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2009 Honda Jazz


The second-generation Honda Jazz has finally been launched in Australia with prices starting at $15,990 for the entry-level Jazz GLi model and topping out at $23,920 for the flagship 1.5-litre VTi-S with automatic transmission. This represents a price increase of $1,000 for the VTi and VTi-S models only - the GLi remains unchanged.

While the new model is slightly less economical than the previous generation, a vehicle that consumes between 5.8L/100km to 6.7L/100km of fuel can hardly be deemed thirsty but what might count against this baby Honda - aside from its price premium over the Toyota Yaris and Mazda2 - is the omission of Electronic Stability Control for the local line-up.


2009 Honda Jazz

2009 Honda Jazz


The fitment of this potential life saving technology is necessary to achieve a five-star NCAP safety rating but while Honda Australia has been quick to point out that the omission of ESC has been enforced by the engine configuration of Aussie-delivered models, that argument sounds strange as all RHD models for local and overseas markets share identical engine configurations.

One of the biggest changes to the new generation Jazz is the change from CVT (continuously variable transmission) to the normal automatic transmission, which according to Chief designer Toshiyuki Harada, gives a better balance between fuel economy and driving enjoyment.

The 2009 Honda Jazz is on sale now.


2009 Honda Jazz interior


Honda Jazz GLi
Price (man/auto): $15,990; $17,990
Body: Five-door hatch
Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic
Power: 73kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 127Nm @ 4800rpm
Fuel consumption (man/auto): 5.8L/100km; 6.6L/100km
CO2 emissions (man/auto): 138g/km; 157g/km
Features: Power steering, remote locking, air-conditioning, single CD player, auxiliary audio input plug, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, speed alarm

Honda Jazz VTi
Price (man/auto): $19,170; $21,490
Body: Five-door hatch
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic
Power: 88kW @ 6600rpm
Torque: 145Nm @ 4800rpm
Fuel consumption (man/auto): 6.4L/100km; 6.7L/100km
CO2 emissions (man/auto): 151g/km; 159g/km
Features (extra to GLI): Alarm, audio controls on steering wheel

Honda Jazz VTi-S
Price (man/auto): $21,590; $23,920
Body: Five-door hatch
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed manual or five-speed automatic
Power: 88kW @ 6600rpm
Torque: 145Nm @ 4800rpm
Fuel consumption (man/auto): 6.4L/100km; 6.7L/100km
CO2 emissions (man/auto): 151g/km; 159g/km
Features (extra to VTi): Body kit, cruise control, chrome exhaust, leather steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels


[Source: Honda via Drive.com]









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Full details: Renault Twingo RS

August 27th 2008 00:15
Renault Twingo RS


French car maker Renault has finally released full details of the Twingo RS hatchback which completes the Renault Sport range alongside the Clio and Mégane Renault Sport.

As previously reported in February this year, the Twingo Renault Sport is powered by a 98 kW (133 hp) 1.6 litre 16V engine but the latest details released by Renault shows that it will have a choice of two chassis (Sport or Cup) as well as a certain degree of customer customisation in terms of exterior and interior detailing.

Renault Twingo RS

Renault Twingo RS


As with the Clio and Megane Cup editions, suspension tweaks, weight reduction - 17 kg lighter - and 17-inch dark anthracite wheels (the standard RS model gets 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels) are standard for the Twingo RS Cup Edition.

Renault Australia has yet to confirm whether the Twingo will make it over to our shores, but French car buyers will be able to pick-up the sporty little car for €15,601 (AUD$26,600).

Renault Twingo RS interior


The Official Renault Press Release:

TWINGO RENAULT SPORT: AN AFFORDABLE PRICE AND A DRIVING TUITION FOR AN EXTRA EURO

Thanks to its competitive pricing (€15,601 in France) which includes 'Renault Sport Experience' driving tuition, Twingo Renault Sport opens up the Renault Sport thrill to a wider range of customers, while putting them in complete control.

The Twingo Renault Sport range is simple and attractive: sporty looks, a 133hp 1.6 litre 16V engine and a choice of two chassis (Sport or Cup). The car can be customized to every driver's taste: exterior and interior Renault Sport detailing is available, along with a multimedia connection point.

From the car's launch, Renault Sport Technologies will offer every customer a service that is unique in the hot hatch segment: Renault Sport Experience driving tuition. This driver training course reinforces Renault's credentials as a socially responsible company and is available in several European countries. It teaches new buyers how to handle their new hot hatch, so they can get maximum enjoyment from Renault Sport's cars in total safety.

