Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests NEWS INDEX:   September 2009 Home > News Pilot production of the Camry Hybrid began, in Melbourne, Monday 31st August 2009. Toyota Camry Hybrid Pilot Production Begins 1st September, 2009 Toyota Australia yesterday marked the start of pilot production of the fuel-efficient Hybrid Camry with a ceremony at the company's Altona plant in Melbourne's west ..... more Honda Insight Achieves Top Euro NCAP Overall Safety Rating 1st September, 2009 The new Honda Insight has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, setting the benchmark for hybrid vehicles, according to the new independent crash testing results from EuroNCAP ..... more Five stars for the safest VW Polo ever 1st September, 2009 The new Volkswagen Polo has been subjected to the more stringent EuroNCAP crash tests and received the best possible score of five stars ..... more The Latest Voice-operated Control System of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1st September, 2009 Voice-operated control has come on in leaps and bounds since then: the times when town and street names had to be spelled out are long gone ..... more Audi at Frankfurt Motor Show 1st September, 2009 Audi will unveil three new vehicles at Frankfurt’s Motor Show (IAA): the remarkably dynamic S5 Sportback, the extremely low-emission A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, and the especially efficient A3 1.2 TFSI ..... more BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Unveiled 2nd September, 2009 BMW has unveiled a high-performance concept study with ActiveHybrid technology visualising the dynamic performance typical of a BMW against the backdrop of future demands in sustained mobility ..... more FPV Launches All-New GS Sedan and Ute 2nd September, 2009 FPV's GS sedan and ute are individually-speced to provide a combination of GT-based 302 kW V8 engine performance, FPV chassis enhancements, GS graphics and FPV driver comfort features ..... more Lexus IS 250C arrives 4th September, 2009 Dynamically, the Lexus IS 250C has been designed to combine the driving performance traits of a sedan, with the open air enjoyment of a convertible ..... more Suzuki Drive-Away Spring Deals 6th September, 2009 During September, drivers can get behind the wheel of one of Australia’s most popular light cars – the Swift – from just $16,990 driveaway ..... more Volvo lifts the lid on the new C70 6th September, 2009 Equipped with the same three-piece steel roof and seating for four adults, the new C70 features a revised front and rear design, along with an updated interior ..... more Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL: First Fuel Cell-Powered Car to Enter Series Production 7th September, 2009 The vehicle’s technological 'heart' is the new generation of the compact, high-performance fuel cell system, in which gaseous hydrogen reacts with atmospheric oxygen at 700 bar to generate a current for the electric motor ..... more Sublime BMW Six-Cylinder Power Tempts Luxury Buyers 7th September, 2009 Renowned for its smoothness, refinement and efficiency, the straight-six BMW 323i sedan will tempt luxury buyers with a starting price of $58,300. Previously, this BMW model was priced from $63,200 ..... more Volkswagen Launches Most Fuel Efficient Model 7th September, 2009 Powered by a sophisticated and efficient new diesel engine, the five-speed manual Golf 77TDI can cover 100 km with 4.9 litres on the ADR 81/02 combined cycle ..... more BMW 760Li arrives in December 8th September, 2009 The German brand’s new flagship replaces the M6 Convertible as its most expensive model and is the first BMW to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission ..... more New Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel released 8th September, 2009 Released locally in July with V6 and V8 power, the E-Class now offers Australian customers turbocharged petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines as well as turbo-diesel V6 power ..... more Fiat 500C here for summer 15th September, 2009 The new Fiat 500C, the open top version of Fiat’s "Bambino", will now arrive in Australia earlier than first expected. A January 2010 release is now scheduled ..... more New Skoda Octavia Scout on sale 15th September, 2009 Now the Octavia Scout joins the new Octavia and the new Octavia RS in receiving a design update as it progresses into the second half of its 'lifecycle' ..... more Mitsubishi Lancer Updated 16th September, 2009 Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has released the 2010 model year upgrades across the popular CJ series Lancer range ..... more Lamborghini's new Reventon Roadster 16th September, 2009 Lamborghini presents the ultimate driving machine among open-top two-seaters – the Reventón Roadster is a sports car of breathtaking fascination, menacing power and uncompromising performance ..... more Holden's new Divvy van 16th September, 2009 Holden has joined forces with Victoria Police and Bellmont Nominees to build Victoria’s newest divisional van, commonly known as the "divvy van" ..... more Hyundai to Expand i20 Production 16th September, 2009 In response to growing customer demand, Hyundai is