Read previous letters to the Carsales Network here

Send your submissions to Editor@CarPoint.com.au

Move to sell more Mazdas? (more here)
It comes as no surprise to me, a previous generation Mazda6 owner. I put it down to the styling. The previous generation is generally viewed by the motoring press and stylists as "inoffensive".
BMW knows this well. The new Mazda6 looks great from some angles, but poor in others, particularly the rear, rear three-quarters view. Those tail lights have to go! I'd like to call it a distinctly Asian design trait, shared with a lot of Japanese (hello Camry) and Korean cars BTW. It looks distinctly odd when matched up against European design influences.
The current Honda Accord Euro, if anything, looks too American; maybe a Cadillac wannabe? The Australian market as a whole has never responded well to Asian or American styling trends.
No one asked me, but I would have told you beforehand that the Ssangyong Stavic and the previous generation Holden Vectra (among others) were going to bomb. The Vectra came out of Europe, but the styling certainly didn't. Mind you, I was also less than impressed with the Mazda dealers level of service in Canberra, it showed evidence of cost cutting (toeing the Mazda line rather than trying to help the customer), so this may be a factor as well.
Bill

Could it be that buyers don't see why they should buy a car that has six-month /10,000km service intervals compared with the industry standard these days of 12-month / 15,000km or better?
Robert Barham

Three months ago I purchased a new Mazda 6 Luxury Sports Hatch. A significant factor in the decision to purchase my first Mazda was the good resale of this brand and model.
I have now just read that Mazda has decided to reduce the prices of the Mazda 6, effectively slashing at least $4K off the current resale value of my vehicle.
To say that I am unhappy with this decision is an understatement and I do find the "goodwill" offer insufficient as, to maximise your compensation, you will need to keep the car for five years.
Other brands in similar situations have offered at least some financial compensation and, frankly, if none is forthcoming then, at least in my eyes, the damage to the Mazda brand will be irretrievable.
C McKinnon

This article is bang on, also pointing out the fact that the New Mazda 6, is now fully in the large car area. The car is just too big to be considered "medium size" The exterior and mechanics are improvements but the interior quality has dropped way down feeling very cheap and nasty.
I went and had a look at the New 6 and compared it to a second hand previous version on the lot and the New 6 has lost the low slung slightly sporty look and is very Spartan on interior trim feel.
Oliver Simons

I have taken on board Mr Dickson's comments about the slowing sales of the new Mazda 6. As a genuine potential Mazda 6 wagon buyer I possibly tick all the boxes mentioned in the article. Our garage currently holds two Mazdas; a 2002 626 Hatch and a 2004 Mazda 2. These cars are possibly the last of a long line of previously owned Mazda's totalling 14 in all since 1974. With a view to replacing the six year old 626, I drooled at the prospect of owning a new Mazda 6 wagon. While admitting and admiring the level of sophistication, safety and performance of the car, after a lengthy drive it fell well short of my expectations. Compared to a previously owned '92 626 Estate, the seats are too low and not as comfortable for my wife, with a bad back, to get into and out of easily. When in there they are nowhere as comfortable as the '92 model. The 6 wagon is now a BIG car, the necessity to run on pulp and a price of over $40K on the road has scared me off.
We love the high driving position of our '04 Mazda 2 although I am a little disappointed at the fuel economy. Despite the latest Mazda 2 incarnation sporting a svelte lithe body, it has sacrificed the outstanding ergonomics of the older shape. I don't have a problem with Mazda pursuing a more youthful demographic but they risk alienating the hard won loyalty of an older generation. I have valued the outstanding reliability and driving dynamics of all my previous Mazda's over nearly 30 years. It is a crying shame that our next car is unlikely to be a Mazda.
Mark Lamerton

Can't wait for next year's Subaru Liberty! Given the strength of the Aussie dollar, and the competition of the Euro, the top of the range Mazda was way over priced. The Euro was the only choice, until Mazda dropped the price. Bring it on Subaru, then I will replace. I am still smarting from Subaru dropping the price on my car less than 6 months after I purchased.
Peter

