Ashburton Guardian | Motoring | August 23, 2019

Motoring August 23, 2019

DETAILS

D-MAX

Built like a truck

HIGH COUNTRY EDITION D-MAX – AVAILABLE NOW AT ISUZU MID CANTERBURY

P20

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Farming Motoring

Friday, August 23, 2019

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Truck heritage for the real world

I

SUZU continues to build a reputation for diesel engines since developing Japan’s first air-cooled automotive diesel engine in 1936.

Constant technological improvements, innovations and in-depth experience across the production of more than 26 million diesel engines means ISUZU is an established global leader in developing capable and efficient engines for all kinds of applications.

The unwavering commitment to performance is on show in the ever popular 430Nm 4JJ1-TC Hi-power 3.0 litre engine with a Variable Geometry System (VGS) turbo charger.

This engine delivers practical torque for improved highway acceleration, genuine off road performance and uncompromised towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes.

As a leading global producer of commercial vehicles, ISUZU understands the importance of using high quality, well designed and durable components to make everything in the ISUZU D-MAX last longer.

ISUZU D-MAX TOUGH, uncompromising utes are built using technologies and features taken directly from it’s truck heritage.

The D-MAX chassis gains truck strength and durability that delivers more confident road holding and balance under a diverse range of conditions, with or without load.

Thorough testing of vehicles in harsh,

real world conditions means that it is engineered to last.

A century of experience in truck manufacturing is evident in every single ISUZU D-MAX – this is ISUZU’s truck DNA. ISUZU’s ‘universal design’ concept drives development and inclusion of features that are intuitive to use, easy to reach and greatly improves occupant and driver convenience.

The distinctive wider door arches on the ISUZU D-MAX make for easy access to the cabin offering generous head and leg room as well as comfortably designed

seats for every occupant.

An abundance of thoughtfully placed storage and cup holders complete the interior giving it a striking sense of design and function.

In addition, state of the art features like the built-in GPS enabled audio system or the 8-speaker surround sound (double cab models)* and Bluetooth® connectivity all feature controls that are effortless to reach and simple to use.

The D-MAX offers all of the luxury appointments expected in modern vehicles.

Premium leather seats with power

height adjustment (LS-T models only) rear seats with 60/40 split fold up/down configuration, instrument panel with multi-information display (LS-M, LS & LS-T models only), 8” touch screen audio system with USB, AUX, Bluetooth connectivity and an inbuilt SAT NAV function (LS & LS-T models only) Double Cab 4WD LS-T interior, push start and passive entry system (LS-T models only) * LS & LS-T Models only.

At ISUZU, safety is always the first thought.

Careful attention to detail allows ISUZU to deliver higher levels of active safety features.

The Hill Start Assist (HSA) function engages automatically on significant gradients to prevent the ISUZU D-MAX rolling when moving from a stationary position while the Hill Descent Control (HDC) allows a smooth hill descent at a controlled speed.

Intelligent cabin design allows excellent road visibility while Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and projector lens headlamps actively work to keep drivers alert to potential hazards and in control.

When combined with its tough, high tensile steel cabin, energy absorbing front end, side impact anti-intrusion bars and six airbags with pre-tensioning seatbelts you can be assured that the D-MAX is made stronger and safer for you and your passengers.

Honda wins air battle

H 03 307 2415 www.isuzumidandsouthcanterbury.co.nz

onda Aircraft Company announced this week that the HondaJet is the most delivered aircraft in its class for the first half of 2019, based on numbers provided by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

During the first six months of the year, 17 aircraft were delivered to customers around the world.

The most delivered aircraft in its class for over two years, the HondaJet continues to outperform its competitors in the very light jet sector as the company marks several milestones.

Recently, the HondaJet became the first light jet to enter service in Hawaii as two HondaJet Elites were delivered to Wing Spirit, a company that provides luxurious and convenient charter services with a fleet of 15 HondaJets.

Additionally, Honda Aircraft broke

ground on a new $15.5 million dollar, 83,000-square-foot production facility that will increase production efficiency at its North Carolina headquarters.

Honda Aircraft Company’s sales and service footprint spans territories in North America, Europe, Middle and South America, Southeast Asia, China, the Middle East, India and Japan.

The HondaJet Elite is the fastest, farthest and highest-flying plane in its class.

The HondaJet Elite incorporates Honda Aircraft’s many technological innovations, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount configuration, Natural Laminar Flow nose and wing and composite fuselage.