In France, the start of sales will be on September 11th.

Twingo Renault Sport, an appealing, straightforward range

This compact hot hatch completes the Renault Sport range, alongside Clio and Mégane Renault Sport. It is attractively priced, at just €15,600 in France, which includes 'Renault Sport Experience' driving tuition (for a supplement of €1 in France), Twingo Renault Sport emits 165g of CO2/km. In the context of the French pollution bonus/penalty scheme, the car had a penalty of just €200.

This hot hatch sets the standard in terms of comfort and versatility. In France, the car is fitted with independent, sliding rear seats as standard (on the sports chassis with 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels).

To satisfy the most demanding driving enthusiasts, Twingo Renault Sport is also available with a Cup chassis. This chassis is available with 17-inch Dark Anthracite alloys wheels and, in France, a rear bench seat (which can be removed or folded), all of which generates a weight saving of 17kg.

Twingo Renault Sport also premieres a new Renault Sport body colour which recalls that of Twingo Concept: Altica Grey. Three other metallic paint finishes are available (Pearlescent Black, Extreme Blue, Platine Grey), plus one non-metallic finish (Vif Red).

In France, the start of sales will be on September 11th.

A hot hatch for everybody's taste

From launch, Twingo Renault Sport will be available with a wide range of options to suit every customer's taste. Renault Sport graphics can be applied to the front quarter panels, the rear bumper and can even to the key housing. Inspired by the chequered flag design, these dynamic graphics evoke the world of motor sport. The newcomer also features latest-generation communications technology: hands-free Bluetooth telephone controls
and an audio connection box which permits drivers to connect an MP3 player or iPod® in total safety.

Renault Sport Experience, socially responsible driver training...

With its sharp looks, punchy engine and capable chassis, there's no doubting Twingo Renault Sport's fun-to-drive, sporty character. Competitive pricing (€15,601 in France) means that the car will be the entry point to the Renault Sport range for a new group of customers. Our predictions indicate that nearly half of potential buyers are under 30 years of age. To support these customers buying their first hot hatch, Renault Sport is offering every client in several European markets a service that is completely unique in this segment: the Renault Sport Experience.

Highly-trained instructors will train Twingo

Renault Sport drivers in safe driving techniques (position of hands on the steeringwheel, driving lines, braking, management of the ABS and ESP, etc.).

The Renault Sport Experience is endorsed by Romain Grosjean. He proves that it's possible to be young and passionate about sports driving while remaining socially responsible, both on track and on the road.

Equipment (in France):
Twingo GT:
o Body colour side protective mouldings,
o GT-badged sill,
o Satin grey rear spoiler,
o Chrome exhaust tailpipes,
o TCE 100hp engine,
o Rain and light sensors,
o Ashtray and cigar lighter,
o Boot light,
o 15-inch Noxiane alloy wheels,
o Driver's side one-touch electric window,
o 80W radio-CD with MP3 playback, remote display, fingertip remote control and
RCA socket in the glovebox,
o Extra-tinted rear windows,
o Leather steering wheel and gear knob.

