Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests NEWS INDEX:   March 2011 Home > News Ford B-MAX revealed 1st March, 2011 The Ford B-MAX has a unique new body design which eliminates the traditional B pillar and features twin rear sliding doors. This innovative format – which has already been engineered for production – promises best-in-class access to the cabin ..... more Volkswagen Bulli Concept 1st March, 2011 The Volkswagen bus, like only a few other cars, stands for the spirit of freedom. It debuted over 60 years ago in 1950 with a contagiously simple design. Its internal Volkswagen code name was T1 for Transporter one (T1). The Germans called it the Bulli, and to Americans it was the Microbus ..... more Mazda Minagi Concept at Geneva Motor Show 1st March, 2011 The Minagi concept, being displayed at the Geneva Motor Show showcases characteristics likely to be seen in the next generation of Mazda cars ..... more Saab 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition 1st March, 2011 Saab is celebrating the first anniversary of its independence away from GM by launching an exclusive Independence Edition of its 9-3 Convertible in Europe ..... more Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 revealed 1st March, 2011 With the Aventador, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future – and building on the glorious history of the brand with the next automotive legend. The first customers will take delivery of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 in late northern summer 2011 ..... more Subaru sports car 2nd March, 2011 Subaru has unveiled a technology display of a rear-wheel drive sports car platform at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new model is developed in conjunction with Toyota ..... more Toyota sports car getting closer 2nd March, 2011 The Toyota FT-86 II Concept is an entirely driver-oriented concept - designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous responses to even the smallest throttle or steering input - for those who regard driving as a passion rather than a necessity ..... more BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept 2nd March, 2011 The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a focused way. The design and technology of this roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world ..... more Audi A3 Concept revealed 2nd March, 2011 Audi has revealed an attractive technical study – the A3 concept – at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The four-seat 'notchback' sedan integrates the full breadth of the brand’s technological expertise ..... more Mitsubishi's new little concept car revealed 2nd March, 2011 The production version of the Mitsubishi Global Small Concept will be released in Australia during 2012. A 1.2 litre 3-cylinder engine is most likely for the Australian model ..... more Alfa Romeo 4C Concept 3rd March, 2011 The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept previews the 2012 successor for the now out of production Brera coupe. Expect a soft-top at some time too ..... more Next Kia Rio revealed 3rd March, 2011 In addition to appealing to consumers’ aesthetic tastes, the new Kia Rio will spearhead the company’s efforts to significantly grow its market share across the globe by offering potential owners industry-leading environmental credentials ..... more Fiat 500 Coupe Zagato 3rd March, 2011 In addition, the unique shape of the roof features the characteristic "double hump" in the roofline, the true emblem of Zagato’s sports cars, teaming the lowering of the car with retaining excellent interior comfort ..... more Land Rover reveals its 4WD Plug-In Diesel Hybrid 3rd March, 2011 Range_e is based on the Range Rover Sport and uses the current 180 kW 3.0 litre TDV6 diesel engine, working with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a 69 kW electric motor. Using a parallel hybrid system, with a 14.2kW/h lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from an external 240V power source ..... more Suzuki Swift S Concept 3rd March, 2011 The Swift S-Concept embodies the concept of a premium sport compact with uncompromised performance. The body is 30 mm lower and 60 mm wider than that of the standard Swift and has such a strong visual presence that it doesn’t seem as compact as it actually is ..... more Honda Civic Si hatch revised 4th March, 2011 On the outside, the stylish Honda Civic Si hatchback has been given a sportier look, with a Civic Type R inspired mesh grille replacing the clear plastic grille from the previous model ..... more Opel Zafira Tourer Concept 6th March, 2011 The Zafira Tourer Concept is like a “lounge on wheels” with a light and airy interior that offers space for rear passengers. It brings values like ambition and innovative technologies to the monocab segment while showcasing Opel’s design philosophy "sculptural artistry meets German precision" ..... more Chevrolet Cruze hatch revealed 6th March, 2011 The Chevrolet Cruze line-up will expand when the new hatchback version goes on sale in Europe by mid-year. The full production model made its world premiere at the 81st Geneva Motor Show (3rd-13th March 2011) ..... more Release of Toyota FJ Cruiser imminent 8th March, 2011 The Toyota FJ Cruiser pays homage to several of the most compelling stylistic themes of the Land Cruiser FJ40 - renowned as a rugged, dependable vehicle that could travel to, and return from, any extreme