MARCH AND APRIL 11 NEWS

JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE WINS '4X4 OF THE YEAR' AWARD

The all-new 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee has claimed the prestigious 4x4 of the Year title in the annual test held by 4x4 Australia magazine.

The flagship model for the Jeep brand proved unbeatable against some stiff competition. New from the ground up, the Grand Cherokee set the standard with its combination of on and off road prowess, while still providing a luxurious ride for passengers with its refined interior and amenities.

The newest entrants to the Australian 4x4 scene were pushed to the limit over four days on a range of rigorous terrains including on and off road, dirt roads and mountain highlands. Each vehicle was judged on the following criteria: value for money, breaking ground (technology advances), toughness, doing the job and ‘bushability’. The new Grand Cherokee was outright or equal first in four of the five categories and rated second in the fifth. With an anticipated $50,000 price tag, the Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 scored top marks for value, quoted as being “a hell of a lot of 4x4 wagon for not a lot of money. It’s high-tech, high-spec, high-end at low buck price”.

The new Jeep also received the highest score on the test for breaking ground, with the all-new Pentastar V6 engine being a hit with the judges due to its smooth, quiet power delivery and excellent fuel economy. Other exciting new technology advances also impressed, such as Selec-TerrainTM system, Quadra Lift® adjustable air suspension and class leading Hill Descent Control described as being “the best HDC system we’ve tried”.

The Grand Cherokee also led the field in ‘toughness’, plus scored strongly in ‘bushability’, with unibody construction and suspension that has been “beefed up to suit the more off-road lifestyle of the Jeep”.

However it also set the benchmark on sealed roads. Combined with the new V6, judges were impressed, stating that “its performance makes it rewarding on-road and it works well with the stiff chassis and adjustable suspension to provide a real driver’s car”. This contributed to the Jeep also receiving the highest score for ‘doing the job’.

Please call Boost Salary Packaging if you are interested in having a novated lease with a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We are more than delighted to provide you a quotation.

2011 FORD TERRITORY – IT HAS FINALLY ARRIVED

Ford Australia has revealed the new 2011 Ford Territory.

The changes inside and out - and under the bonnet - are extensive, with a redesigned front end, restyled tail, C-pillar, sills and side scalloping.

Inside, the Territory gets an overhauled interior that includes a new Falcon-inspired instrument panel with new storage solutions and, as a first for Ford Australia, an eight-inch touch screen.

For the first time, the Territory will also be available with a diesel engine across the range, in both all-wheel and rear-wheel-drive layouts.

Significantly, the 2WD diesel Territory will be the only diesel wagon in Australia available in rear-wheel-drive outside of the premium Estate segment occupied by BMW and Mercedes.

Styling

Designed in Australia, the updated Territory's new face draws styling cues from Ford's international 'Kinetic' design language, featured across the Focus, Fiesta and Mondeo ranges.

The new Territory brings Ford Australia's own flair to the task, gaining a unique new bumper and headlight design, along with new rear lights, a new rear bumper and lift-gate, and a subtly restyled C-pillar.

New slim-line headlights with projector beam technology define the new Territory's frontal styling, with the top-shelf Titanium (replacing the Ghia) featuring LED daytime running lights integrated into its redesigned front bumper.

"New Territory's unique frontal design was recognised by Ford's Global Design Management as a key feature that not only identified Territory as a distinctly Australian product, but also embodies cues that are core to the Ford design DNA."

There is also a range of new locally-designed wheels, available in 17- and 18-inch sizes, depending on the variant.

Interior

Inside, the 2011 Territory is also significantly overhauled. Central is an updated dash design that features a large eight-inch touch-screen with a new control system unique to the Territory.

Each of the three Territory variants - TX, TS and the range-topping Titanium - feature Falcon-inspired enhancements, including the instrument panel, centre console and four-spoke steering wheel.

"There are several aspects to the new Territory's interior that identify with the original," Ford Asia Pacific's Design Manager for Passenger Interiors, Scott Ferrier said.

