Articles by Aiden Taylor

Drop-top BMW M4 arrives in Australian showrooms with boosted performance and value over M3 predecessor. The folding hardtop version of BMW's new M4 performance model is now on sale in Australia.The M4 Convertible replaces the old E93 M3 Convertible and is priced from $178,430, representing a $2320 saving over the equivalent previous model. The dual-clutch auto was a pricey $7300 option on the old V8-powered M3 Convertible, but is now a no-cost option across the entire M3 and M4 range – including the new drop-top.Also like the existing M3 and M4 models, the M4 Convertible is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight six engine that pumps out 317kW and 550Nm. Despite carrying around an extra 250kg over the coupe, the open-top M4 can still crack 100km/h in a spritely 4.4 seconds – three tenths slower than the coupe.The BMW's only direct rival is the Audi RS5 Convertible, which has 331kW but 120Nm less torque from its naturally aspirated V8 and is half a second slower to 100km/h. The Audi is slightly cheaper at $176,400, but is thirstier and has an expensive list of options, including $4700 for adaptive suspension (standard on the M4) and $4900 for sports bucket seats.The M4 Convertible is lower, wider and altogether more aggressive looking than a standard 4 Series drop-top. It features deeper and more aggressive air intakes, pumped up wheel arches, aerodynamically optimized door mirrors, four exhaust tips around the back and wider wheels and tyres.Beneath the sheetmetal there's all new suspension hardware with standard adaptive dampers and larger brakes with carbon ceramic discs available as an option. An electronically controlled Active M Differential also features and can vary the amount of power sent to each wheel or lock the rear wheels together completely for controlled drifts.Inside the M4 convertible gains sports seats which are unique to the drop-top and feature illuminated 'M' badges and 'Air Collar' functionality. Sports steering wheel, leather-covered dashboard and carbon fiber trim pieces also feature.BMW claim the new model offers more than $10,800 worth of extra value over the old M3 Convertible with standard features including, seats with integrated air-con vents, rear-view camera, surround-view camera, M-DCT dual clutch auto transmission, iDrive touch controller and DAB digital radio.The M4's electrically operated metal folding hardtop takes 20 seconds to open or close, which can be activated at speeds of up to 18km/h. With the roof closed the boot offers 370-litres of luggage space, which shrinks to 220-litres with the hardtop folded away.

Kia confirms third-generation Sorento SUV specifications ahead of Paris debut.Kia's new Sorento large SUV has received its second online unveiling ahead of the model's public debut at this week's Paris motor show.The new model promises to bring new levels of style, comfort, refinement and quality to the Sorento nameplate when it goes on sale in 2015.The third-generation seven-seater adopts an evolution of Kia's now familiar 'tiger-nose' grille at the front with interconnected headlights which wrap around the sides of the vehicle.The trademark Sorento styling cues are still there though, with the long bonnet, rear-set cabin and thick D-pillars all familiar.At 4870mm long, the new model is 95mm longer than before and 5mm wider, while height has been reduced by 15mm to 1685mm.The wheelbase has also been stretched by 80mm to 2780mm, which has resulted in increased interior dimensions and, despite the car being lower than before, headroom for all three rows of seating has increased.Cargo space has also swollen by 90-litres to 605-litres VDA with the third-row seats folded flat.The interior design of the new model is claimed to be more luxurious than before with higher quality materials throughout.Adopting a clean and uncluttered aesthetic, the new Sorento features a central display with a leather-look dashboard and high-gloss trim that aim to give an upmarket feel.Kia claim the new third-generation Sorento SUV is significantly more refined than the outgoing model, offering a quieter driving environment.Compared to the current model, the new Sorento benefits from a 14 per cent stiffer body shell, while thicker dashboard material and larger engine and transmission mounts are said to result in less engine noise and vibration.The Sorento uses the same suspension setup as its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical cousin, with MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones at the rear.The suspension design is effectively a development of that fitted to the outgoing Sorento, however the new model benefits from larger rear sub frame bushes, and its rear shock absorbers mounted vertically for improved body control.Engine options for the Australian market will be the 3.3-litre petrol V6 and 147kW/441Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission driving all four wheels.Safety features offered on the new Sorento include, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and a speed limit display.Local pricing and specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the new 2015 Sorento expected to go on sale in Australia early next year.

