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Kia Sorento GT-Line Preview

Kia Sorento GT-Line Preview @kiaaustralia #sorento @themotoringuru

Kia Sorento GT-Line Brings Sporty Bling to Sorento Family

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New Audi RS3 Sportback chucks out 294kW from its inline turbo five 

The new Audi RS3 Sportback makes 294kW from its turbocharged five-cylinder engine. That’s 24kW more than the outgoing RS3, and the engine is 26kg lighter thanks to new components, which include an aluminium crankcase. Maximum torque is 480Nm which is available from 1,700rpm all the way to 5,850rpm.

The 0-100 sprint is now completed in a measly 4.1 seconds and power is sent to all four wheels by way of Audi’s famed Quattro four-wheel drive system. Maximum speed is an electronically limited 250km/h, but if you ask Audi nicely, they’ll increase it to 280km/h. Progress is aided by Audi’s S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Audi RS 3 pilots can adjust the car’s transmission, engine, steering, exhaust flaps and optional RS sports suspension with adaptive dampers via Audi Drive Select which offers three settings: comfort, auto and dynamic.

Handling is perfected with the specially tuned electronically stability program. The front track is 20mm wider than cooking A3 models and the RS3 rides on 19 inch wheels. Front carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

A model makeover wouldn’t be complete with cosmetic changes. And the 2017 Audi RS3 Sportback has those too. There’s a Singleframe grille, large air inlets and a new blade in the front bumper is meant to make the car look wider. LED headlights are standard, and LED matrix headlights are available as an option.

Around the back, there’s a roof spoiler, a diffuser with those shouty exhaust pipes sticking. Obviously, there’s also the obligatory RS3 badging.

Inside, there’s upgraded sports seats wrapped in Nappa leather, a turbo boost gauge, an oil temperature gauge and a lap timer, handy for those track days. There’s also splashes of alcantara throughout the cabin and a chunky flat-bottomed steering wheel.

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A bespoke RS screen displays info such as a centrally mounted tacho, g forces and tyre pressure. Should you decide to swap cogs yourself, the system will also tell you when to change up or down. Just in case you’re not sure.

Adaptive cruise control is standard and has a queue assist function, which helps to keep the car a safe distance from the car in front and can momentarily control the steering.

Audi’s MMI system provides for ample in car entertainment options with Wi-Fi, Google Maps, Apple Car Play and your favourite tunes are pumped through a 705watt Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The Audi RS3 Sportback will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show and will go on sale in Australia during the third quarter of 2017, prices are yet to be announced.

The New Audi RS3 Sportback. The Most Powerful Hatchback in the World @audi #rs3 #suchwow @themotoringuru New Audi RS3 Sportback chucks out 294kW from its inline turbo five 

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A torquier diesel engine, new transmissions, new styling and equipment levels are all part of the MY17 D-Max and MY16.5 MU-X update

 The 2017 model year Isuzu D-Max and 2016.5 model year MU-X SUV have been to the gym, sporting a new, and more powerful 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine. The new diesel produces a maximum 430Nm of torque, 50Nm more than last year’s engine.

The power band has been widened too, with maximum torque now available from 1,700rpm, 100rpm lower and up to 3,500rpm, 700rpm higher than the old engine. Isuzu says the new engine has been specifically developed for Australian customers and is Euro5 compliant, a first for the company.

Improved power and torque has been provided by way of a new turbocharger and intercooler and a high pressure fuel injection system.

The transmissions are new too, with customers now being able to choose between a six-speed manual or an Aisin six-speed automatic that can adapt to different driving styles.

Safety has been boosted with the standard fitment of a reversing camera on D-Max and MU-X LS models and a reversing camera kit can be retro fitted to SX and EX versions of the D-Max. Hill descent control is now standard on all models too, making those steep declines more manageable.

The camera and hill descent control join a suite of six airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control and electronic brakeforce distribution as tools in Isuzu’s safety chest.

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The interior has come in for a bit of a tidy up too, both the D-Max and MU-X now have more sound and vibration insulation for a quieter ride, and there’s a 7inch touchscreen on D-Max SX and D-Max and MU-X LS-M versions, and the D-Max and MU-X LS-U and LS-T versions get an 8 inch touchscreen with inbuilt sat nav, handy when you’re far from home.

