Australia's Easy Reading New Car News Home | News | Road Tests NEWS INDEX:   August 2011 Home > News Kia Grand Carnival updated 2nd August, 2011 Australia’s most popular people mover under $55,000, the Kia Carnival, has just received an upgrade resulting in four long wheelbase models, Bluetooth across the range and the introduction of the legendary “R-series” CRDi turbo diesel engine to the line-up ..... more Suzuki SX4 updated 2nd August, 2011 Suzuki has launched an upgraded version of its innovative SX4 2.0-litre small car and celebrated the event with sharp new pricing across the range ..... more Race debut for McLaren MP4-12C GT3 2nd August, 2011 The development programme for the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3 saw McLaren GT enter three cars in the Total 24 Hours of Spa over 30th-31st July 2011 ..... more Mazda CX-5 to debut at IAA in September 2nd August, 2011 The CX-5 is the first of a new generation of Mazda products that will adopt the full range of Mazda’s so called SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and new design theme ‘KODO - Soul of Motion’ ..... more Volvo S80 recall 3rd August, 2011 It has been determined that the power steering return line may fail due to incorrect routing of the power steering cooling line ..... more Chery J1 recall 3rd August, 2011 The Editor's comment on this recall ... "My suggestion to improve the safety aspect of Chery cars is simple ... take them off the road!" ..... more Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport launched 3rd August, 2011 This year's Corolla Ascent Sport hatch and sedan have 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, new aerodynamic features, improved audio equipment and added interior features ..... more Hulme F1 confirmed for production 3rd August, 2011 Hulme Supercars is named in honour of Denny Hulme, New Zealand’s only Formula One World Champion and double CanAm Champion. The car is a superb high performance motor car and will be built in very limited numbers, ensuring is rarity and exclusivity ..... more Jeep Compass returning to Australia 4th August, 2011 The Jeep Compass has been confirmed for arrival in Australia later this year, offering a unique blend of styling, capability, efficiency and value that is set to ignite the compact SUV segment ..... more Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 price announced 4th August, 2011 With 173 kW of power (18 kW more than the normal GTI), the acceleration time from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.6 seconds. It will be released locally in September ..... more Local input for new Toyota Yaris 5th August, 2011 Input by local Toyota engineers has ensured the chassis and steering for the next-generation Yaris hatch will suit Australian conditions and driver expectations ..... more Melbourne's Motorclassica to be bigger in 2011 7th August, 2011 With a 40 per cent increase in applications from last years' event, Motorclassica 2011 will have a completely different look and feel to last year, whilst a number of exciting additions have been made to the programme to increase the appeal even further ..... more 11,000 street rods gather 7th August, 2011 This week-end over 11,000 street rods are expected at the 42nd Annual Street Rod Nationals Plus in Louisville, Kentucky ..... more Toyota Land Cruiser 'Altitude' available 7th August, 2011 Prices start from $80,190* (MLP*) for the Altitude petrol model. The full list of added specification in the LandCruiser Altitude special edition model more than exceeds the added cost compared with the GXL model grade ..... more FPV GT Black Limited Edition Series 8th August, 2011 FPV have taken the popular black-on-black treatment and applied the stealth-looking paintwork to just 125 units of the current standard supercharged Boss 335 kW GT, thus making the FPV GT Black ..... more Renault FRENDZY concept car 9th August, 2011 Renault’s latest concept car has a dual 'personality'. These days, professional and personal lives are so intricately interwoven that drivers find themselves permanently 'channel-hopping' between one world and the other ..... more Production begins of new Mazda 3 9th August, 2011 The new 3 is Mazda's first model to combine the newly developed 2.0-litre SKYACTIV-G 2.0 direct injection petrol engine with the SKYACTIV-DRIVE six-speed automatic transmission ..... more Jock Freemantle talks about Hulme Supercars appearance at Goodwood 9th August, 2011 The trip to the UK and Goodwood Festival of Speed was very exciting, a great learning experience, and very, very rewarding; it was absolutely the right thing for us to do ..... more MG 6 Magnette 10th August, 2011 The Magnette revives the name of one of the most famous saloon cars to bear the famous MG octagon badge. For drivers looking for a four-door saloon with impeccable road manners along with an involving, distinctive sporty character, the latest MG offers the perfect recipe ..... more London to Brighton Veteran Car Run for 2011 10th August, 2011 The 2011 Run promises to surpass all previous events with over 500 cars entered with participants from China, the USA and Australia already confirmed. In addition to the celebrations