News Room

Mercedes releases first details of all-NEW SL

23 November 2011

THE next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL convertible will be the first large-scale series production model in the brand’s 125-year history to feature a bodyshell comprised almost entirely of aluminium.

The German car-maker has divulged snippets of information on its all-new luxury folding-hardtop roadster ahead of its full reveal before the end of this year and likely public debut at the Detroit motor show in early January. continue reading

Pulsar pushed back to 2013

29 November 2011

NISSAN will stage a staggered launch for its crucial new-generation small car – the reborn Pulsar – with a sedan arriving early in 2013 and the hatch following later in the first or second quarter.

Although the company told GoAuto last month that the new Pulsar could make it here earlier than expected in the final stages of next year with a single hatchback variant, Nissan Australia managing director and CEO Dan Thompson said he had reverted to the original plan of launching the Tiida replacement in January or February 2013. continue reading

Tokyo Show: Takeri previews next Mazda 6

30 November 2011

MAZDA has provided more vital clues to the visual and mechanical make-up of its next-generation mid-size sedan by revealing full technical details and images of its striking new Takeri concept, which made its global debut today in Tokyo.

The Japanese brand last week revealed details of the ground-breaking new capacitor-based regenerative braking system that is fitted to the Takeri – and by inference the redesigned 2013 Mazda6.  .continue reading

Mazda plotting rotary coupe

30 November 2011

MAZDA’S trademark rotary engine will not be relegated to being a mere range-extending power generator for a future eco-car from Mazda, but appears set to power an all-new rotary sports coupe to replace the RX-8.

The dramatic change in fortune for the future of Mazda’s unique Wankel engine, the current version of which will be phased out along with the RX-8 coupe next year, was outlined to GoAuto at a pre-Tokyo motor show function last night. continue reading 

Mercedes expects Black Series sell out

9 November 2011

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia (MBA) is preparing to put up its hand for another batch of limited edition C63 AMG Black Series Coupes before the first examples of the fastest C-class model ever built have even landed in Australia.

The German importer is expecting its current allocation – 32 for Australia and three for New Zealand – to sell out promptly now that it has announced the pricing at $245,000 (plus on-road costs). continue reading

Mitsubishi's next Outlander shapes up

10 November 2011

MITSUBISHI has revealed a near-production version of its redesigned Outlander compact SUV – complete with an upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrain – in the form of the PX-MiEV II concept.

To make its world premiere at the Tokyo motor show on November 30 alongside the Colt-replacing new-generation Mirage light car, the PX-MiEV II extends on the original concept with a close-to-market design – still faithful to the first iteration two years ago – and a bigger 2.0-litre engine as part of the hybrid system. continue reading

Mitsubishi abandons Colt nameplate as "Global Small" becomes all-new 2012 Mirage

10 November 2011

MITSUBISHI will reintroduce a Mirage to Australia in around 12 months’ time with the announcement in Japan overnight that its new-generation light car developed under the ‘Global Small’ program will drop the Colt nameplate.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd (MMAL) has confirmed that the reborn Mirage is due for release here in the final quarter of 2012.  continue reading

Mercedes confirms mid-2012 launch of AMG's 386kw M-Class flagship in Australia

15 November 2011

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia is hoping to hold the price of its 2012 ML63 AMG sports SUV at the same $175k level of the current model when the new-generation M-class flagship arrives about June next year.

Boasting 28 per cent better fuel economy and more power and torque than the current second-generation 6.2-litre V8 ML63 AMG, the twin-turbo direct-injection 5.5-litre V8 replacement model goes public this week at the Los Angeles motor show ahead of its roll-out around the world in 2012. continue reading

Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster from $487,500

28 October 2011

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has announced a $487,500 manufacturer’s list price for the SLS AMG Roadster, placing an $18,680 premium for the V8-powered open-top supercar over the gullwing coupe.

Due in local showrooms in January, the less-than-expected starting price for the topless SLS ensures it is competitive with exotic convertibles such as Porsche’s range-topping 911 Turbo S ($442,800), the Ferrari California ($459,650) and Lamborghini Gallardo ($515,000).

