THE FULL STORY Big car, big claims p1 Built to last p3 Bigger issues p4 Clean sheet p5 Fleet street p7 Design for living p7 Standard bearers p8
By MARTON PETTENDY
THE most important vehicle Mitsubishi Motors Australia
has ever released becomes a reality today, when the all-
new 380 sedan replaces the nine-year-old Magna.
To receive its public debut at the Australian
International Motor Show in Sydney on October 13, the
make-or-break car – which was almost called Contega
before management decided on 380 – will dictate the
future of Mitsubishi as an Australian manufacturer.
Candidly, however, Mitsubishi concedes the most
researched model in its history will not be the largest,
most powerful or even the most sophisticated Australian-
built vehicle.
Instead, the company argues it has left no stone
unturned to design the best-quality vehicle ever produced
in this country, as well as a car that meets the needs of
Australian customers like no other.
To that end, the largest single investment by Mitsubishi
Australia – $40 million – was spent on state-of-the-art
manufacturing facilities as part of a total $600 million
research and development program for the 380.
That is as much as Holden has ever spent to develop
a new model (the VT Commodore launched in
1997), although the forthcoming new-generation VE
Commodore is expected to top $900 in total R&D costs
by the time it is launched around August next year.
The fi rst in a bevy of all-new large sedans to emerge
from Australia’s four big car-makers, the 380 will also be
followed by a new Toyota Camry in the second half of
next year and a new Falcon in 2007.
As such, Mitsubishi hopes to get the jump on its
rivals by invigorating Australia’s stagnant large-car
market with a vehicle that will also aim to tempt buyers
away from popular mid-sizers like Honda’s Accord, the
Mazda6 and Hyundai’s new Sonata.
The sedan-only 380 will be available in fi ve variants,
including fi ve-speed manual and automatic versions of
the base 380 and sports-oriented VRX.
Offi cial pricing remained secret when GoAuto was
published this morning, however it is understood that
Mitsubishi intends to undercut Camry, Commodore
and the updated BF Falcon, which also goes on sale in
October.
The covers are off. The gloves are off. And Mitsubishi claims its new car is quicker, quieter, smoother and better built than its Aussie rivals
The car that must succeed to keep Mitsubishi alive and well in Australia has arrived...
18-PAGE ISSUE!18-PAGE ISSUE!
TORANA CANNED!
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Continued next page
September 28, 2005 No. 180
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Continued from previous page
So expect prices ranging from the low-
$30,000s for the entry-level 380 – a direct rival
for the Commodore Executive, Falcon XT and
Camry Altise – to the high 40,000s for the top-
shelf 380 GT.
GT replaces Verada as Mitsubishi’s Australian
fl agship and takes on a sports-luxury persona in
its bid to snare Calais, Fairmont Ghia and Grande
buyers.
In between, there is the lower-luxury LS
and the upper-luxury LX, plus the VRX sports
representative.
Mitsubishi has made some bold claims about
this vehicle, most of which its rival manufacturers
have disputed – or are about to. Among them are
that the 380 offers the most space-effi cient interior
in its class as well as the greatest overall legroom,
and that it is quicker, quieter and more refi ned
than its large Australian-built competitors.
A high level of standard passive safety features
is also offered, including twin front and side
airbags across the range and body rigidity claimed
to be double that of Magna.
However, unlike some of its rivals, traction
control remains optional on the entry-level
380 and there is no sign of the stability control
system offered in top-end Commodores and to be
available in some BF Falcons.
Similarly, a comprehensive standard equipment
list extends to a 10-function trip computer
and climate-control air-conditioning but there
is no reach-adjustable steering wheel or the
convenience of a split/fold rear seat.
Featuring different front, rear and interior
styling to the US market Galant upon which
it is based, the front-drive 380 also uses
“Australianised” suspension, brakes, wheels/tyres
and transmissions.
Of course, the Mitsubishi Australia-developed
– and now Japanese-built – 3.8-litre V6 is
also unique to the 380 and develops 175kW at
5250rpm and 343Nm of torque at 4000rpm.
That is 30kW up on Toyota’s current Camry
and equivalent to the basic
version of Holden’s 3.6-litre
Alloytec V6 that powers
most VZ Commodores.
While the 380’s peak
torque fi gure approaches that
of the class-best BF Falcon
(383Nm), next month’s
upgraded BF Falcon will
produce 190kW – the same
as the Alloytec 190 V6 found
in premium Commodore
variants.
With kerb weights ranging
between 1625kg and 1700kg
(making it, on average, heavier than Commodore
but lighter than Falcon), Mitsubishi claims the
380 also delivers best-in-class acceleration.
Compared with the current BA Falcon, which
achieved 0-100km/h acceleration of 8.47 seconds
in Mitsubishi Australia’s in-house testing,
Mitsubishi claims the 380 betters it and the
Commodore (7.84 sec) with a time of 7.76 sec.
On premium unleaded, 380 is claimed to sprint to
100km/h in 7.6 sec.
Similarly, Mitsubishi’s own testing fi gures
reveal 380 as the quickest of the Australians (using
PULP) over the quarter-mile, with a 0-400-metre
time of 15.6 seconds (15.49sec on PULP), versus
Commodore’s 15.55sec and Falcon’s 16.11sec.
All fi gures relate to automatic versions of base
variants.
The 380’s benchmark performance is claimed
to come with no trade-off in fuel effi ciency, with
offi cial Mitsubishi Australia fi gures claiming the
380 consumes just 10.8L/100km on the ADR 80/01
cycle, which is better than the base BF Falcon
(10.9), Commodore (11.1) and Camry (11.2).
For now. As will be the case in the VE
Commodore, Ford’s forthcoming BF Falcon will
feature a six-speed auto as standard in selected
variants. Come October, the BF Fairmont Ghia
will claim a class-best fuel consumption of
10.2L/100km.
Built to last – next page
Big car, big claims
GT
Big car, Big car, big claimsbig claims
380
Editor: Terry Martin Managing Editor: Marton Pettendy Staff Journalist: Byron Mathioudakis Production & Graphics: Chris Harris Advertising manager: Steve Butcher – Ph: 0419 562 110
Phone: 03 9598 6477E-mail: [email protected]
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SUPPORT TECHNICIAN – WEST PERTH
By MARTON PETTENDY
IN LINE with its mantra to build the best-quality
vehicle ever produced in Australia, Mitsubishi
has invested $600 million to design, develop and
manufacture the new 380.
This included $40 million for a large press,
which replaced Magna’s 50-year-old ex-Chrysler
press and is capable of stamping 450 one-piece
body sides per hour, representing the single largest
upgrade in the Tonsley Park production facility’s
40-year history.
Apart from reducing manufacturing costs
and complexities, reducing vehicle weight and
improving body quality, panel gap accuracy and
strength, the press is also capable of stamping
panels for any Mitsubishi vehicle – including full-
size four-wheel drives.
Replacing the separate panels employed
previously, the 380’s single-piece body-side
stamping process – an Australian-fi rst known as
“toy tab” assembly technology – precedes similar
production technology to be used by Holden for
its VE Commodore.
Rather than weld each body panel piece-by-
piece in the traditional manner, toy tabs allow the
entire body shell to be “tabbed” together before fi nal
checking and welding takes place on a single fi xture.
Greater body accuracy, improved fi t and fi nish,
fewer squeaks and rattles and reduced vibration and
wind noise are claimed to be the result.
As such, Mitsubishi’s target was to ensure
95 per cent of all critical points were accurate
to within 0.7mm – rather than the 1.5mm gap
tolerance targeted by most manufacturers.
Used on doors, bootlids and bonnets, the
company’s new Versilock epoxy adhesive sets in
30 minutes and requires no oven-curing, which
is claimed to eliminate possible misalignment
during transit.
Roll-hemming – used to fi nish edges on door
panels – involves robots rather than traditional
die-hemming as used on the US Galant, and is
claimed to be a Mitsubishi fi rst outside of Japan.
