Peugeot 607 Reviews

The Townsville dealership of China's Great Wall Motors is to have a new showroom. The Motoco Group, operated by Jason Collins and Alan Baxter, has confirmed its purchase of the former BP service station site at the corner of Bowen Rd and Balls Lane, Mundingburra, for $1 million.The firm will spend about another $500,000 converting the property into a showroom and car yard for the dealership, which it has operated for about four years. It will also sell Foton light trucks. Motoco dealer Jason Collins said the Great Wall team, which had traded almost opposite on Bowen Rd alongside its used car business, had earned its new location.“They should have their own stand-alone facility,” Mr Collins said. “We are consistently in the top 10 in Australia with Great Wall.” There are about 80 Great Wall dealerships around the country and the number is growing. It is one of the largest manufacturers in China, where the auto industry has exploded in recent years to become the world's largest vehicle maker.Work to fit out the new Townsville showroom has just began. “It will be gutted and turned into a showroom with a new glass facade and a modern awning,” Mr Collins said. He said they were confident about the prospects for business in Townsville despite a difficult market recently.“Townsville has been very good to this business,” Mr Collins said. “Talking to the Gold Coast dealers, they are still doing it tough and there's a general feeling that we have it far better in this area.” Peter Wheeler of Colliers International Townsville, who negotiated the sale of the 2233sq m property, said the purchase opposite Motoco's Audi Townsville Centre was a logical extension of their business.But with interest rates at their lowest levels for some 50 years, it was also a well-timed move. “Now really is the time to be buying. It's a good time to be getting into the market,” Mr Wheeler said. The Motoco Group which also operates in Cairns was formerly Honeycombes Cars. It has dealerships in Audi, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Great Wall, Peugeot, Winnebago and Millard. It is also involved in Rising Sun Marine and Townsville Suzuki Marine dealerships.tony.raggatt@news.com.au 

Peugeot's Audi TT clone, the RCZ has been rejuvenated with a new look and slight spec' adjustment and remains an eminently desirable car to own, drive and look at.PRICEAvailable in 1.6 turbo petrol manual and auto, and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel all for the one price of $58,990, the sexy Pug undercuts Audi's entry TT 1.8 coupe by some $6500.Better still is the fact that there are no options or option packs to gouge your wallet. It's the way cars should be sold - fully equipped and that's it.The 'new' one has a more aggressive look to its face and flanks due to a new grille and bumper, selective use of highlight paints and matt black roof arches instead of a bright aluminium finish.It scores a set of striking 19-inch alloys, LED driving lights, active bixenon headlights with remote height adjustment and pop-up satnav inside. Other than that's it's pretty much the same as before.Interior decor is to luxury sports level with leather, a flat bottom wheel, multiple wheel controls by satellite stalks and a classy dash design with easy to use buttons and a premium audio system. The active rear spoiler remains as does the double bubble roof and rear glass.ENGINE AND TECHNOLOGYWe got hold of the manual 1.6-litre turbo petrol with 147kW/275Nm output. The same engine is used in numerous vehicles from Peugeot, BMW and Mini. It's one of the best small capacity four cylinder petrol units around right now offering strong, flexible performance, reasonably good fuel economy at 6.9-litres/100km and super smooth running. But we can't figure out why the six-speed auto is down tuned to a measly 115kW.Driver assist features include front and rear park assist, hill hold, cruise control with speed limiter, speed sensing power steering, electric seat adjust and auto headlights and wipers. None of the latest 'interventionist' driver assist functions are available such as lane keeping, radar cruise and auto brake. Safety is five star with all that entails - air bags, stability control and so forth.DRIVINGWe took the RCZ for a good long drive over a week and really enjoyed the experience. It is a glamorous looking thing, better this time around though we still like the arcing silver roof rails on the first model.The engine is a pearl, not super powerful but with enough get go to put a smile on your face.The manual change is sweet and the car's drive feel the same - sweeeeet. It has a pleasing exhaust burble but is quiet on a steady throttle. There are seats for four inside though you'd want to be of small stature to get into the rear ones. In the front seats, the RCZ is sumptuous.Dynamics are sharp and controlled. It sits flat as a tack no matter how fast you push through corners and the steering tells you precisely what's going on up front. Ride quality is near perfect - not too firm, not too soft.VERDICTWe really like the RCZ and don't really know why more haven't been sold. They are simply not on the radar.  That may change when the RCZ-R arrives here later this year with a potent 200kW engine up front. Can't wait.

