Global debut of boosted Forester ups the ante for all-wheel-drive buyers
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Subaru has today revealed an exciting step-up in the SUV performance market, its Forester S-Edition bringing an additional 24kW/27Nm (now 193kW/347Nm) to the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine from the Forester XT on which it is based.
The Subaru Forester S-Edition is poised to join the model line-up in January next year adding significant additions to the specification sheet.
Included in the list, a paddleshift five-speed automatic transmission, revised sports suspension, variable torque distribution all-wheel drive system and 17-inch STI high-lustre alloy wheels join the mechanical package while inside, exclusive styling accents, Alcantara seat trim with S-Edition logos, drilled alloy pedals and luminescent instrumentation round out the extras.
Like every vehicle in the Subaru range, Forester S-Edition scores a five-star ANCAP safety rating and is protected by DataDot security.
"We're delighted and honoured that Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) have chosen Sydney for the worldwide unveil of this Forester concept," exclaimed Subaru Australia managing director, Nick Senior.
"It points towards an exciting development in our Forester range early next year.
"Forester is firmly established as Australia's best selling compact sports utility vehicle, with the most recent addition to the range being the diesel variants that are proving a sales winner for our All-Wheel Drive brand.
"There's no denying Forester's appeal to Australians in both urban and rural environments, so we think this concept will only add to the huge interest."
Senior stated that the Forester S-Edition's Japanese launch won't take place for another month and the world debut in Sydney is recognition of the Forester's strong market appeal in Australia.
"This is a strong Forester market; we have at times outsold the Japanese market with Forester," he said. Senior told the Car games ales Network that the demand for the S-Edition Forester chiefly came from buyers who were considering the purchas the Forester XT Premium, but were interested in a car positioned slightly above the naturally-aspirated variant.
"We've always done very well with the Forester XT -- at around 150 units per month. the customers were asking for something a little bit special, with the Forester. The XT still has its place and we don't expect XT volume to drop dramatically. I think this will probably be about a hundred units a month, incremental..."
Pricing will be announced closer to launch, although Senior informed the Carsales Network after the unveiling at the show that the new variant would be less than $4000 above the price of the Forester XT Premium auto. The vehicle on display at the show was built to Japanese specification, with a wing mirror on the near-side front quarter panel. According to Senior, the Australian version will feature a sunroof as standard.
Today's unveiling comes after FHI's recent announcement of its first all-new new engine in 21 years, which will debut on normally aspirated Foresters in Australia in early 2011.
The third-generation four-cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer engine will launch as a 2.5 litre in Australia and features a longer stroke, compact combustion chamber and lighter moving parts.
-- with staff
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Thứ Hai, 2 tháng 4, 2012
AIMS: Suzuki Kizashi Turbo Concept
Suzuki delivers WRX levels of power and torque for its medium car thanks to the addition of a turbocharger
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There were a handful of surprises at the 2010 Australian International motor show, and one of the them was Suzuki's Kizashi Turbo. No prizes for guessing what the new model adds. With increased performance via a turbocharger and intercooler, the concept gives Suzuki the potential of building a road weapon with which to rival high performance models from the Subaru, Skoda, Ford and Volkswagen.
The Suzuki Kizashi Turbo makes use of the standard 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The addition of a US-sourced low blow (0.48 bar or 7psi) turbocharger kit lifts engine power from 131 to 179kW. Torque is boosted from 230 to 330Nm, says Suzuki..
The concept is the work of Suzuki Australia and was built just in time for AIMS. It uses a turbo kit developed in the USA by Road Race Motorsports. The company provides kits to Suzuki America for a turbo version of the SX-4 compact crossover.
The donor vehicle is a manual, front-wheel drive -- Kizashi's all-wheel-drive variant is available with CVT transmission only.
Suzuki's chassis upgrades include a lower ride height, more powerful brakes and a front strut brace. And like all self-respecting show cars, the Suzuki Kizashi Turbo wears 19-inch alloy wheels shod with low profile 40-series high performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres. A subtle rear deck spoiler adds a little more intent to the rear end.