A new $5 million wheel-fi tting facility, which
is capable of handling up to 20-inch wheel
diameters, measures radial force vibration,
balances wheels, infl ates tyres without touching the
wheel, inserts valves automatically (not by hand)
and fi ts both tyre beads sequentially, which is said
to ensure greater wheel/tyre fi tment consistency and
reduce NVH.
A $7 million painted body storage system
commissioned in 2004 uses an inductive-power
electrifi ed monorail system – the fi rst of its kind
in Australia – and is claimed to improve paint
quality, reduce costs and improve Mitsubishi’s
build-to-order process.
Controller area network (CANBUS) technology
is also employed by Mitsubishi Australia for the
fi rst time in the 380.
Continued next page
Built to last
THE MAKING…
Built to Built to lastlast
380
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PRESTIGE VEHICLES
M E L B O U R N E S Y D N E Y B R I S B A N E A D E L A I D E P E R T H L O N D O N
MITSUBISHI Australia’s future as an Australian
vehicle manufacturer depends on the success of
380. But even if the new sedan meets its forecast
of 30,200 annual sales, the company’s Tonsley
Park assembly plant outside Adelaide will be, at
best, a break-even proposition.
With senior Mitsubishi Motors Corp executives
expecting the Australian business to return to profi t
within two years following its $588 million loss for
the fi nancial year to March 2005 – a consequence
of massive write-offs, and with 30,000 vehicles
representing only half the capacity of its new
press – the future of Australian manufacturing for
Mitsubishi relies heavily not just on the success of
the 380 but on a second model line as well.
Australian production of the next-generation
Pajero four-wheel drive wagon, to be launched
here late next year, is under investigation by MMC,
but is believed to be a less viable alternative to
producing a second D-segment (large-car) model.
Following the abandonment of the PS41-L
long-wheelbase sedan to replace the Diamante
previously exported to the United States – and
with 380 exports to the US ruled out because it has
its own Galant – export markets will be limited to
New Zealand and, perhaps, the Middle East.
A Peugeot-developed turbo-diesel version and
a 2.4-litre MIVEC four-cylinder variant are both
on the horizon for the 380.
But with typical Australian model-development
periods spanning up to three years – and work
on the 380 replacement required to begin in two
years – the chances of these (and a second model
line) becoming a reality depend very much on the
immediate success of 380.
Mitsubishi Australia also has the task of
reversing a sliding sales trend to achieve 65,000
sales this year – up from 57,000 last year – as well
as reclaiming fourth position from Mazda in the
manufacturers’ sales charts.
New chief executive Robert McEniry slides
into the hot seat at the end of this week. And it
wouldn’t be an understatement to suggest that he
has got a hell of a job ahead of him.
Clean sheet - next page
Built to lastContinued from previous page
Interacting with engine, transmission, instrument, airbag, alarm and ABS ECUs, CANBUS is said to ultimately improve vehicle performance, safety and security.
A new $2.8 million under-body sealing facility measuring 42 metres long – 30 metres longer than Magna’s – employs six robots and is claimed to reduce waste, improve factory safety and provide more consistent sealing application.
It also allows Mitsubishi to offer a 12-year corrosion warranty for 380.
In-factory vehicle testing replaces the rattle track around the plant property and settles springs before – rather than after – wheel alignment and headlight aiming. This is done on an indoor track at 8km/h for about 60 seconds.
DC torque guns ensure all 150 critical bolts on 380 are correctly tensioned. Electronic bolt torque sensors eliminate the need for hand tightening, ensure the correct torque for every bolt and confi rm the correct number of bolts is fi tted.
While DC torque guns are common in Australia, Mitsubishi also records and archives the manufacturing “history” of each bolt in each car. This allows its million-dollar quality assurance system, which employs 10 production line quality gates and transponder tracking devices attached to each car, to be alerted (and production halted if necessary) if a problem occurs.
Bigger Bigger issuesissues
VRX
THE FUTURE…
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By MARTON PETTENDY
BASED on the US-market left-hand drive
Galant but claimed to be 70 per cent Australian
and featuring 2000 new components, Mitsubishi
Australia’s 380 sedan comprises less than one
per cent of carryover components from Magna,
including switchgear like the cruise control stalk.
Representing an almost total redesign over
Magna’s 3.5-litre SOHC V6 – with which it shares
10 per cent of its parts – and using the Pajero
4WD wagon’s longitudinal-application 3.8-litre
V6 as its basis, the Japanese-built 380 engine
uses proven technology rather than cutting-edge
powertrain design.
For example, there is no variable valve timing,
no double overhead camshafts and no variable
intake manifold. Instead, the Euro3 emissions-
compliant 3.8-litre SOHC 24-valve V6 continues
to feature multi-point fuel-injection and roller
rockers with auto hydraulic valve lash adjusters,
but adds a number of Australian-developed
features like the Bosch “Torque Demand” engine
management system.
Compared to Magna’s outgoing 6G74 engine,
the Mitsubishi Australia-designed 6G75 offers
an all-new (but still cast-iron) cylinder block
with larger bore and stroke dimensions, a new
crankshaft, conrods, pistons and cylinder-heads
with larger valves, plus electronic throttle control
and higher compression (up from 9.0:1 to 10.0:1).
Its rev-limiter operates via torque management
rather than fuel cut-out and it also features a
one-piece main bearing cap, four-bolt crankshaft
fi xing, coil-on-plug ignition, cylinder selective
knock control, 12-hole fuel-injectors, platinum-
iridium sparkplugs, three close-coupled catalytic
converters and a variable speed cooling fan.
Also featuring 10 per cent higher valve lift and
eight degrees more overlap than the 3.6-litre Galant
engine – thanks to Ralliart Magna-based camshafts
and valve springs – the result is 175kW at 5250rpm
and 343Nm of torque at 4000rpm, with at least
300Nm available between 1500rpm and 5000rpm.
Other 380 advances include a strengthened chassis
to cope with harsh Australian road conditions,
resulting in particular concentration in the rear
bulkhead area behind the rear seat – the primary
reason for the lack of a split/fold rear seat.
The result is double the torsional and bending
stiffness of the aged Magna, which Mitsubishi
predicts will make it a “solid four-star” crash test
performer.
Claimed to improve stopping distances are larger
ventilated turbo-fi n brake discs all round, with twin-
piston front callipers up front (instead of single-
piston units) – making 380 the only Australian-made
car to feature ventilated rear discs.
The latest Bosch 8.0 ABS system is employed,
and is claimed to be 30 per cent more compact
and 25 per cent lighter than before.
Continued next page
Clean sheet
THE TECHNOLOGY…
Clean Clean sheetsheet
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© 2004 Exxon Mobil Corporation. Mobil, Mobil 1 and The Flying Horse device are Trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. McCann MPVL000110-Q
NOTHING ELSE CAN PROTECT YOUR ENGINE BETTER THAN MOBIL 1.
THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 PATENTS ON ITS SUPERSYN™ ANTI-WEAR TECHNOLOGY.
Continued from previous page
As such, Mitsubishi claims brake pedal stroke
and 100-0km/h stopping distances are improved
by 14 per cent over Magna, the latter now quoted
at 43 metres, compared to 46 and 47 metres for
its nearest rivals in Falcon and Commodore
respectively. Mitsubishi claims the 380’s brake
pedal stroke is less than Falcon’s but more than
Camry’s, while pedal force is less than Falcon’s
but more than Commodore’s.
While the fi ve-speed manual’s gear ratios are
changed to suit the 3.8 V6’s higher torque output,
Mitsubishi’s fi ve-speed automatic with sequential-
manual shift control is now standard across the
range (Galant runs a four-speed).
Of course, Galant’s MacPherson strut front and
multi-link rear suspensions have been modifi ed
for Australian conditions, including wider bush
mountings to reduce bump steer.
