Articles by Aiden Taylor

The concept unveiled at Beijing motor show previews the styling and mechanical package expected to feature in the German marque's upcoming 'MLC' SUV. Based on the practical ML, the Concept Coupe SUV adopts a more unique and sporty appearance similar to that of Mercedes' most recent coupe models rather than its bulkier high-riders. At the front a large grille with an oversized badge, combined with a three-dimensional lower valance and chiseled bonnet, give the concept a look which is clearly derivative of the new S-Class Coupe.The Beijing concept features a low sloping roof, which will likely compromise rear passenger headroom over the boxier ML. The swoopy roofline does however gives the SUV Coupe greater visual presence and style over its staid sibling.The rear of the car has been designed to look elegant and sporting with the design finding influence in the new S-Class Coupe which features similarly thin taillights and a rounded off rear window. The vehicle number plate is also incorporated into a heavily sculpted rear bumper, giving the rear tailgate a smooth appearance. Flared wheel arches, integrated tailpipes and stylish air 'vents' also add aggression and athleticism to the design.The concept rides on 22-inch wheels shod in massive 305/45R tyres which give a mean look while hinting at the car's dynamic intentions. The Coupe SUV concept is 4935mm long, 2208mm wide and 1739mm tall, making it slightly larger in every dimension than the current BMW X6 – which is due to be updated later this year.It is understood the design of the 'MLC' production car will not differ dramatically from this concept, though the show car's wheels, door-handles and mirrors will be swapped for more feasible items.The concept also debuts with Mercedes' new 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 which will also be available in the upcoming facelifted version of the existing ML as well as the MLC. The new motor uses direct injection and produces 245kW and 480Nm of torque.The Coupe SUV uses the German brand's new 9G-TRONIC PLUS nine-speed automatic gearbox with five different modes – Comfort, Slippery, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system also features, along with racey carbon ceramic brakes.The MLC SUV will use a development of the ML's chassis architecture. While the wheelbase dimensions will be the same on both models, the sportier coupe will have wider front and rear tracks to give a more assertive stance. The model will be available with air suspension and adaptive damping, plus active roll stabilization, which tilts the car into the corner to reduce lateral forces on the vehicle's occupants.The production-ready MLC SUV Coupe is expected to arrive during 2015 with a high performance AMG-tuned version likely to follow. 

The highly anticipated replacement for the Mercedes AMG SLS - which has become an icon thanks to its roof-hinged gullwing doors - has been teased despite the full reveal being around five months away.The new model, dubbed AMG GT, will be revealed in full during September and is the second (after SLS) Mercedes-badged product to be developed in full by the firm's AMG division. The car will compete with the Porsche 911 in a market place that's beginning to heat up with the arrival of Jaguar's F-Type and cars like the next-gen Audi R8 and Aston Martin V8 on the horizon.The AMG GT will be the performance flagship of the Mercedes AMG, helping to cement the brand as a high performance marque. "The new Mercedes-AMG GT shows that we will be positioning AMG more vehemently and aggressively than to date as a dynamic sports car brand," said Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG. According to Moers, the AMG GT has a strong focus on driving dynamics, agility and sportiness.On the inside at least the AMG GT packs a sumptuous and luxurious cabin with leather smeared over most of the surfaces. Four circular air-con vents sit below a large central display, which we can assume houses navigation, media, and vehicle information.A carbon-fibre encased center console rises up to meet the air-con controls below and features a row of four buttons on both the passenger and driver side which echoes the sports car's engine layout: eight cylinders in a ‘V' formation.  The interior also looks physically wide with what seems like a large space between the two occupants, this should give the car's exterior a low and planted appearance.It is understood the AMG GT will debut with an all-new 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 – the same unit expected to be used by the next C63 AMG, marking the end of naturally aspirated AMG power. Power figures are unknown at this point, however more than the current C63's 336kW is probable.It's also possible the monstrous 430kW 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 from the current E63 AMG S could propel a bonkers high performance variant aimed at the 404kW F-Type R Coupe. More details will be revealed closer to the new model's official debut later this year. 

