Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Blogs | Writers | My Orble | Login

Wheel Fever - by Craig Hill

Holden Cruze

March 1st 2009 05:41
The Australian debut of the all-new Holden Cruze headlines Holden’s presence at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

The stunning new small car range will be among no fewer than 25 vehicles on the stand, representing Holden’s broad vehicle offering covering a range of segments, prices and alternative fuel solutions.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said the motor show stand highlighted how Holden was moving with the changing needs and desires of motorists.

Holden Cruze



"This show is about more than cars; it’s about responding to change and offering realistic, high value solutions for Australian car buyers,” Reuss said.

“We understand these tough market conditions call for an innovative approach to diversifying our product range.

“ Cruze is among the products on our stand which highlight the product diversity and quality of Australia’s own car company.”

Cruze

Cruze will enter Australia’s small car segment when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009, offering motorists space, safety, value and large car comfort.

Powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder petrol or optional 2.0 litre turbo charged diesel, Cruze will offer the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

With a sporty design, exceptional fit and finish and one of the most advanced interiors in the small car market, Cruze will set the benchmark for Holden’s future small car strategy.


Special Edition Commodore International – Sedan and Sportwagon

Commencing production mid March 2009, the Special Edition Commodore International pack will feature an impressive level of standard features.

Providing two value offers for retail customers, the Special Edition International Commodore Sedan and Sportwagon have both been awarded a maximum five star safety rating by ANCAP.

Unique product features include 18” alloy wheels, foglamps, a 6-disc CD changer, leather appointed seat trim and steering wheel, bluetooth for compatible mobile phones and rear park assist on sedan.

The Commodore International sedan can be fitted dual fuel LPG, expanding Holden’s range of LPG compatible vehicles and adding yet another model to the Holden EcoLine range.

The automatic VE Commodore International sedan has a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $33,990 Driveaway. At just a $2,000 premium, the Sportwagon variant will have a RRP of $35,990 Driveaway.

VE Range

A number of VE models will join the Special Edition International pack including the Commodore Omega sedan which has been awarded a maximum five star safety rating from ANCAP.

The result reflects the introduction of a steering column shroud energy absorber across the VE sedan range that helps to reduce driver knee injuries, and a passenger seat belt reminder on the Omega sedan, introduced in October 2008.

These improvements are in addition to the front passenger side impact airbags and curtain airbags that were made standard across the range last year.

The popular Sportwagon line-up will also be on display offering comfort, safety and styling, combined with sedan-like ride and handling.

Since it was launched in July 2008, Sportwagon has sold more vehicles than any SUV in the market, ensuring Commodore remained the bestselling vehicle in Australia for the 13 th consecutive year.

VE Ute offers more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its Holden predecessors.

The Holden stand features an Omega Ute fitted with dual fuel LPG and demonstrates how the new LPG system is cleanly integrated into the Ute’s tub liner.

Captiva

Two versions of the popular Captiva are on the stand demonstrating why this vehicle has become one of Australia’s best selling SUVs.

The 2WD Captiva SX diesel, which combines the five-seat space of a medium SUV with segment-leading fuel economy (7.2 litres per 100 kms manual, 8.5 litres per 100 kms automatic), and the AWD Captiva LX.

Both vehicles feature Traction Control, Active Rollover Protection, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and curtain airbags as standard.

Colorado

The powerful Colorado 4x4 light truck delivers high levels of performance and load carrying capability with the turbo diesel engine delivering a three tonne braked towing capacity.

Offered in a wide range of body styles, engine types and specifications the Colorado delivers durability, power and features.

Epica

GM Holden is showcasing the value-packed mid-size Epica sedan, available as a fuel efficient four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with a six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and six airbags standard across the range.

The introduction of significant safety features such as ESC and six airbags as standard across the range compliment an already comprehensive list of safety features which includes ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Small car range

Joining the all-new Cruze will be a selection of Holden’s small car range, including the upgraded 3-door Barina which recently received a four star ANCAP safety result.

The result reflects structural improvements and the addition of front side impact airbags as standard across the updated Barina hatchback range introduced in August 2008.

Barina is joined by the fuel efficient Astra CDTi Wagon, the sporty Astra SRi Turbo 3-door, the stylish Astra CD hatch and the stunning Astra TwinTop.