I read with interest the price decrease in the new Mazda 6 range. I am the sort of buyer that Mazda is chasing (I have a work car allowance and am a user/chooser) and have in fact looked hard and test driven the range. From the outside the car looks great but the inside is just too drab and cheap looking. The difference between the ranges is just not enough. The limited, the classic and the luxury sport are just too similar in looks on the outside and the inside. Ok I know that you move from cloth to leather but aside from the blackout instruments, the sunroof and the BOSE sound, the extra cost of the luxury and luxury sport is hard to justify.
The next problem (carried over from the previous model) is that the wagon is only available in classic trim. I am in the market for a wagon for both business and private reasons and would buy a 6 wagon if I could tick some option boxes. If I could have leather, BOSE sound and electronically adjustable seats, I would sign on the dotted line. But no, Mazda won't play ball. It is this sort of steadfast refusal to give buyers what they want that sends people to Volkswagen, as an example, where you can option up a Passat at will.
The other problem Mazda have is you cannot buy a factory "built in" Sat Nav at any price, no diesel, no heated seats or exterior mirrors no Turbo MPS all options available on many other cars in the same price bracket as the Luxury Sport.
Added to this is the requirement to feed the six with PULP. My understanding is that the Mondeo petrol is a close relative of the previous (maybe even current) 6 unit but the Mondeo survives on a diet of standard octane unleaded. At today's already high fuel prices, why force people to pay more for fuel than they should have to?
As I said earlier, the dash of the range is so ordinary to look at. The readout for the stereo, heating, trip computer etc is in the centre of the dash where your eyes leave the road to adjust some of these functions. The readout should be in the dash between the gauges and should be any other colour than the "hard to read in the sun" red.
These things were acceptable in 2002 when the previous model was released, but they are not acceptable in 2008. Added to the strange finish of the centre console (gloss black with weird lines) where the gloss blends into cheap matt black on the upper parts before blending into silver on the stereo. It all looks cheap and is the same for the entire range. It would be ok on the limited and classic but needs a rethink on the 50 grand luxury sport models.
Until Mazda addresses some of these points the sales will drift towards Mondeo (larger model differentiation, better options, diesel engine with Auto, turbo engine, more rear legroom and runs on regular unleaded) and the Passat (for the same reasons as the Mondeo) among others.
Owen

Finding a Focus (more here)
In Brisbane I have been visiting Ford Dealerships in the north and south suburbs most weeks since August 2007 and the same stock is still there week after week!
In the six months of 2008, I have only seen ONE 2008 Focus model in these four yards.I would think this is a sales disaster for Ford.
There must be acres of forward ordered cars for 2008 hidden away some where! And 2009 is only six months away too...
Fred

Emotional over Fiat (more here)
Wow, did someone get out of the wrong side of the bed or what!?! I'm glad I didn't read this before I went and test-drove a Fiat Ritmo last weekend or I might have been put off. I saw one on the road last week and was instantly smitten. Interestingly, all your comments about folding down the rear seats apply equally to my Astra and, like other reviews I've read on-line, I thought both back seat and luggage space were about class-average. I had no trouble getting in and out of the back and I'm 112kg. I drove a petrol Fiat Emotion and thought it easily lived up to the Monicker. In fact, I want one! Cheers!
Warren Bones

Not a priority for the public? (more here)
The Luxury Car tax affects about 10 per cent of the car buying public. Most of those sales will be company cars anyway, so indirectly the public just might be getting something back at last. What you guys should be writing about is what are Mr and Mrs Average going to do with petrol at $2.00 a litre? I can assure you it won't be the luxury tax - will it? Kush
CN says: There is a considered view that there will be less revenue raised from the LCT if people hold off buying new cars priced above the tax threshold. The government stands to see its revenue from this stream eroded.
With the price of oil slipping back, it's now less likely that the price of petrol will reach $2.00 per litre by the end of the year. We personally think that the 'petrol price panic' in the broader population is somewhat overstated.
In the last week of June, thousands turned out, in their cars, to witness the opening of Melbourne's Eastlink system. It's apparent -- based on those people, riding at low speeds, bumper to bumper and using fuel at the rate of $1.50 a litre -- that consumers aren't that concerned... 

Insert sarcasm here... (more here)
Wow, thanks for the explanation last month as to why the Aussie designed/built cars are so much more expensive here than in other markets they're sold in! That makes so much sense. So, using your same logic I should be able to buy a BMW M3 for about $25,000 and a Porsche 911 for under $50,000! Neither has been developed or engineered in Oz, so neither would have to spend anything to bring these cars to Australia, right? So, there's no reason as to why would I have to pay 40 per cent - 150 per cent more for these cars over here than their local markets. I'm going car shopping this afternoon. I can't wait to explain CN economics to my local BMW dealer?!!
Ian
CN says: If sarcasm be the lowest form of wit, you're a shoe-in for the wooden spoon of intellect. You must be very proud.
Oh blast!
You've confused an anecdote for an explanation. We didn't touch on the different taxation and infrastructure costs that apply to marketing cars in different markets. Also, you're comparing high-volume production family cars with limited-volume prestige cars.
Those are cheap family cars -- like your Daddy drives -- and expensive sports cars, like that one driven by the younger man who visits Mummy while Dad's at work.
Oh damn!
We would argue that even at $25,000, an unemployable idiot couldn't afford an M3. Was that too obtuse for you?
OH BUGGER!

On the Nose? (more here)
The Opel Insignia has a Camry-style nose? I don't see how. The Camry has an awkward proboscis and weird grille treatment, whereas the Insignia is much more elegant. The Insignia is leagues ahead in design and frankly I don't even see how you could compare it visually to a Camry.
D
CN says: Beauty, Eye, meet Beholder.