"Drivers will find the positioning of the new Territory's controls both familiar and easy to use. The layout of the panel's instrument cluster and central LED screen, the centre console, button controls and steering column-mounted stalk controls are stylish and logical."

At the base of the centre stack is a new storage compartment with a sliding 'tambour' door, inspired by similar arrangements found in many up market European models.

A lockable drawer is located under the driver's seat, along with handbag/umbrella recesses next to the driver and front passenger seat. There are new recessed cup holders in the centre console, positioned clear of the handbrake and transmission shifter.

Each rear door has an integrated stowage area, as do the sides of the third-row passenger compartment, which are fitted with armrest bins and cup holders. The new Territory also comes fitted with map pockets and seat pockets along with a flat folding floor for the rear compartment.

The 2011 Territory's cabin offers touches of chrome and satin highlights, changes that Ford Australia's Emily Lai says were inspired through buyer feedback.

"Our customers made it clear they wanted to feel like they were in a car, not a truck," Ms Lai said.

"The new Territory's cabin environment is both sporty and sophisticated and its high chrome and satin highlights are modeled on the architectural finishes found in many modern homes and businesses."

The new Territory is available in a variety of upholstery colours and finishes, including a 'Shadow' black layout, and the no-cost optional light-coloured 'Cashmere' leather trim for the top-shelf Titanium.

2011 SUZUKI SWIFT – A POPULAR SMALL VEHICLE!

Suzuki Australia has just released the brand new Suzuki Swift, the biggest update in six years!

The model line up has been reduced from nine (inc the RE4) to five

• GA – 1.4L Manual
• GL – 1.4L Manual & Auto
• GLX Alloys & Fog Lights – 1.4L Manual & Auto

All models now come with SEVEN airbags as standard as well as ESP across the range making them 5 star ANCAP rated vehicles.

Under the hood there have been quite a few improvements.

• A new lighter but stronger 1.4L engine
• Fuel Economy of 5.5L/100km for the Manual & 6.2L/100km for the Auto – making the car 4 star green rated (Suzuki are aiming for 5 stars so stay tuned!)
• New Hydraulic clutch for the Manual
• Hill hold is now standard on all Auto’s

The interior of the car has been redesigned with high quality materials and new features

• Leather wrapped steering wheel (GL & GLX)
• USB Standard
• Bluetooth & Keyless start (GLX only)
• Restyled dash
• More interior space thanks to a longer wheelbase

The Exterior has received an upgrade without losing the classic swift look

• Larger tail & headlights for improved vision
• Sportier Roof design
• A longer & wider body to improve handling

Price

Entry price remains where it all began 5 years ago, starting from $15,990 (ie. GA Manual) comes with five-speed manual transmission, seven airbags, stability control, air-conditioning, remote entry, power windows and mirrors, four speaker CD player with USB audio input, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.

GL manual $16,690: adds leather steering wheel, body coloured door handles and mirrors, indicators move to the mirror scalps, six-speaker CD player with USB audio input, steering wheel audio controls, and tachometer.

GL auto $18,390: adds four-speed automatic transmission.

GLX manual $18,990: comes with five-speed manual and adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, front fog lamps, Bluetooth, and a proximity key.

GLX auto $20,690: adds four-speed automatic transmission.

