Articles by Matthew Hatton

Mazda unveils updated Mazda 6 and CX-5 models with new safety and cabin features at LA motor show.The Mazda6 and CX-5 SUV models have been updated for 2015, with the changes focusing on improving safety and increasing cabin refinement ahead of a 2015 release.Safety improvements include the availability of adaptive LED headlights and driver fatigue monitoring, as well as adaptive cruise control being added to the CX-5 spec list for the first time.In the cabin, both models also gain Mazda's MZD multimedia system - already found in the Mazda2 and Mazda3 - and the Mazda6 will also gain a heads-up display.Externally, both the Mazda6 and CX-5 sport revised front and rear styling and wheel designs as Mazda continues to evolve the 'Kodo' design language.Exact local specifications and pricing are yet to be confirmed, although Mazda has said that the global engine and transmission options of the current Mazda6 and CX-5 models will remain unchanged.The new Mazda6 and CX-5 will be available in Japan and the US from January 2015 before an expected local debut in the first half of the year.

Special Edition BRZ sports coupe now available.Less than four months since the BRZ was refreshed for 2015, Subaru have released the BRZ Special Edition. Priced at $40,650 driveaway with a manual transmission, Subaru have raided the STI parts bin to add a healthy dose of showroom appeal for $3,500 more than the standard models’ driveaway pricing.The latest BRZ Special Edition includes 17-inch alloys and STI bodywork details such as boot lip spoiler and skirts on the front, side and rear as well as a rear diffuser. GT stripes also run the length of the body in either white or black depending on body colour.On the inside there is an STI push-button start switch, with manual Special Editions also receiving STI short-shift assembly and shifter knob for the gear shifter.The new BRZ Special Edition comes with the same 147kW/205Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine as the standard BRZ, and can be mated to either the existing six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.The Special Edition is similar to last year’s BRZ S, adding a selection of usually optional accessories to the BRZ while leaving the car’s outright performance unchanged. Unlike the BRZ S, the Special Edition does not get lowered suspension.2015 Subaru BRZ Special Edition driveaway pricingSubaru Special Edition BRZ - manual - $40,650Subaru Special Edition BRZ - automatic - $43,230

New Mondeo hatch and wagon lineup detailed ahead of early-2015 release.Ford has confirmed there will be six variants of the 2015 Mondeo hatchback and wagon range when it arrives in local showrooms early next year.The existing LX and Zetec trim levels will be replaced by the Ambiente and Trend monikers used elsewhere in the Ford lineup, while the top-tier will continue to be wear the Titamium label. All three trim levels will be available in either five-door hatch or wagon bodystyles.While exact pricing, engine specifications and features are yet to be confirmed, Ford boasts that the Mondeo's turbodiesel engine will be more fuel-efficient than its Toyota Camry Hybrid rival, while matching the petrol-electric model's performance.Ford is yet to specify official consumption or acceleration figures for the Mondeo turbodiesel, but the most efficient version of the segment-leading Camry is rated 5.2L/100km combined, with a 0-100km/h figure of 8.0 seconds.The Mondeo range will also include a new EcoBoost petrol engine to sit alongside the turbodiesel, with both paired to a six-speed automatic transmission with sports paddle shifters.The 2015 Mondeo will feature as standard inclusions Ford's Sync2 voice control system, which works with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen to control the vehicle's entertainment system as well as a Bluetooth-paired phone, and their MyKey technology.MyKey is a feature aimed at parents of young drivers and can be programmed to inhibit incoming phone calls as well as limit stereo volume, stop the disabling of driver assistance systems and electronically limit the car's maximum speed.An electronic parking brake and hill start assist will also feature, along with safety features like inflatable rear seatbelts and driver fatigue monitoring will also feature across the entire Mondeo range.Optional safety features will include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and an automated parking system.Ford boasts that these optional extras are not available on other mid-sizers like the Camry, however the top-spec Mazda6 Atenza does come with both lane departure and forward collision warning.All current VW Passats come standard with front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera, while the top-spec V6 FSI Highline also includes adaptive cruise control.The Spanish-built 2015 Mondeo will also be the first Australian model to be built on the latest version of Ford's CD platform, which includes integral-link rear suspension, electric power steering.Ford also claims the use of high-strength steel provides a 40 per cent increase in structural strength compared to the previous model.

