Articles by Spencer Leech

Mazda is expected to reveal an all-new CX-3 by 2020, which is expected to be built on the new Mazda3 platform instead of the Mazda2 base, and be larger than the current model to broaden its appeal in overseas markets.If this is the case, the small SUV will benefit from the SkyActiv-X architecture that is set to debut in the all-new Mazda3 small car next year, which allows for a stiffer chassis and body structure.As such, the car will be more dimensionally similar to its high-selling Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona rivals.The new Mazda3 architecture also includes a redesigned torsion beam rear suspension setup that aims to fix Mazda's noise and vibration issues, which according to Mazda Motor Company director and oversight of research and development Kiyoshi Fujiwara, was a focal point of criticism for Mazda's SkyActiv models."The (new) torsion beam axle is much better than multi-link suspension in terms of road noise, so we selected that in reducing road noise for customers," he said."Because we got a lot of complaints from the media." It's also expected that Mazda's SkyActiv-X compression-ignition petrol engines, which improve performance while reducing fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent, will make their way into the second-generation CX-3.The SkyActiv-X combustion system uses diesel-like compression as well as spark plugs and a supercharger to lower the volume of required fuel.Furthermore, the world-first engine design can still be mated with conventional six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and run on standard 91 Ron unleaded petrol.SkyActiv-X, which is planned for the 2.0-litre engine in the next Mazda3, bumps its power up from 109kW/192Nm to around 140kW/230Nm.The next CX-3 is expected to have a strong focus on improved seat comfort, dashboard ergonomics and interior acoustics as well as a much larger cargo capacity.Though a huge success in Australia, the CX-3 has not done so well in North American markets where it is considered too small for an SUV.

BMW has given a glimpse at its second battery-electric SUV, the iNext, which is set to surface in production form sometime in 2021.The Bavarian carmaker this week published two videos and an image of the iNext in Vision concept form on social media, which while intentionally out-of-focus, clearly depicts the brand's iconic double-kidney grille outlined with blue LEDs.Blue lighting continues around the car, and narrow Angel Eye headlights dominate it's tall front end, which features integrated vertical air intakes.BMW has been quiet regarding details of the high-riding EV, though it will likely make its public debut at the upcoming Paris motor show in October.When it hits the road in production guise, the iNext will sit atop the brand's i line-up, which currently consists of the i3 hatchback and i8 sportscar, with the i4 liftback soon to join the range.However, BMW Group plans to offer at least 25 electrified models, including 12 battery-electric vehicles by 2025.According to BMW chairman of the board of management Harald Krueger, the iNext will be motivated by the brand's fifth-generation battery technology which will provide a driving range of around 700 kilometres.The EV will also use a modular platform, and will utilise Level 3 autonomous technologies, meaning it will be capable of driving itself in highway conditions.

Mazda Australia has updated its CX-9 large SUV with improved safety and ride comfort, as well as introducing a new premium Azami LE grade to top the range.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Australia is studying sales of right-hook muscle cars as it weighs up the business case for the American-built Dodge Challenger.

