Motoring | November 9

Motoring November 9, 2018

Arteon

Enduring allure

DETAILS

The Volkswagen Arteon. State of the Art. The Arteon features a fastback design and panoramic sunroof to draw you in, while the impressive 206kW, 7-speed engine keeps you captivated. Speak to the team at Miles Continental, Christchurch, for an exclusive demonstrator opportunity.

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Farming Motoring

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Friday, November 9, 2018

For the discerning driver

I

n black with graphite wheels, the Volkswagen Arteon looks a little like something that you’d find parked in Bruce Wayne’s driveway.

Aerodynamic contours, frameless windows and a striking overall design – its allure endures far beyond the first encounter.

The Arteon is set to thrill with its turbocharged engine delivering 206kW with 350Nm torque.

The coupe is not only great to look at, it boasts exceptional performance, with an acceleration time of 5.6 seconds from 0–100km/h.

The powerful engine is coupled with a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and 4MOTION drivetrain. DCC Adaptive Chassis Control is a standard feature that offers stability at high speed and every standard model is fitted with 19-inch alloys.

Advanced innovative driver assistance and convenience systems optimise the connection between comfort and driving dynamics.

The second generation Emergency Assist works in conjunction with Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) to offer more safety behind the wheel. If the driver has a health event, the system not only slows the car down but also steers it into the slow lane, eventually bringing the vehicle to a stop and activating the hazard lights.

Enter the exquisite interior of the Arteon and it’s clear to see, luxury and intelligent design continue throughout the cockpit.

The standard ergoComfort seats in Nappa leather offer exceptional comfort for any journey.

The innovative Active Info Display with a 12.3 inch TFT screen with customisable views can be tailored to the driver’s preferences.

I

The upgraded Discover Pro 9.2-inch glass covered touchscreen is the infotainment and navigation system for the especially discerning driver, and with innovative gesture control as standard, the multimedia can be controlled with a single hand movement.

nMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s venture capital fund, this week announced its investment in Arc, which unveiled ‘Vector’ – the world’s first fully-electric motorcycle with Human Machine Interface (HMI).

Arc Vector is the most advanced electric motorcycle ever brought to market, using exotic materials, thoroughbred componentry and cutting-edge architecture, wrapped in a futuristic body.

The investment from InMotion Ventures will support Arc with its global ambition for Vector to be the cleanest, safest, and most fulfilling motorcycle on the road.

The Arc show stand will showcase the brand, along with the bike itself and its ground breaking intelligent haptic ride-wear and connected Heads-Up Display helmet.

The Arc team consists of industry-leading professionals, coming together to develop an all-new experience on two wheels.

Mark Truman, Founder & CEO, Arc, said: “Our aim has always been to bring technology, performance and safety together to create an entirely new two-wheeled experience.

“Vector isn’t just a motorbike; it’s the world’s first fully-electric café racer, it’s an innovative heads-up display helmet and it’s a sensory riding suit – all working in unison to create an experience package like no other.”

The Arteon is fitted with a high level of standard features positioning it as the new premium offering of the Volkswagen range.

Volkswagen General Manager Tom Ruddenklau commented; “Since we first laid eyes on the Arteon we knew Volkswagen

were creating something quite special that will appeal to a wide range of customers here in New Zealand.

At the heart of Volkswagen’s DNA is world class engineering that is accessible to many and has been recognised as the ‘Top Executive Car’ here in New Zealand.”

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Friday, November 9, 2018

Big cats purr into town J

aguar New Zealand has launched two new models for 2019 year – the XE and XF 300 SPORT editions.

The new Jaguar XE 300 SPORT special edition saloon will replace the 25t R-Sport while the 2019 XF will replace 30t R-Sport Edition – but at a price point more than $25,000 lower than its original recommended retail price.

Staying true to Jaguar’s sports car DNA, the new 300 SPORT is equipped with

the advanced 300PS 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine, which powers the XE from 0-100kmph in 5.9 seconds.

With 400Nm of torque, the new 300 SPORT joins the XE line-up and is available on the XF featuring unique exterior and interior design elements; while the XE is fitted exclusively with the 300PS 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine.

All 300 SPORT models now feature unique Dark Satin Grey details

including the door mirror caps, rear spoiler and grille surround, along with 300 SPORT badging on the front grille and bootlid.

The XE, XF enable customers to be more connected, with Jaguar’s advanced Touch Pro 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard.

The Jaguar XE and XF 300 Sport models start at $82,900 and $94,900 excluding on road costs.

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Farming Motoring

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Friday, November 9, 2018

The end of range anxiety A

t most Friday night pub sessions (to which I ride my not E-bike) discussions about cars utes, and increasingly so said E-bikes and EVs are common.

My suggestion that currently hybrids are more appropriate than pure EVs for most Mid-Cantabrians who may be considering some method of electrification to reduce their fossil fuel use and cost thereof, promotes some interesting comments.

Particularly so from my mate Graeme Church who is firmly of the view that carrying around a petrol motor/gearbox and tank of petrol in addition to an electric motor/battery pack is just not sensible.

Well I agree that in certain circumstances with the currently affordable pure EVs he is right.

Such as if you are just doing round town running or doing a daily return commute between the likes of Ashburton to Methven.

But you still need to be regular and dedicated with plugging in to recharge the batteries.

Otherwise there’s always the question of both that dreaded range anxiety, and the reality of really needing another vehicle for long journeys.

Both which of course you can overcome, but only by buying a much more expensive EV. For example the 64kWh, 450km capable Hyundai Kona Electric costs from $73,990 and similar range Tesla S60 from $122,300.

