Honda’s all-new Civic Hatch has made it to Australia and is in dealerships around the country. The development period for the new Civic Hatch spanned four years. Nearly all components are new or have been further developed with four areas being targeted. The suspension set-up was improved in better the ride and handling. Fluid-filled compliance bushings for superior damping are included in the rear suspension. A H-Beam Trailing Arm with even higher rigidity than the predecessor Civic Type R improves the road stability. Interior materials were looked at and worked over to improve the overall interior quality. New styling and aerodynamics for a refreshed image and improved efficiency and the engine for improved performance and reduced CO emissions. Overall, the new Civic Hatch builds on the core strengths of its predecessor and takes them to a higher level. The Civic Hatch is available in two variants; the VTi-S and the VTi-L. Both variants will now feature an improved 1.8 litre four cylinder i-VTEC engine that delivers maximum power of 104kW at 6500rpm and 174Nm of torque at 4300rpm.  Fuel economy is starting to really play a major role in people’s decisions when looking at buying a new car. The all-new Civic Hatch has a combined fuel usage of 6.1l/100kms for the manual and 6.5l/100kms for the automatic. A strong feature list comes with the new Civic and includes heated power door mirrors with LED turn indicators, LED daytime running lights, Honda’s unique Magic Seats, an intelligent multi-information display (i-MID), Honda’s Eco Assist system and Econ Mode as well as power windows.  Offering new touch point surface materials that are used throughout give the Civic Hatch improved quality feel. The VTi-L has a premium audio system with seven speakers including tweeters and sub-woofer that also includes USB connectivity, iPod integration, auxiliary jack and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC). Also on the inside there are power windows with remote operation via key fob (down on VTi-S and up/down on VTi-L) and a multi-array microphone for Bluetooth system (VTi-L only). The outside sees a lower and wider aerodynamic monoform profile, a new brake and indicator light cluster design which seamlessly unifies all surfaces including the wheel arches and body. The all-new Civic Hatch achieves a five-star ANCAP safety rating and features six airbags (front, side and full length curtain), Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, Honda’s G-Con technology, tyre deflation warning system and a reversing camera for the VTi-L (displayed in the Intelligent Multi-information Display).  To help improve visibility of this new look car Honda have included LED day time running lights and a LED combination brake/tail lights. “We are proud to launch the all-new Civic Hatch to Australia to take up the fight in the small hatch market”, said Honda Australia’s Director and General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mr. Stephen Collins. “With European heritage, the Civic Hatch has superior styling, dynamic handling and practical features. Priced from just $22,650 it offers exceptional value for money. “We are very confident customers will love the Civic Hatch,” Mr. Collins said. Manufacturer’s List Price

	Transmission	MLP flat paint	Drive Away
Civic Hatch VTi-S	Manual	$22,650	$24,990
Civic Hatch VTi-S	Automatic	$24,950	$27,290
Civic Hatch VTi-L	Automatic	$29,990

Features VTi-S

• 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine delivering 104kW @ 6500 rpm and 174Nm of torque
• Six-speed manual transmission with Shift Indicator Light (SIL)
• Five-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts and Grade Logic Control
• Fuel economy of 6.1l/100kms for the manual (combined urban/extra urban) and 6.5l/100kms for the automatic (combined urban/extra urban)
• CO₂ emissions of 146g/km for the manual and 155g/km for the automatic
• Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering
• ECO Assist with ECON mode
• Five-star ANCAP safety rating
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure
• Six airbags (front, front side and full length side curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (EBA)
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
• 16 inch alloy wheels with temporary spare tyre
• McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension
• Ventilated disc front and solid disc rear brakes
• Heated body coloured door mirrors with LED turn indicators
• Variable and intermittent front wipers
• Halogen headlights with beam height adjustment and auto-off function
• LED rear combination taillights and high-mounted brake lights
• LED daytime running lights
• Right rear fog light
• Rear wiper
• Tailgate spoiler
• Automatic climate control with rear ventilation ducts
• Three child safety seat anchorages
• Deflation warning system (can be activated or deactivated through the i-MID)
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners
• Hill Start Assist
• G-force Control (G-CON) technology
• Seatbelt reminder for driver and all passengers
• Security alarm system and engine immobiliser
• Transmission Shift Lock on automatic (TSL)
• Remote keyless entry
• Remote control locking with two-stage unlocking mechanism
• 390 litre boot capacity with rear seats in normal position and 1,120 with the Magic Seats folded down flat
• Two 12-volt accessory power outlets
• Audio system with USB connectivity, iPod integration, auxiliary jack and Speed-sensitive Volume Control (SVC)
• Steering-wheel mounted audio and i-MID controls
• Four cargo hooks
• Central locking with one-touch master lock/unlock switch for driver
• Day/night rear-view mirror
• Driver seat height adjustment
• Dust and pollen filter
• Magic seats
• Intelligent Multi-information display with warnings and customisable wallpaper
• Front and rear power windows with auto up/down feature on front windows
• Cloth trim
• 60:40 split fold rear seats
• Tilt and telescopic steering
• Whiplash mitigation front seat design