Any excuse to drive one... (more here)
I see (when tormenting myself by walking through my local BMW dealership) the BMW version of DSG is here.
Gives you an excuse to ask for another long term test huh?
Steve Thompson

Further info for finance please (more here)
You car finance is well presented, but lacks details on advising the best way to finance the purchase.
Robin Seow

Not quite sold yet... (more here)
The Honda Euro looks great. What about prices for services and spare parts how do they compare with other car companies? I was thinking of upgrading my old car to a new one.
Mark Smith

Dumpin' on the Diesel? (more here)
Diesel bashing at its best!
How exactly do you work out that diesels have higher brake and tyre usage? One needs less brake use in a diesel due to the enhanced engine braking and tyre use. My last Volkswagen Golf did 60km on its set, so I don't quite get that.
There seems to be a good bit of diesel hatred of late and this just adds to it. Everyone seems to be obsessed with running costs and not drivability – strange?!
Karl Pavey
CN says: Karl, the 'diesel hatred' from some quarters is more a symptom of current high fuel prices rather than any innate detestation for the engine's operation. The Carsales Network has been generally pretty supportive of car companies' efforts to bring diesel variants to market.

The Red and the Blue (more here)
It seems that the difference between Ford and Holden's willingness to spend money on V8s is as different as their colours - Red and Blue. Where Ford is cost cutting (possibly due to their lower sales ratio), Holden (or Tom Walkinshaw) seem to have untapped reserves of cash to tip into V8s. Perhaps they are major shareholders in oil companies! This brings to mind the question "when will the money run out?", because eventually it has to or perhaps Holden (or Tom) have managed to invent the money tree?
On the other hand, Fords reluctance to invest their great-great grandchildren's inheritance may prove to be a wise financial move, only time will tell. Perhaps a salary cap and a limit on spending may be the best thing for the sport, keeping all the cars closer in spec may improve racing as it's becoming a bit of a procession, rather like F1 became in the Schumacher era. Why not go back to a more production based series, or have three different classes; 4cyl and rotary, 6cyl and V8's just like the good old days with weight, fuel and tyre parity ? Or a weight penalty for winning or finishing in the top three, just like the BTCC used to have (or still do?). Barry Sheene thought that this was a good idea, he should have known; having driven touring cars...RIP, miss ya Baz. Anyway, we'll just have to see won't we...?
Simon Jackson

Ford stuffed up. How can you turn your back on the most successful Ford team over the last 3 years? I hope Triple 8 move to Holden.
Clem

Ford needs to watch themselves. Holden seems to have similar success with financial backing of all teams, some more than others. Ford will need to watch their teams, Triple 8 especially, approaching or being approached by Holden to come across. I love Holden, but I love the series more. I hope it doesn't go pear shaped. Welcome Toyota if and when they approach.
Paul McAnelly

I have followed car racing for years. It would be so good if we went the same way as DTM cars in Europe; have many manufacturers, not just 2 brands which represent very small part of Australian market. Oh well, just wishful thinking I suppose.
Dario

Ford were the ones that said that they "never wanted to be the GT company". Well I put it to Ford that they don't deserve to be the GT company!
Jason

Who really cares about V8 Supercar racing? It's boring and the cars have very little in common with the road going cars plus there are only two brands racing. Under the body the cars are close to identical, except for the engines. It's in need of a serious change, as it's becoming too costly to race at this level.
Michael Maciejewski

Don't rip into the Renault! (more here)
Fair dinkum, the journalist who wrote the article probably voted for Holden Commodore as Car of the year! For Christs sake, what a load of rubbish! His explanation of awarding the Renault Laguna three stars in the crash test shows he is an un-informed dill.
This is a car company that spends $160 million a year on safety. The Laguna is a fabulous car and deserves a chance in Australia. It's miles better than a rating of 3 stars; I could not believe the crap I was reading. OMG!
Ian Baudinette
CN says: Our reviewer was similarly nonplussed by faecal matter when he read your feedback. How exactly does $160 million a year spent on safety compare with amounts spent on safety by other car companies? Would you know? Who's to say that Renault engineers aren't spending the entire sum on truffles for morning tea!?
Why specifically does the Laguna deserve a chance in Australia -- as opposed to any other car in the market?
It's not "miles better than a rating of 3 stars" for safety, by our scorecard, when its direct competitors have incurred the same five-star NCAP rating as the Renault did. Do you actually know anything about statistics and averaging?

