Articles by Aiden Taylor

BMW has revealed its new X1 entry-level premium SUV, which will replace the existing model later this year after the first generation's seven year stint on the market.During its time on sale the X1 has racked up more than 730,000 sales worldwide, making it one of the most successful cars in its segment.While the outgoing model shares its rear-drive underpinnings with the old E90 generation 3 Series, the new X1 rides on a platform derived from the front-drive 2 Series Active Tourer. This shift also sees the new model sit a significant 53mm taller than its predecessor, allowing for a loftier driving position and more interior volume while reducing weight by up to 135kg. Rear seat leg room has also grown by 37mm, while boot space has swollen by 85-litres to 505-litres. These changes have also given the new X1 proportions more akin to an SUV than a high-riding wagon like the current model. In terms of exterior styling the X1 offers few surprises, essentially looking like a scaled-down X3 or X5. However, the baby of the X-family has a less aggressive nose with a pair of big kidney grilles and a slightly different headlight design. At the rear the X1 features a tall tailgate with lights similar to the facelifted 1 Series hatch range.The X1 has racked up more than 730,000 sales worldwide, making it one of the most successful cars in its segment.While the exterior styling is somewhat derivative of other X models, the interior design seems closer to the 2 Series Active Tourer. The steering wheel and upper dash board are all very similar to the MPV, though the center console is new. Beneath the metal the X1 will be offered with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel four cylinder engines with sDrive front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive available. International petrol powerplants include a 2.0-litre turbo four tuned to either 141kW/280Nm in sDrive20i models or 170kW/350Nm in the xDrive25i. Diesels include a 110kW/330Nm unit in the sDrive18d, 140kW/400Nm in the xDrive20d and 170kW/450Nm in the xDrive25d. In overseas markets buyers will have the choice of either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic – it’s expected we’ll only see the auto in Australia. Features available on the new X1 include a head-up display, active cruise control with auto brake function, lane departure warning and auto emergency brake (AEB).The new BMW X1 range is expected to go on sale in Australia towards the end of this year priced from around $47,000. 

Opel has revealed its revamped Astra hatch ahead of the model’s Frankfurt motor show debut in September.Following the recent return of the current Astra GTC and VXR to Holden showrooms, an Australian version of the new bread and butter could also be on the cards, and if it were to be sold as a Holden it would likely share showroom space with the next-generation Cruze, a car which occupies a very similar space in the small car segment. The next-gen Cruze is set to be available only as a sedan initially, leaving room for a mid-size hatch in the Holden range.Styling will be another factor to differentiate the Astra from the Cruze, with the new European model offering a sharp and athletic design with well-defined lines. The Astra boasts an aggressive look with a heavily contoured front end, blacked out C-pillars and slick head and taillights. Similarly, the interior looks to feature upgraded materials compared with the sixth-generation Astra which was sold in Australia by Opel until it pulled the pin in 2013. The button-heavy layout of the outgoing Astra has also been replaced by a much cleaner design with an eight-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Astra boasts an aggressive look with a heavily contoured front end, blacked out C-pillars and slick head and taillights.Despite being physically smaller in almost every way than its predecessor, Opel claim the new Astra actually carries more interior volume with an additional 35mm of rear legroom. The seventh-generation model is 50mm shorter and 26mm lower with a 2mm shorter wheelbase than the car it replaces. The reduction in size combined with a brand new lightweight architecture result in a car that’s up to 200kg lighter than the one it replaces. The new body shell alone accounts for almost half of the weight loss, while clever subframes, axles and suspension components account for further reductions. Opel has confirmed three engines thus far for the new Astra, including a 70kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel, a 77kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol and a 107kW/250Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. Buyers will have a choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. In a segment first, the new Astra will also be fitted with LED matrix headlights which automatically distribute light depending on the situation to improve safety. Other features available include traffic sign assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, eighteen-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function and heated rear seats. The new Opel Astra will also form the basis for the next-generation GTC and VXR hot hatches which are likely already on Holden’s agenda. If the seventh-generation Astra hatch does make it to Australia, it will likely go on sale in the second half of 2016.

