Jail For P-plate Driver

A P-PLATER who overtook a police car on the inside in a souped-up Honda before speeding off at at least 40 kmh over the limit was sent to jail for three months yesterday.

Caddies Come A-calling

CADILLAC will enter the Australian market with its CTS sedan later this year and speculation is rife about which models from the American luxury car maker's catalogue will be chosen to join it.

Fuelwise Habits

Tips for saving petrol costs: 1. Minimise vehicle use by switching off your engine, if you think you will be stationary for more than two minutes. Walk, if you can.

Diamond For The Rough

THE Q5, the car that marks Audi's entry to the compact crossover vehicle segment, had its worldwide debut this week in Beijing, the host city of this year's Olympic Games.

What A Cute Little Bambino

The car Fiat 500. The price From $22,990 to $35,540. Vital statistics There are three engines available: a 1.2-litre petrol, 1.4-litre petrol and a 1.3 turbo diesel.

Car Chief Tough On And Off The Field

GEOFF POLITES 1947 - 2008

Meanwhile, Turbo Diesel For Territory - In 2010

AS FORD ponders its V8 choices (see above), it is making progress on a diesel engine for the Falcon and Territory. The maker is planning to introduce a turbo diesel V6 in the Territory in early 2010, following on from a mild update for the Territory in the first half of next year.

Brands Hatch A Joint Sports Car

TOYOTA and Subaru are joining forces to build a rear-wheel-drive compact sports coupe that will launch in 2011. Designed by Toyota and built by Subaru, it will be marketed and badged separately by each company.

Mazda Makes Seven Go Into Nine

The car Mazda CX-9. The price $57,265. Vital statistics 3.7-litre (204kW, 366Nm) V6, six-speed automatic.

500 Reasons To Smile

"WHAT'S a Flat?" This question still makes Alan Steele laugh as he recounts overhearing one of his daughter's friends trying to work out what kind of car he was driving. He owns a red 1969 Fiat 500.

Chevrolet Camaro

IT'S NOT coming here but that hasn't stopped Australian muscle car lovers from soaking up everything they can find out about the new Chevrolet Camaro.

Bentley Brooklands

HIGH-END Sydney car dealer Trivett hosted quite a bash for the launch of its new flagship model, the Bentley Brooklands.

Funding The Future

The Industry Minister will talk over Australia's plans with US car bosses, reports Ian Porter.

Volvo C30 S

The bottom end of the Volvo range is a comfortable, roomy car but is let down a little by lack of standard stability control, writes Bruce Newton.

It's Not All Over, Land Rover

The car Land Rover Freelander HSE diesel. Price as tested $64,380. Vital statistics 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbo diesel (118kW, 400Nm) and six-speed automatic transmission.

Market Vigilance And A Gas Starter Industry Will Help Fuel An Automotive Renaissance

THE two factors that have caused the local car industry's sudden fall from grace are all too apparent. The problem is that the Government has no power over either.