Life is tough for those selling car marques operating in the mid-price range in Australia. Their problem is that the Asian makers are trying to lift themselves upmarket, while the big-three German prestige brands are moving down into smaller models at relatively low price points.Peugeot, the world’s oldest car name, is caught in the pincers between these two dissimilar groups. So the French maker has come out fighting by going boots and all into the hot-hatch arena.Peugeot’s 205 GTi was one of the major players in this exciting field way back in the 1980s, a stunning little machine with superb handling and a highly responsive engine, the 205 GTi is still looked back on with affection by we motoring journos who were there at the time.But Peugeot lost its way after the 205 GTi, producing what might be termed ‘lukewarm-hatches’ in the 206 and 207 ranges. Which was strange because during that period the company was heavily involved in the big-end of motorsport; particularly in long-distance endurance events (including Le Mans), off-road rallies (Dakar), hill-climbs (Pikes Peak) even dabbling in Formula One for a while.However, that quiet era has passed and Peugeot is back in the hot-hatch arena with a bang. Witness the introduction of the 208 GTi, a genuine high-performance car aimed at full-on car enthusiasts.TECHNOLOGYPeugeot 208 GTi has a highly tuned 200 horsepower (147 kW in non-performance speak) turbocharged engine stuffed under its shapely nose. This petrol unit produces up to 275 Newton metres of torque at just 1750 rpm.The engine only sits beside a six-speed manual gearbox as Peugeot feels the true driver is more than happy to make their own decisions on gear ratios. Sure, a double-clutch auto might prove faster, but it doesn’t offer the same pleasure as full manual gear shifting.DESIGNStyling of the three-door French hot-hatch is seriously modified from that of the standard 208. As well as the lowered suspension and a bold body kit it carries numerous items of bling on its body.Inside, there are race-style seats, leather trim on the handbrake lever – and healthy dashes of red highlights in various placed, including the instrument dials, the centre console and door sill panels.A controversial feature of the Peugeot 208 range is the tiny steering wheel’s position. While all like the size and that little bit of extra controllability it offers, some find it blocks their view of the instruments. It’s obviously a personal thing, but make sure you check it out during your own test drive.SAFETYSafety is looked after by the usual suite of active and passive devices, which include six airbags. An unusual feature is that the hazard warning flashers come on under heavy braking.DRIVING We road and track tested the 208 GTi over glorious mountain roads behind the Gold Coast and at the racetrack-like training facility among the cane-fields at Norwell.On the road sections the little Pug was a sheer delight. The engine has torque to spare in almost all conditions, responds virtually instantly to the throttle and is happy to rev to the top end of the tacho. Handling of the Peugeot 208 GTi is excellent and its light weight, just 1130 kg, makes it nicely nimble through the twisty bits.At the Norwell track we were assisted by a couple of professional racing drivers – Jason Bright and Andrew Jones – and took the lovely little French flyers to extremes. They are predictable and easy to control even when taken to their limits.The brakes did get very hot in these harsh conditions, so Peugeot 208 GTi won’t be a track-day car without better brake pads. It’s not exactly alone in this, it’s just that we feel you should be warned because plenty of you are going to be tempted by track driving.VERDICTWell priced at $29,990, Peugeot 208 GTi offers style, smile-inducing dynamic and powertrain performance that should guarantee it sits high on the shortlist of hot-hatch buyers.Peugeot 208 GTiPrice: from $29,900Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 147W/275NmTransmission: 6-speed man; FWDThirst: 5.9L/100km, 98RON