EcoLine

A range of vehicles on Holden’s stand are part of the Holden EcoLine range, highlighting the company’s broad use of alternative fuel or fuel saving technologies.

The Holden EcoLine range offers consumers affordable solutions to tackle rising fuel costs.

An LPG Commodore sedan and Ute are showcased alongside the fuel saving technology of Active Fuel Management (AFM).

AFM enables an eight cylinder vehicle to automatically operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions and is standard on all automatic V8 models in the Holden range.

GM Holden is the first local manufacturer to develop this technology which in certain driving conditions can deliver fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 kilometres, with potential for even better results at constant cruising speeds.

Diesel vehicles including the 2WD Captiva SUV which boasts segment leading fuel efficiency and the mid-size Epica will also be on display.

Holden Vehicle Display – Melbourne International Motor Show 2009:

* JG Cruze CDX
* JG Cruze CDX
* JG Cruze CDX
* AH Astra CD 5-Door with ‘Style Pack’
* AH Astra CDTi Wagon
* AH Astra SRi Turbo 3-Door
* AH Astra TwinTop
* TK Barina 3-Door
* TK Barina sedan with optional pack
* EP Epica CDXi Diesel - Holden EcoLine
* VE Commodore SV6
* VE Commodore SS V-series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
* VE Sportwagon International
* VE Sportwagon Calais V-Series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
* WM Caprice (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
* CG Captiva SX 2WD Diesel - Holden EcoLine
* CG Captiva LX AWD
* VE Commodore Omega
* VE Commodore International LPG - Holden EcoLine
* VE Ute Omega LPG - Holden EcoLine
* VE Ute SV6
* VE Ute SS V-Series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine
* RC Colorado LT-R 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel
* RC Colorado LX 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel
* RC Colorado LX 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel
21
Vote
   


Ford Mondeo Zetec Wagon

February 28th 2009 05:07
Rounding out the list of new Fords unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show this morning is the new Mondeo Zetec wagon, which joins the Mondeo range in June.

The Mondeo wagon was first shown at last year's show as a toe-in-the-water exercise to solicit consumer feedback.

That feedback was good and the Zetec wagon will provide buyers with an alternative mid-size load-lugger, according to Ford Australia president and CEO, Marin Burela.

The Zetec wagon is powered by a 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre Duratec four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels.

Ford Mondeo Zetec Wagon


It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential sports shift.

The Zetec wagon comes with the same high level of standard features as the Zetec hatch and sedan, including 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, dual zone climate control, a premium Sony audio system, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, capless refuelling and follow me home lights.

It also has a safety package mirroring that of its hatch and sedan siblings.

Key safety features include an enhanced Intelligent Protection System (IPS) complemented by an anti-skid brakes, brake assist, electronic stability control, an automatic hazard warning light and seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and full length side curtain airbags.

Key wagon features include an impressive load carrying space, which provides a luggage capacity of 542 litres with the rear passenger seats in the upright position, increasing to a capacious 1733 litres with the rear passenger seats folded flat.

Prices will be released closer to the car's launch date.

Herald Sun

40
Vote
   


2009 Ford Territory

February 28th 2009 04:53
It has been a long time coming but Ford has finally given the popular Territory off-roader a facelift.

The wraps came off the new-look SY Territory MkII range at the Melbourne Motor Show this morning.

It gets a much-needed visual update, revised model lineup new equipment.

Two Territory models, a Territory Ghia AWD and a Territory TS RWD, are on display at the motor show to give customers a first look at the SY Territory MkII line-up, which will go on sale next month.

Ford Territory


The Territory TX now gets side curtain airbags, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels and a full body colour package for the bumpers, door handles and mirrors as standard.

The TS is also fitted with the full body colour package, along with a reverse parking camera, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift, and a third row seat.

Ghia models also gain a third row seat as standard equipment, along with a rear Alpine DVD system, side steps, rear privacy glass, body coloured door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range Ghia Turbo picks up the same list of additions, along with a new wheel design for its standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the cabin gets some new trim materials and colours but the dashboard carries over largely unchanged.

The TS and Ghia have the option of a no-cost option of a cashmere interior.

The proven 4.0-litre in-line six-cylinder carries over.

Prices have risen between $500 and $1000 depending on the model.

