Articles by Spencer Leech

Despite dwindling sales performance and negative public perception, recently appointed Holden boss Dave Buttner says it is far too soon to write off the imported Commodore.

BMW has unveiled a new member of its SUV range, with the tall and luxurious X7 aimed at the top of the food chain with its big dimensions and high-end features.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia has released a special edition version of its 500 light car, dubbed the Collezione Spring Edition.

To compensate for the lack of engine sound from the all-electric I-Pace medium SUV, Jaguar has developed a new system to warn vulnerable road users that the vehicle is approaching.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific will, for a limited time, offer a higher-spec version of its A-Class hatchback that adds more grunt and an all-paw driveline.

Nissan Australia has launched its latest performance vehicle, this time in the form of the quirky Juke Nismo RS small SUV which is on sale now from $37,790 plus on-road costs.Just 240 units are available, approximately 72 of which are in entry-level manual guise, while the rest feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT).The latter checks in at $41,490, and swaps the standard front-drive set-up for an 'Xtronic' all-wheel-drive (AWD) system with torque vectoring for improved handling.While the manual misses out on AWD, it produces more power from its 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine at 160kW/280Nm, as opposed to the automatic's 157kW/250Nm output.The Nismo badge brings a healthy list of styling and performance upgrades to the Juke, starting with the unique front grille, rear diffuser, red mirror caps, 10-spoke alloy wheels and exhaust system.Inside, the Nismo RS gains a leather-accented shift knob, a leather and Alcantara steering wheel and suede sports seats with red stitching.Furthermore, the car is equipped with a red tachometer and branded front kick plates and carpet mats, a gloss black centre console, door trim and air vents as well as a carbon-look finish around the 5.8-inch touchscreen display and shifter surrounds.Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said he was confident the Juke flagship is a true Nismo performance vehicle."The Nismo brand and its range of cars are admired all over the world, we are delighted to offer small SUV buyers a Nismo option," he said."The Juke Nismo RS has the increased power and torque expected of a Nismo model, and a design that is consistent with its Nismo siblings."Further aiding in performance, the Nismo RS has undergone a significant suspension overhaul as well as being given improved aerodynamics, a revised power steering calibration and larger ventilated brake discs with uprated pads.The Nismo RS shares its safety equipment list with the Ti-S grade, featuring front, front-side and curtain airbags, two ISOFIX anchor points, electronic brakeforce distribution, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, a surround-view monitor and moving object detection.The car is available in three colours, 'Ivory Pearl', 'Pearl Black' and 'Platinum' and can be optioned with a premium suede interior trim.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has this week confirmed plans to build a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of its Renegade small SUV, which is planed to hit international markets in early 2020.When asked if the new PHEV was being considered for Australia, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia director of corporate communications Tracie Stoltenberg explained that the brand could not comment on future product.While no further details or imagery has been released in regards to the hybrid Jeep, we know the new engine will be built at FCA's Melfi Plant in Italy alongside the standard Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X engine production line.According to a recent statement, Jeep has invested more than 200 million euros ($A324.3m) to launch the new powertrain."With over 742,000 Renegades produced to date in Italy, the Melfi plant and the Renegade are the ideal location and the perfect product to launch the PHEV, further strengthening the offer of this highly successful Jeep," said Jeep chief operating officer for the EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) region Pietro Gorlier.Jeep has stated it plans to launch 12 electrified powertrain systems, which will eventually make their way into 30 different models.In the meantime, the face-lifted and conventionally powered Jeep Renegade will hit Australian showrooms in the latter half of next year, offering petrol and diesel engine options.The Renegade has been a hard sell for Jeep. It managed to move 1015 units in 2016 shortly after it launched, however that number dropped to 704 in 2017, and has this year slipped 77.3 per cent to 125 units year-to-date.

