What will your next car be?

[kimona]

I like this car, but I don't suppose we'll ever see it here:

[junorico24]

I like this car, but I don't suppose we'll ever see it here:

Holden Astra?

Holden and Ford are closing their V8 plants here in Ostraya. The commodore which is the V8 icon is replaced by FWD and AWD V6 turbo. :laugh: Ostraya V8 icon i think is called Chevy SS in America.
Big rear wheel drive gas guzzling monster.

[kimona]

Yup! 2017 Opel Astra. Also sold with Vauxhall and Holden badges.


https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/astra/hatchback/review/

[hairygityeti]

I used to build Vauxhalls back in the day at the old Roots factory in Coventry England

[Kalispel]

Not a fan of Nissan craftsmanship/quality control, but I like the look of their Micra. Yet another car that will likely never see the U.S. market. All we get are the crappy version of models/trims from Japanese companies, and/or bloated SUV/Crossover market-saturation garbage.

https://www.nissan-cdn.net/content/dam/Nissan/global/vehicles/micra_march/k14/0_all_new/overview/16tdieurhd_MICRAHelios_003a.jpg.ximg.l_6_m.smart.j pg

Even Mexico receives a much nicer version of the Corolla than we get. WTF Toyota?

http://www.tiempomotor.com/sites/default/files/toyota_corolla_2018_7_1.jpg

[kimona]

^^^ Kalispel, I agree with everything you said!

Yup, the Nissan Micra looks great from every angle:

https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/micra/hatchback/review/

[kimona]

Another car we'll never get here, the Nissan Pulsar, is a great looking car as well:

https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/pulsar/hatchback/review/

[junorico24]

Another car we'll never get here, the Nissan Pulsar, is a great looking car as well:

Nissan needs to start playing with the big boyz again. They need to bring back

baby Zilla. The Pulsar Gti-r awd rocket. Call it Pulsar Nismo or something.:rolleyes:

https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/93_Nissan_Pulsar_GTiR_1425319090.jpg

[junorico24]

We get the Nissan Pulsar. It's not the looks that lets it down it's the on road performance. It's bland

ecno box.

Check out KIA...

Another beautiful masterpiece.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/proceed-wagon-concept-626x382.jpg

http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/kia-proceed-concept-frankfurt-626x382.jpg

Another peach of a design. Now make it AWD or RWD turbo manual please, KIA.

[DiCaprio]

In my opinion the new Nissan Micra looks a little over designed. Actually a lot of new cars have too much shapes and lines. In the end it all comes together somehow and it looks decent, but it's too much design characteristics all put together in one car. I feel like it's too much to look at.

For example i kinda like the Infiniti Q30, but at the same time i don't, when i look at it from the side and back. The Front looks decent.

[hairygityeti]

My friend has a Micra and she thinks my Yaris is much better, i have to agree with her Yaris envy , i do get clostrophobic in her car although hers is in better condition to mine (Yaris is still being fixed)

[junorico24]

I am in Auckland, New Zealand for a vacay.Hired a Mazda 2 Demio.It's the 2010 Up model. This car is not bad i don't find it fun.zoom zoom yeah right.But I will take it to Rotaroa we will see how it handles .But it is composed and sits flat on road.Not twitchy like the 2nd gen Yaris which makes it a pleasant ride on the road.

[joell]

Nissan Mexico announced in August the cease of production of the Versa (Note), they have a large inventory to sell.
So maybe there is some hope of seeing the new made in Mexico Micra (March) in dealers next year, but if the demand for small cars remain low they will concencrate in more profitable models.
Anyway, Nissan needs to do something in Mexico because Kia and Hyundai are eating his lunch.

[kimona]

^^^ The Micra would be a good replacement for both the Versa (sedan) and Versa Note (hatchback). Keep the trim levels to minimum and the MSRP down by simply adding an optional power package to the base offering. I think they'd have a winner.

[junorico24]

Took the 2008 Mazda 2🐝 to Hobbiton where they filmed Lord of the ring.Got to see Bilbos home.The Mazda is noisey take it over 120 km/h shit starts shaking. Maybe 2017 Mazda 2 is better because this 2008 model is disappointing.

[kimona]

One of these was parked beside me at school yesterday. The car actually looks very good in person... much better than photos. A very nice hatchback.

[Mattstr]

I would prefer to take a new Japanese car, Nissan Pulsar is really great! Looking at the pics right now...
But I think for now I would go for a smaller hatchback.

[junorico24]

^^^ The Micra would be a good replacement for both the Versa (sedan) and Versa Note (hatchback). Keep the trim levels to minimum and the MSRP down by simply adding an optional power package to the base offering. I think they'd have a winner.