"Customers have been asking about a turbocharged version of this car since the original Concept Kizashi was unveiled at Frankfurt more than three years ago," said Devers.
"We are excited about the potential for a high performance version," said Devers, who added that Suzuki would gauge customer reaction to the hard-charging Kizashi during the 2010 Australian International Motor Show.
"We will closely monitor customer feedback on the concept car and welcome input at Facebook.com/SuzukiAustralia."
Suzuki Kizashi Turbo Concept specifications
Engine: Turbocharged and intercooled JB24 2.4 litre in-line four
Boost: 0.48 bar (7psi)
Power: 179 kW at 4800 rpm
Torque: 330 Nm at 4400 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Wheels: 19 inch Enkei RPF1 alloys
Tyres: 245/40 x 19 inch Pirelli P-Zero
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Suzuki
There were a handful of surprises at the 2010 Australian International motor show, and one of the them was Suzuki's Kizashi Turbo. No prizes for guessing what the new model adds. With increased performance via a turbocharger and intercooler, the concept gives Suzuki the potential of building a road weapon with which to rival high performance models from the Subaru, Skoda, Ford and Volkswagen.
The Suzuki Kizashi Turbo makes use of the standard 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The addition of a US-sourced low blow (0.48 bar or 7psi) turbocharger kit lifts engine power from 131 to 179kW. Torque is boosted from 230 to 330Nm, says Suzuki..
The concept is the work of Suzuki Australia and was built just in time for AIMS. It uses a turbo kit developed in the USA by Road Race Motorsports. The company provides kits to Suzuki America for a turbo version of the SX-4 compact crossover.
The donor vehicle is a manual, front-wheel drive -- Kizashi's all-wheel-drive variant is available with CVT transmission only.
Suzuki's chassis upgrades include a lower ride height, more powerful brakes and a front strut brace. And like all self-respecting show cars, the Suzuki Kizashi Turbo wears 19-inch alloy wheels shod with low profile 40-series high performance Pirelli P-Zero tyres. A subtle rear deck spoiler adds a little more intent to the rear end.
"Customers have been asking about a turbocharged version of this car since the original Concept Kizashi was unveiled at Frankfurt more than three years ago," said Devers.
"We are excited about the potential for a high performance version," said Devers, who added that Suzuki would gauge customer reaction to the hard-charging Kizashi during the 2010 Australian International Motor Show.
"We will closely monitor customer feedback on the concept car and welcome input at Facebook.com/SuzukiAustralia."
Suzuki Kizashi Turbo Concept specifications
Engine: Turbocharged and intercooled JB24 2.4 litre in-line four
Boost: 0.48 bar (7psi)
Power: 179 kW at 4800 rpm
Torque: 330 Nm at 4400 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Wheels: 19 inch Enkei RPF1 alloys
Tyres: 245/40 x 19 inch Pirelli P-Zero
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site.
AIMS: Kia Cerato hatch added to line-up
Spunky five-door hatch joins popular sedan and coupe Cerato small car range
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Kia's best-selling model globally, Cerato, has today been joined by an all-new five-door hatch model, now the third member of the Cerato family.
First shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Kia anticipates a strong increase in demand for vehicles in the Cerato's C-segment with demand expected to hit 1.2 million units a year by 2012 -- a trend likely to be mirrored in Australia.
"The latest Cerato is designed to appeal especially to those consumers with young families who prefer a five-door hatchback for its style and enhanced practicality," said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow.
"The availability of this third body style for our small passenger segment category will enable Kia dealers to meet the needs of a broader range of customers. This derivative will boost total Cerato sales to an even higher level across all Australian states.
"Most significantly, the new model is a continuation of the local ride and handling development work carried out by Kia Motors Australia on Sportage earlier this year and is another step in what will be an ongoing program of launching new vehicles in Australia which are locally adapted to suit Australian driver's discerning tastes."
As well as its all-new body shape, the new Cerato hatch brings revised styling, updated equipment and even more refinement to the range, a list of technical improvements and additional equipment set to join the remainder of the Cerato lineup from January.