Updated Kia Rio light hatch revealed ahead of Paris motor show debut.Kia has taken the wraps off its updated 2015 Rio hatchback ahead of the model’s public unveiling at this week’s Paris motor show.The Rio was Kia’s best selling nameplate in 2013, and updated styling and interior features are tipped to maintain the popular model’s competitiveness both locally and overseas.For 2015 the Rio range receives a mild restyling with new front and rear bumpers that give a sportier appearance, thanks to new grille treatment and metal strakes in the front fog light surrounds.Three new alloy wheel designs complete the cosmetic refresh, while two new paint colours dubbed Urban Blue and Digital Yellow will also be available.Inside, the new model boasts chrome accents around each of the four air-con vents and a redesigned center stack over the current model Rio.The 2015 Rio will also offer the option of faux leather upholstery on range-topping models, with cloth fitted as standard.The updated model will be available with DAB digital radio and an updated satnav system with 7-inch display – though this feature won’t be offered on Australian Rios.The 2015 Rio will be available with either a 1.4 or 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine in Australia, with the smaller unit connected to either a six-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. The larger 1.6-litre range-topper is fitted with a 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard.All updated Rio models will be fitted with Kia’s second-generation stop/start engine technology for reduced fuel consumption.The 2015 Kia Rio range is expected to go on sale internationally early next year with Australian deliveries tipped to commence in the second half of 2015.

Updated Mirage hatch range promises greater refinement and value. For 2015 the Mitsubishi Mirage light hatchback range will offer improved passenger comfort and standard equipment levels while becoming more affordable than before. There will be just two trim levels for the updated model – ES and LS - with the mid-spec Sport variant dropped from the local range. Now priced from $11,490 in ES trim with a manual transmission, the 2015 model is $1500 less expensive than the outgoing entry-level Mirage. The updated Mirage ES gains an all-black interior design, emergency hazard light activation under heavy braking, a cargo space light and a smaller roof antenna over the current model. This is on top of the already standard 14-inch wheels, air-conditioning, Bluetooth phone and audio, AM/FM CD player with USB and AUX input, power windows and power door mirrors. The $12,990 LS model gains cruise control and privacy glass for 2015 on top of climate control air-con, 15-inch alloys, front fog lamps, rear spoiler and 4-speaker audio system. Both models come standard with a 5-speed manual transmission while a CVT automatic is available as a $2,000 option across both trim levels. The Mirage hatch is powered by a 59kW/100Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine capable of using 4.6L/100km combined. The 2015 Mirage hatch range has also been treated to the same NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) package as the sedan launched earlier this year. Mitsubishi claim that additional sound deadening in the floor, dashboard and A-pillars has resulted in improved cabin acoustics, while new engine mounts reduce engine noise and vibration. The Mirage range is been awarded a five star ANCAP safety rating, courtsey of six airbags, stability control and ABS brakes with EBD (electronic brake force distribution). A five-year 100,000km warranty with four years capped price servicing is also standard across all Mirage models.

