Makes and Models
Kia's Cerato Si and SLi are value plus.
Some years ago, to say Kia and their countrymate, Hyundai, had quality cars, was stretching the truth just a tad. A succession of pretty average cars such as the Spectra and Mentor barely troubled the tallyboard and Kia was in danger of being seen as an also ran Korean supplier. Come 2008 and a stylish, reasonably well sorted car hit the market. Called Cerato, it flagged 
promise and delivered it. 2013 sees a revamp of the small mid-sizer; sharing its basic architecture with Hyundai’s i40, it’s immediately quite a pretty car to look at. From the curvy
headlight cluster framing Kia’s corporate grille, down the lithe and subtly scalloped flanks through to the neon look taillights (SLi) and looking proportionally pretty bloody good, the question is then asked: does it go as good as it looks?
I back to backed the Si with six speed manual against the SLi with auto, both with the two litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine. Up front, the manual gearchange in the Si is
a shocker. The clutch is light, not unexpectedly, but the gear lever in the test car had no spring pressure, leaving the feel of it as vague, indecisive, unsure and unwilling to be hurried. As a manual preferred driver, this was simply yuck. Sitting mid pack in the Cerato sedan range, the 
Si deserves better. The auto in the SLi supplied is well ratioed, smooth and quick changing, with the choice of sports shift via the lever or paddle shifts. Gear shift aside, both transmissions work well with the bigger engine (there’s a 1.8L MPI available) and with 129kW/239Nm @ 6500/4700 rpm on tap (roughly 10 kilos per kilowatt), the Cerato’s near 1300kg kerb weight gets hustled along pretty reasonably.
Somewhat oddly, the SLi has the more sporting ride; shod with 215/45 tyres riding on gorgeous 17 inch wheels (vs 205/55/16s), it’s a little harder, a little more grippy thanks, one can presume, to the slightly lower sidewall. Not, by any measure, is it unpleasant, quite the opposite but one would expect the middle car to be more the sport. Both turn in quickly, bumps are absorbed a touch softer in the Si and there’s no tramlining or disconcerting bumpsteer.
The interior is tidy to look at, very up to date and has a mix of material look in the 
plastics, from a matt finish through to a faux carbon fibre look (Si/SLi), it’s a class impression. Not so are the seats. You sit on, not in them, adding a feeling of not being connected to the car via the classic seat of the pants. Having heating in the SLi seats is one thing, at least there’s a touch more give in the cloth in the Si as opposed to the manufactured leather in the SLi. Both cars 
score the 4.3 inch touchscreen radio, with a larger 7 inch setup only available with a Navigation Pack. The dash on the Si gets a less colourful dot matrix look with the SLi providing a full spectrum animated screen, including a welcoming musical tone as the graphic comes to life. Another lovely SLi touch is memory seating (two position) and extra access provided for the driver by the seat sliding back on engine stop/door open and resetting when the driver sits back in. Externally, folding mirrors unfold before the car is unlocked by reading the remote keyfob (Si/SLi and push button start) and lights up under the wing mirrors and doorhandles. Class, again. All three levels cop front and rear parking sensors, the Si and SLi get auto headlights with the SLi showing off stylish LED running lights with the S dipping 
out on a reverse camera…which is useless after rain or condensation from a cold morning. As befits its top of the ladder status, the SLi offers open skies via a sunroof and will cool your soft drinks inside the glovebox. All three levels get Bluetooth streaming and Auxiliary/USB input via the sensibly located (ahead of the gear lever and not in the glovebox/centre console) lower central dash.
Quite simply, for 30K plus on roads, the SLi auto is the pick. Packed full of features, a great 
ride, a poky engine and a pretty decent auto, plus its svelte, lithe body, it ticks the boxes and the woeful manual shift (as much as I prefer manual) seriously discounts that transmission as a serious choice. With Kia making serious inroads into Australian sales and up globally by 2.6%, the once ugly duckling has grown into a serious contender for being a favoured swan.
For more info on the new Cerato sedans: http://www.kia.com.au/showroom/cerato#
Popular? Mazda3 launched Internationally, So….Yes.
