Jaguar Australia has just announced the market entrance of the much-awaited Jaguar XJ. The flagship model is perhaps the biggest, most prestigious and expensive vehicle from the company’s lineup.

The new model is offered in both its standard wheelbase form (SWB) and long wheelbase form (LWB) in most of the range, from Premium, Portfolio to Supersport. A number of engines are also available per variant. The Supersport variant however, only comes as a supercharged V8.

A striking characteristic of the new XJ is the modern glass roof design. It creates a refreshing atmosphere for passengers and gives the roofline a distinctly sleeker appearance. The interior is similarly updated, featuring chrome accents, leather upholstery, black inserts and intricate detailing.

In-car entertainment is on par with Jag’s luxury standards. The Jaguar XJ Portfolio and Supersport models are fitted with a 1200-Watt Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system and a dual-view eight-inch LCD screen. The screen allows the driver view satellite navigation information, at the same time as other entertainment features.

Buyers may choose between the 3.0 litre turbo diesel V6 engine, 5.0 litre V8, or 5.0 litre V8 Portfolio or Supersport engines. The foremost version offers the best fuel economy, with consumption results of 7L/100km and emissions of 184gm of CO2 per kilometre. Alternatively, the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 delivers an impressive 375kW of power. A detuned version of this same engine is offered for the Portfolio variant, delivering a lower 346kW. The notorious aluminium body structure weighs 150kg less than its nearest rival and further enhances the drive.

The XJ is currently available for sale, starting at $198,800 for the lower-spec variants and excluding on road costs.

XJ 3.0D SWB Premium Luxury $198,800?XJ 3.0D LWB Premium Luxury $206,800?XJ 5.0 V8 SWB Premium Luxury $251,000?XJ 5.0 V8 LWB Premium Luxury $259,000?XJ 5.0 V8 SWB Portfolio $274,800?XJ 5.0 S/C SWB Portfolio (346kW) $311,000?XJ 5.0 S/C SWB Supersport (375kW) $354,800?XJ 5.0 S/C LWB Supersport (375kW) $367,800

The new 2011 Sportage has been officially launched by KIA Australia. The new version of the well-known compact SUV, incorporates a cutting-edge design aesthetic, distinct from its previous generations.

The new Sportage offers a revised look – clean and elegant from front to rear. There is also a wider range of choices offered to buyers.

Three different engines are offered:
• 2.0-litre petrol, which delivers 122 kW and 197 Nm of torque (five-speed manual and six-speed auto)
• 2.4-litre petrol with 130 kW and 227 Nm of torque (auto only)
• 2.0-litre R-diesel engine (shared with the Hyundai ix35) that puts out an impressive 135 kW and 392 Nm of torque (auto only). This choice is perhaps the most acclaimed pick.

Several standard safety and other features are also offered across the range. These include:
• 6 airbags
• Dynamax AWD system designed by Magna
• LED daytime running lights and push-button start with smart key.

Most notably, the higher-end spec version incorporates a feature typically only foun in luxury European vehicles – ventilated driver seats.

KIA Sportage Si 2WD Manual – $25,990
2.0L?KIA Sportage Si 2WD Auto – $27,990
2.0L?KIA Sportage SLi 4WD – $31,990
2.4L?KIA Sportage Platinum 4WD – $35,990
2.4L?KIA Sportage SLi 4WD – $34,990
2.0R diesel?KIA Sportage Platinum 4WD – $39,990

Other Features:
• 2.0L Theta II petrol (122kW / 197Nm)
• 5-spd manual / 6-spd automatic
• 17” alloy wheels (225/60R17) with full-size spare
• Body coloured door handles & mirrors
• Metallic silver painted ‘Schreyer’ grille
• Electric mirrors with side indicators
• Front fog lamps
• LED-look rear combinations lamps
• Steering wheel mounted audio remote
• Height adjustable driver’s seat
• 60:40 split folding rear seats
• Rear armrest with dual cup holders
• Rear seatback folding straps
• Flat woven cloth seat
• 6 airbags (w. rollover sens) & Active front headrests
• ESP with ABS, DBC, HAC
• Keyless entry with burglar alarm
• CD player (USB/iPod) / 6 speakers
• Auto cruise control
• Manual air-conditioner