It comprises two levels of tune, including the
fi rmer sports set-up found in VRX, LX and GT.
Optional in LS, it includes a front strut tower
brace.
A full-size spare wheel well was also added, as
Galant offers only a space-saver.
Features not seen on Magna include an anti-
theft alarm, VIN-encoded engine immobiliser
and an on-glass antenna like that introduced on
the BA Falcon. There is a 50 per cent or 3dB(A)
reduction in drive-by noise levels to 74dB(A).
A new lead and chromium-free “organic” steel
fuel tank is brazed together by four robots using
copper wire rather than soldered.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp recently gave the 380
the thumbs-up as the best-engineered version of
its global PS41 platform-based vehicles, and has
confi rmed some of it design elements will fi lter
across to the US version.
Fleet street – next page
Engine type: 3.828-litre 24-valve SOHC V6Location: Front, transverseDrive: Front-wheelPower: 175kW at 5250rpmTorque: 343Nm at 4000rpmBore x stroke: 95.0 x 90.0mmCompression ratio: 10.0:1Manual transmission: Five-speed (380 and VRX only)Automatic transmission: Five-speed INVECS II Smart Logic with Sports Mode (standard on LS, LX and GT; optional on 380 and VRX)Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes; 294x28mm with twin-piston calliper (front); 302x18mm with single-piston calliper (rear); four-channel Bosch ABS, EBDSuspension: Independent by MacPherson strut with lower A-arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar (front); independent by low-mount multi-links with upper and lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Sports suspension and sports front strut tower brace: standard on VRX, LX and GT; optional on LSSpare wheel: 16x6.5-inch steel with 214/60 R16 tyreSteering type: Power-assisted rack-and-pinionTurning circle: 11.2 metresWarranty: Five-year/130,000km bumper-to-bumper, plus 10-year/160,000km non-transferable drivetrain and 12-year corrosion
THE DETAIL… THE MEASUREMENTS...Length: 4837mm (VRX/GT: 4855mm)Width: 1840mmHeight: 1480mmFront overhang: 984mm (VRX/GT: 989mm)Rear overhang: 1103mm (VRX/GT: 1116mm)Wheelbase: 2750mmFront/rear track: 1570mm/1570mmGround clearance: 162mmBoot capacity: 437 litresTowing capacity: 570kg unbraked (1600kg braked)Front/rear headroom: 1011mm/941mmFront/rear shoulder room: 1455mm/1446mmFront/rear legroom: 1083mm/955mm380 kerb weight: 1625kg (1665kg auto)LS kerb weight: 1660kg autoLX kerb weight: 1690kg autoVRX kerb weight: 1630kg (1670kg auto)GT kerb weight: 1700kg auto
Clean sheetClean Clean sheetsheet
VRX
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By MARTON PETTENDY
MITSUBISHI Australia management believes
the 380 will have more potential to attract private
buyers than Magna, but still anticipates 75 per
cent of sales will go to fl eet buyers.
As such, the base 380 auto is expected to be the
volume seller with 45 per cent of sales, followed
by the VRX auto (21 per cent), LS auto (10 per
cent), LX and GT auto (seven per cent), VRX
manual (six per cent) and 380 manual (four per
cent).
And despite claims it will capture buyers from
both the traditional (but shrinking) large-car segment
and the resurgent medium class, it is expected to
achieve only a 13.6 per cent share of the medium/
large sedan market during its model life.
That is down on the 14.1 per cent achieved
across the model lives of the past three Magna/
Verada models, but this time there is no station
wagon variant. Mitsubishi has forecast annual
sales of 30,200 for the 380, which at 2500 vehicles
per month would still make it more popular than
Toyota’s Camry.
The previous-generation Magna/Verada
(1999-2004) found an average of 20,971 homes
annually for a market share of just 10.4 per
cent – well down on its 1996-1998 predecessor
(30,310 units, 14.6 per cent).
The 1991-1995 Magna/Verada attracted an
average of 26,950 sales annually for a 14.6 per
cent market share, while the fi rst model (1985-
1990) attracted a 14.5 per cent share with 29,074
annual sales.
Mitsubishi argues that as well as targeting
buyers of large Australian-built sedans and
imported (Japanese) medium sedans, the 380
presents an opportunity to capture buyers
downsizing from large 4WDs.
BASED on the US Galant but offering a new
bonnet, front guards, lights, grilles, bumpers,
garnishes and badges, all 380 variants also come
with new wheels and wheel covers and seven new
paint colours. And the detail counts…
380:Body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door
handles, multi-parabola headlights with chrome
bezel and amber indicator lenses, red-lens tail-
lights, bootlid stop light, prestige grille with
chrome insert, black lower grille, round black
exhaust outlet and 16x6.5-inch steel wheels with
215/60 R16 95H Goodyear Ducaro GA tyres.
VRX:Sports bumpers with integrated airdams, dark
silver rear insert, dark silver headlight bezels,
clear-lens sports tail-lights with dark silver
bezels, black sports foglights, rear wing with stop
light, black sports mesh grille and lower grille,
oval chrome exhaust outlet and 17x7.0-inch six-
spoke alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 93V Dunlop
SP Sport 230 tyres.
LS:Chrome headlight bezels with clear indicator
lenses, red-lens (380) tail-lights, body-colour
luxury foglights, bootlid-mounted (380) stop
light, luxury grille with chrome fi ns, body-colour
lower grille with black fi ns, chrome/body colour
side mouldings, chrome bootlid trim, round
chrome exhaust outlet and 16x6.5-inch six-spoke
alloy wheels with 380 tyres.
LX:As per LS, plus 17x7.0-inch six-spoke alloy wheels
with 215/55 R17 93V Dunlop SP Sport 230 tyres.
GT:As per VRX with a body-colour rear bumper
insert, chrome/body-colour side mouldings from
LS/LX and 17x7.0-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels
with LX tyres.
Fleet street
THE MARKETING…
THE MODEL VARIANTS…
LX
VRX
Fleet Fleet streetstreet
Design for livingDesign for livingDesign for living
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THE list of standard equipment on the all-new
380 looks long – indeed, it is long. But will it be
enough?
380:Automatic climate-control (with rear-seat outlets),
power windows (with one-touch down function
for the driver), cruise control, six-speaker AM/
FM/CD/MP3 player (with on-glass antenna),
steering wheel audio controls, 10-function
trip computer, power mirrors, front map-
lights, twin front vanity mirrors, tilt-
adjustable steering wheel, tinted side and
rear glass, metallic interior highlights,
chrome air vent accents, cloth door trim,
white-on-black instruments (with blue LED
illumination), four-way power-adjustable
driver’s seat, driver’s lumbar adjustment, height-
adjustable front passenger seat, woven fabric seat
trim, through-loading system, folding rear armrest,
twin front and rear cup holders, sunglasses holder,
front seatback pockets, illuminated glovebox and
front door pockets.
Security issues: Remote central locking via a
new integrated and programmable key/fob with
panic button, two-stage unlocking, automatic
relocking, alarm, delayed headlights off.
VRX adds:Traction control, sports-tuned suspension
(including a sports front strut tower brace), eight-
speaker premium audio system with six-CD in-
dash stacker,
colour 4.9-inch TFT
screen (with climate-control, audio, door ajar
warning and outside temperature displays),
leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift and
handbrake lever, chrome gearshift surround,
technical mesh interior highlights, white-on-silver
sport instruments, six-way power-adjustable
driver’s seat, sports front seats and mesh-knit
fabric seat trim with “high tech” woven insert.
LS adds:Twin front sun visors (with extension, and lidded
illuminated vanity mirrors), “cherry maple”
trim interior highlights, white-on-matt black
luxury instruments, front passenger seat lumbar
adjustment, soft-touch seat trim with “elegance”
woven insert and an electro-chromatic interior
mirror. Sports suspension remains optional.
