Ashburton Guardian | Motoring | May 24, 2019

Motoring

“Everything about a Seven Series in a sports activity vehicle.”

DETAILS

BMW X7 SUV

P18

May 24, 2019

THE ALL-NEW BMW 3 SERIES. More intuitive, more intelligent and more exhilarating – the seventh generation BMW 3 Series is here. Simply say, ‘Hey BMW’ and the Intelligent Personal Assistant follows your every command, while enhanced driver assistance systems offer automated driving at some of the highest levels possible today. There’s only one way to truly appreciate the all-new BMW 3 Series’ intelligent technology. Drive it.

Christchurch BMW 104 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch (03) 363 7240. www.christchurchbmw.co.nz

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Farming Motoring

Friday, May 24, 2019

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It’s easy to get enthused I t brings everything about a Seven Series into a sports activity vehicle.

That was the comment from BMW New Zealand spokesman Paul Sherley, following on from the global unveiling of the X7 – the brand’s largest sports utility wagon yet – suggests big hopes for this large, up-scale prestige model.

Sherley’s enthusiasm for the product’s potential is plain.

That’s easily understood.

Sports utilities – SAVs in BMW-speak – are the hottest product in the NZ new vehicle market and this brand has not been missing out on the windfall.

The type accounted for more than 50 per cent of the brand’s annual volume in NZ last year, a penetration expected to lift even further now that the latest X3 is in the market.

On top of this, BMW has for local sale the new-generation of the X5, which has always been its best-selling soft-roader locally.

The X7 will be a force to be reckoned with and not just because of its imposing styling and obvious substance.

“It’s something new for us.

“It brings a whole new level of luxury, design and presence to our SAV lineup,” comments Sherley.

That all seats are heated, while the front seats can be optioned with ventilation and massage functionality, reflects that this is not likely to be a vehicle for the budget-minded.

BMW has provisioned a heap of cosseting comforts and high technology.

Headlamps that are LED as standard also option in laser high-beam lamps, to extend the lighting range to 600m, the base wheels are 20-inch and all versions will

take the Live Cockpit Professional instrumentation that consists of two 12.3-inch displays.

Infotainment is powered by BMW’s legendary Operating System 7.0, with over-the-air software updates which will

become available over time and it has an Intelligent Personal Assistant able to control most vehicle functions via the voice prompt ‘Hey BMW’ and predict driver requirements via artificial intelligence.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

FUELLED BY ADVENTURE. THE BMW X3 RANGE, NOW FROM $83,900*.

It’s never been easier to explore the unknown with the BMW X3 range now starting from $83,900*.

Step in and let your sense of adventure lead the way and enjoy the BMW X3’s dynamic performance, advanced connectivity, and intelligent driving technology. Fuel your next adventure with the BMW X3.

Book a test drive at Christchurch BMW today.

Christchurch BMW, 104 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. Ph 03 363 7240. chchbmw.co.nz *Price excludes on-road costs. Includes 5 year warranty/roadside assist and 3 years’ servicing. Vehicle in image features optional Metallic Paint, M Sport Package and Adaptive LED headlights. Offer based on a BMW X3 sDrive20i at RRP $83,900*. BMW New Zealand reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this offer. Offer valid until 31st August 2019 or whilst stocks last. For full car specification see ww.bmw.co.nz.

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Friday, May 24, 2019

21

A wheelie great time Bernard Egan MOTORING

A

column written a fortnight ago mentioned Wheels Week Plus was underway.

A fortnight on Wheels Week is over for another year.

The fortnight has gone quickly.

As time tends to do!

And what a lot has happened in that time.

In his excellent editorial on Monday Jaime Pitt-MacKay summed up very well by saying Wheels Week has grown over the years to become an event which has surpassed itself.

One week is no longer enough.

Wheels Week has grown and the variety of incredible events on the programme means it now requires a fortnight to run.

And quite correctly Jaime reminded readers that Wheels Week goes well beyond what its name may indicate.

This uniquely Ashburton celebration of all things wheelie always provides something of interest for everyone.

When a small group of local enthusiasts came up with the idea of Wheels Week, they probably didn’t possibly imagine it

PHOTO HEATHER MACKENZIE

would evolve into such an iconic event.

But it has and it will continue to and that’s all down to the people, organisers, sponsors, participants and spectators who make it happen.

Hopefully they have given themselves a

great big pat on the back.

They deserve our appreciation, so thank you all very much for bringing Wheels Week Plus into town once again.

