Articles by Matthew Hatton

Isuzu has taken the wraps off the latest version of their limited edition, range-topping D-Max X-Runner ute, with a $51,990 drive-away price sitting just $3690 above the regular LS-U 4x4's list price.Limited to just 360 units, the X-Runner adds additional features not found in the LS-U 4x4 including rear parking sensors, a touchscreen multimedia system with reversing camera and satnav, single-zone climate control, leather seats, keyless start, proximity entry and unique dark-coloured trim.On the outside, the X-Runner adds a front and rear body kit, tub liner, alloy sports bar, stainless steel scuff plates and X-Runner decals.Two unique metallic colours are also available for the X-Runner - pearlescent white, and lapis blue.The X-Runner maintains the same 130kW/380Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and five-speed automatic transmission and 4WD system found across the D-Max ute range.Isuzu spokesman David Harding says the X-Runner is aimed at more urban drivers, reflecting a shift toward dual-cab usage as everyday transport.However, the X-Runner is still capable of matching the rest of Isuzu's 4x4 range should it be taken off the black stuff.The X-Runner matches the LS-U's 235mm ground clearance. It also matches the LS-U with its one-tonne payload and 3500kg braked towing capacities.In addition to Isuzu Ute Australia's five-year/130,000km warranty, the X-Runner also comes with Isuzu's new three-year 'Service Plus' capped price servicing plan. This locks in scheduled service costs between $155 and $760, depending on the service interval.D-Max X-Runner - turbodiesel automatic - $51,990

The second-generation Skoda Octavia Scout arrives in local showrooms this week, with a starting price that trumps its Subaru Outback and VW Passat Alltrack key rivals and kicks off a full $7,000 beneath the model it replaces.The price-leading Octavia Scout 110TDI is priced from $32,990, which puts it $2500 below the equivalent Subaru Outback 2.0D.The only petrol powered model in the new Octavia Scout range is the $38,590 132TSI. The 132TSI comes in  at $2600 more than the petrol Outback 2.5i.Topping out the 2015 Octavia Scout range is the $41,390 135TDI diesel. Compared to the equivalent Subaru Outback 2.0D Premium, the Scout is $2100 cheaper, and $6900 cheaper than the VW Passat Alltrack.RELATED: 2015 Skoda Octavia Scout detailedThe new Octavia Scout matches the segment-leading Passat Alltrak with 588 litres of storage space available with the 60:40 split rear seats raised. This space increases to 1718 litres when the seats are folded.The Outback falls behind with only 512 litres seats-up, but nudges the Czech and the German with a seats-folded figure of 1801 litres.The petrol-powered Octavia Scout 132TSI can tow a maximum of 1600kg, with both diesels carrying a superior 1800kg rating. Equivalent Outback models each fall 100kg short.The off-road oriented Octavia Scout's 171mm ground clearance puts it 6mm higher than the Passat Alltrack, while the Subaru Outback sits above them all at 213mm.The Octavia Scout 110TDI is powered by a 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and a six-speed manual transmission that drives all four wheels via a Haldex system that can send up to 95 percent of drive to the rear wheels for added grip.Standard features include reversing camera, rear parking sensors, nine airbags, driver fatigue detection, a 5.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system and 17-inch alloys.Powering the 132TSI is a 132kW/280Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. It is paired to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission that uses the same all-wheel drive system.As well as all the features of the 110TDI, the 132TSI adds an 8-inch touchscreen, satnav, eight speaker sound system, leather/Alcantara trim, dual-zone air-con, heated front seats and an automatic tailgate.A 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine powers the Octavia Scout 135TDI, which otherwise matches the 132TSI on spec. Like the 132TSI, it has a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.The additional features of the 132TSI and 135TDI are available as a $4400 Premium Pack for the 110TDI.A $3900 Tech Pack ($3300 for 135TDI) can also be optioned across the whole range and adds lane keep assist, automatic park assist with front parking sensors, bi-xenon headlights, LED tail lights and a 10-speaker sound system.Adaptive cruise control also forms part of the Tech Pack, however the 135TDI misses out on this.When financed directly through Skoda, the Octavia Scout will be available with the new Skoda Choice guaranteed future value plan, which will give owners the peace of mind of a set resale value at the end of their predetermined ownership.

A blitz by NSW Police and the NSW Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) has revealed an alarming number of light and heavy trucks with excessive loads, unsecured cargo, or with tampered speed limiters.In one case, a speed limiter had been altered to allow a truck to travel upwards of 150km/h.Operation Containment inspected nearly 700 vehicles over five days, and found a startling 66 per cent were in breach of maximum load capacities, or needed their loads adjusted to be properly secured.The risks are too high, it simply must improveThe driver pictured above will face court along with the truck's operator on charges of weight, width, height and restraint breaches for substantially overloading a light truck and trailer with pallets.RMS Director of Safety and Compliance, Peter Wells, said the message about road safety "is clearly not getting through to some"."The risks are too high, it simply must improve and we will drive that," he said.Guidelines on preparing your vehicle, trailer and load for towing are available on the RMS website.

