back in businesspower: 184kw 2.8-litre v6 turbo due: early 2006 price: $3000 premium on existing 9-3...

By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

SAAB has unveiled a long-overdue all-new model which will play a vital role in resurrecting the struggling Swedish brand’s fortunes in Australia and overseas.

Set to make its world debut at next month’s Geneva motor show, the 9-3 station wagon dubbed the ‘SportCombi’ is certain to create new sales opportunities for Saab when it arrives here early next year.

Its importance cannot be underestimated as the General Motors-owned company’s narrow product offering and at times slow model variant rollout has limited its ability to appeal to a broad audience in Australia.

Sales of the ageing 9-5 large car have dropped off significantly since 2003, due in large part to canni-balisation from the smaller 9-3, while new vehicle lines have hit some critical hurdles before reaching our shores.

Specifically, the 9-2X all-wheel drive small car was abandoned for sale here after Subaru Australia won its appeal – the car is based on the Impreza WRX – and the 9-7X medium-size luxury SUV (based on the Chevrolet Trailblazer) was not built for right-hand drive markets.

Furthermore, there is also doubt over whether Subaru’s forthcoming B9 Tribeca crossover wagon unveiled at the recent Detroit auto will make it Down Under in Saab

clothing, despite other right-hand drive markets including Britain investigating a conversion program with diesel engine variants.

And there’s still no sign of a replacement for the 9-5, which could be another vehicle reliant on collaboration with Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru).

“We do some research tracking and that validates that we’ve got strength with the brand name – but the area that we are weak is our capacity to keep hold of some of those (customers) because we have a narrow product portfolio,” former Saab managing director Tony Jennett, who was replaced by Holden director Ralph Stevenson in January, told GoAuto last year.

“As we look forward under the banner of opportunities, all of the key people within GM – Rick Wagoner, John Devine, Bob Lutz, Carl-Peter Forster, Fritz Henderson – they’ve all come out and publicly said the thing we need to do to support Saab and the way to help Saab grow is to populate the portfolio.

“That’s seen as the key element that’s holding Saab back, so it’s certainly a strong commitment as to what we’re going to get in the years ahead – but that period is probably a 2006-10 timeframe rather than directly around the corner.”

Continued next page

Back in business

SHOWTIME!

More show stars from Geneva, Chicago and

Brisbane– Pages 7-12

Saab reveals all-new sport wagon ahead of Geneva world debut

Back in business

February 16, 2005 No. 180

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Continued from previous pageScheduled for a local debut at

the Australian International Motor Show in October, the 9-3 wagon also introduces the first turbocharged version of General Motors’ new global V6 – expected to derive from Holden’s engine plant in Port Melbourne.

Initially destined for all 9-3 Aero models, including sedan and convertible derivatives, the 2.8-litre DOHC 24-valve V6 features variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger. Maximum output is 184kW – 29kW more than Saab's current 2.0-litre high-output turbo HOT engine.

While lower-spec models will feature the brand's signature front-wheel drive transaxle, AWD variants dubbed 9-3X should also follow soon after.

Visually, the 9-3 SportCombi is very close to the 9-3 Sport Hatch wagon concept previewed at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show.

It has a twin-floor system featuring an area underneath the cargo floor for concealing objects. At 1273 litres, its luggage volume beats the Audi A4 Avant but lags behind the Mercedes C-Class Estate and Volvo V50.

The SportCombi is the first Saab to achieve zero lift levels at both axles – a corollary of its good aerodynamics (aided by an integrated rear roof spoiler) and high-speed stability. Torsional rigidity is said to be only marginally behind that of the sedan.

Although it is too early for sales projections or sedan-to-wagon sales ratios – 5:1 wouldn’t be too far off the mark – Saab Australia spokesman Paul Ellis said the 9-3 wagon would lead the brand’s sales recovery starting in 2006.

“The 9-3 SportCombi is a great car coming at a great time for Saab – it is the spiritual successor to the

popular 9-3 hatch of the past, albeit in a thoroughly more modern and dynamic way,” he said.

“It promises versatility and will be fun to drive. It’s a car for people with active and youthful lifestyles that need versatility and performance more than they need all-wheel drive capability.”

Presiding over his first vehicle launch as Saab Australia director at the 2005 9-3 Convertible range in Queensland last week, Mr Stevenson reiterated the need for Saab to break out of its two-model mould while pushing the boundaries of its existing cars.

The massive model realignment of the 9-3 Convertible is evidence of this, to be followed in the coming months with value-added, limited-edition variants of the 9-3 sedan and

9-5 range. This is seen as the means by which Saab can raise its profile without resorting to what Mr Stevenson considers “dangerous” heavy discounting or debt-ridden “buy-back” schemes.

With a revised Audi A4, all-new BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS on the horizon, the 9-3 will need all the help it can get to help maintain – let alone grow – its standing.

As for the 9-5, the eight-year-old car is believed to still have at least another two years to run before

its much-speculated replacement arrives.Other than the Subaru question, there are issues

such as will it be rear-wheel drive and based on Holden’s Zeta (VE Commodore) platform? Is an AWD derivative on the cards? Will it be built outside Sweden? Is Adelaide an option?

Saab isn’t saying. One insider told us: “We honestly don’t know. No decision has been finalised.”

Saab management will confirm that it urgently needs to reverse the debilitating sales performance in Sydney, where a lack of proper dealer representation in key areas – especially south of the city – has seen it perform well behind expectations.

