It’s all about the gadgets

With the recent launch of the new iPhone 6 ‘phablet’ and watch it’s clear that a large portion of our population are crazy about gadgets!  Car manufacturers know this and are all racing to release new model cars with the most innovative and high tech gadgets.

So due to consumers want more high tech features experts are predicting a big year of enhancements to existing technology and more new systems in 2015. All resulting in driving that’s easier, safer and perhaps more entertaining!

One of the brightest things on the horizon are laser headlights. These are smaller, more powerful and more efficient than the LED headlights that were only introduced in recent years. Already fitted to Audi and BMW in Europe they have yet to be approved in the US and Australia. And while you think it may be because they’re too bright, the lamps are fitted with a diffuser system that allow them to keep their bright, white illuminating power while making them safe to view.

BMW laser headlights still awaiting approval in Australia.

Next on our list of effective enhancements is the lane change assist. This isn’t as you might think the alert that sounds when you drift out of lane, this system identifies when traffic is approaching from behind at speed and warns the driver when the signal is given to change lanes.  The Subaru Outback – a very popular in Tasmania – in 2015 will be able to determine when it’s safe to change lanes and advise against a manoevre if it detects another car rapidly approaching. Sensors and cameras monitor approaching traffic in the adjacent lanes – flash an alert on the mirror to advise against the lane change. Could be useful in the rush hour on the Tasman Bridge!

Lane change may assist on the Tasman Bridge.

Technology will also help drivers in bigger more crowded cities to find parking spaces and then locate a car (if you can’t remember where you parked). And once arriving at a parking space, those sensors and cameras again will enable a car to steer itself into a parallel or perpendicular space while the driver operates just transmission and foot pedals.

On an entertainment level, more and more luxury vehicles such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes- Benz will provide in car internet access. But topping that is GM Motors in the US who are fitting most new model cars with a system that provides 3 months of service and / or three gigabytes of data free!

New smartphone integration platforms through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will transform the infotainment system into a version of the smartphone’s operating system. Making a system more intuitive and allowing voice recognition to play music, use maps and ‘voice texting’   - which used to be known as making a phone call!!

Now just the note to self, if purchasing one of these high tech vehicles, that cars are to get you from A to B safely. So leave the playing with the entertainment gadgets to the passengers on board!!

Aussie car manufacturers: an endangered species?

The chiefs of Australia's big three car manufacturers are warning that around 50,000 jobs will be lost if the government withdraws its assistance to the industry.

That assistance is expected to be a major federal election issue this year, with Tony Abbott promising to strip $500 million out of a green-car fund if the Coalition is elected.

Ford chief Bob Graziano, Holden chief Mike Devereux and Toyota chief David Buttner have all indicated that the sector will not survive if government support is abolished.

Bailouts have been controversial in recent years, with the three companies shedding 1350 jobs between them despite receiving billions in handouts.

Holden has received $2.2 billion in government subsidies in the past 12 years, while Ford has picked up about $1.1 billion - but neither can guarantee local production beyond 2016.

According to industry estimates, the three companies employ 17,000 people directly, while the industry (including suppliers) employs 55,000 and supports 200,000 jobs indirectly.

And if one of the manufacturers left Australia, the whole industry could collapse because the supplier network would not have enough volume to be profitable.

Toyota is the only Aussie car manufacturer with a significant export program. Its CEO David Buttner said government policy needed to continue supporting the car industry or Toyota would look at spending its money elsewhere.

"There's a whole host of countries around the world vying for Toyota's investment," he said.

Holden's Mike Devereux responded to critics of the Australian car industry, saying that assistance to the manufacturing was worth every cent. Ford Australia's Mr Graziano agrees, noting said that Australians spent less on car industry assistance than other countries.

"If you look at Australia the support here is a little bit less than $18 per person compared to significantly higher amounts in other countries around the world, but without that assistance, it would be difficult to see the industry surviving."

Class of 2013

This year the Australian market will welcome a broad range of new arrivals, from SUVs to small cars to high-performance vehicles. Last year it was all about mileage and economy - but 2013 has kicked off with car makers focusing more on style and performance.

Here are some of the cars that we think will get drivers excited when they hit the Australian market this year! 

