Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests NEWS INDEX:   July 2011 Home > News Holden Barina update due October 1st July, 2011 Its striking interior and exterior design was led by Holden’s Ondrej Koromhaz while on assignment at General Motors' South Korea design centre and takes familiar design cues from its Barina Spark and Cruze models ..... more Toyota FJ Cruiser recall 1st July, 2011 Due to an issue with airbags, the newly available Toyota FJ Cruiser is undergoing a recall ..... more Skoda Fabia confirmed for Australia 1st July, 2011 The Skoda Fabia has now been confirmed for an Australian release later this year. The combination of low running costs, advanced powertrain technology and Skoda’s legendary value for money make the Fabia a welcome new-comer to the market ..... more Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe prices announced 5th July, 2011 Typical coupé features include the short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched-out roof. The 'greenhouse' extends far beyond the rear axle over the low-raked rear window to a sportily short tail end ..... more Range Rover Evoque production begins 5th July, 2011 The new Range Rover Evoque passed an important milestone yesterday when the first production vehicle was driven off the production line at Land Rover’s Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool (England) ..... more Ford "capped price" services 6th July, 2011 The programme means Ford owners will know with certainty the maximum amount they will pay from one 'log book' service to the next, no matter which participating Ford dealer they use ..... more Night Orange edition for Smart 6th July, 2011 The Smart Fortwo “night orange” offers unique paint and trim finishes in addition to extra equipment for an additional $2,800 over the Smart Fortwo mhd. The value of the “night orange” package is $4,800 offering added customer value of $2,000 ..... more New lower priced Jaguar XF diesel coming 6th July, 2011 Jaguar Australia has announced sharp pricing for the new 8-speed 2.2 Diesel XF Luxury which is scheduled for a local release in October, just weeks after its UK release ..... more Audi Q3 on track for 2012 release 7th July, 2011 The Audi Q3 is being launched with a choice of three engines – one TDI and two TFSI units, with engine specifications for its Australian launch to be announced closer to the launch date. All three four-cylinder engines combine direct injection with turbocharging ..... more Mercedes-Benz SLK prices announced 7th July, 2011 The Mercedes-Benz SLK, one of the most exciting and successful sports cars ever built is entering a new phase. The new roadster uncompromisingly takes driving pleasure and open-air enjoyment to a new level. It blends light-footed sportiness with stylish comfort, a striking sports-car design with total suitability for everyday use ..... more New, larger VW Jetta still coming later this year 7th July, 2011 The new Volkswagen Jetta, an entirely new vehicle, remains on track for a late 2011 release in Australia. The new model impresses as an independent vehicle and makes great strides forward in both concept and styling ..... more Land Rover Discovery 4 update due November 7th July, 2011 Land Rover Discovery Discovery 4's design and equipment levels have been given a make-over for 12MY. There are two new alloy wheel designs, two new option packs and improved audio and navigation systems based on the latest MOST Gen 2.1 electrical architecture ..... more UK crash investigation team take Ford Galaxy 7th July, 2011 The extreme demands placed on its crash investigation vehicles have led a UK Police Force to order its third generation of Ford Galaxy in 13 years. But this time it’s combining the high performance and stability with fuel savings - by switching to diesel ..... more Skoda Yeti price announced 8th July, 2011 Thanks to a ground clearance of 180 millimetres and a four-wheel-drive system that incorporates a fourth generation Haldex clutch, the Yeti is intended for those who want to venture a little way off the beaten track for light-duty off-roading ..... more Holden Caprice on patrol in USA 8th July, 2011 After the vehicles’ first month on patrol, the sheriff’s office plans to replace its current fleet of approximately 175 other patrol vehicles with Caprice PPVs ..... more Aston Martin confirms production of V12 Zagato 10th July, 2011 Based on the acclaimed V12 Vantage and sporting a beautifully handcrafted aluminium and carbon fibre body, the V12 Zagato will be produced in very limited numbers for discerning customers ..... more FPV Concept Car 11th July, 2011 The all-black GT-based FPV concept features a number of bespoke features and design treatments not previously seen ..... more HSV SV Black Edition 11th July, 2011 The “darkness” of this limited edition starts with the exterior, with matt black paint-outs on the front and sides combining with the “Vector” bonnet scoops and side vents to immediately communicate a unique edge ..... more Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV 11th July, 2011 Powered by the new Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrid