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NEXT CAR'S NEWSLETTER
28th NOVEMBER, 2005


WELCOME
to our newsletter #59




FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

Friends,

"It keeps me off the streets" .... that's what I tell people in response to questions along the lines of "and what do you do?" when I indicate I'm a motoring journalist who road tests cars. Most folks fail to catch my tongue in cheek response .... sure it is somewhat corny ..... so I won't go too far down that road (so to speak)!

But seriously, it is time to recognise that the year is almost over. And at the end of the year we will announce our "Top Drive of '05". We will name the car we found to be the most rewarding car to drive. Between now and then we'll publish numerous road tests. We can give no clues just yet, as we still have 3 new models to test. But will you agree with our decision, once it is announced? Time will tell. Stay tuned!

Warm regards,
Stephen Walker

The Editor road testing an 
Audi A4 2.0 turbo

The Editor road testing an
Audi A4 2.0 turbo

Location:
Swansea NSW





In this issue:

  • The Editor's Desk
  • Contents
  • Counting Kombis
  • Looking Back - 1995 Bentley Azure
  • Announcement - Rhema On The Road
  • Road Test - Mitsubishi Verada GTVi AWD
  • News summary
  • Editor's Pick Of The News
  • Coming Events - Australia and Overseas
  • Announcement - Our "Top Drive of '05" will be announced on 30/12/05!
  • Road Test - Audi A4 2.0 turbo
  • Advertising
  • Silly Suburban Signs
  • Advertise with Next Car
  • Car Club Corner
  • Housekeeping





Counting Kombis

On 1st October, 2005, 113 Volkswagen Kombis gathered in Old Bar, NSW, for an attempt to break the world record for the most Kombis at one gathering. To break the record, 490 Kombis had to be present. Despite not coming close to breaking the record, the enthusiastic Kombi drivers decided another attempt should be made to break the record in 2006. We'll have the details on this event in the new year. ...... more


Volkswagen 'Kombis'





LOOKING BACK

1995 Bentley Azure

1995 Bentley Azure

1995 Bentley Azure

Beneath the lines of this convertible body is the advanced technology of a Bentley with a 6.75-litre, V8 engine producing 299.6 kW of power and 800Nm of smoothly delivered torque. The Azure is a thoroughbred grand tourer, a full four-seater like the Continental R coupe, and with the same effortless, long-striding ability.

The Azure is instantly convertible at the touch of a button and when the hood is stowed away it is deftly concealed completely out of sight beneath a flush-fitting panel, allowing the eye to follow the flowing sweep of the coachwork without any distraction.





PASS IT ON!

Please pass on this newsletter to family, friends and colleagues who have an interest in cars.
They are welcome to subscribe, if they wish.





'Rhema on the Road'

HEAR MOTORING NEWS ON RADIO

presented by Chris Goodsell, each Saturday on

94.3 Rhema FM Dubbo at 10 AM
99.9 Rhema FM Port Macquarie at 12 noon,
89.7 Rhema FM Tamworth at 2 PM and
106.5 Rhema FM Taree at 10AM

and in Queensland
each Friday at 4PM on Rhema FM 105.7 Mount Isa

Rhema On The Road





Mitsubishi Verada GTVi AWD

Click the image for the road test

Mitsubishi Verada GTVi AWD
road test

The AWD Magna and Verada models didn't last long on the market. But they certainly made an impact. We rated these AWDs as the nations best family sized car. But that is history now as these models have been replaced by the new front-wheel drive Mitsubishi 380.

Read our Mitsubishi Verada GTVi AWD road test here.


Other road tests are here.





NEWS SUMMARY


    The 100,000th Audi Cabriolet
    2nd October, 2005
    The 100,000th Audi Cabriolet was produced at the company’s Karmann facility last week ..... more

    Nissan Tiida Sport Concept Coming To Sydney
    3rd October, 2005
    The Nissan Tiida Sport Concept, which will make its Australian debut at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show, is the latest in a series of dynamic performance/youth concept vehicles ..... more

    Australian Debut for Saab SportCombi
    4th October, 2005
    The all new Saab 9-3 SportCombi will make its first appearance in Australia next week at the Australian International Motor Show ..... more

    Mazda Has Record September
    4th October, 2005
    Record September retail sales of 4,931 have encouraged Mazda Australia to revise its2005 sales target to a benchmark 67,000 ..... more

    Audi launches new TDI engine for A4
    5th October, 2005
    Next week’s 2005 Australian International Motor Show, in Sydney, will mark the Australian launch of Audi’s latest hi-tech turbo diesel engine for the best-selling A4 ..... more

    Peugeot at Sydney's Motor Show
    6th October, 2005
    The 2005 Australian International Motor Show will prove to be one of the biggest ever shows for the Peugeot brand in Australia ..... more

    Subaru and GM Walk Away From Each Other
    7th October, 2005
    Fuji Heavy Industries, the maker of Subaru cars, released its plan of their alliance changes ..... more

    Dodge Nitro For Australia
    10th October, 2005
    At the California International Motor Show on Thursday, the Chrysler Group confirmed production of the Dodge Nitro mid-size SUV ..... more

    America's Avanti For 2006
    10th October, 2005
    The legendary and resilient Avanti Motors will make its mark this month with the redefined and redesigned coupe and convertible models ..... more

    Viva is Holden's Big News
    10th October, 2005
    Holden has launched Viva – a new nameplate, for the Holden brand ..... more