Technically similar to its sedan and coupe siblings, Cerato hatch has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan, but the rear overhang is reduced by 190mm, as is the overall length, so the five-door model is 4340 mm long. Despite its more compact dimensions, the hatchback's cargo volume of 385 litres (VDA) is highly competitive in its class.
Styling for the new hatch, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, sees Cerato hatch receive a revised roof, rear side panels, C-pillar, tailgate (with rear spoiler), rear bumper, light clusters and two-tone spoiler. At the front, bold styling incorporates a new radiator grille, new lower air-intake grille and new-shape fog lamps. The door mirrors are new and offer an LED light guide, while the 17-inch alloy wheels come in a 'double five-spoke' design. The rear combination lamps, which have etching-processed lenses, are split across the tailgate shut line and a sporty rear diffuser allows the exhaust tailpipe to be displayed in the SLi model.
The new Cerato five-door hatch will arrive in Australia in a choice of nine colours which include Clear White, Ebony Black, Spicy Red and Racing Red, Metal Bronze, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Santorini Blue and Sweet Orange.
Inside, Cerato hatch includes high-tech features including steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (on automatic SLi models), folding key fob and keyless entry, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. A leather type boot gear lever gaiter is fitted, together with chrome edge trim around the twin cup holders and the centre console has a new premium style which contrasts nicely with the one tone black dash.
The new Cerato five-door Hatchback comes with two standard trim levels with the Si fitted with a black fabric tricot finish while the range topping SLi comes with the black fabric Mesh Rachel with red stitching and the option of black leather trim.
For maximum cabin versatility, this model's rear seat cushion and backrest are split 60:40 with the cushion flipping forwards and the backrest folding down to create a completely flat cargo floor. Cerato hatchback's innovative seating package allows rear seat passengers an additional 20mm of headroom.
To further improve passenger comfort, Kia's research and development team concentrated on maximising the vehicle's refinement, minimising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels.
Additional sound-dampening foam is fitted in the A-, B- and C-pillars and the luggage bay side panels, the exterior cowling top panel is a heavier gauge steel, the interior dash-top padding has thicker insulation, the rear parcel tray has extra insulation and the trunk carpet is made from a heavier density material.
Under the bonnet the new Kia Cerato five-door is available with the same (115kW) 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in its sedan and coupe siblings. 0-100km/h is managed in 9.1 seconds (manual).
New to the Cerato range, the five-door hatch introduces Kia's new six-speed automatic transmission, which comes equipped with a gate-type shift pattern and offers the driver fully automatic or Sport modes. Sports mode is even further enhanced with the standard inclusion of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters providing fingertip control in the SLi model.
Other important mechanical features include MacPherson strut (front) / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (rear) suspension, the rear shock absorbers and coil springs mounted separately to minimise intrusion. Both the shock absorbers and springs received an AB tune and spring rate adjustment which is unique to the Australian models.
Steering comes courtesy of an electric power-assisted unit, also tuned for ‘local' feel. Powerful and stable braking is sourced via 280mm ventilated front discs and 262mm solid rear discs, anti-lock brakes and stability control.
The Cerato Hatchback also gets a six airbags as standard.
Sharing the stage the new Kia Optima will give punter their first glimpse at the Korean brand's impressive new sedan. Based in sister company Hyundai's i45, the Kia Optima will go on sale in Australia later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch.
Kia Cerato hatch pricing:
Cerato Si hatch $20,240 (man.) / $22,240 (auto.)
Cerato SLi hatch $24,040 (man.) / $26,240 (auto.)
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Kia
Kia's best-selling model globally, Cerato, has today been joined by an all-new five-door hatch model, now the third member of the Cerato family.
First shown at the New York Auto Show earlier this year, Kia anticipates a strong increase in demand for vehicles in the Cerato's C-segment with demand expected to hit 1.2 million units a year by 2012 -- a trend likely to be mirrored in Australia.
"The latest Cerato is designed to appeal especially to those consumers with young families who prefer a five-door hatchback for its style and enhanced practicality," said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer, Tony Barlow.
"The availability of this third body style for our small passenger segment category will enable Kia dealers to meet the needs of a broader range of customers. This derivative will boost total Cerato sales to an even higher level across all Australian states.