environment ..... more Volkswagen's Golf R studies 9th March, 2011 The Golf R – the top model of the Golf series, is on display in four special versions at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show ..... more Ssangyong SUT 1 Concept 9th March, 2011 The new SsangYong Actyon utility, based on the new concept vehicle, is likely to go on sale in Australia and across the globe from early 2012 ..... more Abarth 500 Esseesse released 10th March, 2011 With the new-generation Fiat 500 as its starting point, Abarth has devised a new Abarth 500 that is every bit as sharply focussed, hard core and as able to give bigger performance cars a fright - just like the oldie ..... more Suzuki SX4 update 11th March, 2011 Suzuki has continued its ongoing commitment to safety and value with the addition of side and curtain airbags to its entry-level SX4 hatch ..... more G-Whizz, the G-Class is here after 32 years 11th March, 2011 It is now 32 years since production of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class began. The Stuttgart-based car maker first unveiled this robust off-roader to the public in 1979, since then it has delivered over 200,000 units of the G-Class to customers around the world. Its still striking appearance, which has remained substantially unchanged throughout its 'career', plus outstanding engineering, has secured this Mercedes-Benz off-roader 'classic' status in the automotive world ..... more Ford Territory: more details 11th March, 2011 Headlining new Territory's drivetrain enhancements is the introduction of a turbo-diesel V6 engine, available in both rear- and all-wheel drive. The addition of this torque-rich, high-efficiency power unit alongside its proven petrol six-cylinder sibling takes the popular Territory to new levels of performance, capability and refinement ..... more Renault Trafic updated 13th March, 2011 Renault has overhauled its proficient Trafic van for the Australian market with the arrival of the Phase III version ..... more 2011 Jeep Wrangler arrives 13th March, 2011 The new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited have been released in Australia with a host of upgrades, from an all-new interior to an upgraded turbo diesel powerplant that delivers significantly more power and economy ..... more 2011 BMW X3 released 13th March, 2011 The all-new, slightly larger BMW X3 has now arrived on Australian shores. This, the-second generation X3, is the successor to BMW's mid-sized SUV which sold more than 610,000 units worldwide since its launch in 2004 ..... more Volvo S60 range expanded 14th March, 2011 The Chinese-owned Swedish manufacturer has expanded the range with sporty new R-Design variants and a fuel efficient T5 model that debut's Volvo's all-new 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol GTDi engine ..... more BMW 6-Series Coupe due in 2012 14th March, 2011 Captivating aesthetics, top-class performance, an exclusive interior and innovative equipment features give the third-generation BMW 6 Series Coupé “dream car” credentials ..... more Holden Cruze hatch for Q4 16th March, 2011 The new Cruze hatch will join the sedan in Holden showrooms in the last quarter of 2011, whilst the locally-built Series II Cruze sedan line-up will be available by the end of March ..... more Kia Picanto: more details 17th March, 2011 Longer than the previous model, and with an extended wheelbase, new Picanto promises more passenger comfort and increased cargo space. Offered for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door body styles, it is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the global ‘city car’ category ..... more Toyota Rukus Halo limited edition 17th March, 2011 The Rukus Halo LE has an exclusive exterior colour "Voodoo Blue" and unique blue highlights in the Dark Grey fabric seat/door trim ..... more Audi A7 Sportback arrives 17th March, 2011 With the launch of the all-new A7 Sportback in Australia, Audi has entered a new segment. The A7 Sportback breaks new ground in design with flowing styling that combines the beauty and appeal of a coupe with comfort and practicality of a sedan ..... more Ford Ranger clears the air 17th March, 2011 The same Formula One techniques – and engineers – that make race cars go faster are now helping the all-new Ford Ranger slice through the air cleaner ..... more Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet production begins 18th March, 2011 The new Golf Cabriolet in Sunset Red which left the assembly line yesterday officially marked the start of production in Osnabrück ..... more The new Ford Territory 20th March, 2011 Although not due for release until May 2011, the new Ford Territory has already been 'spotted' out and about in Melbourne, attending to the shopping! ..... more Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG coupe 21st March, 2011 The AMG 6.2 litre V8 engine in the C 63 AMG coupé delivers a maximum output of 336 kW and peak torque of 600 Newton metres for outstanding performance: the coupé is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). With this kind of specification, the new two-door vehicle is set to take the lead in its segment ..... more Nissan Leaf arrives for local testing 22nd March, 2011 These family-sized, five door passenger vehicles will undergo field tests in the hands of Nissan engineers, acquiring real world driving data, while a further 16 cars are soon to arrive to join the Victorian government’s