Other work being undertaken includes leveraging off the existing Holden infrastructure, from purchasing and cost savings to systems and logistics efficiencies, and tapping into Holden’s vast fleet market.

The area of novated leasing is a further key area Saab wants to explore with Holden’s help.

Australian Saab sales have fallen from a 1994 high of 3463 (when the second-generation 900 was released) to 2631 in 2002, 2152 in 2003 and 1848 last year. It has forecast a modest sales rise of about 300 units, to 2155, for this calendar year, driven by re-organised Sydney dealers and new fleet conquests.

And how serious is Saab about its comeback in Australia? “We live and die by what we do,” Mr Stevenson proclaimed.

The 2005 Saab 9-3 Convertible – page 6

AT A GLANCE: Model: 9-3 SportCombi

Body: Five-door ‘sport wagon’

Power: 184kW 2.8-litre V6 turbo

Due: Early 2006

Price: $3000 premium on existing 9-3 sedan (est.)

Rivals: Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, Mercedes C-Class Estate, Volvo V50

Saab back in businessSaab back in business

Editor: Terry Martin Managing editor: Marton Pettendy Staff Journalist: Byron Mathioudakis Graphics: Chris Harris Advertising manager: Steve Butcher – Ph: 0419 562 110

Phone: 03 9598 6477E-mail: [email protected]

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THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 PATENTS ON ITS SUPERSYN™ ANTI-WEAR TECHNOLOGY.

By MARTON PETTENDY

THE future of Ford Performance Vehicles’ Typh-oon sedan – which has joined the Blue Oval’s GT super-coupe as Ford’s second high-profile performance model to be plagued by a major recall in as many months – remains in doubt.

“We don’t have a fix at the moment,” said Ford Australia president Tom Gorman last week.

“We’re not selling them – we’ve stopped them going into dealers.”

Mr Gorman said a solution to Typhoon’s clutch problem, which was exposed during performance testing by Motor magazine and initially dismissed by FPV as the result of driver abuse, had not been found.

“There are three issues: 95 per cent of the effort is going into a technical fix for the vehicle at the moment. Clearly that’s where we have to focus and it’s a complex relationship between Ford, FPV and AP Racing, which is the supplier of the clutch,” Mr Gorman said.

“So we are making progress in terms of closing down alternatives and honing in on the root cause and, ultimately, coming up with a fix. (But) I can’t tell you today how quickly that’s going to happen.”

Owners of 80 Typhoon sedans in Australia and a further seven in New Zealand have been offered an exchange FPV vehicle until the problem is fixed. However, only 16 Typhoon customers have chosen to part with their vehicle.

The Typhoon sedan was launched with much fanfare in November as FPV’s first turbocharged six-cylinder model and has a record 550Nm torque output for an Australian-built production vehicle.

But the clutch problem, and FPV’s subsequent denial of it, has caused embarrassment for Ford – both publicly and internally.

The media launch of Typhoon’s utility sibling, the Tornado ute, was also postponed and both turbocharged FPV models remain unavailable.

“I meet with FPV guys three days a week and they don’t really want to meet with me … so we’re working really hard to fix this at the moment,” said Mr Gorman.

“The other issue is the process, but when you’re faced with a problem you don’t do that until you’ve fixed the problem. It’s a case of fix the problem and then come back and look at the process breakdown – how did this happen?

“And then I think there’s a behavioural issue

here, too, because this was identified to us and perhaps we didn’t listen as carefully as we should have to the marketplace.

“Culturally, we have to be careful of arrogance. When people tell you something you have to listen. This is a very emotional game, particularly

with a performance vehicle. People put their heart and soul into these things and so you sometimes get an immediate reaction that, really, better thought through wouldn’t have

been the appropriate reaction.“I think we’ve done a great job of taking care

of the customers. We’ll fix the problem first, then we’ll get to the process issues. I don’t want to roll (FPV boss) David (Flint) under the bus. He’s made FPV a great business.”

The Typhoon debacle follows a similar recall in

the US involving Ford’s born-again GT supercar, which is currently doing the rounds at Australian motor shows, including Brisbane last week and Melbourne from March 3.

Ford Motor Company individually advised 2005 GT owners in December “not to drive their vehicle under any circumstances” until two recalls were performed.

In the first of two recalls, Ford will inspect the fuel system of all GTs made between October 13 and November 19, 2004. Some of the Ford GTs may require the installation of a new fuel tank.

The second recall involves all 470 GT coupes manufactured at Ford’s Wixom, Michigan, Special Vehicle Centre – from job one on June 30 to the final examples built on December 11. It relates to potential suspension control arm fracture, replacement parts for which were not made available until February 1 this year.

Cloud hangsover Typhoon

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PORSCHE is expected to reveal the fixed-roof version of its Boxster convertible at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

Dubbed C7, the two-seater coupe is set to reach Australian shores around June 2006, priced between the new $107,400 987-series Boxster and the circa-$200,000 997-series 911 coupe.

Much of the underpinnings will be Boxster-based, meaning the C7 will have a mid-engine/rear-drive configuration. It will also share variations of the Boxster’s MacPherson strut suspension and variable-ratio steering, as well as its front guards, bonnet, doors and cabin architecture.

So there will be a strong resemblance to the second generation Boxster, which went on sale in Australia last week, although from the windscreen rearwards the body of the C7 is believed to be unique.

