GET AUTUMN-MATED!
Edition 4 – Autumn 2016
Infiniti Q30
THE LATEST NEW CARS TO HIT OUR ROADS IN 2016
There will be no shortage of prestige cars hitting the market in 2016 with new makes and models to suit every budget. Whether it’s a sporty option, family sedan or SUV, the premium car manufacturers have designed something for everyone. With so many choices for your next dream car, why not turn your dreams into reality this year and consider one of the following. Infiniti Q30
Maserati Levante
This compact hatch is the result of Infiniti’s alliance with Mercedes-Benz to add another range to its stable. Looking like a longer version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the transmission lever moves off the steering column and the powertrains are from Benz. The bodywork is however, Infiniti’s. This premium hatch is due in dealerships towards the end of the year and will be around the $35,000 mark. Infiniti plan to follow the Q30 with a Q60 coupe to rival the BMW M4 and Audi A5.
The Italian sports car supremo has joined Lamborghini in launching a crossover this year following the success of Porsche’s move into the SUV market. Certainly at the top end, the Maserati Levante is based on the Ghibli sedan and will borrow drivetrains from that line-up which include the 3.0-litre petrol and diesel VCs. And a V8 is expected sometime soon as well. We’ll see this latest offering from Maserati in the last quarter of the year, with a retail price of around $150,000.
Maserati Levante
Volvo S90 The S90 is being positioned as the flagship sedan for the Swedish car maker. While it shares powertrains and a compact interior styling with the XC90 crossover, this range is also expected to add a Polestar model in the future. While Volvo is keeping the specifications of the car close to home, you can expect the sedan to be a similar size to the BMW 5 series, its direct market rival. The S90 will be available to buy in August with prices tipped to start under $90,000. Range Rover Evoque Convertible Going on sale in September with prices starting around the $85,000 mark, the super stylish Evoque revitalised Land Rover, heralded the beginning of
Volvo S90
the first drop-top SUV. While the fabric roof is in line with the regular model’s signature tapering profile, it doesn’t compromise the car’s off-road capability. Jaguar F-Pace Looking to rival the Porsche Macan as the most agile sport-oriented SUV is this new offering from Jaguar and it’s first SUV. Based on the lightweight XE sedan, Australian versions will have a 2.0-litre turbo diesel and 3.0-litre V6 diesel options as well as the supercharged V6 petrol engine that will be found in the F-Type. Already selling from February 2016, the F-Pace starts around $70,000.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Jaguar F-Pace
Mercedes-Benz E-class Arriving in the third quarter of 2016, this popular mid-size sedan has a new interior with a range of overhauled engines. The high end models also boast a massive dual-screen digital dash display. MercedesBenz will follow the new E-class sedan with coupe,
Mercedes-Benz E-class
wagon and cabrio versions. While prices haven’t yet been announced, you can expect to pay in the low $80,000 range for the base model.
Audi A4 On sale already in dealerships, the new A4 looks the same as the current model but has upgraded vehicle dynamics and interior styling. Top of the range models are all-wheel drive, while the 1.4-litre turbo pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic turning the front
wheels. Audi is claiming the new A4 will be the most technologically advanced vehicle it has ever sold in Australia. With prices starting around $55,000, it’s certainly one to look out for.
Source: Carsguide
Audi A4
QUIRKIEST CONCEPT CARS THAT DIDN’T MAKE IT TO PRODUCTION James Bond, Batman, The Jetsons‌some of these cars would be at home in the movies Concept cars provide the basic ideas and designs for future cars with many of the modern-day features, including the hybrid electric drive train, originating in concept cars and sometimes many decades before these features ever make it to market. Take a look at some of the most imaginative designs that never quite made it.
Bisiluro Damolnar - 1955
Plymouth XNR - 1960
Alfa Romeo BAT 5 - 1953
Phantom Corsair 1938
Peugeot Egochine Concept Car - 2012
BMW Gina - 2008
Toyota EX-III Concept Car - 1969
Ford X2000 - 1958
Source: BaMail
FIVE TIPS FOR AUTUMN CAR MAINTENANCE
Autumn is the perfect time of year to get your car in tip-top shape for the winter months, when shorter days, colder temperatures and more rain can mean additional demands on your vehicle. Here are some easy car maintenance tips that you can do yourself, but remember that you should always schedule regular services with your dealership or mechanic to keep your car performing at its best. An easy way to stay on top of your car’s upkeep could be to book a service online using My Car Servicing 1 – Check your brake pads Brake pads are the major part of a car’s braking system that require regular maintenance which can extend the life of your car, and they could also save your life. 2 – Check your spare tyre Make it a job every Autumn to check your spare tyre, if you have one available. There’s nothing worse than getting a flat tyre and finding that your spare is also flat or not properly inflated. It’s also a good idea to check your spare tyre on a monthly basis, as the tyre pressure drops when the temperature goes down. Always best to have a working spare tyre for those unforeseen circumstances!
