Grand Vitara-it’s a big claim, especially for an SUV which lives in a segment littered with models from almost every manufacturer on the Australian market.

Since its incarnation in 1999 as a larger version of its Vitara sibling, it promised more power and the ability to hop rocks at the drop of a hat.

Face-lifted in 2008, the Grand Vitara remains looking much the same as it did in 2006. The exterior boasts a rugged looking front end design and compact styling, which makes it appealing to the weekend adventurers who head off-road in the search for fun.

A rear mounted tyre helps increase luggage capacity, while functional vents attached to the side panels act as vents for hot air escaping the engine bay.

Flared wheel arches and a generous 200mm ground clearance act as aids for off-roading.

Inside the cabin, the Grand Vitara certainly lives up to its name with comfortable leather seats and lashings of dark wood grain.

A proximity sensing key allows for keyless entry and keyless start. A key fob is built into the steering wheel which simply needs to be turned with the key within the perimeter of the cabin. Locking or unlocking the car is just as easy. A simply press of the nipple attached to either of the doors will lock or unlock the car.

Interior room for the driver and front seat passenger is generous with ample head and leg room. Rear seat leg and head room on the other hand is somewhat disappointing. While it’s suitable for children, adults will find it a bit of a struggle to fit comfortably.

Taller adults will be left with limited hear room due to the low roof line and a lack of leg room.

Cargo capacity is good, catering for up to 398 litres with the rear seats up and 1386 litres with the rear seats down. Entry and egress is fantastic with a low entry point and flat floor.

Although our test vehicle was fitted with a pre-production head unit, the sound system remained unchanged. Featuring seven speakers with subwoofer, the sound system offers plenty of punch and quality of sound which could be found in vehicles double the price.

Under the bonnet of our test vehicle was Suzuki’s 3.2-litre, 165kW V6. Suzuki claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 10.5-L/100km, which I managed to achieve during the test. The free-revving V6 works in unison with the slick shifting five-speed automatic to provide a driving experience unlike that of an SUV.

The ride quality over all tyres of roads is generally soft. The soft suspension increases body roll slightly, but not to unmanageable levels.

Safety levels are great with Electronic Stability Control (ESP), ABS brakes with EBD and BA, front, side and curtain airbags and engine immobiliser.

Unlike most other vehicles in its class, the Grand Vitara features some impressive off-road kit. A low-range gearbox and centre differential lock make off-roading a realistic task.

The high-revving V6 isn’t the perfect companion for off-road driving due to its maximum torque production range. Attempting to traverse steep hills often amounts in masses of wheel spin, the diesel powered Grand Vitara would be a much better option for four-wheel-driving zealots.

Four wheel drive modes are interchangeable via a knob attached to the dashboard and can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary.

Starting at $25,990 for the three-door petrol variant, the five-door V6 Grand Vitara Prestige retails for $40,490.

Suzuki’s competitive pricing outdoes the Outlander, Rav4, X-Trail and Forester which are its main rivals.

Although the design is getting on now, it’s hard to beat the Grand Vitara for value for money. The level of features, in addition to excellent four wheel drive equipment make it a high priority test drive for families after a compact SUV.

While the V6 won’t be to everyone’s tastes, Suzuki now offers a turbo diesel mode, retailing for $35,990.

Whichever way you look at it, this superb vehicle can’t be passed for value and function. Make sure it’s on the shortlist if you’re in the market; you’re bound to be impressed.

The Audi Q7 V12 TDI is the most powerful diesel SUV on the road, with 368kW of power and an incredible 1000Nm.

Its twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre diesel engine is related to the powerplant used in the triple-Le Mans-winning Audi R10, establishing Audi’s close link between its road-going performance cars and its highly successful motorsport program.

This powerhouse leads a more elegant and efficient range of Q7 models which have arrived in Australia – pitched as a high-performance vehicle for leisure and business.

It has been engineered as the ultimate go-anywhere family SUV, with flexible seating for up to seven adults, a high payload, generous luggage area of up to 2,035 litres and a hefty towing capacity.

Its exterior design utilises tautly curved body surfaces and new accents front and rear in conjunction with the xenon headlights (optional for V6 models) and light-emitting diodes arranged to form U-shaped bands provide the Audi trademark daytime running lights.

The indicators and tail lamps also use LED technology, with many more subtle design changes contributing to the overall revised package such as inlays on the passenger side door, new colours, new wheels, and new materials.

The driver is treated to redesigned instruments, including the latest generation MMI Navigation system which is standard for V8 and V12 engines.