at Hyde Park, 2011 will also mark the 125th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz and its first patented motor car ..... more Subaru XV for Australia in 2012 10th August, 2011 The Subaru XV defines a new generation of Subaru cross-over vehicles. It is the production version of the design concept "Subaru XV Concept" displayed last April at the Shanghai Motor Show in China ..... more Hyundai's new i30 for 2012 10th August, 2011 The all-new i30 was designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany and represents the next evolution of the unique form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’ – the company’s distinctive design format ..... more Suzuki Swift Sport for 2012 10th August, 2011 The new generation Suzuki Swift Sport will make its world debut at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA), which will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, from 15th to 25th September 2011 ..... more Mazda 6 recall 11th August, 2011 In a worst case scenario, engine parts (conrods) may crack the oil pan or the cylinder block, causing oil to leak ..... more BMW i3, i8 concepts 12th August, 2011 These concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014 ..... more Local Mazda 3 recall begins 15th August, 2011 As reported by Next Car on 16th June 2011, Mazda Australia has now joined in the massive recall of the Mazda 3 models to rectify a fault with the windscreen wiper motor ..... more Land Rover Defender for 2012 15th August, 2011 A new EU5 2.2 litre diesel engine replaces the EU4 2.4 litre diesel, bringing greater levels of performance and refinement to the 2012 Land Rover Defender. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing unit but makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced ..... more Audi R8 recall 16th August, 2011 Audi Australia is in the course of recalling their R8 Spyder. Thirty seven units are involved in this particular recall ..... more Eterniti - a new automotive brand 16th August, 2011 A new luxury car is planned for a new British entity. The brand, known as Eterniti will debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in Germany ..... more Lotus at Pebble Beach 17th August, 2011 To mark the end of Exige production, Lotus has made the Exige Matte Black Final Edition – exclusively for North America ..... more Jayco Conquest Tour Edition released 17th August, 2011 The model has an updated range of decor styles, with Eurostyle finishings such as Italian inspired door handles, a choice of tile and timber floor vinyl design, and a new style sink with a larger bowl for added home-like comfort ..... more Skoda Superb line-up increases 18th August, 2011 Skoda is offering a new entry point to its Superb model range. Additionally, the availability of four-wheel drive has expanded ..... more Trakka Trakkaway 760 18th August, 2011 The newly designed Trakkaway 760 offers all the ‘bells and whistles’ you could desire, all in a compact motor home that offers a wealth of standard inclusions making it great value for money ..... more Volvo XC60 updated 18th August, 2011 The XC60 model line-up has been changed for MY12. Previously, option packages were offered with the XC60 but for MY12 these packages have been deleted and new models have been added with revised equipment ..... more Toyota RAV4 Altitude released 19th August, 2011 The Toyota RAV4 'Altitude' is based on the 2WD and AWD RAV4 four-cylinder CV models, with a list of nine added features. It is offered in 2WD with manual or automatic transmission, or as an AWD automatic ..... more Lexus GS unveiled in USA 19th August, 2011 The new model combines dynamic styling, precise handling, innovative technology and a spacious, luxurious interior ..... more Jaguar C-X16 concept to debut next month 19th August, 2011 Designed by the same team that produced the Jaguar XJ, XF and XK - headed by Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum - the C-X16 concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology ..... more SsangYong Concept XUV 1 21st August, 2011 A showcase for the latest SsangYong design capabilities, the Concept XUV 1 uses extensive glass areas along with carefully curved bodywork to look imposing without seeming to appear ‘aggressive’. The wraparound windscreen visually extends the glass area virtually uninterrupted to the large C-pillars ..... more Suzuki Swift line-up expands 21st August, 2011 Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers said the new Swift GA automatic opened the door for more customers to afford the value, safety and outstanding driving dynamics of Suzuki’s world beating light car ..... more Price cut for Lotus Elise 21st August, 2011 The entry level Lotus Elise is now priced at $67,990* excluding statutory charges and dealer costs. As the Elise now includes the Sports Pack as standard, the new price represents a total saving of $8,000 ..... more Buried treasure - 1904 Fiat 21st August, 2011 A 1904 Fiat, which avoided the scrap yard by being buried on an American estate, is one of more than 500 pre-1905 Veteran cars taking part in the Royal Automobile Club’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on Sunday 6th