All LS versions and the D-Max and MU-X also get three charging ports, which should reduce squabbles as to who needs to charge what on long drives.

Along with a gruntier engine, the 2017 Isuzu D-Max now has a tougher face. The grille and bonnet are new, giving the D-Max are more distinctive and pronounced look, as are the headlights, that incorporate LED daytime running lights on the more expensive LS models. Cheaper EX and SX models get new look halogen units and LS-T version gets new alloys.

Isuzu is also celebrating its 100th birthday. To celebrate, they’ve launched the D-Max X-RUNNER edition. Only 600 will be made, all available in either pearlescent white or a metallic black, the D-Max X-RUNNER has sporty red stitching inside, two tone red and black seats, climate control, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

On the outside, your mates will know you’re driving an X-RUNNER thanks to special badging, gun metal grey grille, alloys and sidesteps and a black sports bar and tub liner. The D-Max X-RUNNER can be yours from $46,990.

Isuzu D-Max and Isuzu MU-X Toughen Up @isuzu #ute @australia #4x4 A torquier diesel engine, new transmissions, new styling and equipment levels are all part of the MY17 D-Max and MY16.5 MU-X update

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 Nissan GT-R NISMO packs 22kW and 20Nm than other models in the GT-R range, is more focussed and can be yours for a cool $299,000

 The 2017 Nissan GT-R range has a new flagship, in the form of the new Nissan GT-R NISMO. Tuned by Nissan’s high performance division, NISMO – NISMO is a combination of the words Nissan and Motorsport – the GT-R NISMO has more power, race tuned suspension and chassis, a special exhaust system and a unique body kit and interior.

Power is important in any supercar, and the GT-R NISMO has plenty of that. The 3.8 lire twin turbo V6 chucks out a mammoth 441kW @ 6,800rpm and 652 Nm of torque from between 3,600 to 5,600rpm, 22kW and 20Nm more than other models in the GT-R range.

However, like other models in the GT-R range, the GT-R NISMO engine is handcrafted in a specially sealed lab, and its makers have used special NISMO turbos to help give the GT-R NISMO that extra dollop of oomph.

That V6 is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission which can engage in race-car quick shifts. There’s also a special titanium exhaust to save weight and Nissan says it produces a unique sound.

Average combined fuel consumption is 11.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

Handling and road manners have been improved with a bespoke independent transaxle all-wheel drive, which manages weight distribution, and the rear-biased system can toque split between front and rear based on speed, acceleration, steering angles, road surface and yaw rate.

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The GT-R NISMO has also been fitted with custom-designed Bilstein DampTronic springs and dampers, that allow the driver to choose from Comfort, Normal and R modes.

All that speed is kept in check by Brembo brakes and grip is provided in the way of 20 inch 6 spoke RAYS forged light weight wheels, which are wrapped in tailor-made Bridgestone tyres.

Body rigidity has been boosted by using adhesive bonding along with spot welding.

The unique body kit re-directs air to improve airflow reducing the drag coefficient to Cd 0.26. The rear spoiler is handmade from carbon fibre.

You can have the GT-R NISMO in either Jet Black, Solid Red, Pearl White or Super Silver.

Inside, there’s Alcantra covered RECARO seats, there’s Alcantara on the steering wheel, the NISMO tacho is red, as is the stitching on the seats, console and steering wheel.

Should you wish to hurtle your GT-R NISMO around a track, the PlayStation-inspired digital display will record your track times, acceleration, braking and you can even record and playback your track performances.

There’s even an app for your smartphone called NissanConnect NISMO that logs data.

Interior luxuries include a BOSE stereo, sat nav and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Nissan GT-R NISMO is the first NISMO model to arrive in Australia, but Nissan has said there will be more.

An overview of the 2017 Nissan GT-R range is below:

  2017 Nissan GT-R – Australian Pricing GT-R Premium Edition $189,000 GT-R Premium Edition with Luxury Trim $195,000 GT-R Track Edition Engineered By NISMO $227,000 GT-R NISMO $299,000

  All prices are exclusive of government charges and on road costs.