The overall views and comments on the Renault Laguna are fair and accurate. I would, however like to comment further re: the "Safety" aspect. Any car which achieves more then 34 points in the NCAP Crash Test is awarded "5 Stars". Many of the 5-Star rated cars merely scrapes past the 34 points, some even having to redesign their car after the initial test by adding extra airbags (e.g. knee bags) just so that they get more then the magic 34 points so that they can claim and advertise that they are 5-star rated cars! Considering that the absolute best a car can get at present is 37 points, the New Laguna, with 36 plus points is presently about the "safest car in the world"!
Chris
CN says: We would suggest the knee airbag and other forms of protection for the lower extremities are more important than you suggest, Chris. The experts at ANCAP regard protection of the legs as being the 'final frontier' of passive safety for the driver.
"Safest car in the world" for the Renault is a big call and not one we'd be prepared to refute or confirm.
On the subject of other manufacturers revising their vehicles to cross the threshold between four and five-star NCAP rating, it shouldn't be cause for concern that a manufacturer takes on board recommendations from an independent crash-safety testing body.

ESC...Extra Scary Control? (more here)
I agree Toyota's idea of stability control is a joke.
Try driving a RAV4 V6 in the wet. The combination of silly part time 4WD and draft stability control add up to SCARY!!
Brad

ESC should be standard equipment, but consider this: To steer a car away from danger into a safe area, you first of all need to be aware that a safe area exists. If not, the resultant crash may be more severe than that involved with the initial incident. On the other hand, if you are aware of the safe area due to employing observation skills, you will probably avoid the first incident anyway. ESC then becomes a back-up system and/or a means of maintaining control if swerving is required. Many drivers are over-confident with ABS; let's not generate additional over-confidence surrounding the performance of ESC.
Bill Hartnett
CN says: Bill, it's a good point and, with all the focus on stability control systems, we often forget that they're bound to be only as good as the driver allows.

In my experience Toyota's early and abrupt intervention is dangerous. A Camry tried to kill me on the Great Ocean Road in the wet. The car didn't even look like breaking traction, then the DSC kicked in and tried to straight line me over the guard rail. On two more occasions it went out of its way to make the situation worse not better. The point being a poor stability control system can be worse than not having one at all.
Toyota lift your game! On a wet road small and smooth adjustments are the name of the game.
Trackdaze

There should definitely be standards for vehicle stability control systems. A poorly calibrated system, or one not suited to the conditions of the country the vehicle is sold in, is pretty ineffective. Though the assessment of a good system, and how it reacts, is somewhat subjective. Some drivers might want the system to react like the Toyota Camry in the article, while others would want the Ford XR6's system. However pretty sure there wouldn't be too many requesting the Toyota Kluger's system...
BH

Hefty Hyundai? (more here)
I couldn't believe the Hyundai Sonata auto diesel at 1711kg (heavier than a new Ford Falcon) was 170kg heavier than the petrol equivalent. So I e-mailed Hyundai to find out but they responded the figures were correct without any explanation. What would an extra eight bags of cement over the front wheels do to handling let alone tyre and brake wear?
Mark Lamerton
CN says: Mark, in fairness to Hyundai, the two weights were based on the petrol Sonata in its entry-level form and the best-equipped diesel Sonata. That difference is not entirely or specifically due to the different engines, it would be spread over the length of the car in such items as extra noise-insulating material and added luxury features fitted. According to figures from the Department of Transport and Regional Services, the tare weight difference is 102kg extra weight for the diesel engine. 

Maybe another year... (more here)
I think the 2007 Kia Cerato Sedan in the red colour and alloys doesn't look too bad at all, but it still doesn't do it for me! I'm thinking of giving Kia a chance and I'm going to wait until next year now!
Stuart

Listen to the LPG Lover (more here)
When will Federal and State pollies realise that the Toyota Prius and diesel is the wrong way to go. All pollies should be buying the Aussie LPG cars. I don't care that at present Ford is the only one that offers as a factory fit. I'm sure that if the decision was taken, both Holden and Toyota would come on stream within a month. There are many benefits to this. The main ones being both the fuel and vehicles are 'manufactured/processed' here in Australia. Not fully imported like the Prius, diesel cars and diesel fuel.
Scott Goodrick

Hoping for the new Honda (more here)
The Honda NSX looks great, plenty of horse power, but will we see this model in Australia and if so how soon? I'm interested in buying one. Are there any more pictures of the car and maybe a picture of the motor and interior?
Dick

Impressed with the Impreza (more here)
Great article! I've recently bought the 2008 Subaru WRX and I love it! This is one of the very few articles written on the new model that does it justice. I'm heartily sick of reading the 19 year old boy racer deriding this great little car!
John

Diesel debate (more here)
Holden needs to strongly embrace putting LPG availability into most of its range. Australia has unlimited reserves of LPG, it is cleaner burning and of course less than half the cost of petrol. Why Australia persists with petrol is beyond me -- it must be the government revenues.
Holden just watch the LPG conversions actually going on. Buyers want LPG models with inbuilt tanks. Diesel motors are a flop, just look at the prices and the fumes they all give off.
Phil Crichton
CN says: Phil, your prayers have been answered. Holden is committed to a single-fuel LPG set-up for the Commodore and the powers that be have said it is not that far away.