Audi's pocket-rocket S1 Sportback hits Australian showrooms.The smallest model in Audi's S-badged performance range is now available in Australia for a smidge under $50,000.At $49,900, the S1 might be the least expensive Audi performance model available but it's also one of the priciest vehicles in the light-hatch segment. The Volkswagen Golf R from a class above the S1 is just a few thousand dollars dearer at $51,990, though $10,000 still separates the newcomer from its bigger brother - the Audi S3 Sportback.The S1 uses a 170kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot similar to the one found in the larger S3 model, which is hooked up to a 6-speed manual gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive.The sprint from 0-100km/h takes 5.9 seconds and combined fuel consumption is 7.1L/100km.There's no automatic transmission option for the S1, and that makes it the only current model Audi to be available exclusively with three pedals and a shifter.It's also the only version of the A1 hatch currently available that isn't front-wheel drive, hence it features a unique four-link rear suspension setup – unlike the torsion beam of lesser A1s -  as well as retuned springs and dampers and a revised steering system.The S1 also comes standard with Audi's magnetic adjustable dampers that can be controlled through the Drive Select program that also adjusts the standard-fit exhaust flaps.The quad-tip exhaust system opens automatically under full throttle or when 'dynamic' mode is selected to produce a sportier note.Standard features on the S1 Sportback include, 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lamps, satnav, Bluetooth phone and audio, 10 speaker audio system and sports seats with 'S1' branding.However, there are also three option packs available, the first of which is dubbed 'S performance package' and costs $4990. This pack adds 18-inch alloys, red front brake calipers, S sport front seats and full leather upholstery, BOSE surround sound system and aluminium-look air-con vents.The $3990 Quattro exterior pack cannot be had in conjunction with the S Performance pack but adds Xenon headlights with red trim, red front brake calipers, 18-inch alloys in matt black, roof spoiler, Quattro side logo and aluminium-look front spoiler lip.The third option pack is the $2490 Quattro interior which includes a center console finished in gloss black, yellow or red, sports seats with back-rest finished in gloss black, yellow or red with Quattro logo, flat-bottom steering wheel, leather door armrests, air vent sleeves in high-gloss black with red inner ring and floor mats in black with contrasting double piping.2014 Audi S1 Sportback list price - $49,900

Audi releases the first pics of the new TT Roadster ahead of Paris debut.The new 2015 third-generation Audi TT Roadster has been revealed after the hardtop version was launched internationally earlier this month.The soft-top TT is styled identically to its coupe sibling, with the exception of the obvious lack of a solid roof panel and hatchback-style bootlid.That means the TT Roadster scores the same chiselled styling that gives the coupe a more aggressive appearance than any of its softly styled predecessors.New Roadster buyers also get the same funky interior design as the coupe, equipped with a full 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster similar to that of the new Lamborghini Huracan.However, the drop-top is strictly a two-seater while the hardtop features an additional pair of rear seats suitable for smaller passengers or luggage.The fabric roof can be raised or lowered in ten seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h and weighs 39kg - or around 3kg less than the one fitted to the outgoing TT Roadster.Audi claims the new soft-top features improved sound deadening and thermal insulation compared to that of the second-gen TT Roadster, and promises greater passenger comfort and refinement than before.Luggage space for the new Roadster is 280-litres regardless of whether the roof is up or down as the fabric roof folds into its own separate compartment behind the seats.The entry level TT Roadster is powered by a 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre diesel four-pot capable of 4.5L/100km combined.Stepping up to the 169kW/370Nm 2.0-litre petrol model introduces the option of Quattro all-wheel drive, which isn't available on the base model. The 2.0 TFSI models offer fuel consumption as low a 6.1L/100km combined.The range-topping TTS Roadster is powered by a 228kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-pot and can sprint to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds – two tenths slower than the hardtop TTS.However, it is likely we'll see a slightly detuned 210kW version of the TTS Roadster due to Australia's extreme weather conditions.The new Roadster will be offered internationally with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and optional 6-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, though local specifications are yet to be confirmed. The current TT Roadster is available only in automatic guise in Australia.The all-wheel drive system fitted to the new TT is able to send up to 100 per cent of the engine's torque to either axle, and Audi even claims 'controlled drifts' are possible as more power is sent to the rear during sporty driving.The new Roadster weighs 1320kg dry with a manual transmission and 2.0-litre petrol motor, making the new model slightly lighter than its predecessor, despite swapping the old 1.8-litre engine for a larger 2.0-litre and growing in size.Like the TT coupe, the Roadster now rides on the VW Group's MQB chassis architecture, also used by the A3 sedan and hatch range as well as the MK7 Volkswagen Golf.Audi's new TT Roadster will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next week, before going on sale locally in the second half of 2015.

