Australian’s love affair with the MINI Cabrio is set to continue with the first official images released of this unique rendition of motoring freedom. The driving pleasure and individual style so typical of MINI are combined once again with all the flair and refreshment of driving in the open air. Read the rest of this entry »

Since production began in 2001 Plant Oxford in the UK has seen over one million MINIs leave for customers abroad. More than 80 per cent of MINI production is exported to almost 80 countries worldwide, including Australia. MINI sales in Australia are up seven per cent this year to 1,278 cars through to the end of July. Read the rest of this entry »

 After building 164,000 MINI Cabrio models the Plant Oxford home of MINI has closed the roof on production of the world’s most lovable drop-head.

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Surging light and small car popularity has propelled Mazda to an all-time record first half sales total of 42,493, up 8.6 percent on the same time last year. Read the rest of this entry »

A record sales result in June by Suzuki Australia has confirmed its position as one of the fastest growing brands in the country. Read the rest of this entry »

While most entrants are choosing proven Australian rally cars for this September’s 7,000km Red Centre to Gold Coast Trial, Victorian Dan Murphy has gone to the other end of the earth in his bid to be a finisher. Read the rest of this entry »

With over a quarter of a million kilometers behind her, Mary Taylor has decided to set off on her 17th trip and possibly last lap around Australia in her yellow Honda Jazz. Read the rest of this entry »

Detroit In an unusual long distance test the all-new smart fortwo and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class demonstrated their top position amongst the world’s most climate-friendly cars. On a trip from Los Angeles via Chicago to the 2008 Detroit Auto Show they showcased outstanding fuel-saving qualities in everyday real-world conditions. On the 4,400 kilometre route the smart fortwo mhd recorded an average consumption of just 4.8 litres per one hundred kilometres. The two smart fortwo cdis were impressed with only 3.9 l/100km, and even the luxurious turbo-diesel E 320 CDI BLUETEC consumed an average of only 5.8 l/100 km.  Read the rest of this entry »

Indian car marker TATA have just launched their new “peoples car” known as the Nano. The 623 cc car sports a rear engine driving the back wheels and is expected to sold in India at 100,000 Rupee  (aprox $2500 US). Prior to launch the car earned the nickname the 1 lakh car due to its price  (lakh is used India to mean a hundred thousand). The car is claimed to meet Euro crash test standards but it is highly unlikely to be exported there. Most sales are expected to go to middle class indian families who previously could not afford a new car, exports to India’s low income asian neighbours are highly likely too. Read the rest of this entry »

Toyota’s Mega Web is a large showroom come museum and entertainment complex located on Tokyo’s Odaiba. There are several parts to this huge display with the large showcase being central to the complex showcasing all the Japanese market products of Toyota Daihatsu and Lexus. The “history garage” is another part of the megaweb featuring not only cars from Toyota’s past but also historic cars from other manufacturers that have been an important part of the motoring world. Megaweb also has a design showcase, a theatre, rides for the kids as well as a ride for adults who can take an automated Toyota E Com for a drive around the building. Read the rest of this entry »