System, which significantly extends the frequency a hybrid vehicle is driven in EV mode, the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV returns fuel economy in excess of 50 km/litre ..... more Range Rover Sport for 2012 11th July, 2011 For the first time on the Range Rover Sport, the next generation 7-inch touch-screen is included with optional Dual View technology, allowing the driver to view the navigation display whilst the passenger watches a DVD ..... more New Mercedes-Benz B-Class for 2012 11th July, 2011 Said to be more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class will be released in Europe from November 2011, following its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (Germany) from 15th to 25th September 2011 ..... more VW Caddy Maxi with 4MOTION released 12th July, 2011 The Caddy 4MOTION is available in two versions. A long wheel base panel van in the form of a TDI320 Caddy Maxi Van 4MOTION or as a people mover, the seven-seater TDI320 Caddy Maxi Life Comfortline 4MOTION ..... more Sir Stirling gifts Aston Martin to Lady Moss 12th July, 2011 At England's prestigious Royal Automobile Club last night, international motor sport legend, Sir Stirling Moss took delivery of his newly purchased Aston Martin Cygnet; a surprise birthday present for wife, Lady Moss ..... more Toyota HiLux update due in September 13th July, 2011 HiLux will reinforce its position as Australia's best-selling ute with the adoption of life-saving anti-skid brakes as standard across the range ..... more Goodwood Revival set for 16th-18th September 15th July, 2011 The 2011 Revival is set to build on the success of last year’s event, when a record-breaking 134,000 people attended over the week-end. As ever, the Revival offers visitors of all ages a chance to revel in the romance and glamour of motor racing as it used to be. It is the only major sporting event in the world set entirely to a period theme and, every year, spectators and competitors take a step back in time by getting into the effervescent Goodwood spirit. The majority of visitors enter into the spirit of the event, dressing in appropriate clothing from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s ..... more Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport now the sole model for Bugatti 17th July, 2011 The final order for the Bugatti Veyron has been placed by a European customer, marking an end to the production run of 300 units of the super car and its even faster 'stable mate' the Super Sport ..... more Upgrading 'oldies' with GM Performance Parts 17th July, 2011 It's a new era for American hot-rodders, with 'new' components becoming increasing available. Additionally, reproduction bodies on a modern day 'chassis' supports this new era for the popular retro look ..... more Hummer H3 recall 17th July, 2011 In affected Hummer H3 (2007 - 2009), the front indicator lights and rear indicators (if a trailer is towed) may not warn the vehicle operator if an indicator bulb may not be operating ..... more Sustainability seals the deal for Ford 17th July, 2011 Ford and Recycled Polymeric Materials (RPM) have found a way to put discarded tyres to good use. By combining recycled tyres with bio-renewable content, they are delivering environmentally friendly seals and gaskets for Ford's North American vehicles ..... more Efficiency boost for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 17th July, 2011 This comprehensively improved 7-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment in the E-Class sedan range. One major feature of the latest evolutionary phase of 7G-TRONIC is a new generation torque converter with a much more dynamic response ..... more Chevrolet Camaro "Transformers" Edition 17th July, 2011 The 2012 Transformers Special Edition will be offered as a package on 2LT and 2SS Camaro Coupes with Rally Yellow paint ..... more Ford Mustang "Blue Angels" Edition 17th July, 2011 One-of-a-kind 2012 Ford Mustang design inspired by the acclaimed Blue Angels naval aviation demonstration team to be sold at charity auction 28th July at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh (USA) ..... more New VW Beetle production begins 17th July, 2011 Volkswagen began production of the new Beetle in Puebla, Mexico, on Friday 15th July 2011 ..... more Audi Q3 production begins 18th July, 2011 Around 100,000 units are expected to make their way to customers in 2012, the first full year of production ..... more Nissan Murano update due September 18th July, 2011 The new look Nissan Murano features a new grille, front bumper and headlamp design. New, multi-spoke 18 inch alloy wheels are introduced for a more prestigious look along with new design taillights, new roof rail design and the addition of rear privacy glass ..... more US may ban driver mobile phone use 18th July, 2011 Driving while making a phone call, texting or using apps can be as dangerous as driving drunk, and much more common ..... more Mazda BT-50 accessories 19th July, 2011 Mazda Australia has announced that the all-new BT-50 will be available at launch with a wide range of locally-built