That's a warm hatch. There is a hotter version of this car. It will not go to the U.S. of A.

The Hyundai i30 N.

https://cnet2.cbsistatic.com/img/2hnXwBl7VFpNVnNHp70ev2sH13A=/770x433/2017/07/13/6bf518ba-b78a-49e3-9cac-c4b25a24ccfe/27-hyundai-i30n-i30-n-elantra.jpg

[hairygityeti]

https://www.indiacarnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/New-Maruti-Swift-2017-9.jpg

http://s3.caradvice.com.au/thumb/770/382/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Swift-19.jpeg

http://performancedrive.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017-Suzuki-Swift-RS-750x468.jpg

Looks amazing...:drool: They did a fantastic job on the design of the new swift. .. 2017 Suzuki Ignis and Baleno tbh!

Yes looks nice but not as keen looking as the new Yaris (sorry im drooling again) the cross design has attitude ,what a face:bow:lol

[kimona]

^^^ Pathetic design. YUK!

[Whiplash]

I like it. If I ever move back to Europe I would pick one up for sure.

[Kalispel]

That Suzuki Swift looks decent enough - certainly better than the subcompacts available in the U.S. Market. I had to look up the rear view before forming an opinion.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/images/car-reviews/first-drives/legacy/swift3_1.jpg?itok=I2rCti0D

[NYC-SE]

I agree. The Swift isn't drop dead gorgeous but it looks pretty good to me. Looks even better in person IMO. It's probably their best car. Never understood why Suzuki never brought it to the US when they were trying to establish a market here.

[junorico24]

Yes. I have seen the Swift in person it is meh!! It looks weird in person guys.Suzuki has definitely dropped the ball in terms of the 2018 Swift.

However next year in Australia. The Swift Sport 1.4 turbo is coming in the first quarter of 2018.


https://imgd.aeplcdn.com/642x361/cw/ec/30193/Maruti-Suzuki-Swift-Exterior-103304.jpg?wm=1&q=85

Yes it is getting the 1.4 booster jet engine, 6 speed manual. This is the same engine from the Vitara.

[junorico24]

I dunno who designs the latest Suzuki cars because it is fugly in person case in point the Suzuki Ignis.

Look at the front not bad.Until you see the...

https://auto.ndtvimg.com/car-images/colors/maruti-suzuki/ignis/maruti-suzuki-ignis-uptown-red.png?v=

Side and back.. Errr! yikes!

https://www.suzuki.co.nz/Images/Assets/519581/23/

[NYC-SE]

Yeah that Ignis is ugly. But I don't think the Swift is.

[hairygityeti]

I dunno who designs the latest Suzuki cars because it is fugly in person case in point the Suzuki Ignis.

Look at the front not bad.Until you see the...

https://auto.ndtvimg.com/car-images/colors/maruti-suzuki/ignis/maruti-suzuki-ignis-uptown-red.png?v=

Side and back.. Errr! yikes!

https://www.suzuki.co.nz/Images/Assets/519581/23/

The Ignis is ugly coming and going ! how big is it because i think all cars that where meant to be small,light,economical and most importantly affordable to the masses are now exactly the opposite ,ie; the Mini,VW beetle,Fiat 500,Vauxhal Astra.....?:iono:

[hairygityeti]

I have just realised where i have seen this before......Land rover .....a poor copy of the Landy?

[greyg00SE]

I still have a '97 Sidekick Sport (purchased new), so I've got nothing bad to say about Suzuki. I wish they still sold them here.

If only..

[ern-diz]

Weren't those the ones that would topple over when you'd turn left or right above a certain speed?

[greyg00SE]

Haven't toppled mine in the twenty years.. I suppose, if you don't know what you're doing. It does have pretty good ground clearance, which makes them great for off-road. Bought mine to drive on the beaches of NC..
I've heard about people rolling theirs. Never witnessed it. I have seen a stock Jeep Cherokee (the boxy one) roll in traffic. She was haulin' ass around a corner.. something you should never do in a 4x4 with a high center of gravity.
I was on my moped that day.. shit was scary!

[ern-diz]

Wow, yeah, I bet the pucker-factor on that experience was super high!

I've never seen a Sidekick roll either, but remember seeing the news reporting on it as a kid. I also remember the news reports about the Firestone tires that came on the early Ford Explorers aka Exploders.

[hairygityeti]

Weren't those the ones that would topple over when you'd turn left or right above a certain speed?