Do they really listen to fuel saving technology? Is everyone just about saving money, or are there people who are willing to pay to reduce their impact on the environment?
Garry Henderson
CN says: Of course, the ideal way to go is find something that's kinder to the environment AND cheaper to run.

Debate continues (more here)
The diesel delivers more torque and does not need to be revved to 6000 RPM to go fast. The diesel drinks 1.6L/100km less than the petrol. Why do we persist with petrol when diesel engines drink less fuel and produce fewer emissions?
With fuel heading towards and over two dollars per litre I'd prefer the torque and economy of the diesel.
Clint
CN says: Clint, we tend to take that view also, but the diesel's viability has been eroded recently by higher prices. Also, with the work that Mercedes-Benz is doing on the DiesOtto engine technology, there's still some life in petrol engines...

Taking on Toyota? (more here)
How many times do we have to hear Holden telling us that they are taking it to Toyota with this, that and the other? They mentioned it with the Epica when I was selling them and now with another Korean derivative. They get it so right with the Commodore and it is okay to say the garden is beautiful without believing that there are fairies at the bottom of it too, know what I mean?
Terry Kerr
CN says: Ahhh, not really... We prefer not to think of 'fairies' and 'bottom' in the same sentence -- not that there's anything wrong with that sentence.

Holden shouldn't have gone to the Korean based cars. You can not compete with the better European and Japanese cars with these cheap alternatives. My last five cars have been Holden's but I think they have lost the plot and Australian manufactures do not respect customer's loyalty to their product. I have a sold my Monaro and do not want to buy an SS, I am going to go German. If they had made the Coupe 60 of the Torana I would have bought one. They have nothing of interest. Going to cheap Korean cars is another big mistake from Holden and Ford is just as bad!
Will
CN says: Ford doesn't source cars from South Korea.

Leavin' Out the LPG (more here)
If the Ford Ute Stability control system is based on suspension setup, i.e. a sports suspension, why do the LPG Utes miss the boat? It doesn't make any sense.
Yet again - going the "green" way (LPG) means missing out? Time to look at a dual fuel Holden Ute me thinks!!
Boris Bondarenko

Trust Toyota? (more here)
You can trust Toyota to not bother giving you a proper chassis.
Trust them to charge you through the nose with parts.
Trust them to give you a stability control system that will put you in danger rather than save you from it.
Trackdaze

Toyotas are not bad cars, but they are not the most reliable in the experience of Toyota drivers I know and have known. Most people don't know enough about cars to venture beyond the standard and Toyota may well be seen as the "standard" choice of car for most Australians. Enthusiasts do not buy Toyotas, even if they want a basic car for the wife or kid, they will choose a Honda or Mazda over a Toyota. Toyotas are automotive appliances, not cars. Martin

Off his dial about the dials (more here)
Slow learners! Until Renault and Citroen revert back to ergonomically correct instrument displays; i.e. a round speedo and tacho in front of the driver, instead of the ludicrous digital displays offset to the centre of the car, vehicles so equipped will continue to sell in miniscule numbers in Australia.
And while they're about it, they might like to offer the full range of engine/transmission options as found in the UK/Europe for these cars.
There are many reasons round dials work so well, here's just a few. Less distraction for the driver; you only have to glance at a round dial to know if you're operating in the correct range, whereas you have to read a digital display.
A display offset from the cars centreline removes the driver's eyes from the road ahead. While scanning the road ahead and to each side, your peripheral vision picks up the information from the round dial/needle combination. It can't do this with the digital display because you have to actually read it. Also, the digital displays can't be read in certain combinations of bright sunlight, often an everyday occurrence on Australian roads. Please pass this on to Renault and Citroen.
Dave

Direct or Diesel? (more here)
Diesels run much higher air fuel ratios up to and possibly over 100:1 While GDI is great and very promising it still produces, as you said, high NOx pollutants.
We are in age now where petrol engines can't compete with their diesel brethren. The last 10~15years has seen diesel technology catch up and surpass the petrol engine. Hell even my 2.2L IDI turbo diesel Toyota Lucida can manage under 8L/100km!
It's time to move on to a better designed and more economical engine.
Chris

GDI certainly sounds like an excellent system to go with; regarding the downside being USA and Australia high sulphur content petrol, do we not have scientists within this country who could correct this problem? If the Europeans can have sulphur free fuel why can't we? Or does the Government get extra tax for the sulphur?
D.J. Swann
CN says: The government has little to no control over the sulphur content in fuel, since the majority of it is imported from abroad. It's up to the oil industry to fix this problem.

Good but what about the Triumph 2.5PI which had a mechanical petrol injection system similar to the Rolls Royce Merlin engines in Spitfire and Australian Mustang fighters?
Brian Purssey
CN says: Brian, our understanding is that the Triumph's induction system was a port-injected system, not a direct-injected system. We're happy to be corrected on this if there are any Triumph anoraks out there.