Two wheel drive compact SUVs are squeezing ‘genuine’ people movers off buyer’s radar because they’re cheap and perform a similar mass transit function - almost. Sometimes however, only a people mover will do.A properly designed and engineered ‘family bus’ such as Peugeot’s new 5008 is a sensible vehicle for conveying seven people economically, comfortably and safely. The new Pug bus joins the ugly 3008 that has hung around like a bad smell for a while.We drove the newcomer recently on an extended 1000km test run sometimes with people, sometimes in van-mode house moving.VALUEGoodies such as a panoramic sun roof, satnav, front arm rests, front and side park assist, reverse camera, dual-zone climate control with adjustable side pillar vents, electric park brake, cruise with speed limiter, retractable side window blinds, pollen filter, trip computer and auto headlights and wipers are standard kit.Other practicalities include two DVD players for the second row occupants with bluetooth head sets and multimedia connections.Leather costs three grand more on top of the 1.6 at $36,990 and the 2.0-litre diesel at $40,490, both six-speed autos only. The vehicle is a little more compact but taller than a Honda Odyssey  that has difficult third row access and is only beaten on price by Kia’s new Rondo ($29,990).DESIGNIt is OK to look at too, a bit like a five door hatch morphed and plumped into a wagon. The 5008 has characteristic current Peugeot design cues about its flanks in particular the head and tail lights, grille and side highlight lines. The interior of Aussie spec’ 5008 is the same in both 1.6-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel variants and is to medium luxury level.With all seven seats in place, a reasonable load space remains. But there’s no spare, only a tyre inflation kit. The 5008 will take seven adults with relative ease and provides simple access to the third row through folding ‘cinema’ seats in the second row. The third row with two seats comes complete with a proper foot well, sedan-like seat positioning and adjustable aircon’ vents.The second and third rows are all foldable to provide a large, completely flat load space if needed. And the process is quick and easy. Access to the luggage compartment is by a large, top-hinged hatch and the load deck height is roughly the same as a small hatchback.SAFETYSafety rates five stars with six air bags including a curtain bag that covers the entire side to aft of the third row.ENGINEWe got a crack in the high-tech, direct injection, turbo petrol 1.6 rated at 115kW/240Nm (the 2.0-litre diesel achieves 120kW/340Nm) and though initially sceptical about the ability of such an engine to move more than 1.5 tonnes of vehicle and potentially half a tonne of human and some luggage, we were soon convinced.DRIVINGThe engine is in a few other Pugs including the RCZ auto and other less glamorous models. It churns out plenty of low rev grunt to get the whole plot quickly mobile and has no trouble whizzing along at freeway speeds including uphill, fully laden with the air on.Noise is minimal and the vehicle has a comfortable and controlled ride from the simple strut front and torsion beam rear suspension. The driving position is car-like and comfortable over a long run and we were able to achieve the manufacturer’s claimed 7.6-litres/100km combined fuel economy. But it prefers 95 or better petrol. The auto is good and the drive feel is decidedly not “mum-bus”.It has a few direct competitors apart from perhaps Citroen’s C4 Picasso which is essentially the same vehicle underneath - at a bit more money.VERDICTA worthy vehicle if you are a breeder and must have a people mover. 

