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Popular Forester gets a tweak
Subaru's immensely successful Forester has been given a makeover for 2006. And it's of little wonder the Japanese manufacturer continues to improve and upgrade and relaunch; more than 70,000 Foresters have been purchased by Australian customers since the model was launched in 1997.
We've tested the revamped mid-range XS and top of the range XT models and clearly improved performance has been Subaru's goal. For while the simple yet efficient interior hasn't changed a great deal (although we love the 6-disc in-dash stereo) and some eye-catching exterior changes have modernised Forester, it's the engineering that is most impressive.
For a start, the turbo-charged XT has been boosted by an extra 14kW of power and throttle response tightened, giving this Forester one heck of an acceleration advantage over other sports utility vehicles.
Elsewhere, ground clearance has been raised, as has the driver's position, there's extra legroom for passengers and the ‘macho' bonnet scoop and new grill significantly improve Forester's style. Naturally, given Subaru's reputation, each Forester rates 5 stars for safety. With performance and handling like this, it gets our thumbs up.
Subaru Forester XT (top of the range)
Engine 2.5 litre V4, 169kW of power
Economy 11.4 litres per 100km (ave)
Acceleration 0-100kph in 6 seconds
Transmission 5-speed manual
Price from $40,990 plus on-roads
Features climate control, 17” alloys, ABS, multiple air-bags, cruise control, 6 disc CD stacker, fog lights, roof rails, power windows, all-wheel drive, and rear folding seats, etc.
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Detroit Motor Show peeks into the future
The world's most prestigious motoring show takes place in Detroit each year and January's event highlighted some stunning innovations.
For example, Lexus unveiled its stunning new LS460, due for release here in December. It features the world's first ever 8-speed auto transmission, body temperature sensitive climate control, rear seat recliners and an audio hard disc capable of holding over 4,000 songs!
Audi, General Motors, Toyota , Mitsubishi, Nissan and Honda all unveiled striking new designs. It remains to be seen just which versions are released in Australia .
The Lexus LS460 is due for Australian release later in 2006.
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Vehicle sales through the roof in 2005
Total vehicle sales fell just shy of the magical one million mark in 2005, with a record 988,269 units being sold. Of that figure, 608,804 were passenger vehicles. As expected, large cars took a hit, down almost 16% on 2004's results, while the small car segment jumped by 18.6%.
Once again, Toyota took the crown with a staggering one in every five passenger vehicles being sold manufactured by the Japanese company. Both Holden and Ford's market share slipped.
Here's a look at the overall market share in 2005 (with 2004 figures in brackets):
1. Toyota : 20.5% (21.1%)
2. Holden: 17.7% (18.6%)
3. Ford: 13.1% (14.2%)
4. Mazda: 6.7% (5.8%)
5. Mitsubishi: 6.3% (6.0%)
6. Nissan: 5.7% (6.7%)
7. Hyundai: 4.9% (4.5%)
8. Honda: 4.8% (3.8%)
9. Subaru: 3.6% (3.5%)
10. Kia: 2.6% (2.6%)
The Mazda 6 helped push the Japanese manufacturer up the table
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Happy motoring, from the
AFM Team |
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