Articles by Matthew Hatton

Mazda has given us our first look at the upcoming BT-50 update, releasing a single image of a high-spec dual cab in line with the commencement of production in Thailand.Whan the new BT-50 lands on our shores later this year, it will be at least the third refreshed or new ute to launch this year. The Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton are already in showrooms, ahead of the updated Ford Ranger due in September and the all-new version of Toyota's top-selling HiLux in October.Compared to some of the other makeovers so far in what could be remembered as the Year of the Ute, the Mazda BT-50 is only scoring a relatively minor facelift.On the outside the BT-50 gets restyled headlights and grille, along with tail lights within the same body apertures and new wheels. On the other hand, its Ranger mechanical cousin gets all-new front sheetmetal, headlights, bumper and grille.Powertrain and bodystyle lineups will be unchanged, which means a continuation of the existing 110kW/375Nm 2.2-litre and 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre turbodiesel engines along with the six-speed manual or auto transmissions.Mazda has confirmed the new BT-50 will have a reversing camera added to its safety features listIt's worth noting, however, this makes the BT-50 the sole recent Mazda in the lineup not to feature their SkyActiv efficiency tech. Only the ageing CX-9 also sits in that boat.Mazda has confirmed the new BT-50 will have a reversing camera added to its safety features list.Aside from that, not a great deal has been confirmed about the new BT-50, including whether or not it will feature the excellent MZD Connect multimedia system found in most Mazda passenger models.When the PX MkII Ford Ranger arrives in September, it scores an eight-inch touchscreen and a 240V power outlet in the cabin, along with all-new bodywork from the windscreen forward.On the technology front the Ranger also scores safety tech more often seen on high-spec family cars - radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision alert, lane keep assist and reversing camera on some models.Pricing and the full spec rundown of the new Mazda BT-50 will be confirmed closer to the local arrival date.

Ford has confirmed specifications and pricing for the new LZ Focus sedan and hatch, ahead of its local arrival in October.This means the Thai-built mainstream LZ Ford Focus range will arrive five months after the update to the German-built Focus ST hot hatch.As part of the LZ update, Ford has consolidated the engine and model lineup for the Focus. This has also brought a rise in starting price to $23,390, up $3100 from the outgoing model's entry point.All of the 2015 LZ Focus range features a 132kW/240Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, doing away with the 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol as well as the 2.0-litre diesel engines available in the outgoing LW MkII model.The new engine will be paired with a six-speed manual or a new six-speed torque converter automatic instead of the current model's dual-clutch unit.The new powertrain delivers an extra 7kW/38Nm over the outgoing 2.0-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, while also improving fuel efficiency.With the manual transmission, the Focus achieves 5.8L/100km combined (down from 6.6L/100km), and 6.2L/100km with the auto (also down from 6.6L/100km). The heavier Titanium hatch uses slightly more at 6.4L/100km.The LZ Focus range starts with the Trend model grade in hatch form, with a starting price of $23,390 for the manual. Moving up to the auto adds $1000, with the hatch priced the same as the auto-only sedan. The previous model's Ambiente entry-point has been discontinued.Exclusively available as a hatch, the middle-spec Sport starts at $26,490, with the auto again adding $1000, while the top-spec auto-only Titanium is priced from $32,690 for either the hatch or wagon.Standard across the LZ Focus range is the 8-inch touchscreen with Sync2 smartphone connectivity seen in the Focus ST. The screen brings with it a reversing camera, previously only available on the higher-specced LW Focus variants.The entry-level Trend also features rear parking sensors, Ford's MyKey technology, cruise control, daytime running lights (DRLs), fog lamps and 16-inch alloys.A $300 Convenience pack adds auto headlights and wipers, auto dimming rearview mirror and "follow-me-home" lighting to the Trend models.Moving up to the Sport adds a body kit, sports-tuned suspension, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, nine-speaker audio system, leather steering wheel/shifter, auto headlights/wipers, LED DRLs and 17-inch alloys.Topping out the LZ Focus range, the Titanium adds AEB, park assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and leather sports seats.The 2015 LZ Ford Focus will arrive in local showrooms in October.