"Most significantly, the new model is a continuation of the local ride and handling development work carried out by Kia Motors Australia on Sportage earlier this year and is another step in what will be an ongoing program of launching new vehicles in Australia which are locally adapted to suit Australian driver's discerning tastes."
As well as its all-new body shape, the new Cerato hatch brings revised styling, updated equipment and even more refinement to the range, a list of technical improvements and additional equipment set to join the remainder of the Cerato lineup from January.
Technically similar to its sedan and coupe siblings, Cerato hatch has the same overall width, height and wheelbase as the sedan, but the rear overhang is reduced by 190mm, as is the overall length, so the five-door model is 4340 mm long. Despite its more compact dimensions, the hatchback's cargo volume of 385 litres (VDA) is highly competitive in its class.
Styling for the new hatch, under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, sees Cerato hatch receive a revised roof, rear side panels, C-pillar, tailgate (with rear spoiler), rear bumper, light clusters and two-tone spoiler. At the front, bold styling incorporates a new radiator grille, new lower air-intake grille and new-shape fog lamps. The door mirrors are new and offer an LED light guide, while the 17-inch alloy wheels come in a 'double five-spoke' design. The rear combination lamps, which have etching-processed lenses, are split across the tailgate shut line and a sporty rear diffuser allows the exhaust tailpipe to be displayed in the SLi model.
The new Cerato five-door hatch will arrive in Australia in a choice of nine colours which include Clear White, Ebony Black, Spicy Red and Racing Red, Metal Bronze, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Santorini Blue and Sweet Orange.
Inside, Cerato hatch includes high-tech features including steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (on automatic SLi models), folding key fob and keyless entry, and Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. A leather type boot gear lever gaiter is fitted, together with chrome edge trim around the twin cup holders and the centre console has a new premium style which contrasts nicely with the one tone black dash.
The new Cerato five-door Hatchback comes with two standard trim levels with the Si fitted with a black fabric tricot finish while the range topping SLi comes with the black fabric Mesh Rachel with red stitching and the option of black leather trim.
For maximum cabin versatility, this model's rear seat cushion and backrest are split 60:40 with the cushion flipping forwards and the backrest folding down to create a completely flat cargo floor. Cerato hatchback's innovative seating package allows rear seat passengers an additional 20mm of headroom.
To further improve passenger comfort, Kia's research and development team concentrated on maximising the vehicle's refinement, minimising NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels.
Additional sound-dampening foam is fitted in the A-, B- and C-pillars and the luggage bay side panels, the exterior cowling top panel is a heavier gauge steel, the interior dash-top padding has thicker insulation, the rear parcel tray has extra insulation and the trunk carpet is made from a heavier density material.
Under the bonnet the new Kia Cerato five-door is available with the same (115kW) 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in its sedan and coupe siblings. 0-100km/h is managed in 9.1 seconds (manual).
New to the Cerato range, the five-door hatch introduces Kia's new six-speed automatic transmission, which comes equipped with a gate-type shift pattern and offers the driver fully automatic or Sport modes. Sports mode is even further enhanced with the standard inclusion of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters providing fingertip control in the SLi model.
Other important mechanical features include MacPherson strut (front) / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (rear) suspension, the rear shock absorbers and coil springs mounted separately to minimise intrusion. Both the shock absorbers and springs received an AB tune and spring rate adjustment which is unique to the Australian models.
Steering comes courtesy of an electric power-assisted unit, also tuned for ‘local' feel. Powerful and stable braking is sourced via 280mm ventilated front discs and 262mm solid rear discs, anti-lock brakes and stability control.
The Cerato Hatchback also gets a six airbags as standard.
Sharing the stage the new Kia Optima will give punter their first glimpse at the Korean brand's impressive new sedan. Based in sister company Hyundai's i45, the Kia Optima will go on sale in Australia later this year. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch.
Kia Cerato hatch pricing:
Cerato Si hatch $20,240 (man.) / $22,240 (auto.)
Cerato SLi hatch $24,040 (man.) / $26,240 (auto.)
For our full coverage of the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney visit our minisite at carsales.com.au/aims
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
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