Nissan GT-R NISMO The Meanest GT-R of Them All @nissan #nissangtr @themotoringuru  Nissan GT-R NISMO packs 22kW and 20Nm than other models in the GT-R range, is more focussed and can be yours for a cool $299,000

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Smart, well-made and funky, the Suzuki Ignis could be a game changing small car, er…SUV

What is it?

The Suzuki Ignis is an all-new and very distinctive light car at from Suzuki. Marketed as an SUV, the Ignis is squarely targeted at twenty-somethings or even those lucky enough to score a new set of wheels as their first car.

The Ignis joins the new Baleno, freshly updated S-Cross and the show-stopping Vitara as cleverly designed and left-of-centre offerings in Suzuki’s rejuvenated and interesting line-up.

The young/young at heart focus is evident by way of a number of customisation options, a slick interior and a range of colours that pop. There’s also a front end that looks like it has spectacles, that boxy upright silhouette and those indentations in the rear quarter that have been inspired by Suzukis from the company’s early days.

What’s it cost?

Suzuki Ignis ownership starts at just at $15,990 (plus on roads) for the Suzuki Ignis GL manual and extends to $18,990 (again, plus on roads) for the Ignis GLX tested here.

The Ignis GLX has heaps of gear for a $19,000 odd car. You get satellite navigation, single-zone climate control, an enormous touchscreen infotainment system, a decent six speaker stereo,  a reversing camera, push button start, high intensity discharge headlamps, automatic headlamps, alloy wheels and six airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control – these last few features will keep mum and dad happy.

All Suzuki Ignis models are powered by a 1.2 litre four-cylinder petrol engine and buyers have a choice between a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

What’s it go like?

The Ignis goes really well actually. The engine may only be 1.2 litres and produce 66kW @ 6000rpm and 120Nm @ 4400rpm, but it’s so eager and willing and at 860kg the Ignis is light, very light. The CVT transmission always kept the engine stirring enthusiastically and performance never left us wanting, especially when zipping (safely) around city streets.

The engine does need to rev hard to deliver peppy performance, and because the Ignis GLX is fitted with a CVT, engine noise is higher than a car fitted with a conventional automatic or a manual ‘box. The CVT makes a few whirring and whining noises of its own, too.

Suzuki claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

Handling is as bouncy and bubbly as the rest of the funky package. The Ignis feels tall and you can feel body roll through corners, but it suits the car’s quirky and friendly personality. The steering is light and is just at home on the city streets as it is on a freeway.

Ride quality is on the firm side, and can get a little choppy and bouncy over crappy inner city streets.

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What we like:

The individuality. Love or loathe the design – we love it – the Ignis looks like nothing else on the road. And the option of personalisation and making the Ignis truly yours is even more tempting

The space. Thanks to the Ignis’ boxy design, there’s so much head, leg and knee room inside the cabin. You could easily load up three – or four at a squeeze – mates and head off for a road trip – the boot is pretty small though

The driving position and visibility. This is the only “SUV” aspect we could find in the Ignis package. You sit up really high and even though the car is tiny, you feel like you have a commanding position of the road. Again, another plus for new drivers.

Comfortable seats. The seats are well padded and almost squidgy, and we never got a case of numb bum.

The interior design. The Ignis is as funky on the inside as it is outside. White trim creates a bright and airy ambience and that massive touchscreen is easy to use. We also like the toggle-style switches on the climate control unit. Fit and finish are excellent too, although some plastics are a bit scratchy.

What we don’t:

Disc brakes should be fitted to the rear as standard

There’s virtually no oddment storage in the cabin. If you want to keep something from prying eyes, it’ll have to go in the boot or glovebox, and the front cup holders are a strange shape.

The whine of the CVT and engine noise can be come draining over time – a five speed auto would be better.

The seats are soft and comfy, but it feels like you’re sitting on them, rather than in them. There’s virtually no lumbar support, either

Trip computer displayed confusing data, and it was difficult to determine the car’s average fuel consumption

Sale or no sale?

82/100

If we were in the market for a cheap, cleverly designed and well-made small car that dares to be different, the Suzuki Ignis GLX will be high on our shopping list.

