Jaguar XF 3.0D V6 S sedan IF you are after a diesel-powered luxury sedan in the low $100,000 region, you are in for a big treat, with both Mercedes-Benz and BMW pushing through all-new models that tick most peoples’ boxes with unequivocal ease. But the latest Jaguar XF S 3.0D is something else entirely, delivering high-output performance that will knock your socks off, combined with impressively low fuel consumption and emissions figures.
Mercedes-Benz E-class E250 CDI Elegance sedan LIKE harpsichords and hard drives, the latest Mercedes-Benz E-class is about enduring traditions co-existing with an evolving high-tech world. Recent models, while progressive in many ways, have lacked the unimpeachable quality of their 1980s predecessors, so the Germans have set out to address that by looking back at what made the old W123 and W124 Benzes such enduring icons.
Nissan 370Z Roadster IN the 2003 350Z Roadster it seemed like Nissan hurriedly hacked off the lovely Coupe’s lines, found a bunch of leftover unused canvas rooves from an old Datsun 2000 Fairlady, and thrust this topless mutant upon an unsuspecting public. With that car’s all-new successor, though, the Roadster feels like it was meant to go alfresco from the outset, highlighting the many and varied improvements that the company has developed for its rugged little ragtop.
Proton S16 GX sedan FANCY that – Australia’s cheapest car is better than we dared hope to expect, with perky performance, a disciplined chassis, pleasant interior and pretty much more than the bare minimum as far as comfort features go. But there are also a number of provisos accompanying the new Proton S16 GX – not least of all the ticking of the crucial safety pack option – before we’d have one.
Car News
Daimler teams up with Chinese giant GERMANY’S Daimler AG has joined forces with Chinese battery giant and fast-growing car-maker BYD Company to build an electric-vehicle (EV) for the Chinese market under a new, yet-to-be-named brand. The joint venture pairs the maker of Mercedes-Benz cars with one of the world’s biggest rechargeable battery manufacturers – and maker of the world’s first mass-market plug-in hybrid car – paving the way for an explosion in EV volumes, which have been severely restricted by shortages of automotive-grade lithium batteries to date, as well as high battery production costs.
Mitsubishi shuts down Ralliart MITSUBISHI has announced the “scale down” of its Ralliart motorsport and aftermarket division from the end of this month, but says current and future performance models like the Lancer Ralliart and Evolution will not be affected. The partial cease of Ralliart’s business activities, which were established in April 1984, was advised by Ralliart president Masao Taguchi in a letter to customers this week.
Taiwan launches Luxgen TAIWAN has long been a global manufacturing powerhouse that has produced a range of vehicles, including a number of Ford models in a joint-venture with Lio Ho that began in the 1970s. Now, however, the Republic of China’s largest island has also established its own vehicle brand – Luxgen, an amalgam of ‘luxury’ and ‘genius’ – that was established just two years ago and formally launched outside Taiwan at the 10th Dubai motor show in late December.
Outlander now RX rated IT MIGHT cost a sizeable $5235 more than the entry-level 2010 Outlander LS manual ($33,230) upon which it based – and is also $2015 less than the mid-range Outlander XLS automatic ($40,490) – but Mitsubishi’s new limited-edition Outlander RX auto ($38,475) comes with a host of unique interior and exterior features. Most notable is an exclusive new front bumper and foglights, while unique side and rear air-dams, special 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, silver door-handles, a chromed exhaust outlet and privacy glass also differentiate the outside of the Outlander RX, which will be limited to 500 units.