Saw a woman go up on two wheels on a roundabout in one how the hell it never went over i dont know,but i do know she probably wont use her phone while driving again! :thumbdown:

[hairygityeti]

Haven't toppled mine in the twenty years.. I suppose, if you don't know what you're doing. It does have pretty good ground clearance, which makes them great for off-road. Bought mine to drive on the beaches of NC..
I've heard about people rolling theirs. Never witnessed it. I have seen a stock Jeep Cherokee (the boxy one) roll in traffic. She was haulin' ass around a corner.. something you should never do in a 4x4 with a high center of gravity.
I was on my moped that day.. shit was scary!

I had a vintage moped a 1963 suzuki AS50 factory race job, not keen on these new mopeds give me an old vintage unrestricted bike anytime my first was a 1974 SS50 Honda then a suzuki K11 ,a Yamaha FS1E,Honda S90,Suzuki B100,but the one i miss the most is the Norton Commando :thumbup:

[junorico24]

I still have a '97 Sidekick Sport (purchased new), so I've got nothing bad to say about Suzuki. I wish they still sold them here.

If only..

Suzuki Vitara in Australia. They are known to go off road in rugged terrain over here.

The latest Vitara has the 1.4 booster jet engine which is the same engine in a swift.:cool:

[greyg00SE]

I had a vintage moped a 1963 suzuki AS50 factory race job, not keen on these new mopeds give me an old vintage unrestricted bike anytime my first was a 1974 SS50 Honda then a suzuki K11 ,a Yamaha FS1E,Honda S90,Suzuki B100,but the one i miss the most is the Norton Commando :thumbup:

My first was a '60s Suzuki 80cc. This is my second Zuma (BWS there). It's a good all-around bike. I use it mostly on the street, but have taken it off-road a few times.
I'd really like to have a Gilera DNA50.. wish they were available in the US. I see Chinese knock offs running around here. They're crap.

Back on topic.. I'd rock one of these if I could.. my first car was a '77 Civic.

[Whiplash]

I love the idea of these small kei cars. But I know if they were brought here their prices would not be under 10k (CDN). And with that I would rather just buy something used but nicer.

[greyg00SE]

I know what you mean. I was fascinated with the idea of a tiny house. But it just didn't make any sense financially, not here anyway. So I opted for the smallest condo I could find. 600 square feet. It's cheaper.. and I get a real toilet.

I bought my Yaris last year, paid cash. I chose it for the gas mileage. Regular gas, front wheel drive and hatchback.. it just made sense. My next car will likely make sense too..

[hairygityeti]

My first was a '60s Suzuki 80cc. This is my second Zuma (BWS there). It's a good all-around bike. I use it mostly on the street, but have taken it off-road a few times.
I'd really like to have a Gilera DNA50.. wish they were available in the US. I see Chinese knock offs running around here. They're crap.

Back on topic.. I'd rock one of these if I could.. my first car was a '77 Civic.

Looks a bit tight for room inside must be a true small car

[kimona]

Drove a 2018 Subaru Impreza hatchback this weekend. First time I've ever driven a Subaru. Glad I did. Awesome car in every way!

[Kalispel]

Drove a 2018 Subaru Impreza hatchback this weekend. First time I've ever driven a Subaru. Glad I did. Awesome car in every way!

All the auto reviews that I have seen seem to agree with you. I'm fairly neutral on the styling of the Impreza, and I'm not sure what's up with that 90's retro wing spoiler on the sedan, lol. Still, if I didn't select a Toyota made vehicle for purchase, I would likely elect a Subaru instead - especially since Honda has gone down the horrible styling and quality-control route that they have. For some reason, the Crosstrek does seem to appeal to me, even though I'm not 'an SUV guy'.

I'm seriously thinking about moving up my next car purchase to Winter 2018. Waiting until the end of 2018 will allow me to see what changes (if any) are in store for the Toyota iM, and then likely select a 2018 or 2019 model depending on styling/feature differences - plus the end of year discounted pricing to clean out inventory is always nice. If I selected a 2018 iM, it would likely be in Barcelona Red Metallic, since a Dark/Falcon grey metallic isn't available. The piano black trim really pops with that deeper burgundy-red color, and the taillights blend nicely with it. I find it really odd that it is the least popular color on the iM. :iono: The runner-up, if I changed my mind on the iM for some reason, would probably be a 2018/2019 Black (stealth-styling :wink:) Yaris SE - which I would have dealership swap wheels with my 2015 SE as conditions of the purchase, and transfer over the TRD rear sway bar also. We will see.

[Whiplash]

I'm planning on getting the newest (used) BMW Alpina B7 I can afford when ever I decide to buy a newer car.