LX adds:Sports-tuned suspension (including a sports front
strut tower brace), sunroof, leather-look door
trim, 10-way driver’s seat power adjustment (with
three memory settings), six-way power-adjustable
front passenger seat and leather seat trim.
GT adds:Sports front seats from VRX, leather seat trim
with embossed insert, “slate mahogany” interior
highlights, rear park assist and a Bluetooth mobile
phone kit.
THE PROTECTION… BUILT using Mitsubishi’s so-called “RISE” body construction, all 380s share the same high level of passive safety equipment.
All model variants get twin front and side airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners and force-limiters, fi ve three-point seatbelts, height-adjustable front seatbelts, breakaway pedals, energy-absorbing headlining and pillar trim, an emergency door unlock function in front and side impacts, childproof rear doorlocks, three child restraint anchors, height-adjustable front head restraints, integrated outboard rear head restraints and a programmable rest reminder.
On the active safety front, traction control is standard across the range but remains optional on the base 380, while rear park assist is standard on GT and an accessory on the rest of the range and a electro-chromatic interior mirror is standard on LS, LX and GT.
There is no centre rear head restraint, no stability control and no curtain airbag option.
THE MODEL VARIANTS…
LS
THE OPTIONS… Five-speed auto (380/VRX)Traction control (380)Sports suspension (LS)Sports front strut tower brace (LS)16x6.5-inch alloys (380)17x7.0-inch alloy wheels (LS)Leather-look door trim (VRX/LS)Electro-chromatic interior mirror (VRX)10-way power adjustable driver’s seat (LS)Six-way power adjustable passenger seat (LS)Leather seat trim (LS)Leather seat trim with embossed insert (VRX)Sunroof (380/VRX)
THE ACCESSORIES… Matching alloy spare wheel ($225.50)Fog lights (380 – $522.50)Satellite-navigation with DVD player ($3824.70)Rear park assist (380/VRX/LS/LX – $313.50)Bluetooth phone kit ($434.50)Rear spoiler kit (380/LS/LX – $294.80)1600kg tow hitch ($346.50)Ash cup and lighter ($66)Non-slip boot net ($30.25)Boot parcel net ($88)Black carpet mats (380 – $93.50)Matching carpet mats ($106.15)
THE VERDICT…Log on to www.goauto.com.au from this Thursday for our full drive impressions and the GoAuto verdict on Mitsubishi’s
new 380 sedan.LS
Standard bearersStandard bearersStandard bearers
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 9
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By JOHN MELLOR
HOLDEN fans should forget about ever seeing
another Australian-made Torana.
That is the view of outgoing GM Holden
executive director of sales and marketing, Ross
McKenzie.
Mr McKenzie, who will retire early next year
after 32 years with Holden, told GoAuto this
week that Holden’s future remained with making
large cars and that GM Daewoo Automotive and
Technology (GM-DAT) in South Korea was to
be the source of small and medium cars for the
brand.
“No matter how you look at it, there is not a
business case to be made for a (locally-made)
Torana,” he revealed to GoAuto.
“If you take the concept car the guys put
together, it is a fantastic looking thing. But the cost
of developing and building that car is the same
cost as a VE Commodore.
“There is maybe a little bit less steel in it, but if
you look at the engineering and design costs you
cannot make it cheaper (than a Commodore).
“Yet the market expectation would be that it (a
Torana) would be signifi cantly cheaper.”
Mr McKenzie said a Torana would, realistically,
have to be priced from $25,000.
“You cannot get it (a Torana) to market for that
price. It actually does not work (as a business case).
“We are looking to GM-DAT as (an) outsource
of future small and medium-sized cars. They are
doing some very interesting things developing
low-cost cars that will be a good alternative (to
a Torana).
“For us, the main game is still building six- and
eight-cylinder Commodores.”
He said Holden was looking at alternative fuels,
including diesel, and that its LPG Commodore
package was well timed.
“We will continue to chase markets like the
Middle East. Their guys were out here and their
number for next year looks like 30,000-plus
vehicles. It is not just Commodore, it is Caprice,
which is a huge hit over there,” he said.
Viva, Australia! Holden’s Daewoo car hits townHOLDEN dealers have started selling the GM Daewoo-sourced, South Korean-built JF Viva ahead of the car’s offi cial launch later this month.
A replacement of sorts for the Polish-built TS Astra Classic, the 1.8-litre Viva is a Holden-branded J200 Daewoo Lacetti and is priced from an ultra-competitive $17,990.
Standard equipment includes no less than four airbags, a CD stereo, air-conditioning, power steering and a rear spoiler. An option pack is also available. The price point and features list is certain to make a huge impact on the small-car segment. As a point of interest, the Lacetti retailed from $21,490 before the car was discontinued in December 2004.
Great concept - but too expensive: McKenzie
No Torana! No Torana!
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MARKETING CHIEF CALLS IT QUITS
ONE of Australia’s most experienced and successful sales and marketing chiefs, Ross McKenzie, has announced his retirement from GM Holden.
He will be replaced by one of General Motors’ international stars, Alan Batey, 42, who is currently vice-president of commercial operations (sales, marketing and aftermarket) at GM Daewoo Automotive and Technology (GM-DAT) in South Korea.
Mr Batey and GM-DAT chief Nick Riley were sent to Korea by General Motors to see if there was anything worth saving from the old collapsed Daewoo Motor.
They devised the strategy of selling Daewoos through GM’s worldwide brands as the only way of saving the company before the purchase was given the green light.
Mr Batey, who cut his teeth at Vauxhall in Luton, has also worked with Opel in Europe and was a regional director for GM operations in Holden’s biggest export market, the Middle East.
He will take over the reins from Mr McKenzie on November 1.
Mr McKenzie, 54, who started with General Motors Holden in the era of the HQ Holden, will continue to work at Holden on a range of special projects until the end of 2005. He will offi cially retire on February 1 next year.
During his watch, Mr McKenzie rescued the Commodore by driving sales up from 35,000 sales (VK) to more than 110,000 local sales of Commodore and derivatives, orchestrated the marketing case for getting Holden out of the United Australian
Automotive Industries (UAAI) joint venture with Toyota, elevated the Holden brand to the most trusted of all brands in Australia and presided over three years of market
leadership in the six years since he assumed
the top sales and marketing role at Fishermens Bend.
– JOHN MELLORTop cards shuffl ed at Ford - page 17
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By NEIL McDONALD
GENERAL Motors’ global product chief Bob
Lutz has outlined to GoAuto the anticipated
model line-up for Cadillac in Australia and
confi rmed that a future Monaro coupe is currently
under investigation.
After unveiling the production version of the
Cadillac BLS at the recent Frankfurt motor show,
Mr Lutz told GoAuto that General Motors would
not “let Australia be a white-spot on the global
Cadillac map” as it developed new right-hand
drive models, the fi rst of which is expected to
arrive Down Under in 2007.
“Right now in right-hand drive we have the
BLS, CTS and the successor to the next-generation
CTS, so at this point it is a somewhat limited
line to two saloons, and I think to get adequate
coverage of the Australian market we also want
to do the large saloons, the STS and probably the
SRX, neither of which are right-hand drive at this
point,” he said.
“The XLR? Probably never, or the next
generation.”
The BLS is part of GM’s $US6 billion ($A7.7
billion) investment to launch Cadillac well beyond
its home turf, the United States.
Based on the Saab 9-3, the
BLS gains a distinctive design,
more lush suspension settings
and additional sound insulation.
However, inside the car has a
distinct Saab feel, with trim and
switchgear diffi cult to distinguish
as uniquely Cadillac.
Visually, the car adopts a
similar styling theme to the larger
CTS and STS sedans with its
vertical headlights and dominant
LED centre rear brake light on the
boot lid.
For the diesel-oriented
European market, the front-wheel
drive BLS will be offered with
a 1.9-litre, four-cylinder direct injection turbo-
diesel, a fi rst for the luxury marque.
