Articles by Spencer Leech

Mahindra Automotive Australia (MAAPL) has taken on four more variants of its latest-generation Pik-Up ute, adding increased specification for mid-range 4x2 and 4x4 units.As before, pricing for the PikUp opens at $21,990 drive-away for the base 4x2 Single Cab S6 cab chassis, stretching up to $31,990 for the range-topping 4x4 dual-cab S10 Cab with tub.The new offerings amid the line-up include a 'Tradie Pack' in 4x2 Single Cab guise, which includes a general purpose aluminium tray (GPA), Bluetooth functionality and cruise control, pushing the price up to $23,990.S6 grade Pik-Ups are equipped with steel wheels, projector headlights, air-conditioning, a standard-fair audio head unit with a MP3, radio and a CD player, as well as side steps and fabric seats.The higher-spec S10 gains a 6.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, an alloy sports bar, fabric trim with arm rests, driver's side seat adjustment and daytime running lights.Standard safety features across the range include hill descent control, ESC, ABS, EBD, roll-over mitigation, airbags and a collapsible steering column.Mahindra has also added an S10 grade for Single Cab 4x2 and 4x4, as well as 4x4 Dual Cab, in Cab Chassis configuration for $25,990, $28,990 and $31,500 respectively.The Mahindra Pik-Up is exclusively powered by a 2.2-litre 'mHawk' turbo-diesel engine that produces 103kW/320Nm and is matched up to a six-speed manual gearbox and an Eaton mechanical locking differential.In all guises, the Pik-Up boasts a 2500kg braked towing capacity and has a ground clearance of 210mm.In rear-wheel drive form, the Indian-built off-roader makes use of independent double wishbone suspension with an anti-roll bar, or independent suspension with a torsion bar and rear leaf springs in all-paw versions.The Mahindra PikUp comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assistance. According to MAAPL head of automotive business Russel Thiele, the company has been keen to take on new variants for some time, and thinks that the increased specification will help drive sales."We have been chasing supply from the factory ever since launch of the new Mahindra PikUp" he said."Sales have been great and with new metro dealers in Geelong and Penrith about to be announced, momentum in the light commercial segment is with Mahindra.""Many of our farm and trade customers like our S10 Dual Cab but have been wanting those specifications in Single Cab. Now with the introduction of S10 4x4 and 4x2 Single Cab we are able to offer a truly competitive high spec ute in the light commercial market."2018 Mahindra PikUp driveaway pricingMahindra PikUp 4x2 Single Cab S6 Cab Chassis – manual – $21,990Mahindra PikUp 4x2 Single Cab S6 Cab Chassis with Tradie Pack – manual – $23,990Mahindra PikUp 4x2 Single Cab S10 Cab Chassis – manual – $25,990Mahindra PikUp 4x4 Single Cab S6 Cab Chassis – manual – $26,990Mahindra PikUp 4x4 Single Cab S10 Cab Chassis – manual – $28,990Mahindra PikUp 4x4 Dual Cab S6 Cab Chassis – manual – $29,490Mahindra PikUp 4x4 Dual Cab S6 Cab with Tub – manual – $29,990Mahindra PikUp 4x4 Dual Cab S10 Cab Chassis – manual – $31,500Mahindra PikUp 4x4 Dual Cab S10 Cab with Tub – manual – $31,990