VTi-L (in addition to VTi-S specifications)

• Rain-sensing auto front wipers
• Dusk-sensing auto on/off halogen headlights
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter
• Leather interior with two-stage heated front seats
• Leather steering wheel with audio, i-MID, Bluetooth and cruise control buttons
• Front passenger seatback pocket
• Reversing camera displayed on i-MID
• 17 inch alloy wheels with temporary spare tyre
• Premium audio system with seven speakers including tweeters and sub-woofer
• Rear seat centre armrest with two cup holders
• Front door blue ambient lighting
• 12-volt luggage area accessory power outlet
• Fog lights

There is an age old battle between owners of 4WD vehicles as to which one is the best on and off road. Mitsubishi came into the fight in Australia in 1983 and have not looked back, as every year they continue to improve the capabilities of this go anywhere 4WD. The current Pajero is the fourth generation and leaves many other 4WD’s in its dust off road while making a statement on the road. As a go anywhere car the Pajero is well thought-out and designed and makes you feel like you can tackle any road in Oz. The VRX is one of five in the range and offers all the right gear for the traveler. Having all the features of the GLX and GLS and a few more, there is a lot on offer in and out of this car. The exterior shows a tough and strong feel with side steps, fog lamps, the addition of 18 inch alloy wheels, body coloured door mirrors and a rear spoiler and the finish is one worth staring at. Getting aboard the beast is not that much of an effort thanks to the side steps and the large doors all round. The seats are a good size but offer less support then we would have liked in a 4WD. The sports cloth and leather trim defiantly give the seats a good feel and there is more than enough room in the front and second row. The driver’s seat has an 8-way adjustment and includes lumber support and both front seats are heated for that extra comfort. Grabbing on to the leather bound steering wheel which holds many a button for Bluetooth, stereo and cruse, gives the real sense that this 4WD has a lot to offer. The dash cluster is large but the way the lighting is and how close the numbers are together makes reading the speed rather difficult. The VRX we tested had the Adventure Navigation Pack fitted which includes satellite navigation, reversing camera and iPod control. Although we did not really need the satellite nav around the city, the operation and control of the system is simple to use. In such a big vehicle the reversing camera did wonders for rearward visibility as without this it was very difficult to see. When plugging in my iPod the system was also easy to use. One of the best features of this Pajero is the 860 Watt 12 speaker Rockford Acoustic stereo system which includes a subwoofer. Whether we were watching a DVD in the roof mounted player, which also plays through the front screen when stopped, or just cranking up the golden oldies the sound system was fantastic. Moving to the third row of seats, which when not used fold flat and into the floor, there is very little room for anything. A family with a few children would enjoy this extra room but it would not be too long before they out grow the third row seating position. When the seats are folded there is more than enough boot space and the tailgate is not overly heavy and can be locked open if needed. Driving along most roads the suspension does a great job in keeping the ride smooth. The downfall to making the ride so smooth is the lack of handling when taking a corner. The Pajero will still stick to the road like hot tar to your boots but the fun of driving on the road is not there. Pushing it into the corners all you get is a lot of body roll and very noise tyres. Off road on the other hand the Pajero is in its element. The dirt and gravel roads seem to not worry the all terrain tyres and we were surprised by where we could get the Pajero into and best yet out of. The VRX diesel has plenty of power and is not the worst in fuel economy. The 3.2L CDI DOHC intercooled turbo diesel offers power when needed but can be driven around at a steady pace to conserve fuel. The output of the engine is 147kW at 3800rpm and 441 Nm at 2000rpm which always seemed more than enough to get us out of trouble. The combined fuel usage is said to be 9L/100km, which we believe is achievable on long drives. In everyday driving we could only get at best 12.3L/100km but we were still happy with that. The 5-speed automatic transmission with “Sports Mode” sequential style shift change and INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ did not seem all that smart to me. Yes it worked well with the diesel however it seems to lack the ability to find the correct gear when you really want one and it could really do with sixth. The options offered in the transmission are 2H (2WD High Range), 4H (4WD High Range), 4HLC (4WD High Range w/Locked Centre Differential) and 4LLC (4WD Low Range w/Locked Centre Differential). All work well when used in the correct application. ADM Opinion The Pajero VRX diesel is a fantastic 4WD. It goes anywhere, with some limitations, and looks the part. The sound system and options make this an everyday vehicle and one that does not take long to enjoy. The ride is good and engine and road noise is very minimal. The transmission could do with a little improving but it is by far not the worst on the market. The feel of the build is good and it does not feel like a cheap build. Well worth the look if shopping for a real 4WD. Specifications Engine: 3.2L CDI DOHC intercooled turbo diesel Drivetrain: 5-speed automatic transmission with “Sports Mode” sequential style shift change and INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ Power: 147kW & 441 Nm Weight: 3030kg (Gross weigh) Towing Capacity (Braked): 3000kg Wheels: 18” x 7.5 6-spoke alloy – 265/60R-18 Fuel Tank Capacity: 88 litres Fuel Consumption: Tested average: 12.3L/100km – Official average: 9L/100km 2012 Model Cost: $70,890 Metallic Paint $495 Navigation Pack $2300 MRP – Manufacturer Retail Pricing as at 1 April 2012 Prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges Likes Size Sound System Navigation System Power Dislikes Handling Third row seats Automatic ADM give the 2012 VRX Pajero Diesel 3.5/5 helmets

