Australia, so it is said, is home to more models of car than any other country. With its historical obsession with the V8 engine (this is, after all, home of Mad Max's legendary super-charged Interceptor) it doesn't shy away from Yank Tanks and Aussie V8 Super Cars for family sedans. Its close proximity to Asia also means it gets first pick of the bunch and with low import tariffs for soft- and true off-roaders, and a high demand for such vehicles suited to the rugged country that Australia is (where the pot holes in the tarmac outside the schools are enormous and the soil rarely very red) ensures the roads are awash with shiny, angular people movers.

The cost of fuel has risen rather dramatically over the last couple of years and only recently, with talk of Government enquiries into petroleum pricing methods coupled with volatile foreign exchange rates, has the price settled nearer something many consider more acceptable. However, fuel efficiency is as high on the consumer's agenda as a clean exhaust note, and this has dealt a tremendous blow to the Australian car industry, parts of which continue to fight for a diet of hi-powered 8 cylinder octane, opposing more frugal smaller capacity 4 and 6 cylinder powered cars. But generally, the quest is on for more fuel efficient and more practical people carriers.

The Toyota Camry is typical of the type of vehicle being purchased by immigrants settling in south-east Queensland. The main attraction of the vehicle is its size, being family orientated and with the added advantage of an economical 2.4 litre, 4 cylinder engine.

The featured model (in the rhs photos opposite) is the 'Sportivo'. It comes with leather trim (it is also available with velour trim) and I have several to choose from with very low kilometres, selling for around $31000. The entry level model is the Altise which has all the necessary requirements such as dual airbags, mp3 CD player and cruise control, just to mention a few. The Altise models sell from around $24000 for a low kilometre vehicle.

For those of you wanting a recreational vehicle, consider Toyota's Rav 4 (seen below in red). Prices start at $18000, rising upwards to the legendary Landcruiser with Sahara models starting around $54000. To calculate the equivalent cost in you local currency use the HiFX Currency Converter

For more information about these models or any others that may interest you visit the Torque Toyota website or drop me an email at pmcnamee@torquetoyata.com.au

Newsletter Content:
A Day in the Life of Brisbane    Let's Have Some Fun!    Focus on Migration    Talk the Torque   Marvellous Melbourne    Amazing Australia   

Copyright © 2007 - 2008 Koala Konnection.  All Rights Reserved