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2016 Ltd Edt Ford Falcon XR8 Turbo and XR6 Turbo Sprint

Full details on the new limited-edition 2016 Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo Sprint and XR8 Turbo Sprint sedan models have been revealed this morning, just hours after first leaking onto the internet.

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We road test the New 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC220d

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC is the latest in an ever-growing portfolio of capable off-road vehicles that also features the driving refinement of a passenger sedan. Based on the widely acclaimed C-Class platform, the GLC’s all round ability and ride quality is really no surprise.

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Is the New Mustang any Good ?

Few cars claim to be iconic, and fewer still can back it up.

There are a handful along the lines of the Mini Cooper, Land Rover Defender, Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class considered to be significant models that helped shape the motoring landscape

Ford’s Mustang is one of them, a car that elicits imagery few models can match.

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New Porsche Macan GTS at Tokyo Motor Show

The Porsche Macan GTS is yet another extension of the sports soft roader range and no doubt a further extension of its popularity.

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Jaguar XE 2016 Drive and Review

Jaguar 2016 XE 25t R-Sport, XE S and XE Prestige 20d
Australian Launch Review

Jaguar’s new XE has been a long time coming, but it’s been worth the wait. Two years ago, after the new car was officially announced, we speculated that it would be named XE. Since then the formula for a smaller-than-XF model has steadily crystalised, with news of its sophisticated Ingenium engines and sleek but conservative looks. Priced from $60,400 it’s now in Australia, ready to land a blow on its entrenched German rivals.

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2016 Ford Ranger first drive review

There are times when you find yourself behind the wheel of the Ford Ranger when you can forget you are driving a ute.

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Chinese LDV V80 van gets two stars for safety

One of Australia’s cheapest vans has been slammed by safety experts after scoring a “poor” two-star rating out of five in a crash test.

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2015 Volvo XC90 review

Volvo has released the first all-new XC90 in 12 years — and the first vehicle developed under the ownership of Chinese car-maker Geely.

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Nine things you need to know about the new Ford Everest

Ford’s new Everest is one of the most significant cars in its line-up.

While it’s not as well-known as the Focus, as iconic as Falcon or as sexy as the Mustang, it is arguably just as important as those models, anchoring the brand’s presence in the booming SUV market.

Here’s what you need to know about the new SUV:

1 – Everest represents the future of Ford Australia

The locally built Falcon and Territory sedan, ute and SUV will be consigned to the history books next year. While Ford will shut down its manufacturing plant, the company’s Victorian engineering, design and development hub will stay open as a key element of the blue oval’s Asia-Pacific network. Local engineers had a huge role in the design and development of Everest, something that will continue to be the case for future models to come.

2 – Think of this as Ranger wagon

The Everest shares its engine and underpinnings with Ford’s new Ranger ute, though it is more than a dual-cab Ranger with an extra couple of seats in the back. The Everest has its own suspension tune and different looks, along with a more liveable cabin than the work-ready ute.

3 – The Everest isn’t cheap

Ford will sell the new model in three trim lines ranging from $54,990 to $76,990. That makes it dearer than its entry level Toyota Prado ($51,990), Colorado 7 ($47,490) and Isuzu MU-X ($47,800) competitors. Ford defends the model by saying it has more standard equipment than most of its rivals.

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4 – This isn’t a school-run SUV

While no doubt ready for everyday duty, Ford has given the Everest serious off-road ability you won’t find in softer rivals such as the Toyota Kluger. It starts with a proper four-wheel-drive system, not the sort of road-focused, slip sensing and front axle-biased reactive setup you might find in a smaller Honda HR-V or Volkswagen Tiguan. An 800-millimetre water wading depth should make creek crossings a breeze, while 225mm of ground clearance is handy to have too. The Everest’s four-mode terrain select system, hill descent control and electronic rear differential lock promise to put it among the best in its class when the going gets rough.

5 – The Everest is not alone

Ford isn’t the first company to offer a ute-based SUV in Australia. Mitsubishi has its Challenger, Holden the Colorado 7 and Isuzu the MU-X that all put their own spin on the rugged wagon theme. Toyota’s HiLux-based Fortuner seven-seat SUV arrives in the third quarter of the year, following the Everest theme with serious off-road intent and a grunty diesel engine. Potential customers should consider waiting to look at the Toyota before committing to Ford’s new model.

6 – It features plenty of tech

Ford has loaded its latest wagon with technology that was exclusive to luxury cars not long ago. All models in the range have an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with voice-activated commands and the ability to serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Top models have lane keeping aids, parking assistance, radar cruise control, blind spot warning, cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning systems to keep you out of harm’s way. Other niceties such as active noise cancellation, tyre pressure monitors and programmable keys seal the deal.

7- Australia only gets the most powerful Everest

Overseas versions of the Everest are available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine or 2.2-litre turbo diesel not available in Australia. Instead, we get a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine that makes 143kW and 470Nm, pushing power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

8 – It’s a practical beast

The Everest features 12-volt power outlets in the front, middle and rear of the cabin, has a 240-volt power outlet on the back of the centre console and more than 30 storage spaces throughout the cabin. Airbags and air vents for all three rows of seating are excellent to see, while a three-tonne towing capacity, 750 kilogram payload and 100 kilogram roof payload should help it handle everything families can throw at it.

9 – It will replace the Territory

Or at least, it will form half of Ford’s plans for life beyond Territory. Although Ford won’t admit it on the record the Everest will effectively replace the Territory in the line-up, once the locally-made model finishes up. Ford Australia is believed to have ruled out the larger Explorer SUV available in the USA, instead planning to add the next generation mid-size Edge SUV alongside the Everest. The Edge will have a more on-road bias and only be available with a five-seat layout, leaving the Everest to cater to the Territory’s seven-seat customers.

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