The SUV market is one of the most crowded and competitive segments in Australia with so many vehicles to choose from. A strong contender for top spot is the 2012 Kia Sportage, and yes you read correct, top spot. This SUV is filled with features and options, drives great and the best part is that it looks unbelievably good.

With so many choices, manufactures have to do special things to get the attention of buyers and just by looking at the Sportage you can tell it is something different. Walking up to the SLi you notice straight from the get go that this is something you want to be seen in. Design is the key to Kia’s new philosophy and they have made no mistakes when the engineers took pen to paper with the all-new Sportage design. The SLi comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels, many exterior chrome pieces, heated outside door mirrors for the cold and frosty winter days, tinted glass and other add-on parts to finish the look. It sits level and has a rather sleek speedy look that not many other SUV’s have. Once inside the style continues with a leather wrapped steering wheel which includes cruise control and stereo controls. Looking past the wheel, the instruments are well laid out and very easy to read with the radio and clock shown in a soothing red glow. The use of harder plastics for the dash works in this SUV as they are finished extremely well with no squeaks and it gives a tougher feeling overall. Sitting in the cloth covered seats you are able to find a perfect position fast with the 6-way adjustments and lumber support (driver’s seat only) which helps you enjoy the drive as they are comfortable. The seating position is top notch and visibility is good. The rear window is small and the roof slants a lot to the rear, however the view backwards is still reasonable. Sitting in the back is not a problem as there is loads of room for an adult in all directions and the seats are firm but comfortable. The boot space is ample which makes the Sportage practical for everyday use and holidaying. As for engine noise, it is only at idle that you can tell you are behind the wheel of a diesel. When accelerating the engine as a purr rather than a roar. There is also very little in the way of road noise as the suspension takes all the bumps of the terrible Queensland roads. The Sportage SLi comes with an option of two different engines. A petrol 2.4L or 2.0L diesel with only a 6-speed automatic and both are active AWD (part-time with lock mode). The 2.4L offers 130kW and 227Nm but the turbo diesel, one tested, on the other hand offers a modest 135kW but an incredible 392Nm of torque. To put the torque into perspective an Isuzu D-Max 3L turbo has 120kW and 360Nm while a Mitsubishi Triton turbo diesel has 131kW and 400Nm. With these figures matching and bettering some commercial utes but in a vehicle which is more maneuverable, the power is well worth tourqing about. The diesel’s combined fuel consumption is 7.5 L/100km and we were able to achieve this and better throughout the week which we thought was fantastic as we had plenty of power there when we needed it. For the environmentalists out there, the combined CO2 emissions for the diesel are 198 g/km. The drive is one that can be compared to a sedan. The mid-corner speed can be held and traction is not an issue as the AWD system kicks in and keeps the nose pointing in the right direction. Steering wheel feel is light but has good feedback and keeps the driver interested. The passive safety is well and truly here in this SUV with the Sportage offering many airbags, side door impact beams and front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters. The list is long for active safety with all the three letter words pushed into this SUV. ABS (anti-lock braking system) which includes EBD (electronic brake distribution) and BA (brake assist), ESC (electronic stability control), DBC (downhill brake control) and HAC (hill-start assist control), all meaning when driving there are plenty of features working for you. The SLi also comes standard with a rear view camera with mirror display and dusk-sensing automatic headlamps. ADM Opinion The Kia Sportage itself is one of the best SUV’s on the market. Coming along way over time, this generation as certainly made