2011 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF CABRIO TO BE LAUNCHED INTO AUSTRALIA LATER THIS YEAR

The 2011 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet was officially unveiled at Geneva Motor Show ahead of its Australia launch late in 2011. According to Volkswagen, the Golf Cabriolet will simply add to its already wide-ranging model line-up, and not replace either the Eos or the New Beetle Cabrio. The Eos, despite sharing the Golf Cabrio’s wheelbase, is a longer vehicle styled like the Jetta, and comes with a hard-folding roof. The Golf Cabrio has a soft-folding roof, which takes just nine seconds to open or close at up to 29km/h. Although it shares the soft-top construction with the New Beetle, Volkswagen believes the two complete in different market segments. In Europe, the vehicle will be offered with six different turbocharged direct-injection engines, ranging from 77kW to 155kW. The usual combinations of manual and DSG dual-clutch transmissions will be available. Volkswagen says the Golf Cabrio will be equipped like the standard hardtop Golf, and admits one of the only features not available will be the sunroof. Styling-wise, the Cabrio is similar to the three-door hatch, although it incorporates a new rear section, lower-profile roofline and a more swept-back angle on the windscreen. The L-shaped LED taillights are similar to the Golf R performance variant, and bi-xenon headlights will be available as an option. Safety equipment includes an automatically deploying rollover bar, as well as front, side and driver’s knee airbags (no curtains) and electronic stability control. Advance sales of the 2011 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet begin in Germany this week with prices starting at 23,625 euros ($32,500). The Golf Cabriolet would arrive in Australia late this year, but could not confirm engines and specification levels. Mr Gehling said he believed there was demand in Australia for convertible versions of the Golf and New Beetle, as well as the new Eos, which will go on sale locally mid-year.

VW POLO WINS SMALL CAR OF THE YEAR

Volkswagen has scored a back-to-back win in Australia's longest running motoring award, with its Polo range taking out Wheels magazine's car of the year. The fifth-generation VW Polo eclipsed 47 versions of the 22 finalists represented 16 different manufacturers in road tests covering 15,000 kilometres. It is the first time in a quarter of a century a manufacturer has won two years in a row. The VW Golf won last year. Wheels editor Bill Thomas said the VW Polo range represented outstanding value for the motorist at $16,690 with a range of options, including diesel and seven-speed gearboxes, right through to the power-packed, sporty GTI at $27,790. "Volkswagen has elevated Polo's quality, safety, performance, efficiency, refinement, practicality and value to the top of its class," Mr Thomas said. "It's a case of mission accomplished, and the achievements read like a virtual checklist for our tough award criteria". Twenty-two finalists underwent rigorous weeklong testing, after a number of big names failed the initial eligibility requirements - including Ford Fiesta, Ferrari 458 and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The latest Commodore was one of a swag of new releases declared ineligible to win the prestigious award after being declared not new enough. Only one Australian-built car was eligible this year, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and more than half the field came from Europe. In just five years VW has more than doubled its market share, with the manufacturer focused on boosting the technology and overall quality of its range.

AUDI LAUNCHES AUSTRALIA’S MOST-EFFICIENT MID-SIZE SEDAN

The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e, equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, sips just 4.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and emits a mere 124 grams of CO2 per kilometre, making it the best value of any vehicle in its class. The new Audi A4 2.0 TDI e is available as a sedan only for Australian customers and is priced from $49,900 (MLP). According to Immo Buschmann, Audi Australia’s General Manager Marketing, efficient and progressive combustion engines are a clear focus for the company’s product strategy in Australia. “While Audi has a clear focus on fully-electric vehicles for future sustainable motoring, our mid-term philosophy is to continue reducing the consumption of our excellent combustion engines. These engines become more efficient with every new generation, and there’s still more room for improvement in the future,” Mr Buschmann said. “Our TDI engines in particular are strong sellers in Australia. Audi is very committed to TDI technology globally, and particularly for Australia. It is part of what we call ‘Progressive Performance’ or the intelligent use of every single drop of fuel. We believe that Audi TDI technology is the right technology for today. It is efficient, clean, carries none of the negatives of the diesels of old and even facilitates dynamic performance.” “This latest TDI e model clearly demonstrates our commitment to improving consumption and performance with everyday motoring solutions,” Mr Buschmann said. Following in the successful footsteps of the A3 1.9 TDI e, launched in Australia in May 2008, the Audi A4 2.0 TDI e model highlights the brand’s goal to reduce consumption by at least 10 percent with every new model generation. In fact, Audi’s goal is to reduce overall consumption by 20 percent by the Year 2012. Its Australian introduction brings the number of vehicles currently available in the Audi range with consumption of 7.0 litres/100km or less, to a total of 22. The vehicle is wholly exempt from Luxury Car Tax thanks to its extreme efficiency. If you are interested in salary packaging any of these vehicles, please give Boost Salary a call on (02) 8875 7955 and one of our representatives will be pleased to provide you a quote and explain the benefits of packaging a vehicle.