genuine Mazda accessories including an airbag compatible bull bar ..... more Honda Accord Euro adds more value 19th July, 2011 The Accord Euro has been one of Honda Australia’s best sellers since 2003 with over 45,600 first-generation and more than 16,300 second-generation units sold ..... more Audi A6 sedan released 20th July, 2011 All Australian-delivered 2.8 FSI quattro, 3.0 TDI quattro and 3.0 TFSI quattro A6 models come as standard with Audi’s dynamic S line exterior package including lower and deeper front and rear bumpers for a powerful and dynamic on-road stance ..... more Citroen 2CV gathering expecting 6,000 examples 20th July, 2011 In the setting of a 60-hectare site near Salbris in central France, four pre-war prototype 2CVs will be on show alongside the contemporary Citroën REVOLTe concept ..... more Toyota iQ going to America 21st July, 2011 The Toyota iQ concept car first debuted in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Germany. Production of the iQ began in November 2008 at the Takaoka Plant in Japan. The Toyota iQ subsequently went on sale in Japan in November 2008 and in select European countries in early 2009 ..... more Who owns Chrysler? 24th July, 2011 Fiat has once again increased its shareholding in Chrysler Group LLC ..... more Chevrolet Corvette numbers for 2011 24th July, 2011 GM Corvette Assembly Plant has released statistics on 2011 year model Chevrolet Corvettes manufactured at the Bowling Green (Kentucky) facility ..... more Performax appoints dealers for their US conversions 25th July, 2011 Independent importer of American vehicles, Performax International is appointing dealers in several states to help grow its vehicle import and conversion business ..... more New Volkswagen Touareg released 25th July, 2011 Volkswagen has released the new Touareg. The 2011 model year version will only be with us for a short while. That's because the MY2012 is due later this year ..... more America's new Honda CR-V 26th July, 2011 The 2012 Honda CR-V Concept provides the first official glimpse of the styling direction for the all-new, fourth-generation CR-V set to go on sale in the United States by the end of the year ..... more BMW X6 xDrive30d added to line-up 26th July, 2011 Priced at $109,900* the BMW X6 xDrive30d becomes the new entry model to the X6 range ..... more Hyundai Accent arrives 27th July, 2011 All-new Accent will be available with a 1.6-litre MPI petrol engine featuring continuous variable valve timing (CVVT), with the choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Three trim levels will be available across the range - Active, Elite and Premium ..... more Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series 28th July, 2011 The new high-performance vehicle is the most powerful C-Class of all time, boasting a maximum output of 380 kW and a maximum torque of 620 newton metres. The AMG 6.2-litre V8 engine impresses with its hefty torque, tremendous pulling power and responsiveness, and ensures high-calibre performance: the C 63 AMG Coupé Black Series accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds ..... more Citroen C5, C6 and Dispatch recall 29th July, 2011 Citroen is recalling 65 cars across 3 model lines ..... more Lexus GS 29th July, 2011 The new Lexus GS has also been engineered to provide a more engaging and dynamic driving experience and the highest levels of refinement ..... more New BMW X3 3 litre diesel arrives 29th July, 2011 Topping the all-new X3 engine portfolio, BMW’s six-cylinder diesel arrives in showrooms ready to entice buyers with a wide-ranging list of standard features ..... more Renault's new Twingo 29th July, 2011 Among the changes are its front end which includes a stylistic renewal, while on the bonnet, the Renault logo has been enlarged ..... more Henry Ford 31st July, 2011 Yesterday was the anniversary of Henry Ford's birth. So today we take a brief look at the man, his life (including his interest in aviation, car racing and country music) and the early years of the company he founded and we add in a few quotes ..... more Henry Ford and aviation 31st July, 2011 Henry's first involvement in aviation came in 1909, just six years after the Wright brothers' first powered flight, when he helped his son Edsel and friends build a primitive monoplane powered by a Ford Model T engine ..... more Henry Ford and car racing 31st July, 2011 Henry Ford was actively involved in car racing from 1901 to 1913. His motive for entering a race in 1901, was to promote his name and reputation, as a means of attracting investors for a car manufacturing company ..... more Henry Ford and country music 31st July, 2011 Henry Ford’s enjoyment of music started early in his life when he began attending dances back in the 1880s. At the time, dances were a popular social activity, and it was at a dance that Henry met his future bride, Clara Bryant ..... more Top of page Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more August 2011 News ..... here June 2011 News ..... here May 2011 News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2011   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.