its presence known in Australia and the world. The diesel is a great engine and offers more than enough power and has excellent fuel economy. Aesthetically this is a great looking vehicle inside and out and was a pleasure to be in and seen in. All in all the Sportage SLi is an excellent package and would suit anyone looking for an SUV. Specifications Engine: In-line 4 cyl. E-VGT CRDi 16 valve Drivetrain: 6-speed automatic AWD (Part-time with lock mode) Power: 135kW and 392Nm torque Weight: 2,140kg (Gross weight) Towing Capacity (Braked): 1,600kg Wheels: 17” Alloy – 225/60 R17 Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres Fuel Consumption: Tested average: 7.4L/100km – Official average: 9.5L/100km 2012 Model Cost: SLi Petrol AT – 2.4 Litre – $32,720 SLi Petrol AT with Navigation – 2.4 Litre – $34,220 SLi Diesel AT – 2.0 Litre – $35,720 SLi Diesel AT with Navigation – 2.0 Litre – $37,220 MRP – Manufacturer Retail Pricing Prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges Likes Power Handling Aesthetics Comfort Dislikes Drivers door trims too high Giving it back to Kia Rating 4.5 out of 5 helmets . . . . Written by Lee McKenzie McKinnon

With the Australian launch set for the middle of this year, Holden have released details of the new-generation 2012 Holden Colorado. The 2012 Holden Colorado range will offer three body styles – single cab, space cab and crew cab – and offer two all-new 2.5-litre and 2.8-litre DOHC in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines. Both engines are tuned to deliver peak torque low in the rev range for maximum driveability and cargo carrying capability, while the 2.8-litre engine – when paired with the optional six-speed automatic transmission – produces 10 per cent more power and 40 per cent more torque than the outgoing 3.0-litre diesel powertrain it replaces. The new Colorado will boast a class-leading 3.5-tonne towing capacity across the 2.8-litre turbo diesel range and an impressive 3.0-tonne towing capacity on all 2.5-litre variants. An extensive list of safety features will be standard across the range, including driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Electronic Stability Control. Colorado will also be equipped with lifestyle and comfort features including Bluetooth® connectivity, air-conditioning, power windows, auxiliary plug and USB port, two auxiliary power outlets and iPod® compatible audio system. Holden Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said the company had been working hard to finalise the local range ahead of the Colorado’s official launch since the show car was revealed at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last July. “The new Colorado is a new era for Holden LCVs and will play a vital role in our product renaissance.  We’re so excited about its performance as a tough, daily workhorse and active recreational vehicle that we wanted to preview the range as soon as possible,” Mr Elsworth said. “This is the most impressive light truck ever designed by General Motors, and we expect it to be a serious challenger in the competitive Australian light commercial market. “Our diesel-only powertrain strategy means we’ll offer two very competitive, responsive engines that boast impressive towing capacity of up to 3.5-tonne, which we know our customers will love. “A number of new Colorados are already out on the road gathering important data on engine and transmission performance, drive quality and suspension tune.  This evaluation work will continue for the next few months to make sure it is perfectly suited for Australian roads and conditions.” “And in the meantime customers will have the chance to inspect the new range at Holden dealerships from April, with a number of Colorados touring the country as part of our pre-launch roadshow.” Holden is currently performing local development work on the new Colorado using a series of engineering tests, which includes a rigorous five-month real-world drive quality evaluation on Australian roads. The Colorado workhorse will be put through its paces in a range of recreational activities typically experienced by light commercial vehicle customers, including four-wheel driving, towing, farming, camping and fishing. 2012 Holden Colorado – Standard Features Powertrain

