Articles by Ewan Kennedy

Subaru launched sales of the BRZ here solely online, but improved supply from the Japanese factory means the sports coupe is now being retailed through dealers.

Nissan Tiida has come - and gone - from the Australian new-car market. And not too many people seem to be sorry. Which is a shame in many ways because it’s a perfectly good small-medium car.

Aimed at those who want the looks, but not the engine performance - or expense - of the spectacular Renault Clio RS 200, a new model called the Renault Clio GT 120 will be introduced to Australia in April.The numbers in the Clios' names indicate their engine output in horsepower - the Europeans don't use kilowatts, probably because hp gives bigger numbers than kW.The drop in power from the 200hp (147kW) of the RS to 120hp (90kW) by the use of a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine in the GT in place of the 1.6 turbo-petrol in the RS will obviously have a significant effect on performance.It's not all bad news, though, because the suspension has been worked over Renault Sport Technologies. The front springs and dampers are respectively 40 per cent and 30 per cent stiffer, while the bump stops have been adapted accordingly. Sounds nice, but we won't have a chance to drive and comment on the new Clio for a couple of months. Stand by for our report immediately afterwards.The Clio GT 120 uses a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Drivers can choose between a number of power steering calibrations and accelerator pedal and dual-clutch automatic transmission mappings. In 'Sport' mode, acceleration is more responsive and gearshifts are sharper.Renault Clio GT 120's body changes see it get a front bumper incorporating LED lights, a sportier rear bumper shape highlighting twin exhaust tailpipes, body-coloured side mouldings with dark metal inserts, dark metal door mirror housings, and extra-tinted rear glass.  There's GT badging beneath the Renault logo at the front and rear. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.Inside, the sport seats have specific upholstery with GT-branded headrests. The upper part of the dashboard features a speckled grey finish, as well as grey trim highlights. The two fixed gearshift paddles are mounted behind the leather-trimmed sports steering wheel.Justin Hocevar, the managing director of Renault Australia, says, "We have been delighted by the successful launch of the award-winning Clio in Australia and we are confident the Clio GT will add a new and very appealing dimension to the range."The Megane range was the first in Australia to introduce the Renault Sport-created GT versions and they have already developed a loyal following. Australia is a strong market for sporty models and the new Clio GT is aimed at a customer looking for a slightly sportier driving experience than the standard Clio," said Hocevar.The new Renault Clio GT will go on sale in April 2014 and full pricing and specifications will be released at that time.Also watch the GT's big brother Clio RS 200 EDC in action on our desktop site. 

Isuzu has introduced three high-power ‘S’ models to the medium duty F Series range as part of its celebration of achieving 25 consecutive years’ truck market leadership in Australia. The Japanese truck builder has also released five value-added Limited Edition variants. The high-power ‘S’ models are the Isuzu FRD 600-S, FSD 700-S and FSD 850-S. They all have 7.8-litre SiTec Series III engines producing up to 191 kW of power at 2400 rpm, and 761 Nm of torque between 1450 and 2400 rpm. These outputs are up a significant 15 kW and 55 Nm from regular engines. All three Isuzu ‘S’ models feature rear Hendrickson HAS200 airbag suspension, making them ideal for sensitive load applications - or simply for drivers who prefer to have a smoother ride. Isuzu FRD 600-S is rated at 11,000 kg GVM and 16,000 kg GCM and is available with either an Isuzu six-speed manual transmission or an Allison LCT2500 fully automatic transmission. The Isuzu FSD 700-S and FSD 850-S trucks have a GVM rating of 12,000 and14,000 kg respectively, with GCM ratings of 18,000 / 20,000 kg. As well as the Isuzu six-speed manual, you can choose between Isuzu’s Automated Manual Transmission and the Allison LCT2500 full automatic, depending on the application. Isuzu Australia’s Chief Engineer – Product Strategy, Simon Humphries said, “The Isuzu S models will be welcomed by many customers across a range of applications, such as tilt-tray operators who often tow a trailer to carry additional cars, and need the extra power for the job. “Similarly the additional power will benefit owners who fit full size van or taut-liner bodies with very large frontal areas – these customers may wish for more power to maintain highway speeds in windy conditions.” The Isuzu Limited Editions - which probably should be called special editions as no limit has been set on the numbers to be built - are based on these high-powered ‘S’ versions. They are the FRD 600-S Long, FRD 600-S Long Premium Auto, FSD 700-S Long, FSD 700-S Long Premium AMT and FSD 700-S Long Premium Auto. Additional features are polished Alcoa alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights (DRLs) in the front bumper. The special models have ‘Limited Edition’ badging to let others know you’re driving something out of the ordinary. In the cabin are upgraded two-way coaxial speakers, satellite navigation with truck-specific features and a steering wheel-mounted remote control allowing the driver to safer access the standard Digital Audio Visual Equipment. Isuzu Australia’s marketing manager, Jeff Birdseye, said the Limited Edition models are, “Very competitively priced, and those who spend long hours in the cabin will also appreciate the premium speakers and satellite navigation – we expect these models to be quickly snapped-up by value-conscious buyers who also want to stand out from the crowd.” The Limited Edition S models will be arriving at Isuzu Truck Dealer over the next few months. Prices are yet to be released.

Jeep Wrangler is like nothing else on the road these days. It’s a genuine descendent of the WWII Jeep, though it has grown up and become (slightly) more sophisticated over the years.

Peugeot 2008 is small SUV based on the Peugeot 208 hatchback. It joins the sales fray in what has suddenly become a rather busy market category - that of sub-compact SUVs. In the last three months we've seen the introduction of the all-new Ford EcoSport, Holden Trax and Nissan Juke. Soon to arrive is the Renault

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 as a used buy.

In Europe the phrase ‘grand touring’, later shortened to GT, was coined in the 1930s to describe cars owned by wealthy people for fast point to point travel while cosseting their passengers in luxury.

Lexus GS300 is an upmarket Japanese sedan with a fair bit of sportiness in its makeup.

Proton Australia makes no bones about it; the new Proton Exora is quite simply the cheapest seven-seat vehicle on the market.