[kimona]

All the auto reviews that I have seen seem to agree with you. I'm fairly neutral on the styling of the Impreza, and I'm not sure what's up with that 90's retro wing spoiler on the sedan, lol. Still, if I didn't select a Toyota made vehicle for purchase, I would likely elect a Subaru instead - especially since Honda has gone down the horrible styling and quality-control route that they have. For some reason, the Crosstrek does seem to appeal to me, even though I'm not 'an SUV guy'.



Yes, the new Impreza gets great reviews. I agree about Subaru styling... always thought it kind of ho-hum. But, the redesigned Impreza is actually very appealing IMHO.

The new sheet metal design makes sense form any angle. The front grille, headlights, and fog lights, though conservative, are very handsome. And, the tail light configuration is clean and nicely integrated into the body.

I'm really impressed with the interior design, roominess, and the quality and feel of the materials. Plus, the front seats are among the most comfortable I've ever experienced; firm and supportive, with excellent lumbar... even in base trim.

The drive put all other small hatchbacks to shame; quick, responsive, confident, road hugging, and surprisingly quiet. Seating position, steering wheel adjustment, and visibility are excellent.

Needless to say, I loved this car!

These are the small hatchbacks I've driven recently:
Honda Civic - YUK (I hated this car)
Toyota iM - Fair overall (too many things I didn't like)
Mazda 3 - Pretty darn good (but cramped/unattractive/cheap interior and noisy)
Subaru Impreza - Winner by a mile (couldn't find anything to complain about)

If you get a chance, stop by a Subaru dealership and check one out. Test drive if you have the time. I'd be interested how you feel about the car after a close inspection and drive.

BTW, there is a promotion that pops up when you visit a Subaru dealership's website: $25 to test drive. When I got home, there was a virtual Visa card sent by email.

[kimona]

2017 Subaru Impreza v Mazda3 v Toyota Corolla v Holden Astra Comparison | Drive.com.au

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5dax2i5f0I

[Kalispel]

2017 Subaru Impreza v Mazda3 v Toyota Corolla v Holden Astra Comparison | Drive.com.au

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5dax2i5f0I

That's a good review video to watch, even though it's the Australian market versions. I remember watching it a few months ago, and enjoyed it. Love how even the middle trim Corolla hatch (iM) in Australia has standard fog lights - and the top trim even has LED headlights. God, I hate the U.S. market for automobiles... :mad:

I will definitely be checking out both the Impreza and Crosstrek before making any final decisions late next year. I'm not sure if I like the hatch or sedan better when it comes to the Impreza. I wish they would have stuck with 17" wheels though. Not a fan of the newer trend of 'oversized' wheels & tires on vehicles. It looks somewhat comical, especially when the alloy design is pretty goofy (like with the Impreza, Crosstrek & iM). On the compact iM, I would be tempted to drop to 16" wheels and 50 series tires instead of 45, since it is really only slightly larger than a Yaris, overall.

[kimona]

I'm not sure if I like the hatch or sedan better when it comes to the Impreza. I wish they would have stuck with 17" wheels though. Not a fan of the newer trend of 'oversized' wheels & tires on vehicles. It looks somewhat comical, especially when the alloy design is pretty goofy (like with the Impreza, Crosstrek & iM). On the compact iM, I would be tempted to drop to 16" wheels and 50 series tires instead of 45, since it is really only slightly larger than a Yaris, overall.

I agree with you.

The Impreza is available in 4 trims:

Base: 16x6.5 steel wheels (205/55/16)
Premium: 16x6.5 alloys (205/55/16)
Limited: 17x7 alloys (205/50/17)
Sport: 18x7.5 alloys (225/40/18)

[Kalispel]

I checked out my first Toyota iM in-person today at the dealership while waiting for my oil change & tire rotation. They had a single Barcelona Red Metallic one on the lot. It's a much better looking and feeling car in person than the pictures or videos online give it credit for - especially in that gorgeous color w/all the black piano trim. The loads of white and silver iM's they had didn't look half as good to me. This particular dealership tints all their new cars (Ughh.) and I noticed that every one of them had very noticeable tinting flaws on the back window portion in the same spots. Not sure if that is a difficult window to tint without air seams around the edges or what. I know that I would never buy a dealer-tinted car, because I prefer to pick my own tinting shop and quality brand/grade of tint to install. I still haven't test drove one yet, due to time limitations, so that is something for down the road. I'm still not trusting of CVT quality over the long-term, even on a Toyota, and would probably be tempted to go manual transmission once again if I went with an iM. Seems like I read about a lot of premature failure issues with CVT's across all auto brands, even on the latest Toyota Corolla - which uses the same CVT as the iM if I am not mistaken.