Engine/transmission	Power (kW)	Torque (Nm)
2.5-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with five-speed manual transmission (selected models only)	110 @ 3,800 rpm	350 @ 2,000 rpm
2.8-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with five-speed manual transmission	132 @ 3,800 rpm	440 @ 2,000 rpm
2.8-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with six-speed automatic transmission	132 @ 3,800 rpm	470 @ 2,000 rpm

Towing Capacity

• 3,000kg – 2.5-litre turbo diesel
• 3,500kg – 2.8-litre turbo diesel

Steering System

• Hydraulic rack-and-pinion

Suspension

• Independent double wishbone, coil spring front suspension
• Leaf spring rear suspension

Safety and Security Features

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Front Drive and Passenger Airbags
• Curtain Airbags

Interior Features

• Air-conditioning
• Auxiliary plug and USB port
• Two auxiliary power outlets
• Bluetooth® connectivity
• iPod® compatible audio system
• Power windows

Exterior Dimensions (4×4)

	Single Cab	Space Cab	Crew Cab
Wheelbase	3,096 mm	3,096 mm	3,096 mm
Overall length (chassis)	5,147 mm	5,127 mm	5,127 mm
Overall length (pick up)	-	5,347 mm	5,347 mm
Overall width (excluding mirrors)	1,882 mm	1,882 mm	1,882 mm
Overall height	1,785 mm	1,780 mm	1,780 mm
Front overhang	944 mm	944 mm	944 mm
Rear overhang (pick up)	-	1,308 mm	1,308 mm
Front track	1,570 mm	1,570 mm	1,570 mm
Rear track	1,570 mm	1,570 mm	1,570 mm

Interior Dimensions

	Single Cab	Space Cab	Crew Cab
Front legroom	1,049 mm	1,049 mm	1,049 mm
Front headroom	1,014 mm	1,005 mm	1,005 mm
Front shoulder room	1,462 mm	1,458 mm	1,458 mm
Rear legroom	-	739 mm	914 mm
Rear headroom	-	950 mm	973 mm
Rear shoulder room	-	1481 mm	1,450 mm

Colorado pricing and full model line-up details will be announced closer to launch.

The 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 thoroughbred sportsbike has arrived in Australia and is guaranteed to turn heads with its striking new colour scheme. The original and only 750cc sportsbike on the market, the 2012 GSX-R750 continues a legacy dating back to the model’s ground-breaking launch in 1985, where it took race replica motorcycles to a new level. Suzuki’s best-selling sportsbike in 2011^, the GSX-R750 is a direct link between the racetrack and the streets and delivers powerful performance with supreme handling, making it a truly individual street machine. Powered by an advanced 750cc, 4-cylinder engine producing 110kW of power, the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 features the latest Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve (SDTV) fuel injection system, delivering impressive throttle response along with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. The Suzuki Drive Mode Selector (S-DMS) optimises engine output and provides riders a selection of two engine maps to suit the conditions or their riding preference. The GSX-R750′s chassis has been designed with an emphasis on weight reduction and compactness to improve overall handling and provide an ideal power-to-weight ratio. The lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame, made from just five cast sections and cast swingarm, delivers superb cornering on both the road and racetrack, with optimal rigidity and unmatched accuracy. The GSX-R750 features inverted, lightweight Showa Big Piston Front-forks (BPF), developed on the racetrack for even more supreme handling. For greater stopping performance, Suzuki’s 750cc powerplant incorporates four-piston Brembo monoblock front brake calipers and 310mm dual floating discs, and a single piston rear brake caliper with a 220mm disc. The full function instrument cluster features an analogue tachometer, digital LCD speedometer and LED indicators, with a stopwatch and lap timer new functionality additions. In a standout Marble Daytona Yellow / Glass Sparkle Black or traditional Metallic Triton Blue / Glass Splash White livery and backed by a two year, unlimited kilometre warranty, the 2012 Suzuki GSX-R750 is now available for a Recommended Price of $16,990*. ^ ERG retail industry data, January-December, 2011. * Recommended Price excludes dealer delivery and government charges.