    Mitsubishi Announce 380 Pricing
    10th October, 2005
    MMAL has announced the pricing for its new 380 range, and to compliment the stylish 380’s extensive range of features and industry leading 5/10 warranty, Mitsubishi is adding another industry first to the 380 range – the provision of 5 years' roadside assistance as standard with all 380 models ..... more

    Record Month As Small Car Sales Boom
    10th October, 2005
    The Australian motor vehicle market continues to head towards a new annual record, driven by a big increase in demand for smaller cars and light trucks ..... more

    Porsche Secures Stake In Volkswagen
    11th October, 2005
    After already purchasing 10.26 per cent of VW’s common stock, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has now secured another 8.27 per cent of the common stock of Volkswagen AG ..... more

    Christer Gerlach has arrived in Korea
    11th October, 2005
    Kia Motors Corporation announced yesterday that Christer Gerlach, the pioneering Swedish driver and adventurer, has arrived in Korea ..... more

    Aston Martin wins 2005 Luxury Briefing Award
    11th October, 2005
    Aston Martin was recognised in the annual Luxury Briefing Awards with the 2005 ‘Award for Excellence’ in the luxury arena ..... more

    Suzuki Jimny Receives Minor Upgrade
    11th October, 2005
    Suzuki’s popular 4WD, the Jimny JLX, will receive a minor upgrade, further enhancing the vehicle's appearance ..... more

    Ford Equator Concept
    11th October, 2005
    Ford Motor Company has announced that a world premiere concept - the Ford Equator - will join the all-new Focus and Explorer at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show ..... more

    Mitsubishi Grandis Gets Luxury Treatment
    12th October, 2005
    Mitsubishi’s Grandis people-mover has had a luxury make-over as part of a model upgrade, and now offers even better value for money in its new guise ..... more

    New World Blind Land Speed Record
    12th October, 2005
    England's Mike Newman and his Speed of Sight team have rewritten the Guinness Book of World Records, again! ..... more

    Maserati Quattroporte GTs For Sydney
    12th October, 2005
    Maserati has announced that two new versions of the Maserati Quattroporte, the Sport GT and the Executive GT, will be displayed at Sydney's Motor Show ..... more

    Historical Brazilian Truck's Driving Odyssey
    12th October, 2005
    An intrepid group of eight passionate Brazilian adventurers traveled nearly 19,312 kms (12,000 miles), crossing two continents, eleven countries and the Amazon River ..... more

    New Volkswagen Polo GTI To Debut In Tokyo
    12th October, 2005
    VW will introduce the Polo GTI during a world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show next week. With 110 kW/150 hp it is the strongest Polo since the series was first introduced 30 years ago ..... more

    Audi Q7 Breaks Cover
    12th October, 2005
    Audi’s long-awaited Q7 SUV will make its Australian debut at Sydney's Motor Show on Friday, just weeks after its international unveiling in Frankfurt ..... more

    New Audi S4 Makes Its Australian Premiere
    13th October, 2005
    Audi's new S4 will be unveiled for the first time in Australia at the Australian International Motor Show, ahead of its mid-November 2005 launch ..... more

    New Audi A4 2.0 TDI Now Available
    13th October, 2005
    The 2005 Australian International Motor Show will mark the Australian launch of Audi's latest hi-tech turbo diesel engine for the best-selling A4 ..... more

    Holden's Wild Hot Rod Brings FJ Back to Life
    13th October, 2005
    A wild 21st Century hot rod reinventing one of Australia ’s most famous cars, the FJ Holden, was unveiled today at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney ..... more

    Maybach Exelero Show Car in Sydney
    14th October, 2005
    The Maybach show car "Exelero" is on display at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney ..... more

    The New Volkswagen Caddy Life
    14th October, 2005
    With up to seven seats and two sliding doors, the Volkswagen Caddy Life opens up a whole new world of practical and exciting people moving innovation in the compact van class ..... more

    Saab 9-3 SportCombi Shows Its Face
    14th October, 2005
    Saab has launched into the premium, mid-size wagon market with the unveiling of the 9-3 SportCombi for the first time in Australia ..... more

    New Volkswagen Beetle Face Lift and TDI
    14th October, 2005
    The New Beetle receives a subtle re-styling in both the hardtop and the cabriolet models for summer. In addition New Beetle also receives the option of a TDI (diesel) engine for the first time ..... more

    Mitsubishi's Completely New Look for Motor Show
    14th October, 2005
    Mitsubishi Motors’ stand has a completely new look for this year’s 2005 Australian International Motor Show, and it is not only due to the newly released and exciting Mitsubishi 380 ..... more

    New Peugeot 307 Debuts In Sydney
    14th October, 2005
    A new look and new features for the new Peugeot 307, which has been launched at the 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

    Nissan Previews 2006 350Z Roadster in Sydney
    14th October, 2005
    Nissan's iconic 36-year-old flagship sports car, the 350Z, goes on show at the Australian Motor Show with new features ..... more

    New Subaru Liberty GT
    16th October, 2005
    Subaru Australia is adding a new turbocharged Liberty GT to its performance stable with the introduction of a variant tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI) ..... more

    Mazda's Diesel Car Push
    16th October, 2005
    Mazda announced at the Australian International Motor Show, in Sydney, that they plan to launch a diesel Mazda 6 next year ..... more

