Articles by Ron Hammerton

 Nissan Australia looks set to deliver on another highly specified Navara, with the Japanese company trademarking N-Trek Warrior as a nameplate, which could be used for a new grade that will go toe to toe with Toyota’s HiLux Rugged X flagship.The N-Trek Warrior trademark application – including nameplate and logo – was lodged with IP Australia on August 14, just a week after Nissan Australia launched the Navara’s long-awaited Ford Ranger Wildtrak rival, the N-Trek.While the Navara is not directly mentioned in the trademark application, the fact that Warrior is associated with N-Trek suggests that a new version of the ute is in the works – and CarsGuide understands it could be revealed within the next two months.The trademark application includes an image of the N-Trek Warrior logo, which depicts a snow-capped mounted range above the nameplate in stylised block letters.While the trademark application does surprisingly make mention of electric vehicles, it is likely a cover-all clause in preparation for future Nissan models that may go down that path.Nissan Motor Company has used the Warrior nameplate before, with it having graced the 2016 concept version of its full-size pick-up, the Titan.The Titan Warrior has yet to enter production, though, but if it were to, it would likely take the fight to Ford’s all-conquering F-150 Raptor.The concept wore a tough body kit, chunky tyres and a high-riding chassis that were designed for serious off-roading – just like the F-150 Raptor.However, the Titan Warrior and F-150 Raptor differed in the sense that the former was motivated by a Cummins-sourced turbo-diesel V8, while the latter goes with an EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 petrol engine.As mentioned, the one-size smaller Navara’s new N-Trek grade is being pitched against Ford’s Ranger Wildtrak in Australia.Based on the ST-X dual-cab pick-up that was formerly the Navara’s flagship, the N-Trek gets black exterior trim and a higher level of standard specification, including leather-accented upholstery orange contrast stitching as well as orange seat inserts.The front pews also get heating, with the driver’s seat going a step further with eight-way power adjustment.The Navara N-Trek undercuts the Ford Ranger Wildtrak’s price by about $5000, depending on the latter’s engine and transmission combination.CarsGuide understands that the Navara N-Trek Warrior will not enter the ring with the pre-eminent Ford Ranger Raptor ($75,990 plus on-road costs). Instead, it will rival the off-road-focused Toyota HiLux Rugged line-up that ranges in price from $55,865 to $64,490.

Volkswagen Group Australia has announced a $79,490 entry price for its new-generation Touareg large SUV when full-time variants arrive in local showrooms in late October or early November.The company has been selling the Touareg Launch Edition as an interim measure for the past few weeks as it awaits full certification of the regular range from Europe where engineers have been struggling to homologate all models under the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) fuel consumption and emissions regulations.Rather than launch the permanent V6 TDI diesel range in two states of tune – 170kW and 210kW – as predicted earlier this year, the company has elected to split the difference and go with one 3.0-litre V6 with 190kW and 600Nm in a 190TDI model in two specification levels.This is the same engine as the Launch Edition, with an identical eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system.While the highly specified Launch Edition is priced at $89,990 plus on-road costs, the regular models will open with the 190 TDI at $79,490, and then step up to the 190 TDI Premium at $85,490.The base variant gets leather seats, four USB ports, 19-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, a 9.2-inch screen with Discover Pro Navigation, electric tailgate operation and a range of safety technologies include blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, low- and high-speed autonomous emergency braking and traffic jam assist.The 190TDI Premium adds IQ matrix headlights, air suspension, seats with a higher grade of leather plus massaging and ventilation functions, 20-inch alloys and the option of a light-coloured interior.Three option packages are available, all priced at $8000.The Innovision Package – available on both grades of 190TDI – bundles in a 15.0-inch touchscreen Discover Premium infotainment system, a 12.3-inch Active Info Display digital instrument cluster, a windshield-projected head-up display and multi-colour ambient lighting.The 190TDI Premium buyer can also add a sound and comfort pack for a ‘memory pack’, area-view parking assistance, Dynaudio, four-zone climate control and heated rear seats.And as expected in a VW model, the R-Line pack on the 190TDI Premium adds interior and exterior R-Line body kits, four-wheel steering, active sway bar and 20-inch Nevada alloy wheel.A panoramic sunroof is available on both variants for $3000.Six colours are available, with premium paints costing an extra $2000.No petrol variants are expected to land in Australia, meaning this market will also miss out on the hybrid version available elsewhere.However, a range-topping V8 diesel flagship using a 310kW/900Nm version of VW Group’s 4.0-litre engine is a possibility, perhaps next year.2020 Volkswagen Tourareg pricing before on-road costs

End-of-financial-year sales, a re-elected Coalition government and falling interest rates have done little to stem Australia's slowing interest in new vehicles, as June data reveals a 9.6 per cent drop in sales to 117,817, the biggest monthly decline so f

Peugeot has revealed its new-generation 2008 small SUV that will be made available with an all-electric plug-in variant, as well as petrol and diesel power, when it hits European showrooms in 2020.

BMW has uncovered the big-booted Touring version of the seventh-generation 3 Series mid-sizer, which is scheduled to hit Australian showrooms in October this year.While the sedan body style, launched locally in March, will eventually be available with five powertrains – 320i, 320d, 330i, M340i and 330e – it is expected the Australian line-up for the Touring will mirror the current two-engine (320i and 330i) range.Of note however, the new Touring will be the first 3 Series wagon available with the 185kW/420Nm 330e plug-in hybrid powertrain, though whether the electrified version is brought Down Under is still to be confirmed.European customers will have a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, mirroring the international sedan line-up.Sharing the same CLAR platform as the latest 3 Series sedan, the Touring stretches 76mm longer than its predecessor at 4709mm, while also being 8mm taller at 1470mm and 16mm wider at 1827mm.Stacked next to the sedan, the Touring features the same wheelbase (2851mm), and has wider front (+43mm) and rear (+21mm) tracks.BMW is also boasting more headroom for all occupants in the Touring, as well as more front-seat shoulder room, while also being 25 percent stiffer and about 10kg lighter than before.The now standard electric tailgate is also wider, which opens to a 500-litre boot, up just 5L, that can be expanded to 1510L (+10L) with the 40:20:40 split-fold rear seats stowed.For convenience, BMW has also carried over the opening rear window for loading small items.Options are expected to include a hands-free opening tailgate, anti-slip floor rails and M Sport suspension.

Following a teaser last week, Citroen has lifted the lid on its Ami One concept, a minuscule pod-like vehicle that represents the French brand’s vision for urban mobility.

The Australian new-vehicle market declined yet again in January, with sales decreasing by 7.4 per cent over the same month last year, according to VFACTS sales data released today.

Toyota Australia has topped the 2018 Australian new-car sales charts for the 16th year in a row with a haul of 217,061, despite the overall market slipping 3.0 per cent overall to 1,153,111 units.

An airbag mishap during crash tests triggered a safety recall by Hyundai for its new Santa Fe SUV, but still scored a five star ANCAP safety rating.

Aussie vehicle sales have now weakened for eight consecutive months, culminating in a 7.4 per cent drop in November compared with the same month last year.