SLI:
• 2.4L Theta II petrol (130kW / 227Nm) or
• 2.0L R diesel (135kW / 392Nm)
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• AWD (Dynamax)

SI model features plus:
• Chrome door handles
• Chrome ‘Schreyer’ grille & belt line moulding
• Rear spoiler
• Leather-wrapped s/wheel & shift knob
• Artificial leather covered door trim
• Rear view camera with in-mirror display
• Driver window auto up & down with safety function
• Auto light control (dusk sensors)
• 6-function trip computer
• Sunvisors with illumination and extension
• Dual zone full automatic climate control
• Electric driver’s seat lumbar support
• Tricot cloth seat

PLATINUM:
• 2.4L Theta II petrol (130kW / 227Nm) or
• 2.0L R diesel (135kW / 392Nm)
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• AWD (Dynamax)

SLi model features plus:
• 18” alloy wheels (235/55R18) with full-size spare
• Privacy glass
• LED type daytime running light (DRL)
• Power driver’s seat (8 way)
• Ventilated driver’s seat
• Front seat warmers
• Leather seats
• 6CD changer with external amplifier & sub-woofer
• Panoramic sunroof
• Smart key with button start
• Windshield wipers with rain sensor
• Cooling glove box
• Luggage net
• Back warning sensors

ENGINES:
• 2.0-litre / 122 kW Petrol
- Name / Type ‘Theta II’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
- Capacity 2.0-litres, 1998cc
- Max power 122Kw @ 6200rpm
- Max torque 197Nm @ 4600rpm
- Fuel system Multi-point injection

• 2.4-litre / 130kW Petrol
- Name / Type ‘Theta II’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with dual CVVT
- Capacity 2.4-litres, 2359cC
- Max power 130Kw @ 6000rpm
- Max torque 227Nm @ 4000rpm
- Fuel system Multi-point injection

• 2.0-litre / 135 Kw Diesel
- Name / Type ‘R2.0’ / DOHC, four-cylinder in line, with single VGT
- Capacity 2.0-litres, 1995cc
- Max power 135kW @ 4000rpm
- Max torque 393Nm @ 1800-2500rpm
- Fuel system CRDi, common-rail, high pressure, direct injection
- Turbo system Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT)

SUSPENSION & DAMPING:
• Front Fully independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson Struts
• Coil springs
• Gas-filled shock absorbers
• Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
• Rear Fully independent by subframe-mounted multi-link

STEERING:
• Type Hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion
• Overall ratio 16.1:1
• Gearing 2.99 turns lock-to-lock
• Turning circle 10.58 metres

BRAKES:
• Power Tandem 8+9 inch booster
• Front 300 x 28mm ventilated discs
• Rear 284 x 10mm solid discs
• Parking brake Hand operated lever
• ABS 4-channel anti-lock system with EBD
• BAS Boosts braking power during emergency stops
• DBC Downhill brake control maintains 8kph during descents
• Braking 100-to-0 kph 43.5 metres

Melbourne will soon become the prime testing ground for electric vehicles. Families from Victoria are being invited to participate in a huge, real-world test of electric vehicles.

Invited by the motoring group RACV, households can apply one of 180 limited places on the trial project, which is funded partly by the state government. The $5 million, five-year trial will include a ballot system in order to accommodate the expected influx of family applications. Each household will be supplied an electric vehicle for 3 months.

The culminated feedback will capitulate beneficial information about day-to-day usage of electric cars.

The announcement of the trial accompanied the Aussie delivery of the much-awaited Mitsubishi MiEV and precedes a much wider rollout of eccentric Asian vehicles to Australia.

As part of the trial, the state will install 180 charging points for the participating vehicles. According to the state’s Premier, John Brumby, “Most other trials only use one type of vehicle and one type of charging point,” Mr Brumby said. “This is testing more things in real-world conditions.”

According to Brumby, 76 submissions have already been submitted to the government, from various businesses wanting to take part in the trial. He asserts the trial will be a “big step forward” for the state.

“This trial will expand as we move through the year and it will be, in many ways, the most comprehensive trial of electric vehicles in any city, anywhere in the world.”

The Porsche 918 Spyder has been given the green light to begin production. But alas! Aussie buyers will be disappointed due to no possibility of local availability.

