Categories
Mazda Motor Shows

Mazda MX-5 to refresh MIMS

2009 Mazda MX-5

Mazda revealed its facelifted MX-5 at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Now, it has released a full suite of images of the updated NC model. The refreshed MX-5 will have its first Australian preview on the stands of the Melbourne International Motor Show later this month. It will go on Australian sale in late March.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic roadster. Affordable drop tops are all the rage these days. However, back in 1989 the possibility of a rear wheel drive convertible for sub $30K was not so common.

Amazingly, Takao Kijima has been involved in all three generations of MX-5, “I have been involved with the Mazda MX-5 since the project was first approved in 1986, and was lucky enough to be a chassis engineer on the first model that established the MX-5 roadster’s reputation as an exciting and affordable lightweight sports car.

“I was honoured to succeed Toshihiko Hirai as MX-5 programme manager in 1995 and lead the team on the second and third generation MX-5.”

Still the only “affordable” rear wheel drive roadster on the market the current MX-5 is available with six speed manual or automatic transmissions with a 118kW 2.0 litre four cylinder engine. A traditional rag top is the entry level option, or a folding metal roof can be yours if you choose.

More facelift images after the jump.

Categories
Motor Shows News Volkswagen

Golf VI to be launched at Melbourne International Motor Show

Volkswagen Golf VI

Volkswagen’s new Golf VI will make its Australian debut next month at the Melbourne International Motor Show (27 February–9 March). In further good news for prospective Golf customers, VW Australia sources have confirmed with AUSmotive that the car will be available for purchase at Volkswagen dealers immediately after the Melbourne show.

Presumably, there are already a number of Golf VI models in the country, with a couple of models being spotted recently in Perth.

The new Golf may not be a radical departure in looks from the outgoing Golf V, but there are quite a lot of new goodies thrown into the new model that should see the Golf keep its customary position at the top of its class. There’s a new 7-speed DSG, revised engine lineup, Adaptive Chassis Control, park steering assistant and an improved ESP system to name a few. The basic underpinnings of the Golf V chassis also remain, which means the new Golf should remain an engaging and dependable drive. Safety has also been assured with the Golf VI already achieving a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

The Golf V has proven to be an outstanding sales success for Volkswagen Australia and there should be no reason why the Golf VI cannot continue this trend.

Volkswagen Australia is still a bit coy when asked about the new GTI and its Australian release. Current speculation suggests it will be available around October this year. We shall have to wait and see.

More news on the official launch for the Golf VI as it comes to hand. In the meantime, check out this earlier post on the Golf VI which includes more images and information released last August prior to the car’s international launch.