Articles by Matt Campbell

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new in-line six-cylinder engine as the latest addition to its Ingenium petrol powertrain line-up.

The Audi Q5 2019 range has been uncovered, with the German luxury SUV line-up embracing the brand’s new naming strategy across five trim levels. The model line-up kicks off with the entry-level diesel Q5 40 TDI quattro, which is available in ‘design’ trim ($66,700 plus on-road costs), or in ‘sport’ guise at $71,500. The entry-level petrol model is the Q5 45 TFSI quattro, which is also available in ‘design’ ($67,650) or ‘sport’ guise ($73,600). The top of the range model is the 50 TDI quattro, at $84,700. Let’s run through the engine specs of each of the Q5 models, all of which are all-wheel drive. The 40 TDI quattro is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It uses a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, and fuel use is 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres for the ‘design’ model (5.5L/100km for the ‘sport’ model due to its bigger wheels). The 45 TFSI quattro uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo engine producing 185kW and 370Nm, again with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. Fuel use is claimed at 7.1L/100km for the ‘design’ variant (7.3L/100km for the ‘sport’). The range-topping regular Q5 is the 50 TDI ‘sport’, which uses a V6 turbo-diesel engine producing 210kW and 620Nm. It employs an eight-speed automatic transmission, and fuel consumption is rated at 6.3L/100km.  In the lower models the standard equipment highlights are determined by the ‘design’ or ‘sport’ designation. The ‘design’ models run 18-inch alloy wheels, ‘manhattan grey’ exterior trim elements, a black grille, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, electric front seat adjustment with driver’s side memory settings, leather seat trim, three-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ambient interior lighting,  The ‘sport’ versions have 20-inch wheels, full LED headlights and DRLs, body-colour exterior trim highlights, aluminium grille finish, sport front seats, the brand’s ‘virtual cockpit’ 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, black headlining, adaptive cruise control, active lane keep assist, “collision avoidance assist” which can increase steering torque if an accident is imminent, auto high-beam lights and auto-folding side mirrors. The up-spec 50 TDI ‘sport’ adds heated front seats, side-dipping mirrors (in reverse), electric steering column adjustment with memory settings. Q5 ‘design’ versions run a lower grade media system with a 7.0-inch screen, while ‘sport’ models have an 8.3-inch display (with included map updates and 10-gig media storage). Neither are touchscreen, but both have sat nav, USB and SD ports, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Qi wireless phone charging. The lower grade models have eight speakers, while higher-spec models have 10, including a subwoofer.  For those interested in a performance-honed petrol model, the SQ5 model - with its 3.0-litre V6 turbo engine churning out 260kW and 500Nm - remains available, priced from $99,500. Audi Q5 2019 list pricing (before on-road costs)

The Audi A5 2019 Coupe, Cabriolet and Sportback ranges have a shift in their naming as part of a model-year change, with the brand’s mid-size luxury coupe, convertible and five-door hatch following Audi's now familiar alphanumeric strategy.

The Audi A4 2019 model range has seen some naming changes as part of a model-year change, with the brand’s mid-size luxury sedan and wagon following a now familiar alphanumeric strategy. The updated model line-up sees some styling changes, and opening the range is the 35 TFSI sedan at $56,100 plus on-road costs, followed by the 40 TFSI sedan ($61,400) and wagon ($64,400), then there’s the 45 TFSI quattro sedan ($70,300) and wagon ($73,300). The A4 35 TFSI is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine producing 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque. All versions of the A4 range use a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, and the 35 TFSI is front-wheel drive. Fuel use is claimed at 5.7 litres per 100km. A step above is the 40 TFSI model, which employs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 140kW and 320Nm. It’s front-drive, too, and fuel use is claimed at 5.5L/100km for the sedan and 5.6L/100km for the wagon. At the top of the regular A4 range is the 45 TFSI, which has a higher-tuned 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine producing 185kW/370Nm. Fuel use for this version is 6.5L/100km for the sedan and 6.6L/100km for the wagon. As for equipment levels, the 35 TFSI rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, has Audi’s S line styling pack (as with all models in the A4 line), LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, features four driving modes, auto headlights and wipers, cruise control, leather seat trim with sport front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment. There’s also three-zone climate control and a leather steering wheel with paddle-shifters. The 40 TFSI rides on identical alloys to the grade below, an additional customisable drive mode, smart key and push-button start, an electric boot lid for the wagon models, electric seat adjustment for the front passenger, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The 45 TFSI adds 19-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension (20mm lower than standard), Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ 12.3-inch digital dashboard display, folding side mirrors and memory settings for the driver’s seat.  As for media and infotainment, the 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI models have a 7.0-inch display screen with sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, two USB ports, two SD card inputs, a rotary dial controller (no touchscreen), and a 7.0-inch digital display for the driver, and Audi connect online services (data plan required). The 40 TFSI gets DAB+ digital radio, but the 35 TFSI doesn’t. The 45 TFSI upgrades to an 8.3-inch screen with live map updates (and five map updates), a 10-speaker stereo with subwoofer, and it has the bigger digital info cluster.  All models come with a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, eight airbags (dual front, front side, rear side, curtain), driver drowsiness detection, auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection that works up to 85km/h, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, Audi’s “exit warning system” that can warn occupants if they might be about to open their door into oncoming traffic, and tyre pressure monitoring is standard, too. For those who want a little more bang for their buck, the existing performance-oriented S4 models remain available (sedan: $99,240; Avant wagon: $102,240), as does the flagship RS4 Avant (wagon only: $152,529).  Audi A4 2019 list pricing (plus on-road costs): 