GoAuto understands that a curvy roof will feature

deep side windows and sleek rear pillars, giving the C7 a slight three-box silhouette. Interestingly, the rear glass will open hatchback-style, making it the first such Porsche sports car since the demise of the 924-based 986 in 1996.

These should ensure there is enough visual differentiation between the C7 and its siblings for Porsche to establish it as a separate model in its own right.

Overseas reports also suggest that several versions of the car are in the pipeline.

The base C7 is expected to use the 206kW 3.2-litre flat-six cylinder engine from the Boxster S, followed by a high-performance C7S variant powered by a new 224kW 3.4-litre flat-six.

And speculation is rife that C7 will be a much harder-edged sports car than either its donor or the 911. To this end, rumours persist that a lightweight CS – for Clubsport – model will follow, probably

powered by the 3.4-litre powerplant. This should be a stripped-out C7 in the style of 1993’s 968 CS.

The C7 project may also be the first Porsche to introduce the company’s answer to Audi’s DSG double-clutch automatic gearbox.

This transmission is also expected to eventually replace the ageing five-speed Tiptronic automatic in the Boxster and 911.

The C7 will probably weigh significantly less yet be even stronger than the already stiff Boxster, given much of the convertible’s necessary body-beefing under-structure won’t be needed with a fixed roof taking much of the support duties.

It is unclear whether the C7 will be built at Porsche’s German Zuffenhausen plant, or the Uusikaupunki site in Finland. It may even be built – like the Boxster is currently – at both.

– BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

Putting a lid on itDigital image: CHRIS HARRIS

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By TERRY MARTIN

UNPERTURBED that its ‘rogue state’ distributor in Queensland introduced the car two weeks ahead of the official national launch, Suzuki Australia this week sent its vital new Swift hatchback into showrooms in other states with an offer its rivals could find difficult to counter.

Starting from $15,990, the handsome little five-door is fitted standard with dual airbags, ABS brakes (with EBD and brake assist), air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows/mirrors, a three-spoke leather-clad tiller and a six-speaker CD stereo with steering-mounted switches.

Note the attention to saving lives here as well as making occupants comfortable.

And that an S model with front compartment side-impact airbags, curtain airbags running the length of each front and rear side window and the usual S-equals-pseudo-Sports extras – fog lamps, alloy wheels etc – is also available for another $2000.

Could the S moniker now turn to Safety rather than Sport?

According to Suzuki Australia general manager (automobiles) David Le Mottee, market research conducted with the Swift indicated that life-saving features were as important to consumers as a sub-$20,000 sticker price, creature comforts and looks.

Dual airbags are considered a must and there

is a

growing awareness of safety ratings from independent bodies such as NCAP,” he said at the car’s launch this week.

“The Swift’s handling experience also reflects a clear European focus … (and) we believe this development work resulted in the Swift being an exceptional car, in every aspect of its design, assembly and attention to engineering detail.”

Based on an all-new chassis and replacing the ignominious Ignus, the Swift has what is claimed to be the widest wheel track in its class

at 1470mm/1480mm front/rear. A front driver, the car rests on a 2390mm wheelbase, uses front strut/rear torsion beam suspension and relies on rear

drum brakes. Standard wheel size is 15 inches

and the steering is conventional power-assisted rack and pinion.

The turning circle is 9.4 metres.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that has variable valve timing and can muster 74kW at 6000rpm and 133Nm at 4000rpm. The transmission is a short-stroke five-speed manual – designed to give a firm and fast shift feel – or a $2000 four-speed automatic (with gated shift)

can be ordered. Claimed fuel consumption for the hatchback

is 7.0 litres per 100km (combined) for the manual or 7.5L/100km for the auto. Kerb weight ranges from 1030kg to 1060kg, depending on the variant.

Inside, there are some visual references to the GSX R750 motorbike and the 240mm front seat travel attracts a further ‘best in class’ claim.

A spherical manual shift knob adds to the sporting flavour, large glass areas are said to enhance all-round vision for the driver and an information unit with readouts for outside temperature and average fuel consumption sits on the centre of the dashboard.

The luggage compartment has a 213-litre volume, extending to 562 litres when the 60/40-split rear bench is folded and tumbled.

For those who want usual ‘S’ features such as spoilers, subwoofers and drill-holes in the pedals, these are available as dealer-fit accessories. Cruise control is also offered in this vein.

Basking in the kudos that Australia is the first market outside Japan to receive the all-new Swift, Suzuki Australia believes it can sell 350 units per month – almost twice the number it achieved with the Ignus. A three-door GTI version is on the cards for release in 2006.

For drive impressions go to www.goauto.com.au from this Friday

PRICING:Swift $15,990Swift S $17,990

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By BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

SAAB has made a dramatic move to drag drop-top buyers up from the premium class and into the luxury segment with its re-specified 9-3 Convertible range.

Aiming at the Holden Astra, Peugeot 307 CC and Renault Megane CC convertibles, the baseline Linear model is now priced from $66,900 – $6000 less than before.

This puts the Linear within reach for some premium convertible buyers, who are paying upwards of $56,990 for the up-spec 307 CC Sport, for example.

“It’s now not such a stretch for them to consider the 9-3,” said Saab Australia and New Zealand director Ralph Stevenson.

Worth noting also is that the Saab is based on the premium segment 9-3 sedan, while the topless premium players are small-car derived, albeit with significant re-engineering and bespoke bodywork.