The Mazda CX-3 enters the fast-growing small SUV segment this month, with a $19,990 starting price that puts it below all immediate rivals.The CX-3 will bring a large range of choices for customers, with four model grades, featuring both petrol and turbodiesel engines coupled to six-speed manual or six-speed automatic automatic transmissions in either front or all-wheel drive.The $19,990 Neo - which will arrive after the rest of the range in the second quarter - kicks off the CX-3 lineup with features including rear parking sensors, engine stop/start, keyless start, the usual connectivity options, ISOFIX child seat anchor points, air conditioning, cruise control, cloth trim and 16-inch steel wheels.Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, full length curtain airbags, traction and stability control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, hill start assist and emergency stop signalling. Stepping up to the $22,390 Maxx adds Mazda's MZD Connect multimedia system with 7-inch touchscreen, internet radio, satnav and six-speakers. It also includes a reversing camera, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, as well as 16-inch alloys. Priced from $26,990 the sTouring adds LED head and tail lights, fog lights and daytime running lights as well as automatic wipers. In the cabin it adds a heads-up display, single-zone climate control and Maztex synthetic leather trim. The sTouring rides on 18-inch alloys. At the top of the range is the $31,290 Akari. Building on the sTouring, it adds a powered sunroof, leather/Alcantara trim and auto high-beams.The Akari also includes additional safety features such as rear cross traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning.A $1030 factory-fitted safety pack adds the blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and AEB to Neo, Maxx and sTouring models.Front parking sensors are a $599 (fitted) option across the range.Cargo space is about average for the class, with 264 litres VDA available with the rear seats up, expanding to 1174 litres VDA with the seats down. These figures include an extra storage space located beneath a handy removable false-floor in the boot.The petrol engine is a version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit from the Mazda3 and CX-5, however maximum outputs of 109kW/192Nm are down slightly for the CX-3 to bring max torque earlier at an impressive 2800rpm.Fuel efficiency for the petrol engine ranges from 6.1L/100km to 6.7L/100km depending on the drivetrain.Mazda has set a new segment benchmark with the CX-3's turbodiesel, however, with a best combined figure of 4.8L/100km.The auto-only 77kW/270Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit is available on the front-drive Maxx as well as all-wheel drive sTouring and Akari models.All trim levels, bar the Neo, are available with all-wheel drive and all front-wheel drive petrol models are available with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed torque-converter auto adds $2000 to these models.

Not that long ago, police cars used to come in two flavours: Falcon and Commodore. These days you'll find vehicles as diverse as Mitsubishi Lancers and Hyundai i45s patrolling the streets, not to mention a growing number of premium and exotic models masquerading as police vehicles.The latest marque to join this list is Jaguar, with officers from Rose Bay LAC in eastern Sydney taking delivery of a new XF luxury saloon.The $125,000 Jag has been loaned to the police by Sydney dealership Trivett Jaguar, and replaces the Polestar blue Volvo S60 used by the station since 2013.Trivett General Manager Garry Kelly says the relationship with the  eastern suburbs police support area brings benefits to both parties."We saw some vehicles out there doing the same thing and thought it would be a good opportunity to support the community and also be able to get the product out into the market place," he said.The 202kW/600Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel XF can do 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds, but is unlikely to ever do that in anger while in the custody of the thin blue line.Superintendent Brad Hodder from Rose Bay LAC says  the "community car"  won't see operational action."We use this for crime prevention and community engagement events where we can interact with the community," he said.The stand-out car acts as a point of interest for the community."It's an attraction to the vehicle. They then start to engage with the police, and then we can talk to people about crime prevention and how we make them safe in the community," Hodder said.Although it is decked out in police colours, the Rose Bay XF will otherwise remain standard, missing out on the lights and sirens usually seen on patrol cars.There are police actually driving it so we do still have the power to pull people overThat said, if you do happen drive past at a speed somewhat higher than the posted limit, you may find yourself getting inadvertently acquainted with it."There are police actually driving it so we do still have the power to pull people over," Superintended Hodder said.This isn't the first of its type to be handed over to the police. NSW Police already has an imported F150 Raptor truck, plus a Dick Johnson-tuned Ford Falcon GT-F and an HSV GTS in the garage.Ford's new Mustang, which arrives later this year, might also find itself pursuing a career in law enforcement.So is there a competition within NSW Police to get the most tricked-out car?"Officially, I'd have to say no," said Superintendent Hodder. "But yes, there is.""A few of the commands have their relevant vehicles, but I'm happy with the Jaguar. It fits right in with our local area command, and as a community engagement tool it's very positive."

The top three cars across 15 different segments, as chosen by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA), will be on display as part of the Australian Motoring Festival to be held in Melbourne later this month.Over 40 vehicles will feature in the lineup, including CarsGuide's own Car of the Year for 2014 - the Mercedes-Benz C200.In determining each winner, the AAA (which comprises representatives from state motoring bodies the RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA, RACT and the AANT), took into account driving performance, design and value for money.The 15 segments cover the wide gamut of car types from tiny tots to city runabouts and mid-size sedans, through to people movers and SUVs both great and small.This show format differs from the more traditional motor show, where cars are normally displayed by each manufacturer individually, with the innovative format allowing consumers to weigh up segment rivals side-by-side.There will still be room for the more manufacturer-centric displays however, with Ferrari showcasing their current range of cars along with older models going back 30 years.The Australian Motoring Festival will be held at the Melbourne Showgrounds from March 26-29.

