What a year 2012 has been. The motorsport action was epic and always full of excitement and the motor industry never failed to disappoint with what they had to offer. Australian Driver Magazine will be changing over the next month with more information to come to you all soon. We have some big plans in place and we are hoping to get things off the ground early in the New Year. As we are working hard behind the scenes we hope you can bear with us as we prepare something special for 2013 to give all of you, the readers, more news and something special. Take care in the weeks ahead and be sure to stay safe on the roads. We truly appreciate each and every one of you and we would not be working so hard if it was not for the support you all show. Happy New Year to all and all of the team at Australian Driver Magazine wish you a very successful 2013.

Set for show rooms in the first quarter of 2013, Toyota’s next-generation RAV4 will arrive here in Australia with three new fuel-efficient engines. For the first time Toyota will include a turbo-dieselto the line-up. The new Rav4 will have more engines than ever before with two four-cylinder petrol engines as well as the torquey four-cylinder common-rail diesel. Making the announcement at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last week, Toyota showcased the Rav4 in the global reveal. Taking the wraps off a boldly redesigned vehicle, the new model features a sophisticated, dynamic and strong exterior and a spacious, high-quality interior. When it arrives in Australia early next year, Toyota’s popular mid-size SUV will offer improved dynamic performance, greater refinement, smart packaging, outstanding convenience technologies and even better value for money. In a significant break with Rav4 heritage, the spare tyre will be placed under the cargo floor and the new tailgate is hinged at the roof. Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the next-generation RAV4 will be even more capable and flexible to meet the needs of recreational and business users. “The exterior design is particularly striking, with a stronger silhouette that expresses RAV4′s inner strength and sporty nature,” Mr Callachor said. “It will attract young singles, couples and families looking for a spacious vehicle that accommodates their needs and can be driven on a wide variety of road conditions. “The performance and economy of the three new engines are integral to the overall RAV4 package that includes advances in agility and handling.” All three engines for the next-generation Rav4 have impressive fuel economy and emissions performance. The new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is a stand-out, with combined-cycle fuel economy dipping below 6.0 litres/100km and CO₂ emissions below 150g/km when mated to a manual transmission. Offering a strong, flat torque curve with more than 200Nm available from just above idle and a peak well in excess of 300Nm the engine is sure to pack a punch. The two petrol four-cylinder engines are almost identical to those in the 133kW 2.5-litre Camry Altise and the 102kW 2.0-litre Corolla Ultima sedan. They incorporate Toyota’s dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for high performance, good fuel economy, low emissions and smooth, quiet operation. All three engines are mated to six-speed manual transmissions as standard although the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.5-litre petrol engines can be specified with six-speed automatic transmissions while the 2.0-litre engine is available with Toyota’s advanced MultiDrive Sport CVT with seven-speed sequential manual mode. New RAV4 includes other driver-oriented improvements including an advanced all-wheel drive system, a better driving position, improved front and rear vision, and the safety of a more rigid body and seven airbags. Premium features on high-grade variants include a power-operated tailgate, blind-spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers and electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. “These and other attributes of the next-generation model will expand the appeal of a vehicle that has been a hit in Australia with almost 200,000 sales since the first-generation RAV4 was launched in 1994,” Mr Callachor said.  

Australian rally driver, Brendan Reeves, has been given the chance to test drive a Ford Fiesta World Rally Car in the UK this month. Reeves, who finished fourth overall in this year’s FIA WRC Academy, has been rewarded for his excellent 2012 performances with an invitation to attend the exclusive test day. Reeves will have the opportunity to test drive a World Rally Car during a one hour test session in the UK. The 24 year old is rapt to have been offered the test drive and whilst it means a trip to the UK at his expense, he is grabbing it with both hands. “I’m stoked to be given this chance to drive a Fiesta World Rally Car,” Reeves said.  “It is a nice reward for our efforts this year and driving the World Rally Car will give me a real taste of the next level of the sport. “I had the chance to sit beside Ken Block in his Fiesta World Rally Car just prior to Rally Finland this year and it was a great experience.  To now have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a similar car myself is fantastic. “Testing the World Rally Car is a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully it leads to more similar opportunities in the future. “We haven’t confirmed our program for 2013 just yet. We learnt so much in 2012 and competing in the Academy again has been really important for our careers and we’d love to be able to continue competing in the World Rally Championship again in 2013. “I’d really like to thank M-Sport for the amazing efforts they put into the WRC Academy this year and also for giving me the chance to take part in the test drive.”