Mazda’s giant killer, the Mazda3, was launched in its new model guise, in London, St Petersburg, New York and Instanbul, earlier this week. Australia didn’t miss out; hosting the launch was Melbourne, ahead of the other countries.
The company’s new design philosophy was clearly on show, with the 3 gaining the bluff and upright nose of bigger sibling, the Mazda6 and has been redesigned from the ground up, adopting Mazda’s award winning “Kodo- Soul of Motion” design theme plus has been granted the full suite of SKYACTIV Technologies. 
It’s said to evoke a sense of forward motion, with sharp edging leading from the front wings into the headlight cluster also sparking a sense of seeing a predatory animal. It’s a bigger car than its predecessor, being 60mm longer, 40mm wider yet sits 15mm lower. The interior has been revamped, with newly developed materials with a carbon fibre look and satin chrome finishes also. A fully integrated “Human Machine Interface”, allowing phone, sms and email access via a 7 inch touch screen is included along with a Heads Up Display.
Engine wise there’ll be two petrol engines initially, with 2.0 and 2.5 litres capacity, with 114kW and 200 Nm of torque or 138kW and 250Nm respectively. Transmissions are yet to be confirmed however, with four out of five Mazda3’s finding a private home, that hardly matters as an incentive but a price drop is sure to reignite its sales candle, with dollars expected to be sub 20K plus on roads.
Mazda3 is currently scheduled for a first quarter launch next year.
Holden's VF Commodore: What To Expect.
It’s not long now (at the time of writing) until the Holden VF Commodore range hits showrooms around the country; it’s expected to be the last Commodore made, designed and engineered in Australia……unless it sells well enough to return as a wholly Australian car.
The outgoing VE Commodore finished up production in May after close to seven years of production. Although the exterior is still a good looker, the interior specification and the march of technology have left it behind. Make no mistake, the forthcoming VF IS world class.
Holden has streamlined the range slightly, dropping the Omega and Berlina and launching the Evoke. It’s still powered by the 3.0L V6 and six speed automatic transmission combination whilst the the rest of the range stays with the 3.6L SIDI engine or 6.0L V8. The range has undergone a substantial weight saving regime, with aluminuim panels such as the bonnet, plus extra wind tunnel testing has provided a more slippery and aerodynamic shape (drag is now down to 0.309 compared to the VE’s 0.330 Cd), 
aiding in fuel economy. The Evoke is rated at 8.3L per 100 kilometres, matching and bettering some four cylinder cars. Electric steering, an electric handbrake and other subtle revisions such as redesigned wheel wells have seen overall fuel usage reduced by 23% since the VE’s launch.
It’s a smarter car as well, with rear view camera and Park Assist standard across the range plus some models feature a rear radar system, providing a warning of oncoming sideways directional traffic. Also on board some models is a blind spot alert system and lane departure system. The Commodore is also the first GM large car to feature tech such as Park Assist, making it a world leader in its class. Keyless start becomes more common; however one form of technology that has been around for a while, HUD or Heads Up Display, is reserved for the Calais V and SS-V spec cars. It provides a comprehensive information package, such as speed, current transmission gear, phone information and more. These two also gain Forward Collision Alert technology, informing the driver if there is a obstacle or vehicle ahead that has come into the Commodore’s sensor range; operating at 40 kmh or above, the system increases the brake system’s hydraulic pressure if the sensors warn of a potential threat, reducing the response time for the brakes to activate. A new and quite intelligent addition is Remote Vehicle Start. Available for Commodores with an automatic transmission, the car can be started from up to 100 metres away plus will engage the aircon and heated seats (if fitted). Parking sensors are standard
, including on the ute.
Ride and handling have been worked on across the board; there’s Touring for the Evoke, Calais and Calais V, calibrated for a light day to day driving feel. Sports Tune is on board for the SS, SS-V and SV6 to provide more handling and steering feedback whilst the SS-V Redline series gets a Competitive setting for those that are more of an enthusiastic driving style, providing better feedback and steering input. Brakes have been uprated as have the suspension isolation points, working hand in hand with acoustical engineering to provide a quieter cabin whilst Hill Start Assist and Hill Hold Control add to the driver safety experience as does Trailer Sway Control, which cuts engine power and engages the brakes if it senses any instability from a towed item.