An aggressively-styled VW Golf prototype believed to be the upcoming R400 hyper hatch has been spotted at the Nurburgring. Featuring wider front and rear tracks than the ordinary Golf R, along with bigger wheels and tyres, a roof spoiler and enlarged intercooler, the pumped up mule carries all the hallmarks of a future production model in the mold of the R400 concept. The R400 was shown at the Shanghai motor show last year, hinting at plans to develop a powered-up Golf to rival the Mercedes A45 AMG and Audi RS3. Recent reports suggest that VW Group powertrain boss Heinz-Jakob Neusser has already given the Golf R400 project the green light for production. The R400 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 294kW (400hp, hence the name) and 450Nm.  VW claims a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds for the concept, making it comfortably faster than Audi’s hottest hatch, the RS3. As the premium brand, Audi has always had the upper hand when it comes to hot hatches in the VW Group, now however, it seems there could be a gloves-off sibling rivalry brewing between the two brands.The R400 packs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 294kW and 450Nm.The R400’s numbers also represent a significant leap over the standard Golf R, which in Australia produces 206kW/380Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine and can hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. One of the main challenges of converting the R400 concept into a feasible production model is believed to be finding a gearbox that can handle its extra grunt. In order to appeal to a wide range of markets, the R400 would need to come with the option of a manual or an automatic gearbox. However, the six-speed dual-clutch automatic in the ordinary Golf R is only rated for up to 380Nm. It’s more likely the R400 will adopt the seven-speed unit found in the RS3. These spy images suggest the Golf R400 is in its early stages of development and therefore unlikely to go on sale until 2016. 

Chevrolet’s all-new Mustang-fighting muscle car has been revealed and promises to be the bow-tie brand’s most capable Camaro yet.Chevy claims that under the skin, the new car is a revolution. Outside however, the design is clearly more of an evolution, with the same retro muscle styling as before.At the front there’s the familiar letter-box grille and bluff nose, while the cabin is set rearwards with a fastback style rear end.The design of the new Camaro is slightly sharper than before with harder and more defined lines than the outgoing model to give a slightly more modern look. While it may appear similar to its predecessor, the new model is vastly different beneath the skin, boasting a new range of engines and a lightweight aluminium architecture.Gone is the Australian-developed Zeta platform shared with the Commodore, replaced by a new lightweight aluminium-intensive Alpha structure also used by the Cadillac ATS and CTS models.This platform makes the new Camaro 28 per cent stiffer than its predecessor while weighing around 90kg less.Bad news is with these new underpinnings the Camaro is even less likely to be sold in Australia this time around because the Alpha platform hasn’t yet been engineered for right-hand drive.While Holden has confirmed it will have a rear-wheel drive sports car in its showrooms post Commodore, at this stage Chevy has ruled out a right-hook Camaro.Currently it seems the next-gen Corvette may be the most likely option.Bad news is with these new underpinnings the Camaro is even less likely to be sold in Australia this time around.Engine options in the new Camaro include a V8, V6 and a turbocharged four-cylinder. The four-cylinder Camaro develops 205kW and 400Nm and can hit 100km/h in less than six seconds.Unsurprisingly, it’s also the most fuel efficient Camaro ever capable of using less than 7.8L/100km.The 3.6-litre V6 model develops 245kW/385Nm, though its fuel economy and performance figures are unconfirmed.The only V8 option for now is the Camaro SS, powered by the 6.2-litre LT1 V8 from the Corvette Stingray developing 340kW/616Nm.More hardcore performance models are due further in the Camaro’s life-cycle including a new hard core Z28 track special and supercharged 492kW ZL1.  Transmission options across all models include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed torque converter automatic with paddle shifters.The SS also boasts a rev-matching auto throttle blip on down shifts with the manual transmission as well as magnetic adjustable dampers, 20-inch alloys and Brembo brakes as standard.The Camaro’s interior has also been thoroughly updated with new higher quality materials and a unique dashboard design with an eight-inch central display supplemented by another eight-inch screen located in the instrument cluster.It also features its electronic park brake and selectable drive mode buttons located on a nice slither of aluminium mounted on the centre console.Further news on whether the steering wheel will be switched to the right-hand side is expected in the next few months.

Holden has announced the European-sourced Insignia VXR performance sedan will arrive in local showrooms next month.The Insignia VXR was previously sold in Australia as an Opel before the brand pulled up stumps around eighteen months ago.Now the Insignia performer is back wearing Holden badges and priced from $51,990 – a massive $8000 less than the Opel.Ordinarily the Insignia is a family car rival to the Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo, and fitted with front-wheel drive and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.However, Holden is only importing the range-topping VXR performance model which scores a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 developing 239kW/435Nm.It’s also fitted with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic gearbox and sports suspension with three-mode adaptive dampers.Holden makes no acceleration claims, but there's no reason why the lion-badged VXR shouldn't match the Opel version's 6.3 second 0-100km/h time.Holden is only importing the range-topping VXR performance Insignia which scores a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 developing 239kW/435Nm.The Insignia is also fitted with three significant features never before seen on a Holden.The first is adaptive cruise control which allows the car to automatically slow down and accelerate in traffic to maintain a safe gap between the itself and the car ahead.Auto emergency braking is also standard and helps to prevent front-end crashes by automatically applying the brakes if the forward-facing radar detects an imminent collision.The Insignia VXR is also equipped with a lane change alert system which can detect a fast approaching vehicle up to 70 meters away in the parallel lane. This feature is designed for the high-speed derestricted autobahns of Germany where cars in the outside lane could be travelling upwards of 200km/h.Other standard features on the Insignia VXR include 20-inch alloys, heated leather upholstered Recaro sports seats, reversing camera with front and rear sensors, satnav and MyLink infotainment.Like the Astra VXR, the Insignia also features three different driving modes including Normal, Sport and VXR which each sharpen the steering and gearbox response while firming up the suspension for better handling.