I also checked out the lone 2018 Yaris (L) they had on the lot, sitting next to the dozen or so iM's they had. Hated the horribly cheap look of the new taillights and the weird position they sit relative to the rest of the car design. The front of the L model actually looks better (to me) than the front of the 2015-2017 L model though. I'm definitely crossing the 2018 version Yaris off my list now, just for those awful awful low-rent taillights, if nothing else. It's mind boggling how the 2018 Yaris SE and iM can be at virtually the same price point, when the iM is such a nicer, refined, better-equipped car (and still made in Japan!).

I somewhat expect comparable Subaru Impreza models to be a more-deluxe car than the iM, overall, since the Sport & Limited trims are anywhere between $3-5K higher in price. I will probably go check them & the Crosstrek out sometime early next year, and get around to test driving an iM in both manual & CVT. I've read rumors that the next-gen 'global platform' iM/Auris (2019?) and Corolla (2020?) will have BMW engines, and I'm not sure I like that, even if they are more 'modern' and powerful. BMW isn't exactly known to be reliable and trouble free. I also read that the next-gen iM/Auris will no longer be built in Japan - I think they are setting up NA production for Mexico. Again, not very thrilled with that prospect at all, and won't buy any car built there.

[ern-diz]

#WRX_STi

[Captain Yaris]

I’ll just leave this here...

[kimona]

^^^ IMHO, wicked UGLY lower front end!!!

[Thirty-Nine]

I bought a 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage ES hatch a couple months ago. I honestly can say I love this little thing. It's simple, basic, and was a great deal.

So far, added a weighted shift knob and bought 195/50/15 Yokohama S.Drives mounted on 15x6.5 (+38) MB Revolt wheels. I can honestly say it's the most noticeable tire upgrade I've ever done. Then again, 165/65/14 low-rolling resistance tires aren't exactly great for handling.

I also just bought side skirts for it and will be getting a lowered suspension and rear sway bar on it shortly. Don't worry, I still have my Yaris.

http://crankshaftculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/25198782_10156590734037289_1569759716_o.jpg

[kimona]

^^^ NICE! Wheels and tyres look good.

Is that Mitsubishi emblem removable without leaving holes?

[ern-diz]

^^^ NICE! Wheels and tires look good.

+1 :biggrin:

Looks really good from the pic. Love the color; is it OEM?

[Hershey]

Mirage looking good with those tires . How's the gas mileage ? Few weeks ago we test drove a '17 G4 with the C.V.T.. Managed to get 40 during the drive with 2 of us and temps hovering around 35 . Car kept up fine on the interstate . The steering wheel seemed off . Had a tendency to go to the right when wheel was level ( possible low tire pressure ? ) . They're known for poor alignment and to much play in the steering from the factory . The car was under $13,000 . Have you been to the MIRAGE / G4 owners site ? If not , http://mirageforum.com/index.php

[kimona]

I will definitely be checking out both the Impreza and Crosstrek before making any final decisions late next year.

Actually, the Crosstrek was the car I wanted to check-out when I initially went to the Subaru dealership. However, when I sat in it, I immediately discovered that the seat was uncomfortable and had no lumbar support whatsoever... so I passed on it without a test-drive.

[Kalispel]

Actually, the Crosstrek was the car I wanted to check-out when I initially went to the Subaru dealership. However, when I sat in it, I immediately discovered that the seat was uncomfortable and had no lumbar support whatsoever... so I passed on it without a test-drive.

I would think that the Crosstrek would have had the same seats as the Impreza, since they are built the same platform. I guess I will find out when I sit in one in a few months. It's interesting when you visit the various forums of different cars, and see that some people hate the seats (or whatever), while others find them comfortable & fine. The Honda HR-V springs to mind first, in that regard. I guess that height, girth, limb/torso proportions and other things probably play into why seats (or steering wheel position) are horrible for one person and okay for another.

[Thirty-Nine]

^^^ NICE! Wheels and tyres look good.

Is that Mitsubishi emblem removable without leaving holes?

I don't know. Good question.

+1 :biggrin:

Looks really good from the pic. Love the color; is it OEM?

Yes, Mercury Gray. (The wheels are also the original color)

Mirage looking good with those tires . How's the gas mileage ? Few weeks ago we test drove a '17 G4 with the C.V.T.. Managed to get 40 during the drive with 2 of us and temps hovering around 35 . Car kept up fine on the interstate . The steering wheel seemed off . Had a tendency to go to the right when wheel was level ( possible low tire pressure ? ) . They're known for poor alignment and to much play in the steering from the factory . The car was under $13,000 . Have you been to the MIRAGE / G4 owners site ? If not , http://mirageforum.com/index.php


We averaged 49 mpg on the way up to Victoria, BC over Thanksgiving. We generally are between 35 and 44 on the narrow 165s. Not sure yet on the 195s. I actually took them off last night for winter.