The new lower price point for the luxury convertible segment leader also puts more white space between it and the number two seller, BMW’s 3 Series, as well as Audi’s A4 Cabriolet.

About $4200 of the base 9-3 convertible’s $6000 drop is due to the deletion of the 129kW/265Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine for the 110kW/240Nm 2.0 turbo found in the 9-3 Linear sedan, along with ESP stability control, automatic air-conditioning for a simpler manual version and front fog lights. However, the latest Linear retains the previous model’s remote-opening electric roof, leather trim seats and 16-inch alloy wheels, so it will take a keen eye to spot the (albeit misleading) 1.8t badge.

It also has the same five-star Euro NCAP rating and class-exclusive 30km/h-limit roof operation of its more salubrious siblings.

Despite the use of a lower-pressure turbo 2.0-litre engine, the new Linear produces 15Nm more torque than the Audi A4 1.8T (but 10kW less power). But BMW’s six-cylinder 325Ci is significantly more powerful and slightly ahead in torque.

January’s five per cent import tariff fall is also said to contribute around $1800 to the lower price point. Interestingly, Audi slashed $3700 (4.4 per cent) off the base A4 while BMW’s 325Ci reflects a $2900 (or 3.1 per cent) saving.

Meanwhile, the 129kW 2.0-litre engine is the basis for the new $73,900 Vector Convertible, which replaces the old $72,900 Linear in the 2005 range.

Above the new Linear it adds ESP, 17-inch wheels, more leather and chrome trim,

climate control air-conditioning, fog lights, an adjustable driver’s armrest and floor mats.

The range-topping 9-3 Aero Convertible, with 155kW of power and 300Nm of torque, continues at its old price of $89,900.

Saab Australia hopes the lower-priced Linear will help

boost 9-3 Convertible sales by 16 per cent this year, from 724

units in 2004 to 839. Of those, 577 should be Linear models, followed by 160 Vector and 102 Aero variations.

Currently almost 90 per cent of all convertible sales are for the automatic, with a 50/50-male/female split overall.

The premium convertible segment Saab hopes the Linear will poach some buyers from has been the driving force behind a 40 per cent rise in the overall convertible segment over the past two years.

A boom in novated leasing in recent times should also help the ragtop’s chances.

Saab’s partial integration within Holden Limited – Mr Stevenson is a 20-year veteran with Holden – sees the Australian arm with new opportunities to communicate directly with fleet managers who were hitherto unavailable to it.

Nevertheless, Saab Australia is retaining sales, after-sales and marketing department autonomy from Holden. It will leverage Holden’s infrastructure in areas of

purchasing and cost savings and systems and logistics efficiencies.

And, for the moment, only around one in four Saab dealers will be co-franchised

with a Holden dealer.For drive impressions, go to www.goauto.com.au in the

coming days

PRICING:Linear 1.8t $66,900Linear 1.8t (a) $69,400 Vector 2.0t $73,900Vector 2.0t (a) $76,400Aero 2.0 HOT $89,900Aero 2.0 HOT (a) $92,400

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CADILLAC BLSEXTENDING its reach across the world, Cadillac will show at Geneva a concept version of its new front-drive premium small-medium sedan built for Europe and other markets. Dubbed the BLS and based on GM’s Epsilon architecture, the BLS is expected to go on sale in Europe next year with a Holden-built 2.8-litre V6 engine and a Fiat-GM Powertrain 1.9-litre turbo-diesel among the available engines. Two 2.0-litre four-cylinder versions will also be sold.Engineers have placed heavy emphasis on the ride comfort and cabin refinement, while the exterior design – from the front end, at least – is immediately recognisable as a modern Cadillac. Critical dimensions include 4680mm overall length, 1762mm width and 1449mm height.A final version should materialise at the Frankfurt auto show in September. GM has confirmed that production will be carried in right-hand drive as well as LHD, meaning its prospects as part of an Australian Caddy range are rather good.

The debutantes continue to emerge in the run up to the Geneva motor show, starting March 3. TERRY MARTIN reports

PEUGEOT 407 COUPEPEUGEOT might be calling this a concept, but the 407 Coupe Prologue is a strong indication of how the 407 Coupe will look when it arrives in Australia next year.Designed in-house, the sleek coupe looks a worthy successor to the svelte 406 Coupe and has a thoroughly modern interior with neat touches including aluminium with red leather on the fascia panel and a five-dial instrument panel in a chronograph format. The coupe’s underpinnings mirror that of other 407 models, while the engine in the show car is a turbo-diesel V6 developing 150kW and 440Nm. The oil-burner pairs up with a six-speed automatic.

HOLDEN ZAFIRAWITH the all-new Astra still a fresh face on Australian streets, it was inevitable that the second generation, Astra-based Zafira seven-seat people-mover would soon materialise on a motor show stand. And so it will in Geneva next month, when Holden’s European arm Opel shows the all-new vehicle and its roomier interior, optional panorama glass roof (with integrated storage compartments) and the various exterior design and mechanical features it shares with others in the Astra range. Perched on a 2703mm wheelbase, the Zafira stands longer (at 4467mm), wider (at 1776mm) and a fraction taller (at 1637mm) than the current model, and the extra centimetres created inside are said to be realised in

more room in each of the three rows. The Flex7 seating remains with movements to a six-seater,

five-seater and so on (down to two seats) able to be achieved – Opel claims – without much hassle and

without removing the seats. Luggage area volume is 620 litres in five-seat configuration, 20 litres more than the current model. For the driver, the gearshift is mounted higher

for easier use and the room this created in the centre console was filled with a U-shaped

handbrake lever and a new storage area. At last count, practical storage compartments – a subjective term if ever we heard one – was at 30, no doubt including the five slots in the centre roof console installed whenever the panorama roof is called for.The car should be in Australia in the final quarter.

