Articles by Tim Nicholson

To say that the last decade has been a roller coaster for the Alfa Romeo brand would be a wild understatement.Last week, Automotive News Europe reported that recently appointed Alfa Romeo CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato told an Italian dealer's conference the

It's fair to say Ford has a lot riding on the next-generation version of its popular Everest off-roader.Not only does it have to live up to the hype, but Ford has to prove that the next Everest has what it takes to beat the new benchmark in the ute-based

BMW has uncovered its second-generation 2 Series Active Tourer, revealing a larger and sleeker MPV that adopts BMW's controversial design language.The new Active Tourer retains the tall-boy hatch body style of the original, but the narrow grille is gone i

Ford Australia today confirmed that its electrification strategy includes plans to launch at least five electrified models by the end of 2024, but the Mustang Mach-E is unlikely to be one of them.The rollout kicks off in quarter two next year with the lau

The proliferation of airbags, crash avoidance systems and features like stability control have drastically improved vehicle safety in the past two decades, preventing serious injury and death.But worrying data released by the Australasian New Car Assessme

Ford's Mustang Mach-E electric SUV will reportedly get a boost in useable battery capacity and driving range for the 2022 model year in international markets.According to a post on the Mach-E forum, the electric pony car will see an increase in usable bat

The addition of a petrol powertrain has lowered the price of entry to the updated Lexus ES range by a tick under $1000 compared to the outgoing model.The new petrol-powered ES250 Luxury kicks off the refreshed range from $61,620 before on-road costs, with

Toyota nearly blew up the internet last year when it revealed Australian pricing for the highly anticipated GR Yaris hot hatch.In September 2020, Toyota confirmed a strictly limited drive-away price of $39,950 for the first 1000 examples.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has announced an expansion of its A-Class range, with the arrival in February of the new entry-level A180 ahead of two more A250 variants.The additions bring the variant count to five, but that will expand further with the eventual arrival of the sporty AMG A35 and A45 models as well as the sedan that is expected in the second quarter of next year.The A180 is priced from $42,300 excluding on-road costs, which means the A-Class has a higher entry price than any of its rivals in the premium small car segment.Audi’s A3 range kicks off from $36,200, BMW’s 1 Series starts at $39,990 – which is the same starting price for the Volvo V40 – while the Lexus CT200h is $40,990.Benz’s previous-generation A180 was sold for $38,700, meaning the new version represents a $3600 price increase.The A180 uses the same 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine as the A200, but power is down by 20kW/50Nm to 100kW/200Nm.It is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels, has a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.7 litres per 100km and can dash from 0-100km/h in 8.8 seconds – 0.8s slower than the A200.The A180 will be offered as standard with the 'MBUX' multimedia system that includes two 10.25-inch screens and the company’s ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command.It also comes with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, smartphone integration, keyless start, 'Artico' sports seats, LED headlights, lane keep assist, active parking assist with ‘Parktronic’, blind spot assist with an exit warning, active brake assist, traffic sign recognition and a reversing camera.The 'Style Equipment Line' is standard and includes a diamond-look grille and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, but those hoops are from June production. Until then buyers must pay extra for optional 18-inch wheels.Benz will also introduce a front-wheel-drive version of its limited A250 that launched in '4Matic' guise in early December. The FWD version is priced at $48,800 – a $700 decrease compared with the all-paw A250 – but its equipment list matches its sibling.There is also now an A250 4Matic with AMG Line from $54,800 that adds 18-inch AMG bi-colour alloy wheels, AMG Line body styling, Night Package with privacy glass, keyless start, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting and Artico and Dinamica upholstery.All A250 variants are powered by a 165kW/350Nm four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that propels it from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds.2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class pricing

Porsche has revealed a new ‘T’ variant that will slot into its ‘718’ Cayman and Boxster line-up, but it is unclear if the sporty pair will make it Down Under.