    S3X From Daewoo For Holden
    16th October, 2005
    Holden is showing the striking S3X concept SUV at Sydney's Australian International Motor Show, as the preview for a Daewoo-sourced seven-seater Holden destined for Australia next year ..... more

    New Baby quattro for Audi
    16th October, 2005
    The 2005 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) marks the local introduction of Audi's smallest quattro model – the A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro ..... more

    Honda's Diversity on Show in Sydney
    17th October, 2005
    Attractions on Honda's stand at Sydney's Motor Show include the 30th Anniversary Accord and CR-V Special Edition, the all-new Legend ..... more

    New Focus XR5 Turbo to Join Ford Line Up
    17th October, 2005
    Ford has revealed its latest performance vehicle – the five cylinder Focus XR5 Turbo, equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox ..... more

    New VW Jetta Visits Sydney's Motor Show
    17th October, 2005
    The new Volkswagen Jetta has just been launched in Europe. Jetta is a sporty but elegant compact sedan and will be a great value proposition, suiting the Australian market ..... more

    Alfa Romeo Brera at Sydney's Motor Show
    18th October, 2005
    Alfa Romeo has provided a preview of the Alfa Romeo Brera, at Sydney's 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

    FPV Shifts into Top Gear with New BF Range
    18th October, 2005
    Ford Performance Vehicles unveiled its bold new range of high-performance vehicles at Sydney's 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

    Avanti Takes A Big Step With New V-6
    18th October, 2005
    Georgia (USA) based independent car maker, Avanti Motor Corporation, is introducing the first Avanti built with a 210 horsepower V-6 engine ..... more

    Nissan Show-Cases All-New Navara Dual Cab
    19th October, 2005
    Nissan's popular Navara line-up of practical and rugged utilities gains a new look dual cab range with the soon-to-be released D40 Navara ..... more

    Toyota Infringement Of Antonov Patents Update
    19th October, 2005
    Update: The case received its preliminary hearing on 22nd September 2005 having previously been postponed by the company to allow further negotiations with Toyota ..... more

    Start Of Building For New Porsche Museum
    19th October, 2005
    With the installation of an unusual construction site sign, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, started construction of its new museum ..... more

    Japan's Mazda RX-8 'Sport Prestige Limited II'
    19th October, 2005
    Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the launch of two upgraded versions of its RX-8 sports car in the Japanese market ..... more

    The New Audi S8
    19th October, 2005
    Distinct sports appeal and supreme comfort – these are the two defining characteristics of the Audi A8. At the time of its market launch three years ago, this large saloon shot straight to the top of the luxury segment thanks to its dynamic qualities. The brand with the four-ring emblem is now unveiling a sporty top model of the very highest calibre in the luxury segment: the new Audi S8 ..... more

    Citroen DS Is 50 Years Young
    19th October, 2005
    Classic car enthusiasts were blowing out the candles last weekend at a special party to celebrate the 50th birthday of one of the world’s most famous cars, the iconic Citroën DS ..... more

    Tokyo Debut For Division Wall Phantom
    19th October, 2005
    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil at the Tokyo Motor Show a new division wall package, fitted to an extended wheelbase Phantom ..... more

    Nissan Unveils the GT-R PROTO
    20th October, 2005
    With the launch of the production model just two years away, the development of the new GT-R has moved ahead again with the revealing of the GT-R PROTO ..... more

    Mazda at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show
    20th October, 2005
    Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the Mazda SENKU concept vehicle, as well as the Japanese debut of the Mazda MX-Crossport concept ..... more

    Volkswagen Wins Grand Challenge 2005
    20th October, 2005
    Volkswagen won the American Grand Challenge 2005 with a Touareg TDI ..... more

    Audi Shooting Brake Concept For Tokyo
    20th October, 2005
    An Audi sports car of the future may possibly have just started the journey from drawing board to driveway in the shape of the Audi Shooting Brake Concept, a convention-challenging, technology-laden design study destined for the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show ..... more

    Nissan Tiida To Replace Pulsar
    21st October, 2005
    Nissan is showing its Pulsar replacement, the all-new Tiida compact sedan and hatch, at Sydney's 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

    New Volkswagen Polo
    21st October, 2005
    The new generation Volkswagen Polo has received a fresh and dynamic re-design, reflecting a more modern appearance and building upon the Polo’s vivacious and unique shape ..... more

    Volkswagen's Latest Hot Hatch
    21st October, 2005
    Volkswagen Group Australia introduces the latest "Hot Hatch" to the Volkswagen range and confirms that Australia will be the first country in the world to sell the new Polo GTI ..... more

    Honda Sports 4 Concept Car
    24th October, 2005
    The Sports 4 Concept is Honda's vision of a sports car of the future, a vehicle that allows anyone, not just expert drivers, to experience a high-performance automobile ..... more

    Scottish Sports Car Of The Year
    24th October, 2005
    The Association of Scottish Motoring Writers has voted the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX as Sports Car of the Year 2005 ..... more

    All-New Jaguar XK – The Full Story
    25th October, 2005
    Next year's launch of the all-new Jaguar XK marks a new era for Jaguar in terms of both design and engineering ..... more

    Kia Hatches A New Cerato
    25th October, 2005
    Kia is looking to boost its Cerato sales in Australia with the launch of a five door hatch ..... more