Our steering wheel is actually slightly cocked to the left. Need to bring it in and see if they can align it. I don't have too much play, however.

I am an active member on mirageforum.com. It's a really good group.

[junorico24]

https://www.ldvautomotive.com.au/ssl/cms/assets/g10-people-mover-overview-2.jpg

LDV G10. You probably don't know what this is, it's a UK brand Leyland brought by SAIC the biggest Chinese car company. I've seen a few of these in Australia and it is a good looker.Believe it or not AUSTRLAIANS ARE buying these Chinese cars.Money talks for the price you get a lot. I don't want to be part of the normal car scene. I want something i can sleep in on long drives, have loads of room to put stuff in and not worry about not having room LOL.

https://s3.caradvice.com.au/thumb/480/240/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2016-ldv-g10-van-mpv-white-39.jpg

There's a few Chinese brands here now as well. LDV, FOTON, HAVAL and GREAT WALL MOTORS. I don't know about America but Astrayans are buying them. OK some Chinese car manufacturers have come here some didn't survive like Chery and Geely. But these new ones are strong contenders.

http://www.bbrgti.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BBR-MX-5-NC-Super-180-Conversion-2.jpg

I also want an NC Mita RWD fun sportscar.

[jayeh]

https://www.ldvautomotive.com.au/ssl/cms/assets/g10-people-mover-overview-2.jpg

LDV G10. You probably don't know what this is, it's a UK brand Leyland brought by SAIC the biggest Chinese car company. I've seen a few of these in Australia and it is a good looker.Believe it or not AUSTRLAIANS ARE buying these Chinese cars.Money talks for the price you get a lot. I don't want to be part of the normal car scene. I want something i can sleep in on long drives, have loads of room to put stuff in and not worry about not having room LOL.

https://s3.caradvice.com.au/thumb/480/240/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2016-ldv-g10-van-mpv-white-39.jpg

There's a few Chinese brands here now as well. LDV, FOTON, HAVAL and GREAT WALL MOTORS. I don't know about America but Astrayans are buying them. OK some Chinese car manufacturers have come here some didn't survive like Chery and Geely. But these new ones are strong contenders.

http://www.bbrgti.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BBR-MX-5-NC-Super-180-Conversion-2.jpg

I also want an NC Mita RWD fun sportscar.

Do they sell the Toyota Avanza in Australia?

I saw them on Vacation in Mexico and thought it was a nifty little car. We don't get such convenient practical cars here in Canada. If you want a third row you have to go all the way up to a Sienna Minivan or full size SUV with a monster engine.

[Kalispel]

I would LOVE to buy a hybrid subcompact/compact, but the US market is a stomach-wrenchingly bad joke in that regard - at least from any brand that I would considering buying a vehicle from. Sorry, those Prius abominations just don't cut it, and the Lexus CT200H is really just too loaded and snotty for my taste (not to mention discontinued as of 2017). Give us a sensible hybrid Auris/iM or Yaris 'H-SE'. :drool: On the bright side, Toyota has indicated that they plan to have hybrid or electric versions of all their models available by 2025 - though I doubt either the Yaris or iM will be around in the US by that time. :frown:

[kimona]

Before replacing my Camry (about 6 months ago), I drove the Toyota Prius and the Hyundai Ioniq. The Prius drove well, but the car was just too bloody ugly (outside and inside) and the seats were not very comfortable. The Ioniq's conservative sheet metal design was appealing, the interior was decent, the seats were comfortable, and the car drove surprisingly well. But, I just couldn't bring myself to buy a Hyundai. I passed on getting a hybrid, but I'm still thinking about one for the future. Electric cars don't interest me at this point. I'm rather spontaneous and need a car that can go the distance wherever it may be. Plus, I'm the type that would suffer battery anxiety driving an electric car.

[Kalispel]

Electric cars don't interest me at this point. I'm rather spontaneous and need a car that can go the distance wherever it may be. Plus, I'm the type that would suffer battery anxiety driving an electric car.

I agree with you on full-electric cars. I think I am also the battery-anxiety type. Heck, I absolutely hate dropping below 1/3 or so tank on my gasoline Yaris. :laugh:

[sickpuppy1]

yeah, i get that way when the gauge is blinking too!

[sqcomp]

Goodbye Yaris ��

Hello Corolla!

Toyota loyalty!

[junorico24]

Do they sell the Toyota Avanza in Australia?