The 918 Spyder will be the German sportscar specialist’s first hybrid supercar. Built in left-hand drive only however, Australians will be strapped to get their hands on one of the 900 production cars. This is largely due to the limited market here and the fact that Australia is the only place in the world where you cannot register a left-hand drive vehicle.

According to Managing Director of Porsche Cars Australia, there have been many bold responses to the car and still acknowledges its small, but still existent sales potentiality, noting that “Collectors will always be interested.”

The new model’s predecessor is the iconic, road-going supercar, the Carrera GT. Though few details have been publicly disclosed about the Spyder 918, there are of course, countless rumours. According to some sources, the car is capable of 0-100km//h time of under four seconds, while top speed is rumoured to be in excess of 300km/h. Most notably, Porsche alleges the successor will have an impressive fuel consumption of approximately 3 litres/100km, with CO2 emissions of 70 grams/kilometre.

Currently only one 918 Spyder has been produced by the powerhouse for a motor show display work. According to Winkler, the main production work lies with the plug-in hybrid drive system, a process which has only just been commenced. Though the motor show model is functional, he still predicted a minimum production period of 3 years, noting that the existing car works, “But it’s very much prototype components… The production date hasn’t been set yet, but there is some detailed development work still to be done, particularly in the battery technology and the cost of that technology. If you produced the car today the cost would be prohibitive. But in three or four years time things will have improved.”

“Development is going ahead in leaps and bounds, and it takes that long anyway to get some of those components reliable enough for everyday use.”

Development of the new vehicle is based in Weissach and it will reportedly be manufacturered in Zuffenhausen at the main factory.

All things considered, it is unlikely that the Spyder 918 is destined for a racing future, with Winkler conceding it is unlikely to be a track car.

Elegant coupes and convertibles have long been the niche of German powerhouse, BMW. Following a long line of innovative and stylish models since 1937 is the newest 3 Series Coupe & Convertible range. The range features slight overall revisions, enhanced options and standard equipment. Accompanying the cosmetic additions is improved performance, better fuel economy and exceptional handling.

On the outset the ‘updated’ versions are strikingly reminiscent of the originals. The superficial changes are restrained but definitely improve the overall visual aesthetic. An emphasised grille, framed headlights and LED light rings culminate to create a cleaner front design. Rear augmentations are also faint, but still clean-cut and contemporary. L-shaped LED red taillights have been incorporated, adding character to the aesthetic.

The drivability of the new Coupe & Convertible is considerably improved. The BMW 335i Convertible comes equipped with a seven-speed Sports Automatic Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The steering-wheel paddle shift system has been revised and simplified, allowing one side to change up and one side to change down. The drive actually sounds as good as it performs too. There are several drive options available to the driver. Keeping it in the full automatic mode allows aptly for holding gears and appropriate shifting, however discernibly, manual gear shifting offers more control. Notably, the vehicle’s 3.0-litre engine roars from 0-100km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The newly incorporated engine delivers an impressive 225 kW and 200 Nm. The handling is superbly capable, adapting audibly from long stretches to sudden and blind turns. As to the suspension and power delivery, the ride is smooth and unyielding on account of the newly incorporated single turbo engine and standard suspension updates.

Another significant alteration is the M Sports package – now a standard equipment feature. Both variants gain numerous features including:
• 19 inch double spoke light-allow wheels
• M Sport door sills
• Sports multi-function steering wheel
• M Sport suspension (this can be freely ‘deleted’ if you prefer your handling to be like an M3)
• Comfort Access System
• LED light elements
• USB audio interface

Moving on to the 320d Coupe. Both diesel variants are now available in six-speed manual transmission with auto start-stop technology. You can also opt for the 6-speed automatic. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel now delivers an improved 135 kW and 380Nm of torque, despite a reduced fuel economy of 4.7L/100km for the manual or 5.1 for the automatic. In terms of the handling capabilities, sharp cornering is less breezy given the absence of M-sport suspension. However, the change is distinct and offers a refined, comfortable ride, in keeping with its elegant looks. The drive design is executed well, given its combination of fuel efficiency, and a performance and audibly improved diesel engine.

