The all new Suzuki Grand Vitara has scored an impressive safety rating in the latest round of official testing in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

The popular four-wheel-drive Grand Vitara achieved a four star rating for adult occupant protection and a three star rating for child occupant protection, ranking it amongst the top of its class in safety performance.

Suzuki’s Grand Vitara also received a three-star pedestrian rating from a possible four stars, making Suzuki only the third compact off-roader to be awarded three stars, the highest pedestrian rating awarded in this category.

“We are clearly delighted with the results the Grand Vitara has achieved in these independent safety tests,” said Tony Devers, General Manager of Suzuki Australia.

“The European NCAP results are the benchmark for safety standards around the world, and Australian customers can hold these results in high regard.”
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Subaru’s sophisticated new generation All-Wheel Drive Impreza will be unveiled to the world at the New York International Auto Show.

The stylish small car has a cosmopolitan new image that will expand its appeal to a far broader audience.

The roomiest-ever Impreza will be launched as a five-door hatch in Australia in September, with four-door sedan versions to follow a year later.

In Australia, new generation Impreza will come in both normally-aspirated and turbocharged variants, targeted to broaden appeal to different consumer and driving needs.

The normally aspirated Impreza will be the volume model, directly targeted at the premium European hatches, but with all the benefits of Japanese technology and reliability.

Impreza is designed with elegance and sophistication in mind. It will have the additional benefit of superior sporty handling and the confidence of All-Wheel Drive as a standard feature, as well as a comprehensive standard specification list that might normally be associated with high end medium or large cars.
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BMW M GmbH has revealed an impression of the next generation M3 Coupé at the 77th Geneva Motor Show in the guise of a stunning Concept Car.

The BMW M3 Concept Car features a high-revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production. The M3 Concept Car gives an indication of what to expect when the production version of the E92 generation M3 Coupé is released. Bred on the race track for the road, the M3 Coupé has been an icon for more than 20 years.

The new BMW M3 Concept car is based on the just introduced BMW 3 Series Coupé (which has been critically acclaimed around the world, notably in Twin Turbo 335i guise). For the M3 Concept car, most body panels have been recreated to suit the high-performance prescription that has invigorated driving enthusiasts for more than 20 years. The secret to any M3 is its successful combination of every day driving machine with race track weapon.

The much anticipated Geneva show car is finished in BMW M’s traditional concept paint finish “Chrome Shadow”. While the new BMW M3 shares the overall silhouette of the 3 Series Coupé, only the doors, boot lid and head and tail lamps are carried over without alteration in the M3 Concept Car’s body. All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car. It features unique exterior aesthetics that accentuate its superior power. The most notable change to the body is the bulging bonnet now made of weight-saving aluminium, complete with an enhanced and unmistakable powerdome, flanked by large air vents.

The V8 engine featured in the M3 Concept Car devours air at a faster rate than the previous straight six-cylinder engine, so the front apron is dominated by three extra-large air intakes. Along the flanks, the front guards host the now traditional M gills complete with indicator repeaters and M3 badge, while side skirts re-emphasise the M3 Coupé’s powerful stance and high-performance purpose. The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolise the high level of agility and driving stability achieved by this vehicle. Together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, they emphasise the vehicle’s wide track, while a glance through the spokes of the rims reveals the compound high performance brakes developed exclusively for M vehicles.

Specially designed exterior mirrors feature a black double foot reminiscent of an aircraft wing. The mirrors contribute positively to enhanced stability at high speed, thanks to detailed wind-tunnel optimisation. From any angle, the rear of the car draws the eye to the large rear wheel and muscular haunches, underlining the fact that power is delivered to the road via the rear wheels.

The M3 Concept Car is fitted as standard with an advanced technology carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel, as introduced on the limited edition E46 generation M3 CSL, and also used on the production M6 Coupé. In addition to helping to lower the centre of gravity and thus improve agility and handling control, the Formula 1-developed CFRP saves overall weight and is left unpainted, with the finely structured surface coated only with a layer of clear finish.