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FERRARIF430 SPIDERA NEW Ferrari never fails to be a drawcard at a motor show, and Geneva will be no different with the world debut of the F430 Spider.The Pininfarina-designed convertible features a host of F1-inspired technical features including an electronic differential, which aids traction and roadholding, and a steering wheel-mounted rotary switch (the ‘manettino’) allowing the car’s set-up to be adjusted as required.Notable design elements include a sizeable rear lip spoiler integrated into the end of the engine cover, big rear air intakes and a new rear valance. The engine is set below a glass cover and is seen whether the automatic electric hood is up or down. Once lowered, the hood is claimed to take up little room, despite the central-rear engine layout.Speaking of which, the F430 Spider uses Ferrari’s new 490hp (365kW) 90-degree V8 that can send the ragtop to speeds above 310km/h and across 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds.

CITROEN C6AMONG the world debuts for Geneva coming in thick and fast is Citroen’s all-new C6 prestige sedan. Representing the latest stage in what the French manufacturer likes to call its “creative renewal”, the large sedan features a long front overhang and sweeping headlights, wide grille, ribbed bonnet, frameless doors, concave rear windscreen, a short rear overhang and, should Northern Territorians wish to hit the firewall with the accelerator, an air deflector that comes into action at speed. Interior treats include electric rear seats, ‘soft diffusion’ air-conditioning and laminated side windows, while technical treats – never far from the surface in Citroen releases – include speed readings, navigation information and the like

shown on the windscreen (an Australian Design Rule issue if ever we saw one), variable damping suspension and, in a first for the brand, an electric park brake. Lane-departure warning signals and directional xenon headlights should be available, while the sedan also heralds the first

application of Citroen’s 150kW 2.7-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine. This engine is still to be confirmed for Australia, with the most obvious choice for the local distributor being a 155kW 3.0-litre V6 petrol. Both engines combine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The C6 comes to Australia in 2006.

HYUNDAI HED-1HYUNDAI will unveil its latest small car design work in the form of the HED-1 show car, which extends the work it did on the E-cubed concept shown at Geneva last March. While the HED-1 is in the form of a mini-MPV, the car will show the basic design of the next generation Accent due for release late in 2005. The next Accent will be larger than the current version and, like Sonata, have at least one version of the new aluminium ‘Theta’ engine being built in at least 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4-litre sizes. As GoAuto revealed last May, 1.8 and 2.2-litre turbo versions were also in development, along with a high-output natural-breathing 2.0-litre engine.

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Level 2, 111-117 Devonshire Street Surry Hills NSW 2010PO Box 1774 Strawberry Hills BC NSW 2012 AustraliaPhone: (02) 9310 7622 Fax: (02) 9310 7455Email: [email protected] www.redbook.com.au

MERCEDES-BENZB-CLASSMERCEDES will use the Geneva motor show opening to unveil its new B-Class. Dubbed a compact sports tourer and around the same size as Mazda’s now discontinued Premacy mini people-mover, B-class offers a 4270mm-long body riding on a 2778mm wheelbase.Despite its compact dimensions, Benz says the five-seater B-class – which fills the gap between A-Class hatch and C-Class sedan – offers kneeroom approaching that of the S-Class sedan flagship.B-Class is a definite for Australia, where the compact people-mover market can best be described as insignificant – if a little dangerous given the lack of success of certain lower-scale models – and will be priced to match its premium orientation.Expect entry pricing of at least $40,000 when B-Class is released here in mid-2006, with engine options likely to echo that of the $35,000-plus A-Class.

RENAULT Z17FRENCH manufacturer Renault will introduce the Z17 show car at Geneva, a three-seater urban runabout which designer Patrick Le Quément and his cohorts believe embodies “genuine motoring pleasure”. “It has been shown that cars carry only 1.4 people on average, but two-seat interiors are perceived as a constraint,” Mr Le Quément mused in an official statement.“ Z17 is therefore a genuine three-seater complete with a boot located behind the driver’s seat, all built into a compact architecture.”

SMART FORFOUR BRABUSMERCEDES-BENZ’S Smart micro car brand will show a Brabus version of its ForFour four-seater hatchback in Geneva. With a 130kW engine and a 1090kg kerb weight, the Brabus ForFour is claimed to be able to reach 100km/h from standstill in 6.9 seconds. Lowered suspension, 17-inch wheels, large front spoiler, mesh grille inserts, chrome dual exhaust, a rear diffuser and side skirts enhance the look, while a roof spoiler aims to reduce rear axle lift 50kg at the 221km/h maximum speed.

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Not to be outdone by its fellow Americans or cousins on the Continent, the Chicago auto show this week had its fair share of interesting metalwork. MARTON PETTENDY reports.

DODGE CALIBERCALIBER is Chrysler Group’s first Dodge to be aimed at a global market.

As such, the small five-door hatch concept – revealed at the Chicago show this week – is expected to morph into a production car that may form part of an all-new Dodge range when the brand is relaunched Down Under in 2007.