These advancements contribute to the aircraft’s superior performance, unparalleled efficiency and maximised fuselage space, making the aircraft’s cabin the largest in its class.

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Friday, August 23, 2019

21

Omne trium perfectum

F

or many years I’ve been a fan of three-cylinder engines.

In what the grandkids regard as being the prehistoric years, I indeed owned three cars with said engines.

In those days one could never have anticipated the leap forward in engine technology, or the likelihood of three cylinder engines becoming mainstream, as they are in the latest German-made Focus Hatch range, with its 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Ecoboost turbo-petrol engine.

This delivers an impressive 134kW of power and 240Nm of torque right from 1600 to 4500rpm.

That, in conjunction with its intelligent eight-speed auto and the ability to deactivate one cylinder on the likes of an SH1 cruise from here to Christchurch, sees a stated combined fuel economy figure of 6.4L/100kms.

The stop-start system also contributes to this.

Ford is of course well experienced with three-cylinder engines, as its smaller 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has previously won a number of Engine of the Year titles.

This certainly shows in the way these new hatches perform.

There’s the choice of Normal, Sport and Eco driving modes.

I found Normal was fine for most driving conditions, because of the instantly available torque and the way the quick-acting auto can make the best use of this.

Meanwhile Sport (selected by the S button in the centre of the rotary gear selector) adds even more spice to the performance, with 0-100kh happening in 8 seconds and the rather delightful sounding thrum from the exhaust maximised.

This rotary gear selector is different, but still easy to use, but until becoming used to it, I visually checked each time to

Latin: everything that comes in threes is perfect

confirm either P, D, N or R. Currently there’s three models – Trend ($31,990), ST-Line ($36,990) and this fully equipped, $41,990 Titanium.

There’s also a Trend wagon. It costs $37,990 and has a 2-litre,110kW/370Nm diesel engine and 6-speed auto.

They all are built on the new longer wheelbase, flat-floored, stronger platform, so have more passenger space within their still compact dimensions.

It’s a nicely proportioned, smart looker whose wide stance, low nose and lines mean a suitably distinctive on-road presence.

As well it exudes, both inside and out, the feel of its very contemporary European design and build.

Just like the new Mazda3, the Focus has the latest in rear torsion beam suspension rather than a fully independent set up.

This does its job so well that in concert with the light but direct electric power steering (complete with torque steer compensation/vectoring control) you are inclined to go looking for drives, like that to the Coleridge Power Station, to appreciate, both the handling and ride, as well as the performance.

The firmer, sporty touch to the suspension only shows up on some of the more interesting road surfaces we have about town, and of course within Christchurch.

Usually it’s suitably quiet at cruise, but on the very coarse chip surfaces, expectedly there’s some road noise.

The cabin is very light and airy, even with the blind for the panoramic glass roof in place.

There’s a welcoming feel about it through the combination of tasteful styling and thoughtful design.

There’s also excellent views to the outside, thanks to the large rear door windows and hatch window.

A nice clear 8.0-inch touchscreen takes

Roger Hart ROAD TEST

care of infotainment selection duties, including the sat-nav.

Both the driver and front passenger get plenty of space in their well-shaped and supportive fabric and leather covered, heated seats.

There’s also a pop-up heads-up display (HUD), which is said to work with polarised sunglasses, speed sign recognition as well as an excellent adaptive cruise control.

Whilst not riding in the back seat, getting there was easy and when seated noted very decent leg, shoulder space and headroom for my 177cm frame.

While rear air-vents are absent there’s a 12-volt outlet and cup-holders in the centre arm-rest.

Also any centre placed passenger will appreciate the flat floor.

Luggage-wise, thanks to the torsion bar rear suspension you can stash a decent 443 litres of stuff, and loading through the largish hatch is easy.

If more space is needed, the rear seat split/folds 60:40 to fit 1320 litres.

A space-saver spare sits below.

There’s also a very clever, fully automated Parking Assist system that will get you into a parking spot that’s just very slightly longer than the car.

It’s a little bit scary too, as you activate the system with the engine running and gear selector placed in neutral, for Park Assist takes over completely and does

absolutely everything needed!

It will then get you out of the parking spot as well.

Of course safety-wise all Focus’ are ANCAP 5-star rated. Driver aids and safety assist systems include AEB with pedestrian detection, a rather too-proactive lane keeping assist (you may decide to turn this off), 180-degree rear-view camera, post-impact braking system, rear cross traffic alert with active braking and more.