High hopes for Hyundai Hybrid (more here)
Does the Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid Electric Vehicle have plug-in capability? It would be good. This vehicle should be released in Australia ASAP. I never thought that I would say this about a Hyundai, but my deposit is ready and waiting!!!!!
omn1potent

This would be great if it can be imported here with LPG availability. It would be more effective than Toyota Prius hybrid, which has the same petrol consumption on the highway as a Toyota Corolla, 7.5L/100km. Prius would have to consume around 2.5L/100km in city to get the published 4.4L/100km average, which is doubtful. Is this another Toyota marketing hype?
LPG Best

Awesome!! Finally a common sense resolution to the fuel price problem! I wonder if they will produce a CNG version of the same car. Although CNG requires a larger tank it's cheaper than LPG and LPG is still a derivative of oil where as natural gas is not.
Jason Hill

Much too expensive Mitsubishi Evo? (more here)
I think both Mitsubishi and Subaru have blown it. Appeal to a wider audience by softening the cars sure but the pricing! Do they realise what these new softer versions are then up against? I guess 70 odd sales per month isn't a huge task...
Neither will be getting my money.
Steve Thompson

Hmmm $47K is a bit too much for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. By the time it's on road it would be $50K. I'd go buy a real Evo or STI.
Evo man

$47k is way out of the question.
The competition is just too good for that sort of premium.
Even $42k is at the outer edge. The competition in this segment stretches beyond the Subaru WRX ($40k) to the Volkswagen Golf ($40-42k), Ford Focus XR5 ($36k) and MPS 3 ($39k). Most of which out perform the Ralliart according to Inside Line... Pre-release US reviews seem to say that the car is fun and runs well with its competition, but isn't outstanding. 0-100km/hr and 0-400m times are mediocre; braking and handling are good but not outstanding. Sure there is some chance these will improve before it is (finally!) launched here but $47k? No way - especially not with the prospect of a new and improved mkVI golf and a new MPS 3 due to come in a few months after this launches. $40k would be an aggressive price and $42k would be at the edge of acceptable. Economic times are getting tougher and there has to be good reasons to entice people to spend a couple of extra grand.
Dave

If I could get the Hatch with SST for $47K I'd probably still buy it; especially if it uses less fuel than my V8.
Brad

Dissin' da disc brake writer (more here)
Can you get writers who know what their subject and don't write rubbish? For example "perforated front and rear disc brakes"...does he mean ventilated or drilled or slotted?
Rob
CN says: Cross-drilled, Rob. It's reasonably plain from the context. Slotted in the sense of grooved rotors doesn't mean 'perforated' and nor does ventilated, since this actually sandwiches two half-rotors together, allowing cooling air to pass between the two halves.

Noisy Lancer (more here)
A well written and incisive review about the Mitsubishi Lancer. Joe Kenwright is one of the reviewers I always attempt to find when considering a vehicle.
I bought one of these Lancers and the noise is bad; now I'll have to investigate getting the sound deadened.
David Donne

Lovin' the L23 (more here)
I'm always heartened by cars like the LosoMotors L23 being produced. Minimalism has far more advantages than disadvantages in all aspects of life. Let's see passenger cars adopt the same principles!
Peter Melegh

Auto higher at Auction? (more here)
The main reason that this Ford XY GT is valued at less than the one sold at auction last year, is that it has been changed from auto to manual and the motor is not the original one.
Marcus
CN says: Marcus, thanks for the extra information.

Is it listed? (more here)
Is there a list available which contains carbon to carbon info of fuels in Australia?
David
CN says: Nothing that we're aware of in the public domain, David.

More to Tow? (more here)
I would be interested to learn whether the new model Hyundai Santa Fe has a greater tow ball weight? ie.150 compared to the existing 100on the current 3.3litre model.
Rod Marshall

New idea not granted... (more here)
Government grants, why bother; (see here)
My grant application was rejected for not being innovative enough, you be the judge, go to www.itselectric.com
I needed $500,000 for "proof of concept" to launch my concept; a retrofit hybrid system for heavy vehicles. The grants only fund up to 50 per cent of the project cost. So I mortgaged my home for my 50 per cent contribution to the project. After receiving the rejection from the Sydney Ausindustry office of the draft application, I was told that it needed to be professionally prepared. I got a quote of $30,000 to fill out the application, so I didn't bother. If a plain English presentation is not good enough, I am not going to gamble $30,000 on the whim of a bureaucrat at the front desk.
Thanks to Rams home loans and my wife Cheryl, we doubled the mortgage loan and started the project.
Our first two prototypes can be seen at the Sydney truck show 7, 8 and 9th of August. I was going to send Ausindustry office an invitation but I remembered in their opinion the concept is not innovative. I sent Kevin and all his team an email invitation to come to the truck show, I'm still waiting a reply.
I guess an immediate 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions aren't important enough.
Cliff Hall
PS. Come to the Sydney Truck Show and see “ARGOSY HYBRID” the worlds first electric hybrid road-train and his little brother the worlds first retrofitted 6x6 electric hybrid semi trailer.