The entry rear-drive TX now costs $39,490, a $1000 price rise.

The RWD TS is $44,490 and Ghia $52,490.

The AWD TX is $44,490, TS $49,490, Ghia $57,490 while the AWD Ghia Turbo is now $66,420.

The Territory has been an outstanding success for Ford since it was launched in 2004.

More than 86,000 have been sold and the car has won a multitude of consumer and industry awards.

Herald Sun

40
Vote
   


2009 Ford Focus Range

February 28th 2009 04:38
Joining the upgraded Focus XR5 at the Melbourne Motor Show is the new-look Focus range.

The Focus goes on sale next month and like the current car, will be available as a five-door hatch and four-door sedan.

Prices have risen $300 and $1500 depending on the model but buyers get more equipment and improved safety levels.

The new LV-series will be available in four core models, entry CL, LX and TDCi and Zetec.

Anti-skid brakes are standard across the range while electronic stability control and traction control are standard on LX, TDCi and Zetec models.

Ford Focus


Apart from the refreshed exterior, Ford has answered criticism of the car's low-rent interior with vastly improved quality and enhanced comfort levels.

There is a black soft-touch dash pad, along with the soft-touch upper door trims, contrasting with a tan coloured inner roof lining to visually lighten the cabin.

The dark dashboard is designed to reduce reflection in bright conditions common in Australia.

In front of the driver is a large-face tachometer and speedometer set deeply into individual binnacles.

Positioned above are small-face water temperature and fuel gauges, with each surrounded by a silver bezel.

And LCD information screen displays time, outside temperature, trip meter and odometer.

The LCD screen also has a trip computer.

The revised centre console and redesigned window and mirror switches accompany intuitive controls for air conditioning, heater and ventilation system.

At night, the centre stack controls are illuminated in soft red light which is more soothing,versus the stark white of the previous generation Focus.

The centre console is more user friendly with a sliding armrest, two cupholders and storage cubbies.

The 107kW 2.0-litre Duratec engine carries over and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Ford is also debuting its innovative six-speed PowerShift automatic in the TDCi, in combination with the potent 100kW/320Nm 2.0-litre Duratorq turbodiesel engine.

The TDCi with Powershift returns a fuel economy figure of 5.9 litres/100km.

Herald Sun

39
Vote
   


Ford Fiesta ECOnetic Turbo-diesel

February 28th 2009 04:30
Ford Australia announced this morning that it will add a hybrid-beating turbo-diesel Fiesta to its lineup later this year.

Unveiling what he describes as one of the most fuel-efficient hatches available, Ford Australia president and CEO Marin Burela, said the Fiesta ECOnetic was “an economy car without compromise”.

The modern direct-injection 1.6-litre diesel Fiesta ECOnetic achieves a fuel economy figure of just 3.7 litres/100km with a C02 emissions figure of just 98 g/km.

The ECOnetic is powered by a 1.6-litre TDCi diesel with a particulate filter that develops 66kW at 4000 revs and 200Nm from just 1750 revs.

“The Fiesta ECOnetic will enable customers to drive a mainstream, fuel efficient and low CO2 emitting vehicle that is also stylish and affordable,” Burela said.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic


“By launching a specific model, with dedicated Ford ECOnetic badging to designate its ultra-low CO2 results, we will be able to offer a clear alternative for those customers who prioritise low emission performance.”

The Fiesta ECOnetic could also pave the way for other ECOnetic models.

“Fiesta ECOnetic looks and functions just like conventional Fiesta, using conventional diesel powertrain technology,” Burela said.

“Yet it has the potential to deliver best-in-class CO2 emissions compared to the current crop of competitive vehicles, as well as against today's most popular hybrids.

The car uses a combination of the latest generation common rail diesel powertrain, together with low rolling resistance tyres, aerodynamic aids, longer final drive gear ratio, 10mm lower suspension and specially calibrated diesel.

As well, the driver gets a green shift indicator light in the instrument cluster, which signals the optimal point to change gear to maximise fuel economy.

The car gets a tyre mobility kit rather than a traditional spacesaver space to help further reduce weight.

Full local specifications and pricing will be released at a later date.