Ford Territory family SUV to become more affordable and better equipped with MkII updates.The Australian-built Ford Territory mid-size SUV is being updated for 2015, and - like the revised FG X Falcon range - the family-favourite is receiving significant price cuts.The entry-level TX trim grade will receive a $3000 price cut when the new MkII Territory goes on sale later this year, starting at $36,990 for the rear-drive petrol model and tops out with the $45,240 all-wheel drive diesel. A rear-drive diesel model is also available, priced from $40,240.The Territory entry-level TX comes with five seats as standard, with seven seats available as a $2500 option.  All TS and Titanium models come standard with the seven-seat layout.A new ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox brings fuel efficiency gains across the SZ MkII Territory petrol range, and is shared with most FG X Falcon models.The TX model uses 10.2L/100km in rear-drive petrol guise – down from 10.6L/100km – while the turbodiesel equivalent still uses 8.2L/100km.Opting for the all-paw diesel model sees combined fuel consumption rise to 8.8L/100km.The price of the mid-spec Territory TS is being slashed by $6000 for 2015 across all engine and powertrain combinations. The rear-drive petrol TS will cost $41,740, while the diesel option starts at $44,990 with two-wheel drive and $49,990 if all-wheel drive is specified.Combined fuel consumption for the TS rear-drive is down 0.1L/100km at 10.5L/100km, while the diesel uses 8.2L/100km in two-wheel drive form and 9.0L/100km in all-wheel drive guise.The range-topping 2015 Territory Titanium will be up to $6500 less expensive than the outgoing model with prices starting at $48,490 for the two-wheel drive petrol.Diesel-powered Titanium models start at $51,740 for the rear-drive proposition, while all-wheel drive requires $56,740.Fuel consumption figures for the Titanium mirror those of the TS model.For 2015 the Territory features a small number of cosmetic changes, including new alloy wheels and slight variation in grille design, otherwise the overall design is unchanged.The engines also carry over from the current model, meaning customers have the option of either a 4.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol or 2.7-litre turbodiesel V6 unit.Inside, the updated Territory gains new seat and dashboard material as well as Ford’s Sync 2 multimedia interface with 8-inch touchscreen and voice-activated audio and climate systems. Emergency assistance, DAB digital radio and a Wi-fi hotspot are also part of the new media system.There will also be greater levels of standard equipment across the entry-level TX model grade, including a reversing camera and front parking sensors, while the Titanium gains automatic wipers.The SZ MkII Territory will be the last SUV to be built by Ford Australia, with Ford set to close its local manufacturing facilities by the end of 2016. However, Ford Australia will continue to develop and engineer vehicles for the global market.

Ford reveals pricing and features for the FG X Falcon sedan and ute range ahead of their showroom debut later this year.The FG X Ford Falcon range will arrive in showrooms towards the end of this year carrying significant price reductions and efficiency gains over existing FG MkII models.In terms of styling the FG-X Falcon range receives a redesigned front bumper design with Ford’s new trapezoidal grille, while XR models gain daytime running LEDs integrated into the headlights.At the rear, sedan models feature a new taillight design that looks similar to those of the Jaguar XF. There are also restyled alloy wheels fitted to each model.Inside the final Falcon gains Ford’s new Sync 2 multimedia interface with voice-activated audio and climate systems, emergency assistance and Wi-fi hotspot capability. This is also accessible through an 8-inch touchscreen which also houses the DAB digital radio and satnav. The new model will also come standard with front parking sensors, in addition to the rear sensors fitted to existing FG MkII Falcons.FALCON SEDANThe entry grade will now simply be known as the Falcon, and the automatic 4.0-litre six-cylinder model’s $35,900 list price is $1,335 cheaper than the outgoing FG MkII XT, but still more expensive than its $35,490 Holden Commodore Evoke nearest rival.Combined fuel consumption for the base Falcon has been improved by a significant 0.9L for a new official figure of 9.0L/100km – but still can’t quite match the petrol Commodore Evoke’s 8.3L/100km.Ford says a new ZF 6-speed automatic transmission, along with improved aerodynamics, has resulted in reduced fuel consumption across and all naturally aspirated six-cylinder Falcon models and the base Ecoboost, compared to the outgoing FG MkII.   