Not sold on the new Sportwagon (more here)
Holden should wake up and give its customers what they need and expect in a car designed for 2008.The A pillar vision in the VE commodore is dangerous.
The crap red lights on the dash of the SS make driving late afternoon and into the night very uncomfortable. The interior and dash layout of a VE Commodore does not match a BA Falcon, let alone come close to a new FG FALCON!! AS for the ordinary engines and transmissions offered in a VE, I sometimes think they should have a Hyundai badge on them not a Holden!!
John

Final lap for Shell V Power (more here)
Shell V Power race fuel doesn't sell because people who have high performance cars don't want ethanol.
Jason

But Why?? (more here)
"BMW says there are no plans to offer the DCT transmission with the mechanically identical 135i. "
Why???
Taka
CN says: Add a fourth question mark for us...

RX-8 resale (more here)
I have had a Mazda RX-8 for five years. Good car to drive, excellent handling, poor resale value. I'm finding it very hard to get $27K for a car I paid $67K for although it's in great condition.
Stephen Novotny

Further training for Ford Sales staff? (more here)
My experience with Ford is nothing wrong with the product; I couldn't get anyone to sell me anything.
Two dealers shunned me when trying to buy a Ford Territory, even with my wife. Thinking if I took my wife they would think I was serious. Since then, about four years ago we have been driving a Toyota Prado. As a second car we are looking to get rid of an AU and like to new Falcon. Stood out the front of a dealership in Canberra, got in got out, and popped the bonnet-closed it got back in. Sales people walked past me busily doing things and didn't ever acknowledge me. I could see a few of them talking around a desk inside so I kept on going.
Toyota, every time they see me step foot in the dealership for service they always try and get me into a new model or an Aurion.
Ford; send your sales staff to some fair dinkum sales training. They might pick up a few more (or a lot more) sales.
MRB Systems

Shock horror! Ford, Holden Toyota and Mitsubishi all released bigger / heavier cars using more fuel! Surely the writing was on the wall three years ago when pricing starting thru the $1 mark? As if fuel price will come down? Finally the huge sales in SUV's just make no sense, only now are we seeing them drop off? But for the last 5 years they've just gone thru the roof! Even in the US the buyers are now shying away from the huge "trucks" or SUV's, we may learn our lesson sooner or later.
Zorro

Mums only for new Mitsubishi? (more here)
Just what we need - another dopey big 4WD built on a truck chassis with all the poor performance, poor fuel economy, poor braking, poor handling, etc. But the soccer Mums will probably all want one!
Bill

Sneaky move Skoda... (more here)
I just discovered my new Skoda doesn't have rear speakers. It has spots for rear speakers, speaker grilles, and a Fader function on the radio, but no rear speakers. I didn't think a car maker staking its reputation on VW would make a car with no rear speakers. The last car I had with no rear speakers was my first car; a 1974 Corolla. So don't be fooled by the VW technology at a Japanese price pitch; I was. I should have bought the Volkswagen Jetta.
David

XR8 is great (more here)
This is a great article and the content from your driving test with the Ford XR8, is spot on. I have driven this vehicle, and what a rewarding vehicle to drive it is. I agree with your comments and after my test drive (several of the XR8) will purchase one very soon. My commendations to Ford Australia!
Chad

Or maybe not?
"... generates other compromises including the loss of a clearly defined left footrest..."
No, this is either a loss or a compromise for the Ford FG, because the entire BA generation of Falcons/Fairlanes also never had a proper footrest - just the same angled stiffer bit of carpet that is carried over to the FG. This cost-cutting ergonomic flaw in the BA was hardly ever commented on by the Aussie motoring press.
Whereas the EL had a substantial bolt-on structure at just the right angle, that shames the BA/FG flaw in this regard.
Ross

I don't get it. Joe is clearly impassioned about well, something. He likes the car, even though it is "never be as quick nor as tidy as today's inherently better-balanced VE SS range through tight corners". Apparently that's good though, and all that stands between market success and the "commitment and pleasure in extracting the best out of a car that's not absolutely perfect" is Ford's marketing department.
As a recent Aussie import myself, I confess that the finer nuances of these enduring Commodore vs. Falcon (sorry, G6 / G8) battles are mostly lost on me. And the article does nothing to rectify that, or indeed to educate me (a premium car user-chooser, BTW) just why I might, user-choose the Ford against anything but the Commodore.
I kind of suspect there is such an argument to be made, but we don't find it in the article. As long as these reviews of Big Fords vs. Big Holden's are only reviews of Big Fords vs. Big Holden's, they'll address an eternally diminishing audience.
Banner
CN says: In some ways, the Falcon and Commodore are very different beasts. The Commodore boasts a virtual 50/50 weight distribution, whereas the Falcon doesn't, carrying more weight over the front axle with its in-line six. While that gives the Commodore the edge on paper, it's not as cut-and-dried in reality. Some drivers prefer the Falcon's handling, which is more like traditional 'tail-out' rear-wheel drivers. Chances are that once Ford adopts the American-built Cyclone V6 for the Falcon, it will also migrate to a weight distribution closer to an even split from front to rear. If that ends up being the case, this current model will be the last of its kind, if you care about that.