Two petrol engines will also be offered – a
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and Holden-
sourced 190kW Alloytec 2.8-litre twin-turbo
V6. The 2.0-litre is expected to be offered in two
states of tune – at 129kW and 155kW.
GM hopes the newcomer will help boost
its European sales to 20,000 cars by 2010, up
from a previous forecast of 10,000. Last year,
Cadillac sold 245,000 cars globally, still behind
the established luxury giants Mercedes-Benz and
BMW.
The other nagging question on many Holden
enthusiasts’ lips is the status of the future Monaro,
given that the last of the breed, the CV8-Z is now
on sale with a production run of 1200 coupes
before the Monaro name bites the dust.
Mr Lutz was reluctant to go on the record
about the car, or whether it would piggyback off
a future GTO model out of the US.
However, he did confi rm: “That’s in the process
of being fi gured out.”
He also said it was too early to speculate on
whether the Zeta platform would serve as a
replacement for the GTO, underpinning the new
car’s design.
Chinese lanterns – next page
BLS in detail: CLICK HERE
Bring Bring it onit onLutz outlines the Oz Cadillac line-up - and the latest on a new Monaro
Bob Lutz
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 11
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Ford Australia is growing its database of potential prospects interested in buying a Ford Dealership in a Metropolitan or Rural location. There are often prospective purchase opportunities available and Ford is interested in talking to people who want to be considered for these exciting opportunities or alternatively are willing to sponsor a suitably talented individual in their organisation.
If you have good automotive industry management experience, access to funds and aspire to become part of the Ford Family, please make confidential contact with the Ford Australia Dealer Development Manager: Gerard Crockford on (03) 9359 7475 or email [email protected] with your details.
Join the Ford Australia Dealership Prospect List
By NEIL McDONALD
ASIA is most likely to feel the impact of low-cost
Chinese vehicles before Europe or the United
States, according to General Motors chairman
Rick Wagoner.
The three main Chinese car manufacturers
– Geely, Brilliance China Automotive Holdings
and the Jiangling Motors Group – all exhibited
their international wares at the recent Frankfurt
motor show, marking a coming of age for the
infant Communist car industry.
However, Mr Wagoner told GoAuto that 99
per cent of China’s automotive output would
be absorbed in China before any serious export
markets were pursued.
“I think that’s going to be the case for a signifi cant
period of time,” he said. “Having said it: Will there
be some exports? Yes I expect there will be.
“Asia is a more natural market than Europe
and the US for a variety of reasons. The Asian
economies are growing, I think probably some of
the product fi t is going to be a little more natural
there.”
Despite his casual acceptance of China as a
global player, Mr Wagoner said it posed a huge
threat to Western markets, including the United
States.
“A while ago someone announced a plan to sell
250,000 units from Chery in the US by 2007,”
he said. “That’s highly ambitious. I don’t think
that’s going to happen over that timeframe. But
I think that we should expect that over time the
Chinese industry will develop in a way that’s
pretty competitive.”
Mr Wagoner also believes Australia is in
the front line to receive Chinese-built cars.
Volkswagen has already tested the waters with
the Chinese-built Polo sedan, which has had a
lukewarm reception here. Build quality is among
the key issues.
Mr Wagoner conceded there might be a day
when GM vehicles are built in China and sold in
Australia.
“I don’t rule it out – but it’s not something that
we currently have on the mainline agenda,” he
said. “We are going to be bringing in some more
products into Australia from Korea and I think it’s
not a big step from there to think about China.
But as we’re working on it today we don’t have
anything that I can cite for you.”
Chrysler Group marketing chief Joe Eberhardt
told The Car Connection website that he
anticipated the Chinese manufacturers to quickly
spread throughout the world.
It took the Japanese more than 20 years to
become serious competitors in Western markets,
and the South Koreans “half that time”, he said.
With the assistance of foreign partners, Chinese
manufacturers could move even faster, once they
venture outside their own borders.
“It’s just the trend to globalisation in every
segment in every market,” he said.
The Chinese manufacturers were tucked away
from the mainstream offerings at Frankfurt,
however their mere presence sent a chill through
European manufacturers, most of whom consider
them a serious threat.
Continued next page
Chinese lanternsChinese lanterns
China poses a massive threat to Western markets: WagonerGeely CD
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GoAuto -newse 2005 Page 12
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Account & Business Development Manager – Queensland
Automotive Software Solutions Supplier
www.kerridge.com.au
Continued from previous page
The Chinese trio exhibited about 10 vehicles,
most of which still require homologation for
European regulations. However, manufacturers
and importers of these vehicles told GoAuto they
were close to earning European Union approval.
Of the three, refrigerator maker Geely, which
was founded in 1986 and built its fi rst car in 1998,
had the biggest presence with fi ve cars.
Geely builds a range of 1.0-litre, 1.3-litre and
1.5-litre small sedans and hatches priced from as
low as $US4000 ($A5220).
At Frankfurt, it unveiled its new $US12,000
($A15,600) 1.5-litre CD (China Dragon) coupe,
which boasts electric windows/mirrors, central
locking, leather, park distance radar and a CD/
DVD stereo. The four-cylinder engine develops
69kW at 6000rpm and 128Nm at
3400rpm.
Company spokesman Li Shufu told GoAuto he
was buoyed by the positive response to the cars,
saying the brand had not yet looked at Australia
but was keen to look at all possible markets.
Geely is already exporting to Africa, the
Middle East, Central and South America and has
just established import relationships in the United
States, Europe and South-East Asia.
Its European partner is Portuguese
importer Hipolito Pires, which
will receive the fi rst cars
this month
and is assisting in getting EU-type approval for
three sedans.
GoAuto found that the Geely cars on show at
Frankfurt and Jiangling’s Isuzu Frontera-look-
a-like Landwind four-wheel drive – the only
Chinese-built (Nanchang) vehicle currently sold
in Europe – were all distinguished by low-rent
interiors, coarse plastics, poor panel fi t and below
average paint fi nishes.
The Brilliance Zhonghua 2.0-litre mid-size
sedan was the most polished vehicle on offer.
About the size of a Holden Vectra, the Zhonghua
is highly equipped and expected to go on sale in
Europe in November with a pricetag of about
$US21,000 ($A27,500).
The Gibraltar-based Euro Motors is the private
importer for the Brilliance Zhonghua.
The Zhonghua is built by the Shenyang
Brilliance Jinbei Automotive Co in Shenyang,
which also has a joint venture deal with BMW.
Chinese lanterns
China Brilliance Zhonghua
Jiangling Landwind
Chinese Chinese lanternslanterns
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 13
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GoAuto -newse 2005 Page 13
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Skoda to launch Down Under next June
By MARTON PETTENDY
YET another new coupe-convertible will grace
Australian roads from October, this time offering
plenty of substance, refi nement and a quality driving
experience – as well as a smart set of clothes, a sub-
$35,000 price tag and Holden badges.
More than a forecourt gimmick, Holden’s taut
new Tigra – its fi rst hardtop convertible – will
draw an entirely new type of car buyer to the Lion
brand, but will also carry the light car can within
the company’s dwindling European-sourced
model range.
The Barina-based, Opel-engineered and
French-built two-seater follows last month’s
new Astra Coupe as the latest convincing Euro-
Holden to arrive here (and there is an Astra SRi
turbo to come in January), but goes on sale the
same month the XC Barina hatch and AH Astra
Classic are replaced by “Australianised” versions
of the Daewoo Kalos and Lacetti respectively.
A four-seater hardtop convertible version of
the popular TS Astra will eventually join Tigra –
and succeed the successful AH Astra convertible
– in Holden’s cabrio line-up, but by then the
Zafi ra people-mover and mid-size Vectra are also
likely to have been discontinued and/or replaced
by South Korean-built General Motors
models.