The more advanced 6HP21 ZF six-speed auto introduced with the FG MkII Ecoboost models will now also be fitted to all naturally-aspirated six-cylinder Falcon models - including EcoLPi.The more aerodynamic FG X body shape has also contributed to improving efficiency, along with the FG MkII EcoBoost models’ underbody aerodynamic aids now being applied to all bar the XR8. At $35,490 or $4400 less than the outgoing model, the manual 4.0-litre XR6 sports model will actually be the cheapest FG X Falcon model available, while the automatic version starts at $37,790 – representing a $3200 price drop. The Commodore SV6 is priced from $36,490.Fuel consumption for the XR6 auto has dropped by 0.4L to 9.5L/100km combined, while the manual remains the same at 11.1L/100km.The new XR6 Turbo carries a $3245 price drop at $42,990 in manual form, while the automatic version will be $3045 cheaper at $45,190.Fuel consumption figures for the high-performance turbo model are unchanged from the outgoing FG MkII XR6 Turbo, at 11.7L/100km combined for the auto and 12.0L/100km for the three pedal version.The revised Falcon G6E luxury range receives the biggest price cut with the 4.0-litre automatic model priced from $40,110 - $6625 less than the outgoing equivalent.The new G6E mirrors the efficiency gains of the non-turbo XR6, with a 0.4L improvement to 9.5L/100km combined.The force-fed G6E Turbo model will take a $9685 price cut for 2015 and start at $46,550, significantly less than the $53,990 Holden Calais V8 sedan.Combined fuel consumption for the turbo luxury model is also unchanged from its FG MkII predecessor at 11.7L/100km.The best Falcon fuel consumption continues to be available with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, which now consumes 0.1L less at 8.0L/100km in base Falcon form, but 0.2L more at 8.7L/100km in G6E trim. The turbocharged four-cylinder Ecoboost engine will remain a no-cost option on the base and G6E Falcon sedans. Ford's EcoLPi gas system remains a $2500 option across auto-equipped base and XR6 Falcon models, while the G6E EcoLPi will no longer be available.The base LPG model uses 11.7L/100km - down from 12.3L/100km -, while the XR6 drinks 0.2L/100km more than before at 12.6L/100km.FALCON UTILITYFord has also revealed pricing for the updated Falcon Utility range, which kicks off with the $29,390 4.0-litre automatic cab-chassis model. The tub model is slightly more expensive at $29,790, while both base models carry an $800 price increase over their FG MkII equivalents.The new XR6 cab-chassis ute will be priced from $32,140, or $3750 less than the outgoing model, while the tubbed model will cost $32,640 – representing a $3550 price drop.The new XR6 Turbo ute will only be available in tub body style and will start from $39,910, or $1380 less than the current model.Ford is yet to confirm fuel figures for the new FG X Utility lineup. SUSPENSIONThe final Falcon has also been treated to a number of suspension upgrades that aim to provide a more involving driving experience without sacrificing ride comfort. Base FG X Falcon sedans use a modified version of the outgoing G6 luxury model's suspension, adding a thicker front stabiliser bar, retuned front and rear springs and dampers, a smaller rear stabiliser bar on the EcoLPi model and new suspension geometry to compliment updated Michelin tyres. The base EcoLPi Falcon adopts the same suspension tune as the current XR6 EcoLPi in FG X form. The new EcoBoost models ride on a modified G6E suspension with retuned springs and dampers at each corner, while a rear stabiliser bar has been added and geometry changed made to suit the new Michelins. These changes are said to improve grip during turn-in, while increasing traction and retaining suspension compliance and comfort. The FG X Falcon range and SZ MkII Territory lineup will be the final Australian-built Ford products, as the brand prepares to close its local manufacturing facilities in 2016. Ford Australia will however continue to design and engineer vehicles for the global market.