Named for its impressive power output (400 PS), the Golf R 400 concept takes the already impressive R into supercar territory. Powered by the same basic 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the standard all-paw Golf, the 400 boasts a 0-100km/h time of just 3.9 seconds thanks to significant hardware and software changes to the four-pot which equate to outputs of 295kW and 450Nm – up from 221kW (206 for Australia) and 380Nm.We can assume the power plant is a detuned version of the 309kW unit which Audi showed-off in their TT Sport Quattro concept at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.Aiding traction are wider tracks front and rear with flared wheel arches covering larger wheels and tyres. The concept also features revised front and rear bumpers to improve air-flow while giving a more aggressive appearance. The design sketches also suggest a green stripe through the headlights and grille will replace the chrome garnish fitted to the standard Golf R production car.More information and details on production feasibility will be made available once the Golf R 400 concept debuts in Beijing next week. 

The Japanese prestige brand has previously shied away from turbo engines, instead persisting with hybrid setups to deliver the same sort of power and efficiency as its all-turbo competition.The new 2.0-litre turbo engine is a first for Lexus and will power the NX200t initially, before being applied to the IS sedan and RC Coupe. While the four-pot’s power output is being kept quiet for now, around 200kW is expected in its highest state of tune.Set to be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show later this month, the new NX will join the quickly growing luxury crossover SUV segment, competing with the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3. The NX has a muscular profile with Lexus’ now familiar spindle grille dominating the car’s design. Piercing LED headlights flank that enormous gob and detached hook-shaped daytime running lights sit below. Physically the NX isn’t a big car (it’s based on the Toyota Rav 4), but wide wheel arches and heavily sculptured door panels add visual weight and chunkiness to the design.At the rear the NX incorporates a pair of taillights which are similar in design to the pointy units found on the RC Coupe. Two wheel options are available, 17-inches on the standard car and 18-inches on F-Sport models. Overall the exterior design is sporting but perhaps a little fussy and over styled in places.The NX SUV’s interior design is far less dramatic than its exterior with a slim vertical central stack housing all of the buttons. A screen controlled through Lexus’ touch pad sits atop the dash displaying navigation, phone and media information. The screen can also show a boost meter or G-sensor read out – precisely the things you need in a small family SUV. The new model also comes equipped with more useful technologies like a head-up display, blind spot monitoring system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Japanese prestige brand is also debuting a clever wireless charging tray for portable devices in the NX.Initially the NX will be available with three different engines in the NX200, NX200t and NX300h. The 200 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder, while the 200t uses the same motor but with a turbocharger. Power figures are being kept quiet until the model’s Beijing debut, however the 300h is expected to use the same hybrid system as the IS300h sedan which musters 133kW and 221Nm of torque. The NX will be offered in front or all-wheel drive form. The new Lexus luxury SUV will be unveiled at the Beijing Auto Show on April 20. 

Previewed by the Hazumi concept at this year's Geneva motor show, the new Mazda 2 has been caught by Carsguide's spy photographers undergoing testing ahead of a show debut – possibly as early as the Tokyo event in November .The new sub-compact hatchback's design will be taken in the same direction as the Mazda 3, 6 and CX-5, with the brand's large 'shield' grille dominating the model's face and integrating into the headlights.The Mazda 2 in production form will also feature the Hazumi's sweeping character lines, which rise sharply over the front and rear wheel arches. Where the new 2 will differ most notably from the concept is its rear bumper design. The Hazumi used two centrally mounted exhausts and a carbon-fibre diffuser, however the Mazda 2 will have its exhaust pipe hidden and its rear bumper filled with dark plastics to keep prices below $20,000. The show car's concept door handles and mirrors have also been replaced with more functional designs.A range of fuel-efficient SkyActiv four-cylinder engines, including a new 1.5-litre petrol, will power the new Mazda 2. Fuel consumption will be significantly lower than the existing model's 6.4L/100km figure, and an even more frugal diesel model could be offered, too.The new model will also come with more safety equipment than before. The car spied here is fitted with a forward facing camera which is likely part of Mazda's iActiveSense system which can detect pedestrians and stationary vehicles before applying the brakes if the driver hasn't seen the obstacle. A blind spot warning system is also believed to be an option. 