The 2015 Ford Mustang is on track for an auto show debut within the next six months and already many of its details are becoming known. Today, we learned that engineers developing the car have targeted a substantial weight saving for the new model. A source familiar with the car’s development told Edmunds that the 2015 Mustang will be only slightly smaller than the model it replaces but weigh around 180kg less. The 2014 Mustang equipped with a V6 tips the scales at just over 1587kg which means the new 2015 Mustang may be as light as just a bit more than 1400kg. The source said engineers were trying to improve the fuel economy of the car, though no doubt lobbing off around 180kg from the current Mustang will also yield significant gains in virtually every dynamic statistic. Combined with a new independent rear suspension, the lighter weight should see the Mustang turn in new levels of performance at the track. The 2015 Mustang is expected to be about 38cm shorter than the current car and 15cm narrower. Getting the weight down will be done by using lighter materials such as aluminium instead of conventional steel. Improved chassis design will also mean less reinforcement will be needed. www.motorauthority.com  

The global boss of Ford Alan Mulally has made a surprise visit to Australia to officially confirm the Mustang muscle car will return to local showrooms -- the first time a factory-built right-hand-drive version will be sold here in almost 50 years. Mr Mulally, who arrived yesterday under a cloak of secrecy, joined Ford’s global head of sales and marketing Jim Farley flew to announce the news to more than 1000 dealers, VIP guests and media at a $4 million extravaganza at Fox Studios in Sydney. The all-new Mustang will be unveiled next year and is due in Australian showrooms by late 2015 or early 2016 and will spearhead the arrival of 11 new models. Executive Vice-President of Global Marketing, Sales and Service, Jim Farley, and Dave Schoch -- Group VP and President, Ford Asia-Pac -- also flew to Australia to announce the news to more than 1000 dealers, VIP guests and media at a $4 million extravaganza at Fox Studios in Sydney today.After 45 minutes of hum-drum model reveals Mr Farley said: "The Mustang is coming to Australia .. but you’ll have to wait for more information" as a logo of the Mustang appeared on the screen behind him.Mr Mulally said: “We are accelerating the implementations of our One Ford plan for Australia. We will refresh our entire vehicle line up in Australia, offering 11 global vehicles by 2016. Today we’re making a promise to Australia to celebrate the open road. We want to be part of the fabric of the Australian community."There were a dozen new models on display and a sneak preview of the last Falcon, due on sale next year, flashed up on a screen. The Mustang’s return overshadowed a new top-secret seven-seater SUV that was designed and engineered in Australia but will likely be built in Thailand. The new seven-seat SUV concept called the Everest to be sold alongside the Territory was not due to be unveiled for at least another 12 months.But Ford brought it forward as part of a plan to reinforce to customers that it will remain in Australia even after the local factories close in 2016. “There is a group of people who completely understand that Ford is staying and only our factories are closing, but there are others who believe Ford is leaving in its entirety,” said the boss of Ford Australia Bob Graziano.“Ford vehicles have been part of the automotive landscape in Australia for almost 110 years and we have manufactured here since 1925. We are proud of that history. Overall, we are changing, but our commitment to Australia remains strong.” In an unusual coincidence the Ford party started as Holden factory workers in Adelaide lodged their votes on changes to wages and conditions at the car maker.The timing of the Ford and Holden events today continues a series of unfortunate coincidences. Holden workers were due to vote on new wages and conditions that will affect the future of the company last Friday. But it was delayed, creating today’s clash. When Holden unveiled the new Commodore to the media in May, Ford announced it was closing its factories.This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling Ford Mustang fast factsThe last time a Ford Mustang was imported to Australia as a right-hand-drive car was in the late 1960s.Ford Australia converted a small number of Mustangs locally between 2001 and 2003. They were rushed in to compete with the modern Holden Monaro, but priced close to $90,000 fewer than 400 were sold.The new Mustang is expected to have a starting price close to $50,000. In North America the basic V6 Mustang costs less than $30,000.The new Mustang will be available with turbo four-cylinder, V6 and V8 power. Ford is yet to confirm which versions will be sold locally.The Mustang will spearhead Ford Australia’s revived line-up at a time when it will likely be receiving gloomy publicity over its factory closures.Racing legend Dick Johnson raced a Mustang in the 1985 and 1986 Australian touring car championships when Ford temporarily dropped the Falcon V8.The Ford Mustang is one of the world’s most iconic cars. When it was unveiled at the New York motor show in April 1964 Ford expected to sell 100,000 Mustangs in its first full year on sale.It went on to sell more than 1 million in just 18 months. It took Chevrolet 40 years to reach the same milestone with the Corvette.Debut: New York motor show, April 1964.Movie highlights: James Bond’s Goldfinger (1964), Steve McQueen’s Bullit (1968), Gone in 60 Seconds (2000).Sales: More than 1 million were sold in the first 18 months. More than 8.5 million have been sold to date.Today’s Mustang: The flagship Shelby 500 GT powered by a supercharged 5.8-litre V8 is the world’s most powerful V8 road car (662hp or 493kW).Tomorrow’s Mustang: It will adopt sleeker and more futuristic lines than the current model inspired by the 1968 coupe, and it will have a choice of turbo four-cylinder, V6 and V8 power. 