BMW has revealed its mid-cycle update for the 3 Series sedan and Touring wagon range. The update coincides with the 40-year anniversary of the 3 Series as BMW’s most successful model to date and brings refreshed styling, new engines and revised suspension.The styling changes are subtle but include new headlights with full LEDs available now as an option and new taillights with distinctive LED design.The front and rear bumpers have also been lightly massaged in an attempt to make the car look lower and wider.The big news however, is beneath the metal, where the refreshed 3 Series boasts a range of new or updated engines.The entry-level petrol 318i is now powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, already used in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini ranges. In the 3 Series it produces 100kW/220Nm and can use 5.0L/100km combined on the European cycle.The base 316d diesel is powered by an 85kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit which uses 3.9L/100km combined.The popular 320i petrol also receives BMW’s new 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine first seen in the 2 Series Active Tourer and Mini Cooper S.The ‘B48’ engine produces the same 135kW as the 'N20' engine it replaces but with 290Nm it packs an extra 20Nm of shove.Zero to 100km/h takes 7.2 seconds (down 0.4 seconds) while fuel consumption is rated at 5.5L/100km (a 0.4L/100km improvement).The big news is beneath the metal, where the refreshed 3 Series boasts a range of new or updated engines.The 320d diesel retains its 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine but receives a slight power boost from 135kW to 140kW and 400Nm.Combined fuel consumption on the European cycle is listed as 4.4L/100km. A pair of more powerful diesels producing 160kW/450Nm and 230kW/630Nm respectively are also available in Europe but are unlikely to be offered locally.The mid-cycle facelift also sees the 328i replaced by the 330i, which uses the same 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder as the model it replaces but with an extra 5kW for 185kW/350Nm.The 330i will sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds and use 5.5L/100km combined.Similarly the six-cylinder 335i is being replaced by the 340i which is the first model to use BMW’s new B58 3.0-litre turbocharged straight six.The new motor produces 240kW/450Nm, up from 225kW/400Nm in the 335i.That’s enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 5.1 seconds – down from 5.5 -, while fuel consumption is 6.5L/100km combined.A 330e hybrid model will complete the range next year, powered by a 135kW four-cylinder engine and electric motor to give a total of 185kW/420Nm.The efficiency-focused model uses just 2.1L/100km combined on the Euro cycle, but can still hit 100km/h in a swift 6.3 seconds.An EV mode will also allow for up to 35km of emissions-free electric drive.In overseas markets a six-speed manual is the standard transmission with an eight-speed automatic optionally, though we’ll likely get the self-shifter as the default option.The new 3 Series also brings upgraded interior materials, namely the polished black plastic surrounding the climate control and stereo buttons.The suspension has also been tweaked with a stiffer setup across most models aimed at improving cornering agility.As for the M3 performance model, the styling tweaks will also be applied to the M hot-rod while an engine retune is also expected.The facelifted BMW 3 Series range is expected to arrive in Australia later this year with prices closely aligned with the adjusted pricing announced earlier this year.Check out Malcolm Flynn's video review of the BMW 3 Series:

Audi has confirmed pricing and specifications for the new off-road flavoured A6 Allroad wagon, following the updates to the rest of the A6 range last month.    Now priced from $111,900, the new 2015 A6 Allroad is $6000 cheaper than the outgoing version.As before the Allroad is powered by a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 engine, however a move to a lesser state of tune sees it drop 20kW and 80Nm for a still-healthy 160kW/500Nm. Fuel consumption, however has been improved by 0.7L/100km to 5.6L/100km combined.The transmission is the same seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch auto as before.Like the rest of the A6 range, the facelifted Allroad brings a revised grille, new headlight design, side sills, rear bumper and upgraded interior. As before, the Allroad adds extra ride height, plastic wheelarch mouldings and tougher front and rear bumpers which should all make it more capable on the rough stuff. Think of it as a posh Subaru Outback.At speeds over 120km/h the car automatically lowers by 15mm or can be raised by 35mm at the push of a button.The A6 Allroad is fitted with quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which in normal conditions sends 60 per cent of power rearwards and 40 per cent to the front.However, up to 70 per cent can be sent to the front if needed and up to 85 per cent to the rear wheels.The electronic stability control system also includes brake-activated torque vectoring to minimise wheel slip on loose or damp surfaces.Adaptive air suspension is standard on the Allroad and at speeds over 120km/h the car automatically lowers by 15mm or can be raised by 35mm at the push of a button.The multimedia system can also display the car’s tilt angles, while hill decent control is also standard.Other standard features include 19-inch alloys, LED headlights with dynamic rear indicators, satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio, reverse camera with front and rear sensors, electric tailgate and blind spot monitoring.For an additional $4500 you can add the Technik pack which brings adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Audi Pre Sense Plus auto emergency brake, auto park assist, 360 degree camera system and Audi Connect apps.