As GoAuto reported from the Frankfurt motor show in September, when the SLS Roadster made its world debut, the new addition to the SLS range – which will expand further to include an all-electric E-Cell version in 2013 – features a folding soft-top housed behind the seats in a space-saving Z-formation. continue reading 

Pricing holds firm on the Mercedes E63 AMG

28 October 2011

MERCEDES-BENZ Australia/Pacific has announced that its upgraded E63 AMG sedan will be priced from the same $240,985 as the current model when it reaches showrooms in the coming weeks, despite featuring a smaller 5.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that makes the high-performance four-door quicker and more fuel efficient than the 6.2 bent-eight it replaces.

An E63 AMG Estate also makes a return to the Australian marketplace, requiring an additional $3515 over the sedan to start from $244,500 (plus on-road costs), while an optional AMG Performance package that increases maximum turbo boost pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar – sending peak power from 386kW to 410Nm and torque from 700Nm to 800Nm – is available on both the sedan (for $17,900) and wagon ($16,900). continue reading

The Mazda 3, Australia's new best selling car

28 October 2011

AUSTRALIA’S new best-selling car, the Mazda3, is set to turn up the heat on rivals with range-wide price cuts on top of a mid-life makeover that includes the Australian debut of Mazda’s fuel-saving SkyActiv drivetrain technology this month.

Mazda has slashed $1000 from the price of entry to the revised Mazda3 range, chopping the Mazda3 Neo manual hatch and sedan list price to $20,330 – cheaper than the base models of main rivals such as the Toyota Corolla, Holden Cruze, Ford Focus, Mitsubishi Lancer, Hyundai Elantra and 2.0-litre Hyundai i30.

As well, Mazda has added 15-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment - a rare move at this entry level - taking the increase in Neo value to about $1790.

Upper-spec models come in for even greater price savings, with the sports Mazda3 SP25 price down by $1630, to $31,490, and the turbocharged flagship MPS dropping $2425 to slide under $40,000 at $39,490. continue reading

First Look: Nissan uncovers Juke-R Super-Crossover

28 October 2011

NISSAN has released the first image of its mad new Juke-R in road-ready guise.

Appearing every bit as wild as the concept that stunned the automotive world earlier this month, the street-legal Juke-R was unveiled during a Nissan Dualis press event in Malaga, Spain today.

Although it is not confirmed for production, Nissan says the Juke-R is a “one-off concept to test the public’s reaction to a seriously sporty Juke” and could lead to a high-performance version of its successful mini-SUV if public reaction remains positive.  continue reading 

Iconic Pulsar nameplate to return to Nissan range as soon as late next year

28 October 2011

NISSAN Australia has confirmed its crucial Tiida-replacing small car will wear the venerable Pulsar nameplate when it is launched here as early as the fourth quarter of 2012.

Managing director and CEO Dan Thompson affirmed one of Nissan Australia’s worst-kept secrets when he repeatedly referred to the brand’s next-generation small car as ‘Pulsar’ at a press event earlier this week.

“Pulsar has a very special place in our plans and I think Aussies hearts and minds,” he said. “So we have massive ambitions with Pulsar hatch and sedan and we’ll invest all of our resourcing into Pulsar covering quite a broad spectrum.” continue reading

Mitsubishi revises Pajero for 2012

25 October 2011

AN UPDATED Pajero arrives in Mitsubishi showrooms from today with a new front bumper and grille, improved safety and a slimmer model range, with petrol models deleted from the model range with the exception of the Exceed 3.8 V6.

The NW Pajero for the 2012 model year replaces the NT-series introduced in December 2009.

The entry-level GL model – primarily sold to mining fleets – receives the frontal refresh only, while GLX, GLS and VRX now come standard with an electro-chromatic mirror and reversing camera.  ... continue reading

Electric power steering gives Mitsubishi's upgraded Lancer much better economy

25 October 2011

MITSUBISHI’S best-selling model, the Lancer, wears smarter interior trim for the 2012 model year while the entry-level Lancer ES and VR models get electric power steering, bringing a small improvement to fuel economy and C02 levels.