five-year electric vehicle trial ..... more Four new Hyundai models for 2011 22nd March, 2011 In announcing additional new products for the Australian market, Korea's Hyundai Motor Company has confirmed four new models are to be released locally later this year ..... more Next Car's prediction of Infiniti's local release confirmed 22nd March, 2011 As predicted by Next Car on 16th February the Infiniti brand is to return to the Australian market ..... more Porsche 918 Spyder orders open 23rd March, 2011 Unlike the concept car, however, the production version of the two-seater, based on a carbon fibre-reinforced plastic monocoque, features a manual roof system with removable roof panels that can be stowed in the front luggage compartment ..... more GM's new Colorado ute 23rd March, 2011 The concept previews the next-generation Colorado mid-size utility truck in Chevrolet guise. The new Chevrolet Colorado goes on sale in Thailand later this year. An Australian release is expected in 2012 ..... more BMW expand 1-Series coupe line-up 24th March, 2011 The BMW 120i Coupé, powered by a 115 kW four-cylinder engine with double VANOS and Valvetronic technology, will arrive locally in May, and joins the 123d, 125i and 135i M Sport in the 1 Series Coupé line-up ..... more Out and about in Audi's "oldies" 24th March, 2011 Audi Tradition is beginning the 2011 European historic car season with a very full programme. The heritage department of AUDI AG will have its “Museum on Wheels” on display at more than 30 events ..... more Volvo expand XC60 line-up 25th March, 2011 Volvo Cars Australia has expanded its XC60 range with the introduction of an all-new entry-level front-wheel drive T5 variant ..... more GP Edition for Renault Clio RenaultSport 25th March, 2011 The launch of the new Clio RenaultSport 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition was announced last night in Melbourne. There will only be 30 examples offered exclusively in Australia ..... more Infiniti M for Australia 25th March, 2011 The current generation Infiniti M sedan was introduced in the USA in 2011. A new design from the wheels upwards, the Infiniti M enjoyed a successful launch year and is available in two guises, the Infiniti M37 and M56, while an Infiniti M35h Hybrid has just been launched in the U.S. and Europe. And a diesel is in the model line-up too ..... more Toyota FJ Cruiser released 27th March, 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser has arrived on the Australian market as a one grade model. It is offered as a petrol V6 automatic with part-time 4WD and an electric rear differential lock. Competitively priced at $44,990* (MLP*), the Toyota FJ Cruiser will readily find buyers suggests Next Car's Editor who believes it is so different to everything else on the market that it will generate enough curiosity which will lead to a conversion into sales ..... more Nissan GT-R raises the bar (again) 28th March, 2011 Acknowledged as a performance benchmark since its global launch in October 2007, the 2011-model R35-series Nissan GT-R offers more power, more downforce, more grip and more excitement than its predecessors. Yet its elevated performance is even more accessible to enthusiast drivers, fulfilling Nissan’s promise of ‘anyone, any time, anywhere’ for its most sporting model. In a major evolution of the model, every aspect of the R35 has been enhanced and improved in its third iteration ..... more BMW X6 range to expand 29th March, 2011 Priced at $109,900* the BMW X6 xDrive becomes the new entry model to the X6 range, broadening the appeal of BMW’s big coupe-like SUV line-up ..... more Volvo V60 released 29th March, 2011 Based on the new S60 sedan that was launched last December, the new V60 is available in three models - T5, D5 AWD and T6 AWD - with the two petrol-engined T5 and T6 AWD available in both standard and sporty R-Design variants ..... more Panamera Turbo S becomes Porsche's top-of-the-line 31st March, 2011 The Panamera Turbo S is now on sale in Australia priced at $440,200* (MLP*) with customer deliveries beginning in October ..... more Land Rover Freelander 2 hits 250,000 31st March, 2011 Production began in 2007 and the plant's 250,000th Freelander 2 - a 2.2 litre TD4 Diesel GS in Fuji White - was driven off the line on 28th March 2011. The vehicle is destined for a customer who lives in Scotland ..... more New engine coming for Jaguar XF 31st March, 2011 Making its debut on UK roads fitted to a prototype development vehicle, the new four-cylinder 16-valve common rail diesel engine displaces 2,179 cc and is installed in a north-south configuration for the first time ..... more Skoda Octavia Scout updated 31st March, 2011 The Octavia Scout 4x4 is broadening its range and now includes the highly-efficient DSG transmission and a top-of-the-range premium model ..... more Holden Malibu to replace Holden Epica 31st March, 2011 General Motors will have an all-new Malibu for the world when the Chevrolet brand unveils it at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show on 19th April. This new model will replace the Holden Epica (Chevrolet Epica in some markets) as the new mid-size GM car for global markets ..... more Top of page Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more April 2011 News ..... here February 2011 News ..... here January 2010 News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2011   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.