In his editorial Jaime did mention that there is just one thing which could be

better about Wheels Week Plus – it’s a shame we can’t enjoy it more often than just annually.

But if the last fortnight is anything to go by it won’t seem too long until Wheels Week rolls into town again!

A legendary driver with a remarkable story

N

o doubt from time to time we all find ourselves becoming engrossed in something.

For this writer YouTube often proves interesting and that has been particularly so recently.

Quite by chance, truly it was by chance, some historic motoring programmes miraculously appeared on the screen.

An interesting one in particular mentioned something rather fascinating.

The particular programme was a biography of Juan Manuel Fangio, whose fame is such that, despite having retired from racing over 60 years ago, is still remembered.

Watching the YouTube programme about him was a reminder that Juan Manuel Fangio’s life story was quite incredible.

It also referred to an incident which seemed quite bizarre – his kidnapping.

Certainly something to check out, so one did just that and here’s what happened.

The Batista Dictatorship of Cuba established the non-Formula One Cuban Grand Prix in 1957.

Juan Manuel Fangio won the event.

He returned to Cuba the following year and set fastest times during practice for the 1958 race.

But on February 23 1958, two unmasked gunmen of Fidel Castro’s 26th of July Movement entered the Hotel Lincoln in Havana and kidnapped Fangio at gunpoint.

The motive was simple.

By capturing the biggest name in motorsport the rebels were showing up the government and attracting worldwide publicity to their cause.

But despite the shocking news spread-

ing across the globe, President Batista would not be outdone and ordered the race to continue as usual while a crack team of police hunted down the kidnappers.

They set up roadblocks at intersections, and guards were assigned to private and commercial airports and to all competing drivers.

Juan Manuel Fangio was taken to three separate houses.

His captors allowed him to listen to the race via radio, bringing a television for him to witness reports of a disastrous crash after the race concluded.

In the third house, Juan Manuel Fangio

was allowed his own bedroom, but became convinced that a guard was standing outside of the bedroom door at all hours.

The captors talked about their revolutionary programme, which their prisoner had not wished to speak about as he had no interest in politics.

Later Juan Manuel Fangio expressed sympathy for his captors: “Well, this is one more adventure. If what the rebels did was in a good cause, then I, as an Argentine, accept it.”

Juan Manuel Fangio was released after 29 hours and he remained a good friend of his captors afterwards.

The captor’s motives were to force the

cancellation of the race in an attempt to embarrass the Batista regime.

After Juan Manuel Fangio was handed over to the Argentine embassy soon after the race, many Cubans were convinced that Batista was losing his power because he failed to track the kidnappers down.

The Cuban Revolution concluded in January 1959, cancelling the 1959 Cuban Grand Prix.

Juan Manuel Fangio won the World Driver’s Championship of Drivers five times – a record which stood for 47 years until beaten by Michael Schumacher – with four different teams (Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Maserati), a feat that has not been repeated.

He is regarded by many as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time and holds the highest winning percentage in Formula One – 46.15 per cent – winning 24 of 52 Formula One races he entered.

Juan Manuel Fangio is the only Argentine driver to have won the Argentine Grand Prix, having won it four times in his career – more times than any driver.

Born on San Juan’s Day, Juan Manuel Fangio was the fourth of six children.

In his childhood he became known as El Chueco, the bandy legged one, for his skill in bending his left leg around the ball to shoot on goal during football games.

After retiring from racing Juan Manuel Fangio became an agent for Mercedes Benz and was often an invited celebrity guest at functions especially motorsport events.

His death, aged 84, in 1995 concluded a full life, which included many interesting incidents both on and off the track, of which the kidnapping affair must surely be one of the most intriguing.

Farming Motoring

22 2

Friday, May 24, 2019

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Stunning new addition to the Christchurch motoring scene

T

here is a new home of the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’.

The new showroom at 104 Moorhouse Ave, Christchurch BMW is bringing Canterbury not only a luxurious location to browse dozens of prestigious cars in comfort in light fashionable surroundings, but also a place you can grab a fresh cup of coffee from the

barista in the customer coffee lounge and sit down to discuss your requirements on your next purchase with one of the knowledgeable, helpful staff the company is well known for.

Christchurch BMW understands that purchasing a vehicle involves how a vehicle makes you feel, its quality and a trusting relationship with the people standing be-

hind it, not just as it relates to BMWs, but also its sister brand, MINI. With the first dedicated MINI showroom in the South Island, 104 Moorhouse Ave is a great location to view your next car.

