Overview Released in December 1999, the Volkswagen 1J Bora was compact, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Wolfsburg, Germany, the VW Bora range initially consisted of the 2.0i and 2.3i V5 variants, but was expanded in June 2001 with the 2.8i V6. Compared to its 1H Vento predecessor, the Volkswagen 1J Bora was 4 mm shorter […]
Review: Volkswagen A5 Beetle (2013-16)
Overview Released in February 2013, the Volkswagen A5 Beetle was a small, three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, the front-wheel drive VW Beetle was powered by a 1.4-litre ‘twincharged’ (i.e. turbo- and super-charged) four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or double clutch transmission (DCT). 1.4 TSI engine The Beetle’s 1.4-litre […]
Review: Volkswagen Arteon (2017-on)
Overview Released in Australia in October 2017, the Volkswagen Arteon was a four-door fastback with a top-hinged tailgate. Manufactured in Emden, Germany, the all-wheel drive Volkswagen Arteon 206TSI was be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed double clutch transmission (Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). For Australia, the Arteon 206TSI was solely […]
Review: Volkswagen 2H Amarok utility (2011-on)
Review: Volkswagen 2H.I Amarok utility (2011-16) Overview Released in March 2011, the Volkswagen 2H Amarok utility was initially available in a four-door, dual-cab body. The Amarok range initially consisted of the TDI400 variant which was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo-diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The TDI400 was also available with rear-wheel […]
Review: Volkswagen 2H Amarok cab chassis (2011-on)
Review: Volkswagen 2H.I Amarok cab chassis (2011-16) Overview Released in September 2011, the Volkswagen 2H Series I (2H.I) Amarok cab chassis was initially available as a four-door, dual-cab chassis. The Amarok cab chassis range consisted of the TSI300, TDI340 and TDI400 variants. The TSI300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the TDI340 had […]
Review: TRD Mk.7 Hilux (2008-09)
Overview Released in April 2008, the TRD Mk.7 Hilux was a dual cab utility. Manufactured in Thailand, the TRD Hilux was powered by a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine and mated to a five-speed A750F automatic transmission. The TRD Hilux was offered in two variants: S (for ‘sports’) and SL (‘sports luxury’). Although the TRD […]
Review: TRD XV40 Aurion (2007-09)
Overview Released in August 2007, the TRD Aurion was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Altona, Victoria, the front-wheel drive XV40 Aurion was powered by a supercharged 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a sequential shift function. The TRD Aurion range consisted of 3500S and 3500SL variants […]
Review: Toyota XP90 Yaris (2005-16)
Review: Toyota XP90.I Yaris (2005-08) Overview Released in October 2005, the Toyota XP90 Series I (XP90.I) Yaris was initially available as a light three- or five-door hatchback, with sedans following in March 2006. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive Yaris was powered by 1.3- and 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and available in YR, YRS and […]
Review: Toyota XP130 Yaris (2011-19)
Review: Toyota XP130.I Yaris (2011-14) Overview Released in October 2011, the Toyota XP130 Series I (XP130.I) Yaris was available as a light, three- or five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Japan, the entry-level Yaris YR was powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the YRS, YRX and ZR had a more powerful 1.5-litre unit. 2NZ-FE and […]
Review: Toyota XV20 Vienta (1997-00)
Review: Toyota XV20.I Vienta (1997-00) Overview Released in July 1997, the Toyota XV20 Series I (XV20.I) Vienta was available as a sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Altona, Victoria, the front-wheel drive Toyota Vienta was based on the XV20 Camry but distinguished by its 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. In September 2000, however, the Vienta was discontinued […]