Articles by CarsGuide team

The all-new Pulsar sedan is available from just $19,990 drive-away. But you had better be quick because the deal is runs only to the end of April.

It will launch a diesel model of its existing cab-chassis and dual-cab range in July."The diesel version of the Grand Tiger ute has met Australian Design Rules and certification and will go on sale in July in WA," says Chinese Automotive Distributors director Rod Gailey."It will then be rolled out in sequence to Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia."We will have 20 dealers by the end of the first quarter 2014. This calendar year we expect to sell about 600 Grand Tiger utes." Mr Gailey says about 70 per cent will be diesels and the most popular will remain the 2WD cab-chassis model that sells for $16,990 drive away.“We expect substantial 4WD sales, especially in diesel, with a take-up rate of about 80 per cent. The bulk will be diesels, with 4WD and a dual-cab body." Mr Gailey says ZX has also offered a chance to import an SUV.“The market for SUVs is about 30 per cent in Australia. That’s too big to ignore and we think the ZX SUV has great potential."We are yet to look at it closely but it’s based on the Grand Tiger ute drivetrain, so it has promise.’’Mr Gailey says the sedan is also being looked at “but it’s early days". “We think we’d be in a position to consider it in 2015," he says.

Cut in the same mould as the controversial X6, BMW has taken the covers off its new X4 concept. A cross between a coupe and an SUV, the X6 defied categorisation and the X4 looks set to follow in its footsteps. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eye-catching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW X model, while at the same time holding out the promise of out-standing performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for as early as 2014. The second Sporty Activity Coupe in the brands model range will be built at BMW Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the competence centre for BMW X models which also produces the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X3. The sporting character of the BMW Concept X4 is articulated by its dynamic linework as well as its proportions. With a body length of 4648 mm, a width of 1915 mm and a height of 1622 mm, its exterior dimensions signal sporting elegance and powerful robustness. In addition to a long bonnet, short overhangs and set back passenger cell, its signature BMW features include a long wheel-base measuring 2810 mm, while 21 inch light alloy wheels lend an added flourish to the athletic bearing of this Sports Activity Coupe.

More than 4000 examples of the mid-sized SUV have been sold in Japan since January and a Yokohama dealership reported last month that a battery pack overheated during final charging before being delivered to a customer. An investigation showed about 80 cells in the battery pack had overheated, preventing the car from starting. The batteries are made by GS Yuasa, the company that provides them for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which has likewise been grounded since January pending an investigation into a battery fire. Mitsubishi has suspended production of the PHEV Outlander for about two weeks, Beale says. Another occurred in an i-MiEV, which uses the same battery.  

However, Mercedes-Benz has shown its four-wheel-drive Sprinter and Vito vans are up to the challenge after two factory-backed models finished the Rally Aicha des Gazelles in Morocco. The vans, driven by female Mercedes employees (the rally is only open to  women), were essentially standard except for a few minor modifications. The larger Sprinter is propelled by a V6 turbo diesel engine, while the Vito uses a four-cylinder diesel. More than 300 women took part in the 2500km rally that raises money for  under-privileged people in Morocco.

There's nothing like an extended warranty to get sales moving.It give buyers peace of mind, especially when you're an unknown quantity trying to break into the market place.Guess Great Wall must be having a tougher time of it in the UK than it is here? News just through that the company has just extended the warranty on its ute to six years or 200,000km double what we get here.The exended warranty applies to the Great Wall Steed dual cab utility, otherwise known as the V240 ute to Australian buyers. Here V240 gets only three years and 100,00km and there are no plans to alter it.The extended six-year warranty comprises the 3 year/60,000 mile (100,000km) manufacturer warranty plus a further 3 year/125,000 (200,000km) mile powertrain extended warranty provided by Great Motor Distributors (UK) Limited. The six year warranty is available on all Steeds purchased between now and June 30, 2013.As well as the new six-year /125,000-mile (200,000km) mechanical warranty, all Great Wall Steeds benefit from a six-year anti-perforation warranty, three-year paint warranty and three-year roadside assistance.

The China debut for Qoros comes just a few weeks after its global premiere at the 83rd Geneva International Motor Show.Its distinctive innovative approach includes an advanced infotainment system which will be standard across all Qoros models that features comprehensive networking, guidance and vehicle management services.The Qoros 3 Sedan  and two concept studies will be displayed at the Shanghai show, designed for markets in China and Europe. The Qoros 3 is due to go on sale in China in the second half of 2013 with first sales in Europe to follow later in the year.To be produced in a new assembly plant in Changshu, the new range of Qoros models have been designed and engineered by an international team of experienced specialists and new, young automotive talent.Intelligent modular vehicle platform technology allows Qoros to create new vehicle concepts quickly and efficiently. Additional models are planned in intervals of 6 to12 months. 

It's now available in one variant, with a choice of CVT or six-speed manual transmission with a starting price of $38,490. A handy device in the corners, the Honda CR-Z now has a bit more go to go with the sharp dynamics thanks to a Plus Sport (S+) button which gives the vehicle more engine and electric motor assist power. The Plus Sport function can be used while in ECON, Normal or Sport mode. The CR-Z's drivetrain has been enhanced to deliver power of 100kW (up by 9kW) and torque of 190Nm (manual transmission), while the IMA system now features a lithium-ion battery. The sporty hybrid's dart shaped styling is accentuated by a new front bumper and grille design and rear LED lights that have a blue accent. The 2013 CR-Z also receives a redesigned diffuser and 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels as standard. Inside new LED lights and white interior stitching add to the CR-Z's sporty feel. Two new exterior colours have been added to the palette.  

They affect both the half-faired FZ8S and the naked FZ8N which are now equipped with adjustable front and rear suspension systems that allow the rider to fine tune the chassis to suit a range of road surface and load carrying conditions. Also new for 2013 are clear turn signal lenses, and a new muffler design that gives a quality sound and accentuates the bikes aggressive good looks. These sports machines feature a 779cc engine and all aluminium frame. The engine offers a balance of middleweight accessibility with big-bore power and instant grunt throughout the rev range. FZ8 steers fast and effortlessly, and handles with surefooted confidence whether it's cranked right over on a tight, smooth corner or slicing its way through traffic on a congested commute. The naked FZ8 is a machine with attitude. Muscular, aggressive design gives onlookers a hint of this bike's serious intentions. Sitting between the entry level XJ6 series and big bore FZ1s, the FZ8 is an expression of performance and quality craftsmanship designed for riders who appreciate an optimum blend of power, weight and size. With the semi-faired FZ8S, the emphasis is placed firmly on getting out there and enjoying the roads, whatever the weather. Discover sports bike performance and handling, with the aerodynamics, wind and weather protection of a front cowl and screen. In order to arrive at the perfect power and torque spread for a mix of high performance and all-round usability, Yamaha threw out all preconceptions about engine size. The 1000cc and 600cc categories that largely divide the market are imposed by racing regulations, not road riding considerations. Many riders find 600cc supersport engines to be hard work on the open road and 1000cc superbike engines to be overkill. Yamaha's engineers selected a 779cc engine displacement to provide the perfect balance. It's fuel injected, and uses both a throttle valve and an electronically controlled sub throttle valve to provide additional control over intake airflow volume. The four-valve cylinder head configuration helps the FZ8-series engine produce in excess of 60kW at 10,000rpm, and a generous 82Nm of torque at 8000rpm. The FZ8-series features an engine that is a stressed member in an all aluminium frame. The 2013 FZ8s are available now in two colour schemes per model, reasonably priced at $12,990 for the naked ‘N’ model and $13,990 for the ‘S’ model.