However, the UK-spec five-door ECOnetic costs $1000 less than the five-speed manual Titanium 1.6-litre petrol hatch, which closely equates to the Australian-spec $20,990 Zetec 1.6 five-speed.

Herald Sun

44
Vote
   


Suzuki Alto Hatch

February 27th 2009 14:58
Suzuki Australia has unveiled the all-new Alto hatch at the opening of the Melbourne Motor Show this morning.

The fifth and smallest member of the Suzuki family is already on sale in Europe and hits local dealers late this year.

Although prices have not been set, the Alto is expected to come in under the $16,490 Swift hatch.

Suzuki Australia general manager Tony Devers says the Alto will represent “outstanding value for money”.

However, Suzuki spokesman, Andrew Ellis, says exchange rates will play a big part in determining the car's pricepoint.

Suzuki Alto Hatch
Suzuki Alto Hatch


The Alto will be available in two specifications.

The entry level gets six airbags, air conditioning, CD stereo system with MP3 auxiliary input, remote central locking, anti-skid brakes and six airbags.

The top specification Alto adds alloy wheels, foglights, a tachometer and electronic stability control.

At 3500mm long, the Alto is almost 200mm shorter than a Mini Cooper.

It is slightly narrower than a Mini but 63mm higher and has a wheelbase of 2360mm, 107mm shorter than the Mini.

Powering the Alto is a three cylinder 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 50kW and 90Nm mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

A four-speed automatic will be optional.

The Euro IV-compliant engine delivers fuel consumption of just 4.5L/100km and produces only 103g/km of CO2 emissions.

Manufactured in Suzuki's Manesar plant in India, the Alto was designed by Suzuki engineers and tuned for European customers based on an extensive test drive program.

Already on sale in Europe, the little hatch has returned fuel economy figures of just 4.4 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 103 grams a kilometre.

“Alto is the answer for people wanting a quality vehicle offering great performance, high levels of safety and outstanding fuel economy,” Devers says.

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut type while the rear is a three-link rigid axle.

Herald Sun

44
Vote
   


Lexus LF-A Roadster

February 27th 2009 14:32
The Lexus LF-A roadster could be the car of the future, or a car with no future.

The LF supercar program has been running for close to three years and is a headliner for the whole Toyota group, but has yet to produce a production car.

There have been coupe and convertible show cars, and a hardtop LF-A painted in flat-black camouflage competed at the Nurburgring 24-Hour race in Germany last year, but there is still nothing concrete for showrooms.

But that has not stopped Lexus Australia from landing the signal red LF-A roadster as it show star for Melbourne.

Lexus LF-A Roadster


"This car shows us what we are capable of doing, as a brand," says John Roca, head of Lexus Australia.

"It shows we are not boxed into a vanilla future that only has hybrid cars as a point of difference. It shows we can be, and will be, a lot more diverse than we are today."

The LF-A roadster is familiar but different to anyone who knows the coupe.

The lightweight body uses a combination of aluminium and carbon fibre, and the car rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels.

It has the same 5-litre V10 engine, tucked just ahead of the two passenger seats but well behind the front axle line, and rear-wheel drive.

Lexus has given few details of the convertible roof, except that the basic body is just as rigid as the coupe.

And that it will have the same 320 km/h top speed.

There is no chance for anyone at the Melbourne Show to buy the roadster, or even put down a serious deposit, but Roca believes the LF- A project will produce a genuine production car sometime in 2010.

"I think the car has a future. I think we're getting closer to 'when', ahead of 'if'. But we still don't know when that time will be," he says.

"The million-dollar question is when. And, frankly, I cannot answer that.

"But the car for the show is real. It has a real V10 engine that actually works and makes all the right noises.

"The stats we're getting show that the car will hit 300km/h and that was one of the targets. The engine always had the right power but the Japanese wanted 200 miles-an-hour and there have been some improvements to the aerodynamics to get it to 300 kays."

Roca says the global economic meltdown will not affect plans for the LF-A, despite its potential impact on high-priced luxury cars.

"I think there is a market, even in this environment, for that car.

And also for our brand," he says.

"Having it here was too good an opportunity to showcase what Lexus can do. We had to get it. As a brand, we are expanding. It began with the IS-F performance model, and the LF-A will follow it."

And there is other new stuff on the Lexus stand in Melbourne.