JUST THE SPECS Suzuki Ignis GLX Price: from $18,990 Warranty: 3 years/100,000km Capped priced servicing: $884 for the first 24 months or 40,000km Service interval: 6 months/10,000kms Safety: 6 airbags Engine: 1.2-litre 4-cyl petrol, 66kW @ 6000rpm and 120Nm @ 4400rpm Transmission: Constantly variable transmission; FWD Fuel consumption: 4.9L/100km Dimensions: 3700mm (L), 1660mm (W), 1595mm (H), 2435mm (WB) Weight: 860kg Spare: Space saver Country of Origin: Japan

Suzuki Ignis GLX Review @suzuki #newignis @themotoringuru Smart, well-made and funky, the Suzuki Ignis could be a game changing small car, er…SUV

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Simona De Silvestro Unveils Harvey Norman Nissan Altima

Simona De Silvestro Unveils Harvey Norman Nissan Altima @supercars @simonadesilvestro @themotoringuru

Covers whipped off the Simona De Silverstro’s 2017 Harvey Norman Nissan Altima at Adelaide Oval  (more…)

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2017 Holden Trax range gets new styling, revised equipment levels and improved equipment levels 

General Motors has taken a scalpel to the Holden Trax mini-SUV, with the 2017 Holden Trax range gaining a new mid-spec variant the Trax LT, class leading connectivity, new styling and the 1.4 litre turbo engine now standard with all automatic models.

Let’s start with the toys. All new 2017 Holden Trax models now get a reversing camera as standard, along with reversing sensors and Apple Car Play and Android Auto. So you should be able to listen any of your tunes on the move.

Should you choose the new mid-spec LT, you’ll also get digital radio and if you plump for the flagship Trax LTZ, you’ll also get a seven-inch touchscreen, so you’ll also be able to see your tracks…Oh and push button start and keyless entry.

2017 Holden Trax LTZ models also get blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, indicators in the side mirrors and LED tail lamps for a prettier rump.

Speaking of styling, the 2017 Holden Trax gets a new front and rear design, adopting a smoother look, dumping the chunky look of the previous model. There’s also standard LED daytime running lights for greater impact, as well as restyled wheels.

Inside, the dashboard has been heavily revised, with an all-new centre stack and the use of higher quality materials. So you know it’ll be nicer to the touch.

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Mechanically the 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine has been carried over and is the only engine available should you choose the automatic. If you want a base LS with manual, you’ll get a naturally aspirated 1.8 litre unit.

A summary of equipment and pricing is provided below:

Holden Trax LS feature highlights

1.8L Engine (MT)

NEW 1.4L Turbo Engine (AT)

16-inch alloy wheels

NEW Front and rear disc brakes (AT)

Cloth interior trim

6 speakers audio

NEW Projection Headlamps with DRLs

NEW Apple CarPlay / Android Auto phone projection technology

Rear Park Assist and Rear View Camera

Cruise control

Leather steering wheel

Holden Trax LT* feature highlights above LS

18-inch alloy wheels

NEW Interior trim

NEW Sunroof

Front fog lamps

Front seat driver armrest

NEW Passive Entry and Push Button Start

Driver’s armrest

NEW DAB – Digital Radio

*NEW features in comparison to outgoing MY16 LTZ

Holden Trax LTZ feature highlights above LT

Sportec leather appointed seats

Heated front seats

Rain sensing wipers

NEW LED Tail lamps

NEW Turn signals on wing mirror

NEW Enhanced 3.5-inch TFT driver info display

NEW Side Blind Zone Alert

NEW Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Exterior colour selection

Absolute red

Boracay blue*

Burning hot*

Mineral black*

Nitrate silver*

Sun of a Gun grey*

Summit white

* prestige paint at $550 premium

Pricing

Recommended retail price of the MY17 Trax range is as follows:

LS 1.8L Man / 1.4T Auto                                 $23,990 / $26,490

LT 1.4T Auto                                                   $28,890

LTZ 1.4T Auto                                                 $30,490

  Holden Trax Gets a Tidy Up for 2017 @holdennews #newtrax @themotoringguru 2017 Holden Trax range gets new styling, revised equipment levels and improved equipment levels 

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Throwback Ad: Toyota Tarago (1991)

Throwback Ad: Toyota Tarago (1991) @toyota #tarago #throwback @themotoringuru

Only dummies apparently drove the sophisticated Toyota Tarago

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Holden releases images and specs of its fully-imported 2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon

The wraps are off the all-new 2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon, which will roll into Holden showrooms from next year.