Internally, the 3 Series remains true to its genes; combining comfort and sporty elegance. The well-designed cabin features comfortable, dynamic seats, new colour schemes and upholstery options galore. There is an extensive list of standard features including:
• Cruise control
• Climate control
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Partial electric seat adjustment (front – Coupe)
• Full electric seat adjustment with memory (Convertible)
• BMW Professional Radio system (MP3 compatible CD player)
• Bi-Xenon headlights
• Front/rear foglights
• Automatic windscreen wipers
• 17 inch light alloy wheels
• Electrically operated 3 part steel roof (Convertible)

An upgrade to the 325i and 330d sees you gain full electric sports front seats with lumbar support (330d only) and memory, Comfort Access System, Business Navigation System, cruise control with brake function and DSC with extended functions, with the 330d also featuring front Park Distance Control and the HiFi Loudspeaker system.

Safety is extensive (and standard). Both variants come standard with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a European car, including:
• Dual front, front side, full length side curtain airbags
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Antilock Braking System
• Brake assist
• Cornering Brake Control
• Active front head restraints
• Rain sensor
• Rear park distance control

There are numerous other options and option packs are available too. The new range undoubtedly carries on the BMW legacy of sporty, elegant vehicles. The Coupe variant begins at a reasonable $65,600, whereas the Convertible is around the $78,500 mark.

The New BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible Australian Pricing:
320d Coupe: $65,600*
320d Convertible: $78,500*
325i Coupe: $84,900*
325i Convertible: $98,700*
330d Coupe: $94,700*
330d Convertible: $107,700*
335i Sport Coupe: $116,700*
335i Sport Convertible: $129,900*

2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe & Convertible Engine Specifications:

BMW 320d Coupé:
• Four-cylinder in-line turbo diesel engine
• Capacity: cc 1,995
• Max output: kW/rmp 135/4,000
• Max torque: Nm/ rmp 380 /1,900-2,750
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec 7.5 (7.6)
• Top speed: 237km (235)
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): l/100km 4.7 (5.3)
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 125 (140)

BMW 320d Convertible:
• Four-cylinder in-line turbo diesel engine
• Capacity: cc 1,995
• Max output: kW/rpm 135/4,000
• Max torque: Nm/rpm 380/1,900-2,750
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec 8.3 (8.4)
• Top speed: km/h 228 (226)
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): l/100km 5.1 (5.6)
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 135 (149)

BMW 325i Coupé:
• Six-cylinder in-line engine
• Capacity: cc 2497
• Max output: kW/rpm 160/6,500
• Max torque: Nm/rpm 250/2,750-4,250
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec 0-100km/h sec 6.7 (7.1)
• Top speed: km/h 250 (250)
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): l/100km 8.7 (9.1)
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 203 (212)

BMW 325i Convertible:
• Six-cylinder in-line engine
• Capacity: cc 2,497
• Max output: kW/rpm 160/6,500
• Max torque: Nm/rpm 250/2,750-4,000
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec: 7.8 (8.4)
• Top speed: km/h 242 (240)
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 9.2 (9.5)
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 214 (222)

BMW 330d Coupé:
• Six-cylinder in-line turbo diesel engine
• Capacity: cc 2993
• Max output: 180/4000
• Max torque: 520/1750-3000
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec 6.1
• Top speed: 250
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 6.2
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: 164

BMW 330d Convertible:
• Six-cylinder in-line turbo diesel engine
• Capacity: cc 2993
• Max output: kW/rpm 180/4000
• Max torque: Nm/rpm 520/1750-3000
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec 6.5
• Top speed: km/h 250
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): l/100km 6.4
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 170

BMW 335i M Sport Coupé
• Capacity: cc 2979
• Max output: kW/rpm 225/5800
• Max torque: Nm/rpm 400/1200-5000
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec 0-100km/h sec 5.5 (5.4)
• Top speed: km/h 250 (250)
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle) 8.4 (8.4)
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 196 (196)

BMW 335i M Sport Convertible
• Capacity: cc 2979
• Max output: kW/rpm 225/5800
• Max torque: Nm/rpm 400/1200-5000
• Acceleration 0-100km/h sec: 0-100km/h sec 5.8 (5.7)
• Top speed: km/h 250 (250)
• Average fuel consumption (to EU Comb Cycle): 8.8 (8.8)
• CO2 emissions to EU standard: g/km 205