Twingo Renault Sport = Twingo GT, plus
o Specific exterior styling:
- Specific front bumper with foglamp surrounds,
- Specific side skirts,
- Wider front and rear wings,
- Two-tone rear bumper with chrome exhaust tailpipes,
- 16- or 17-inch (on Cup chassis) alloy wheels,
- Dark Gunmetal Grey exterior mirrors and foglamp surrounds.
o Specific interior design:
- Dark Charcoal interior trim,
- Aluminium pedals,
- Leather steeringwheel incorporating thumb rests,
- Renault Sport rev-counter with gearshift indicator light,
- Front seats with additional lateral support, double stitching and Renault Sport
badging,
- Blood Orange seatbelts,
- Renault Sport-badged sills.
o Renault Sport 1.6 16V 133hp engine,
o Sport chassis,
o Fully disconnectable ESP (without emergency braking assist).
Options (in France):
o Front and rear curtain airbags €250
o Climate control €300
o Cup Pack: €450
Cup chassis 17-inch Dark Anthracite alloy wheels removable, folding rear bench seat
o Metallic paint €230
o Cruise control with speed limiter €230
o Panoramic sunroof €700
Accessories (in France):
Exterior customization
o 'Grey Shadows' graphics pack: €150
Three shades of grey, on either side of the car, plus rear bumper
o 'Renault Sport Chequers' graphics pack: €45
Renault Sport Chequers graphics available in: White, Anthracite Grey, Cool
Grey and Black, on the two rear pillars
o 'Chess' graphics pack: €107
Renault Sport graphics inspired by Twingo Concept
o Key graphics pack: €9
Graphics pack carried over to the key
Interior detailing
o 'Power Pads' pedal covers €60
in brushed aluminium, inspired by Twingo Concept
o Renault Sport-badged gearshift kit €150
Chrome satin finish zamac gear lever knob, leather and alcantara bellows with
Blood Orange stitching and matching base
o Practical Renault Sport-badged hand brake: €60
Chrome satin finish zamac
o Set of four Renault Sport Chequers rubber floor mats: €120
With brushed aluminium Renault Sport plaque on the driver mat
Two versions: white chequers on black, or black chequers on white
o Set of four Renault Sport Chequers fabric floor mats: €79
With brushed aluminium Renault Sport plaque on the driver mat
Two versions: white chequers on black, or black chequers on white
Connectivity and multimedia
o Hands-free Bluetooth® telephone controls €300 *
o Audio Connection Box €199 *
o Carminat Nomade €529 *
Dayton PM 2050 navigation system (Siemens VDO) with 3.5-inch colour screen and European
maps, with power support
o Carminat Nomade Bluetooth €599 *
Dayton PM 2050 navigation system (Siemens VDO) with 4.3-inch colour screen and European
maps, plus integrated power support
* including fitment


[Source: Renault]









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Volkswagen Golf GTi Pirelli Edition


The Volkswagen Golf GTI Pirelli edition which debuted at the international GTI Meeting at Wörthersee, Austria last May is due to arrive in Australian dealerships on or shortly after the 2008 Australian International Motor Show in October


[ Click here to read more ]
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Clio Renault Sport 197 arrives in Oz

August 7th 2008 04:30
Clio Renault Sport 197


The new generation Clio Renault Sport 197 has finally landed downunder, two years after the model was launched in Europe


[ Click here to read more ]
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Official: 2009 Volkswagen Golf Mk VI

August 6th 2008 04:30
2009 Volkswagen Golf Mk VI


German automotive giants Volkswagen have officially released details and pictures of the new generation (Mk.VI) Golf ahead of its European launch in October followed by Africa, Asia, Australia and North America


[ Click here to read more ]
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2009 Subaru Impreza WRX


Subaru North America has today confirmed details from the earlier 'leaked memo' that the 2009 Impreza WRX will receive a hefty power boost, plus a re-tuned suspension and minor styling tweaks in anticipation of the arrival of Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart Sportback


[ Click here to read more ]
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Hyundai i30 i-Blue

July 24th 2008 13:59
Hyundai i30 i-Blue


Korean car maker Hyundai has debuted its new brand for low CO2 emitting cars - the 'i-Blue' line of efficiency-focused vehicles - with the i30 i-Blue model at the London Motor Show. The i-Blue efficiency program actually made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March with the i10, a compressed natural gas powered car, but the i30 will be powered by a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine


[ Click here to read more ]
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2009 Renault Mégane R26.R

July 23rd 2008 01:30
Renault Megane R26.R


French car maker Renault has unveiled the Mégane R26.R hot hatch at the London Motor Show


[ Click here to read more ]
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Subaru Impreza WRX


Rumours of a note sent by Subaru to its North American dealers reveals a significant power hike - up to an estimated 195 kW (265 hp) - for the 2009 model year Impreza WRX


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2009 Kia Soul pictures and details

July 17th 2008 07:19
Kia Soul


Korean car maker Kia has released some new details and images of its funky new subcompact crossover which has been confirmed to be marketed globally after it goes on sale in Europe in February 2009, followed by the US and remaining overseas markets including Australia in April 2009


[ Click here to read more ]
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Mazda6


In what comes as a surprise move, Mazda Australia has announced a price cut for the recently launched Mazda6 in a bid to boost sales for the mid-sized vehicle


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Official: 2009 Ford Fiesta

July 14th 2008 06:05
2009 Ford Fiesta


The European arm of Ford has released first details on its stylish new Fiesta today - a small hatchback that will go head-to-head in a competitive segment with the likes of the Honda Jazz, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris


[ Click here to read more ]
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Fiat 500 Abarth Opening Edition


The following clip is a beautifully shot video of the Fiat 500 Abarth 'Opening Edition', a special limited edition from Fiat's performance division, Abarth, featuring a 118 kW 1.4-litre turbo engine


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