Based on the upcoming Opel Insignia wagon, Holden says the NG Commodore Sportwagon combines style, practicality and technology, with that wagon rump said to hold 1,640 litres of cargo. That stylish tailgate can be opened and closed with a wave of a foot, convenient if you have your hands full of shopping or children.

The new Commodore Sportwagon will feature other clever tech including adaptive cruise control to help you adhere to lowly speed limits, a heads up display system to help you make sure that you’re sticking to said speed limits, autonomous braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist to correct your steering if you fail to obey the lane departure warning, side blind-zone alert and rear cross traffic alert to prevent you from reversing into things.

Expensive versions of the 2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon will even come with massaging seats, heated and seats for front and rear passengers and cooled seats for those up front.

Whilst trim levels, names and prices for the 2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon are yet to be confirmed, The Motoring Guru expects that the “Calais” name will be retained for the luxury versions.

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Mechanically, there’ll be a choice of a 2.0 litre turbo petrol with front-wheel drive, a 2.0 litre diesel with front-wheel drive (yes, a diesel Commodore) and a flagship V6 petrol with 230kW and 370Nm of torque and an advanced all-wheel drive system. All engines will be mated to a nine-speed automatic, another Commodore first.

Holden claims that the 2018 Holden Sportwagon is 200kg lighter than its Aussie predecessor, thanks to the use of lighter materials and smarter packaging.

Further details will be announced closer to launch.

The Opel Insignia wagon will make its pubic debut at the Geneva motor show on March 7.

2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon Breaks Cover @holdennews #newcommodore @themotoringguru Holden releases images and specs of its fully-imported 2018 Holden Commodore Sportwagon

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Special Audi Q2 Launch Edition to ignite battle with BMW X1 and Benz GLA

Audi has been a little late to the micro-SUV party, especially since the BMW X1 is in its second generation and Mercedes-Benz is doing tidy numbers with its A-Class based SUV, the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Audi wants a slice of this pie, tempting cashed up young customers and older buyers that may want to downsize.

The Audi Q2 will go on sale in Australia from the 24th of February  and will initially be offered with a 1.4 TFSI petrol engine from $41,100 plus on roads and a gruntier 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport from $47,900 plus on roads. The petrol version develops 110kW of power and 250Nm with an average fuel consumption figure of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres and the diesel produces 110kW/340Nm. The diesel is slightly thriftier than its petrol sibling, consuming on average 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres. A sportier 2.0 litre TFSI Quattro version which’ll make 140kW and 320Nm will be available later in the year.

Standard equipment levels will be generous enough to keep tech-savvy types both safe and happy, with Automated Emergency Braking, Audi’s MMI infotainment and satellite navigation system with voice control and Bluetooth connectivity and leather seats all included in the entry level price. Not to mention Audi’s trick ‘virtual cockpit” digital instrument cluster, and Audi Connect will be added as standard equipment, which will allow passengers to access WiFi, Google Maps and Google Search. A head-up display is added for greater driver convenience.

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Choose the diesel, and you’ll get an automatic boot, sporty seats and Audi side assist.

Should you be one of those ‘first in, best dressed” types, you could opt for the Audi Q2 Launch Edition. The Q2 Launch Edition is powered by the 1.4 TFSI engine, is painted in what Audi calls Quantum Grey and is priced from $49,000 plus on roads. This money gets you adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and S-Line styling treatment with black contrast highlights.

Audi is also promising lots of customisation options, to ensure that your Q2 is truly yours.

“The highly anticipated all-new Audi Q2 will establish itself as a unique offering in the premium compact SUV segment. It will open up the Audi brand to a new range of young and young-at-heart buyers,” said Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of Audi Australia.

Audi Q2 Launch Edition Kicks off Audi’s Small SUV Assault @audi #SUV @themotoringguru Special Audi Q2 Launch Edition to ignite battle with BMW X1 and Benz GLA

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2017 Holden Commodore range simplified and remaining models better equipped.

