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BC RioJul 2000

BC Rio

REMEMBER the first Mazda 121 hatchback from the latter 1980s? To jog any memories try a stint in the 2000-2005 Kia Rio generation.The BC Rio was a re-bodied Kia Avella, a car we know in Australia as the 1994-2000 WB-WF Ford Festiva.Since Ford and Mazda owned a 16.9 per cent share of Kia Motors before Hyundai bailed it from debt-related oblivion in 1998, most of Kia’s cars were ex-Mazda cast-offs. And sure enough, the Avella was built in the 1986 121 platform, although it used many of the hard points of the famous 1990 121 Bubble.With such a heritage the BC Rio might have been a pleasant little light car, except the heavy 21st Century body, combined with a low-cost focus build and engineering, made for a sub-standard light car.A version of the 121 Bubble’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine – mated to a slick four-speed automatic or rubbery five-speed manual gearbox – provided 74kW of power and 135Nm of torque.Air-conditioning was only standardised from September ’01, but most will have this, along with a driver’s side airbag, central locking, power steering and cloth trim.Two modern and interesting looking (and long for their class) body sizes were offered – a five-door hatchback or a pert four-door sedan.But there was nothing remotely contemporary about the way the BC Rio’s refinement, ride, dynamics or quality feel.

MCX10R Avalon MK1/MK2Jul 2000

MCX10R Avalon MK1/MK2

Toyota’s decision to take on the high-flying Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon with a locally built version based on the 1994-1999 US-market front-wheel drive Avalon was a curious one, especially as the four-door only sedan seemed stylistically senile by its mid-’00 launch.And predictably Australians stayed away, despite the best efforts at launch time by Dame Edna and Sir Les Patterson.The fact that Toyota’s Australian arm upgraded the 1993 Camry-based model with a newer, stronger and dynamically much more adept platform (also Camry-based, but for the newer 2002 version) and various other mechanical and structural upgrades was lost on the sheer dowdiness of the design.The Avalon also shared its silky-smooth 145kW/284Nm 3.0-litre DOHC 24V V6 (with four-speed auto only gearbox) with the Camry, and it even worked more advantageously in the Avalon too.Toyota tried everything to get buyers interested – it dropped prices, added extra features, released a slightly made-over “Mark II” model from October ’01 – but it continued to languish.Four models were offered: the base Conquest, CSX, mid-range VXi and luxury Grande.The special editions included the CSX Sports Pack from April ’01, the popular Sorrento from August ’01 and February ’02, and the VXi Limited from October ’01.

AU II Fairmont GhiaApr 2000

AU II Fairmont Ghia

As desperate Ford attempted to resuscitate its faltering Falcon fortunes with a new horizontal grille, a squarer rear bumper and boot number plate valance, larger wheels and tyres, classier cabin trim and extra standard features.Suspension and ride qualities were improved, and extra sound deadening brought on greater refinement.On the safety front seatbelt pretensioners were made standard. Service intervals were extended from 10,000km to 15,0000, with free servicing for 60,000km.Still, Commodore sales kept bounding away from the Falcon.The AU II Ghia’s standard engine was the 4.0L VCT with 168kW/370Nm.New standard features: Better CD audio, power operated driver’s seat, sunglasses holder, metallic-look trim, speed warningEngine options: 175kW/395Nm 5.0L OHV V8.

AU II Falcon Forte and FuturaApr 2000

AU II Falcon Forte and Futura

A desperate Ford attempted to resuscitate its faltering Falcon fortunes with a new horizontal grille, a squarer rear bumper and boot number plate valance, larger wheels and tyres, classier cabin trim and extra standard features. Suspension and ride qualities were improved, and extra sound deadening brought on greater refinement.On the safety front a passenger airbag and seatbelt pretensioners were made standard, while the finally wagon gained a rear centre lap-sash seat belt.A 143kW/362Nm factory-fitted LPG model arrived to supplement the 157kW/357Nm 4.0 I6, and the 5-speed manual option returned.Service intervals were extended from 10,000km to 15,0000, with free servicing for 60,000km. Still, Commodore sales kept bounding away from the Falcon. New standard features: Dual front airbags, CD player, sunglasses holder, metallic-look trim, power front windows, speed warning, remote control boot releaseEngine options: 175kW/395Nm 5.0L V8.Special editions:· Apr 00 – S: Dual front airbags, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, cruise control, power front windows, CD player, sports suspension, sports seats, body-coloured grille, special paint, rear spoiler, seatbelt pretensioners, decals · Apr 01 – SR: Alloy wheels, cruise control, rear spoiler, a limited slip differential, body-coloured grille and mirrors, roof racks (wagon), chrome exhaust tip, decals.