The Audi Q2 2019 range is on sale in Australia, with the German compact luxury SUV range now consisting of only two models.

The Audi A3 2019 range has been revised with new naming across all variants of the sedan, Sportback and Cabriolet lines.

The entry point to the Mitsubishi Triton 2019 range is the GLX variant, which can be had in a number of different styles. There are 2WD and 4WD GLX models available, with the choice of single cab-chassis, extra cab-chassis, dual cab-chassis and dual cab pick-up body styles.  Depending on the body type and drivetrain, prices vary from $22,490 plus on-road costs up to $39,990 plus on-roads. But check the company’s website or Autotrader as you might find better deals. The petrol version is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder motor doesn’t have a turbocharger, and it produces 94kW (at 5250rpm) and 194Nm (at 4000rpm). There’s a five-speed manual gearbox, and it’s rear-wheel drive only. There’s also a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 133kW of power (at 3500rpm) and 430Nm of torque (at 2500rpm). There’s the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic (up from the existing five-speed auto), and that’s whether you choose the 4x2 or 4x4 model. Standard on GLX is a trip computer, cruise control, power steering, air conditioner, halogen headlights and daytime running lights, a 6.1-inch touch screen media system with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming (two speakers for the sound system in the single cab, four in the extra cab, and four in the dual cab), AM/FM radio and USB connectivity. GLX models roll on 16-inch steel wheels. There are some models in the GLX range that see Mitsubishi’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) added - they are the 4WD Club Cab auto cab chassis, double cab manual (2WD), double cab auto pick-up (4WD), and double cab auto cab-chassis.  The ADAS pack consists of forward collision mitigation (collision alert and auto emergency braking, or AEB), lane departure warning, auto headlights and auto wipers. That’s in addition to a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, stability control and seven airbags on all models.

The Triton is the third-best seller in the country behind the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. And now it has been updated with an even more masculine look. But there's more to this workhorse truck than just brawn - it also has brains.

The second step up the Mitsubishi Triton 2019 model ladder is the GLX+ variant. This model pushes things up a touch in price, with two body-styles on sale: the diesel 4x4 ‘Club Cab’ auto pick-up priced at $40,490 plus on-road costs, or the the dual cab diesel 4x4 available in manual ($39,990) or auto ($42,490). Over the GLX that sits below it, the GLX+ adds some desirable items - things that will appeal to customers who want that ‘dual-purpose’ role from their work vehicle.  The GLX+ has a 7.0-inch touchscreen media system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, GPS tracking (but no sat nav) and two USB ports up front. GLX+ models have 16-inch alloy wheels, side steps, a black door sash, chrome interior door handles and climate control air-con. GLX+ models also get Mitsubishi’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) pack, which consists of forward collision mitigation (collision alert and auto emergency braking, or AEB), lane departure warning, auto headlights and auto wipers. That’s in addition to a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, stability control and seven airbags on all models. It is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 133kW of power (at 3500rpm) and 430Nm of torque (at 2500rpm). For the dual cab there’s the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic (up from the existing five-speed auto).

The third tier of the Mitsubishi Triton 2019 range is the GLS. It is available as a 4x4 double cab pick-up only and has a list price of $44,490 for the manual and $46,990 for the auto, which is a bump of two grand over the previous model (but there are already deals being done…).  GLS adds Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system with new drive modes, a centre diff lock, a sports bar, 18-inch alloy wheels, a chrome grille, chrome exterior handles and a chrome sports bar, HID headlights, LED DRLs, fog lights, privacy glass, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, fabric door trim inserts, six speakers for the sound system, power folding door mirrors and carpet flooring. It gets Mitsubishi’s ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System) pack, which consists of forward collision mitigation (collision alert and auto emergency braking, or AEB), lane departure warning, auto headlights and auto wipers. That’s in addition to a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, stability control and seven airbags on all models. There’s more safety stuff: hill descent control, auto high beam headlights, front parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and lane change assist are all standard.  It is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 133kW of power (at 3500rpm) and 430Nm of torque (at 2500rpm). For the dual cab there’s the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic (up from the existing five-speed auto).