Articles by CarsGuide team

...of their three-door Veloster.

Jac has launched its initial Australian "J Range" of light-duty trucks at prices that undercut established players by thousands of dollars. The initial three model Australian line-up will cover a wide range of applications and needs, covering GVMs from 4.5 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes.THE RANGEThe range is headed by the J75 model, featuring a 3.8-litre Cummins ISF, Euro 5 common rail, turbo diesel engine mated to a JAC six-speed manual transmission and with a 7.5 tonne GVM. For buyers requiring a lighter GVM, the 6.5 tonne J65, using the same 3.8 litre Cummins ISF engine and JAC transmission with a tonne less payload.The 4.5 tonne GVM J45, powered by a 2.8 litre Cummins ISF Euro 5 common rail turbo diesel engine, mated initially to a ZF five-speed manual transmission, will be available to Australian buyers from September.VALUEThe three models are the vanguard of an entire range of trucks JAC will bring to the Australian market in the coming years. They are specified to offer the best value proposition in the Australian light-duty truck market. Cummins power gives JAC the credibility of an established internationally recognised engine manufacturer and also gives the light-duty range the power to match or beat, comparable trucks from Japanese manufacturers.ECONOMYThe Cummins ISF in both 2.8 and 3.8-litre form delivers tremendous fuel economy along with a low, flat torque curve making the JAC light-duty models extremely flexible and easy to drive, particularly in city traffic.Cummins' efficiency allows it to use a smaller capacity engine with strong torque across the rev range which in turn means means greatly reduced fuel consumption. The JAC J65 and J75 models are the only light-duty trucks on the Australian market to boast full air brakes enhancing safety, durability and performance.PAYLOADThe J45 model will boast the highest payload capacity in its class with an advantage of between 300 and 400kg on its Japanese rivals. Standard features on all three JAC light-duty models include ABS anti-lock braking, EBD, power windows, air-conditioning AM-FM-CD-MP3 audio system, remote central locking, door pockets, cup holders and entry assist handles. The JAC truck range is also launched with an industry leading 2+3 warranty. 

From humble beginnings as a small car sales yard at Redcliffe more than 30 years ago, Brisbane Isuzu has stood the test of time in the motor industry.Today, it operates as Queensland's number one Isuzu truck dealer and has received many business achievement awards including the GE Business Achievers, Quest Business Achievers and Commerce Queensland Special Achievement awards. It is on the back of these successes that Brisbane Isuzu built the foundation for the grand opening last month of the Brisbane Isuzu Ute dealership at 208 Fison Ave, Eagle Farm.Brisbane Isuzu dealer principal Alan Newcombe was very excited with this new direction into the ute market. "Having been involved in this industry for as long as I have, I can see the potential the Isuzu Ute has and feel very strongly about the future development of this brand,'' he said. "I feel confident that we can now offer our customers a complete package for all their transport and trade needs.''Mr Newcombe was also quick to point out that with the recent opening of its parts distribution warehouse, Brisbane Isuzu has the capacity to house a large number of Isuzu Ute parts. "Combined with our night servicing, this is our point of difference when it comes to being able to look after our customers,'' he said. Major development plans are also planned for the Eagle Farm site with a state-of-the-art sales showroom and a one-stop parts and service centre set for completion in mid-late 2014.The news of this venture couldn't come at a more exciting time for both Brisbane Isuzu and Isuzu Ute with the launch of a new model. With a high-power, fuel-efficient 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine and super-strong ladder chassis, the Isuzu D-Max takes sharp inclines and heavy loads in its stride. It also has more safety features as standard than ever before, including dual front, side and curtain airbags, an anti-lock brake system and electronic brake force distribution.Also standard across the range is the added reassurance of electronic stability control and traction control systems, plus brake assist to help drivers stop more quickly and safely in an emergency. "The Isuzu D-Max ute is one of the world's most popular and well-reputed one-tonne ute and cab chassis ranges,'' Mr Newcombe said. "Powered exclusively by Isuzu's premium, high-tech, common-rail 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, the D-Max ute range includes single and crew cab utes or cab chassis and 4x2 and 4x4 drive trains.'' 

The revision sees the installation of a new 'corporate' grille and making up to 3000 detail changes. It's the so called mid-cycle update of the current big Japanese limo that arrives here early next year. The LS model has been around for 23 years now and they've sold 730,000 of them . But the new one takes a different tack offering sharper driving dynamics along with the expected high levels of refinement and luxury. EXTERIOR They've redesigned  the exterior to give it more road presence capped by the new corporate Lexus spindle grille. Many panels have been redesigned  or restyled to increase visual appeal or functionality, and reduce wind noise. LED headlights make an appearance on some variants. Rear combination lamps feature all-LED lighting. There are new 19-inch wheels with weight saving hollow spokes that also reduce interior noise levels (if that was possible in the LS). INTERIOR The interior is comprehensively redesigned including the the entire dash cowl, centre console and surrounds  that benefit from improved functionality. The two zone instrument panel has an upper 12.3-inch wide LCD multi-display screen - the industry's largest and a lower touch screen with Drive Mode Select system. On the centre console, switches have been combined and their number reduced, and the centre cluster has been made more compact. The driver's immediate environment has been further enhanced by a new, smaller three-spoke steering wheel. DYNAMICS LS has a more rigid chassis than before thanks to additional bracing, laser welding and adhesives. Leveraging the improved platform is an evolution of the Adaptive Variable air Suspension (AVS) system. Electric power steering revision gives better feel and response while brake pedal stroke is reduced. Drive Mode Select offers five switchable driving modes. Lexus now offers LS in F Sport with a more spirited drive feel. It gets a torque-sensing, Torsen limited-slip rear differential, Brembo six-piston front brake calipers, transmission upgrade and suspension enhancements. More safety features are fitted but engines remain the same as before.

Celebrations as the first Mazda 6 rolls off the factory line - festooned with tinsel.

   

   

...bombs and all. 

Cruise falls about a foot short of the main character's bulky 6'5" but the Chevrolet Chevelle SS makes up for the missing muscle.