A reversing camera is now available throughout the Lancer range, which no longer includes an SX specification model.

Electric power steering in place of the hydraulic set-up has brought improved fuel economy for the ES and VR models, which are now rated on the combined cycle at 6.8L/100km with manual transmission (previously 7.6L/100km) and 7.2L/100km with CVT (previously 8.2L/100km). ...continue reading

More equipment for revised Mitsubishi Outlander lineup

25 October 2011

MINOR exterior changes, interior improvements and additional safety equipment are part of a more expensive Mitsubishi Outlander range for the 2012 model year.

But the changes come at a price with the Outlander range being up to $1000 more expensive than before.

At the entry level, the Outlander LS two- and four-wheel drive models are now treated to a chrome grille surround, body-colour door handles, door trims and dash trimmed in a leather-look material, a new cloth seat material, extra sound deadening and the heated/cooled upper glovebox previously fitted only to high-end models. ... continue reading

Mitsubishi Challenger goes 2WD

25 October 2011

THE highlight for Challenger in the raft of Mitsubishi 2012 model year updates is a new entry-level 2WD version that shaves $4500 off the price of getting into the Thai-built, Triton-based SUV.

This is the first time a company has taken a traditional SUV and applied the knife to its 4WD plumbing to appeal to buyers who are not interested in off-road capability.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd product planner Tony Principe said the 2WD is intended to appeal to buyers who need a high towing capacity but have no need for 4WD. ... continue reading

Next-gen Mazda6 emerges in concept guise ahead of next month’s Tokyo show

25 October 2011

 MAZDA’S next Six will be as bold as it is efficient, if these first official images of the all-new Takeri concept are any indication.

Revealed more than a month ahead of its global debut at the Tokyo motor show on November 30, Mazda describes the sleek Takeri sedan as a “next-generation mid-size sedan concept car”.

That can only mean one thing: the Takeri previews the look of the all-new Mazda6 sedan due on sale globally by 2013.

“I can’t confirm the Takeri is the next Mazda6,” said Mazda Australia spokesman Steve Maciver, “but it is definitely a hint at what our next-generation C/D-segment sedan will look like.” ...continue reading

The Stars Shine Brighter in Dubbo - Mercedes Benz All Stars Roadshow is now on

19 October 2011

A story of amazing vehicles that have hit the road in search of a better place.

Featuring exceptional Mercedes-Benz vehicles with awe-inspiring beauty, unbelievable technology, exhilarating performance and heart-stopping power.

Don't miss the stunning lineup, including the all new CLS-Class Coupé and the high performance G 55 AMG. Check the dates below to find out when the All Stars will be at your authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer.

11 October - 24 October 2011 - Contact Tas on 6884 4577 or email Mercedes Benz All Stars for your test drive.

Mazda's final RX-8 a chance for Oz

14 October 2011

"MAZDA Australia is contemplating the local release of the limited-edition RX-8 Spirit R, which was last week revealed as the final swansong for the rotary-engined four-door coupe before production ends in June 2012.

Spirit R is the same name given to the last version of the two-door RX-7 coupe before it was effectively replaced by the RX-8 here in July 2003.

Whether or not it becomes available here, Mazda stresses the RX-8 will remain available in Australia for at least the next 12 months.... continue reading'.

Nissan Micra's sedan sibling to be called Almera

13 October 2011

"NISSAN Motor Co Australia has confirmed that its forthcoming Micra-based light sedan will be called the Almera when the all-new model arrives here in the first half of 2012.

In a statement released this week, the Australian subsidiary of the Japanese manufacturer revealed that ‘Almera’ would be one of four all-new model launches in its next financial year – the period from April 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013 – with the others being the Leaf electric vehicle, Patrol SUV and a “new small car”.... continue reading".

Mazda Australia aims for BT-50 leadership

18 October 2011

"MAZDA Australia predicts Australia will become the biggest market in the world for the all-new BT-50 workhorse, eclipsing Thailand.  Australia’s biggest full-line importer says it is confident local demand for the all-new global ute that goes on sale here next month will enable its dealer network to achieve 1000 sales a month and outsell the other 167 countries in which the hauler will be sold.