Why would you go outside in the weather when you can view the beauty of an M car in its own designated area?

With the service area located on site

Christchurch BMW is there to meet or exceed your expectations on purchasing and maintaining your next BMW and/or MINI. The staff know they are selling one of the world’s best driving machines and they are proud of not only the cars, but also the new showroom. So they await your drop-in to share in your next BMW adventure.

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Friday, May 24, 2019

23

On Her Majesty’s

SECRET SERVICE

I

t is 50 years since filming began for the sixth James Bond film, which told the story of Bond villain Blofeld and his ongoing attempts to hold the world to ransom.

The 1969 Aston Martin DBS provided James Bond with the perfect car for a man tasked with saving the world!

Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Aston Martin is synonymous with James Bond and the DBS from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service has provided great inspiration to the team tasked with creating this very special edition.

“This new DBS Superleggera will be an extremely distinguished ‘brute in a suit’, designed to capture the essence of the iconic DBS from the 1969 film but with a 5.2 litre twin-turbo V12, 715bhp engine!”

The 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 engine is set low and as far back in the chassis as

possible to optimise the centre-of-gravity and weight distribution, this high-performance engine develops 725PS at 6500rpm and 900Nm from 1800-5000rpm.

Detailed tuning of the V12 together with an exhaust strategy with active valves and quad tail pipes ensures DBS Superleggera has a commanding and powerful sound character, particularly in the more aggressive dynamic modes, while retaining a level of refinement and civility that compliments its role as the consummate Super GT. The special edition DBS Superleggera boasts carbon fibre, splitter, aero blade and unique diamond turned and forged wheels.

A bespoke metal grille featuring six bright horizontal vanes, adorns the front of the limited-edition car to replicate the distinctive feature of the DBS featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

The exterior paint surface is enhanced with body coloured cantrails and roof.

Bearing commemorative side strakes and unique touches throughout, the car is every inch 007.

On the inside, the DBS Superleggera is trimmed in pure black leather, accented by grey blend Alcantra, as in the original 1969 DBS. The cockpit is accented in red, inspired by the red trimmed glovebox in the original car, which held 007’s telescopic-sight rifle.

The 50 owners of this James Bond Special Edition will have the option to select a bespoke designed drinks case* which fits perfectly into the boot space.

In keeping with the theme, this accessory is the perfect complement to the exhibition worthy ‘Super GT’.

The black drinks case opens via the bright metal clasp to reveal the matching red felt lined interior, with space for two

bottles of champagne* and four champagne flutes.

Aston Martin Vice President & Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: “Creating a James Bond special edition is always an exciting challenge as we work to create a car that embodies the legend of James Bond, and the original movie car.

“The DBS Superleggera is a muscular car that commands attention, but the Olive Green gives it a subtlety that belies the beast beneath.”

The On Her Majesty’s Secret Service DBS Superleggera special edition is the latest in a series of 007 inspired Aston Martins, which includes the Goldfinger DB5 continuation and the 2015 DB9 GT Bond Edition.

Each of the 50 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service DBS Superleggera special editions will retail at £300,007, with first deliveries to customers commencing in Q4 2019.

Mazda3 scores big in Euro NCAP

T

he All-New 2019 Mazda3 has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by Euro NCAP in its latest series of tests.

Following the Mazda6 last year, this is the second Mazda to achieve an overall five-star rating under the new, more stringent 2018 Euro NCAP crashworthiness ratings.

The All-New Mazda3 performed impressively in all four Euro NCAP test categories – Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) and Safety Assist.

This may be attributed to three key factors: the adoption of the very latest Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture, which features a high-rigidity, impact-absorbing yet lightweight bodyshell; an even wider range of advanced i-Activsense safety technologies

to help drivers identify potential risks and reduce the likelihood of damage or injury; and enhanced pedestrian protection performance.

With a truly outstanding 98 per cent score in the Adult Occupant category, the All-New Mazda3 achieved maximum points for frontal full width impact, and both car and pole side impacts.

Mazda’s Smart Brake Support system also gained full marks in low speed tests, with collisions avoided in all scenarios.

An excellent Child Occupant score of 87 per cent includes maximum points for child protection in the dynamic tests, with full marks for both frontal and lateral impact.

Vulnerable Road User (pedestrian safety) tests garnered an equally noteworthy 81 per cent.

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