Updated Colorado ute and Colorado 7 SUV bring improved suspension and interior refinements to the top LTZ.Holden has refreshed the Colorado ute and Colorado 7 SUV ranges for 2015, representing the second minor update to the RG Colorado models since they first arrived in April 2012.The 2015 upgrades are focused on the top LTZ model grade, with Colorado ute and Colorado 7 LTZs scoring retuned springs and dampers and a stiffer front stabiliser bar - aimed at improving urban ride comfort.Acoustic dampening has also been improved, with Holden working in conjunction with Monash University to reduce vibration and road noise during tarmac driving.Holden has also refined the hill descent control and hill start assist systems across the range.Both LTZ models also receive heated leather seats - although still optional on the Colorado LTZ Crew Cab - and Jet Black soft-touch interior trim.The Colorado and Colorado 7 range is also now available with new ‘Satin Steel Grey’ paintwork.Transmission and drivetrain options remain unchanged, although the entry-level LX trim-level for the Colorado has been renamed to LS and the Colorado Single Cab Chassis DX model is how available with the optional six-speed automatic transmission while the Colorado Space Cab Chassis LS has it removed.All models continue with an unchanged 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 147kW/440Nm when mated to the manual transmission and 147kW/500Nm with the automatic.This latest refresh has not brought an increase in pricing however, with Holden previously adjusted pricing for most of their fleet in September.

Redesigned Triton ute gains new engine and transmission options and updated styling.The new Triton ute has undergone its first significant update in nearly a decade, with Mitsubishi saying the new model will offer a combination of passenger car levels of comfort and practical functionality.Local pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to its mid-2015 arrival in showrooms, however the Triton will be produced in the full range of body styles and drivetrain options expected of a light commercial ute.These include the three different body styles of the existing model - single cab, club cab and double cab - and available in multiple combinations turbodiesel and petrol engines with two and four-wheel drive, plus manual or automatic drivetrains.Mitsubishi has introduced a new 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine to the range to sit alongside upgraded versions of the existing 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel (in either 94kW/240Nm 'standard' spec or 131kW/400Nm 'high' spec) and 94kW/194Nm 2.4-litre petrol engines.The 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine can be paired to either a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, both of which were newly developed for the engine.The 2.5-litre turbodiesel and 2.4-litre petrol engines are paired with the same five-speed manual transmission from the existing Triton model.Four-wheel versions of the new Triton will retain a dual-range transfer case, but switching moves from the old-style lever to a modern dial near the gear selector. The change between 2WD and 4WD high-range can be done at speeds up to 100km/h.The chassis maintains the same double-wishbone front and leaf-spring rear suspension of the previous Triton, with the suspension on the 'High Rider' models tweaked slightly to improve performance when driving on tarmac.The new Triton range comes with ABS, hill start assist and eletronic brake force distribution while four-wheel drive models also come with active stability and traction control as standard.The new Triton will be available in three spec-levels: GL, GLX and GLS. The single cab is only available in GL while the double cab only comes in GLX and GLS. The club cab style is available in all three spec-levels.The GLS dual cab will be available with a 7-inch LCD multimedia display, satnav, Bluetooth and dual-zone climate control.All other models will have air-con and a stereo with USB, iPod and aux connectivity.The new Triton's chassis maintains the 3000mm wheelbase of the existing MN model, which is 220mm shorter than both the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 as well as 85mm shorter than the Toyota HiLux.The shorter wheelbase allows the Triton to have a tighter turning circle. The 2WD models have a kerb-to-kerb distance of 11.4m with the 2WD 'High Rider' and 4WD models having 11.8m.By comparison, across the Ford Ranger models the smallest turning circle is 11.9m going up to 12.7m. For the Mazda BT-50 they are 11.8m and 12.4m respectively.Across the range, the 2015 Triton's cargo bay measures 1470mm wide and 475mm deep. Length varies according to body style with the single cab measuring 2265mm, club cab 1850mm and the double cab 1520mm.The club cab and double cab two-wheel drive varaints of the 2015 Triton will be available in 'High Rider' spec, which increases the 195mm ground clearance by 10mm to match the 205mm clearance of the 4WD. This places the Triton above the Volkswagon Amarok (192mm/203mm) but below the Ford Ranger (201mm/237mm).

Hoonicorn Mustang makes its video debut in Los Angeles with Ken block's Gymkhana 7.Proving that 1.8-litres was never enough - even bolted to a whopping turbocharger and purpose-built Fiesta gymkhana weapon, Ken Block has returned for his seventh blast to internet stardom.This time set around the crumbling concrete of downtown Los Angeles, Block's latest effort proves that his new 630kW, 6.7-litre all-wheel drive Ford Mustang can be just as spectactular when thrown rearwards with all four wheels spinning forwards, before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.Officially named the Hoonicorn RTR, the 1965 Mustang-based mechanical monster made its static debut at SEMA earlier this month.Gymkhana 7 opens in an industrial warehouse with Block introducing the new car by way of his latest trick - doing a burnout whilst the car is chained to a wall.The restraints are released and Block heads off on his tour of Tinseltown.Past the burnt-out shell of a Subaru WRX rotting in the pristine waters of the LA River before indulging in a few doughnuts at the famous Randy's, and into Chinatown.Block also enjoys an unusual traffic-free run down one of the city's freeways, drives circles around and under a bouncing Chevy low-rider before finishing in typical style atop Mount Lee, looking over the City of Angels and its smog-filled sky from the iconic Hollywood sign.The occasional-World Rally Championship driver and part-time shoe salesman's heavily choreographed Gymkhana videos have earned him global praise for his ability to navigate obstacle courses, city centres and the odd movie set with guile and a liberal application of the handbrake.