Scooters are the two wheeled counter-part of motorcycles but is one the riding world would rather forget. However, when you match Bayliss, Crump and McCoy with 50cc Scooters, the world all of a sudden begins to think differently…..even if it is only for a short time. This month, December 8/9, at the Gold Coast Parklands Showground’s, the World’s toughest scooter event will return, the Insure My Ride Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon presented by TGB Scooters. Into its eighth year, the Scooterthon is certainly an event that continues to grow, and this year it is sure to be world class. Three time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss will team up with three time World Speedway champion Jason Crump plus multiple Guinness book world record holder Mark ‘Brownie’ Brown to take on 25 other teams in the world’s most demanding scooter endurance test. Multiple Moto GP and World Superbike race winner Gary McCoy plus many more excellent riders will also start on the grid. Bayliss who is use to 1000cc under his seat was beaming after his short ten minute stint in front of the cameras for the media last week. “I can’t wait for next [this] week, it’s going to be a lot of fun riding with Crumpy and Brownie, these little scooters are great on this track. “I hope everyone comes down to support this great event, it’s only a gold coin donation entry and it all goes to charities” said Bayliss. “I would also like to announce that I want to donate all my ride gear from the event to Mat & Chloe Rogers (Mat Rogers Duel International Rugby legend) for their great children’s charity 4 ASD KIDS” Bayliss continued. “This event it’s not about the size of his engine, it’s about the size of his heart,” said Rogers. “This is a very kind gesture Troy has offered us, a helmet would have been great but to have all his ride gear to auction is amazing. This will help so many children and we can’t thank Troy enough.” Mat, together with his wife Chloe, head up the great children’s charity ’4 ASD KIDS’ www.4asdkids.com. The Scooterthon each year supports a number of charities and this year is no different, ‘Give me 5 for kids’ Children’s Charity and ‘Racesafe Medical team’ will split all gold coin entry donations and funds raised from a major raffle that includes first prize of a new TGB Scooter. Where – Gold Coast Parklands Showground’s When – Sat 8th Dec 12 Midday – Sun 9th Dec Midday Special Guest Riders include - Troy Bayliss – 3 x World Superbike Champion & Moto GP Race Winner Jason Crump – 3 x World Speedway Champion Gary McCoy – Multiple Moto GP and World Superbike race winner Darcy Ward – 2 x Under 21 World Speedway Champion Peter Spida Everitt – AFL legend and tallest guy you will ever see on a 50cc scooter.

Holden’s range of SUV is about to be boosted. After the reception the new Colorado ute received, Holden have turned the light commercial vehicle range upside down by introducing their first serious off-roader in more than a decade, the new Colorado 7 4X4. Developed alongside the hard-working Colorado LCV range, Colorado 7 has been designed to meet the needs a tough and stylish SUV with genuine off-road credentials, hefty 3-tonne towing capacity and a cabin large enough to haul a large family and cargo. Colorado 7 boasts the same muscular styling, powerful new Duramax 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and impressive off-road capability as its LCV sibling with generous cargo space, full-size seven-seat interior, and a chassis configuration designed specifically for the SUV. Colorado 7 will be available in two specifications, the well-equipped entry level LT and top-spec LTZ.  Recommended retail pricing ranges from $46,990 for the LT and $50,490 for the LTZ. Colorado 7 also shares the safety credentials of its Colorado Crew Cab stable-mate, which is recognised with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.  Colorado’s robust structural design is backed by a comprehensive array of safety features with Electronic Stability Control, dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row on both LT and LTZ variants. One powertrain and transmission combination will be available with the strong-performing 2.8-litre diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission standard on both LT and LTZ Colorado 7 models.  The Duramax diesel engine achieves 132 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Colorado 7’s advanced diesel technology ensures it returns 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres (ADR 81/02) and 252 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. Colorado 7’s chassis has been engineered independently of the Colorado LCV and is biased towards passenger comfort.  While both models share an independent double wishbone front suspension set up, Colorado 7 features a five-link live axle rear suspension configuration that is unique to the SUV and coil springs front and rear. The Holden SUV’s impressive off-road performance is underpinned by a part time four-wheel drive system with transfer case, with low and high ratio gears, Shift on the Fly and Limited Slip Differential.  Colorado 7’s Descent Control System enhances its already formidable 4X4 capability. Colorado 7’s generous interior dimensions enable a spacious and practical interior layout, with seven seats fitted across the range.  With the second and third row seats folded, Colorado 7 can accommodate as much as 1830 litres of cargo.  Holden Executive Director – Sales and Marketing Philip Brook said Colorado 7 will be an exciting addition to Holden’s growing SUV portfolio, allowing Holden to offer a serious 4X4 alternative in the rapidly expanding SUV market. “The new Colorado 7 is the type of vehicle Australian buyers expect Holden to offer.  We’re really excited to bring a genuine off-roader back into the Holden line-up,” he said. “Colorado 7 is a very impressive all-rounder – it has seven seats, tough on-road presence, a rugged body-on-frame structure, powerful 2.8 litre Duramax diesel powertrain with 6-speed automatic transmission, 3-tonne towing capacity and enough room to haul the family and a heap of gear. “It also has an accomplished and durable four-wheel drive system with Shift on the Fly, Descent Control and Limited Slip Differential, which means it’s capable of tackling the toughest bush tracks. “Colorado 7 also offers peace of mind with a maximum five star ANCAP safety rating, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, driver and front passenger airbags, full length curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control across the range. “It represents outstanding value with a starting price of $46,990 for the LT, which comes fully loaded with side steps, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth® and six speaker audio system with USB and iPod® connectivity. “With our Captiva range a proven performer in the family SUV sector, Colorado 7 taking up the challenge in the serious four-wheel drive market, and the new Trax SUV arriving next year, Holden will be in its best position yet to take advantage of the SUV sales boom.”