The Peugeot 205 GTi held the hot hatch crown in the 1980s, and helped cement Peugeot’s motorsport reputation. It was raw, lively and fun, but with the uncivilised potential to get you into serious trouble. And the way it covered the ground between here and the horizon was astounding.With its demise came a series of hot hatches that had all the Peugeot DNA, but they were neither lively nor fun. So with the new 208 GTi launching under the tagline “The GTI is back", Peugeot is hoping that means the magic is back as well.DESIGNThe GTI-is-back line isn't just restricted to the marketing either, it's part of the car's styling - most obviously in the logo on the C-pillar, where once you would find a 1.6 or 1.9 badge. Echoing its ancestor, the wheel arches are all appropriately flared with plastic extensions, although the 208's are painted and less cartoonish.Sadly absent is a reboot of the signature 205 GTi wheel designs – early telephone dial and multi-spoke Speedlines made famous by WRC cars – in favour of a more modern and intricate style. The body doesn't squat down over those wheels and from behind, you'll be hard-pressed to guess it from the rest of the range, apart from the trapezoidal exhausts.From the front, there's a more aggressive bumper, grille and daytime running lights unique to the GTi - once you recognise them, you'll always see one coming. It sits lower and has wider front and rear track (10mm and 20mm respectively), with 17-inch alloys wrapped with 205/45 rubber. On the inside there's acres of piano black, set off by the retro cues of red stitching, red accents and squared off seat bolsters.Peugeot's fondness for nostalgia does not, thankfully, extend to the cabin equipment. A high-tech interior comes with a complicated seven-inch touchscreen, with bluetooth, sat-nav and two USB ports. The dash and fittings are made from nicely textured soft plastics and the doors are capped with more piano black plastic that appears to bleed red over the handle.VALUEThe GTi hits our roads for $29,990, a full five grand cheaper than the run-out Renaultsport Clio (and probably the new one), but almost five more than the just-announced Ford Fiesta ST. It also has the cheaper - and popular - VW Polo GTI to contend with, which also has a DSG auto and two extra doors. Peugeot will also offer future assured value via their finance arm, as well as capped price servicing.TECHNOLOGYUnder the bonnet is the same engine found in the RCZ and Citroen DS3 Sport - plus (whisper it) the Mini Cooper S and JCW. And it delivers just as much fun as in any of those cars. Smooth and muscular, it's good for 147kW and 275Nm of torque with just a six-speed manual available.But sadly, despite the efforts of the exhaust engineers, the 208 doesn't have the sporty exhaust note they were looking for and none of the exuberant poppity-pop of the JCW. It certainly moves the 1167kg 208, reaching 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. The cornering control system uses the ABS sensors to nip a rear disc to help bring the back end into line if it all gets a little unruly.SAFETYSix airbags, ABS, traction and stability control and electronic brake force distribution all add up to five stars.DRIVINGThe driving position and controls might take a bit of getting used to. The steering wheel is genuinely tiny and with the flat bottom, there's less of it than if it had been round. It doesn't really make sense - the idea of a flat bottom is to make room for your knees.You have to drop the wheel low so you can see over it to the dashboard, which seems counter-intuitive but it works, especially once you've found the paddle holding the cruise control. You may have to sit a little higher than you might normally.Out on the road, it's a very easy car to drive, even in traffic. The ride is almost limo-like for a hot-hatch, something Peugeot used to do really well. Combined with the generous seats, clear vision out and an easy clutch and gearbox, this could be any good hatchback in everyday driving.Floor it, however, and it comes alive with plenty of grip and plenty of character. Firing into a tight bend, you can feel all four corners working hard, with tyres at both ends happy to make noise as you head for the apex, letting you know where you've gone wrong and gently suggesting what to do about it.Too fast? Just lift off the gas and the nose comes straight back with a vengeance, giving you confidence and the heroic feeling that you've found its limits. The body rolls a little bit more than expected but it delivers a better experience overall than a harder, lower machine might.The brakes are strong and took a pretty serious pounding around the track and on the road without feeling like they would give up. The steering, while weightless, responds immediately, allowing you to dart left and right with a flick of the wheel - but it's not so fast a sneeze will cause an unscheduled lane change.VERDICTIs the GTi back? Yep, but it’s learned some extra manners. The 208 is civilised at all times but when you give it a kick, it'll fire up and show you it still knows the GTi tricks -- without ever losing patience and chucking you backwards through a fence.The 208 is entering a war zone that in twelve months’ time will be packed with a battalion of hot hatches to choose from. It's got a big job ahead of it but for the first time in 20 years, Peugeot is well-armed for the conflict.Peugeot 208 GTiPrice: from $29,900Warranty: 3 years/100,000kmCapped servicing: $270/yr for 3 yrs/60,000kmService interval:12 months/20,000kmSafety rating:  5 starsEngine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo, 147W/275NmTransmission: 6-speed man; FWDThirst: 5.9L/100km, 98RONDimensions: 3.9m (L), 1.7m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1160kgSpare: Full size 