The company said at this week’s Australian media launch of the BT-50 that the handling, refinement, performance and capability advances were so great that it represented a two-generation advance on the current model....  continue reading".

Western Plains Automotive - Platinum Sponsors of Dubbo Cycle Club

06 November 2010

Western Plains Automotive are proud to announce their continued support as Platinum Sponsors for Dubbo Cycle Club 2010.

Visit Dubbo Cycle Club's website www.dubbocycleclub.com.au for details.

Western Plains Nissan - Platinum Sponsors of 2010 Rhino Awards

23 October 2010

“Western Plains Nissan has been involved in the Rhinos for many years and it is encouraging that past sponsors take so much pride in being associated with these awards, which are now in their 15th year,” Rhino Awards Committee Chair, Donna Ambler said.

Western Plains Nissan would like to congratulate Fuze for "Excellence in Products and Services - under 10" and Rhino Promotions for "Excellence in Products and Services - over 10".

Maximum European safety ratings for three Mercedes-Benz

Stuttgart, Germany - December 2009
No less than three Mercedes model series - the E-Class, GLK-Class SUV and C-Class - have achieved the highest rating of five stars in stringent EuroNCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) testing.

"We are very pleased about this good result. It confirms the correctness of our real-life safety concept, even in standardised rating crash tests," says Professor Rodolfo Schöneburg, Head of Passive Safety at Mercedes-Benz Cars.

During the course of its development to-date, the new E-Class has successfully come through over 150 high-speed crash tests and more than 5000 realistic crash simulations. These not only included the various impact configurations prescribed for rating tests and worldwide operating approvals, but also the in-house Mercedes crash tests derived from accident research findings. 

Click here to read more about the Mercedes-Benz safety ratings

Mitsubishi Motors’ All-New Compact Crossover RVR

Tokyo, Japan - 3 December 2009
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has decided to name its all-new compact crossover the RVR. This all-new compact crossover is planned for sequential release globally, and will be first released in Japan next spring.

The all-new RVR is a compact crossover that provides high environmental efficiency and has a compact body while providing ample utility space and high performance.

The RVR will be fitted with an all-new 1.8L MIVEC petrol engine, and will be approximately 4.3 meters in length, featuring high fuel efficiency via its lightweight compact body. With the RVR, MMC expands its crossover lineup, which already includes the full-size Pajero, and the mid-size Outlander.

This new compact crossover will be released globally, including North America, Europe, and Asian regions including China.

Mazda6 Crowned Best Medium Car 2009

27 November 2009
Australia’s best selling fully imported medium car, Mazda6, has taken out the title of Best Medium Car at the 2009 Drive Car of the Year awards, beating the Ford Mondeo, Subaru Liberty 2.5i Sports and Toyota Prius.

Judges agreed that the Mazda6 was deserved of the crown due to its consistent performance across all of the key judging criteria including value-for-money, economy, driving performance and dynamics, safety and practicality.

Drive experts were also impressed by Mazda6’s styling, interior user-friendliness, quality feel and competitive space.

Click here to read the full story

Nissan Maxima Named Best Large Car 2009

27 November 2009
The new Nissan Maxima has beaten the Falcon and Commodore to be named Best Large Car in the Drive Car of the 2009 Awards. Judges described the 250 ST- as “boasting the sort of features that could cost extra on cars costing twice as much”.

With safety features including a stability control system, side curtain airbags and whiplash-reducing headrests, the Maxima was described as a good value vehicle – for features and pricing.

WPA Wins Finance Dealer Award

November 2009
Western Plains is proud to have been named the Capital Finance 2009 Regional Dealer of the Year. This award recognises our efforts to provide finance to buyers at our dealership.

Winners in 2009 Rhino Awards

17 October 2009
Winners in the Western Plains Nissan Excellence in Products and Services award in the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2009 Rhino Outstanding Business Awards are:

            Less than 10 employees: Vanguard Business Services
            More than 10 employees: Orana Mall Pharmacy

Western Plains Automotive congratulates these winners and wishes them another successful year of business.