Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Big power, big looks, black wheels - everything you need in HSV's high-performance GTS Maloo ute.Though Holden, sadly, is pulling out of local manufacturing in 2017, its high-performance HSV division is certainly not lying down and waiting for the end. Indeed, HSV has given us details of a new limited edition model in the hottest market segment in Australia - which these days is the sports ute. A limited edition, the HSV GTS Maloo ute gets the big 6.2-litre supercharged V8 LSA engine with 430kW of power and a stirring 740Nm of torque. It's not just about grunt, the GTS Maloo also shares many of GTS's safety and high-performance technologies.From a styling point of view, the GTS Maloo uses the GTS sedan's front fascia design. This not only provides an aggressive stance, but also uses large, aero designed air-intake surface area to deliver the required engine cooling.Says the managing director of HSV, Tim Jackson, "We have been working on this project for a couple of years now. There are a number of unique elements required to integrate the LSA into the Maloo platform, and significant time in getting all the safety and performance technologies to operate effectively."Every time we launch a vehicle is an exciting time, but we believe the GTS Maloo is something special and sets a new benchmark in the performance market," Jackson said.The big-power LSA powered vehicle needs to be able to stop as well as go. HSV's premium braking package with lightweight AP radical forged six-piston brake calipers are huge, 390mm diameter at the front and 372mm at the rear.What HSV thinks is a global first for a utility, sees the GTS Maloo will be fitted with the traction advantages of torque vectoring. The vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects an understeer event, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel.The GTS Maloo will be available with either a TR6060 (MG9 spec) six-speed manual gearbox with an oil cooler and twin plate clutch, or a 6L90E six-speed heavy-duty automatic transmission, again with an oil cooler.Styling is further beefed up by HSV's Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), side skirts, a twin-hump hard tonneau and performance sail-plane. There are lightweight 20-inch 'Blade' forged-alloy wheels in what HSV calls 'Dark Stainless' finish.Shadow-chrome quad exhaust tips and a number plate surround paint-out combine to strengthen the rear-end look with. There are LSA and GTS badges on the tailgate.Concurrent with the launch of the GTS Maloo is the introduction of two new colours to the HSV range: Some Like It Hot, a rich bronze/red, and Jungle Green, an iridescent olive green.HSV performance seats are finished in Onyx leather trim, or the optional "Red Hot" leather trim.The GTS Maloo will feature HSV's Driver Preference Dial which alters the adjustment of the vehicle's ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission), Torque Vectoring, Electric Power Steering and new electric Bi-Modal Exhaust according to three distinct pre-set modes – Touring, Sport and Performance.The Enhanced Driver Interface(EDI) system provides the driver with all the performance data.Safety features include Head-up Display, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and automatic wipers.Production is due to begin early in November with vehicles expected to be available in dealerships later that month. Each GTS Maloo will be individually numbered on a build plate.Build of the new HSV GTS Maloo ute will be limited to just 250 vehicles, 240 will stay in Australia, 10 will be sent across the ‘dutch' to New Zealand.

For years Audi struggled to gain equal footing with BMW and Mercedes in Australia, but that has all changed and sales have been climbing at double-digit rates for several years now. Though the Audi range is extensive and growing even larger all the time the A4, with its smaller brother the A3 at its side, has

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 Renault Kangoo.

When launched in 1998, the Mitsubishi Challenger was virtually a Mitsubishi Triton pickup with a station wagon body. Over the years it has became more slightly more sophisticated but still shares some components with the Triton. Which is no bad thing as the Triton is a tough ute with a good reputation in Australia. 

All Hyundai cars, SUVs and light commercials are eligible for a new lifetime capped price servicing scheme. Hyundai Australia has announced a Lifetime Capped Price Servicing program which caps the prices of all scheduled services for the entire life of every Hyundai vehicle in Australia. Amazingly, even Hyundais sold new in 1986, when the South Korean company first began operating in Australia, are covered by the servicing program.All Hyundai vehicles; cars, SUVs and light commercials are eligible.Hyundai Australia's chief operating officer, John Elsworth, said, “We hope our Lifetime Capped Price Servicing program will give customers even more peace of mind and confidence in our after sales service going forward.”Any vehicle that was previously part of Hyundai's three-year capped price service arrangement will remain with that program, at no cost penalty to the customer. Once their three years are over they will be able to take advantage of the lifetime capped price program.No matter what the age of the vehicle, or the number of kilometres it has covered, customers can check online the maximum price they will pay for a scheduled service at a participating dealer. That published maximum price will be the same across the country.Hyundai advises that its Lifetime Capped Price Servicing is integrated with an online booking system that has yet to be completed. It will be rolled out in the next few months. Logging onto a dealer-specific website, customers will be able to choose a time, book a replacement car - even choose their preferred service advisor. Hyundai's Roadside Assist service has been extended from seven to ten years as part of the introduction of the Lifetime Capped Price Servicing.Hyundai's capped price program isn't just there because they want to be nice to people. Its aim is to pull owners away from aftermarket servicing; either by individual mechanics or by companies that provide mobile servicing. It's also smart for Hyundai to get existing owners into the dealership once or twice a year to have a chat to them, possibly over a coffee, while their cars are being serviced. Perhaps sell them another car down the track. More and more car makers are providing capped price servicing for these reasons. Prices of services are generally lower than in the past, often significantly so, which also attracts car owners to make return visits. The lower costs are thought to be subsidised by the car makers, importers and dealers on a roughly equal three-way split. Naturally, they won't confirm this - which is fair enough, business is business. Anyway, the customer is better off as a result and that's what counts.Will other car makers follow? The answer is likely to be yes, Hyundai has established it's self as a major player in Australia and year to date 2014 is in a close third position behind Holden and comfortably ahead of Ford (Toyota remains miles out in front). Anyone who doesn't keep a close eye on what the South Korean maker is doing risks being left behind in the sales race.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 BMW 4 Gran Coupe.

Mercedes-Benz has just launched an all-new C-Class model, so there's a good chance many owners of older models will be trading up. Meaning there could be a glut of used C-Class in Australia, giving you the chance to select between the many on offer, as well as the opportunity to select from the best of them. 

Nissan Patrol Y62 Series is the largest and most expensive off-road wagon ever made by the Japanese giant, a giant with a long history in the 4WD and SUV fields.  Listed from $82,690 to $114,490, the latest Nissan Patrol is competing against upmarket vehicles such as the Toyota LandCruiser Sahara, Lexus LX570, and

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Audi A3 Sportback e-tron at its Australian preview.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 Renault Clio GT.