November 2011 ..... more Kia's surprise sports sedan 21st August, 2011 This rear-wheel drive four-door sports sedan combines sleek proportions with a sophisticated and elegant four-seater cabin ..... more Volkswagen Up details announced 22nd August, 2011 Volkswagen Up is the German brand's new small car that has been anticipated for some years now. Volkswagen had set a goal to develop a small car with typical VW charisma, a small car with maximum space on a minimal 'footprint' ..... more BRZ is the new Subaru sports car 23rd August, 2011 The BRZ name comes from the letter B in Boxer engine, R in rear-wheel drive, and Z in the word Zenith ..... more Jaguar X-TYPE Diesel recall 24th August, 2011 Jaguar X-TYPE (Diesel) from the 2006 model year to 2010 model year are subject to a recall. Some 130 units are involved in the recall ..... more Ferrari 458 Spider 24th August, 2011 The new Ferrari 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari’s mid-rear engined V8s and offering the same technological solutions, handling and performance in an open-top configuration. It is equipped with a fully retractable hard top ..... more Recall for new Ford Territory 24th August, 2011 Certain Ford Territory models (SZ series) sold during June 2011 to July 2011 are being recalled. A total number of 3,399 units are involved ..... more The new Toyota Camry 24th August, 2011 Toyota Camry debuts a new design with a more spacious interior, improved driving dynamics and a quieter ride ..... more Bentley Continental GTC for 2012 25th August, 2011 Taking cues from the GT coupe launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the convertible ..... more A new Porsche 911 Carrera 25th August, 2011 The German sports car has been completely redesigned with a stretched silhouette, exciting contours and precise design details; yet it remains unmistakably a 911 in its styling ..... more Mitsubishi Triton (MK) recall 26th August, 2011 Certain Mitsubishi's MK series Triton (dual cab) 2wd 4cyl and Triton (single cab) 2wd 4cyl, sold new from May 2003 to December 2006 are subject to a recall ..... more Kia Optima Hybrid looking for record low fuel consumption 26th August, 2011 The aim is to set a new record for lowest fuel consumption (in a petrol hybrid car) while driving through all 48 continental states of America ..... more Citroen C3 recall 26th August, 2011 The fixing bracket of the air unit on the engine may break under the effect of vibrations ..... more Volvo XC90 for 2012 26th August, 2011 Volvo Car Australia has given its recently released XC90 seven-seat SUV more equipment as well as a price cut ..... more Special Commodore for special buyer 26th August, 2011 The 15-year Army veteran and V8 Supercar enthusiast wanted something special that reflected her 'petrol head' passion ..... more New generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class 28th August, 2011 Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a winner on all fronts ..... more Fiat expands Doblo line-up 28th August, 2011 The appeal of Fiat’s Doblo Cargo van range has been broadened with a drop-side utility version ..... more Range Rover Vogue for 2012 30th August, 2011 The Range Rover Vogue always has been and remains the definitive, luxury SUV and one whose off-road performance matches its comfort levels and performance. New equipment levels, revised styling and generously specified option packs make it the one to beat in 2012 ..... more Holden Barina crash testing 30th August, 2011 The Chevrolet Aveo, as the new Barina is known in Europe, performed strongly in key areas of adult and child occupant safety, but not so well in pedestrian safety ..... more Renault Megane RenaultSport 250 Monaco Grand Prix Limited Edition released 30th August, 2011 Aimed at drivers who enjoy elegance, sport and style, the Renault Megane RS 250 Monaco GP will be available in Australia and more than a dozen markets worldwide. Just 50 examples will be offered for sale here, each individually numbered ..... more Peugeot 508 RXH hybrid 31st August, 2011 The style of the 508 RXH and its innovative HYbrid4 drive unit provide features that allow it to combine new levels of driving freedom and pleasure in a form not seen before in its segment ..... more Land Rover DC100 Concept 31st August, 2011 Replacing the iconic Defender is one of the biggest challenges in the automotive design world ..... more Audi S6 to debut in Frankfurt 31st August, 2011 The S6 uses the 309 kW version of the new 4.0 TFSI. The twin-turbo V8 provides a constant 550 Nm of torque from 1,400 to 5,300 rpm. It accelerates the S6 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds ..... more BMW 1-Series coupe and convertible updated 31st August, 2011 The 'mid-life' update of the BMW 1 Series Coupé and Convertible range offers fresh design enhancements, stylish interior options, new technologies and improved efficiency ..... more Top of page Hear Chris Goodsell Talk Motoring On Radio & Internet ..... more September 2011 News ..... here July 2011 News ..... here June 2011 News ..... here About | Car Clubs | Home | News | Road Ramblings | Road Tests | Subscribe | Top Drive ©   2011   All rights reserved.   Next Car Pty. Ltd.