FORD FOCUS TITANIUM ■■ Price: as driven: $41,990. Others from $31,990 to $36,990. All plus ORCs ■■ Engine: 1.5 litre 3 cylinder turbo-petrol, 132kW @ 6000rpm/240Nm @16004500rpm ■■ Transmission: 8-speed auto, front wheel drive ■■ Economy: 6.4L/100Km ■■ Turning Circle: 10.8 metres.

■■ Tows: 1400kg.

■■ Safety: ANCAP 5 star.

■■ Warranty: 5 years/unlimited ks and 3-year roadside assist.

FINALE This smart looking, easy to drive and live with Focus with its combination of compact size, spacious cabin, driving manners and excellent three-cylinder engine shows there are definitely other options in life, to compact SUVs! But then, should you still remain focused on an SUV, there’s a higher riding Focus model, the Active set to arrive later this year.

Farming Motoring

22 2

Friday, August 23, 2019

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INFINITI Project Black A

combined INFINITI and Renault F1 Team have completed the track-focused development of the unique high-performance, dual-hybrid powertrain created for the INFINITI Project Black S prototype.

The development work was signed off at Salzburgring in Austria by Renault F1 Team star Nico Hülkenberg, where two prototypes were put through their paces.

An evolving collaboration between INFINITI and Renault F1 Team, the Project Black S prototype has served as a testbed for development of the new Formula One™ -inspired powertrain technology.

The latest version of the Project Black S was revealed in Paris in fall 2018.

Since then, powertrain engineers from Renault F1 Team and INFINITI have developed the unique technology further, exploring whether it could be deployed in a high-performance road car.

Project Black S fuses expertise from

road and race track, with its dual-hybrid powertrain, all-new, purpose built brakes, and optimized suspensions, all complemented by the use of advanced lightweight materials throughout the purposeful new bodywork and a motorsport-inspired interior.

The Project Black S dual-hybrid powertrain technology is derived from Formula One and engineered specifically

for road use.

A focused team of designers and engineers from the two partners has enabled the rapid development of testing prototypes. A test-bed based on the INFINITI Q60 coupe and its 400 hp VR30 twin-turbo V6 engine, the dual-hybrid system combines supercar performance with smart energy management.

In a similar manner to Renault F1 Team’s R.S.19, the Project Black S’ smart powertrain stores this energy and discharges it as the driver requires, spooling up the turbochargers instantaneously as the driver opens the throttle, boosting power sent to the rear wheels.

Currently, the dual-hybrid powertrain is capable of producing up to 418 kW (563 hp).

SPRING SPECIALS !!!

2 Yr Warranty + 2 x Free Services

2014 TOYOTA AQUA 1.5 L Hybrid

2016 TOYOTA COROLLA GX HATCH

2010 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD MANUAL

2016 TOYOTA RAV4 GXL 2.5P AWD AUTO

31,000kms, Certified Odometer, 1.5L Petrol Engine + Hybrid Battery System, Air Conditioning, Bluetooth, CD Player, Climate Control, 15” Alloy wheels, ABS Brakes, Traction Control, Electric Windows, Electric Retractable Mirrors. – 3 Years of Warranty, Roadside Assist & WOF’s

Great mileage - 12,500km, Auto, 1.8L Petrol, Cruise Control,Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Bluetooth,CD + USB/AUX/MP3 Input, Reversing Camera

134,250km, 3.0L Turbo Diesel, Tow Bar & Nudge Bar, Tuff Deck,Tonneau Cover, 15” Alloy Wheels, ABS, Cruise Control, Air-Con, CD Player, Bluetooth, USB/AUX, Electric Mirrors, Central Locking

42,750km, 2.5L Petrol Engine, All-Wheel Drive, Adaptive Cruise Control,7 Air Bags, Parking Sensors, Reversing Camera, Traction Control,Stability Control, Keyless Entry & Start, Signature Class – 3 Year Warranty, 3 yrs Roadside Assist, 3 yrs WOF’s.

$18,495

Free Wof’s For Life

WAS $23,995

$21,995

Free Wof’s For Life

WAS $31,495

$30,995

Free Wof’s For Life

WAS $33,995

$33,495

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M

O

Free Wof’s For Life

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX 58,000km, 2.8L Turbo Diesel, Tow bar, Cruise Control, Traction Control, Reversing Camera, Leather Heated Seats, Climate Control, GPS Navigation, CD & Bluetooth,Roof Rails, Keyless Entry, Keyless Start.