expanding its production plant in Turkey, primarily to build the i20, designed in Europe for European customers ..... more Peugeot Introduces Upgraded Diesel-Only 407 16th September, 2009 Peugeot made a number of interior and exterior cosmetic improvements to fine tune the distinctive design of the 407, while standard specification has been improved across the range ..... more Fiat's hot 500 Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” 16th September, 2009 The Frankfurt Motor Show will see the launch of the hottest version yet of Fiat’s "Bambino", the Fiat 500, when Abarth unveil the Fiat 500 Abarth 695 “Tributo Ferrari” ..... more Bentley Mulsanne at Frankfurt 16th September, 2009 The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance while within its sumptuous cabin ..... more Volkswagen's E-Motor: the E-Up! 17th September, 2009 The fact that the E-Up! concept will also offer driving enjoyment is demonstrated by a look at the car’s classic 0 to 100-km/h sprint time: 11.3 seconds ..... more Ford Broadmeadows Celebrates 50 Years 17th September, 2009 Past and present employees recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Ford Australia's Broadmeadows Assembly Plant ..... more Six Airbags Standard on new Holden Ute Range 17th September, 2009 The combination of front, side and curtain airbags, together with ESC as standard across the range is unmatched in the light commercial segment ..... more Hyundai Set to Launch All-New Mid-Size Sedan 17th September, 2009 Hyundai Motor Company is preparing to unveil its all-new mid-sized sedan, codenamed YF, in the Korean domestic market ..... more New Subaru Liberty Launched 17th September, 2009 The fifth generation Subaru Liberty is now on sale in Australia with a sleek new look, superb safety, greater interior space and major technical advances ..... more Jaguar XK for 2010 17th September, 2009 Built in the tradition of great grand tourers, with state-of-the-art engineering, aerospace-inspired construction and outstanding driving dynamics, the new XK is the latest in a long line of legendary performance Jaguars ..... more Toyota's new Prado is close 17th September, 2009 Toyota's new Prado is due to go on sale in Australia in November. It will feature new styling, improved performance and a raft of driver-assist technologies ..... more Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro 17th September, 2009 Exceptional performance and breathtaking dynamism coupled with the intense sensations of open-top driving: Audi presents the R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI quattro ..... more Rapide: Pure Aston Martin 18th September, 2009 As the marque’s first production four-door sports car, Rapide encapsulates core values of Power, Beauty and Soul; four ‘swan wing’ doors provide access to cosseting sports seats both front and rear bestowing occupants with ample accommodation ..... more Volkswagen's fastest ever Golf: the "R" 18th September, 2009 Volkswagen is demonstrating – in the world premiere of the new Golf R – that fuel consumption values can even be corrected downward in the high-end sports car area ..... more Mitsubishi Outlander for 2010 18th September, 2009 Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of the 2010 model year Outlander featuring a styling make-over which includes the company’s “jet fighter” grille, and a host of new comfort, convenience and safety appointments ..... more Value packed coupe for Kia 18th September, 2009 Many features are a highlight of this new car. Foremost is the price. The manufacturer's list price (excluding dealer charges and state/territory statutory charges) is from $23,690 (manual transmission) and $25,690 (automatic) ..... more Mercedes-Benz at the IAA 2009: Mercedes-Benz Design 22nd September, 2009 Right on the spot, Mercedes-Benz designers show how cars like the SLS AMG or the E-Class Coupé are formed – from the first design sketch to the finished model ..... more Nissan's American V8 to be exported to Japan 22nd September, 2009 The head, cylinder block and crankshaft also will be exported to Japan and used for an engine assembled in the Nissan Patrol full-size 4x4 vehicle ..... more BMW update the 6 Series 22nd September, 2009 BMW is introducing a sportier edge, as well as improved fuel consumption, for its new 6 Series Sport Coupé and Convertible, which arrive on Australian shores in November ..... more Ford introduces value-packed G6 Limited Edition 22nd September, 2009 Based on the popular G6, the G6 Limited Edition is equipped with a host of additional features, including unique exterior finishes and luxury interior appointments, along with a truly sensational pricing offer for customers ..... more Mitsubishi Tritons for RACQ 22nd September, 2009 The RACQ will eventually convert the majority of their roadside assistance fleet to Mitsubishis, totalling 90 fully kitted-out Tritons complete with canopy designed and equipped to RACQ specifications ..... more Hyundai eyes new mid-size sedan 22nd September, 2009 The car will be released in Australia in coming months, and expectations are high that it may shake up the sedan segment with its daring new design ..... more Peugeot Unveils New Technology on BB1 Concept 