I can see Cleary now... well Clarity (more here)
I think that this is a good start to removing our dependence on fossil fuels but Australia should be thinking of setting up an infrastructure of hydrogen refuelling stations and starting such a program with the Honda Clarity here. Get the PM to drive one!
Andre Berehovy
CN says: Hydrogen and fuel cells certainly look like the way of the future, but the infrastructure costs are a bit daunting and any replenishment station would pretty much have to generate its own hydrogen in situ.

Hybrid here to stay? (more here)
The hybrid is not a short term solution. Any hydrogen power system is going to rely on some sort of hybrid system to get the required range.
Garry Henderson
CN says: Most car companies are agreed that hybrids are a short-term solution only. Hydrogen is the fuel of choice for fuel cell vehicles and if the car companies can find some method to store the stuff (and BMW arguably has done that with the Hydrogen 7), the hydrogen fuel cell becomes its own range extender anyway.

Alfa are you there? (more here)
Distributor is killing this Alfa Romeo brand in Australia with their special editions and claiming extra value. Alfa sales are taking a nose dive due to in-correct pricing.
John Walter

Took our advice? Sold! (more here)
You have convinced me first to try and then buy one, I've long been an Audi Quattro driver but this Volkswagen Golf is the liveliest most economical and well finished car I have ever owned, thanks for the tip.
Gary Jones

Would Porsche pay the tax? (more here)
I ordered a new Porsche on the 8th May with an August delivery. I have now been informed I am expected to pay the increase in LCT, does anyone know of any examples of Porsche dealers stomaching the cost?
Graham Budinger
CN says: Haven't heard of that happening, Graham. We wouldn't expect it to happen either. Unfortunately, unless the government changes its position, you're the meat in the sandwich.

Hybrid Honda (more here)
Great that further Hybrids may flood the market and therefore hopefully reduce the Ticket Price. (Mind you Governments should be actively reducing all Taxes on Hybrids to assist initial cost implications. Notwithstanding all this I so wish for a huge move into Fuel Cell (Hydrogen Powered) Vehicles, Honda, Toyota and BMW have at least got off their proverbials. Oh, forgot to draw attention to the fact that Holden Australia have a W427 (seven Litre) just released, whilst the Commodore Hybrid prototype resides I am told in a museum!!!!
Deejay

This is inaccurate. I think it's actually the next generation Prius. There is even a Prius in one of the photos. Honda would never do a rip off like that.
Sam
CN says: We believe the Prius accompanying the car was there for either or both of two purposes: One, as a benchmark and two, as a way of throwing off onlookers. Honda is not only known to be developing a hybrid, they've said as much officially.

White works well (more here)
The white looks quite good. I hope that HSV Continue to look at their small car products in the future. I own a 2007 HSV VXR and love it. Very tempting to trade my current one in for the VXR Nurburgring edition
Shaun

Slightly confused over Saab review (more here)
I'm a little confused with your Saab 9-3 Aero Review Can you please say what you mean.
Sonorous did not convey to me what it was you may have meant. By definition sonorous...
1. Giving sound when struck; resonant; as, sonorous metals.
2. Loud-sounding; giving a clear or loud sound; as, a sonorous voice.
3. Yielding sound; characterized by sound; as, the vowels are sonorous.
4. Impressive in sound; high-sounding.
David
CN says: It's the last -- "Impressive in sound".

Production over for Hannover? (more here)
Production in Hannover for the EU market was planned but scrapped earlier this month due to high petrol prices.
Andreas Piefke

Wrong looking Rolls... (more here)
The interior of this Rolls Royce is just beyond belief. As in revolting!!
Rod
CN says: Rod, yes, we're inclined to agree, it looks like it would be right at home on the helm of the Golden Hind. So much wood, so little arousal.

Does conversion kill the warranty? (more here)
Regarding the Toyota Aurion and conversion to LPG. I went to Jacob Toyota Motors at Wodonga on 25 July 2008 and they said fitting gas would void the Toyota warranty. The salesman said that he understood that if Toyota had the gas fitted before delivery to the customer, the normal car warranty would be honoured by the gas fitter but I think this is fraught with danger. Perhaps you could check this out and include it in this site.
Rick James
CN says: Rick, sounds a bit like your salesman is trying to have his cake and eat it too. Either the Aurion is LPG-compatible, or it's not. It won't suddenly stop being LPG-compatible after the vehicle has been delivered. Perhaps check with the service adviser at the dealership, since the salesman may not be completely up to speed with the ins-and-outs of LPG fitment.

Read previous letters to the Carsales Network here