Mazda’s fourth-generation MX-5 appears to have stayed true to the lightweight roots of the 1989 original, despite the global legislative need these days for safety and emission requirements that add weight to almost every component. The new MX-5 has been unveiled simultaneously at three global locations in Japan, USA, and Spain. Details are slim, other than it’s a product of … [Read more...] about New Mazda MX-5 honours Japanese desire for ‘emotional values’
New Sorento SUV headed to NZ: stronger, quieter, more refined, says Kia
Kia has promised that its next-generation models will be quieter and more refined, in part because of new materials in dashboards that ‘absorb’ noise from the engine bay. It is also making dashboards up to 30 per cent thicker to take advantage of the new materials. Other measures to cut noise include the use in its diesel vehicles of a special ‘wrapping’ for the exhaust … [Read more...] about New Sorento SUV headed to NZ: stronger, quieter, more refined, says Kia
Designer’s dream: classic Mark 2 Jaguar gets 21st century makeover
Jaguar’s chief designer Ian Callum has gone back in time to deliver his latest product, a custom-built 2014 version of a 1962 Jaguar Mark 2. The born-again classic was an 18-month project between the designer and Classic Motor Cars in Shropshire, England. "The stance of the Mark 2 is already excellent, but I wished to make it even better,” said Callum. “The … [Read more...] about Designer’s dream: classic Mark 2 Jaguar gets 21st century makeover
Australia won’t become ’dumping ground’ for used imports, says government
The Australian Federal Government is treating with caution a recommendation by its own Productivity Commission to allow imported used cars into the country, with a senior cabinet minister saying it wouldn’t become a “dumping ground for second-hand vehicles". The government has not said whether it will support or reject the recommendation, only that it "will be thoroughly … [Read more...] about Australia won’t become ’dumping ground’ for used imports, says government
Volvo XC90 heads to NZ equipped with safety world firsts
Volvo is promising that its second-generation XC90 will be the safest and most fuel-friendly SUV on the market when it lands in New Zealand around the middle of next year. It will first break cover here in February when two models go on show during the stopover for the Volvo round-the-world yacht race. “At this stage,” said Volvo NZ general manager Stephen Kenchington, “we … [Read more...] about Volvo XC90 heads to NZ equipped with safety world firsts