Skoda has raided the parts bin to create a new Monte Carlo variant of the Rapid Spaceback, which replaces the Elegance at the top of the range.The previous-gen Fabia hatchback was the last model to receive the Monte Carlo treatment from Skoda, with sports-flavoured model proving popular.Pricing for the Rapid Monte Carlo is yet to be confirmed, along with a firm arrival date. Skoda is taking orders for the new spec, with deliveries expected "in the coming months".On the outside, the Monte Carlo Rapid scores the black headlight and foglight surrounds, black side mirrors, extended glass tailgate, privacy glass and panoramic glass roof from the regular Rapid's Style Pack. Unique to the Monte Carlo however, is the black grille and the design of the 17-inch alloys.The Monte Carlo's xenon headlights come from the Rapid's Sports Pack.Whereas the outgoing Elegance was only available with the higher-spec of the Rapid's two engine options, the Monte Carlo will be available with both the new 81TSI and 92TSI engines introduced to the Rapid range this week.Rear parking sensors, auto wipers, foglights and height adjustable driver and passenger seats from the Elegance will continue in the Monte Carlo.

Skoda’s all-new Fabia may trail new generations of the Mazda2 and Honda Jazz by nearly 12 months, along with the latest refresh of its VW Polo mechanical twin, but the Czech brand has equipped even the cheapest version its light-hatch challenger with two of modern motoring’s biggest must-haves.Matching the $15,990 starting price of the previous model, the 2015 Skoda Fabia comes standard with Skoda’s City Emergency Brake AEB system, and is one of the first vehicles on the Australian market to score the Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink smartphone integration systems.To boost the new model’s appeal even further, Skoda is offering all versions of the new Fabia with free on-road costs for the rest of 2015. Unlike its predecessor, the new Fabia rolls on the very latest version of the VW Polo’s architecture, while also matching the current Polo’s 1.2-litre turbo petrol engines.The Fabia brings the same 66kW/160Nm 66TSI and 81kW/175Nm 81TSI configurations as the Polo, but consolidates its offerings by limiting the 66TSI to a five-speed manual transmission and the 81TSI as the only version available with a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.These drivetrain upgrades have also brought efficiency gains, with all versions matching the Polo’s best combined figure of 4.8L/100km. Helping the Fabia achieve this figure is Skoda’s Green Tech stop/start system and regenerative braking alternator.Both the hatch and wagon bodystyles are available with either engine spec, with the more powerful automatic 81TSI commanding a $4300 premium over the 66TSI and the wagon bodystyle costing an extra $1150 in either grade.Along with the standard AEB system, all new Fabias come with rear parking sensors and carry a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, improving on the four-star previous model.In the cabin, the multimedia system now features a 6.5-inch touchscreen with VW’s SmartLink multimedia system which offers smartphone connectivity using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink to cover iPhone 5 onwards and all current Android phones. These systems generally utilise the satnav on your phone, however built-in VW satnav is also available as a $950 option.The base 66TSI comes with a leather multifunction steering wheel, heated door mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX anchorage points and rides on 15-inch steel wheels.The 81TSI adds cruise control and 15-inch alloys.Seats-up storage space in the boot is improved on both models with hatch's 305-litre capacity and the wagon's 505 litres representing 5L and 25L gains respectively.With the rear seats folded however, both models offer slightly less storage than before. Capacity in the hatch is now 1125 litres (down 40L) and the wagon 1370L (down 90L).The Fabia hatch's storage capacity is still greater than the 20mm shorter Polo hatch's 280L/952L (seats up/down).An optional $1300 Travel Pack is available for the 66TSI which adds cruise control, fatigue detection, LED daytime running lights and 16-inch alloys.Available for the 81TSI, the $1200 Sports Pack adds 15mm lower sports suspension, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights, fatigue detection and 17-inch alloys.Also available for the 81TSI is a $2600 Premium Sports Pack which adds the features of the Sports Pack plus auto wipers, climate control, flat-bottom sports steering wheel, keyless start and digital radio.All three option packs are also available with Skoda's Colour Concept pack (extra $300 66TSI, no cost 81TSI), which offers an alternating selection of body, roof and wheel colours.