As the fifth largest nameplate in the US with a 6.9 per cent market share, Dodge will use production versions of models like Caliber to enter large-volume sales segments in Europe next year.

Although Chrysler Group officials stress the Caliber, as well as the passenger car-based Nitro SUV also revealed in Chicago, are strictly concepts, they say both models preview the design direction of future Dodge models for international markets.

“With its bold styling and clever packaging, Caliber is pure Dodge,” said Trevor Creed, senior vice president – design, Chrysler Group.“This concept is a new slant on one of the world’s most competitive segments. The Dodge Caliber concept brings emotion to the C-segment sea of

sameness and strongly hints at the future direction of Dodge in the global car market.”Smaller and more utilitarian than Chrysler’s own 300C premium sedan due for release in

Australia late this year, Caliber combines a coupe-like profile with the stance and functionality of an SUV in the small car category.

Painted in Sunburst Orange, the concept is 4414mm long, 1743mm wide, 1534mm high and rides on a 2635mm wheelbase. Wide 1520mm wheel tracks and massive 19-inch wheels help fill out heavily flared wheelarches at all four corners.

While no engine specifications are forthcoming for Caliber, the Nitro SUV concept is powered by Chrysler Group’s existing 157kW/319Nm 3.7-litre SOHC V6 which, mated to a 42RLE four-speed auto, propels the 1867kg SUV to 60mph (97km/h) in a claimed 9.6 seconds.

If it reaches production, the five-seater Nitro would be Dodge’s first medium SUV.

HYUNDAI PORTICOHYUNDAI has continued its new model offensive by presenting a people-mover concept, dubbed Portico, at Chicago.

Following last year’s Chicago release of the Tucson compact SUV (released in Australia last year), the reveal of a new Sonata sedan (due here in June) and the pre-reveal of Hyundai-owned Kia’s next generation Carnival, Portico previews the South Korean giant’s all-new Trajet seven-seater.

Portico measures 5000mm long and 2000mm wide and rides on a 3070mm wheelbase. Along with the concept’s new Lambda DOHC V6, mated to a six-speed Shiftronic

automatic transmission scheduled to appear in production Hyundais, Portico is designed to accept Hyundai’s hybrid drive system.

This configuration features two electric motors, with a 110kW unit driving the front wheels and a 60kW version driving the rear wheels to provide all-wheel-drive capability.

“Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space – previewing the types of attributes we’ll be adding to our growing Hyundai line-up in the US," said Hyundai’s vice-president of product development and strategic planning, John Krafcik.

Dodge Nitro

Dodge Caliber

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KIA CARNIVALFIRST came last week’s sketch and now Kia has unveiled the next generation of its all-conquering Carnival people-mover in the metal at this week’s Chicago motor show.

Continuing to be dubbed Sedona in the US and European markets, the larger new Carnival will be powered by a muscular new 3.8-litre DOHC V6 producing 180kW and 340Nm of torque.

It’s expected on sale in Australia around November and may be joined in mid-2006 by a longer-bodied version with more room behind the flat-into-floor-folding third row of seats.

Importantly, Kia plans to continue the $29,990 price and equipment position that’s made it both an alternative to Falcon and Commodore wagons and Australia’s most popular people-mover.

The current model, on sale here since 1999, is expected to continue with driveaway pricing until its replacement goes on sale following its Australian International Motor Show debut.

Riding on a longer wheelbase, the longer and wider new Carnival is claimed to offer a 15 per cent larger interior, along with four-wheel independent suspension, a five-speed auto and a healthy standard equipment list in the US including six airbags, ABS with EBD, a tyre pressure monitor, active front head restraints, tri-zone air-con, power windows and cruise control. Options should include leather trim, power sliding doors and tailgate, plus stability and traction control.

HONDA CIVIC Si COUPEHONDA chose this week’s Chicago Auto Show to unveil its Civic Si concept, which previews an all-new 2006 Civic Si Coupe that will be the performance

leader of a redesigned Civic model range next year.Replacements for Australia’s current Civic five-door hatch and four-door sedan derivatives

will appear in 2006 – the hatch is due to be shown at Geneva next month. However, the new Civic coupe is likely to remain a US-only proposition.

Designed at Honda R&D America’s Los Angeles design centre, the Si concept is a precursor to the sixth-generation Civic Si Coupe (which first

appeared as a three-door hatchback in 1986 with subsequent Civic Si models appearing in 1989, 1992, 1999 and 2002) that will debut at the 2005 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November.

Previewing the production car’s potent performance, the Si concept is powered by a 150kW DOHC i-VTEC engine with

an 8000rpm redline, mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and helical-type limited slip differential.

The concept also features 18-inch cast-aluminium wheels and cross-drilled brake discs with four-piston Brembo callipers.

ALSO AT THE SHOW …CHICAGO also played host to the debut of Cadillac’s DeVille large sedan replacement, the front-drive DTS. Powered by a Northstar 4.6 V8, it will go on sale in the US and Canada this year, before exports to Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Alongside it from GM was the all-new “entry luxury” 2006 Buick Lucerne front-driver, while Ford’s Mercury brand showed its premium 2006 Milan medium sedan and Toyota revealed the production FJ Cruiser SUV, due on sale in the US in early 2006.