22nd September, 2009 The urban-focused vehicle debuts a number of innovative Peugeot technologies designed to address the real world mobility requirements of the residents of future cities ..... more Volvo's new C30 23rd September, 2009 The entire front has been redesigned, including body panels such as the front guards ..... more Toyota's new Aurion arrives 23rd September, 2009 Styling changes for Toyota Aurion include a new front mask, faster-acting LED stop and tail lamps, and new wheel designs across the range, including ten-spoke alloy wheels on entry-level AT-X ..... more HSV E Series 2 unveiled 23rd September, 2009 HSV E2 introduces a number of driver enhancements, as well as an increase in the power output for the HSV GTS to 325 kW ..... more Adelaide's Bay to Birdwood Classic 23rd September, 2009 Over 1,750 classic cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles manufactured from 1st January 1956 until 31st December 1977 have entered this year ..... more Out the door: One million Mercedes-Benz M-Class 23rd September, 2009 The only Mercedes-Benz plant in North America celebrated a significant milestone – the production of the plant’s 1 millionth M-Class ..... more Mini Roadster Concept 23rd September, 2009 The new concept car carries over the features typical of Mini to a new segment, the Mini designers thus bringing out yet another attractive facet in the character of the brand ..... more Lotus Exige S updated 24th September, 2009 Lotus looks to the new year for the Exige S with a newly designed front end and wing package, improved fuel economy and emissions of 199 g/km of CO2 ..... more Lexus presents LF-Ch concept 24th September, 2009 Lexus LF-Ch concept combines compact dimensions, stylish five-door, full hybrid technology and low emissions to satisfy the most demanding customer requirements and to appeal to a new, younger generation of customers ..... more Land Rover's new Freelander 2 TD4_e features Stop/Start 24th September, 2009 The new entry level Freelander 2 TD4_e has been introduced into the Australian market, addressing the growing need for more fuel efficient vehicles. As such the Freelander TD4_e is the most fuel efficient Land Rover ever and is the worlds first SUV with an intelligent Stop/Start system ..... more All-new Kia Cerato Koup released 24th September, 2009 Building on the success on the new Cerato sedan launched locally in January 2009, the Cerato Koup offers performance, ride and handling that is even more responsive than the sedan. The Cerato Koup is destined to broaden the appeal of Kia to a new group of consumers who seek the particular appeal of two-door cars ..... more Chrysler Resumes Production of Grand Voyager 27th September, 2009 Chrysler Group LLC has announced that the company's Windsor Assembly Plant in Canada has begun production of Grand Voyagers for international markets ..... more Ford Figo for India 27th September, 2009 India’s role as an important player in the future of Ford Motor Company’s international strategy was underscored this week when the company’s President and CEO unveiled an all-new car targeting the Indian car market – the Ford Figo ..... more Subaru releases new Outback 27th September, 2009 The new generation Subaru Outback has a spacious new cabin, refined ride and multiple engineering changes that will expand its versatile appeal to families ..... more Fiat 500 Abarth for rallying 27th September, 2009 The new Abarth 500 R3T will lend its name to a promotional rally trophy in 2010, due to join the two track events (European and Italian) planned for the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse ..... more Bugatti 16 C Galibier Concept 27th September, 2009 The basic architecture picks up on the torpedo-like character of the Type 35, which was already revived in the Bugatti Veyron, and reinterprets it ..... more New Gullwing from Mercedes-Benz 28th September, 2009 The implications of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG are confronting for all other super sports car manufacturers. With the introduction of the new SLS AMG they, once again, have been forced to follow Mercedes-Benz ..... more Great Wall's great blunder 29th September, 2009 The obvious warning for motorists in the results achieved by Great Wall in local crash testing is simple. And that is, don't be in a Great Wall if you're in a collision ..... more McLaren MP4-12C 29th September, 2009 The McLaren MP4-12C is revealed as the first in a range of high-performance sports cars from McLaren Automotive, the independent car division based at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England ..... more Bentley Continental gains a "Series 51" version 30th September, 2009 The Continental Series 51 models represent Bentley exterior and interior styling at its most vibrant and will enable customers to order ‘off the peg’ from an exclusive selection arranged by Dirk van Braeckel’s renowned team of Crewe-based designers ..... more Top of page Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more October 2009 News ..... here August 2009 News ..... here July 2009 News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2009   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.