Four-time champion Tommi Mäkinen has been announced as the team principal for Toyota's return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017, which was announced in January.Mäkinen won consecutive titles between 1996 and 1999 driving for Mitsubishi before retiring in 2003, and was also involved with both Subaru and Nissan's WRC programs during his 17-year rally driving career.More recently, Mäkinen has been involved in the development of Toyota's GR86X, a purpose-built all-wheel drive rally version of the 86 sports car driven by Toyota boss Akio Toyoda at the Coffs Harbour round of the WRC last year during a visit to Australia as part of a ten-week research and development program.The WRC program will be based out of Toyota Motorsport's technical centre in Colonge, Germany. The same facility also houses the Japanese brand's title-holding World Endurance Championship team and was also previously the base for their Formula One team.Toyota will return to the WRC with a purpose-built Yaris which features a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing in excess of 223kW, some 160kW more power than the top-spec road-going Yaris ZR which sports an 80kW 1.5-litre engine.The Yaris WRC racer has spent the first-half of the year running through a test program in Europe with several young drivers and WRC2 driver Eric Camilli behind the wheel.Toyota WEC regular Stéphane Sarrazin and rally veteran Sebastian Lindholm will join the development program, with further testing planned across European WRC venues encompassing a number of different rally surfaces.

ANCAP's latest round of crash testing has brought with it the maximum five-star safety rating for Skoda's new Fabia, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Holden's rebadged Astra range.The Fabia was lauded by ANCAP CEO Nicholas Clarke for its inclusion of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology as a standard feature across the entire range. AEB is currently rarity in the Skoda's class, even as an option.A recent international study found that an AEB-equipped car was 38 per cent less likely to be involved in a rear-end collision, with Clarke adding the increased adoption of the safety tech would "contribute to a further reduction in the number and severity of road crashes".AEB works by monitoring the road ahead of a vehicle, and automatically applying the brakes if it detects an obstruction.The five-star safety rating applies to all hatch and wagon variants of the Fabia.Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 models also picked up the maximum safety rating from ANCAP, marking an improvement from the previous four-star rating attained in 2011.The four-star rating came about as a result of a poor performance in the frontal-offset crash test, where the Grand Cherokee only scored 9.95 out of 16. A minimum score of 12.5 in that test was a requirement for five-star eligibility.However, V6 models built after March 2013 feature structural and seat design upgrades to help address criticisms of the previous model's dashboard components and seat slide mechanism.ANCAP has also officially recognised the new Holden Astra, continuing the five-star rating the model previously carried when sold here wearing Opel badges.

In a bid to boost sluggish sales, Nissan has announced substantial price cuts and a consolidated two-grade model lineup for the 2015 Patrol V8 SUV, the first update since the model landed in Australia in January 2013.The big petrol-powered SUV range now starts with the $69,990 eight-seat Ti variant, which is priced a whopping $23,400 beneath its outgoing equivalent and an impressive $12,700 below the now-discontinued ST-L entry point.Priced from $86,990, the range-topping seven-seat Ti-L variant is now $27,500 cheaper.Neither model has lost any features as a result of the price drops, but the Ti now has the 9.3Gb music hard drive previously reserved for the Ti-L.In the engine bay, things are the same with the 298kW/560Nm 5.6-litre petrol V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission carrying over from the outgoing model, as does the "All-Mode" 4WD system.There's still no diesel, due to the petrol-loving Middle East making up the bulk of Y62 Patrol sales internationally.The shifter is now located on the right-hand side of the centre console, removing a significant reminder of the Patrol's left-hand drive origins. However, the centre row seat split-fold still favours entry to the third row from the right-hand side.New standard features of the 2015 Y62 update include an off-road monitoring system that gives the driver advice about steering angle, tyre slip and pressure, as well as a compass.The satnav system has also been updated to include real-time traffic monitoring.Carrying over from the outgoing Patrol are the Hydraulic Body Motion Control suspension swaybar system, all-around view camera system, and the leather-accented seats.New shades of white and grey paint are also available, with Alpine White and Precision Grey replaced by Ivory Pearl and Gun Metallic, respectively.The 2015 Y62 Nissan Patrol V8 is due to land in local showrooms early this month.