Cadillac DTS

Toyota FJ Cruiser




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THE Poms love it and now Australians can too. MG’s full Z range is available Down Under following the Brisbane motor show release last week of the MG ZR 160 hot hatch.

Priced at $30,990 for the three-door and $32,990 in five-door form, MG’s ZR light car will be available here later this month in manual-only guise following its recent facelift, after seven years on sale overseas.

Leather trim is the only option available, at $1850.

Based on the Rover-badged 45 hatch, the ZR is MG Rover UK’s top selling model and, with a 2005 Australian sales forecast of 300 examples, it’s also expected to be MG Rover Australia’s most popular model here.

Powered by the same 1.8-litre all-alloy 16-valve VVT four-cylinder K-Series engine found in the MG TF 160 and Lotus Elise, ZR 160 produces 118kW (160bhp, hence the name) at 6900rpm and

174Nm of torque at 4700rpm.Driving exclusively through a five-speed Getrag

manual transmission, it’s good for claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 7.5 seconds.

Aimed at driver-oriented males aged between 22 and 39 years old, MG ZR battles for $30,000-plus European hatch sales in the UK with the likes of Peugeot’s 206 GTi 180 and the Renault Clio Sport 182.

MG ZR joins the MG ZS 180 mid-sizer launched late last year, plus MGA’s flagship ZT V8 and V6 models.

Standard equipment for both models includes air-conditioning, six-CD sound system, remote central locking, twin front airbags, ABS with EBD, power front windows/mirrors, volumetric alarm with automatic super locking and security alloy wheel bolts. Complementing the sports-tuned suspension is a sports bodykit including high-mount

rear spoiler, side skirts, twin exhaust outlets, black mesh bumper inserts, fog lights, colour coded mirrors and 17-inch alloys with 205/45 tyres.

The sports theme continues inside, where there’s technical grey/ash interior finish, sport seats, perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, and satin-finish rotary air vents.

The 2004 ZR marks the third makeover the Rover 25 has received since the series started as the Rover 200 in the UK in early 1996.

Along with a revised nose with new twin headlights behind a clear lens and new bumpers, modifications were made to the suspension, steering and braking, while the cabin revamp finally banished the ZR/25’s 1990s Honda Civic interior origins.

A five-door ZR120 with a CVT automatic transmission could follow the ZR 160, depending on its popularity.

– MARTON PETTENDY

AUSTRALIAN Ssangyong importer Rapson Holdings used the Brisbane motor show to launch the first in a range of Stavic people-movers, with the 121kW/342Nm 2.7-litre common-rail turbo-diesel version going on sale in late March.Featuring conventional doors like Mitsubishi’s Grandis and the only rear-wheel drivetrain in its class, the first Stavic will join the Musso Sports dual-cab ute and three-door Korando and five-door Rexton SUVs on sale here.The large Stavic seven-seater MPV, to be available with a five-speed manual or optional Mercedes-Benz five-speed auto ($3000), offers rain-sensing wipers, power windows, ABS and dual air-conditioning as standard, with options including leather trim ($2000), sunroof ($1000) and a rear-view camera.The turbo-diesel Stavic will be joined by an all-wheel drive version by May, with a 3.2-litre petrol engine to be offered in June and an eight-seater option due on stream in the third quarter of 2005.

Z rangenow thefull quid

Rapson takes wraps off Stavic

Z rangenow thefull quid




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Auckland Auto Collection will not be sold - Gorman

Ford retail fallout continues in Sydney

This week in GoAuto Professional��

This week in GoAuto Professional

www.professional.goauto.com.auFord retail fallout continues in Sydney Nick Politis flick-passes two dealerships as Warrens start their own Sydney “RJV”

BIG Sydney dealer, the Peter Warren Group, has bought the Ford dealerships at Camden and Campbelltown in Sydney’s south-west in a continued fallout from the break-up of the Ford-owned Sydney RJV.

The dealerships, Phil McCarroll Ford at Camden and Ron Lawrence Ford at Campbelltown, were purchased from Nick Politis who, as a shareholder in the now broken-up Sydney RJV, had picked up four Ford dealerships in Sydney as part of the divestiture arrangements.

FULL STORY : CLICK HERE

Ford says it has no plans to divest from Auckland where it is a minority shareholder

FORD Australia president Tom Gorman has issued assurances that Ford will not be divesting itself of the Auckland Auto Collection, New Zealand’s equivalent of the Sydney RJV and the Perth RJV.

Created in the late 1990s before the Sydney and Perth joint-ventures, the Auckland Auto Collection was formed with the purchase of six Ford dealerships in nine locations.

Auckland Auto Collection will not be sold - Gorman

FULL STORY : CLICK HERE

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UP CLOSE on PERSONNEL

TOYOTA PRESIDENTTOYOTA Motor Corporation has named Katsuaki Watanabe as its next president and promoted Akio Toyoda, a grandson of the founder, to a post that lines him up to one day run the company.Currently executive vice-president, Mr Watanabe will replace Fujio Cho, who will oversee strategy as vice-chairman and assume the post of chairman in June next year.Mr Watanabe, 62, joined Toyota in 1964 and has run procurement and business planning, as well as serving as a factory chief at the Motomachi plant near the company’s headquarters. He also runs public relations and the company’s housing business.Mr Toyoda, 48, a senior managing director in charge of Asia outside Japan and the eldest son of founder and honorary chairman Shoichiro Toyoda, 79, will be one of eight executive vice-presidents. Chairman Hiroshi Okuda, 72, will remain Toyota’s chairman until his term as Japan business federation chairman ends in 2006.

