Articles by Neil Dowling

The door has closed on Holden’s “fantastic” 69-year journey through almost every Australian garage and across every television set in the nation.

Kia Australia today added a host of safety and convenience features and a new transmission to the refreshed version of its large seven-seat Sorento SUV, while introducing modest increases the price.

Hyundai has raised hopes for a ute model after the Korean company’s vice chairman Chung Eui-sun personally put his weight behind the project that could launch to global markets as early as 2020.

Price cuts of up to $5500 and more equipment mark Toyota’s new strategy with its HiLux-based Fortuner wagon as it takes aim at more budget-conscious family buyers.The entry-level GX has been reduced by $5400 to $42,590 plus on-road costs, while the mid-spec GXL falls $5500 to $47,490 and the flagship Crusade is now $56,990, a drop of $5000.Automatic transmissions are available to GX and GXL grades for an addition $2000, while the shift in features means the top-spec Crusade loses its manual gearbox option.As prices fall, the equipment list takes a sharp rise with the GX gaining 17-inch alloys to replace the steel wheels and rear parking sensors for easier manoeuvrability.The GX variant carries over its standard levels of equipment including an air-conditioned cool box, six-speaker audio, projector headlights, LED tail lights, Bluetooth connectivity and hard-wearing cloth seat upholstery.Moving up to the GXL grade, satellite navigation displayed on a 7.0-inch touchscreen now becomes standard, along with Toyota Link connectivity and digital radio, in addition to keyless start and entry, halogen foglights, roof rails, a colour multi-information display, privacy glass and downhill assist control.Opt for the automatic GXL and buyers can fit out the cabin with dark-brown leather and electric-adjustment front seats for an additional $2500.At the top of the price list, the Crusade’s equipment is expanded by an 11-speaker JBL audio system, eight-way electric adjustment for the front seats, heated front seats and LED fog lights.The Crusade’s leather interior, electric tailgate, climate-control air-conditioning, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare, a 220-volt socket and an electric-adjustable driver’s seat carry over from before.Options on all variants include metallic paint at an extra $550.All Fortuner variants feature seating for seven and luggage versatility with a two-three-two seat arrangement and a 60:40 split centre seat with a one-touch slide and tumble feature. The two seats in the third row fold up against the sides.Cargo space is 200 litres with all seats in position and up to 1080 litres with the centre and rear row folded.The Fortuner shares the HiLux drivetrain with a 130kW 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that has 420Nm of torque for the six-speed manual versions and 450Nm of torque for those with the automatic transmission. It can tow 3000kg (manual) or 2500kg (automatic).Toyota claims a fuel economy average of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres for the manual and 8.6L/100km for the automatic.Options on all variants include metallic paint at an extra $550.

Honda Australia has exposed the seriousness of the Takata airbag recall process by pushing for government assistance in finding affected vehicles.

Toyota Australia’s popular mid-size SUV, the RAV4, now comes with a boost in safety and convenience features – and a price rise of up to $2350.

Skoda Australia’s hottest model yet, the Octavia RS245, will set buyers back $43,390 before on-road costs and, unlike its predecessor, has been made a permanent member of the Czech brand’s line-up.

Dyson could clean up the electric-car market with plans to launch an emissions-free vehicle by 2020 to expand its product portfolio from vacuum cleaners, hairdryers and fans.

Car manufacturers have been slammed by the federal government’s small business minister for not doing enough to accelerate the replacement of almost 2.49 million defective Takata airbags.

V6-powered Kia Stingers will make do with a promising 3.3-litre twin-turbo unit under the bonnet producing 272kW/510Nm.