The concept is a sleek and stylish four-door sedan with coupe-like proportions. Sporting a long bonnet, with the cabin set far back in the wheelbase and the boot lid short, the Exalt draws design inspiration from the Peugeot Onyx concept that wowed crowds at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. However, that mid-engine sports car was far less feasible for production than this sports sedan.The Exalt concept sits low and wide on big wheels, giving a purposeful - almost rear-driven - stance. At the front you’ll find the French brand’s now familiar angular grille, while the lower valance adds visual aggression with a pair of enormous triangular air intakes. Those blue piercing headlights add further visual drama to the design.The Exalt is finished in a material that Peugeot calls ‘shark skin’ – don’t worry; it’s actually fabric and no sea life was harmed in its production. However the material gives the concept’s heavily sculptured bonnet and side-profile even greater visual ‘punch’. The overall design could preview a French rival to the Volkswagen CC.It is understood that the Exalt concept is powered by Peugeot-Citroen’s Hybrid4 power-plant which combines a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor to give around 253kW. Further details will be revealed when the car makes its public debut at the Beijing motor show later this month. 

The convertible will be the third 'M' car BMW has unveiled this year, following the new M3 sedan and M4 Coupe unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show back in January. The three models share the same basic chassis architecture, engine and gearboxes.The M4's engine is a brand new 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six, which seems similar on paper to the unit found in lesser 435i models, but uses all new internals and a different turbo setup which allows it to produce some serious grunt. Peak power is 317kW and torque is a substantial 550Nm.Compared to the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 of the old M3 Convertible power is up 8kW but torque has swelled by 150Nm which should equate to more accessible performance. The new model is also more fuel-efficient than its predecessor with 9.1L/100km possible in the manual car or 8.7L/100km with the automatic gearbox.While lighter than the old V8 M3 Convertible by around 60kg, the new M4 Convertible still isn't a lightweight. The new car weighs 1750kg or around 250kg more than its coupe sibling. Still, BMW claims the M4's suspension has been tuned for maximum precision and response, and in terms of straight-line acceleration this convertible is more than brisk.Zero to 100km/h takes 4.6 seconds with the DIY manual gearbox – that can automatically blip the throttle on downshifts - or 4.4 seconds if you option the quick-shifting seven-speed dual clutch transmission – around 0.8 seconds quicker than the old M3 Convertible.In terms of styling the M4 Convertible is noticeably more sporting than lesser 4 drop-tops. The 'M' car receives an aggressive front bumper with some big gaping air intakes, a heavily contoured bonnet, wider front and rear fenders, the former featuring aerodynamic gills, and the rear bumper houses quad exhaust tips. You'll also spot new wheels, colored brake calipers and new mirror caps.Inside the upgrades include sports seats with special 'M' badging and an M-specific steering wheel. There is also some leather-look material placed over the dashboard and center console, though we suspect this will feature on the updated 3 Series which is due to be released later this year.The electrically operated metal folding hardtop takes 20 seconds to lower, and this can be done at speeds of up to 18km/h. With the roof stowed away, boot space shrinks from 370-litres to 220.The M4 Convertible will make its public debut in New York later this month before heading our way late this year or early 2015. 