The latest RX makes its first public appearance in Australia, and the luxury SUV will be displayed as both a regular petrol model and a hybrid.

"The real story for us ion Melbourne is the RX. And the reaction to that car has been very strong," Roca says.

"We have the regular 350 and the 450 hybrid. The hybrid is only a pre- production car, but that will be available this year so we have the choice of the 350 and 450 by the beginning of the second half of the year.

"The important thing about the RX is that it's a second-generation hybrid for us. It will eventually be followed by the HS hybrid, which was just displayed at the Detroit Motor Show.

"We were originally told the HS was only going to be left-hand drive, but it's now confirmed with right-hand drive so we have put our hand up. We are definitely going to request the car for Australia and it's a car that will slot right between the IS250 and the GS."

Herald Sun

55
Vote
   


Monaro From HAL

February 25th 2009 13:59
A dazzling blue Monaro was rushed to Victoria to star at the 2009 Melbourne Motor Show.

The hand-built supercar is the latest extreme machine to join the show lineup, which also includes wicked Sucker Punch Sallys motorcycles from the USA.

But the Monaro is a car with a difference, right down to its name: The Monaro from HAL.

Every panel on the car has been tweaked and it is fitted with a 427 Corvette engine and a full custom interior. And there is the one-off blue paintwork.

The car is a joint venture between one-time supercar hero Paul Halstead, who was the Australia importer for DeTomaso cars and created the locally-built Giacattolo, and Autotek chief Bob Roman.

Monaro From HAL


Between them they have more than 50 years experience in engineering and fast cars which is reflected in their super-special Monaro.

"It's a one-off. We took a brand-new Monaro and did something very special," Roman says.

"It has been totally stripped and then re-sculpted to Paul Halstead's vision."

The car was built in Castlemaine and finished this week in time for a first public appearance at the motor show. It will also be the key to a reader contest in next week's edition of the Carsguide.

But, even more, it reflects the depth of Australian motoring expertise and that is something Halstead and Roman will be pushing with a new joint venture between Autotek and ADAPS to provide automotive engineers and project managers to the industry.

It's a new contract plan which is in its infancy but which can be used for cars like the Monaro, and more.

"Concept cars are the traffic magnets and the heart-and-soul of every motor show," Roman says.

"We think creating a car like the Monaro from HAL is a great way to get people thinking about the talent that is available to the Australian motor industry. We are moving to the next level of services to the industry.

"We want to occupy our own place. Show we're at the cutting edge."

The result is a car with wild flared guards, a deep jutting nose and an aero diffuser under the rear bumper. It also has a full custom interior and an upgraded Corvette-style mechanical package.

"It's street legal but race ready," Roman says.

"And it's all steel. There is no plastic or fibreglass, the car is completely real."

Roman says the car cost around $250,000 to build but it is a cheap investment in the future of a new company.

"The vehicle itself is basically to show the skills of both companies, on a special project. We could do the same thing on a concept car, or skilled labour in any level of the automotive business."

The Monaro from HAL is actually the latest in a string of wild one-off cars created by Roman, from a Hillier Falcon coupe to the gullwing Raptor ute and a Commodore ute known simply as `The Beast'.

But there is more to come from the Autotek-ADAPS, in time for the next Melbourne Motor Show in 2011.

"We're working on something even more radical. It is a rear-mid engined supercar. But that's something for the future," Roman says.

The Melbourne Motor Show opens at 5pm on Friday, February 27 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

It runs from 10am-10pm each day until Sunday, March 8.

The final day of the show is Monday, March 9 when it is open from 10am-6pm.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show with video wrap...

Herald Sun

41
Vote
   


Hyundai i20 three-door

February 20th 2009 06:45
Just days after Hyundai exhibited the new i20 five-door at Melbourne motor show, the three-door version will debut at Geneva’s auto-fest.

The three-door is built on the same wheelbase, and carries the same 1.2-litre Kappa engine, but weighs 10kg less than the five-door’s 1045kg.

Hyundai Australia says they would welcome the three-door here, and doesn’t see any barriers to it arriving.

“We are certainly looking at bringing it to Australia,” spokesman Ben Hershman says, but can’t predict how soon after the five-doors arrival – set to be mid-year – that might happen.

“There’s no impediment, but we just can’t confirm what the timing would be on that. We haven’t been advised of production dates.”