BMW Group Australia has revealed pricing for its upcoming M2 Competition, which is set to to go on sale in October for $104,900 plus on-road costs, while a less expensive Pure variant is due to arrive in early 2019.The M2 Competition Pure is an Australian-specific grade, which strips a handful of comfort features, lowering the price to $99,900.Just as the BMW M5 Competition performance sedan will replace the the standard M5, BMW Group Australia has confirmed the M2 Competition will replace the standard M2 when it goes on sale this year."We expect the first ever M2 Competition to deliver even greater all-round performance" said BMW Group Australia chief executive officer Vikram Pawah."And with the Pure variant, we continue to offer a proper M experience at a strong price point."Compared with the outgoing standard M2 line-up, the Competition is $6600 dearer in Pure guise, and $5000 more expensive in the full-fruit offering.However, forking out the extra dollars for the Competition affords customers a significant boost in performance, including more power and grip, sharper handling and improved braking.Standard equipment on the top-spec Competition includes adaptive LED headlights, keyless entry, a 12-speaker harman/kardon sound system, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and an 8.8-inch touchscreen multimedia display.Advanced driver-assist systems extend to forward collision warning, lane departure warning and low-speed AEB with pedestrian detection.For the Pure, the specification differences include a Hi-Fi audio system, manually-adjustable 'M Sport' seats, bi-LED headlights and remote central locking.The Pure also rides on 19-inch alloy wheels similar to those used on the superseded standard M2, rather than the newly-designed light alloys on the Competition range-topper.As reported, the M2 Competition gains a version of BMW’s S55 twin-turbo 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine, in this case, tuned to produce 302kW/550Nm. That translates to a 30kW/85Nm power leap as opposed to the standard M2's single-turbo set-up.Both a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a six-speed manual gearbox are available with no price disparity, with the former allowing the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds.The twin-exhaust uses bi-modal flaps and new mufflers for on-demand engine noise, and three driving modes are available, including Comfort, Sport and Sport+.Suspension-wise, the M2 borrows from the M4, with a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic strut tower brace and bulkhead strut, forged aluminum control arms, wheel carriers and play-free ball joints.As standard, the Bavarian coupe uses four-piston front and two-piston rear callipers that grip 380mm front and 370mm rear perforated discs.However, an optional M Sport brake system will be offered, which ups the set-up to six-piston front and four-piston rear calipers with 400mm and 380mm discs.Distinguishing the Competition from its predecessor is a re-styled front air skirt, gloss black grille, side vents, quad-exhaust tips and aerodynamic wing mirrors.Inside, unique sill plates, 'Dakota' leather seats and Alcantara armrests and dash sections are new for the M2 range.Check out all 2018 BMW M2 price and spec info here.

Alfa Romeo has released a limited-edition Giulia sedan, dubbed Carbonio Edition, based on the Quadrifoglio performance flagship variant that costs an identical $143,900 (before on-road costs) as the d

Mazda Motor Corporation has submitted the results of an investigation into its fuel economy and emissions testing during final vehicle inspection.

MG Motor Australia has confirmed the HS medium SUV, recently revealed in China, will make it Down Under sometime next year badged as the second-generation GS.

Holden has torn the covers off its new high-spec Colorado pick-up, the Z71 Xtreme, available from October of this year in “exceptionally limited” numbers at $69,990 driveaway.For perspective, the Xtreme is $15,000 more expensive than the Colorado Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 upon which it is based, with the full-time range-topper priced at $54,990, but that excludes on-road costs.Holden justifies the Xtreme's pricetag by pointing out that it is equipped with “over $19,000” worth of genuine Holden accessories.Specifically, the Xtreme gains a high-end winch system with a heavy-duty bash plate, as well as 10,000lb load capacity and 30 metre synthetic line.The uprated off-roader is also treated to a high-visibility LED light bar and winch bar, upgraded front suspension, all-terrain tyres and a vehicle recovery kit.Based on the Colorado Xtreme concept vehicle that was shown at the Bangkok motor show in 2016, the new production vehicle borrows a handful of Melbourne-designed genuine accessories.Other features include a roof tray kit, rear steel step, fender flares, Colorado badging on the tailgate, “Xtreme” decals, black tubular side steps, a black grille, a soft tonneau cover, bonnet bulge and a black extended sports bar.According to Holden product marketing manager Andre Scott, the release of the  Z71 Xtreme was in response to a growing customer demand for stronger off-road capability.“The top end of LCV market continues to develop, and we’re seeing a growing number of customers demanding greater off-road capability,” he said.“The Colorado Xtreme was a concept car that resonated with our customers, and to not onlyput it into production, but elevate it, is very exciting,” Like its Z71 donor-vehicle, the Xtreme is powered by a 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel engine that produces 147kW and 500Nm, and boasts a 3.5 tonne towing capacity.It will only be available with the six-speed automatic transmission found in the Z71.

Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has developed a new membrane that has the capability of separating hydrogen from ammonia, advancing the pursuit of viable hydrogen transport.This allows bulk hydrogen to be moved in liquid ammonia form, without the need for unique transport infrastructure.Previously, hydrogen needed to be transported in gas form, which needs to be stored under high pressure making it not only more dangerous, but also requiring specific logistic infrastructure and technologies.With the membrane developed by the CSIRO, ammonia can be passed through a module at the refuelling station to produce ultra-high-purity hydrogen gas, ready to pump into a vehicle.This was demonstrated recently at the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies where fuel-cell vehicles – the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo – were refuelled using the ammonia technique.The technology is part of the CSIRO's broadening focus on hydrogen power, which includes improving the generation of hydrogen and ammonia from solar energy using water electrolysis and ammonia synthesis.These advancements mean renewable hydrogen production will likely compete with fossil fuel production, according to the research organisation.While at face value, it may not seem groundbreaking, CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshal described the demonstration of the membrane as a watershed moment for energy."We look forward to applying CSIRO innovation to enable this exciting renewably-sourced fuel and energy storage medium a smoother path to market," he said. Local FCEV advocates, Hydrogen Mobility Australia (HMA), said that both local and state governments are committed to building hydrogen refueling stations in Australia within the next 12 to 18 months.Speaking about the CSIRO's latest technology, HMA chief Clair Johnson said it has the potential to open new doors for both export markets as well as local opportunities for hydrogen transport."With Australia a potential supplier of hydrogen to the world, it is imperative of governments at all levels to work with industry to realise the full potential of this opportunity, including the development of a local hydrogen-powered transport sector," she said.While production hydrogen vehicles are few and far between, Hyundai has become the first carmaker to make a strong commitment to importing hydrogen cars, with the brand's local firm set to import a small batch of Nexo SUVs later this year.Hyundai Motor Company Australia has already signed a deal with the Australia Capital Territory government to supply 20 Nexo units as part of the Hornsdale Wind Farm development.The initiative will include the construction of a wind farm that is projected to have the capability to power up 1000 FCEVs a year, which may allow for private FCEV sales in the future.

Volkswagen Australia has discontinued diesel-powered versions of its Golf small car, with no foreseeable plans for their return.The drying up of diesel engine supplies and the lowering of customer demand have contributed to the Golf TDI's discontinuation, according to Volkswagen Australia product marketing manager Jeff Shafer."At the moment we don’t have any diesels in the Golf range," he said."It’s a change to the model-year 2019 changeover, and it is part of the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) changes coming through."That engine and others are not available to us anymore – the 110TDI, the 169TSI in the GTI, as well as the 135TDI in the Alltrack."The new fuel consumption and emissions testing procedure is said to be more accurate for real-world conditions than the previous test and will be mandatory for all vehicles sold in Europe from September 1.As there is a limited number of independent testing rigs available, it is believed Volkswagen Group is working tirelessly to complete testing on all of its variants.Whether the Golf diesel will return when the eighth-generation version is revealed next year is still up in the air, with customer demand projected to drop even further.Once accounting for 40 per cent of total Golf sales, factors including the reduced average petrol consumption in new cars, the comparatively stable oil prices and the fallout from the Volkswagen 'dieselgate' scandal have contributed to the TDI now accounting for less than 10 per cent of sales."I don’t know whether we will see (diesel) come back in the current car, but we do have a little bit further down the road with the Golf ‘8’ coming, and we’ll see what we do with diesel engines then," Mr Shafer said."We always try to look at what the market wants and what customers are buying. And diesels have been a fairly minimal part of the Golf range in terms of the mix and sales, so we’ll evaluate that as we move forward."When we look at the trends in the marketplace, diesel in passenger vehicles has been declining across the board for some time, and I think that has to do with the advancements that we’ve been seeing on the petrol side."The petrol Golf 110TSI produces good torque and fuel efficiency, meaning you can get very good performance from a low-capacity engine and really good driveability at the same time. "Petrol engines have really come quite far."Check out all 2018 Volkswagen Golf price and spec info here.