AU II Falcon XR6 and XR8Apr 2000

AU II Falcon XR6 and XR8

A desperate Ford attempted to resuscitate its faltering Falcon fortunes by making the rear appear less saggy – a squarer rear bumper and boot number plate valance helped, as did larger wheels and tyres.Inside there was classier cabin trim and extra standard features.Suspension and ride qualities were improved, and extra sound deadening brought on greater refinement.On the safety front, a passenger airbag and seatbelt pretensioners were made standard.Meanwhile, the XR8 gained a 200kW/420Nm version of the 5.0L V8 until May 2001, when the V8’s power output was raised again, to 220kW/435Nm.Service intervals were extended from 10,000km to 15,0000km, with free servicing for 60,000km. Still, Commodore sales kept bounding away from the Falcon.New standard features: dual front airbags, sports suspension, CD player, sunglasses holder, metallic-look trim, speed warning, remote control boot release, side skirts (from May 01).Engine options: 172kW 4.0L VCT I6, with standard IRS.Special edition:· XR8 Rebel – July 01: 18-inch alloy wheels, Sony Playstation, bodykit.

AU II Falcon uteApr 2000

AU II Falcon ute

While the AU passenger cars underwent desperate measures to bring in buyers (new grille, wheels, boot lid, revised ride and suspension qualities, free servicing, more standard features), ute buyers benefited from the improved refinements.A 143kW factory-fitted LPG model arrived and service intervals were extended from 10,000km to 15,0000km.A 172kW/374Nm XR6 VCT version with a 570kg payload was also added to the range, which included a 185kW/412Nm 5.0L V8 until the XR8’s power output rose to 200kW/420Nm from March 2001.At the same time a 220kW/435Nm XR8 Pursuit s/s ute was also unleashed.Incredibly, Ford managed to stave off a rejuvenated VX Commodore-based Holden utility.Special editions:· May 01 – SE s/s: Alloy wheels, tonneau cover, alloy sports bar. · May 01 – Tradesman c/c: Alloy wheels.· May 01 – Marlin s/s: Air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows, alloy wheels, CD stacker, sports suspension, tonneau cover.

AU II FairmontApr 2000

AU II Fairmont

A desperate Ford attempted to resuscitate its faltering Falcon fortunes with a new horizontal grille, squarer rear bumper and boot number plate valance, larger wheels and tyres, classier cabin trim and extra standard features. Suspension and ride qualities were improved, and extra sound deadening brought on greater refinement.On the safety front, a passenger airbag and seatbelt pretensioners were made standard, while the wagon finally gained a rear centre lap-sash seatbelt.Service intervals were extended from 10,000km to 15,0000km, with free servicing for 60,000km. Still, Commodore sales kept bounding away from the Falcon.New standard features: dual front airbags, traction control, some leather trim, better CD audio, sunglasses holder, metallic-look trim, speed warning.Engine options: 175kW 5.0L V8.

HE MondeoFeb 2000

HE Mondeo

A model range change – Verona sedan and Ghia hatchback replaced the LX and GLX respectively – and new wheels, more features, a quieter drivetrain and revised trim distinguished the HE four-cylinder series.Meanwhile the ST24 sports sedan was added, powered by a 125kW quad-cam 24-valve V6 engine. It also included a five-speed manual gearshift, a body kit, alloy wheels, ABS brakes, leather trim, and sports seats.But it was all too late, with sales down to a trickle, and at the eve of the highly acclaimed Mk2 Mondeo release in Europe, Ford changed its mind for the Mazda Tribute-twin Escape SUV as its replacement in Australia and America.Ironically, with rocketing fuel prices hitting Falcon sales hard, Ford Australia is investigating introducing the all-new, third-generation Mondeo in 2007 or 2008.

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