Hershman says he expects both versions of the i20 will do well in the local showrooms.

Hyundai i20 Three-door


“There’s a strong market for both three and five-door small cars at the moment,” he says.

“The Getz does very well for us in both areas.”

Hershman says the i20 will land here around the competitive $16,000 price mark, so he doesn’t believe there is any risk of the i20 cannibalising from its stablemate, which is currently around $2000 cheaper.

“We really see two different customers in that end of the market … the value buyer looking at price of entry, and then those who are looking for the slightly larger body and more sophisticated technology that the i20 will offer.”

The three-door has the same nose and tail as the larger version, but has larger doors and a more upswept line along the side profile.

Hyundai says its quick-release memory seats allow easy `walk-in’ access for the rear, while the car as specced for the overseas market will feature six airbags – front, side and curtain – plus active head-restraints.

Overseas specs show the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the five-door develops 57.4kW at 6000rpm and 119Nm at 4000rpm, with a five-speed manual driving the front set of 14” wheels. It’s reported to get to 100km/h in a fairly leisurely 12.9 seconds and to a top speed of 165km/h, with a frugal combined fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km and 124g/km of Co2.

Carsguide

42
Vote
   


Mitsubishi i MiEV Electric Car

January 29th 2009 08:20
The first plug-in electric car for Australia is the Mitsubishi i MiEV.

The tiny battery-powered city car has been confirmed this week for local trials in February, edging out upcoming electric contenders from Smart, Nissan, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

There is no firm sales plan yet, but Mitsubishi Motors Australia is keen to turn the i MiEV trial into much more than just a dummy run — with genuine local deliveries sometime in 2010.

"We are going to do this. We're the first ones to put it out there," says Rob McEniry, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors Australia.

"There is a lot of talk about electric vehicles, but this will test the true appetite. We'll see whether it is factual or just fluff.

"We are ready to go for 2010, if the price is right and the market is there."

Mitsubishi i MiEV Electric Car


The first i MiEV will be on the Mitsubishi stand at the Melbourne Motor Show from February 27, with a second car setting out soon after for a national tour of politicians, governments and major fleets.

McEniry says there will be an even bigger event before the end of the year before Mitsubishi decides if it will go ahead with sales in 2010.

"This is not a 'might be', this is a 'what is' from Mitsubishi. We'll have a car on the stand at the motor show and another ready for driving," he says.

"Later in the year we want to bring some more cars out for some customer evaluations. That will be fleets and things that can spend a bit of time with the vehicle. This is very much market testing. This will be the real thing that's in the market today in full trial in Japan."

McEniry believes there will be demand for the i MiEV — which can be charged from a regular household power supply — but is not sure yet on the reaction to buying and running a car in the real world.

"We're going to take the car around Australia and allow various groups to see the vehicle and give us some feedback. We're very interested in what they have to say," he says.

The big questions are the price of the car, the warranty back-up and the infrastructure needed to support any sort of serious fleet of electric cars. McEniry is well aware of the challenges and preparing to work through them in time to get the i MiEV into showrooms.

"We know the target price, but we won't talk about that for the moment. Initially it will need some support form the customer base, if it's a government department or fleet," he says.

"It depends on the demand. We might do it on a lease. We're really not sure yet."

While there is uncertainty on the showroom plan for the original i MiEV, a five-door hatchback based on a Japanese city car, Mitsubishi is pushing into the next phase of its electric car program.

It will unveil a second i MiEV, this time an electric sports car, at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The newcomer — called the i MiEV Sport Air — shows that the electric cars could become a whole new family for Mitsubishi, with the potential for more than just short-haul commuter work.

The Sport Air uses Mitsubishi's latest lithium-ion batteries and a high-torque engine for sports car acceleration.

It says the idea is to go beyond a green car to something people also want to buy for driving, thanks to low weight, strong acceleration and good cornering grip.

But Mitsubishi is keeping quiet on the details, beyond releasing two sketches which show the thinking behind the design of the Geneva Show car.

Herald Sun

24
Vote
   


Paladin's Blogs

9647 Vote(s)
109 Comment(s)
146 Post(s)
2508 Vote(s)
79 Comment(s)
32 Post(s)
Moderated by Paladin
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]