Audi Australia has released pricing for its new A7 Sportback range, which is set to hit local showrooms in November in two grades, 55 TFSI and 50 TDI.Both variants will start at $131,900 plus on-road costs, and are distinguished only by their powertrain.The 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine capable of producing 250kW and 500Nm, and is mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.Meanwhile, the 50 TDI uses diesel combustion with a similar 3.0-litre V6, this time capable of delivering 210kW/600Nm and is matched up with an eight-speed torque converter transmission.Audi Australia has also confirmed a 180kW/370Nm four-cylinder engine offering, though it will not be available until later in 2019.While Audi's local firm has yet to release details, high-performance S7 and RS7 variants can be expected to join the A7 Sportback range sometime in the future.Regardless of the powertrain, every variant drives all four wheels via Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system.The German saloon also makes use of a mild-hybrid system that employs a belt alternator starter (BAS) and a lithium-ion battery that allow the car to cruise at speeds between 55 and 160km/h with the engine turned off.According to Audi, this mild-hybrid set-up delivers fuel savings of up to 0.7L per 100km.On the outside, the new generation brings more aggressive styling to the long-roofed Audi, with a wider grille, sleek HD Matrix LED headlights, and broadened guards.The interior has also been overhauled, now sporting the new MMI multimedia system that features 10.1- and 8.6-inch touchscreens with haptic and acoustic feedback.Although the outgoing entry-spec A7 Sportback was $16,500 less expensive at $115,400, Audi Australia says the new-generation vehicle has considerably more equipment that equates to "$10,000 worth of additional customer value".Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, Apple Carplay and Android Auto functionality, wireless charging, Valcona leather upholstery, electrically adjustable sport bucket seats and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.The vehicle is also equipped with a strong suite of advanced driver-assist technologies which include a head-up display, adaptive cruise control with stop/go and traffic jam assist, surround-view monitor with kerb view, active lane assist and collision avoidance assist.2018 Audi A7 Sportback list pricingAudi A7 Sportback 50 TDI quattro – automatic – $131,900Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI quattro – automatic – $131,900

To sit atop the XC90 large SUV range, Volvo Car Australia will release a new high-spec T8 Excellence four-seater that favours second-row passenger luxury.The Swedish high-rider will check in at $174,200 plus on-road costs, which is $49,300 more than the previous range-topping T8 R-Design, making it the most expensive Volvo model yet be sold in Australia.According to Volvo Car Australia director of corporate and PR Greg Bosnich, the addition of the new top-spec XC90 variant is more about promoting the pinnacle of its product portfolio, rather than to gain extra sales volume.The T8 Excellence is based on the Inscription grade XC90, and adds an array of features aimed towards chauffeur-driven rear-seat passengers including two electrically adjustable individual rear seats.Those seats are upholstered in high-quality perforated nappa leather and are equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions.Furthermore, the second row features unique headrests, increased legroom, foot rests, extra noise insulation, folding tray tables, heated and cooled cupholders and the ability to adjust the front passenger seat from the rear.Separating the two rear seats is a tunnel console that houses two handcrafted Orrefors crystal drinking glasses and an accompanying refrigerator.Technology-wise, the rear passengers can access the car's climate control and entertainment features via  a touchscreen on the centre console, and also gain two USB connections, a 12-volt port and a 230/110-volt power outlet.Other distinguishing features to the T8 Excellence include leather sun visors and grab handles, an ionic air cleaner, and an extra mid-range speaker.Externally, the range-topping XC90 gains chrome B- and C-pillars, unique logos and 21-inch wheels wrapped in low-noise tyres.Mechanically, the car remains the same as its T8 Inscription donor, sporting a plug-in hybrid system that uses a turbo-petrol four-cylinder with an electric motor and a 9.2kWh lithium-ion battery for a total output of 294kW/640Nm.