More powerful and fuel-efficient engines added to the 2015 Ford Kuga SUV range.Ford has updated the Kuga mid-size SUV range for 2015, with a range of new or upgraded engines promising more power and improved efficiency. The entry-level Kuga Ambiente manual gains a 110kW/240Nm 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine - to replace the  outgoing 1.6-litre unit - while automatic Ambiente models use a 134kW/240Nm version of the same engine. Combined fuel consumption for the base manual is 6.3L/100km, rising to 7.6L/100km or the all-wheel-drive auto model.For 2015 Trend and Titanium Kuga models drop the 1.6-litre four-pot for a 176kW/340Nm version of Ford's 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine which uses 8.6L/100km combined in this application.The upgraded 2.0-litre Duratorq diesel engine is available in Trend and Titanium model grades and now produces 132kW and 400Nm of torque, or 12kW and 60Nm more than the outgoing Kuga diesel.Equipped with automatic stop-start technology and active grille shutters, the revised Kuga diesel is also more frugal than before, capable of using 5.7L/100km combined – down from 6.4L/100km.Ford proudly notes that the updated Kuga diesel, along with the 134kW and 176kW petrol engines are more powerful than the equivalent drivetrains used in the Toyota RAV4 key rival. The diesel and 134kW petrol are also more efficient than their RAV4 equivalents.  The 110kW/340Nm diesel RAV4 uses 6.5L/100kmcombined and 2.5-litre petrol RAV4s use 8.5L/100km.However, Ford neglects to mention the top-selling Mazda CX-5 diesel, which the Ford matches for fuel efficiency and trumps peak power by 3kW, but the Mazda produces an extra 20Nm.Comparing the petrol-powered Kuga to its nearest Mazda rival reveals the Japanese product is slightly more fuel efficient.The Kuga’s diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines are available exclusively with a Powershift dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel-drive system, with a front-drive and manual combination reserved for the entry level 1.5-litre Kuga Ambiente.The updated Kuga range is available in three new colours which include Ruby Red, Magnetic grey and Tiger Eye orange, while a tyre pressure monitoring system is now part of the Technology pack – optional on Trend models and standard on the range-topping Titanium model. Auto-emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and auto high beam assist are also part of the package.

Renault's exclusive new Megane RS 275 Trophy hot hatch hits Aussie showrooms.  The limited edition Megane 275 Trophy is the latest and most powerful to-date hot hatch from Renault's motorsport division to arrive on our shores.  Just 100 of the range-topping Megane 275 Trophy models will be sold in Australia at a price of $52,990, making the newcomer $9,000 more expensive than the less powerful Megane 265.  The new hero model is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot found in the lesser 265, but benefits from a power boost which sees the peak output rise by 7kW to 202kW - or from 265-275 metric horsepower.  Maximum torque remains unchanged at 360Nm, as do the 7.5L/100km combined fuel consumption and 6.0 second 0-100km/h figures.  So if power and straight-line performance are virtually identical to the cheaper model, what do you get for the extra $9,000?  The 275 comes standard with the Renault Sport's stiffer Cup chassis and a limited slip differential, while a new lightweight titanium exhaust system made by Akrapovič is said to produce a more "raucous bark". The new model also gains fully adjustable Ohlins dampers, and wears sticky Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tyres.  The 275 Trophy is available in just two colours, pearl white and liquid yellow, with unique 'Trophy' decals plastered across the rear of the car.  Inside, the new model gains a pair of leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats with red stitching.  The Megane 275 Trophy will be available from September 30, priced from $52,990 and covered by Renault's 5 year unlimited kilometer warranty.  The 275 Trophy will be Australia's ultimate Renault Sport hot hatch until the hardcore Trophy-R, which recently set the front-drive Nurburgring lap record at 7 minutes 54 seconds, arrives later this year.  Just 50 Trophy-R's will be available nationally and they are expected to sell for around $60,000.