Australian specifications and pricing for the stunning CL-Class Coupé range is now available ahead of the new model’s Australian market introduction this coming March. The all-new range-leading two-door sees the continuation of a Mercedes-Benz coupé tradition spanning more than 50 years. The models in the all-new CL-Class range incorporate an extensive list of luxurious and sporting equipment as standard fitment, underlining CL-Class’ star billing in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.

From March, the stunning two-door CL-Class will be available from $308,000 for the CL 500, with the powerful CL 63 AMG at $383,000. The peerless CL 600 which is powered by the marque’s famous V12 biturbo engine is priced at $389,000. All prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges.

The eight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500delivers 285 kW and generates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. As such, the newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26 percent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).

An ultra-modern biturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600generates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous details of the power unit and, compared to the predecessor model, have increased output by 12 kW to 380 kW. Maximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved further by 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up to 3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). Despite the significant performance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel than the previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.

The breathtaking CL 63 AMG sports the same 6,208 cc V8 engine that has recently taken the sports car world by storm. The 385 kW / 630 Newton Metres torque powerplant is matched to the seamless AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission. As always, the heart of this sports star is hand-assembled by AMG according to the maker’s disciplined principle of ‘One man, one engine’.

Subaru has made an early 2007 impact with the launch of a tuned by STI limited edition version of its popular Impreza WRX.

Priced at $46,990 the Impreza WRX tuned by STI includes more than $12,000 worth of extra equipment for only $7000 more than the standard Impreza WRX.

Enhancements include a tuned Engine Control Unit (ECU), Pirelli tyres, Enkei alloy wheels, leather trim and sunroof.

Improved engine performance has been achieved by recalibration of the ECU and is combined with a low back pressure exhaust muffler.

Peak power is up 10 kilowatts to179kW, while throttle and torque response is significantly enhanced with torque up 20 Newtonmetres to 340Nm, peaking at 3200rpm.

The combination of a more linear throttle output and improved torque curve means the Impreza WRX tuned by STI is very responsive - this was a project priority for Fuji Heavy Industries’ Subaru Tecnica International (STI) engineers.

From this month Mazda adds a state-of-the-art, ultra-clean, diesel powered Mazda6 hatch and wagon to its range. This makes Mazda the only Japanese car maker offering a diesel passenger car in the recently fuel-sensitive Aussie car market. With the Mazda6 Diesel hatch and wagon consuming on average just 5.9L/100km - according to government fuel economy tests - the diesel Mazda6 models can travel more than 1000km on a tank of fuel. Even bearing in mind that diesel fuel is more expensive here this is an incredible economy figure for a car that will seat your whole family.

Fuel economy is even more impressive on the highway with consumption for the hatch and wagon falling to just 5.0L/100km, giving a potential cruising range of more than 1250km from the 64 litre tank. Combining with a six-speed manual transmission, the Mazda6’s engine features the latest diesel technology and backs up its impressive fuel economy with strong performance and clean exhaust emissions. The direct injection and turbocharged Mazda6 diesel also promises a sporty drive with the Mazda designed, engineered and manufactured 2.0L, direct injection engine producing a massive 360 Newton metres of torque (pulling power). The engine also develops a 105kW - about 17kW less than the petrol version, but this is made up with 153Nm more in torque.

The Mazda6 hatch diesel accelerates from 0-100kmh in 9.5 seconds - not quick, but certainly “enough” performance. Mazda is offering buyers not only two body styles but the choice of different trim levels. The Mazda6 Diesel wagon, which is priced at $35,205 comes with climate control air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, six-stack CD, wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches and more luxurious trim, remote central locking with deadlock function, power windows and mirrors, driver’s seat height adjustment and telescopic and height adjustable steering.

The diesel-powered hatch, which is priced at $38,090, also gains a number of upmarket appointments usually found on Luxury versions of the Mazda6. These include leather seats, Bose sound system with seven speakers and a power-operated driver’s seat with three position memory.

Following the outstanding success of its 300C large sedan, Chrysler today announced it will take its award-winning formula of design and engineering to the mid-size sedan segment, confirming that the all-new Chrysler Sebring will arrive in Australia for sale mid 2007.