MITSU MANAGEMENTMITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the following management appointments: Yukio Iwai assumes the role of chief financial officer following the departure of Mats Blom, who has left MMAL to undertake a new assignment within the DaimlerChrysler group in Europe. Susumu Noguchi joins MMAL from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) as director, corporate planning and finance. Paul Unerkov has been appointed general manager marketing and is responsible for overseeing the national marketing, advertising and brand communications initiatives undertaken by the company. Graham Fairhead is now general manager network development and customer services. Steve Machar, formerly national sales manager passenger cars, has been appointed regional manager, Queensland. John Bussell, who was the regional manager of Queensland, now takes up the role of regional manager in New South Wales. Greg Cook has been appointed national manager, sales operations, with responsibility for developing and executing the company’s national sales and incentives programs.

Susumu Noguchi

RENAULT unveiled its facelifted Laguna last week at the Amsterdam motor show.

Due for release in Australia later this year, the medium-sized sedan has a revised front end (grille, bumper, bonnet, headlights, etc), new tail-lights, a higher standard of finish in the cabin and easier-to-use controls on the redesigned centre dash stack.

An automatic park brake and the latest airbag and occupant restraint technology also debut.

A GT 205 (205hp) sports version featuring a 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine, 17-inch

rims, 10mm lower ride height and sports-flavoured exterior details is, alas, not expected to make it to Australia.

The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and 3.0-litre V6 are unchanged.

Laguna gets a lift

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FinancialControllerLarge Sydney metro dealership

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GoAuto latest road test

WITH the profusion of unexpected styling bumps and creases, the long bonnet and the almost too-big wheels, the new

1 Series is unmistakably a BMW. And that’s important, because while the 1 Series looks unlike any other small hatchback, there are dissimilarities in the way it drives,

and swallows passengers and luggage, as well. The front-engine, rear-drive configuration relegates space efficiency second to handling balance in the list of important design

criteria. The 120i’s 2.0-litre, 110kW engine does a brave job, although even this version of the 1 Series is far from being a hot hatch. Rather, it’s a distinctive, compact conveyance

for two people, and occasionally four, who need to be on friendly terms and are not inclined to carry a lot of paraphernalia. The BMW badge is an entrée to

genuine driving pleasure. ROAD TEST: CLICK HERE

BMW 120i five-door hatch

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FIAT-GM DEALGENERAL Motors and Fiat have agreed to sever all aspects of their alliance forged in 2000, including cancellation of the put option that enabled the Fiat Group to force GM to purchase FiatAuto.The settlement agreement signed on Sunday includes the unwinding of all joint-ventures – including Fiat-GM Powertrain – and GM returning its remaining 10 per cent equity interest in FiatAuto to the Fiat Group.GM will continue to use some of Fiat’s diesel engine technology and will own a 50 per cent interest in the Bielsko-Biala (Poland) plant which manufacturers 1.3-litre diesel engines. To end the relationship, GM also agreed to pay Fiat 1.55 billion euros ($US2 billion).

TS ASTRA GOINGHOLDEN’S old-generation TS Astra Classic sedan and hatchback are on their last legs, due to run out before the end of this year and now with an Equipe package delivering a claimed $1500 worth of extras to push sales along.The additions include ABS brakes, traction control, cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels, rear power windows and heated power mirrors.Pricing starts from $18,990 for manual versions and $20,990 for those with an automatic.

PUG DIESELAS Citroen launched diesel-powered versions of its C5 sedan and wagon at the Brisbane show last week, sister company Peugeot also rolled out its 407 ST HDI, offering a similar 100kW and 320Nm. While petrol versions of the 407 wagon were made available in January, joining the petrol 407 sedans launched last year, the 407 HDI Touring will go on sale by May.

HORWATH BRIEFINGMOTOR industry executives keen to get an insight into the business dynamics of the 2004 record vehicle market can attend a special

briefing run over the next month by Scott Parker of Horwath Motor Industry Services.The briefings, which are free, are based on Horwath’s Profit Focus service. Horwath has access to the financials of 500 Australian dealerships (and 100 New Zealand dealerships) and is able to aggregate the data into the most comprehensive motor business analysis available.The data includes a franchise-by-franchise performance breakdown. The dates are: Brisbane: February 25 Sydney: March 7 Perth: March 21 Adelaide: March 22 Melbourne: March 23. Call Katica Pavlovic on 03 9522 9342.

LAUNCH PAD

Audi A3 Sportback derivativeBMW 118i hatch variantCitroen C5 sedan/wagon faceliftCitroen C3 XTR variantDaihatsu Sirion hatch redesignFPV Tornado ute variant (TBD)Holden VZ Adventra V6/V8 faceliftHolden VZ Cross6/Cross8 faceliftHolden VZ One Tonner Cross 6 variantHyundai Tiburon coupe faceliftLamborghini Murcielago Roadster

Mercedes-Benz CLK200 variantMercedes-Benz E350 sedan variantMG ZR small hatchNissan 350Z 30th anniversary variantPorsche Boxster/Boxster S redesignRover 75 Cdti Tourer variantRenault Megane II Scenic redesignSaab 9-3 Vector Convertible variantSsangyong Stavic people-moverSuzuki Swift hatch redesign

New model diary: CLICK HERE

FEBRUARY:

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