This is it. The final locally made Holden Commodore range before local production winds up in October. So, what’s new? Well, the Calais V and SS V wagons are gone, and the six-speed manual is now only available with the V8, with V6 models only fitted with the six-speed automatic.

There are three new colours, Light My Fire (orange), Spitfire Green and Son of a Gun Grey to make the 2017 Holden Commodore truly collectable.

Existing models have had a boost in standard equipment, as per the list below:

Calais

Satellite Navigation

Calais V

New 19” alloy wheel finish

Electrochromatic mirror

Jet black interior

Calais lettering on rear doors

New “V” sill plates

SS-V Redline steering wheel with perforated leather

SV6

Head-Up Display

Satellite Navigation

Black accent 18” alloy wheels

SS

Head-Up Display

Satellite Navigation

19” alloy wheels

SS-V Redline

Black grille, fender vents, mirror scalps and DRL surrounds

Black lip spoiler

New “V” sill plates

Jade black applique on instrument panel/steering wheel

Black sports bar (Ute only)

Caprice V

SS-V Redline steering wheel with perforated leather.

The 2017 Holden Commodore range is on sale now, and customers are being urged to head to their local dealer promptly, with Holden stating that all models will be subject to availability after April 2017.

Better get in quick…

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2017 Holden Commodore Range Revealed @holdenews @australia #aussiecommodore @themotoringguru 2017 Holden Commodore range simplified and remaining models better equipped.

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Suzuki Ignis GLX Preview

Suzuki Ignis GLX Preview @suzuki #newignis @themotoringguru

Suzuki Ignis GLX a quirky and cleverly designed small car

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Small on the outside, big on the inside. The Kia Rondo S makes sense as a family hauler.

What is it?

The Kia Rondo S, the cheapest version of Kia’s Rondo people mover range, which is only marginally larger than the Cerato hatch, but packs volumes of interior space and can seat up to seven people, while being much smaller and cheaper than the Sorento and Carnival.

What’s it cost?

The Kia Rondo range consists of three trim levels, all powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic: the Kia Rondo S kicks of the Rondo range at $26,990 and for that money you get five seats that slide and fold to your heart’s content, air conditioning, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming, a reversing camera and parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, stability control and six airbags to keep the family safe.

Step up to the Si which is priced from $31,490 and you get seven seats, satellite navigation, a leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels and enough chrome on the exterior to let the neighbours know that you haven’t plumped for the base model.

At the top of the Kia Rondo tree is the Kia Rondo Platinum. Priced from $39,990, the Rondo Platinum has everything from seven leather wrapped seats, a panoramic glass roof, rear sun blinds to help keep harmful UV rays out of children’s eyes, a punchier stereo to ensure that The Wiggles are played in higher fidelity on road trips and front parking sensors to make mum and dad’s life a little bit easier. There’s also LED tail lamps and high intensity discharge headlamp, push button start and much more.

Crucially, all models score a 5 star ANCAP safety rating, important for something that will be used as family transport.

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What’s it go like?

People movers aren’t for getting about quickly. And, the Kia Rondo’s 2.0 litre petrol engine develops 122kW @ 6500rpm and 213Nm @ 4700rpm.

Whilst on paper these figures seem reasonable, in reality, the engine struggles and the smooth shifting six-speed automatic doesn’t seem to know how to get the best from the engine, revving unnecessarily hard at times when trying to overtake or accelerate quickly. If strictly required.

Around town the engine is reasonably hushed, but we can’t help but think that Kia would’ve been better off fitting the Rondo with a small turbo diesel, it does those rather well.

Kia claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres, but we averaged around 8.5-9 litres, and at times saw the figure creep up to 10.5 litres.

Visibility is excellent, the driver sits high and the Rondo has a large glass house. Ride, like all Kias of late is spot on – comfortable without being mushy or flaccid.

Handling isn’t sporty and the steering is fairly light. But the Rondo is nimble compared to larger MPVs, and this will keep parents happy, especially when weaving in and out of crowded school-rush suburbia.

What we like:

The space, the comfort, the quality, the price and the warranty. Despite the relatively stingy equipment level in the Rondo S – it is cheap at $27k, remember – it still ticks quite a few boxes.