    Porsche Sells 3,000+ Vehicles In Japan
    26th October, 2005
    Porsche announced at the Tokyo Motor Show, that customer deliveries in fiscal year 2004/05 (to 31st July) increased to 3,045 units ..... more

    Caterham Dominates Monte Carlo 2005
    26th October, 2005
    One of the ultimate tests of endurance and reliability, the Monte Carlo Sports Car Challenge, has been dominated by the legendary Caterham Seven ..... more

    Volkswagen Multivan Business
    26th October, 2005
    The Volkswagen Multivan Business, now available to order, made its Australian debut at Sydney's 2005 Australian International Motor Show ..... more

    BMW Z4 M Roadster
    26th October, 2005
    BMW will release its Z4 M Roadster, together with a revised Z4 range, in Australia early next year ..... more

    Mastering Germany's Nurburgring In An MX-5
    26th October, 2005
    Mazda developers fine-tuned the new Mazda MX-5’s chassis systems at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, pushing components like brakes, tyres and dampers to their limits ..... more

    GM Opens Russian R&D Science Office
    26th October, 2005
    General Motors will open a new R&D science office in Moscow in order to leverage Russian science institutes and universities on a broad array of technologies ..... more

    Bill Ford Hosts Debut Of Ford Fiesta In India
    26th October, 2005
    Ford Motor Company took another step forward in the important and growing Indian automotive market ..... more

    Extra Spice for Benz A-Class
    27th October, 2005
    The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is sporting a little extra spice with the introduction of a new sports package ..... more

    4MOTION For New Volkswagen Passat
    27th October, 2005
    The new generation Passat can now be ordered with permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive in Europe ..... more

    GM's Global Growth Continues
    27th October, 2005
    General Motors reported calendar year-to-date sales (January - September) of 7,066,774 vehicles around the world – a 3.7 percent increase over 2004 ..... more

    Škoda Sales Success
    28th October, 2005
    Škoda continues its positive sales trend. A total of 369,652 customers bought Škoda Fabia, Octavia and Superb cars over the first nine months of 2005 ..... more

    Porsche Looks For New Record In China
    28th October, 2005
    Porsche AG, wants to further strengthen its sales success in the world's most populous country ..... more

    Thailand Important For Ford's Growth
    28th October, 2005
    Ford Chairman, Bill Ford shared the company’s global vision on Innovation when he visited the Ford Jor Charoen Prachuabkirikhan dealership in Hua Hin, Thailand yesterday ..... more

    Volkswagen EcoRacer Concept Car
    28th October, 2005
    Its basic data: average fuel consumption of 3.4 litres per 100 km, a top speed of 230 km/h. Its name: EcoRacer ..... more

    Chrysler 300C Goes On Sale In Australia
    30th October, 2005
    Following its success in the US, the Chrysler 300C has arrived in Australia, priced from $53,990 ..... more

    Smart Signs Up For Mitsubishi Engine
    30th October, 2005
    Mitsubishi and Smart have signed an agreement on engine supply ..... more

    Ferrari Completes 25,000 km Tour Of China
    31st October, 2005
    Ferrari has completed its 25,000 km tour of China, taking two Ferrari 612 Scagliettis to places that rarely see a car ..... more

    VW Touareg Tow Ball Down Weight Now 350kg
    31st October, 2005
    Volkswagen has now increased the tow ball down weight of the Touareg from 140 kilogrammes to 350 kilogrammes ..... more

    Mazda CX-7 Australia Bound
    31st October, 2005
    The MX-Crossport concept will be displayed at the 2006 Melbourne International Motor Show, as Mazda Australia has been given the green light to import the all-new crossover SUV, the CX-7 ..... more

    CLS 55 AMG 'IWC Ingenieur' Sells Out
    31st October, 2005
    Seven Australians have secured an order for one of the unique four-door coupes, which were developed by Mercedes-AMG in cooperation with the Swiss watchmaker IWC Schaffhausen ..... more

    New Sparkle for 2006 Fiesta
    31st October, 2005
    Ford's small car range, Fiesta, is set to receive a distinctive new look ..... more

    Bentley Celebrates The Blue Train Race
    1st November, 2005
    Some 75 years since the adventurer and Le Mans winner Woolf Barnato raced and beat the famous Blue Train on its journey across France ..... more

    Mini Cooper S With JCW GP Kit
    1st November, 2005
    From July 2006, the Mini Cooper S with John Cooper Works (JCW) GP Kit will realise a power output of around 218 bhp ..... more

    Alfa Romeo 159 Arrives Mid-2006
    1st November, 2005
    Due to arrive in Australia next year, the Alfa Romeo 159 is the latest in a long line of cars produced by Alfa Romeo that have stirred the soul ..... more

    Fiat Croma Gets Euro NCAP 5-Star Rating
    1st November, 2005
    The Fiat Croma has been awarded the maximum five-star rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme crash safety ..... more

    Europe's New SEAT Leon 2.0 TFSI
    1st November, 2005
    SEAT is bolstering its reputation for offering attainable performance cars with the European launch of the new Leon 2.0 TFSI ..... more

    Ford GTX1 Roadster At SEMA
    2nd November, 2005
    With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT's Kip Ewing unveiled his take on that legendary racer at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas ..... more

    GM'S 2005 SEMA Showcase
    2nd November, 2005
    GM will make a big impact at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, proving that with the right combination of technology, great products and accessories, it's possible to pack performance, style and fuel economy into one exciting package ..... more