Aston Martin Vanquish

The new Aston Martin Vanquish is a beautifully designed car with amazing specs; a 6.0 litre V12 engine that produces 421kW at 6750rpm and 620Nm of torque at 5500rpm. The transmission system is a six-speed Touchtronic 2 sequential transmission, and the Vanquish's 0-100km/h time is listed at 4.1 seconds. Now that's power!

Ferrari F12 Berlinetta

The Ferrari F12 Berlinetta is one of the fastest cars available on the Australian car markets. As a seven-speed paddle-shifted automatic, Ferrari promises a 0-100km/h time of 3.1 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 8.5 seconds. It also includes some of the most modern features available in high performance cars like the magnetorheological suspension control system, an electronically-controlled differential, ESP Premium, F1-Trac, ABS and carbon-ceramic brakes. 

Ford Fiesta ST 

The Ford Fiesta ST is a Fiesta with a major facelift- it looks sharper, and far more attractive. Being an environment friendly car, it is estimated that its carbon dioxide output will be improved by 20 percent over the old 110kW model. It will sport a 130kW EcoBoost 1.6 litre turbo engine that can achieve great speeds while front wheels handle a torque of 240Nm along the way. The Fiesta ST is 15mm lower than the older one and features a trick Torque Vectoring system along with three electronic stability modes. It is available in six speed manual transmission. 

The Lexus IS F

The Lexus IS F is a high performance V8 that delivers comfort and refinement on city streets - but can also take on racing circuits!

Not only is the engineering superb, the interior design also exceeds all expectations. The cabin is designed with dark silver carbon fibre finishes, aluminium pedals and sculpted bucket front seats. It boasts 8-way powered sports seating and the memory function allows you to recall your preferred seating position. Exterior mirror and steering column positions can also be adjusted at the touch of a button. Those who like a little luxury during our cold Hobart winters will definitely appreciate the heated front seats!

Here is quick list of all the awesome features of the Lexus IS F:

• A 5.0 litre V8 engine 
• The world's first sequential eight speed automatic transmission 
• Packed with 311kW of raw power at 6,600rpm and 505Nm of torque at 5,200rpm 
• Best-of-breed race-tuned suspension and BremboTM brakes, with gear changes in 0.1 seconds 
• Quadruple exhaust pipes that make the IS F sounds unlike any other vehicle on the streets!
• The L finesse generates impressive aerodynamics to deliver a low 0.30 drag coefficient and a quiet cabin 
• For stability at high speeds, the underbody includes a fibreglass reinforced engine undercover providing additional stability at high speeds 
• Massive air intakes help cool the V8 engine, while radiator grill and side air grills quickly extract heat and cool the engine and brakes
• 19 inch forged alloy wheels that help draw air across the brakes to aid cooling; light and incredibly strong, the front wheels are eight inches wide while the rear are nine inches wide 
• Intelligent front and rear lighting. Daytime Running Lights make the vehicle more visible to other drivers and pedestrians and the powerful ‘High-Intensity Discharge’ headlamps give greater night vision
• Power-operated moonroof for extra ventilation and open air cruising 
• A hands-free Smart Key Card allows you to unlock and lock doors and start the engine at the touch of a button - without removing the card from your pocket or bag 
• Exterior mirrors feature a sleek, aerodynamic look which reduces wind noise, moreover these Electro-Chromatic mirrors that automatically dim on excessive light detection

The Lexus IS F is a perfect buy for those who want the privilege of owning a sports car that can be used on city roads. This car packs a solid punch!

The new Audi Q5!

The freshly made-over Audi Q5 has arrived!

With a mission to protect Audi's medium prestige SUV/crossover market share from the BMW X3, Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC60, the Audi Q5, a slick mid-size SUV, comes with: 

• Two all-new engines 
• Eight-speed auto availability 
• Big efficiency improvements 
• The latest driver-assistance and multimedia technology 
• Improved ride quality – softer springs, firmer dampers and new anti-roll bars

The change begins with a new engine for the range-topping petrol model; the 3.2 FSI has been replaced with a new twin-charged (supercharged and turbocharged) 3.0-litre V6.

Audi claims the new Q5 3/0 TFSI delivers 200kW/400Nm, accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 8.5l/100kms. The petrol versions also boast Audi’s outstanding eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Audi Q5’s diesel star, the 3.0 TDI, delivers 180kW/580Nm, cutting the consumption by 15 percent to 6.4l/100kms. The 130kW/380Nm 2.0 TDI delivers fuel consumption of 6.1l/100kms. A switch to electromechanical power steering is an added feature.

