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Following in the footsteps of the Lancer, Active Stability Control with Traction Control (ASTC) system has been included as standard on all 2008 Outlander models.

The Outlander range consists of six variants - which vary from the base model LS, the sporty VRX and newly introduced Luxury models - and are now available in a seven seat layout.

Powering the 2008 Outlander is either a 2.4-litre DOHC MIVEC engine which produces 125kW and 226Nm, or a more powerful 162kW 3.0 litre SOHC MIVEC V6 engine with 276Nm on tap.

Aside from the entry model LS which is available with a 5-speed manual transmission to provide a more attractive entry price into the Outlander range, all remaining models feature a CVT (continuous variable transmission) with INVECS III and 6-speed ‘Sport Mode’ tiptronic-style sequential shifting function.

XLS variants receive modest interior upgrades and add standard side and curtain airbags, a new voice activated hands-free Bluetooth telephone system and new sport mesh seat trim. An option pack comprising leather seat trim and power/heated seat with back pocket is available for the first time on XLS.

Finally, XLS Luxury variants now arrive with seven-seat layout only and offer several additional appointments including HID headlamps with auto leveling and headlamp washers, Rockford Fosgate audio package and a dusk-sensing headlamp and rain-sensing wiper combination package. [Read the rest of this entry…]

The Thai-built Honda Accord uses a 3.5-litre, 200kW-plus SOHC V6 that utilises Honda’s unique, high-tech Variable Cylinder Management (VCM), which means the new Accord can switch between six, four or three cylinders depending on road speed and load conditions.

The system is broadly similar to the one found in the Chrysler 300C but with an additional setting. The system will not only help bring fuel consumption down to a four-cylinder equivalent but will subsequently reduce emissions.

The system works by using all six cylinders during acceleration or high load, and seamlessly switching to four or three cylinders when cruising on the highway or driving at very low speeds (e.g. traffic jams). According to Honda, drivers will not be aware of the automatic switching.

The company says it’s the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it too! More details - including fuel consumption, we hope - are expected before February.

The new 520d uses the same all-alloy 2.0-litre engine from the recently announced X3 2.0d Sports Activity Vehicle, adding another turbo-diesel option to the range and supplementing the six-cylinder 530d.

The four-cylinder unit features second-generation common rail fuel injection and variable-geometry turbocharger, producing 125kW at a comfortable 4000rpm, with 340Nm available from just 1750rpm.

Coupled with BMW’s six-speed automatic transmission, the new diesel engine will accelerate the 520d from zero to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds, yet retains fuel consumption of merely 6.1 litres/100 km on the combined cycle.

In addition to the new engine, the 520d possesses all the features you would expect from a BMW 5 Series, including ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, Automatic Stability Control Plus Traction, and eight airbags. [Read the rest of this entry…]

BMW has released its most powerful diesel model to date into the Australian market in the guise of the new BMW X5 3.0sd.Featuring a 200kW 3.0-litre straight six, all-aluminium twin-turbo engine with a seemingly endless 565Nm, the X5 3.0sd is a born performer.

These figures see the X5 3.0sd capable of covering the zero to 100km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds, with an astonishing average fuel consumption of 8.8 litres per 100km.

Much of its performance may also be credited to its intelligent xDrive all-wheel drive and reduced weight which transforms the horses into forward momentum.

The X5 3.0sd will be specified in line with the X5 3.0d Executive, which means it will come with 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a rear view camera for when Reverse is engaged, electrically adjustable driver’s seat and steering column with memory function, BMW Navigation system Professional with 8.8-inch full colour monitor and analogue and digital Television receiver, Voice Recognition system and BMW Assist. [Read the rest of this entry…]

Mazda has just released details of the all-new Mazda CX-9. The CX-9 will sit above the Cx-7 and will be offered in two model grades, Classic and Luxury.

Pricing starts from $49,990 for the Classic and $57,265 for the Luxury. Both models are equipped with with seven seats and powered by Mazda’s 3.7-litre V6 engine which develops 204kW at6250rpm and 366Nm at 4250rpm.

The CX-9 is driven through Mazda’s Active Torque Split AWD system coupled to a six-speed Activematic transmission. All Australian-delivered units are built at Mazda’s factory in Hiroshima, Japan, but Mazda has made considerable refinements for the Australian market.

Mazda calls the CX-9 “Australia’s first affordable seven-seat SUV with style” and we can’t argue otherwise. According to the company the aim was simple, exciting, emotional and sporty. [Read the rest of this entry…]