Articles by CarsGuide team

Another crazy instalment of Speed's 'Dumbest stuff on wheels'.

Jaguar has recalled 130 of its turbodiesel X-Type vehicles - from the 2006 to 2010 model year - for a fault with the cruise control. The recall notice said there was a fault within the cruise control system that prevented the vehicle speed cannot be reduced through the activation of the cruise control speed adjustment wheel, only by turning off the car's ignition. The recall involves fixing a system error that disables the cruise control. "Should one of these error states occur whilst the cruise control is engaged, it is not possible to cancel cruise control using the cruise control cancel button, brake pedal operation or change of gear," the notice said. Jaguar Australia is contacting owners in writing but suggests owners of affected vehicles to contact their authorised Jaguar dealership for an update to the engine management controller software.

…at the wheel of Australia's own Skelta Sports Car. Having competed and won at Pikes Peak in 2010, the Aussie born driver is heading back for more. Denmeade set a new qualifying record at Pikes Peak at his first attempt and won his class, beating the US and Canadian rally champs. "Now Pikes Peak is 100 per cent paved from top to bottom by environmental court order, it's a whole new event now, and the speeds have gone up and times are starting to tumble," he said. "To be back there in Australia's own phenomenal Skelta G-Force will make us the first Australians to compete there in an Australian produced, designed and manufactured vehicle." Denmeade will be competing in the same Skelta that finished 2nd outright at Targa Tasmania in 2010. "It's going to be great to see an Australian product competing on the world stage of the longest running motorsport event in the world.". The Skelta is the work of builder and owner, Ray Vandersee. Developing around 224kW of power at the rear wheels the light weight, carbon fibre composite bodied car weighs just 780kg. It's powered by a Honda F20C Supercharged engine that redlines at 9000 revs. The whole car is an aerodynamic device from the angle of the slit grills and their curves to the flat floor and undertray diffuser.

Input by local Toyota engineers has ensured the chassis and steering for the next-generation Yaris hatch will suit Australian conditions and driver expectations. The Toyota Technical Center in Melbourne contributed to the steering calibration, which delivers the type of feedback and directness appreciated in this market. The local engineers also confirmed the overall chassis package for Australia which provides sharp handling similar to that preferred by European drivers. Two features in the next-generation Yaris make it highly suited to city driving a small turning circle and added power assistance at parking speeds. New Yaris is slightly longer than the previous model and has an urban-friendly tight turning circle of 9.4 metres. The adoption of electric power steering across the Yaris range provides greater ease and range of turning. Body rigidity has been improved to reduce twisting as well as excess suspension movements, particularly at the rear. The result is greater driving enjoyment, better rear-wheel grip, sharper steering response and improved driving stability during turning. Engineering and design technologies, combined with weight-saving measures and aerodynamic improvements, help cut fuel consumption and emissions without harming power and torque levels. The interior of the new Yaris is focused on the cockpit, with the speedometer and other meters now directly in the driver's eyeline. New Yaris will be launched in Australia in October.

Based on the HSV E Series 3 range launched in September, the SV Black Edition will be available in ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer guise. The cars feature matte black paintouts on the front and sides combining with the Vector hood scoops and side vents to immediately communicate a sinister edge. All SV Black Edition vehicles receive an all new, 20 inch forged and staggered SV Performance alloy wheel finished in gloss black. These are complemented by HSVs performance suspension on the ClubSport R8, as well as HSV's Bi-Modal exhaust and 317kW, 6.2 litre, LS3, Generation 4 V8 to deliver exceptional road holding and powerful street appeal. The interior features a unique finish on the console, instrument panel and steering wheel while special edition sill plates, Onyx leather trim, matte black badging and a subtle lip spoiler on the ClubSport R8 complete the package. A unique build plate is also fitted to every vehicle to identify membership to this very exclusive range. Available in Alto Grey, Nitrate, Sting, Heron and, of course, Phantom Black, only a limited number of vehicles will be produced. The SV Black Edition is limited to just 100 ClubSport R8s, 100 Maloo R8s and 25 ClubSport R8 Tourers. Priced from $71,900 the SV Black Edition is officially on-sale in September.

With a host of upgrades, the TRX500FM and variants, TRX500FPM and TRX500FPE are due in Honda dealerships this month.Designed to lighten the hardest days work, these four-wheeled machines combine a new engine, a re-engineered chassis and upgraded styling in one easy to handle package.These new ATV models come with the Honda guarantee of the highest quality, durability and reliability.The liquid-cooled, 475cc single-cylinder, OHV four-stroke engine has a high compression ratio and six per cent more torque to  deliver plenty of hard-working power.Also new is the fuel injection system which features a 36mm throttle body and provides instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude, hassle-free cold-weather starting and increased fuel efficiency .The rear suspension system combines a steel swingarm design with a single high-quality shock absorber to produce supple, well-controlled travel. And braking power to match is ensured with larger 196mm dual front hydraulic disc brakes.Although designed for hard work, styling is important and the new TRXs feature new body styling with a tough, rugged look, featuring large oversized fenders front and rear for mud and splash protection.A multi-function LCD digital meter is compact, tough and waterproof, and features large readouts for fuel gauge, gear position, speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, hourmeter and oil change reminder.The TRX500FPM and FPE have the added benefit of Honda's revolutionary Electric Power Steering (EPS) which guarantees easier, more responsive handling while the TRX500FPE also has optional Electric Gear Shift (ESP).All three variations of this new 500cc class ATV sport TraxLox system allowing the ATV to switch between 4WD and 2WD mechanically to make tackling difficult terrain simpler.Find out more at www.hondamotorcycles.com.au.

The campaign targets models sold between June 2011 to July 2011. The recall is for a defect that allows the fuel return pipe fitted to the vehicle to separate and allow fuel to leak under the vehicle. Ford will write to owners of affected vehicles. Owners are advised to contact their authorised dealership for inspection and rectification. For further information, contact any authorised Ford Dealer or Ford's Customer Relationship Centre on 1800 503 672.

The new Jeep Compass features a stronger, more masculine look, with cues from the Grand Cherokee. The new model boasts a host of interior refinements, with soft touch points and high quality materials along with improved ride and handling characteristics courtesy of upgraded steering and suspension systems. While the details are yet to be confirmed, it will have more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows. Expected to arrive later in the year the new Compass will continue to sell alongside its cousin the Patriot with which it shares the same platform and drive trains. Along with the Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee, the pair will complete the freshest and most impressive Jeep range to ever be offered in Australia It's the perfect way to wrap up the brand's 70th anniversary.

For the LandCruiser it means 18-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented interior, power-operated driver and front passenger seats opklus satellite navigation, over and above the gear found on GXL wagons. The LandCruiser Altitudes are available with either the V8 petrol or twin-turbo diesel V8 engine, both with auto transmissions; prices start from $80,190 for the V8-petrol.The RAV4 Altitude is available as a two-wheel drive with manual or automatic transmission or all-wheel drive wagon with auto. Extras beyond the CV model grade include 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, silver roof rails abnd rear privacy glass.