Four new exterior paint colours have been added to the Q7 range including Ibis White, Graphite Grey, Orca Black and Teak Brown, along with two additional RS-special paint colours for the new V12 TDI version – Mugello Blue and Daytona Grey.

Standard equipment includes a six-speed tiptronic which transfers power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which distributes it to the axles with modest emphasis on the rear.

All V6 and V8 models also incorporate an energy recovery system which converts mechanical energy into electric energy during braking and coasting, reducing CO2 emissions by up to five grams per kilometre.

Model range and manufacturer’s recommended pricing

Audi Q7 V12 TDI quattro $254,900
Audi Q7 4.2 TDI quattro $127,900
Audi Q7 4.2 FSI quattro $122,600
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro $88,700
Audi Q7 3.6 FSI quattro $86,900

Source: Caradvice

audi a3 sportback

Audi has satisfied the dreams of its fans by adding two doors to Audi A3, leading to the birth of Audi A3 Sportback which is more safe.

Launched in 2004 and restyled in 2008, the Audi A3 is one of Germanic bestsellers and will be released in the late 2011 or even 2012. It is called “Sportback”, 5-door version with Audi style features.

Even thought appeared in 2004, the Audi A3 Sportback is also underwent facelift of the range in spring 2008. Like all new Audi emerging market, the A3 Sportback grille adopts the “Single Frame”, characteristic of the new style of the brand with rings. At the aesthetic level, it receives a new front bumper and rear, new hood and new perspectives equipped with LED technology. The mirrors are now equipped with flashing reminders.

New options are now available as Magnetic-Ride or new gearbox S-Tronic 7-speed. You can also choose a 4-wheel drive version, called “Quattro.” Finally, a version of the S3 Sportback appears to be the high-end version and also a sports brand. It is equipped with 2.0 TFSI which has 265 horsepower. Sensitive souls refrain.

Hummer H3T

Now that the sale of Hummer seems on track, GM has relaunched production of the H3 and H3T. It must be said that stocks had fallen to a very low level.

During the phase of sales, GM stopped production in order not to be left with huge stockpiles in case of failure to get market for the cars. GM seems to consider that the case is over and its own decision with Opel should nevertheless be a threat.

Stocks in fact reached a level so low it was difficult to maintain production and monthly sales are very low (about 500 per month currently). There are about 1183 cars in stock, and the year 2010 has already been announced for the release of new cars.

lotus esprit

Major changes that have shaken the Lotus Esprit brand in recent weeks, is that the Lotus Esprit is reborn.

A few weeks before the revelation of a seven-year plan by the new boss Danny Bahr, an inside source revealed that a new Lotus Esprit was on track.

First target for the brand, is its development from a power/weight between 275 and 325 hp per tonne, compared to 319 hp per ton of the Audi R8 V10.

With this new model, Lotus wants to regain its top-end and burnish its image.

Lotus distinguishes into three categories: Exige, Elise and Europa in entry-level, then the Evora and its six-cylinder and finally the ESprit flagship.

suzuki swift plug-in hybrid

Thus, when the lithium-ion batteries are flat, the gasoline engine’s main function is to recharge … Unless you find a power outlet nearby. Indeed, as his surname English – Plug-In – suggests, the Swift is charging a single outlet and can therefore run continuously in electric mode. Too bad that the manufacturer does not nippon more information about battery life and performance.
Once is not custom, its lodge Swift Hybrid lithium-ion batteries at the bottom of the center console.

The question is whether this Plug-In Hybrid will have a chance of being sold a day. Probably not on the current version of the Suzuki Swift. Let’s see what happens.

Suzuki Swif Plug-In Hybrid

Peugeot Hybrid 3 Evolution Concept

Introduced a year ago under the name HyMotion3, the 3-wheel hybrid scooter from Peugeot devenur Hybrid 3 (Volkswagen probably been there since the name HyMotion is made for vehicles to fuel cell of the German group). The second development is losing its way hardtop BMW C1, but also seems much more realistic in its entirety.

The principle has not changed, a heat engine to the rear wheel, a 300 cm3 always packed, and two electric motors for the front wheels separated by 82 cm. These engines are powered by lithium-ion batteries, recharged during the recovery phases of energy. Braking is achieved not only by electric motors, but also 3 discs, and the two technologies used jointly by Peugeot would reduce 30% braking distances compared to a conventional scooter.