Much has been made of the VF’s revamped interior; with re-rated seat cushions, material and a redesigned console and dash. The aircon vents have been relocated whilst the centre dash cops a large multifunction touchscreen, varying between mono to full colour, depending on model. 
As mentioned, the VF gets an electronic parking brake, removing the jaded and unpopular hand brake design of the VE. Also, the centre console redesign moves the window switches to the driver’s door, another long overdue change. MyLink gives the driver/passenger more options for music, including Pandora and Stitcher (internet based radio services) plus enhanced interactivity with Siri EyesFree.
Finally, a price reduction, with up to $10K being slashed from the upper end whilst the well featured entry level model, the Evoke, has been reduced by $5k, with a starting price of $34990 and the Calais is certain to be a sharp bet with $39990 on the ticket. The Caprice exterior remains almost untouched but 
cops the Calais interior and some extra fruit to justify its $59990 (V series spec) asking price. Servicing gets capped pricing for the first four services over three years or sixty thousand kilometres with intervals at fifteen thousand kilometres or nine months.
With the majority of Holden and Ford large cars, plus a commendable number of Toyota large cars, sold for fleet purposes, Holden clearly hopes that the world class refinements, additions and better value per dollar will reverse the trend towards the Japanese and Korean opposition that have made such a huge dent in the segment’s numbers. Right now, it’s worth more than a second thought to go to Holden for your fleet purchase and assist in, potentially, keeping this iconic brand here.
Holden's Not Lion Down: Malibu to Debut With VF Commodore
Holden’s all-new mid-size car, the Malibu has been awarded a maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating ahead of its showroom debut next month.
Holden Malibu’s standard safety features include six airbags, a rear view camera and rear parking sensors and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake assist, electronic brake distribution and traction control.
Ensuring safer transport for children, Malibu also includes the ISOFIX child seat anchorage system, an international system for attaching child restraints to vehicles that assists in correct seat fitment. An Australian standard for ISOFIX seats is anticipated shortly.
Holden’s Manager for Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration, Steve Curtis said a five star safety rating was an important feature for new car buyers.
“Holden Malibu was designed to achieve the highest level of real-world safety and a five star rating offers important peace of mind for drivers and their passengers.
“As a global vehicle, Malibu has achieved maximum safety ratings in several overseas markets including the US, Europe and South Korea.”
In the event of a crash, Malibu provides a strong structure that comprises high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, 
full-length frame rails, a reinforced safety cage and impact-absorbing crush zones. This structure is designed to absorb the energy created in a crash and help preserve the structural integrity of the occupant compartment.
Further, to meet global standards for protecting pedestrians against head injuries in the event of a crash, Holden Malibu uses energy-absorbing materials in the bonnet. Other energy-absorbing techniques for protecting pedestrians in the event of a collision include the strategic use of air space between the hood and hard objects underneath – such as the battery and engine – that could injure pedestrians.
And with the Commodore, Holden has significantly increased the value of Commodore with new features and reduced recommended retail prices across the VF sedan and Sportwagon range by between $5,000 and $9,800.
Launching a simplified line-up, Holden has created the Evoke nameplate to kick-start the range, redefining ‘entry level’ and making class-leading technology standard on Australia’s favourite family car.
With a recommended retail price (RRP) of just $34,990, Evoke comes standard with Auto Park Assist for parallel and right angle parking as well as front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera. In addition to its premium new interior, Evoke also brings a world of new technology to Australian drivers with:
enhanced voice recognition, an eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink app-embedded technology including voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration*, full iPod® integration and built-in apps like Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™.
Holden has added exceptional value to its range opener and reduced the RRP by $5,000. Powered by the 3.0L V6 SIDI engine, Evoke also includes other advanced vehicle features as standard including:
an electric park brake with automatic release, Hill Hold Control and Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and
remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only).
Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook, said Evoke would play an important role in changing perceptions of Commodore.
“Evoke is a great car that people will want to own, it will be an aspirational vehicle. The features we’ve made standard show Holden is serious about making world class technology accessible to all our customers,” he said.
