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)

Five Quick Ways To Care For Your Car

Your car is a long term investment and it needs proper care  in order to extend its working life.

Proper care of your car means less problems on the road, which automatically translates into lower maintenance and repair costs. Today we discuss some simple ways by which you can extend the working life of your vehicle.

1. Change the filters

One of the most basic things you can do to maintain the performance levels of your car is to regularly change the filters, including the oil and air filters. While most people often take care of replacing the oil filter, the air filter is ignored more often than not. A clean air filter enables better engine performance and adds to its overall longevity.

2. Maintain the Pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the relatively inexpensive aspects of taking care of your car. Correct tyre pressure not only yields benefits like good fuel economy and better engine performance, but it also adds to the safety of the vehicle. While requiring very little attention, tyre pressure is an important aspect that contributes to the overall performance of any vehicle.

3. Intelligent Driving

Good driving habits will give you many benefits. In addition to better fuel consumption, it greatly increases the engine life. When you drive properly, you remove unnecessary strain from the engine and thus make it run smoother and better. And, of course ,it is always safer to drive intelligently.

4. Be Punctual 

A simple yet important way to take care of your car is to stick to the maintenance schedule. Manufacturers provide owners with the owners’ manual that contains the maintenance schedule for their vehicle. If your car no longer has a service manual Cooper Automotive will provide you with one free of charge when you have your vehicle serviced with us. It’s as they say, a stitch in time saves nine!

Win $100 cash for you and a friend!

It's a great feeling when you recommend something to a friend which they come to appreciate as much as you do. 

Our customers often refer their friends and family to us, which we really appreciate - in fact we think it's fantastic - so we decided it was time to thank our customers for spreading the word about Cooper Automotive!

From now on, every time you refer a new customer to Cooper Automotive, you'll go into a monthly draw to win $100! 

And if your name is drawn at the end of the month, the person you refer will ALSO win $100! That's $100 in cash EACH, for you and a friend - win/win!

That's one recommendation your friends will definitely love!

Just pick up one of our referral cards at your nearest service centre and you and a friend could be winning $100 cash EACH - just by spreading good news!

To find out more, visit your nearest Cooper Automotive Service Centre today!

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.

Australia's Best Car Awards 2012 - Part 1

The year is almost over and the best cars of 2012 have been announced by australiasbestcars.com.au Following a rigorous testing and analysis process, the winners in each category have been announced by the Australian Automobile Association. Today we’re looking at the winners of the under $50,000 categories.

Kia Rio Si - Best Light Car Under $20,000

For the entry level segment winner, under $20,000, we have the Kia Rio Si, with a 1.6 litre petrol engine, 6 speed manual, with a mileage of 5.6l/100km. The finalists for this category included the Hyundai Accent Active and Volkswagen Polo 77TSI Comfortline. However, the Kia outclassed them because of its robust security systems and the smooth design and function of the vehicle.

Volkswagen Polo-66 TDI Comfortline - Best Light Car Over $20,000

In the next category we have a three time winner, the Volkswagen Polo-66 TDI Comfortline. With a 1.6 litre, 4 cylinder diesel engine, the 5 speed manual Polo is priced at $21,490 and gives great mileage at 4.7 l/100km. The Polo has always been a customer favourite due to its sturdy build and wonderful handling on almost all kinds of roads. It beat the Ford Fiesta LX diesel and Peugeot 208 Allure for the top spot this year.

Hyundai i30-Active - Best Small Car Under $35,000

With its spacious cabin design the Hyundai i30-Active is a product of admirable mechanical engineering. It sports a 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder engine, with a 6 speed auto transmission and boasts 6.9l/100km. The new i30 outclassed competitors including the Volkswagen Golf 90 TSI and Hyundai Elantra Active. The i30 is available for $22,990.

Ford Focus Titanium - Best Small Car Over $35,00

The Ford Focus Titanium won the best small car over $35,000 category. Under the hood it sports a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder diesel engine with a 6 speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and yields a mileage of 5.4 L/100km. The 2.0 litre engine lends the car amazing power and with a decent fuel economy it beat the BMW 116i and Audi A3 1.6 TDI Attraction for this award.

Toyota Camry Hybrid H - Best Medium Car Under $35,000

The Toyota Camry Hybrid H has a 2.5 litre, 4 cylinder engine, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. It has a hybrid fuel system and yields a mileage of 5.2L/100km. The winner of the best car under $50,000 category. The Camry provides great value for money considering the plethora of features, great performance efficiency and advanced security systems it offers.

Stay tuned - next we’ll look at the winners of the over $50,000 categories.

Don't pay too much for new car servicing!