After losing its way in the mid-late 1990s the GTI badge relinquished the credibility gained with the first two GTIs. The fifth generation GTI, launched in 2004, has been widely acclaimed all over the globe. It won back respect for the GTI, a respect the badge so richly deserves. As a result, this new Mk6 [...]

When I started my test drive in the Audi S5 quattro, fitted with a 4.2 litre V8, the last thing I expected to come to mind was the West Indies cricket team from the 1980s. But that is exactly what happened. More on that later, though. First, let’s take a look at the S5’s lines. [...]

Earlier today the opportunity for a quick taste of MINI’s new Cooper D came my way. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to see just how Australia’s most economical car drives. That’s not a typo, with a miserly fuel consumption figure of 3.9l/100km and CO2 emissions at a super low 104g/km, the 1.6-litre diesel powered [...]

If you’re looking for a new car at the premium end of the small-ish coupé segment, two of the stand out choices are the Audi S3 and the BMW 135i. The current generation S3 has been in Australia since 2007, while the 135i was launched here about 12 months ago. The MY09 S3 range brings [...]

Top Gear LIVE has now left Australian shores. Like many of the cars on show it was a whirlwind affair filled with action. That is a given, but was it actually any good? It was entertaining. Certainly. But I’m not so sure it was everything it could be. The “show” kicked off with a series [...]

Welcome to AUSmotive’s second Tried & Tested review. This time, with a bit of a difference. As you can see we’re discussing the new Mk6 Golf, and with the new Golf not making its Australian debut until later this month I have had to follow a few leads via the VWvortex forums to file this [...]

From somewhat humble beginnings this blog started in March 2008. In that time I have enjoyed maintaining the site and keeping the information ticking over. Of course, the best parts to date have been the test drives. While I may not have been able to complete as many reviews as I would like, I have [...]

With 426kW on tap from the twin turbo 5.0 litre V10, this is comfortably the most powerful car I have ever driven. My previous personal best, also courtesy of Audi, was the relatively feeble 309kW 4.2 litre V8 found in both the RS4 and the R8. Last year, I was lucky enough to be thrown [...]

Imagine you have your (affordable) dream car and love the joy it brings you. Whether that’s behind the wheel, or simply admiring the gentle shoulder line of its three-door shape. Your car has oodles of torque that make it a delight to drive. There’s enough power to have fun, but not too much to be [...]

Well the drums rolled off in my forehead and the guns went off in my chest… That’s how I felt with Audi’s teutonic symphony orchestra behind me today. Welcome to the Audi R8. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a V8 and what better place to put it than right behind your ears. All [...]

When something meets your expectations so well, have you ever been left feeling almost let down? Equally, when something does meet your expectations so well, can you be anything other than impressed? These were questions I was asking myself a quick squirt in the new MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) today. Firstly, a big thanks [...]

After attending the launch of BMW’s 1 Series Coupé, I was keen for a closer look at the 135i. Initially I thought the 1 Series Coupé was a bit of a design faux pas, however, the more I see it, the more cohesive its design appears to be. The 1 is certainly a car that [...]

After recently driving the Audi’s close relation, the Golf GT TDI with DSG, I was keen to see how the A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI Ambition compared. The two cars share the same basic underpinnings, the same engine, producing the same power (125kW) and the same torque (a gob smacking 350Nm). Both cars tested also shared [...]

Last month Audi Australia officially launched an all new A4 model. Audi claims to be the fastest growing prestige brand in the Australian market. If that growth is to continue the new A4 needs to deliver bums on seats. At launch there were four engine choices available. Two petrol powerplants—118kW 1.8 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder, 195kW [...]

Since BMW relaunched the MINI brand in 2001 it has exceeded all expectations. This success has encouraged BMW to create plans to extend the MINI range well beyond the familiar coupe and cabrio models. The first realisation of these plans is the recently launched R55 MINI Clubman. Our friends at Rolfe Classic MINI Garage in [...]