Watch Ford put the new Everest SUV's drivetrains to the test in the searing heat of the Arizona desert.Ford tested the new Everest's off-road capabilities in the Simpson desert, but when it came to testing the engine performance, only the searing heat of the Arizona desert would do.Internationally, the Everest will be available with the same 2.0-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder petrol engine seen in the Falcon or the 2.2-litre four-cylinder or 3.2-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesels used in the current Ranger ute.In the 40+ degree conditions, Ford ensured the 2015 Everest engines could deal with variable fuel quality and put its high-speed tow durability to the test.       

Watch the Australian-engineered and designed new Ford Everest SUV get put through its paces during development in the Simpson Desert.The new Ford Everest SUV was designed and engineered in Australia for Australian conditions.With that in mind, Ford decided to test prototypes in the most realistic way possible, by spending a few days in the Simpson Desert simulating a recreational 4WD in the Australian outback.The main aim of the testing was to ensure the Everest's 4WD and terrain management systems were up to the task of navigating the desert's sandy conditions.The test also gives us our first look at the Everest SUV's coil-spring Watt's linkage rear suspension in action.

Fiat Professional Doblo van arrives in Australia for the first time, starting from $22,000.Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) has added the Fiat Professional Doblo to the brand's Australian lineup, to sit beneath the existing Ducato and Scudo commercial vans.The Doblo will compete with the Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo and Renault Kangoo small vans, targeting trade buyers after a compact workhorse.DIMENSIONSAustralian Doblos are available in a choice of two wheelbases; with the standard-length measuring 4390mm, and the range-topping Maxi stretches the wheelbase by 350mm to 4740mm.Cargo width is 1714mm wide (1230mm between the wheelarches) and 1305mm high for both bodies, while the 1820mm cargo length of the standard model expands to 2170mm for the Doblo Maxi.These dimensions combine to give the short-wheelbase model 3.4 cubic metres of PVC-floored cargo volume, and the Maxi 4.2 cubic metres.Maximum payloads are 750kg for the short-wheelbase model and an even tonne for the longer Maxi.The short-wheelbase Doblo boasts greater cargo space in all dimensions than the equivalent Citroen Berlingo, Renault Kangoo and Volkswagen Caddy models. However, the long-wheelbase Doblo Maxi is matched by the Caddy Maxi for cargo volume and is 80mm shorter in cargo length.All Doblos have sliding rear doors on both sides, and both side-hinged barn doors and top-hinged tailgates are available.ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONSThe front-wheel drive Doblo also comes with a choice of one petrol and three turbodiesel drivetrains.Short-wheelbase Doblos are available with a 70kW/127Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 5-speed manual transmission, or a 77kW/290Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel paired with a six-speed manual. A 5-speed robotised automatic transmission is also available with a 66kW/200Nm version of the turbodiesel.The long-wheelbase Maxi is limited to a 99kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, with a six-speed manual transmission.FEATURESThe Doblo comes standard with electronic stability control with hill-start assist, ABS, electronic brake distribution, Bluetooth connectivity, and climate control. Fiat also boasts the lockable glovebox is large enough to store a laptop computer.Doblo variants with turbodiesel engines will also benefit from cruise control and parking sensors.Satnav can be added as an option across the range.

Watch a Volvo FH truck take to the track against the Koenigsegg One:1 in a battle of pure speed around the Knutstorp circuit in Sweden.There are some motor races that are steeped in history. The Daytona 500, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Monaco Grand Prix and Bathurst 1000 to name a few.Volvo FH truck versus Keonigsegg One:1 supercar is not that we're likely to see on that list any time soon.That said, this "demonstration" of the FH's new dual-clutch transmission featuring former-racer-of-most-things-turned-TV-presenter Tiff Needell does show quite aptly how a dual-clutch transmission can improve performance and driveability of a heavy-duty hauler.Volvo often use unorthodox methods to show off their wares. In 2012, world record-holding tightrope walker Faith Dickey bridged the gap between two speeding FH tracks in Croatia. This was followed a year later by Jean-Claude Van Damme doing it sans rope.The CEO of Volvo Trucks has been hung over Gothenberg Harbour, a hamster has driven a truck through a Spanish quarry and they've also taken part in the Running of the Bulls in previous videos.