I’m confused. We all know the mid-size commercial van was often transformed into a passenger-carrying people mover; and that the four-wheel drive wagon made way for the sport utility vehicle capable of toting up to seven occupants.Now Peugeot claims to have created the ‘people carrier’, a new interpretation of the family wagon, which looks -- and behaves -- suspiciously like a people mover to me.ENGINESWith a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or 2.0-litre diesel engine, both turbocharged, power is put to ground via a six-speed automatic transmission.The Peugeot 5008 Touring Active petrol comes onto the market at $36,990, with the diesel version costing an extra $3500. The only option is a $3000 leather upholstery pack.INTERIORComfort, convenience and versatility were a Peugeot priority in interior design, with three rows of seats accommodating up to seven people. Particular attention is paid to the two rear rows, the second capable of taking three in equally divided sections, all with reclining capability.The third row two seats are easily accessed by the second row seat cushion lifting and the seat back moving forward. Third row occupants have the luxury of individual air-conditioning vents in the side pillars and the safety of curtain airbags.Noise intrusion into the cabin has been restricted to such a level that it is possible to continue a normal conversation between front and back-seat passengers. Too much noise from the back can be stifled by making use of the car’s multi-media system which includes two 7-inch screens incorporated in the front head restraints, along with two Bluetooth wireless headsets.The system can connect with external inputs such as iPods, game consoles and DVD players. Two separate video and audio sources allow rear passengers to watch one programme on both screens, or take part in two different activities.The dash-mounted 7-inch flip-up screen for the standard satellite navigation system can be elevated to your chosen angle at the push of a button, making it possible to prevent image wipe-out by reflection in bright sunlight.The cargo space can be made to measure by folding the rear seat to form a flat floor space. An area of van dimensions can be obtained by flipping the second row seat backs forward, while extra long objects – a market marquee, for example – can be carried by folding the passenger seat back which also doubles as a flat desk top.  A handy cargo area feature is a light that doubles as a torch that can be unclipped for use outside the vehicle.SAFETYWith disc brakes all round, the front discs are ventilated, stopping is in firm hands (feet?) and is backed up by a suite of safety systems which include ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist, the last for tricky takeoff on inclines if you choose to use the same foot for the brake and accelerator pedals.DRIVE IMPRESSIONSOur test vehicle was powered by a four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine putting out maximum power of 115 kW when spinning at 6000 revs. Top torque of 240 Nm is available from just 1400 rpm.On the outside, much emphasis has been placed on aerodynamics in order to cut fuel consumption and minimise exterior noise. A sharp nose links up with a large raked windscreen, while large windows run around the entire vehicle for maximum light penetration to the interior. A panoramic glass roof adds to the light and airy feeling of the passenger surroundings.The command driving position and cockpit layout of the instruments make sure the driver is presented with as much as they need to know for safe passage of the passengers.The family, especially grandma, need have no fear of the 5008. Getting in and out is easy with no huge step up; the stadium-style seating offers an extensive all-round view; and the ride and handling on varying road conditions are firm yet supple thanks to Peugeot’s high-performance suspension.From a standstill the wagon takes a leisurely 11.1 seconds to reach 100 kilometres an hour, passing through each gear change confidently and quietly.Steering, with 2.7 turns lock to lock, responds to the driver’s input without question, while feeding back important info about direction and stability of the vehicle.VERDICTThe Peugeot 5008 Touring Active Petrol people carrier really does ride and handle like a car, while going the distance with family, friends and their stuff.  

