Holden Updates Captiva 5 SUV in Australia with Series II Model

.fullpost { display: inline; } General Motor's Holden division has the unique distinction of having two Captiva models in its range: the Captiva 7, which is none other than the European market Chevrolet Captiva, and the Captiva 5, that's a re-badged Opel Antara. Given Opel's confirmed descent to the land of Down Under in 2012, there's a very strong possibility that Holden may be forced to

Sandy Sanderson’s Can Cars Are Automotive Art Par Excellence

.fullpost { display: inline; } The automobile is such an integral part of so many people’s lives that it’s no wonder than artists and sculptors often use them for inspiration. Take Sandy Sanderson of Hamilton, New Zealand, for example. He takes beer and soft drink cans and crafts them into meticulous, highly detailed replicas of hot rods and other classic cars. And Mr. Sanderson really is a

Holden Captiva 7 Series II Facelift with More Powerful Engines and Reduced Pricing

.fullpost { display: inline; } Making its Australian debut today is the refreshed Holden Captiva 7 Series II. To avoid any confusions, the Captiva 5 Series II that we told you about in our previous post is based on the Opel Antara, while the Captiva 7 is Holden's version of the Chevrolet model of the same name that's sold in Europe. The latest Series II version of the seven-seater Captiva

Not for U.S.: Subaru Launches 259HP Forester S-Edition in Australia

.fullpost { display: inline; } First unveiled in the 2010 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last October, the Subaru Forester S-Edition has now gone on sale in Australia, alongside the revised lineup of the Japanese compact SUV. Boasting a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine delivering 259HP (193kW) and 347 Nm (256 lb-ft) of torque, the new range-topping model is the most

VIDEO: Pedal-Powered Trikes Redefine the Art of Drifting

.fullpost { display: inline; } When we set out to find some nice drifting videos for your entertainment, we weren’t expecting to be dazzled by some apparently crazy New Zealanders and their pedal-powered...drifting trikes. But life is full of surprises and we have to say that, in some respects, pro drifters driving insanely powerful and expensive cars have nothing on these boys. It seems

Hyundai Confirms New Veloster Coupe for Australian Market

The all-new Hyundai Veloster revealed at the North American International Motor Show in Detroit earlier this week will make its way to Australia, the South Korean automaker announced today. Hyundai said it still working on the timing of the launch but added that it will most likely go on sale in Australia towards the end of the year with details of Australian specification and pricing to be revealed at a later date.

In North America, the new Veloster will be available with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct-injection pushing out 138-horsepower. Power is transferred to the front-wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional double clutch transmission.

Unlike the MINI Clubman, Hyundai has confirmed that the Veloster will have the single rear door placed on the left-hand side for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia and the UK.

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Detroit Motor Show: GM to Launch Opel in Australia Next Year

Last September, we reported that Nick Reilly, Chairman of Opel, hinted at the launch of the German brand in Australia. GM's European division made it official today at, announcing that Opel is set to enter the Australian market in 2012.

Nick Reilly, said at the Detroit Auto Show: “This launch is an important part of our international expansion strategy. With its growing demand for German design and technology, the Australian car market is an excellent opportunity for Opel. Australian drivers have a strong affinity with Opel vehicles.”

In a statement released to the press, Opel said the company’s offerings will include the Insignia, Astra and Corsa, with the full model line-up to be announced closer to the actual start of sales.

GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, will most likely continue to offer its RWD Commodore and Caprice range with the rest of the lineup comprising of rebadged Chevrolet and Daewoo models such as the Barina Spark, Captiva and Cruze. The Opel brand will be positioned more upmarket targeting Volkswagen.

Following the previously announced launch of the brand in Chile and Israel, Australia becomes the third export brand for Opel, which is looking to strengthen its exports and increase sales. The German company said other markets that are under consideration include Argentina, the Middle East and an expansion in South-Africa and China.

Gallery: Opel's European Range