Articles by Byron Mathioudakis

Renault Australia is working on importing a right-hand drive version of the Brazilian-built Oroch dual-cab ute, as long as the business case stacks up.

Mazda is expected to reveal an all-new CX-3 by 2020, which is expected to be built on the new Mazda3 platform instead of the Mazda2 base, and be larger than the current model to broaden its appeal in overseas markets.If this is the case, the small SUV will benefit from the SkyActiv-X architecture that is set to debut in the all-new Mazda3 small car next year, which allows for a stiffer chassis and body structure.As such, the car will be more dimensionally similar to its high-selling Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona rivals.The new Mazda3 architecture also includes a redesigned torsion beam rear suspension setup that aims to fix Mazda's noise and vibration issues, which according to Mazda Motor Company director and oversight of research and development Kiyoshi Fujiwara, was a focal point of criticism for Mazda's SkyActiv models."The (new) torsion beam axle is much better than multi-link suspension in terms of road noise, so we selected that in reducing road noise for customers," he said."Because we got a lot of complaints from the media." It's also expected that Mazda's SkyActiv-X compression-ignition petrol engines, which improve performance while reducing fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent, will make their way into the second-generation CX-3.The SkyActiv-X combustion system uses diesel-like compression as well as spark plugs and a supercharger to lower the volume of required fuel.Furthermore, the world-first engine design can still be mated with conventional six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and run on standard 91 Ron unleaded petrol.SkyActiv-X, which is planned for the 2.0-litre engine in the next Mazda3, bumps its power up from 109kW/192Nm to around 140kW/230Nm.The next CX-3 is expected to have a strong focus on improved seat comfort, dashboard ergonomics and interior acoustics as well as a much larger cargo capacity.Though a huge success in Australia, the CX-3 has not done so well in North American markets where it is considered too small for an SUV.

Volkswagen Australia has discontinued diesel-powered versions of its Golf small car, with no foreseeable plans for their return.The drying up of diesel engine supplies and the lowering of customer demand have contributed to the Golf TDI's discontinuation, according to Volkswagen Australia product marketing manager Jeff Shafer."At the moment we don’t have any diesels in the Golf range," he said."It’s a change to the model-year 2019 changeover, and it is part of the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) changes coming through."That engine and others are not available to us anymore – the 110TDI, the 169TSI in the GTI, as well as the 135TDI in the Alltrack."The new fuel consumption and emissions testing procedure is said to be more accurate for real-world conditions than the previous test and will be mandatory for all vehicles sold in Europe from September 1.As there is a limited number of independent testing rigs available, it is believed Volkswagen Group is working tirelessly to complete testing on all of its variants.Whether the Golf diesel will return when the eighth-generation version is revealed next year is still up in the air, with customer demand projected to drop even further.Once accounting for 40 per cent of total Golf sales, factors including the reduced average petrol consumption in new cars, the comparatively stable oil prices and the fallout from the Volkswagen 'dieselgate' scandal have contributed to the TDI now accounting for less than 10 per cent of sales."I don’t know whether we will see (diesel) come back in the current car, but we do have a little bit further down the road with the Golf ‘8’ coming, and we’ll see what we do with diesel engines then," Mr Shafer said."We always try to look at what the market wants and what customers are buying. And diesels have been a fairly minimal part of the Golf range in terms of the mix and sales, so we’ll evaluate that as we move forward."When we look at the trends in the marketplace, diesel in passenger vehicles has been declining across the board for some time, and I think that has to do with the advancements that we’ve been seeing on the petrol side."The petrol Golf 110TSI produces good torque and fuel efficiency, meaning you can get very good performance from a low-capacity engine and really good driveability at the same time. "Petrol engines have really come quite far."Check out all 2018 Volkswagen Golf price and spec info here.

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) will liven its Rio light hatch and Picanto micro car ranges with the addition of a new turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that's likely to arrive before year's end.

Kia Australia is pushing for the production of its one-tonne pick-up to take on the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger that could share its underpinnings with the recently-announced Telluride.

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has launched its fourth-generation Cerato sedan, holding its $19,990 driveaway pricetag for the entry-level S model.

Citroen's facelifted Grand C4 Picasso range gains a new entry-level turbo-petrol variant checking in at $38,490 plus on-road costs.

BMW Australia is pushing its head office in Munich for a one-tonne pick-up to take on the likes of the incoming Mercedes-Benz X-Class, Volkswagen’s Amarok and the market-leading Toyota HiLux and Ford

The much-anticipated return of the Mazda rotary engine has gained further momentum following endorsement from senior management.

Mercedes-Benz's forthcoming X-Class ute will benefit from improved packaging over its Nissan Navara donor vehicle, according to the brand.