Of course, this is irrelevant to those
in the market for a Tigra,
which was launched
12 months ago in
Europe as the second-generation Opel (Vauxhall
in the UK) Tigra TwinTop to replace the successful
original that attracted more than 240,000 sales
since 1994.
Very much a niche model with valuable image-
building potential for Holden, Tigra is forecast to
fi nd just 1000 homes annually – or around 11 per
cent of a local convertible market that has grown
from just over 2700 in 1993 to around 9500 last
year and now comprises 19 brands, 40 models and
sticker prices ranging from Daihatsu’s soon-to-
be-discontinued $30,000 Copen to Lamborghini’s
$669,000 Mucielago Roadster and even the $1.4
million Pagani Zonda Roadster.
As in Europe, where 30,000 examples have
been sold in its fi rst eight months on sale, Tigra
will compete directly with Peugeot’s 206CC,
which is available with an 80kW 1.6-litre engine
for $32,990 and a 100kW 2.0-litre for $39,990.
Like its $34,990 price, Tigra’s
90kW/165Nm (92kW with 95-
octane PULP)
1.8-litre Ecotec
four-cylinder
engine – the
same as
that found
in Barina
SRi – falls
between the
two Pugs
in terms
of both
performance and displacement. The Ecotec four
is Euro4 emissions-compliant and consumes
a claimed average of 7.8 litres per 100km of
premium unleaded. Fuel capacity is 45 litres.
Hindering its sales here will be the lack of an
automatic transmission, which was unavailable
to Holden, leaving Tigra as a single fi ve-speed
manual proposition, albeit a highly specifi ed one.
Measuring just 1370mm high, 3921mm long
and with 1433mm front and 1424mm rear wheel
tracks, Tigra rides on a 2491mm wheelbase
but affords a relatively generous 936mm of
headroom.
There is just 147 litres of boot space available
with the electrically operated folding steel roof
down (a process that takes around 18 seconds),
extending to 308 litres with it up and totalling
378 litres if you include the handy 70-litre
compartment behind the seats.
Holden makes a big deal about Tigra’s body
stiffness, even quoting a sturdy 8859Nm/
degree torsional rigidity fi gure, which is aided
by substantial underfl oor and rear bulkhead
reinforcing plus bolted – not welded – body
joints. All this increases the open-topped Barina’s
kerb weight to a still-light 1248kg.
The smallest Opel backs this up with an
extensive standard safety kit. Primary rollover
protection is provided by beefed-up A-pillars,
with decorative wave-shaped fi xed hoops behind
the seats playing a secondary role.
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
Flicker of light still left in Holden’s European compact stable
Tigra mothTigra moth
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 14
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GoAuto -newse 2005 Page 14
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By MARTON PETTENDY
MAZDA’S much-anticipated turbocharged all-
wheel drive sedan has been launched in Australia
and will be priced from just $48,600 when it goes
on sale in October.
Dubbed “the sophisticated Executive express”,
the Mazda6 MPS will be a direct rival for Subaru’s
Liberty GT, which retails from $52,990.
Mazda claims that as its most technically
advanced high-performance sedan, MPS is the
best-handling and best-braking sedan the Japanese
marque has ever built.
Of course, it calls its fl agship sports car – the
$55,000 rotary-powered, rear-drive four-door
RX-8 – a coupe.
However, the resurgent brand, which has just
launched its third-generation MX-5 and before
long will back up the hottest Mazda6 with a
Mazda Performance Series version of its Mazda3,
insists the fi rst MPS also offers sophistication,
refi nement and everyday practicality.
The sedan-only Mazda6 MPS delivers the same
190kW (at 5500rpm) of peak power as the manual
Liberty GT (the GT auto offers 180kW) and a
class-leading 380Nm of torque from 3000rpm,
courtesy of Mazda’s new direct-injection, spark
ignition (DISI) 2.3-litre 16-valve DOHC turbo four.
Euro4 emissions-compliant and featuring a
high (for a turbo) compression ratio of 9.5:1, it
produces 90 per cent of its torque output at just
over 2000rpm.
With a kerb weight of 1612kg in base guise,
the result is 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed
6.6 seconds.
Along with an Active Torque
Split AWD system to match
the Subaru’s ‘symmetrical’ all-
paw drivetrain, MPS’s standard
safety kit will comprise DSC stability control, ABS
and brake assist, plus twin front, front side and side
curtain airbags.
Also standard is a full bodykit, xenon
headlights, 18 x 7.0-inch wheels, 215/45-section
tyres, cruise control, a six-speaker/six-CD sound
system, trip computer, alloy pedals and climate-
control air-conditioning.
A leather pack model, still priced
under the luxury tax threshold at
$54,600 and expected to fetch 70
per cent of buyers, adds leather
seat trim, power driver’s seat
adjustment (with three-position
memory), a seven-speaker 200-
watt Bose sound system and a
glass sunroof.
The quickest 6 comes
exclusively with a short-throw six-
speed manual transmission, with an
overdrive sixth gear contributing
to an impressively low average
fuel fi gure of just 10.5L/100km on
the ADR 81/01 test cycle.
Mazda explains that its ATC AWD system
features aggressive torque transfer, with up to 100
per cent of torque automatically directed to the
front wheels in normal conditions, and up to 50
per cent sent to the rear wheels in sports or take-
off ATC modes.
MPS is claimed to have 50
per cent more torsional rigidity
than the standard 6, larger
brake discs all round and
revised double wishbone front
and multi-link rear suspensions.
Along with retuned dampers, spring rates are
increased 25 per cent up front and 37 per cent at
the rear, while the ventilated front brake discs are
21mm larger at 320mm and the solid 314mm rear
discs are 34mm larger.
The MPS look comprises a deeper bonnet, a
new front bumper with lower grille and a sports
rear bumper with built-in diffuser, integrated
exhaust outlet and a discreet lip spoiler.
Based on the recently upgraded Mazda6
interior, the MPS cabin includes a titanium-look
facia with piano black audio controls, plus a
280km/h speedo.
Mazda Australia expects to sell about 80 examples
per month, but initial demand is hoped to boost the
fi rst year’s average sales to 120 per month.
Like all Mazdas, MPS comes with free metallic
paint and a three-year/unlimited-kilometre
warranty, as well as (like MX-5 and RX-8) 24-
hour roadside assistance for the warranty period
and an advanced driving course.
For drive impressions, go to www.goauto.com.au in the coming days.
Mazda aims its MPS at suits who spend life in the express lane
Checkout chic
PRICING:Mazda6 MPS $48,500 Mazda6 MPS Leather $54,600
Checkout chicCheckout chic
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 15
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GoAuto -newse 2005 Page 15
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Keeping your dealership open for business. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week.
Contact us on 03 8803 3000 or email [email protected]
By NEIL McDONALD
SUBARU Australia’s halo WRX and STi models
have gained the lion’s share of improvements to
the MY06 Impreza range, with both now featuring
2.5-litre turbocharged engines and the marque’s
controversial new corporate face.
The niche Japanese brand has also dropped the
2.5-litre RS model in favour of a variant called
the 2.0R, which features a 2.0-litre DOHC engine
with Subaru’s Active Valve Control
System.
The line-up now comprises 2.0i
sedan and hatchback, RV hatch, 2.0R
sedan and hatch, WRX sedan and hatch
and the STi sedan.
The STi produces 206kW at 5600rpm – up
from 195kW – while torque is up 14 per cent from
343Nm to 392Nm at 4000rpm.
Subaru claims the STi’s power and torque
delivery has improved right across the engine’s
operating range.
In the WRX, power is up marginally to 169kW
at 5600rpm, while torque is up 6.6 per cent to
320Nm at 3600rpm. The WRX is now only
available as a fi ve-speed manual while the six-
speed unit in the STi carries over.
Gear ratios remain the same but Subaru claims
the engine improvements offer a better spread of
torque and in-gear acceleration.
