Articles by Mark Mathot

The XC60 continues the brands new angular, chrome-ringed makeover first seen here on XC70 and closely related to siblings Ford and its Kinetic design seen on Mondeo and the just-revealed Fiesta.Its chunky, masculine appearance, powertrains and price tag place it directly in the path of the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz ML Class.Volvo today confirmed that Australia will receive two of the possible three engines: a 210kW/400Nm 3.0-litre inline six petrol with twin-scroll turbocharger, or a 2.4-litre inline five-cylinder turbodiesel with 136kW/400Nm.It funnels through a standard six-speed auto and to the floor via an on-demand all-wheel-drive system.Safety is typically high, with stability control (DTSC), Roll Stability Control and Hill Decent Control for off-roading, and Trailer Stability Control which brakes trailers and caravans to prevent fish-tailing and jack-knifing.It also includes a new collision reduction system called City Safety. Volvo has a lot to live up to in the safety department, both from its reputation and its manifesto, called 2020 Mobility. The marque aims to prevent death and serious injuries in its cars by the decade’s deadline, and City Safety is the first step  as a low-speed collision avoidance device.If the driver does not react to an object directly in the cars path at speed, the car will brake to either avoid the object, or try to reduce the severity of the impact.Prices will be forthcoming, when the SUV finally launches in early 2009.

The hybrid concept will be one of two all-new Lexus vehicles to be displayed at the show. The all-wheel drive LF-Xh features a V6 petrol engine mated to a high-output electric motor hybrid system, reinforcing Lexus' commitment to a hybrid future. Designed by Lexus' Shuhei Miyashita, the concept aims to capture the essence of Lexus' unique L-Finesse design philosophy for an SUV. The LF-Xh's aggressive stance and edgy design features large LED headlamps, handleless doors and distinct blue hybrid badging. Interior design has also been heavily influenced by Lexus' L-Finesse design language, featuring a large flowing centre console and wrap-around dashboard housing hybrid-inspired blue instruments. Lexus Chief Executive John Roca said the Lexus stand at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show would be its biggest ever in Australia. "In particular, the LF-Xh concept demonstrates our ongoing commitment to hybrid technology as a core Lexus power-train." "Lexus hybrid drive is a core strength for us. We have already incorporated it into several production models, and our intention is to continue to grow our hybrid vehicle line-up," said Mr Roca. "While others continue to talk about their moves to new power-train technologies, Lexus has been making it available to consumers in Australia since 2006," said Roca.

The Australian public will have an opportunity to preview the car at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show  in Sydney before it goes on sale here in April next year.As the pioneer of “folding roof cars” with its elegant 401, 601 and 402 “Eclipse” models from the 1930s, Peugeot now reveals details of its latest coupé cabriolet, the 308 CC.It’s now over seven years since Peugeot introduced its best known coupé cabriolet, the 206 CC, which brought the ownership experience of a hard-topped convertible to within reach of all motorists.Following on from this hugely popular model, Peugeot led the trend away from soft-tops to the comfort and security of metal folding roofs with the introduction of its current 307 CC and 207 CC models.Peugeot is once again at the forefront of the convertible segment with the announcement the all new 308 CC.The 308 CC, with its four full-size seats, capitalises on all the inbuilt strengths of the 308 range whilst still embodying the “307 CC spirit” and Peugeot’s coupé cabriolet expertise. Above all, it promises enthusiasts of “lifestyle” motoring a unique and genuinely attractive offer.The 308 CC will offer features usually reserved for far more expensive convertibles, such as the introduction of a warm air heating system built into the front seats. This “Airwave” system acts like a scarf by diffusing warm air adjustable for temperature, flow and direction around the occupant’s shoulders / neck.See the Peugeot 308 CC at the show from October 9.

Hybrid X proposes a new design language for Toyota’s hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars. Created and developed by Toyota’s European styling centre ED² in the south of France, Hybrid X is a four-door, four-seat concept that is spacious and comfortable. It is a step closer to Toyota’s vision of the ultimate environmental driving technology. Its design will influence the entire Toyota brand and its hybrid models in the future. A vision for future environmentally friendly motoring, the appearance of Hybrid X comes soon after Toyota announced it would build a hybrid Camry in Australia from 2010. Hybrid X is the latest concept to demonstrate Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology, which is at the core of the company’s strategy to develop the ultimate eco-car. The show car fits clearly within Toyota’s environmental strategy of offering sustainable mobility for modern families. It has the dimensions of a conventional family car with an overall length of 4,500mm and wheelbase of 2,800mm. The width is 1,850mm and height 1,440mm. It proposes unconventional creative solutions that will potentially become the signature points of a specific hybrid identity. Hybrid X features a futuristic body shape that is dominated by two ‘U’ shapes created by the upper glass frame area and the unconventional A and C pillars. Viewed from above, this gives the impression of a large X – hence the name of the concept, Hybrid X. Dynamic hints of driving performance are provided by the customised 20-inch alloy wheels with ultra-low profile 225/40 R20 tyres. LED headlamps are integrated into the dashboard and are now part of the interior of the car and can communicate information such as safety distances, acceleration and braking to other drivers and pedestrians. The driver can set the ambience within the car, controlling sight, sound, touch and even smell. A drive-by-wire steering pad features a central screen to relay information to the driver about the energy flow path, fuel consumption and gear position. Space-saving seats are formed using injected foam techniques, which create comfort while reducing weight. The two independent rear seats can swivel by 12 degrees to allow passengers to enjoy the scenery or conversation.