I saw them on Vacation in Mexico and thought it was a nifty little car. We don't get such convenient practical cars here in Canada. If you want a third row you have to go all the way up to a Sienna Minivan or full size SUV with a monster engine.

Yes. We have.

We have French, Swedish, Italian, Chinese and Malaysian cars sold here as well.

Chinese..

FOTON.

https://fotonmotor.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Foton-Website-Banner-10-Reasons-2.jpg

HAVAL.

http://www.hunterhaval.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/hunter-haval-h2-premium-auto-4x2.jpg

Great Wall.

http://www.gwm-global.com/statics/gwm-en/images/public/M4-3.png

https://www.greatwallmotors.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Great-Wall-Motors-Built-to-Work.png

LDV

https://res.cloudinary.com/carsguide/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,t_cg_hero_low/v1/editorial/2017-LDV-T60-PRO-ute-white-1200x800-%288%29.jpg

Malaysian.

PROTON.

https://s2.paultan.org/image/2016/08/IMG_5235-630x354.jpg

[kimona]

Hmmm... a wide variety of cars available in Australia.

Too bad about the demise of Holden and some great Opel platforms.

[junorico24]

Hmmm... a wide variety of cars available in Australia.

Too bad about the demise of Holden and some great Opel platforms.


Agreed.

That's why KIA came in with the RWD stinger because most Aussies love their big RWD muscle cars with Holden and Ford no longer producing them Kia will.

There's also Citreon, Peugeot,Renualt, Volvo, Skoda, MG is coming back.

The one that i have an eye on because it ticks the boxes.

Economical, good looks, affordable, fun to drive, 4wd, cheap servicing cost, good list of features; sat nav as standard, voice command, panoramic roof, all grip 4 wheel drive, 1.6 diesel engine would usually cost 40k-50k plus....


But not with the Suzuki Vitara the top of range is just under 35 K..

http://resource.digitaldealer.com.au/image/11374998725a6804bd7987e459691764__0.png

[junorico24]

The Swift Sport is out in Australia as well..

A lot of good reviews ..

1.4 booster jet engine is same engine in the Vitara weighing just south of a tonne this thing is a pocket rocket.

https://res.cloudinary.com/carsguide/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto,t_cg__marking_background__s m_/v1/editorial/2018-Suzuki-Swift-Sport-hatchback-yellow-1200x800-%285%29.jpg

A line of yellow hot hatches, WOW.

[Kalispel]

The 2019 refreshed Honda HR-V just popped up on the Honda website for building/review of features. I have to say that the new 'Sport' trim is almost perfectly outfitted for my personal taste in features. It avoids all the 'safety' tech bloat for bad drivers (which starts on the EX trim) and other over-engineered 'convenience'-nonsense tech & has many of the nice cosmetic upgrades that this vehicle needed when it first made its debut in the US market. The (improved-for-2019) CVT looks like the only wildcard really, but I'm betting reliability on a CVT depends a lot on how aggressively you constantly stomp the gas from stop, etc. (which is where most CVT stress comes from). A lot of people seem to drive their cars like they are running from the cops (& don't do proper maintenance), so not very surprising they have engine/transmission issues sooner rather than later.

I like how the Sport trim replaces the cheap black plastic body/wheel trim with the piano-finish gloss-black trim instead - meaning you can wax/maintain it far easier, and it shouldn't age/discolor like the normal crap matte black plastic usually used for bumpers, trim, etc. The 50's series tires on the 18" wheels are the perfect compromise between performance, ride & looks (just like on my Yaris). The old-school 1990's halogen-reflector headlights/DRL have finally been replaced with more-modern, attractive projector headlights & LED DRL - and look better than the Touring trim squinting LED headlights. The Sport trim 18" alloy wheel design looks halfway decent if I wanted to stay factory/OEM. Muffler look has been refined, with added OEM exhaust tip. Standard fog lights. Black (Sport) instead of chrome (all other trims) front brow piece looks a lot better. On the fence about the color choices - Modern Steel looks nice & Orangeburst Metallic is interesting, lol. Sound/Noise insulation has been improved also with the refresh, and Active Noise Cancellation technology has been added.