Ford has confirmed local pricing for the fourth-generation Mondeo, with the new mid-sizer priced from $32,790 for the five-door hatch and $34,640 for the wagon.Ford's drip-feed of Mondeo details kicked off in November last year, with the model grades and feature levels detailed in December.The $32,790 starting price for the entry-level petrol Ambiente hatch makes the Mondeo more expensive than rivals Mazda6 ($32,620), Subaru Liberty and Hyundai Sonata (both $29,990), as well as top-selling Toyota Camry ($30,490).The mid-spec Trend hatch is priced from $37,290, while the top of the range Titanium comes in at $44,290.Stepping up from petrol to turbodiesel power attracts a $4000 premium for the Ambiente, while the Trend and Titanium diesels add $3200.For the wagon bodystyle, only the Ambiente model is available with petrol power, and is priced from $34,640. Like the hatch, putting a diesel engine in the Ambiente wagon will add $4000.Rounding out the wagon range are the diesel-only $42,340 Trend and $49,340 Titanium.

Toyota has confirmed that a new low-cost single-make race series based on the successful 86 coupe will join the V8 Supercar calendar in 2016.The announcement, made today at the V8 Supercar's Clipsal 500 series opener in Adelaide, confirms plans first revealed during the Festival of 86 held in Sydney last November.It will be a pro-am involving up to five professional drivers with the balance of the field being amateur driversIn launching the new series, Toyota Australia's executive director of sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the series will help develop motorsport talent in Australia with professional drivers acting as mentors to up-and-coming amateurs."It will be a pro-am involving up to five professional drivers with the balance of the field being amateur drivers," he said."This mentoring will extend beyond honing driving skills – it will also focus on teaching them about the business of motorsport because we all know that the hardest part of driving is actually outside the car."Chief engineer of the Toyota 86, Tetsuya Tada has been named patron of the new series. Tada-san said the success of the 86 was due in part to the enthusiasm from Australian owners.Australia will be the fourth country (after Japan, Germany and New Zealand) to host a series of production-based 86 racers, with Tada-san saying he'd like to see the series grow to match the upcoming Mazda Global MX-5 Cup."My dream is that one day we can have a World 86 Challenge with the best drivers from Japan, Europe and other markets – and the champion Toyota 86 driver from Australia," he said.With the series aimed at developing grassroots talent, keeping costs low will be a key priority."Our vision is that a full year's competition, including the car, package, transport and entry fees, will come in under $100,000 in the first year," Tony Camb said.This would make the 86 Pro-Am series $70,000 cheaper than the upcoming Formula 4 open-wheel series, which is also aimed at up-and-coming racers.The Toyota 86 is such a competent carAustralian rally and racing legend Neal Bates developed race-spec Toyota 86 for the new series, and says the design of the car makes it easy to adapt for racing while keeping costs down."The Toyota 86 is such a competent car that it has just been a matter of building race-durable components into it without interfering with its character," he said."The aim is to engineer a car that is pretty much bullet-proof in racing conditions while making it a satisfying and rewarding experience for its driver."Minimal changes have been made to the GT spec Toyota 86 for racing, which retains its 147kW/205Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine.Bates and his team have added new extractors and exhaust systems; four-pot and two-pot rear brakes; adjustable coil covers for the suspension; and a programmable engine control unit to make the cars race ready.The ECU provides increased performance for the race-spec 86 over its roadgoing counterpart.Wheel and tyre specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the series will run on controlled rubber.The Toyota 86 Pro-Am series will run at selected rounds of the 2016 V8 Supercar series.Watch Tetsuya Tada talk about the Toyota 86 Pro-Am series here. 

Updated Corolla hatch revealed ahead of local arrival later this year.

Celebrating the Chinese New Year today, Ford has farewelled the outgoing Year of the Horse with a smoke-laden Mustang video.Pro-drifter Vaughan Gittin Jr takes a Mustang V8 GT on a tour of Ordos, China in a manner similar to Ken Block's tours of Los Angeles and San Francisco.Unlike like the Mustang's last tyre-shredding appearance on film, Gittin Jr is not trying to impress a romantic interest; instead taking in the completely vacant city on his own.This new video encompasses the impressive Genghis Khan Plaza along with other areas of what is said to be China's biggest ghost town.The lack of... well, anything, really... gives Gittin Jr the opportunity to demonstrate just how effectively the Mustang can remove rubber from its rear tyres has he slides around the city through plazas, empty six-lane highways and bridges.The choice of location does, however, raise a few questions.For example, is Ford suggesting the new Mustang will conquer the known world as Genghis Khan did in 13th century?Or, will the new Mustang be a spectacular piece of engineering on a grand scale...that no one will actually use?We're guessing the former, but we'll find out for sure in November when new Mustang arrives in Australian showrooms.