The boot is enormous, there’s plenty of rear legroom and the seats slide fore and aft individually, making it easy to fit child seats and unload your most precious cargo.

The visibility and drivability make the Rondo feel spacious and more like a small hatch than a big family bus.

There’s also the relatively low price of $26,990 and Kia’s market leading seven/year unlimited kilometre warranty sweetens the deal for families on a budget.

What we don’t:

 That engine lets the package down to be honest. Not only can it become incredibly noisy it also becomes thirsty. It’s just not well suited to the Rondo package. Again, bring on the diesel.

The Kia Rondo S also does very little to disguise that it’s the cheapest model in the Rondo family. There’s metres of black plastic – some of which is very good quality, it must be said – inside and the lack of a third row could restrict its appeal. The absence of alloy wheels on the outside also flag the Rondo S as the poverty pack.

A space saver spare tyre is also a black mark in our book, especially in a car that’ll be used predominately for family commuting, especially for trips away.

But with all the equipment aforementioned, the bare necessities are all there.

Sale or no sale?

79/100

Yes, but we’d be sorely tempted to go for a better equipped version and Kia really needs to find a more suitable powerplant. But if you’re just after the basics at a low cost, the Rondo S will probably do you just fine.

Fast facts:

Kia Rondo S Price: from $26,990 Warranty: 7 years/unlimited kilometres Capped priced servicing: Capped price for the first seven years or 105,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Safety: 5 stars, 6 airbags Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrol, 122kW/213Nm Transmission: 6-speed automatic. Fuel consumption: 7.9L/100km Dimensions: 4525(L), 1805mm (W), 1610mm (H), 2750mm (WB) Weight: 1415kg Spare: Space saver Country of Origin: Korea

Kia Rondo S Review @kia #mpv @themotoringguru Small on the outside, big on the inside. The Kia Rondo S makes sense as a family hauler.

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Toyota Australia Plant Closure Date Announced

Toyota Australia Plant Closure Date Announced @toyotaaustralia @australia @themotoringguru

Toyota Australia will end production at its Altona plant on the 3rd of October

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Folding hardtop version of the Mazda MX-5, the MX-5 RF priced from $38,550

The Mazda MX-5 RF has been hailed as the drop top that has brought just a little more comfort and practicality to the world’s favourite sports car, the Mazda MX-5, has gone on sale with prices starting at $38,550.

That folding hard top can be raised or lowered in a swift 13 seconds whilst the car is travelling at up to 10km/h or under.

Two trim levels are offered: the base MX-5 RF which is priced from $38,550 and is equipped with LED headlamps, satellite navigation, Mazda’s MZD Connect infotainment system and 17 inch wheels along with Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). Mazda used the launch of the MX-5 RF to announce standard fitment of the last two features to every model in the MX-5 range.

Step up to the more luxurious Mazda MX-5 RF GT, which starts from $43,890 and you get clever stuff such as swivelling LED headlamps and goodies such as heated leather seats that can be had in black or tan, climate control and electric mirrors.

Should GT customers be feeling flash, they can option up to plush Nappa leather and have the roof painted black.

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Six body colours are available, including the debut of the hero colour Machine Grey metallic.

All Mazda MX-5 RF models are powered by a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L petrol engine that boasts 118kW of power and 200Nm of torque.

A six-speed manual is standard and buyers also have the choice of a six-speed automatic. Mazda says that manual versions will average 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres, and the automatic will average 7.4 litres on the combined cycle.

A full pricing breakdown of the Mazda MX-5 RF range is below:

All-New Mazda MX-5 RF MLP

Grade Transmission Interior MLP Mazda MX-5 RF 6MT Cloth $ 38,550 6AT Cloth $ 40,550 Mazda MX-5 RF GT 6MT Black or Tan Leather $ 43,890 6AT Black or Tan Leather $ 45,890 Mazda MX-5 RF GT with Black Roof 6MT Nappa leather $ 44,890 6AT Nappa leather $ 46,890

*Manufacturer’s List Price

Mazda MX-5 RF Goes On Sale @mazda #mx5 @themotoringguru Folding hardtop version of the Mazda MX-5, the MX-5 RF priced from $38,550

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