“Starting with Evoke we have simplified Commodore’s pricing and value walk up with logical price and equipment increments and very strong sports and luxury identities.
“We think Commodore represents unbelievable value and will win over a new generation of Australians.”
Stepping up from Evoke, Holden’s Calais combines luxury features with VF’s cutting edge technology for under $40,000.
The high-end styling and features of Calais have made it one of Commodore’s most successful and long-running nameplates. Holden has wound back the Calais RRP by more than $8,000 to just $39,990.
Calais also gains Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert, sensor key and push button start technology in addition to
the styling Calais drivers expect, including front and rear premium design features and chrome accents.
The luxurious high-end Calais V has an RRP $46,990 (reduced by $9,800) and Calais V is also available with the 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine for $52,990 (reduced by $9,000).
“Calais V embodies premium sports luxury – it’s become the flagship of the Commodore range. Calais V benefits from luxury craftsmanship and design and the highest levels of technology. We believe it rivals European competitors,” Mr Brook said.
Calais V gains advanced safety technologies including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and a colour Head-up Display.
It also adds high-end luxury features such as heated front seats, electric eight-way adjustable driver seat and satellite navigation with full colour mapping with live traffic updates and traffic management control. Calais V sedan also gains Holden VF Calais interiorthe Bose® premium audio system and sunroof.
Commodore’s performance variants – SV6 and SS – gain VF sophistication and retain the unique sporty character these models are famous for.
Holden has improved the value of the SV6, with a reduced RRP of $35,990 (down $6,800), and boosted the value of the iconic SS reducing its RRP by $5,800 to $41,990. SV6 is powered by the 3.6L SIDI V6 with the SS stepping up to the 6.0L Gen IV V8 engine, both are standard with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Building on Evoke specifications, SV6 and SS gain Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert technologies in addition to their bold front and rear sports styling, side skirts, lip spoiler (on sedan) and chrome exhaust tip. A wing spoiler is now available as a factory-fitted option on sedan for $500 on sports models.
“Holden sports models have a very clear performance identity within the Commodore line-up and they’re taking a huge leap forward with VF. They really are a class above the competitors with game-changing technology and Holden’s performance credentials,” Mr Brook said.
“Our enthusiast customers are our biggest fans and great supporters of the Holden brand. In the run-out of VE we’ve practically sold out of V8 models and dealers are reporting huge interest in the SS and other sports models.
“SS V-Series cranks up sports performance another notch and for just $3,500 customers can can gain new 19 inch alloys, leather appointed seats, satellite navigation, multi-function driver information display and sensor key technology with Holden VF SS-Vpush button start.”
The RRP for SS V is now under $50,000, reduced by $9,800 to $45,490. SS V Redline now starts at $51,490 for sedan, a roll back of $6,300. Redline adds Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Head-up Display on all body styles as well as the premium Bose® audio system and sunroof on sedan models.
SS V Redline is the ultimate in rear-wheel drive sports performance with Brembo® brakes, forged 19 inch alloys and an updated sports-tuned FE3 suspension package.
“The Holden engineering team is really proud of what they’ve been able to achieve with Redline. VF Redline also has wider rear wheels for extra traction and includes competition mode with launch control and track settings for the true enthusiasts who participate in track days,” Mr Brook said.
“We launched the Redline range at Series II and it’s been a huge success. Within two years it’s carved out a spot at the top of the ladder as the absolute best in luxury, sports performance.”
Mr Brook said Holden dealers could now take orders for VF Commodore models with the start of production later this month.
“Our goal with VF was to help customers find the car that suits them by simplifying our line-up – whether it’s a family, an enthusiast, or a luxury car buyer – which also makes it easier for dealers and helps reduce complexity in our manufacturing operations,” he said.
“VF Commodore has amazing, world-leading technology, sophisticated design and performance credentials that make it an incredible package. And what makes us most proud is that we designed, engineered and built Commodore in Australia.
“We have a new creative marketing direction for the Holden brand and we’re reasserting ourselves in an incredibly competitive market.
“For Commodore, we’re deliberately launching with a ‘wow’ pricing strategy that we think will make buying a Commodore a very easy decision and bring people back to the large car segment.”
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