The August vehicle sales figures published by VFACTS show that Toyota sold almost as many HiLux units as Holden did from its entire range.Specifically, Toyota moved 4275 HiLux pick-ups and 18,833 vehicles overall, which is a 1.7 per cent total sales increase for the brand over August last year.In comparison, Holden dropped 37.7 per cent to 4356 total sales, with every model in its range plummeting in the showrooms.The Commodore took the biggest hit, falling 67 per cent to just 682, which is partly due to the fact that locally-built models are steadily becoming fewer and further between.Holden's poor performance was no doubt a contributing factor to the Australian market's slight sales drop of 1.5 per cent, with 95,221 vehicles sold locally in August.The market saw a 13.4 per cent drop in passenger-car sales and a 1.9 per cent slip in the light-commercial sector, but was cushioned by steady gains in the SUV category.Australians bought 41,271 SUVs last month, an 8.3 per cent rise compared to August 2017, and a 9.0 per cent rise year-to-date, with the Mazda CX-5 (2599 units +26.9 per cent) and the Toyota Prado (2019, +79.1 per cent) among the biggest winners.While Toyota rocketed ahead in the sales race, second-placed Mazda did well to sell 10,740 vehicles last month, up 26.2 per cent, with significant gains for its Mazda3 small car, CX-5 medium SUV, Mazda2 light car and BT-50 ute.Hyundai squeezed onto the podium with a 2.6 per cent rise to 8006 unit sales, with Mitsubishi hot on its heels with a 6.3 per cent rise to 7067 units.A bad month for Ford saw the brand drop 10.3 per cent to move just 5962 vehicles, though it still fell over the line ahead of Volkswagen (4637, -2.0 per cent), Kia (4620, +2.5 per cent) and Nissan (4440, +8.4 per cent). Just as Toyota outed its new-generation model, the Corolla small car took first place in the passenger car category with 3033 sales.Following behind the best-selling HiLux in the pick-up segment, Ford sold 3515 Rangers and Mitsubishi took third with 1742 Triton sales.Despite dropping 11.5 per cent to 2595 sales, Mercedes-Benz took the luxury segment crown, followed by BMW (1760, -12.2 per cent)  and Audi (1067, -25.8 per cent).

BMW Group Australia has slashed pricing for its 7 Series sedan, with reductions of up to $49,629 across the range.Due to dealer and customer feedback, the flagship limo falls under the $200,000 bracket, putting it more reasonably in contention with the Audi A8 and Lexus LS which are priced at $192,00 and $190,129 respectively.Specifically, the entry-level 730d starts at $195,900 plus on-road costs, and the 740e and 740i are both priced at $198,900.This translates to a $31,000 price drop for the three lower variants.The bigger 750i is $28,629 less expensive at $269,900, however the 740Li and 750Li are up $13,000 and $5190 respectively, commanding a $30,000 premium over their short-wheelbase siblings.Continuing to top the range, the 448kW/800Nm 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 M760Li has undergone the biggest price slash, now $49,629 cheaper at $374,900.The decision to lower the sticker prices for the 7 Series was in response to dealer and customer feedback, according to BMW Group Australia product communications manager Adam Davis."As ever, during a product's model cycle we remain responsive to dealer and customer feedback and look to manage vehicle specification and pricing position accordingly," he said.2018 BMW 7 Series list pricingBMW 730d – automatic – $195,900 BMW 740e – automatic – $198,900 BMW 740i – automatic – $198,900 BMW 740Li – automatic – $228,900 BMW 750i – automatic – $269,900 BMW 750Li – automatic – $294,900 BMW M760Li – automatic – $374,900 