The 2.0R unit offers a wider torque band,
producing 118kW at 6400rpm and 186Nm of
torque at 3200rpm compared to the RS’s 112kW at
5600rpm and (much higher) 223Nm at 3600rpm.
Prices have risen in some cases. The starting
price for the WRX has increased $1000 to $40,990,
although in addition to the engine the model
features high-intensity discharge headlights, a
larger-diameter exhaust and new alloy wheels.
STi pricing has also increased on the back of a
raft of technical changes, up $360
to start from $56,990.
Impreza 2.0i remains the same
as superseded GX at $23,990,
while the $29,990 2.0R
matches the previous
RS model and the RV
remains at a $26,940
price point.
Standard features across
the range include all-wheel drive,
climate-control air conditioning,
anti-lock brakes with electronic
brake-force distribution,
aluminium bonnet, four-speaker
CD stereo, cruise control, microdot vehicle
identifi cation, dual-range transmission (manual
hatch), foglights, four-wheel disc brakes and a
height adjustable driver’s seat.
All Imprezas except the STi introduce side
airbags for the fi rst time, supplementing the dual
front airbags.
Visually, the entire range adopts the latest
Subaru design philosophy penned by head designer
Andreas Zapatinas, which means a controversial,
aviation-inspired three-part mesh grille.
The bonnet is extended, with more effi cient air
inlets used on the high-performance models. For
added aerodynamic performance, the STi has an
aluminium roof vane. A rear under-body diffuser
also improves the coeffi cient of lift by 0.03.
There are new fi ve-spoke 16-inch alloys on
the 2.0R and seven-spoke 17-inch alloys on the
WRX. All models bar the STi – which has unique
fog-light covers – gain a re-profi led front bumper
incorporating new compact
foglights.
The WRX and STi now have
smaller, more aerodynamically
effi cient letterbox bonnet scoops
while the driver control centre
differential (DCCD) on the STi
has been further refi ned.
The torque-sensitive gear-
type LSD operates ahead of
the electromagnetic clutch,
allowing more linear and
responsive torque distribution
to front and rear wheels as
required, for improved stability.
Subaru claims this helps maintain agility, steering
stability, traction and control, particularly when
cornering.
The WRX’s gearshift mechanism has also been
refi ned while the 2.0R, WRX and STi now have
“drive-by-wire” electronic throttle control.
The STi’s gearshift improvements offer
smoother and more direct changing by virtue of
carbon on fourth, fi fth and sixth gear synchroniser
rings. First and third gear synchronisers are now
double-coned in all fi ve-speed manual Imprezas,
producing a lighter shift feel.
For drive impressions, go to www.goauto.com.au in the coming days.
PRICING:2.0i sedan $23,9902.0i sedan (a) $25,9902.0i hatch $24,4402.0i hatch (a) $26,4402.0R sedan $29,9902.0R sedan (a) $31,9902.0R hatch $30,4402.0R hatch (a) $32,440RV hatch $26,940RV hatch (a) $28,940WRX sedan $40,990WRX hatch $41,440WRX STi sedan $56,990
Face Face offoffMore power lies behind Impreza’s radical new complexion
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 16
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By NEIL McDONALD
KOREAN vehicle manufacturer SsangYong has
unveiled its compact four-wheel drive wagon,
known as the Actyon, which will rival the likes of
Toyota’s RAV4 when it goes on sale in Australia
late next year.
An amalgam of “action” and “young”, Actyon
will sit below the larger Kyron 4WD and is
expected to be sold in Australia with a 2.0-litre
turbo-diesel engine, as seen in the Korean version
scheduled to be launched next month.
Details of the fi ve-door Actyon are scant,
however the vehicle closely resembles the XCT
concept car previewed at the Seoul motor show
earlier this year.
It was described in somewhat fl owery terms
as having a front end that resembles a shark
and delivers a symbolic meaning of “power and
challenge”.
“The wide radiator grille reveals the fi guration
of shark’s mouth in a hunting situation and the
sharply designed headlamps represent the image
of shark’s eyes to encapsulate the design in
a harmonious way,” the
literature proclaimed.
“The side view also fi gures the speedy and
smooth image of a shark. The wide wheel arch
fi guration simulates a shark’s fi n.”
Unveiled at this month’s Frankfurt motor show,
the Kyron is due to go on sale here next March,
priced from around $30,000 and with three
engines on offer: the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, a 2.7-
litre CDi diesel and a high-end 3.2-litre V6.
Further down the track, it could also be
powered by a diesel-electric hybrid engine, which
the company is known to be developing.
Speaking to GoAuto in Frankfurt, SsangYong’s
executive vice president of sales, Moon-Suk
Kang, said the marque had ambitious plans to
push ahead with alternative-powered 4WDs.
He was reluctant to talk about power outputs,
but said the diesel-electric hybrid made
better sense than a petrol-
electric engine in larger
vehicles and that
it would offer a
signifi cant lift
in power and
torque over a
c o n v e n t i o n a l
turbo-diesel.
The Korean
manufacturer is
also known to be
testing a bio-
diesel engine
in the Musso in New Zealand with the hope of
eventually selling it in Australia.
In Australia, SsangYong currently sells the
Rexton and Korando 4WDs, the Stavic people
mover, the Musso Sport utility and the Mercedes-
Benz-based Chairman luxury sedan.
“Once we introduce the Kyron and also the
smaller SUV, then we will have three major
(4WD) competitors,” Mr Kang said.
SsangYong has forecast sales of 35,000
vehicles in Europe next year, mostly stemming
from the Kyron, and although Mr Kang would
like to sell 50,000 vehicles in Australia he is
aware that building the brand image is vital to
sales success.
“We are a relatively smaller company,” he said.
“We are not like the giants like Toyota and Honda,
just a specialised company for SUVs. We want to
keep that our specialty,” he said.
Mr Kang said building brand image could only
be achieved through exposure.
“The easy thing is more exposure on the
street and people then come to understand who
SsangYong is and what products we have,” he
said.
Its value-for-money equation and quality would
also be important, he said.
The Kyron is expected to be fi tted standard
with leather upholstery, a sunroof, traction control
and hill descent control.
SsangYong’s new compact 4WD is modelled on a white pointer
Shark Shark attack!attack!
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 17
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BLOODY GOOD MOVETHE man responsible for
the controversial “Bloody
Volvo Driver” campaign in
Australia, Steve Blyth, has
been promoted to president
and chief executive offi cer
of Volvo Car Canada and
Volvo Car Mexico.
Relocating to Toronto,
Canada, next month, the
42-year-old Australian – who
has led the Swedish brand Down Under since
June 2003 – will also become a member of the
Volvo Car North America executive operating
team.
The general sales manager for Volvo Cars
Australia, Alan Desselss, will replace Mr Blyth
as general manager of the company.
GM DESIGN WATCHDOGGENERAL Motors has created a new role of
global design co-ordinator to keep outposts in
far-fl ung regions – Australia included – in check
when working on global vehicles.
Automotive News reports that GM has
appointed Liz Wetzel, a 19-year GM veteran in
design and engineering – and most recently the
director of international joint-venture programs,
which included exterior design on GM’s Zeta
(VE Holden-related) architecture – as the chief
of a new Global Design Brands department.
Ms Wetzel will liaise between the auto giant’s
marketing and advanced product development
divisions and the relevant GM regions around
the world. In effect, she will be a “window”
for GM design boss Ed Welburn to monitor
the development of products and to harmonise
vehicle and brand development.
THOMAS GOES WESTMITSUBISHI Motors
Australia’s corporate
c o m m u n i c a t i o n s
manager, Jill Thomas,
left her post last week
after three years with
the company.
No replacement
has been named for
the Canadian-born
PR practitioner, who
intends to take up
residence in Perth.
TOP CARDS SHUFFLED AT FORD AUSTRALIAFORD Australia has “redeployed” its vice- president of marketing and sales, Bruce McDonald.