3 – Check and top up fluids Regular checks of your car’s oil and water can help protect your engine. The engine’s oil dipstick is clearly marked with a bright plastic covering and is easy to find. The easiest way to check the coolant level is to look for the level marks in the plastic reserve tank that is connected to the cooling system. The coolant level should be between the low and high marks. The brake fluid reservoir is usually made of plastic and is located at the back or side of the engine bay and has a high and low marking on the side that the fluid level should sit between. Fluid checks are simple and quick – make sure to check all fluid levels including oil and radiator coolant. 4 – Check lights and battery terminals As part of your regular car maintenance and for safety reasons, it’s important to make sure that all the car’s lights are working. A blown headlight makes it much harder for other cars to see you and increases your risk of an accident. And, as Autumn brings longer and darker nights, you also want to make sure that you can be seen when you’re making a turn or braking. 5 – Change your wiper blades Replacing wiper blades once a year will ensure that every time it rains heavily, you’ll be able to see the road ahead. Wiper blades are inexpensive and easy to change yourself. They generally get more of a workout in Autumn and Winter from road grime and frequent rain, so it’s a good idea to replace them at this time of year. Also make sure to keep a check on your windscreen wiper fluid and top up when the light comes up on your dashboard.
Source: Bankrate
AUTUMN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT… MELBOURNE The changing of the seasons can be spectacular in Melbourne and Autumn is widely known as being the best time to visit. There’s so much happening between March and May. The Autumn season is known for its festivals of fashion, food and flowers. Melbourne in Autumn means average top temperatures of around 20°C and lows of 11°C, which makes it the ideal time to visit. When you factor in the temperate weather, not usually Melbourne’s strong suit, and its reputation as Australia’s gourmet capital, you’re off to a pretty good start when planning your stay. Melbourne abounds with quirky cafes and great restaurants and there are plenty of shopping options to keep anyone busy. The city’s cultural focus on art and history means there are plenty of museums and galleries to wander around and the many beautiful parks and gardens provide a lush landscape to get back to nature. These are at their best in Autumn when draped in the season’s gorgeous colours of red, yellow, green and brown.
The Botanic Gardens is a particularly impressive and tranquil place to visit in Autumn. Located on an expansive 36-hectares just a stone’s throw from the centre of the city lies this natural oasis with over 50,000 individual plants from all over Australia. You could easily while away half a day in the peaceful surroundings while recharging your batteries to contemplate your next activity. You’ll also find a variety of major sporting events in Melbourne in Autumn, but for AFL fans, Autumn means the beginning of the football season. Whether you’re a fan of the game or not, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a match at the MCG with a crowd of up to 80,000 cheering their teams to victory. Melbourne also provides an easy starting point for day tours and short trips to the Yarra Valley, Phillip Island, the Great Ocean Road, and the Grampians National Park should be included on any itinerary. Whether you’ve got a weekend or a week, try and see as much as you can. Take the lift to the top of the Eureka Skydeck – the views are magnificent; explore the interesting laneways in the city; take a stroll around the Queen Victoria Market; visit the Shrine of Remembrance and take a trip to the Dandenong Ranges.
There’s so much to see and do you’ll probably want to come back every Autumn.
A FINANCIAL HEALTH CHECK
Some Australians have no idea where their money goes, it just seems to disappear. If you’re struggling to pay debts or living from pay day to pay day, 2016 could be the time to take control of your finances and complete a financial health check.
Superannuation Don’t be complacent about your super. Do you know how much super you have and how much you will need for retirement? Do you know how your fund is performing? It could also be worth checking how much you are paying in fees in your current super and how this compares with the fees of other super funds. Living costs
If you’re wondering if your home loan is working for you, then it might be time to review it. Is your home loan meeting your needs? Are you paying for features you don’t use? These could be some of the questions that could potentially save you money.
Review your spending habits and drill down to just how much you are spending on a day-to-day basis. Go through all your personal and household expenses and look at where you could save. Maybe you could make yourself lunch at home or cut down a cup of coffee per day. These small changes could make a difference and the money saved could help you achieve your savings goal.
Insurance
Check your credit report
There are many types of insurance products available in the market. Do you know if you have the right insurance cover for your needs? Read the wording on your insurance policies and make sure you understand what your policy does and does not cover.
Checking your credit report could let you know your ability to get credit. Make it a habit to order a free credit report every 12 months so you can check any errors and correct any negative information. It is worth checking out the government’s moneysmart website for more helpful hints. (link is moneysmart.gov.au)
Home Loans
Savings Do you have a savings goal? It could be a dream holiday or a deposit for a home. Starting a regular savings plan could help you achieve your goals. Check out the interest rate on savings accounts for your hard earned cash.
Important information Information is general and does not take into account your personal situation and needs.
COMPETITION
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