NRMA Motoring Blog

Much is made of the Motor Show’s marquee cars, like the BMW Concept CS, Maserati’s GranTurismo and Lamborghini’s Gallardo Superleggera. But what about the new every-day cars, the ones we’ll actually see parked every few blocks or sit behind in traffic, and maybe even buy?

i30

Hyundai’s new i30 is an impressive German-designed hatch, and is indicative of the type of styling we can expect to see from the South Korean brand in their next range of models. The i30 is the result of a collaboration between Australian and Korean engineers. It’s available in three variants, the SX, SLX and SR, with the SX and SLX models available in turbo-diesel variants. Pricing starts at $18,990 and Hyundai boast they have the best value turbo-diesel on the market in the SX CRDi, priced at $21,490. Electronic stability program and traction control are standard on the i30 SR. We’re likely to see plenty of i30s on the road very soon.

VE Commodore Sportwagon

Holden revealed their much-anticipated VE Commodore Sportwagon concept car, where “practical becomes practi-cool.” Stylish and sporty, the wagon will have stability and traction control as standard and will be priced close to the others in the VE range. The final model is expected in the first half of next year.

Lancer

The new Mitsubishi Lancer is here and has a strong emphasis on safety. Active Stability and Traction Control, as well as ABS brakes, are standard across the range, and the availability of seven airbags on each model is unprecedented in the small car segment. The Lancer comes in three variants and pricing starts at $20,990.

Focus Coupe Cabriolet and Mondeo

Ford unveiled two cars this year, the Focus Coupe Cabriolet and the Mondeo. The Focus Coupe Cabriolet, a distinctive addition to an already successful model range, is on sale next month – just in time for summer.

Making its Australian debut was the new, German-engineered Mondeo range. The Mondeo comes in 4 models, the LX, Zetec, TDCi and the XR5 Turbo, with prices starting at $29,990. All models have Dynamic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Assist and full length side curtain and driver’s knee airbags as standard.

LandCruiser 200

Toyota’s ‘King of the road’ made its world premiere at this year’s show and given the popularity of the LandCruiser in the past, it’s definitely a vehicle we’ll be seeing more of. It features a new twin-turbocharged diesel V8 and Australian-developed Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System. The petrol model also features a first in its ‘crawl control’, a system for driving on unstable surfaces like rocks, sand or steep hills.

Skoda

Skoda, a new brand to Australia, unveiled its Octavia and Roomster. The Octavia is a conventionally-styled mid-size, available in two models with five different engine types, including turbo-diesel, with the option of AWD.

The Roomster, on the other hand, is an unusually-styled, flexible five-seater that comes standard with ESP and has a five star safety rating. Its strengths, and name, however, lie in its ability to be transformed into a spacious two-seater, with 1780 L of cargo area thanks to the removable rear seats. The Roomster can be quickly transformed from a five-seater, to a four, three or two-seater, comes in petrol and diesel options, and has a full size spare. So, being priced from $26,990, it’ll be interesting to see how it goes in the Australian market.

Did any cars catch your eye as a future purchase at this year’s Motor Show?

During my time testing vehicles I have had the privilege of driving just about every sports, prestige and vintage car model on Australian roads. So I’m often asked the question, “Which have been the most memorable?”

My top five vehicles are as follows:

1. 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo

My number one car would have to be the Lamborghini Gallardo. Few of us will ever get the chance to take one for a spin through the streets of Sydney, so as a car-lover I was just happy to be sitting behind the wheel. Aside from the excitement-factor, the looks and the handling were everything I expected from the Lamborghini stable. It’s a thoroughly impressive car.

2. 2006 Aston Martin DB9

Next in line is the Aston Martin DB9. As a James Bond fan this was always a dream car for me. I’d previously driven a 1971 model DBS but the finish on the 2006 DB9 can’t be matched; no expense has been spared with any aspect of its fit out.

3. 2005 Ferrari 360

Everybody loves a Ferrari and I had the privilege to drive several models including the F355, 360 Spider, 512 TR and even the 550 Barchett. But the 360 Modena, with the glass bonnet, was my favourite. The distinctive Ferrari look, the power and the sound of the exhaust puts it in my top five.

4. 2006 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

The GT3 RS was a standout among the Porsches I’ve driven. It’s basically a street-registrable race car. It was equipped with fully adjustable suspension, racing seats, harness, roll cage and Ceramic Composite Brakes – everything needed to race it on the track or in a Targa rally.

5. 1930 Cadillac V16 Series 452 ‘Madam X’ 7 seater Limousine

As you can see I love testing and driving late model sports cars, but I have to include a very rare 1930 Cadillac in my top five. It has a great history being one of only five right-hand-drive versions produced for use in the US Diplomatic core in London during WWII. It remained in service until the early post-war period, spent time in storage before being shipped back to America and eventually it found its way to Australia. We can only imagine what was discussed in the rear of the limousine on the way to and from parliament during the height of the war.

Although pleasurable, the Cadillac was also one of the most difficult vehicles I have ever driven, not helped by the fact that the road test was completed in North Sydney during peak hour. Trying to turn the Cadillac around in tight, traffic filled streets was a nerve-racking experience. Added to this was the challenge of working out the pattern for the 3 speed gearbox plus the controls on the dash and steering wheel. Despite this it will always remain in my top 5.

What are the vehicles you’d like to sit behind the wheel of, however unlikely, before you die?