We're fast approaching the 50th anniversary of the birth of one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of American motoring. And we're also approaching the time when we'll see the Mustang here in right-hand drive as a Ford performance hero.The iconic Mustang muscle car will replace the Falcon as Ford’s performance hero in 2016, the same year the Falcon is axed. Ford’s global vice president of sales and marketing, Jim Farley, will officially announce the decision in Sydney on August 13.Australia will not get the Mustang currently on sale in North America but an all-new model that’s been designed for global sales. Some countries will get a four-cylinder version of the new Mustang but Ford Australia is understood to only be taking the V8 performance models.The new car is due to be unveiled at next year’s New York motor show, the 50th anniversary of the Mustang. That's a fairly big birthday so Ford plans to celebrate in rather grand fashion with a series of videos that celebrate the magnificent machine.The series is called Mustang Countdown, and it starts with a look back at the original concept. Called the Mustang I, this machine looks more Mach 5 than what the Mustang morphed into. Still, it's the starting point for the popular pony car. From there, the countdown series moves on to a wide range of Mustang-related subjects.One of our favorites takes a look at an amateur chase film shot using RC cars in what is touted as a "cliche action sequence". It's a great use of the talented young filmmaker's skill on a small scale.It's only been 49 years, but in that time Ford has churned out over 9 million Mustangs. That is a whole lot of prancing ponies running the streets, and we can't wait to see what Ford has in store for the next generation of this American legend.www.motorauthority.com 

A van driver's lot is getting better, with improvements coming thick and fast to safety, economy, performance, equipment and reliability. Suffering in silence in a dangerous and uncomfortable little box on wheels is mostly a thing of the past.Peugeot has recently upgraded its small Partner van with an extra airbag (passenger) and other goodies aimed at improving a delivery driver's working environment. No, it's not the driverless van (yet) but the new Partner wouldn't be a bad place to spend your day, hopping in and out, dropping stuff off and making a buck.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONOur test vehicle was a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with 66kW/215Nm output and there's also a 1.6 petrol. A five-speed manual transmission is the only one available with drive going to the front wheels.It has good performance with strong acceleration on the move and plenty in reserve for hauling up to 750kg payload in the back. Practical 15-inch steel wheels are fitted and there's a full size spare under the floor.RANGEPartner is available in two versions, short and long wheelbase. We had the long version and it's quite large offering up to nearly 4.0 cubic metres of load space as well as the handy variable front passenger seat that folds out of the way for longer loads. Six tie down hooks are provided in the load area floor which also features half height interior side protection.The small van gains a slight style revision this year with a new grille and other detail changes. Still looks the same to us but there is an extra side sliding door on the short wheelbase model and other interior changes.FEATURESYou get Bluetooth, ESP, aircon, stability control, three button remote controller, rear park assist, heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, OK audio, trip computer and storage options all over the place including overhead. It needs a reversing camera first and foremost. All vans do.DRIVINGOur turbodiesel test can proved to be very economical to run, and we achieved close to the manufacturer's claimed 5.5-litres/100km. It's all grey inside the cabin and pretty hard but undoubtedly resilient in a working vehicle. The dash-mounted gear shift is easy to reach as is the hand brake to the left of the driver's seat squab.But you can get your feet tangled down in the driver's footwell. As long as you can get the right adjustment for the driver seat (we couldn't) It puts you in a sit up and beg position that wears you down after a while behind the wheel especially for taller drivers with limited seat backrest movement.But that's because there's a cargo barrier behind. There's a price to be paid for safety this far down the pecking order in vanland. Perhaps we needed to persevere and fiddle with the adjustments a bit more.We appreciated the remote headlight adjustment which comes in handy when the rear of the Partner is fully laden and squatting on its coil spring rear suspension. We also like the three passenger capacity afforded by the dual second seat (with belts).