    Hummer To Sponsor Team Dakar USA
    2nd November, 2005
    Hummer and Robby Gordon Motorsports have joined together to take on the Dakar Rally, widely considered to be the most grueling off-road race in the world ..... more

    Sales of Daewoo-Sourced Vehicles Rise 41%
    2nd November, 2005
    GM Daewoo Auto & Technology (GM Daewoo) announced yesterday that 112,631 of the Incheon-based car maker's vehicles were sold globally in October ..... more

    Range Rover Sport At SEMA
    3rd November, 2005
    Land Rover North America is presenting the first Range Rover Sport to appear at the annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturer’s Association (SEMA) show, in Las Vegas, USA ..... more

    Mitsubishi 380 Most Secure Local Car
    3rd November, 2005
    Mitsubishi’s all-new large car, the 380, has been announced as the most secure locally manufactured car by NRMA Insurance in its 2005 Car Theft Ratings just released ..... more

    U.S. Debut of 2006 Toyota RAV4
    3rd November, 2005
    Toyota unveiled the all-new third-generation RAV4 at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. We show the first images in Australia ..... more

    Audi Hits 4,000 Units in Australia
    3rd November, 2005
    Following the company’s 10th consecutive month of record sales, Audi Australia has leapt the 4,000 units year-to-date hurdle following October sales results ..... more

    Another Sales Record For Mazda
    3rd November, 2005
    Mazda Australia has maintained its exceptional sales performance for another month achieving a record October result of 6,001 retail sales, an increase of 46 per cent from this time last year ..... more

    GM Moves to Speed Pontiac Solstice Production
    3rd November, 2005
    General Motors has announced that it plans to add a third shift at its Wilmington, Delaware (USA), car assembly plant which currently manufacturers the Pontiac Solstice roadster ..... more

    2006 Fiat Punto Grande
    3rd November, 2005
    Fiat has long been renowned for lifting small cars above the mundane, turning basic transport into something special, into virtual works of art ..... more

    BMW Group Opens Up Indian Market
    4th November, 2005
    BMW Group has announced its intention to formally enter the Indian market ..... more

    Volkswagen At SEMA 2005
    4th November, 2005
    Volkswagen of America Inc. has hosted its first display in the 42-year history of the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s (SEMA) annual exhibition ..... more

    China Will Be World's No.1
    5th November, 2005
    Dr. Feng Fei, an economist at the Development Research Centre of China’s State Council, has forecast that China will become the world's largest vehicle manufacturer by 2020 ..... more

    The Last Rover
    5th November, 2005
    The British Motor Industry Heritage Trust has discovered the mystery surrounding the very last car built at the MG Rover Longbridge plant in Birmingham ..... more

    Peugeot’s Carbon Sink in the Amazon Forest
    5th November, 2005
    The CEO of PSA and the Director of France’s Office National des Forêts (ONF), traveled to the São Nicolau tree farm in Brazil for a review of their experimental carbon sink project ..... more

    Strong Demand For Boxster In North America
    6th November, 2005
    Porsche’s sports cars posted another considerable increase in sales in October 2005. The strongest rise in Boxster shipments was recorded in North America ..... more

    Industry Gears Up For End Of Year Sales Push
    6th November, 2005
    Australian motor vehicle sales dropped slightly in October, interrupting a run of record monthly results that have pushed the market to new heights this year ..... more

    Mercedes-Benz in New Dimensions
    7th November, 2005
    This new model is now available in the B 200 and B 200 TURBO variants in Mercedes-Benz showrooms around the country ..... more

    Volkswagen Caddy Life + Weekender Package
    7th November, 2005
    Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting a new concept in leisure travel - the Weekender Package ..... more

    Volkswagen Kombi Beach
    7th November, 2005
    Volkswagen’s new Kombi Beach will strike a familiar note with Volkswagen enthusiasts. This four-seater, based on Volkswagen’s T5 Multivan, quickly converts to a day-trip or overnight camper ..... more

    Volkswagen California and California 4MOTION
    7th November, 2005
    The Volkswagen California has been synonymous with freedom and leisure since the late fifties. Many other car manufacturers have tried to copy the original, but none have succeeded in capturing the true essence of the ‘VW Bus’, nor its derivative, the all inclusive, kitchen sink as standard, Volkswagen Camper ..... more

    Holden Barina Ushers in New Era
    7th November, 2005
    Holden is set to shift the balance in Australia ’s light car market with a new Barina starting below $13,000 with air conditioning as standard ..... more

    Mitsubishi 380 ‘On Track’
    7th November, 2005
    Mitsubishi’s all-new 380 sedan is ‘on track’ after its release at Sydney's Motor Show. Although it was only a couple of weeks since the car’s release 2,186 cars have been wholesaled in that time ..... more

    Honda at SEMA 2005
    8th November, 2005
    Honda showed more than 50 vehicles at this year's SEMA show in Las Vegas, including nineteen 2006 Civic Si coupes ..... more

    Mercedes ML 320 CDI Arrives
    8th November, 2005
    The all new V6 diesel-powered ML 320 CDI is now available in Mercedes-Benz showrooms across the country, priced from $82,900 ..... more

    Volvo At SEMA
    8th November, 2005
    Volvo Cars of North America pulled the covers off two new concept cars at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada last week ..... more