When Peugeot took the wraps off the 308 R HYbrid concept at the Shanghai motor show back in April, we were told there were no plans for it to go into production."This car is more a demonstration of our potential future drivetrains," Peugeot's Tyson Bowen said.However, Peugeot's global boss has publically given a strong hint to the contrary. Maxime Picat, Peugeot CEO, tweeted two pictures this week of what looks to be an almost production-ready 308 R HYbrid development mule."Looks like #Peugeot308RHYbrid is ready to move!" he said."Today our CEO Carlos Tavares enjoyed its radical performance!"Carols Tavares is the chairman of the PSA Peugeot-Citroen group, which is Peugeot's parent company, and his involvement suggests validation is underway at the highest level.The car in the photos looks to be wearing the wheels, brakes and front bumper of the new 308 GTi that debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last week, but with significantly pumped wheelarches that suggest there's far more lurking beneath its disguised skin.The mule's wheelarches have a larger-radius bulge than the boxed RS6-style ones seen on the Shanghai concept, or any other 308 to date for that matter.Such a body mod hints at Audi RS3-esque levels of performance, but would also likely be necessary to make space for the front and rear electric motors seen on the petrol-electric concept.The mule is also sporting an 'R' moniker stitched into the seats - a further strong hint that the car is edging closer to production.The 308 R HYbrid concept featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with electric motors on both axles and a six-speed paddle-shift transmission.The concept claimed outputs of 370kW/730Nm with all power sources combined, putting it well ahead of the 200kW produced by the new GTi in its most powerful form.If a production version comes within cooee of the concept, it would also significantly trump the 270kW/465Nm and 0-100km/h in 4.3s of the recently launched Audi RS3 and the 280kW/475Nm and 4.2s acceleration set for an updated version of the A45 AMG.

The 2015 PX Ford Ranger MkII ute will feature a suite of new technology features, exterior design tweaks and increased towing capacity when it arrives locally in September.This latest arrival date differs from our earlier expectation of a July date debut, but still puts it in showrooms ahead of the all-new Toyota HiLux which is due to land in October. Updates to the Ranger's Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi Triton rivals have already landed in local showrooms.RELATED: 2015 Ford Ranger revealedThe Ranger will continue to be available in single-cab, extra-cab and dual-cab bodystyles, with either pickup or cab-chassis bodies.Pricing is up between $200 and $3650 across the board, with the biggest jump applying to the XL single cab chassis manual entry model.Trim levels continue as before, kicking off with the XL trim level, moving up to XL Plus, XLS, XLT and topping out with the Wildtrak, totalling the same 37 variant lineup as before.However, the 4x2 XL dual-cab pickup models are now the taller hi-rider spec, which has added $1300 for the manual manual and $1600 for the auto, to $36,390 and $38,590 respectively.The 118kW/385Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine carries over from the previous model, but does bring a 8kW/10Nm improvement in outputs. The 147kW/470Nm 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbodiesel also carries across to the new model.Both engines are paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in 2WD, 2WD Hi-Rider and 4WD drivetrains.Maximum braked towing remains the segment benchmark 3500kg, matching the new Navara and HiLux and existing Holden Colorado utes.The Ranger still trumps the competition with its maximum wading depth of 800mm.Externally, the new Ranger gets a redesigned grille, headlights and new wheels, while pickup models with the sportsbar score a cargo light.The entry-level Ranger XL features a 230V inverter for powering laptops and the like (double and extra-cab variants only), speed-limiting cruise control, 4.2-inch multimedia system with SYNC1, auto-headlights, rear diff lock (2WD Hi-rider and 4WD only) and 16-inch steel wheels.The mining-fleet oriented XL Plus adds daytime running lights, a second battery, plastic side-steps and 17-inch steel wheels with all-terrain tyres. However it does away with SYNC multimedia system, replacing it with a basic 3.5-inch LED display.Stepping up to the XLS adds carpet flooring, front fog lamps and 16-inch alloys.Adding to this, the XLT includes a towbar, rear parking sensors, 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC2 and satnav, mobile wi-fi hotspot, sportsbar, dual-zone climate control, 12V power socked in the tray, auto wipers, leather steering wheel and shifter, powered folding mirrors and 17-inch alloys.An optional Tech Pack for the XLT brings reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and lane departure warning.Topping out the range, the Ranger Wildtrak features reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, heated leather front seats, Wildtrak sportsbar, and 18-inch alloys. The Tech Pack for the Wiltrak adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and lane departure warning.