Mr McDonald, who has held the position since 2000, will not lose his rank as vice-president but in effect will exchange portfolios at the end of this week with the general manager of Ford’s customer service division (FCSD), Mark Winslow.
Mr McDonald will take on a new role as FCSD vice-president, while Mr Winslow will become vice-president of marketing and sales.
Ford Australia spokesperson Sinead McAlary said the move was not a demotion for Mr McDonald, despite suggestions his position was under pressure – in particular after the lacklustre sales performance of the Falcon in recent times and of the Fiesta and Focus small cars.
Disgruntled dealers are also believed to be displeased with the Focus and Fiesta’s poor marketing performance relative to a booming small-car market, as both are considered among the class leaders in their segments.
Ford Australia president Tom Gorman admitted after the Focus’ launch that the company did “undercall” the rapid growth of the small-car segment, which meant Ford had under-ordered enough cars through the launch phase.
The Fiesta launch last year – only months before the $500 million Territory 4WD launch – was smothered by interest in its larger stable-mate.
“Technically, it’s a promotion for Mark, and for Bruce it’s a
redeployment in FCSD,” said Ms McAlary. “The role that Mark had previously wasn’t a vice-president level, but now FCSD will be run as its own business.
“Bruce is still on the operating committee of the company, still a vice-president. It’s really about growing the FCSD business.”
Prior to being FCSD general manager, Mr Winslow was responsible for Lincoln product marketing in the United States. He has also had experience as regional manager for Ford’s tough eastern Australia region, which includes Sydney.
“Mark has been instrumental in driving the success of our FCSD operations over
the last three years,” Mr Gorman said in a statement. “Mark has a very strong understanding of our dealers and their requirements to achieve improved sales success. His sales experience in the Australian market will be instrumental as we face an increasingly competitive automotive landscape.”
Mr McDonald has undertaken assignments with Ford in Detroit and New York, and previously ran Ford Australia’s southern region and vehicle marketing operations.
“Our goal is to further develop our FCSD operations, providing improved parts and service support for our dealers and customers,” Mr Gorman said. “Over the past fi ve years, Bruce has been a key driver of Ford Australia’s success.”
Mr Gorman said both men would bring “fresh points of view to their new challenges and will continue to contribute to our overall performance”. – NEIL McDONALD
Mark Winslow Bruce McDonald
Steve Blyth
Jill Thomas
If you have any car industry personnel announcements, please email them to
GoAuto -newse SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 Page 18
Phone: (03) 9598 6477 E-mail: [email protected] Advertising manager: Steve Butcher – Ph: 0419 562 110
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GoAuto -newse 2005 Page 18
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IT is an old maxim, but does the Astra Coupe ooze style at the expense of substance? From any angle it is certainly pleasing to the eye but do the sporty looks match
the performance? After a week tooling around in the sleek machine we’d suggest this well-equipped entrant’s 1.8-litre four needs more
oomph to live up to its sporty pretensions. However, that in no way diminishes the overall driving experience, which like the rest of the AH Astra range, remains solid, comfortable and safe. The car’s quality levels also impress. If only Holden would throw in more power for the people... ROAD TEST: CLICK HERE
GoAuto latest road test
Holden Astra CDX Coupe
LAUNCH PADLAUNCH PADSEPTEMBER:Holden Tigra TwinTop convertible
Mazda MX-5 roadster redesign
Mazda6 MPS AWD turbo sedan variant
Mercedes-Benz M-class 4WD redesign
Mitsubishi 380 sedan
Subaru Impreza sedan/hatch facelift
New model diary: CLICK HERE
FEEL THE HEATRENAULT Australia has introduced the Megane
Renault Sport Cup, which adds a bit more heat
to the Sport 225 hot-hatch in the form of beefi er
brakes, revised suspension and electric power
steering.
Priced from $42,990, the Cup rides on ultra-
lightweight 18-inch wheels wrapped in 235/40
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres. The front and
rear disc brakes are ventilated, spring rates have
increased 25 per cent at the front and 77 per cent
at the rear, the traction control is recalibrated for
more enthusiastic driving and the new electric
power-assisted steering is claimed to provide a
more positive steering response.
No changes were made to the Megane Sport’s
165kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine, which
remains paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
300C UNDER $44KCHRYSLER’S 300C prestige sedan will be
priced from $53,990 when it goes on sale from
November 1.
Two models will be offered - a baseline entrant
using a 3.5-litre V6 and a higher-performance
$59,990 model featuring a 5.7-litre HEMI V8.
Standard features will include six airbags,
leather upholstery, traction and stability control,
18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights and rear
parking radars.
OZ-JAPAN FTA STUDYAUSTRALIA and Japan last week fi nalised the
details of a forthcoming free trade “feasibility
study” which will form the foundation of a free
trade agreement between the two countries.
Trade minister Mark Vaile said in a statement
that an FTA was still a long way off but that
both countries had now “agreed on detailed
terms of reference to examine the feasibility of
a comprehensive FTA covering a number of
issues including the trade in goods and services,
investment and intellectual property rights”.
Japan is Australia’s largest trading partner.
UPGRADE FOR CRUISER…TOYOTA’S LandCruiser 100 Series wagon has
received a number of detail changes, including
the standard fi tment of air-conditioning (with rear
controls) and 17-inch alloy wheels to its V8 petrol
and turbo-diesel models.
Exterior enhancements include a revised grille,
new “twin pocket” halogen headlamps (with
clearance lamps built into the low-beam pocket)
and faster-illuminating LED tail-lamps and
stoplight.
All models get a new driver’s seat, which now
has manual vertical height adjustment and power-
operated lumbar support. Pricing, which holds
fi rm, starts from $52,600 for the Standard Diesel
model.
…AND FOR KLUGERTHE Toyota Kluger 4WD wagon has also emerged
from the pits with a series of changes.
The 3.3-litre engine powering the vehicle now
meets Euro3 emission regulations, the climate-
control system now has “defogger logic”, cruise
control retains a pre-set memory below 40km/h
and, on the range-topping Grande (and mid-
range CVX, where specifi ed), a viscous-coupled
limited-slip centre differential is included.
Cosmetic work includes the addition of six-
spoke alloy wheels and roof rails on the CV grade
(with seven-seat option only), and a rear spoiler
on CVX.
CONTINENTAL RAGTOPBENTLEY has announced it will build a 2+2
convertible version of the Continental GT.
The third Continental in the model range after the
GT coupe and Flying Spur four-door, the GTC – as
the ragtop is known – will go on sale late in 2006.
“We set out to achieve a style that is both
contemporary and elegant but with the sporting
stance of a true performance car,” said Bentley
design director, Dirk van Braeckel. “In keeping with
the Bentley tradition, the new Continental GTC has
a soft fabric roof and heated glass rear screen.”
The GTC follows the recently announced
return of the Azure nameplate for Bentley’s
Arnage-derived four-seat convertible, which also
goes on sale next year.
VOYAGER’S CLEAR VISIONCHRYSLER has introduced a limited-issue Vision
series of its Voyager people-mover, which the
company claims adds up to $4000 of extra value
with no increase to the standard retail price.
Priced from $55,990, the SE Vision model
adds a six-stack DVD system and Infi nity sound
system, a power-operated driver’s seat, tinted
windows, rear parking radars and roof rails. The
$59,990 LX Vision adds similar gear to its features
list and the top-spec $69,990 Limited version gets
a DVD system with a 10-inch screen.
OUTSIDE THE SQUARETHE doors have closed at Frankfurt, but the show
cars are still rolling out with Chrysler releasing
sketches last week of a new concept car to be
unveiled at the Tokyo motor show next month.
Called the Akino, the one-box, fi ve-seat
hatchback is the work of 37-year-old California-
based DaimlerChrysler designer Akino Tsuchiya.
Of particular interest is
the interior, which
features bamboo f l o o r i n g , a throw rug, mood lighting and even throw
pillows.
Kluger
Megane RS Cup
Continental GTC