    Summer School Chevrolet Chevelle
    8th November, 2005
    Their (the students) goal: have it (a '70 Chevelle) ready in time to be revealed in the GM display at the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas ..... more

    Honda Passion Shines Through
    8th November, 2005
    After months of searching and assessing candidates Honda has found the most passionate Honda motor vehicle owner in Australia ..... more

    Fiat and Ford Sign Small Cars Agreement
    8th November, 2005
    Fiat and Ford announced yesterday that they have signed a definitive agreement to cooperate on the joint development and production of vehicles in the European small car (sub-B) segment ..... more

    Best October For Chrysler Jeep In 4 Years
    9th November, 2005
    Capping off five consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains, Chrysler Jeep achieved its best October performance since 2001 ..... more

    Twenty Four Million Golfs
    9th November, 2005
    The world’s 24 millionth Golf was produced yesterday at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg. The anniversary model is a 2.0 litre TDI, 103 kW Golf Comfortline in tornado red ..... more

    Mazda Roadster Wins Japan Car of The Year
    9th November, 2005
    Mazda announced today that the Mazda Roadster, known as the MX-5 in overseas markets, has won the Japan Car of the Year Award for 2005-2006 ..... more

    Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Roadsters
    9th November, 2005
    Australian customers snapped up more than 1,000 second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK roadsters in the car’s first year on sale ..... more

    Ford Unveils America's New V-6 Engine
    10th November, 2005
    Ford yesterday unveiled its new 3.5-litre V-6 engine, a more powerful and cleaner engine that, eventually, will be under the bonnet of one in five Ford products in North America ..... more

    Europe's VW Touareg W12 Sport Edition
    10th November, 2005
    A sporting look and dynamic performance with outstanding comfort. The Touareg W12 Sport Edition with an extensive package of equipment is available now in Europe ..... more

    Mitsubishi Upgrades Outlander & Pajero
    11th November, 2005
    Two of Mitsubishi’s popular models – Outlander and Pajero – have received upgrades to enhance their popularity ..... more

    Duke of York Visits Bentley Motors
    11th November, 2005
    Bentley Motors welcomed HRH Duke of York to their factory yesterday, in his capacity as Special Representative for UK Trade and Investment ..... more

    Award For Fiat Punto Grande
    11th November, 2005
    The Fiat Punto Grande has won a “2005 Golden Steering Wheel”, one of Germany’s most prestigious automotive prizes ..... more

    Audi: Sweaty Overalls Off, Italian Fashion On
    11th November, 2005
    Following a gruelling season of the German Touring Car Masters series (DTM), Audi drivers swapped their sweaty racing overalls for renowned Italian fashion label, René Lezard ..... more

    UK Crackdown On The Uninsured
    11th November, 2005
    In the UK, tough new enforcement action to crackdown on uninsured drivers has been unveiled. From yesterday, police forces across the UK can use automatic number plate recognition cameras to spot and ultimately seize and destroy cars being driven without insurance ..... more

    UK Requires 5% Renewable Fuel By 2010
    13th November, 2005
    The UK's Transport Secretary has announced new measures to make transport fuels 'greener' by requiring 5% of all fuel sold on UK forecourts to come from a renewable source by 2010 ..... more

    Ford Drives UK Transport Secretary
    13th November, 2005
    The Ford Focus Flex Fuel Vehicle was the UK's Transport Secretary's chosen car to travel to the Environment Friendly Vehicle Conference, ..... more

    Peugeot Welcomes UK Bio-Fuel initiative
    13th November, 2005
    Peugeot is keen to make customers aware that their HDi diesel cars are already capable of operating on this environmentally friendly fuel ..... more

    New Fiat Ducato SWB Delivers For $35,990
    14th November, 2005
    The Fiat Ducato van range has proven to be a success in Australia, with sales up 62 per cent so far this year and 80 per cent in October alone ..... more

    Porsche To Build New Drive Centre
    14th November, 2005
    The town council of Weissach authorised the application for planning permission by Porsche AG, for a new drive centre ..... more

    DaimlerChrsyler Selling Mitsubishi Shares
    14th November, 2005
    DaimlerChrysler AG has agreed to sell its remaining equity interest in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) ..... more

    Suzuki Swift: A Whole Lot of Fun!!!
    14th November, 2005
    Suzuki’s popular small car, the Swift has been awarded "Most Fun to Drive" at the annual Japanese Car Of The Year awards for 2005-2006 ..... more

    Mercedes-Benz G-Class To Continue
    14th November, 2005
    DaimlerChrysler will continue to produce the G-Class in the coming years and the hot version, the G 55 AMG may come to Australia ..... more

    Renault Clio III: Car of the Year 2006
    15th November, 2005
    The Renault Clio III has been voted Car of the Year 2006. This is the sixth time Renault has won this prestigious and much-coveted award ..... more

    Porsche: Turbo Driving Force
    15th November, 2005
    The very concept of turbocharger technology is linked inseparably with the name Porsche and the Porsche brand ..... more

    Grand Sports Tourer Gets AMG Makeover
    15th November, 2005
    The new Mercedes-Benz Grand Sports Tourer (the R-Class), due to arrive in Australia next year, has been given an AMG makeover ..... more

    Honda Achieves a Sales Milestone
    16th November, 2005
    After record sales in 2003 and 2004 Honda Australia announced yesterday it has achieved another milestone, selling its 40,000th vehicle in one year for the first time ..... more