The Chrysler Sebring combines stunning design and interior craftsmanship with high-levels of safety and reliability, performance and fuel efficiency. “The Chrysler Sebring will sustain the momentum started by the blockbuster hit Chrysler 300C,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Group Australia. “Just as the 300C redefined the large-car segment and signalled the return of the great American car, the Chrysler Sebring combines the levels of reliability and durability that mid-size buyers demand with the standout design that sets all Chrysler’s apart.

“Sebring’s elegant styling provides a clear alternative to European and Japanese competition,” he said. The new Chrysler Sebring will offer a choice of three engines in Australia. Standard is a 2.4-litre petrol engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT). Also available will be a state-of-the-art 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, and at a later stage a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine.

The Chrysler Sebring includes a host of new technology and features, ranging from a cutting-edge information, entertainment and communication navigation audio system to a heated/cooled front cupholder for keeping hot beverages hot and cool beverages cool. A long list of safety systems includes an Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), advanced multi-stage front air bags, side-curtain airbags and front-seat-mounted side airbags. Pricing and model line-up for the Chrysler Sebring will be confirmed closer to launch.

The Subaru range is taking on a new dimension with the introduction of the brand’s largest vehicle, the symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Tribeca. It adds an extra element of agility and fun driving performance to the SUV market. Available with five and seven-seat cabins, the versatile Tribeca expands Subaru’s model range to five. It has undergone extensive local testing, tailoring it to Australia’s unique roads and climate.

Subaru’s commitment to safety is underlined by Tribeca’s achievement of a five star occupant safety crashworthiness rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). This means every Subaru Tribeca, Forester, Liberty and Outback now has a five-star rating – the highest achievable. The 3.0 litre six-cylinder Tribeca offers greater cabin width and length than any previous Subaru and is available from November in limited numbers, starting from $53,990 recommended retail price for the 3.0R five seat.

The range-topping Tribeca 3.0R Premium seven-seat is $60,990 rrp. For this price, it has a comprehensive specification list that includes standard rear view camera, Vehicle Dynamics Control and satellite navigation. A DVD entertainment system, electric sunroof, leather trim and heated front seats feature on Premium variants.

Highlights include:

* Five-star independent crashworthiness rating for occupant safety
* Rollover sensor system
* Satellite navigation system
* Rear vision camera
* Dual zone climate control air conditioning
* 2000 kg braked towing capacity
* Pricing from just $53,990 rrp
* Newly developed double wishbone rear suspension
* Vehicie Dynamics Control with Traction Control System
* Choice of five or seven-seat cabins
* MP3 compatible six-stack nine-speaker in-dash CD stereo system

Sheer sportiness, a genuine driving experience plus high power reserves – cue the new TT Roadster from Audi. The open-top sports car retains the distinctive lines of its tremendously successful predecessor, but instils them with even greater emotion, performance and dynamism.

Audi offers a choice of two engines for its new TT Roadster. The 3.2-litre V6 power unit generates 184 kW (250 bhp) and is coupled to the quattro drive system as standard. The 2.0 TFSI engine, which blends turbocharging with petrol direct injection technology, delivers 147 kW (200 bhp) to the front wheels. Both model variants can be ordered with the innovative S tronic dual-clutch gearbox as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual shift.

The chassis of the new Roadster is also built for impressive sporty performance. Its highlight is Audi magnetic ride, the optional suspension damping technology that allows drivers to choose between an uncompromisingly dynamic ride or more comfort-orientated characteristics.

To mirror the puristic character of open-top motoring, the boldly styled body is crowned by a lightweight cloth hood. The TT Roadster 3.2 quattro comes as standard with a quick-action, fully automatic softtop which is available as an option for the 2.0 TFSI.

The TT Roadster in Australia

The new Audi TT Roadster is expected to arrive in Australia around the middle of 2007. Two models will be available including a 2.0 TFSI S tronic version and a 3.2 V6 S tronic with quattro all-wheel drive. Pricing and specification is not yet available for Australian vehicles.