Competitive driveaway pricing from Suzuki Australia has made the new S-Cross SUV cheaper than its Nissan and Mitsubishi rivals by around $2,000.Available from $22,990, the new model replaces the old SX-4 bringing larger dimensions and increased occupant and luggage space as a result. The S-Cross is 160mm longer than the car it replaces with a 100mm longer wheelbase. Boot space is a class leading 430-litres or 1269-litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded flat.All S-Cross variants are powered by the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 86kW and 156Nm of torque. A five-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, though a CVT automatic is available as an option on the 'GL' model and comes as standard on pricier 'GLX' variants. Front or all-wheel-drive for improved off road ability is offered on all S-Cross variants. Performance won't be hair-raising, but fuel efficiency is laudable with the front-drive models capable of 5.8l/100km and all-paw versions offering 6.2l/100km.Suzuki Australia Automobiles General Manager Tony Devers says the S-Cross was designed to cater for the unique needs of Aussie buyers. "We built the S-Cross with Australian consumers in mind, delivering on the key requirements of fuel economy and interior space. The new S-Cross is class leading for both," said Devers. A diesel engine is also offered overseas, however Carsguide understands this powertrain won't be offered locally any time soon.The range kicks off with the two-wheel-drive manual S-Cross GL, priced from $22,990, undercutting entry-level versions of its rivals, including the Mitsubishi ASX and Nissan Juke, by around $2,000. The GL comes with 16-inch alloys, roof rails, cruise control, cloth interior, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth with phone and media connectivity, and a four-speaker stereo. The CVT automatic transmission comes at a $2500 premium.The S-Cross GLX is priced from $29,990 and comes as standard with Suzuki's CVT gearbox. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel, reversing camera and parking sensors, dual zone climate control, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, plus chrome highlights on the doors and rear bumper. The all-wheel-drive version costs $32,990 drive-away – less than Mitsubishi's all-wheel-drive ASX, though the ASX has considerably more power at 110kW.Suzuki's range-topping all-wheel-drive S-Cross GLX Prestige is available from $34,990. This variant comes with the same standard equipment as the non-Prestige GLX, but adds a leather interior and panoramic glass sunroof.All models come as standard with seven airbags, electronic stability and traction controls and ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution. The full Suzuki S-Cross range is on sale now. 

The X7 will build on the success of the benchmark X5, with the German carmaker saying the larger SUV will add space and luxury throughout the cabin, in particular a roomier second and third row of seats, to rival the size of Audi’s Q7 and Mercedes Benz’s GL class.The latest addition of an expanding BMW range was confirmed by BMW Group chairman of the board of management, Dr Norbert Reithofer. "We have decided to develop and build a totally new X model – the new BMW X7. I promise this SUV will also be highly fuel efficient while offering outstanding driving performance. It will be a true BMW," Dr Reithofer said in a statement.The model will be produced for the global market at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, North Carolina. While no specifications have been confirmed, it is expected that the new model will use uprated versions of BMW’s straight 6 and V8 petrol engines and 6 cylinder turbodiesels.However it remains unknown if the X7 will be based on a stretched X5 platform or on the upcoming BMW 7 Series platform, with the former the more likely option as the X7 will share manufacturing facilities with the X5.The new model also hints at the possibility of a rumoured Rolls Royce SUV becoming a reality, as BMW owns Rolls Royce. The partnership could result in BMW X7 underpinnings with a Rolls Royce body, interior and powertrain – and badge – to tackle the Range Rover Vogue and upcoming Bentley four wheel drive. 

Carsguide’s spy photographers captured a prototype of the new model testing ahead of its expected 2015 showroom debut. In response to the new generation Mercedes C-Class – which has moved more upmarket with cues and technology from the flagship S-Class -- the 3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) will bring refreshed styling and updated technology to the Bimmer.The changes aim to keep the popular model competitive against its newer rivals. However, in typical BMW-fashion the facelift is of the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ variety, with exterior styling revisions limited to just the front bumper. New lower air vents are expected to give a more modern appearance while full LED headlamps replace the bi-xenons offered on existing 3 Series models.More significant changes have been made beneath the metal with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the new Mini becoming available in the 3 Series. The petrol version produces 100kW and 220Nm in the iconic little British hatchback, while the diesel makes 85kW, however these engines will likely receive small power bumps for their application in the larger BMW product.The updated 3 Series will also receive a host of new driver assistance technologies. These include BMW’s traffic jam assistance program which first debuted in the 5 Series. Using a forward facing camera this program automatically controls the brakes, throttle and steering at speeds of up to 40km/h, allowing the driver to relax during heavy traffic. The new BMW 3 Series is expected to debut before the end of this year, and reach our shores in 2015.