The engine, only 300 cm3, develops 30 kW / 41 hp with a compressor. He is assisted by two electric motors of 3 kW each, a total power of 36 kW (49 hp). The two electric motors provide a range of about 10 km without using the engine in starting and low speed. The thermal engine takes over at higher speed and if necessary, the three together for stronger acceleration in any loss of adhesion. Ultimately, consumption is announced at 2 l/100 km combined cycle approval, or 48 g/km of CO2.

The chassis developed by Peugeot Motorcycles has been designed by the center-style Peugeot Automobiles.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell

With the slew of electric models powered by Lithium-Ion unveiled at Frankfurt, we would end almost forget that other technologies are being developed.
Among them is of course the fuel cell which converts hydrogen into electrical energy. This solution, tested by many manufacturers (see our dossier Honda FCX Clarity), seems less in vogue today. While we no longer Had concepts and motor vehicles, Mercedes is the only show in Frankfurt.
Because the manufacturer is a forerunner in this field. He did not intend to abandon a promising despite its many disadvantages.

The objective of the Star is to the solution of the fuel cell, simpler, more compact and easier to industrialize. The B-Class Fuel Cell presented at the IAA is an important milestone: 200 copies will be produced. It is with the Honda FCX Clarity one of the largest series of hydrogen cars ever built.

Self inherits the concept of motorization BlueZERO presented at the last NAIAS. It has very little in common with that of the Class A fuel cell in 2004.

Mercedes-Benz puts forward in particular of the largest cold start (-25 °) and increased reliability. The fuel cell is connected to a lithium ion power of 35 kW. The engine, meanwhile, develops 100 kW (136 hp). With the fuel cell, autonomy is about 300 km and above, the transition to the pump lasts only three minutes. Must still find a hydrogen pump nearby.

This class B again shows that the congestion generated by the fuel cell have been resolved. The B-Class offers a safe effect of 416 liters and retains its 5 seats.

2012 Zoe Zero Emissions Concept

The Zoe Zero Emissions Concept was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and was co-designed with L’Oreal Luxury Products. Renault has now confirmed that it will put the Zoe Zero Emissions into production, with the car due to hit markets by 2012.

The Zoe Z.E will mark Renault’s direction for next-generation electric vehicles, with a whole host of electric-powered cars from the French carmaker to debut within the next couple of years. The Zoe Z.E is unique in that it has a replaceable battery pack that can be changed in minutes.

Called “Quickdrop”, the compact battery pack is designed such that an empty battery can be swapped with a fully-charged one in just three minutes. The battery itself can be partially charged for short distances in 20 minutes, while a full charge will take 8 hours.

L’Oreal’s involvement with the Zoe has helped created a “spa” theme for the concept car, with the cosmetics company’s Biotherm engineers helping to develop an air-conditioning system that helps keep the skin hydrated, and closes the vents as pollution is detected. The team also created “an electric system that diffuses essential oils,” supposedly helping people to relax.

Source: SGMart

Toyota’s Luxury MPVs have been around since 1992. They catered to the Japanese domestic market, although some of them popped up at random in Singapore and Malaysia.

Little do you know that this mini-van derives its name from the brightest star in the Hydra constellation — the Alphard.

Predictably, the Alphard goes head-on with the Honda Elysion and Nissan Elgrand, of which offer similar levels of equipment.

As part of a 2005 facelift, the Alphard was given a newly designed rear lamp and 16 and 17 inch aluminium alloy wheels. This was also the year that Toyota released the Alphard Hybrid Model.

A redesign of the Alphard in April 2008 included a more sophisticated exterior style and a more luxurious inside, all in an effort to further update and strengthen Toyota’s best-selling position in the above mentioned markets.

And this brings us to another point. Unlike the majority of snooty western countries and their automotive culture, the Japanese take their mini-vans very seriously.

In fact, they see its usage as a luxury vehicle as far more relevant than compared to say, a mini-van for cargo transportation.

Think about it – there’s tons of headroom along with the factory installed features, 100% contortion-free entry and exit routes for drunk, party-hardy Hollywood-wannabes who can afford that poor designated driver on duty on a Friday night.

And this sub-culture seems to be catching on in Singapore. If you’re on the roads often enough, you’d probably spot a “blinged” Alphard that has rolled-up fenders and 21-inch chromed wheels, ten or more LCD screens encompassing each seat and passenger, lots of LED interior lighting, a smashing in-car-entertainment system, as well as the obligatory white boa-feathers on the dashboard. Let’s not forget the popular Japanese “VIP-bling-bling” brands that go along with it like “DAD.”

Source:SGMart