Posted by Bob Aldons – Northstar Fiat Alfa

It has double electric slide-outs which increase the interior space and Jayco has a new range of interior layouts in high-roof models.

Fourteen months of customer research has gone into the new flagship Jayco motorhome.

The Optimum is now the brand's most innovative motorhome, with such luxuries as a push-button bed extender, two-

The motorhome is based on a Fiat Ducato X250 at $159,500 plus on-road costs, or an Iveco Daily 65C at $172,750 which can tow three tonne compared with the Fiat's 1200kg capacity. The Iveco also has greater carrying and seating capacities.

Both are powered by three-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines with 130kW of power and 400Nm of torque, married to six-speed auto transmissions. Jayco marketing director Andrew Ryan says the new Optimum motorhome range is "ideal for travellers who demand premium quality and have an eye for style".

"We think it packs a real punch in terms of comfort, looks and safety," he says. "We have really raised the bar with this range." He says Jayco used a range of research avenues to develop the new range. "Mainly feedback from dealers, past customers, and also discussions and research gleaned from caravan, motorhome and camping shows," he says.

Standard features include a barbecue, 120w solar panels, picnic table, outdoor entertainment system, extendable aluminium bed frame and satellite TV. Apart from extra luxury, Jayco has also upgraded safety on the new Optimum with a new rear-view mirror-mounted reversing screen and two rear cameras to help negotiate tight campsites.

The motorhome has double electric slide-outs which increase the interior space and Jayco has a new range of interior layouts in high-roof models. The exterior of the Fiat gets a new fibreglass nose cone and both models have updated side skirts, tail light assembly and new trunk doors. There are also new graphics and automotive-quality paintwork. Jayco's offers a 12-month warranty and roadside assist program free for three years.

Source: www.carsguide.com.au

Northstar Fiat and Northstar Alfa Romeo commenced business as the franchisee for these iconic Italian brands on February 1st 2013. We're both proud and pleased to finally bring the brands to the Redcliffe Peninsula. If we can be of assistance with Fiat or Alfa Romeo enquiries call into Northstar Motor Group at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa-Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. We're only 15 minutes or so from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive down the highway from Noosa, Bundaberg, Maryborough, and a short trip from Nambour, Caloundra, Mooloolaba and Bribie Island. We also get a lot of our customers as FIDO - that's not a dog by the way, that's fly in drive out. With cheap airfares, our customers come in from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Mt Isa and even Sydney, Melbourne and as far away as Perth.

We'll happily arrange a drive home registration and you know the best thing about this? The drive home gives you just the best running in you'll ever get. New engines love a long drive to bed everything in and you'll get the best economy you've ever experienced. Alternatively if you're time or distance poor, check us out online at www.nsmg.com.au or read more reviews at www.mycarreview.com.au . Finally, if you can't come to us, we'll come to your home, workplace or worksite - call Northstar on 1300 NTH STAR or 1300 684 782.

Commentary by Bob Aldons - Northstar Chrysler

In 2005, the release of the then 300C heralded a joyous time for everyone at Northstar Chrysler Jeep. We'd only been a Chrysler dealer for 2 years and here was the epitome of Detroit - big bold, powerful and angry - a gangster car - a car that didn't just shout, it screamed at the top of its lungs - LOOK AT ME.

And the drive impression of the car was fantastic - muscular, loud and so nice. Even the Rappers bought these - I think it was Snoop Dog who was the first celebrity to own a 300C and then they were featured in television shows - NCIS comes to mind. We've been without the 300 range for about a year now. When the build finished in Austria in 2009, we had a bunch of cars for sale, running out at the end of 2010 to early 2011.

And now it's back - but in a singularly different style - more luxury than gangster, more refinement than muscle, but lurking in the background is a stonking 6.4 litre engine fitted to the SRT8 version. And Chrysler haven't forgotten their 'dark past' planning to sponsor the Dark Knight Rises www.thedarkknightrises.com due in cinemas shortly.  The film features a stunning Chrysler 300 S with the number plates - DK 300S, which Northstar Chrysler has acquired for our  demonstrator fleet.

If you're keen to be one of the first to see new 300 range, call into Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge at 320 Anzac Avenue Kippa- Ring on the Redcliffe Peninsula. You can call 1300 894 655 to arrange a time to be the first to see 300 on July 20th when Northstar will hold a special VIP night to welcome the car. Alternatively click through www.northstarchrysler.com.au to register your interest or to read more about 300 from an international perspective, check out all the stories at www.mycarreview.com.au . Northstar Motor Group is located only a 15-20 minute drive from Brisbane Airport and a leisurely drive from Nambour, Caloundra, Noosa and Bribie Island. You folks in Kingaroy and Kilcoy will also be serviced and looked after by Northstar as we welcome you into our market area.

Photo credit: Handout | 2012 Chrysler 300C, front view.