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has refreshed its E-Class range with new engine offerings, updated standard features and new AMG-fettled E53 4Matic model grades.Pricing has been adjusted across the board, with the German luxury car now starting from $91,900 plus on-road costs in E200 sedan guise and topping out at $239,529 for the full-fruit E63 S 4Matic.The brand is rolling out its new 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel engine, which replaces the outgoing V6 in the E350d Saloon, lifting power from 190kW to 210kW.Meanwhile, Benz has raised outputs on its petrol-powered E450 4Matic range by 25kW/20Nm to 270kW/500Nm.Joining the E-Class line-up in sedan, coupe and cabriolet form is a new performance AMG E53 4Matic+ variant, which is priced at $167,129, $172,729 and $181,329 respectively.In all body styles, the new AMG E53 is powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 48-volt 'EQ Boost' starter/alternator which helps increase power to 320kW/520Nm.All that is sent through a nine-speed automatic transmission and put to the ground through all four wheels via Benz's fully variable '4Matic' all-wheel drive system.Standard equipment on the new AMG variants include a valved exhaust system, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a Burmester sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, sports seats and steering wheel and an AMG bodykit.All models in the updated Mercedes E-Class range will be fitted with updated 'Traffic Sign Assist' features and a new-generation steering wheel with touch controls.2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class list pricing2018 Mercedes-AMG E-Class list pricing Check out all 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class price and spec info here.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL) has rejigged its Eclipse Cross medium SUV range, adding a new entry-level ES variant and increasing the price of its mid-spec LS variant.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL) has added a new entry-level ES variant to its high-selling ASX small SUV range, dropping the opening price tag to $23,490 plus on-road costs.Opting for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) ups pricing to $25,490 for the ES, while ticking the 'Advanced Driver Assist Systems' option pack brings the price to $26,990.The latter includes a number of safety technologies including forward collision mitigation (FCM), lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot warning (BSW), lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) and more.Meanwhile, Mitsubishi has streamlined the rest of the ASX range by dropping top-spec XLS grades and any all-wheel-drive variants, instead offering just LS and Exceed grades above the new ES.Pricing for the LS has increased by $2990 to $27,990, and the new Exceed tops the line-up at $30,990.The LS and Exceed grades are offered exclusively with a CVT, with the entire range powered by the carry-over 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a front-wheel-drive drivetrain.Standard kit has been boosted on the LS, now featuring two-tone 18-inch alloy wheels, microsuede seats and leather-look bolsters, and both forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW) are fitted out of the box.The range-topping Exceed gains a panoramic glass roof, LED mood lighting and heated front seats as well as standard blind sport warning (BSW), lane change assist (LCA) and rear cross-traffic alert.While the ASX's model-year update represents a minor change to specification, MMAL chief executive officer John Signoriello said he was confident the new range would be more attractive to buyers."ASX is a perennial favourite with SUV shoppers so we've taken the time to introduce meaningful improvements without altering ASX's winning formula," he said."As such, we've sharpened ASX's value proposition by introducing a new entry-level ES range – complete with ADAS safety option."We're confident buyers will agree the ASX range is even more attractive with Mitsubishi's 2019 updates."2019 Mitsubishi ASX list pricingMitsubishi ASX ES – manual – $23,490Mitsubishi ASX ES – automatic – $25,490Mitsubishi ASX ES with ADAS option – automatic – $26,990Mitsubishi ASX LS – automatic – $27,990Mitsubishi ASX Exceed – automatic – $30,990

Mitsubishi Motors Australia (MMAL) has refreshed its Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with tweaked interior and exterior styling as well as improved ride comfort and handling performance.Due to go on sale on September 10, this update puts the PHEV in line with the regular Outlander range that was launched earlier last month.Available in two grades, ES and Exceed, the Outlander PHEV will check in at $45,990 and $53,990 plus on-road costs respectively.A $1500 ADAS safety pack will also be offered, which includes forward collision mitigation (FCM), adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane departure warning (LDW), bumping the ES' price tag to $47,490.Changes on the outside include the brand's 'Dynamic Shield' grille design, restyled front and rear bumpers, and 18-inch alloy wheels.Inside, the PHEV gains one-touch power windows, a new seat cushion design, a soft leather-look centre console and rear air vents.Retuned suspension with optimised dampers improve handling and ride comfort, while noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels should be reduced courtesy of an updated exhaust and air intake.Mitsubishi has also aimed to make the vehicle more dynamic with a quicker-ratio steering configuration for improved responsiveness.While both the ES and Exceed model grades feature the same twin-electric motors matched with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the Exceed benefits from a 360-degree surround-view monitor, lane change assist (LCA) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)."Outlander PHEV is a great demonstration of Mitsubishi's plug-in hybrid capability and a fantastic EV solution for busy Australian urban lifestyles," said MMAL chief executive officer John Signoriello."Thanks to its high-performance petrol-electric system, the Outlander PHEV delivers EV fuel economy alongside SUV practicality, providing a low-emission alternative for families and those requiring the flexibility and versatility of an SUV."2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV list pricingMitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES – automatic – $45,990Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with ADAS pack – automatic – $47,490Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Exceed – automatic – $53,990