In short, we can say that the Audi Q5 delivers a little more of everything: value, efficiency, performance, safety, driver-assistance and the latest multimedia tech.

It’s no wonder the Q5 has become Audi’s strongest performer in the mid-sized premium SUV class world-wide. The styling is smart and purposeful, the interior has been fashioned to the highest standards, there is plenty of space to move around and even the rear seats slide and re-configure for more practicality. 

The Hybrid Story

The ever-rising cost of fuel has created a demand for ‘hybrid cars’ both in Australia and overseas. But what is a hybrid car and what advantages do they offer?

Basically, a hybrid vehicle is one that uses two or more separate power sources, such as an electric propulsion system alongside a conventional petrol engine. The small petrol engine delivers better fuel economy while maintaining the same level of performance and when more power is required for acceleration, the electric propulsion system delivers the extra kick.

Some of the advantages of a hybrid vehicle include: 

• Stop-start technology that conserves energy - the petrol engine turns itself off when the car is idle, and then automatically re-starts when the driver engages the accelerator. 
• Hybrids are the greenest cars on the market because of their low carbon emission levels - far lower than standard petrol cars. The main pollutant from most cars is carbon dioxide, which is directly related to the amount of fuel used. An Australian study estimated that hybrid vehicles boast a 66% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the average Australian family car. 
• Hybrids use as little as half the fuel of a conventional family car. While hybrids are more expensive upfront than their petrol equivalents, the reduced fuel costs will over time make-up for the extra purchase cost.

Currently the most popular hybrids in Australia include the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid, but other models are now making their way on to the market, such as:

• Toyota Camry 
• Lexus CT 200h saloon, RX450h SUV, GS450h V6 luxury sports saloon, LS600hl V8 luxury saloon 
• Honda Civic Insight saloons 
• Honda CRZ sports and the Honda Jazz Hybrid (due to be launched in December)

Australia's Best Car Awards 2012 - Part 2

Today we’re looking at the winners of the over $50,000 categories in Australia's Best Car Awards 2012.

Following a rigorous testing and analysis process, the winners in each category have been announced on australiasbestcars.com.au by the Australian Automobile Association.

BMW 320i - Best Medium Car Over $50,000
The BMW 320i boasts exquisite design and handling features that make it an absolute pleasure to drive. Powered by a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder turbo engine with an 8 speed automatic transmission, the 320i gives a mileage of 6.0L/100km. It faced some tough competition from the Volkswagen CC 125 TDI and Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI, however the BMW outclassed them because of its spacious interior, power, improved ride and greater fuel efficiency.

Ford Falcon G6EcoBoost - Best Large Car Under $60,000
The Ford Falcon G6EcoBoost silenced its rivals - the Toyota Aurion AT-X and Peugeot 508 Allure HDi - with a satisfying driving experience backed by a powerful engine. The EcoBoost has a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine with a six speed automatic transmission system that yields 8.5L/100km. It retails for $40,835.

Lexus GS350 F Sport - Best Large Car Over $60,000
The Lexus GS350 F Sport has an amazing spec sheet with a 3.5 litre,V6 cylinder engine and a 6 speed automatic transmission system. A true powerhouse, it yields a mileage of 9.7L/100km. The finalists in this category included the BMW 520i and Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro, both of which lost out because of the GS350’s spacious interior and superior handling.

Kia Sportage SLi AWD - Best SUV Under $40,000
Kia has once again won the under $40,000 SUV category. The Sportage SLi AWD has a 2.4 litre, 4 cylinder engine, with a 6-speed automatic transmission system. It has a mileage of 9.2 L/100km - remarkable for an SUV. The contenders for this category included the Volkswagen Tiguan 103 TDi and 

Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport 2WD. 

Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE - Best All Terrain Four Wheel Drive
The Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 SE is a clear winner in the All-Terrain Four Wheel Drive category. With a 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine, and a 6 speed automatic transmission it makes for one of the most powerful four wheel drives available in the country. It yields an average of 9.3L/100km, which is decent considering its size and power. The contenders for this category were the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo CRD and Toyota Prado GXL.

Introducing the 2012 Mazda6

The year ahead is going to be filled with an exciting crop of new cars as the Australian market awaits the launch of several flagship vehicles. But today, we’re looking at the Mazda6 GT that is set to hit dealers before the end of 2012.