The 6 Series has received a minor facelift for 2015 for the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible models, although the improvements have come with a minor increase in prices.The petrol-powered BMW 640i and 650i will maintain the Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible bodystyles from the existing range, however all prices have risen by $925, bringing the starting points for the range up to $177,900 for the two-door coupe, $184,900 for the four-door, and $193,900 for the soft-top.The 640d Gran Coupe remains the only diesel option, and its price has risen by a mere $100 to now start at $184,900.Under the bonnet, things remain the same. The 640i range is powered by a 235kW/450Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.Improvements have been made to combined fuel efficiency however, with the Coupe achieving 7.4L/100km (down 0.4L/100km), the Gran Coupe 7.5L/100km (down 0.4) and the Convertible 7.6L/100km (down 0.3).It's a similar story when you step up to the 650i, with the 330kW/650Nm 4.4-litre V8 and its eight-speed auto carrying over from the outgoing models.Again, fuel efficiency improvements are the order of the day with all 650i models improving their combined ratings by 0.3L/100km over the outgoing equivalents. The Coupe and Gran Coupe now achieve 8.6L/km, while the Convertible comes in at 8.9L/100km.For the 640d Gran Coupe, the 230/650Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel and eight-speed auto remain. However, unlike its petrol brothers, its 5.7L/100km combined figure is unchanged.On the outside, the updated 6 Series range scores new front and rear bumpers and new grille design. The Coupe and Convertible now join the Gran Coupe in having adaptive LED headlights.For the driver, the new 6 Series standard inclusions now feature active cruise, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, AEB, lane change warning and parking assist. There's also an improved heads-up display.The Design Pure Experience option pack adds gloss-black detailing to the exterior, along with two-tone 19-inch alloys. In the cabin it adds cognac/black leather upholstery and brown wood trim.The Design Pure Excellence option pack adds white/black leather upholstery, leather covered dash, new switches and grey wood trim.Both option packs can individually be optioned with the alternate coloured leather and wood.The high-performance M6 models haven't missed out on the updates either, including the $925 increase in pricing.For the extra dollars the M6 now comes with the previously optional Competition Pack standard, bringing the it into line with the mechanically-identical M5, which scored a similar update in 2013.The Competition Pack brings more hardcore diff and suspension setups, sharper steering, M Dynamic drive mode and lighter 20-inch alloys.Under the bonnet, the 4.4-litre V8 now produces 441kW and 700Nm, a 29kW/20Nm improvement that hasn't come at the cost of fuel efficiency. That clocks in at 10.3L/100km, which matches the outgoing M6's number.All three models now make the dash to 100km/h 0.2s quicker. The fixed-roof versions now do it in an astonishing 3.9s, while the heavier Convertible is only 0.1s behind at 4.0s.