The engine will be polarizing for a lot of people, since it is the same naturally-aspirated 'old school' carryover from the current model. I personally like that it is NOT a straight-up direct-inject and/or turbocharged engine, as those engines cost more to maintain properly & really won't age well in terms of reliability/durability. That's one of the reasons I love my Yaris so much as well. Seems like it would work fine for a normal driver (just like my Yaris engine does), but will leave wannabe drag-racers & people 'fleeing from the cops' no-doubt unhappy still. :tongue:

Sounds like something worth checking out for me, & see if it can pass my rigourous OCD stress-test inspection. :laugh: I will have to stop by a Honda dealership later this year for a test drive of the Sport trim, & see how it holds up in-person vs online research. If I like it, then it will get added to my very short list of cars that I might go for in 2020 or so, though a new black Yaris SE hatch still easily tops the list currently (assuming I can find one, lol). :thumbsup:

My current short list:
(#1) 2018+ Yaris SE hatch (Black only)
(#2) 2019+ Corolla hatch XSE (or SE with aftermarket 17" graphite/black wheel+tire-swap) (Black only)
(#3) 2019+ Honda HR-V Sport (Black, Modern Steel or Orangeburst Metallic)

[kimona]

I've driven the HR-V a few times, and I stand by my initial comments back in post #205 of this thread in Aug. 2017.

"Front and rear design looks good. Side view leaves a lot to be desired. Interior looks and feels cheap! Noisy motor, sluggish transmission, mediocre handling, uncomfortable seating. Hated the car."

I'd be curious to hear your feedback after test driving the car.

[Runethecursed]

Im personally looking at the redesigned 2017 FRS or BRZ depending... Still new enough for the cpo but same chassis as the old model, and

of course the BRZ tS stuff fits right one :D :D

[DarkShadowFox]

LS430 UL black black with the nav and the rear seat options or a W210 E55 2002 or older, loaded as well.

[Kalispel]

I've driven the HR-V a few times, and I stand by my initial comments back in post #205 of this thread in Aug. 2017.

"Front and rear design looks good. Side view leaves a lot to be desired. Interior looks and feels cheap! Noisy motor, sluggish transmission, mediocre handling, uncomfortable seating. Hated the car."

I'd be curious to hear your feedback after test driving the car.

I will post a basic review once that I do check out the 2019 Sport trim HR-V in-person sometime this fall/winter. I wasn't a fan of U.S. version HR-V during its initial release in this market (2015-2018). It looked okay to me from most angles in terms of basic shape, proportions, etc., but seemed really cut-rate versus what was being offered in other global markets. Hopefully, the refresh addresses a lot of issues that you mention. Release notes do mention better sound deadening in the cabin, an updated CVT 'driving experience' & sports-tuned steering/handling adjustments on the Sport trim, etc. Hopefully, they also address some improved interior features/materials/comfort as well, and not just the exterior improvement I mentioned in my last post. We will see. I will be going in from the perspective of someone who prefers hatchback/sedan cars over Crossovers/SUVs in general, but the idea of a Crossover type vehicle does interest me.

[Dodge Aries K]

Well, I just bought a Scion iQ so I guess that's what my next car is now lol.

[Kalispel]

Well, I just bought a Scion iQ so I guess that's what my next car is now lol.

If I was going to go the pre-owned car route for my next car (which is possible), I would likely aim for a low-mileage 2015+ BLACK Yaris SE hatch (4-spd auto), or a Barcelona Red Scion/Corolla iM (CVT auto). My current car is probably my last manual vehicle, and my next is my first automatic ever, after 35+ years of buying/driving cars. :eek:

[DarkShadowFox]

Well, I just bought a Scion iQ so I guess that's what my next car is now lol.

from 106 hp to 95 hp and 2117 LB. 2zzge swap it.

[Dodge Aries K]

Well I still have a bunch of Yarii too lol. I'm actually going to sell one of them... either here or to the Toyota dealer. It's a 2016 L 5 door that has been upgraded with keyless entry and cruise control. 36,700 miles.

[Captain Yaris]

Well I still have a bunch of Yarii too lol. I'm actually going to sell one of them... either here or to the Toyota dealer. It's a 2016 L 5 door that has been upgraded with keyless entry and cruise control. 36,700 miles.

I thought you just bought that one? Do you not like it?

[Dodge Aries K]

Well it went bye bye today. Truth be told I did like it but it was bought as a backup car for work stuff and I just don't do it enough anymore to warrant the car loan. Plus, for some reason the insurance on that car was the cost of my 3 door 2016, my 5 door 2014, and my wife's 5 door 2012 put together. So after considering all that, it just wasn't worth keeping around to collect dust and never get used. Plus, getting rid of one of my loans is pretty nice. I bought the car for 9300 before tax and title stuff, sold it to the dealer for 8600 so I didn't take too bad of a hit I guess lol. I'll write the loss off next year for my taxes since it was for the business so... Oh well I guess. I still have the 16 I bought new, the 14, my wife's 12, and the 07 project car for Yarii. Then there's the iQ, Matrix, Sonoma, and LeBaron Turbo GT convertible... so we have more than enough cars. Too many!