solutions, PNG Toyota

distributor Toyota Tsusho, and global

automotive consulting group MXSI.

“Glenn’s wide mainstream motor industry

experience will be invaluable as Performax

International faces the most exciting

opportunities in its 20-year history,” said

Performax International managing director

Greg Waters. “These opportunities will be

the result of having developed our design,

engineering and production capabilities to

be the best in the conversion industry during

Nick Vandenberg’s time as general manager.”

FULL STORY: CLICK HERERead more: Right-hook Camaro arrives

GM green light for RHD Camaro

Edward Lee

Glenn Soper

Paul Newton George Hennessy

Sharon Hunter

Anne Taylor

Mara Nogarotto Doug Tame

Don’t be caught short... talk with us today and prepare yourself for tomorrow!

Has your dealership been running too lean during the last few months?Now that the economy has turned the corner, it is important that you have suffi cient staff to take full advantage as business improves. Remember how diffi cult it was, not so very long ago, to fi nd good staff? So now is the time to hire the experienced personnel you need before someone else does!

1300 666 562www.motorstaff.com.au

Time to bolster your Dealership Team?

PR CUTS AT LAND ROVERLAND Rover Australia public affairs

specialist Guido Schenken has left the

company after his position was made

redundant earlier this month. Marketing

and public affairs manager Kevin Goult

has taken on Mr Schenken’s previous

responsibilities.

If you have any car industry personnel announcements, please email them to

Terry Martin at tmartin@mellor.net

Feb 17, 2010 Page 25

SUBSCRIBE FREE: www.GoAutoMedia.com

GoAuto NewsJohn Mellor’s

FEBRUARY:Chevrolet Performax CamaroCitroen C5 upgradeHSV GXP variantHyundai ix35Peugeot 207 Touring OutdoorMercedes-Benz Sprinter upgradeNissan 370Z RoadsterPorsche 911 TurboToyota Camry HybridToyota Corolla sedan upgradeSuzuki SX4 faceliftVolkswagen Golf wagon

New model diary: CLICK HERE

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

Range Rover Sport TDV6 fi ve-door wagonFIVE years ago, Land Rover fi nally caught on to the fact that its Range Rover was not just the premium

model in its line-up but also a brand in its own right. So in 2005 it created the Range Rover Sport, a separate second-tier Range Rover model. The Sport has iconic Range Rover design cues but is based on Discovery 3 architecture and mechanicals, has a leaner look than its Vogue sibling and is much cheaper. Now it has been given a refresh for the 2010 model year, with the centrepiece of the update being a stunning new turbo-diesel V6.

Launch Padbrought to you by

Australia’s No.1 because it works!

Camaro

d

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

GOOD VIBE AT HONDAHONDA has released a limited-edition Jazz,

unsurprisingly dubbed the Vibe.

Restricted to 1200 cars Australia-wide,

the value-added Vibe variant arrives after a

56.6 per cent sales plunge for Honda’s light-

sized hatchback in January. The second-

generation Jazz fi ve-door, launched here in

September 2008, fared better than the overall

industry with a 5.6 per cent sales slide in its

fi rst full year, but still proved less popular in

2009 than the Hyundai Getz, Toyota Yaris,

Mazda2, Suzuki Swift and Holden Barina.

Available in both (1.3-litre) GLi and

(1.5-litre) VTi model grades, the Vibe tempts

with extra features said to be valued at

$2300, including a sports grille, alloy wheels,

foglights, Bluetooth connectivity and an

exclusive ‘Brilliant Orange’ paint colour.FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

480kW WALKINSHAW E2WALKINSHAW Performance has released

an ‘E2 Supercar’ kit for HSV owners

desiring “that little bit extra” from their

vehicles, headlined by a black-fi nished

WP190 supercharger that extracts no less

than 480kW of power and 802Nm of torque

from GM’s 6.2-litre Chevrolet LS3 V8.

Priced at $49,920 and offered with a full

no-cost drivetrain warranty for vehicles

still under HSV’s new-car warranty, the E2

package also comprises WP’s new carbon-

fi bre fender vents, bonnet scoop, mirrors

and hood header, a WP three-inch bi-modal

exhaust system, WP lowered suspension

kit, WP 20-inch wheels, WP engine covers,

mats and head restraints and a WP carbon-

fi bre low-series spoiler.FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

M-CLASS SPORT REPORTMERCEDES-BENZ has moved to improve

the value of its M-class range in Australia

and keep the luxury SUV front-of-mind in

the face of new models from its competitors,

including the forthcoming redesigned

Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne

and a heavily revised BMW X5.

Pricing remains fi rm across the duty-free

ML range, but Mercedes-Benz Australia/

Pacifi c is offering the factory-fi t ‘exterior

sports package’ – now set at $2900 – on

standard versions of the V6-powered ML300

CDI BlueEffi ciency diesel, ML350 petrol

and ML350 CDI BlueEffi ciency diesel.FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

370Z

Golf wagon

ix35

Find out why it works for Neville.Call us on 1300 728 800

“Our results continue to improve due to thequality leads generated by carsales.”

Neville Barton - Southgate Holden, SA.

PRIUS RECALL IN FULLAS ANTICIPATED, Toyota recalled

its Prius hybrid car last Tuesday night,

February 9 – just a day after launching the

Australian-made Camry Hybrid. The widely

anticipated global safety recall to fi x the

brakes on the Prius III affects about 400,000

cars worldwide and 2378 in Australia.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

AUSSIE COROLLA SAFEAUSTRALIA’S most popular small car will

not become the latest model to be embroiled

in Toyota’s global recall crisis, says its

local subsidiary. Responding to reports that

Corolla could be recalled globally following

claimed steering problems in the US, Toyota

Australia has advised it will not be affected.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

ACCORD, CR-V RECALLHONDA has joined Toyota in issuing a

global safety recall affecting vehicles on

Australian roads. Centred on a defective

airbag that can explode and injure occupants,

the latest recall – totalling 437,763 vehicles

globally – is an expansion of recalls related

to the same issue with superseded Accord

and CR-V models since November 2008.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

EXPLORER RECALL, TOOALMOST 6300 examples of Ford’s

Explorer SUV, F-Series utility and

Econoline van in Australia have now been

implicated in Ford’s decade-long global

recall to fi x leaky cruise control switches

that could cause under-bonnet fi res.

FULL STORY: CLICK HERE

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DAY 2 ONLY Members $450.00 $600.00

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REGISTRATION FORM

2010 National Fleet Conferences & Exhibition16 & 17 March 2010

tionEarly Bird Ends

19 February 2010