The Mazda6 GT is one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year. Equipped with Mazda’s new i-ELOOP brake energy regeneration system, it hopes to outclass it’s market rivals - the Honda Accord Euro and theToyota Camry.

The Mazda6 GT has some amazing specs and is available in two variants, petrol and diesel. The petrol version houses the SKYACTIV-G 2.5 litre engine which yields 138kW/ 250Nm, a ten per cent increase over the existing Mazda6 series. The diesel version houses the SKYACTIV-D 2.2 litre turbo-diesel engine that yields a performance of 129kW/420Nm, similar to the previous CX-5 models.

The Mazda6 GT has been hyped as the most advanced Mazda model, with a range of features aimed at improving performance efficiency, including the new Ii-ELOOP brake energy system and the iStop engine stop-start system.

The i-ELOOP brake energy system essentially stores and recycles electricity produced as a result of deceleration and braking. The iStop engine stop-start system automatically switches off the engine when the car is still, and restarts it on a gentle tap of the accelerator pedal. These two technologies contribute greatly towards enhancing the efficiency of the Mazda6 and will set some high standards for other upcoming releases in this class.

According to Mazda, both the petrol auto and diesel manual accelerate to 100kmph within 7.8 seconds. The diesel auto version that will arrive in Australia will take about 8.4 seconds to achieve the same speed.

The Mazda6 will be available from dealerships from early December.

Demystifying Your Car Insurance

Car insurance is something that most experienced drivers are familiar with, but it can be pretty confusing to young drivers and new car owners. The type of cover you take out will affect the ongoing cost of your vehicle, so you should always shop around for car insurance and find a price and level of coverage that suits your situation. 

To get you started, we've put together a quick list of the four types of general insurance that relate to owning and operating a private motor vehicle in Australia:

• Compulsory Third Party Insurance
• Comprehensive Insurance
• Fire & Theft Only
• Third Party Property Only

Compulsory Third Party

All drivers should be aware of Compulsory Third Party Insurance as it is illegal to drive a vehicle that does not have this coverage. This insurance protects individuals who you may injure whilst driving a vehicle. In Tasmania this insurance is provided as part of your vehicle registration fee (called MAIB Premium). This insurance covers injuries sustained to others and yourself in case of an accident and this is why it is so important to ensure that your vehicle is registered at any time when taken on public roads!

Comprehensive Cover
This can cover repair or replacement of your vehicle for events  including theft, collision, malicious damage and weather related damage. It can also cover repair and replacement of other vehicles that are damaged by your vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is usually chosen to cover vehicles that are in good condition. Your insurer may choose to not provide cover to vehicles that are over a certain age, in a poor state of repair or have issues such as rust.

Fire & Theft Only
This type of cover will not help if you are involved in an accident, but it may repair or replace your vehicle in the case that it is stolen and damaged by fire.

Third Party Property Only
This can provide cover for damage caused by your vehicle to other vehicles or property, but does not provide cover for your vehicle. This type of cover is typically taken out by someone with a relatively low value vehicle, primarily to protect them from having to pay for the damage their car might do to a more valuable vehicle or other property belonging to a third party.

Here is a handy graph provided by the Australian Government's MoneySmart website that illustrates the different types of vehicle insurance you should consider.

Type	Damage to your car	Damage to other people's property (e.g. other cars)	Damage or loss caused by theft of your car	Injuries or death to other people in an accident
Compulsory third party
Third party property
Third party property, fire and theft
Comprehensive

Please note that the information above is generic and Insurance policies will vary from company to company so make sure you understand the cover before purchasing.

Online sellout of Subaru sports car in 3 hours changes dealer dynamic

Subaru in Australia has pioneered an internet-only sales process for its latest release BRZ sports car - which sold out in just three hours!

Media reports indicate that the car was sold online because the company was only allocated 201 cars for the Australian market, of which 50 had been bought by dealerships as demonstrator models, and therefore decided to sell the remainder online.

The online sales strategy may be cause for concern among Subaru’s 105 Australian dealers, who invest substantial amounts to establish and operate their dealerships. However Subaru claims it has used the online approach on this occasion so that customers could buy the sought-after BRZ, and then collect it from their nearest dealer, rather than have dealers competing for an allocation of the cars.