With sales of SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) continuing to boom, the Renault Koleos and Skoda Octavia Scout 4X4 will both enter the fiercely contested SUV Compact segment.Sales in the segment have grown 2.9 per cent so far this year and 18.2 per cent over the last five years.The Koleos is Renault's first-ever purpose-designed SUV and has been developed in co-operation with alliance partner Nissan.The Czech-built Scout is derived from Skoda's Octavia wagon, but it adds protective body cladding, additional ride height and an all-wheel drive transmission system.Both SUVs are claimed to offer better-than-class-average off-road ability.Skoda says the Scout's flexibility is thanks to a second-generation Haldex clutch mechanism, which allows power to be transferred more quickly between the front and rear wheels when required to provide increased traction on loose surfaces.The Renault's drivetrain draws on Nissan's four-wheel drive expertise and includes all-terrain functions such as Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).Along with all-wheel drive, both Skoda and Renault offer advanced direct injection 2.0-litre diesel engines with their new models.The Koleos features several practical innovations including a split-opening, clamshell-type tailgate. Interior innovations include an air-chilled glovebox and folding tables mounted in the backs of the front seats.The Octavia Scout 4X4 boasts up to 1620 litres of load space with the rear seats folded, and two luggage nets for securing items while driving.Detailed specifications and pricing for both the Renault and Skoda SUVs are expected to be announced in time for the Motor Show.The Koleos and Scout will be amongst more than 30 new models unveiled when the Australian International Motor Show opens at Sydney's Darling Harbour on October 9.

Kizashi 3 previews Suzuki's plans to enter the hotly contested medium passenger car segment with a sports sedan.The concept is powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring plated cylinders - a weight and space-saving technology that evolved from lessons learnt by Suzuki's MotoGP and World Rally Championship motorsport teams.The engine is teamed with a paddle-shift six-speed automatic gearbox and Advanced i-AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system.Suzuki says Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning prelude or foretaste - is a clear sign of things to come from the brand."This concept represents a new direction for Suzuki in that it takes our expertise with smaller, sporty vehicles and translates that into the midsized segment," said Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers."We believe Kizashi will break the mould of typical mid-sized or family vehicles when it goes into production next year."Suzuki grew sales to over 2.3 million motor vehicles world-wide last year and says a new medium segment car is essential to achieve further sales growth.In Australia, Suzuki sold more than 21,000 vehicles to become the fastest-growing brand in the country.While a firm timetable is still to be announced, Suzuki says production of the exciting new mid-sized sedan will begin in late 2009."Our engineers are also considering the possibilities of hybrid-powered and state-of-the-art clean diesel versions of the car," said Devers.The Concept Kizashi series was developed by Suzuki's Advanced Design Group to reflect, it says, "the strong, honed physique of a dynamic athlete in motion.""The bulging bonnet, wide-track abbreviated overhangs and aggressive wheel and tyre combinations convey an underlying strength and performance orientated image," said Devers.The Kizashi 3 joins a fast-growing line-up of advanced design concepts and new production models scheduled to debut at this year's show.

Designed to appeal to a generation of young people who Nissan says have “fallen out of love with the car,” the Mixim takes the very latest electric vehicle technology and clothes it in a dramatic, slightly sinister, body. “If the motor industry is going to survive beyond the next few years, we are going to have to work hard to attract future generations of drivers – people who currently find it difficult to love the car,” says Nissan’s global head of design, Shiro Nakamura. Mixim’s truncated coupe body features a wrap-around windscreen inspired by crash helmet visor and diamond shaped styling cues – such as on the twin air intakes to the rear of the doors and the LED driving lights. Inside is a clover-leaf three-plus-one seating arrangement with a central driving position, the driver sitting behind a “command and control” steering wheel inspired by computer race game controllers. But Mixim is more than a flight of designer fancy. Nissan has announced that it will start selling an all-electric passenger car in Japan and United States from 2010 and Mixim previews some of the technology that car will feature. “Mixim can be seen as more than a show car – it’s a serious statement of intent,” says the company’s head of Exploratory and Advance Planning Department, Francois Bancon. The Mixim’s front and rear axles are each powered by an electric motor making the car all-wheel drive. Nissan’s highly efficient Super Motor differs from conventional electric motors by combining both power source and generator in one compact package. In the Mixim the motor is combined with a new kind if lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery – similar than those used in the latest laptop computers and mobile phones. Rather than bulky cylindrical cells, Nissan’s Li-Ion battery uses thin laminated cells and fewer components overall – halving size, boosting power by 50% and improving cooling. Mixim was designed by a team with an average age of just 25. “Mixim should tick all the right boxes as far as the younger generation is concerned. It is powered by an advanced, powerful, yet environmentally friendly electric motor and is compact enough to fit into their urban world.”

The two Family Days, Saturdays 11 and 18 October, are sponsored by Roary the Racing Car, the smash-hit kids TV program which airs on ABC Kids and Nick Jnr. Roary the Racing Car, his trusty mechanic Big Chris and other kids characters including, Fifi from Fifi and the Flowertots, and Bob the Builder will roam the halls of the show meeting young children and their families. Robby Clark, Australian International Motor Show event organiser says Family Day has been expanded due to popular demand. “Family Day is extremely busy and in previous years we’ve found there are just not enough hours in the day to accommodate the huge number of children and families on one Saturday,” he said. “By adding an extra day dedicated to families and children, we can provide an even more enjoyable day for all visitors." “This year’s show has lots of attention-grabbing cars and interactive features and will prove to be a fun day out for families. At $44 for a family of five it is great value for money too,” he said. Roary the Racing Car’s Activity Zone will keep the kids entertained from 10am until 5pm with colouring competitions, treasure hunts, giveaways and screenings of the popular show. The two days will be packed with other fun activities including face painting, signings by racing car drivers and exhibitor giveaways. The Australian International Motor Show is on at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour from 9 to 19 October.