    New Audi S4 Launched in Australia
    16th November, 2005
    The new Audi S4, now in its third generation, is instantly recognisable thanks to a completely new exterior design and a dynamic front end dominated by the brand’s formal design idiom, the single-frame grille ..... more

    Mika Häkkinen Continues in The 2006 DTM
    17th November, 2005
    Mika Häkkinen has extended his contract and will race again in the 2006 DTM, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport announced this week ..... more

    Green Light For New Audi R8 Sports Car
    17th November, 2005
    It’s official. The new 2007 sports car from Audi has been named the Audi R8 ..... more

    Repsol Team Takes Win in UAE Desert
    17th November, 2005
    Mitsubishi Motors Repsol Team driver Stéphane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret clinched their third UAE Desert Challenge victory in four years ..... more

    Porsche Again Makes A Record Profit
    17th November, 2005
    Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG turned in the highest profit in its corporate history during the 2004/05 fiscal year ..... more

    Ford Invention Wins Award
    17th November, 2005
    The UK's Autocar magazine has presented Ford with the "Idea Of The Year Award" for its Easy Fuel Concept, a simple device that prevents drivers from accidentally filling their diesel car with petrol ..... more

    New Volkswagen Passat Clinches Prestigious Award
    17th November, 2005
    Upholding the tradition of all its predecessor generations, the new Passat again takes the honours as winner of the Bild am Sonntag newspaper’s “Goldenes Lenkrad” (golden steering wheel) award ..... more

    Monster Miles for Micro Car
    18th November, 2005
    A Smart Fortwo (is it For Two or is it Fort Wo?) has clocked up over half a million kilometres, equal to more than 13 times around the equator ..... more

    Suzuki Swift: Awarded RJC 2006 Car of The Year
    18th November, 2005
    Suzuki's popular compact car, the Swift has taken out top honours at the prestigious Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference of Japan (RJC), 2006 Car of the Year awards ..... more

    Mazda Chief Named RJC Person of The Year
    18th November, 2005
    Mazda Motor Corporation’s President and CEO, Hisakazu Imaki, was named 2006 Person of the Year by the Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) ..... more

    Cadillac Wins Manufacturers’ Titles
    18th November, 2005
    With a total of four victories, two pole positions and nine podium finishes, the CTS-V racers of Team Cadillac claimed a clean sweep of both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships in the SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT series ..... more

    Bionic Car Laps Mercedes-Benz World
    21st November, 2005
    Mercedes-Benz 'Bionic Car' completed the first lap of one of the tracks at the 'Mercedes-Benz World' site at Brooklands ..... more

    New 2.0 TDI Engine For Audi A4 Range
    21st November, 2005
    Audi’s new A4 2.0 TDI with 7-step multitronic, priced at $56,990, is now available in Australia ..... more

    Volvo Cars – 40 Years In Ghent
    21st November, 2005
    Forty years ago this month, Volvo started producing cars in Ghent, Belgium ..... more

    Volkswagen Touareg Experience 360° Back
    22nd November, 2005
    After travelling 76,451 kilometres, through 26 countries and six continents, one of the most exciting adventures of our time has come to a close: the Touareg experience 360° – a journey round the world in the Volkswagen Touareg ..... more

    Mitsubishi 380 Wins Best Large Car Award
    23rd November, 2005
    The newly released Mitsubishi 380 has added another prestigious award to its growing trophy cabinet with the announcement yesterday that it has been awarded Australia's Best Cars "Best Large Car" ..... more

    Volkswagen CrossPolo
    23rd November, 2005
    This attractive and progressive Volkswagen has running gear raised by 15 millimetres, new 17-inch alloy wheels, robust bolt-on parts in a contrasting colour and re-designed bumpers in off-road style ..... more

    More Success for Ford in Best Car Awards
    23rd November, 2005
    Australia's state motoring organisations have named Ford as winner in two categories in, what they call, 'Australia's Best Cars' ..... more

    CLK-Class Named Australia’s Best Sports Car
    23rd November, 2005
    The CLK-Class has won honours at the annual Australia’s Best Cars Awards, with judges voting it the best sports car over $57,000 ..... more

    Subaru Liberty Wins Australia’s Best Cars Award
    23rd November, 2005
    The Subaru Liberty 3.0R has been named Australia’s Best Luxury Car under $57,000, by Australia’s combined motoring organisations ..... more

    Honda Stars In Australia's Best Cars Awards
    23rd November, 2005
    Honda has been named twice in the 'Australia’s Best Cars' awards, with the Accord Euro winning the Best Mid-Size car over $28,000 segment and the Odyssey Luxury taking the Best People Mover ..... more

    Audi A6 TDI Is Australia's Best Luxury Car
    23rd November, 2005
    Audi’s A6 3.0-litre TDI has won ‘Best Luxury Car over $57,000’ at the annual Australia’s Best Cars awards. This is the third consecutive year that Audi has won ‘Best Luxury Car’ ..... more

    Mercedes-Benz Confirms Diesel Expansion Plans
    24th November, 2005
    Mercedes-Benz, the brand that seven decades ago introduced the world’s first diesel passenger car, has announced its intention of doubling the availability of diesel models in Australia over the next twelve months ..... more

    50% of Volkswagen Golf Sales TDI (Diesel)
    24th November, 2005
    For the first time, in the months of September and October, over 50% of all Golf models retailed were TDI ..... more