Free Wof’s For Life

WAS $59,495

$58,995

2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED

2019 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 70 LT 300km, Manual, 4.5L V8 Turbo Diesel, Tow Bar, Flat Deck,ABS, Traction Control, Stability Control, Bluetooth, Cruise Control,Reversing Camera, Side Steps, Air Conditioning , CD Player

41,500km, 3.5L V6 petrol, AWD, 7 seater, sunroof, side steps,leather seating, powered rear door, rear entertainment system,towbar, 20” alloys, radar cruise control, pre-crash safely system

Free Wof’s For Life

WAS $60,995

$59,995

Free Wof’s For Life

$70,995

2019 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX Latest facelift, 15,000km, 2.8L Turbo Diesel, Adaptive Cruise Control,Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Electric Leather Heated Seats, Collision Alert, Lane Alert, Parking Sensors, Climate Control, GPS Navigation, Bluetooth, Keyless Entry, Keyless Start.

Free Wof’s For Life

Ashburton Toyota www.ashburton.toyota.co.nz

*Terms & Conditions apply.

OPEN MON-FRI 8AM-5PM SAT 9AM-1PM OR BY APPOINTMENT PHONE 0800 286 9682 | Cnr East St & Walnut Ave, Ashburton

WAS $71,995

$71,495

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Friday, August 23, 2019

23

Eye-catchers

S

ome incredible machines have already come out of Monterey Car Week in the States, and the automotive gifts just keep coming.

Bugatti used the event to take the covers off the Centodieci, a Chiron-based homage to the legendary EB 110, and Lamborghini has just unveiled this gorgeous beast.

Based on the Aventador SVJ 63 coupe that was revealed last year comes the SVJ 63 Roadster, a limited edition convertible Aventador that pays tribute to the year that Lamborghini was founded – 1963.

Produced by Lamborghini’s Centro Stile and Ad Personam teams, the SVJ 63 Roadster is going to be available in eight designs.

These have been called “design expressions”, and feature a combination of matte paint and contrasting carbon fibre panels.

On the inside, the changes are subtle, but work with the overall design well.

Carbon fibre trim, Carbonskin accents, and various Alcantara colour schemes are the main differences here.

The standard Aventador 6.5-litre V12 powers the SVJ 63, and allows the car to do 0-100km/h in just 2.9 seconds.

Conveniently, only 63 models are going to be built, and all will feature a numbered badge.

As wells as the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, Lamborghini unveiled the Huracán EVO GT Celebration.

This car pays tribute to the Huracán GT3 EVO which triumphed at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring for two consecutive seasons.

You’ll notice that this Huracán EVO features an eye-catching livery that’s going to stand out in your local supermarket car park.

This is inspired by the Grasser Racing Team’s car that won at Daytona.

If you want your EVO to be full race car, you can opt for the Lamborghini Squadra Corse shield to be applied to the roof, and surrounded by US and Italian flags.

Only 36 (coincidence?) Huracán EVO GT Celebration models will be built, and it will be exclusively available in North America.

Astons fetch the big bucks

T

he ‘Evening with Aston Martin’ sale in Monterey, curated by renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s as part of their annual Monterey sale, has today seen exceptional examples of some of the brand’s most desirable sports cars change hands for millions of dollars.

This event to remember witnessed an incomparable list of the most significant Aston Martin models go under the hammer, with bidders from around the world vying for ownership of some of the jewels in the British sports car brand’s heritage crown.

The 2019 event was a new occasion for collectors, who witnessed a fascinating

and diverse collection of Aston Martin-related automobilia go under the hammer in several hours of exciting and highly-charged bidding.

A highlight of the evening came as a 1965 Aston Martin James Bond DB5 – originally commissioned and used in the promotion of the James Bond film Thunderball – sold for a final price of $6,385,000 upon the fall of the auctioneer’s gavel.

After receiving an initial estimate of $4,000,000-$6,000,000, the result under-lines the continued popularity and admiration for this world-famous automotive and silver-screen icon and sets a new record for the most valuable DB5 at auction.

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or • Automotive servicing, repairs and diagnostics • Latest scan tools and service data • Cars, 4WDs, campervans • European, Japanese and everything in between • Vehicle transport and recovery Call Dave and the team in the Big Blue Shed, cnr McLean and John St Phone 03 308 6646

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