New images of the upcoming Kia Cerato GT sedan have emerged on the South Korean brand's domestic consumer website this week, following the reveal of the hatchback last month.While timing and specification details are scarce, CarsGuide understands the warmed-up Cerato will hit Aussie showrooms early next year, with both body styles available.The new model will follow the launch of the new-generation Cerato sedan that arrived in June, and the updated hatchback, expected to land in December.Unlike its Stinger GT stablemate, and the i30 N from its sister company Hyundai – two unquestionably high-performance machines – Kia's new Cerato GT will play more as a warmed-up version of the current model.Swapping out the standard 112kW/192Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine for a 1.6-litre turbocharged set-up (also used in the Hyundai i30 SR), the high-spec Cerato steps things up to 150kW/265Nm.Some reports suggest the vehicle will be available with a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.With the GT expected to borrow much from the i30 SR, which is priced from $25,990 plus on-road costs, it could land in Australia at around the same price. Although the current flagship Cerato Sport+ is priced at $26,190 drive-away.In Korea, where the new Cerato GT is known as the K3 GT, the vehicle sports 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tyres, updated rear suspension, a more aggressive bodykit and dual exhaust outlets.It's likely the Aussie version will gain much of the same gear, as well as its interior upgrades, which include a flat-bottom steering wheel and leather sports seats.

Maserati has added a new entry-point to its Levante large SUV range, undercutting the existing line-up by up to $15,000.Specifically, the Levante, which sits under the Turbo Diesel and S variants, kicks off at $125,000 plus on-road costs.Like other offerings in the SUV range, the Levante is offered with GranSport and GranLusso equipment grades which command a significant premium at $159,990 apiece.Meanwhile, the standard Turbo Diesel carries over at $139,990, and the lowest-spec S retains its $179,990 price tag.Powering the new Levante grade is a version of Maserati's Ferrari-designed 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, in this case producing 257kW/500Nm.This translates to a 64kW/80Nm power reduction compared to the Levante S, which shares the same donk.With its all-wheel drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission, the Levante gets along at a reasonable tilt, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds flat.Standard features include a pneumatic valve exhaust, 19-inch alloys, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, an electric tailgate, auto dipping mirrors, leather trim, heated 12-way electric front seats and a multimedia system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.For safety, the Levante is equipped with blind spot monitoring, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control.The mid-life update brings a few changes including a redesigned front fascia and rear bumper as well as the option of adaptive LED matrix headlights; a first for the Levante.Other enhancements include the addition of Maserati's 'Integrated Vehicle Control' (IVC) as standard, a technology which helps to prevent instability, improving safety and driving dynamics.Lastly, two new tri-coat paint schemes are now available on the Levante including 'Rosso Potente' and 'Blue Nobile'.Maserati Australia chief operating officer Glen Sealey is confident the new entry point will help drive sales for its luxury performance SUV."The newest addition to Maserati Levante range is endowed with everything expected of a Maserati with a level of accessibility never before achieved in a Maserati," he said."It is no coincidence that the arrival of this latest Maserati model coincides with the opening of new Maserati dealers in Australia as we fully expect the newest Levante to significantly contribute to Australian sales."2019 Maserati Levante list pricing

Lexus Australia will add a new range-topping variant to its LX luxury upper-large SUV line-up this month, with the LX570 S to check in at $168,098 plus on-road costs.That translates to a $25,300 premium over the fully optioned LX570 upon which it is based.The extra money gets buyers a newly designed front grille, more aggressive front and rear bumpers,  unique 21-inch alloy wheels, and side-mirror-mounted puddle lamps.To improve dynamics, the S brings front performance dampers that are said to improve body rigidity and steering stability.New features are also found inside, including alloy pedals, Shimamoku Grey ornamentation and rich-burgundy semi-aniline leather trim.Carry-over features include a reversing camera, 10 airbags, four-zone climate control, surround-view monitor and a 12.3-inch high-definition infotainment system.The S gains no changes to the LX570's engine, with it also powered by a 270kW/530Nm 5.7-litre petrol V8.That's matched with an eight-speed automatic transmission, helping it achieve a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.Safety-wise, the S carries over Lexus' Safety System Plus which includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, adaptive high-beam headlights, head-up display, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.Lexus' local arm is confident that the new flagship will help bring in new customers, according to chief executive Scott Thompson."The striking features of the new LX 570 S, from its unique exterior styling to the dynamic upgrades, symbolise the evolution of the LX model and will further expand its popularity among customers," he said. Check out all 2018 Lexus LX570 price and spec info here.