    German Debut For Volkswagen Race Touareg 2
    24th November, 2005
    The new Race Touareg 2, with which Volkswagen will compete in the 2006 Dakar Rally, will be unveiled to the public in Germany at the world’s largest exhibition for sports cars and tuning specialists, the Essen Motor Show ..... more

    Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Bids
    For Sixth Successive Dakar Rally Win

    24th November, 2005
    The Mitsubishi Motors factory team has entered four cars in the 2006 Dakar Rally, as it bids to become the first team in history to win six successive Dakar rallies ..... more

    Land Rover Announced as Best Cars Winner
    24th November, 2005
    Land Rover has accepted the prestigious BEST CARS "Best All Terrain 4WD" award for Discovery 3 Td V6 as announced at a ceremony held at the RACV in Melbourne ..... more

    VW Golf GTI Wins
    25th November, 2005
    On the back of what has been a very successful period since the launch in May of the Volkswagen Golf GTI, it has been awarded Australia's Best Car in the category of Best Sports Car Under $57,000 ..... more

    BMW Confirms Z4 Coupé for Australia
    25th November, 2005
    BMW Group Australia has confirmed it will bring the just announced Z4 Coupé and Z4 M Coupé to Australia in the second half of 2006 ..... more

    Top Safety Rating For Saab Active Head Restraints
    25th November, 2005
    Saab vehicles have been awarded top marks for neck injury protection by the UK’s Thatcham insurance research centre ..... more

    Melbourne's Suzuki Night Markets
    25th November, 2005
    Suzuki Australia have joined the organisers of Melbourne's Wednesday evening market, in an sponsorship deal earning the car manufacturer naming rights to the 'Suzuki Night Market' ..... more

    Mazda Bravo Gets More Grunt
    25th November, 2005
    Mazda’s rugged B Series Bravo range has expanded with Freestyle and Dual Cab models now available with a powerful 154 kilowatt 4.0-litre V6 engine ..... more



All these stories and the previous news stories can be accessed
from our NEWS PAGE.
Simply click on the link above.




The Editor's Pick Of The News

After reading the news, which story did you enjoy the most?

The Holden Efijy is a stunning show car. So too, was the Holden Torana TT36 from last year. But are these concept cars simply for show? This suspicious editor suspects there is more too it than what meets the eye. Now that I've laid the bait, I'll come back to this thought at a later time to discuss the issue in detail. And because I suspect the Efijy has implications for the future, it is my pick of the news!

In the meantime, read the Efijy story ..... here.

Stephen Walker


2005 Holden Efijy Concept Car

The Editor checks out the
2005 Holden Efijy Concept Car


Click the image for the story





COMING EVENTS

AUSTRALIA

  • Motorfest 2006
    Sydney NSW
    Thursday 26th January, 2006
    In the streets around the Parliament House and Hyde Park area of Sydney

  • Melbourne International Motor Show
    Melbourne Victoria
    Friday 10th February to
    Sunday 19th February, 2006
    Melbourne Exhibition Centre

  • Brisbane International Motor Show
    Brisbane Queensland
    Friday 3rd March to
    Sunday 12th March, 2006
    Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre






OVERSEAS

  • Los Angeles Motor Show
    Los Angeles, California, USA
    Friday 6th January to
    Sunday 15th January, 2006
    Los Angeles Convention Centre
  • Detroit Motor Show
    Detroit, Michigan, USA
    Saturday 14th January to
    Sunday 22nd January, 2006
  • Vancouver International Motor Show
    Vancouver, Canada
    Friday 31st March to
    Sunday 9th April, 2006
    BC Place Stadium
  • British International Motor Show
    London, England
    Thursday 20th July to
    Sunday 30th July, 2006
    ExCeL in London's Docklands

All events and dates are subject to change without notice.







ON 30/12/05 WE WILL NAME THE CAR
WE RATE AS THE TOP DRIVE OF 2005


You'll see it HERE after midday 30/12/05.





Audi A4 2.0 turbo

Click the image for the road test

Audi A4 2.0 turbo
road test

Audi sales are rising rapidly. The way I see it, the A4 2.0 turbo makes it abundantly clear that there will be many more executives and professionals switching over to Audi too!

Read our Audi A4 2.0 turbo road test here.


Other road tests are here.





Advertisement

Shop on-line at Optical and Hearing
Shop on-line at Optical and Hearing for
contact lenses • lenses • frames •  sunglasses •  hearing aids


Click here to shop on-line at Optical and Hearing





Silly Suburban Signs


Byron Bay, NSW

Location: Byron Bay, NSW

Click the image for a larger view.

The editor likes the idea of one post being used, rather than two. But not when multiple signs contradict each other!





Advertise with Next Car

To advertise with Next Car, contact us by e-mail from here.





Car Club Corner

Here's a listing of some of the nation's car clubs.


Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club Church Parade

Click the image for a larger view



And some photographic pages


07/08/05 All Holden Day - NSW ... here

29/05/05 Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club Church Parade ... here

26/01/05 Motorfest 2005 (Sydney)
Gallery 1   2   3   4   5

26/09/04 Central Coast British Car Club Run ... here

06/06/04 Great Lakes Historic Car Club Run ... here

07/03/04 Bay City Chrysler Car Club Expo ... here

26/01/04 Motorfest 2004 (Sydney) ... here





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