Holden’s value-packed Commodore Storm edition is returning just in time for the end of financial year. Commodore sales are down around 17 per cent compared to this time last year and Holden hopes the injection of the new Storm models will bring improvements. “The VF Commodore Storm Special Edition struck a chord with customers in 2014 and we are sure that it will do the same in 2015,” said Holden’s sales director Peter Keley. Of course, the Commodore Storm isn’t new, Holden introduced it around this time last year but for a limited time only. Now it’s back priced $500 above the regular SV6 and SS sedan, wagon and ute models. So that’ll be $37,290 for the manual SV6 sedan, $39,490 for the auto and $43,490 for the V8 SS manual. The Storm is back priced $500 above the regular SV6 and SS sedan, wagon and ute models. The Storm adds satnav, fog lights, red contrast seat stitching and unique dark finish alloy wheels to the Commodore’s standard list of equipment which includes auto park assist, reverse camera, reverse traffic alert and MyLink infotainment with eight-inch touchscreen. The Storm also comes with special badging inside and out. The total value of the additional equipment is around $1200, so the $500 premium over the standard car makes the Storm a good value proposition. However, with the 2015 Commodore range being slightly more expensive than last year’s model, the identically-specced new Storm edition costs marginally more than before. 

Holden’s new European convertible has arrived in local showrooms alongside its Astra hatchback sibling. Like the new Astra range, the Cascada is sourced from GM’s European Opel brand which was pulled from Australia around 18 months ago.Based on the Astra platform, the $41,990 Cascada is a full-size front-wheel drive four-seat convertible with an electrically operated fabric roof.The Cascada’s roof can be lowered in 17 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h and features triple acoustic layering for better sound insulation.Driven by the same 125kW/260Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine and six-speed auto as the Astra GTC, the soft-top can return 7.5L/100km combined.The Cascada is equipped with leather upholstered seats, rear-view camera, MyLink infotainment with satnav, dual-zone air-conditioning, auto headlights and wipers and Bluetooth phone and audio.The Cascada’s roof can be lowered in 17 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.A Cascada Launch Edition limited to just 50 units is also available priced from $44,990 offering unique styling and features.The Launch Edition boasts 20-inch wheels instead of the standard 18-inch items, premium nappa leather appointed sports seats, leather sports steering wheel and adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights. When it goes on sale locally next week, the Cascada will rival the Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and entry-level variants of the Audi A3 Cabriolet.

Holden has released Australian pricing and specifications for its new European-sourced Astra hatch range.The current-gen Astra was previously sold under the Opel banner, but since the Euro brand's demise in Australia Holden has been working to bring back the Astra. For now we're only getting the three-door GTC and VXR sports models, keeping the Australian-built four-door Cruze as the practical option. Priced from $26,990, the base Astra packs a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developing 147kW/280Nm when equipped with the standard six-speed manual gearbox.An automatic version is available from $29,190, but the self-shifter is less powerful rated at 125kW/260Nm.The VXR performer rides on 20-inch alloy wheels which hide upgraded front and rear cross-drilled brake discs.Standard features on the Astra GTC include sports seats, MyLink infotainment system with integrated satnav, 18-inch alloys, auto headlights and wipers and Bluetooth phone and audio.Stepping up to the $29,990 Astra GTC Sport manual brings 19-inch alloys, LED taillights, leather trimmed eight-way adjustable heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, sports body kit and electric park brake.The GTC Sport automatic is available from $32,190 and is no more powerful than the standard GTC.The range-topping Astra VXR performer is priced from $39,990 and is powered by a 206kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Power goes through the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic version is not available.As standard, the VXR is equipped with three-mode adaptive dampers which include Standard, Sport and VXR settings, each giving a firmer ride.The VXR also rides on 20-inch alloy wheels which hide upgraded front and rear cross-drilled brake discs – the fronts clamped by Brembo calipers.Inside the Astra hot hatch boasts sports seats, VXR alloy pedals and a VXR steering wheel on top of the features already standard on the lesser GTC Sport model.Apart from the badges, the Holden Astras are essentially identical to the cars Opel sold during its time in Australia, however they're now significantly less expensive as Holdens. The GTC is around $2000 less than its Opel equivalent, the GTC Sport a whopping $4000 cheaper and the VXR is $3000 less. The Holden Astra range will go on sale nationally May 4.