If you can’t do so, then with current crop of “affordable” EV’s available, even a drive to Oamaru will mean twiddling one’s thumbs en route during the necessary plugs-in to recharge.

And while some maybe happy to enjoy

the scenery or read a book, others during this enforced downtime will most likely indulge in some retail therapy. And possibly spend more than what’s being otherwise saved on fuel!

Which is where Kia’s Niro EX SUV currently costing less than $40,000, and with a claimed fuel use figure of 3.8L/100km comes to the party.

This nicely-styled and packaged compact SUV (it’s shorter than and sits a little lower than its Sportage sibling) which can seat five comfortably, hold 427 litres of luggage and looks and drives just like a usual petrol SUV. It use Hyundai/Kia’s dedicated Hybrid/ EV platform and advanced, fuel saving technology, comprising of a 1.6 litre petrol engine and a very smooth operating 32kW electric motor/hybrid system which sits neatly between the petrol motor.

This allows the full outputs of both the engine and electric motor to be transferred in parallel through the double-clutch, 6-speed auto.

The combined petrol/electric power output is 104kW, with maximum torque, a rather impressive, 265Nm. The 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack sits beneath the back seat alongside the 45litre petrol tank.

Leaving the auto in D is fine for most every-day, most economical driving, but then selecting the S mode means the battery’s power is also accessed for maximum acceleration and 0-100kmh in just under 10 seconds is possible.

Meanwhile the fuel consumption remains in the low fours.

Inside is the well laid out cabin, which – except for the economy/hybrid gauge in place of a rev counter – you could well be

KIA NIRO EX ■■

Roger Hart ROAD TEST

■■ ■■

sitting in a Sportage.

Well equipped too, including adaptive/ smart cruise control and other advanced safety technologies including autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and parking sensors/camera.

As expected it proved very easy to drive, both about town and on the open road, then also through the winding bits, even on its 16-inch Michelin Ecosaver tyres, for the handling remained neat and tidy and the ride pleasantly comfortable.

Mostly hushed too, except for really coarse chip.

In addition to the EX, which is currently available at an introductory price of $34,990 instead of $39,990, theres also a LTD version costing $43,990 and a $55,990, plug-in PHEV LTD. The latter has a 42.5kW electric motor and 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery which allows up to 55km in pure EV mode.

Kia say its fuel use can be as low as 1.3L/100km.

So hybrids (both plug-in and not), until the coming of more affordable, quick charge, long range EVs, are in the meantime, in my view the most sensible option!

But then for Graeme and other pure EV converts, a fully electric Niro with a 450km-plus range arrives next year.

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■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Price $34,990 (introductory). LTD is RRP $43,990 and PHEV LTD $55,990 (all + ORCs).

Engine: 1.6-litre, 4 cylinder petrol/hybrid -104kW/265Nm. Transmission: 6-speed, twin-clutch auto, front–wheel-drive.

Quoted economy/CO2: 3.8L/100km.

CO2 output- 88g/km Safety Rating: Five Star.

Size - mm: Length 4355, width 1805, wheelbase 2700mm Turning circle: 10.6 metres Warranty: 5 year/100,000km vehicle, 7 year/160,000km battery, 5 years roadside assistance and a 3 years/45,000km free servicing.

FINALE The under $40,000 compact SUV market is growing rapidly. So the Niro EX’s arrival with its hybrid point of difference, and resulting excellent real life fuel economy is very timely. As well it achieves this without compromising its style, dynamics and practicality. Then of course it is capable of very long trips without having to plug-in, or meantime causing the driver absolutely no range anxiety!

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Farming Motoring

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Friday, November 9, 2018

Breaking through at 32

T

he Gepida Reptila 1000 is one of the first commuter bikes available in NZ with the Bosch Active Line Plus in a 32km/h format.

This ‘breakthrough’ comes after years of insistence by Bosch that we should only have ‘safer’ 25km/h bikes like Australia and Europe, when they made 32km/h versions for the North American markets and we’ve had hub motor bikes that can do around 36 for ages.

They have now allowed manufacturers to ship US-market motors to NZ. So expect to see more.

I believe Shimano has followed suit, and Brose/Specialized has been 32 or 45 since forever. It really is a game-changer.

What a difference 7km/h makes: 25 always seemed disappointingly slow where 32 seems about right for most purposes (including eMTB).

Gepida is a Hungarian manufacturer and has been producing the Reptila line since 2011.

The 1000 series has 700c (28-in) wheels while the 900 series has 26-in wheels.

They are otherwise identical and smaller riders will probably be more comfortable on a 900 series.

The Bosch Active Line Plus motor is also new for 2018, featuring more torque and less internal resistance than the base model Active Line.

It has been a bit of a criticism of Bosch motors (including their current Performance and CX motors) and is not noticeable in this design.

True to the ‘Active Line’ character, it is smooth in pickup and will never surprise in an unpleasant way.

As such it is a great commuter.

It’s an adequate hill climber, though I noticed in my Grafton test climb I found myself exceeding my test-limited heartrate of 120bpm quite early on.

Battery is 400Wh which will suffice for most journeys of up to 50-60km (assuming typical rider weight and not overusing ‘Turbo’). Being a Bosch battery, you can buy replacements including a 500Wh battery, and Bosch service is apparently very good nationwide.

It is a comfortable, refined and practical bike.

I like the stepthrough and for most rid-

e-bike reviews are courtesy of NZ Electric Bike Review

ers the battery placement will work out OK. Do try it for yourself though.

The Kreidler Vitality had a nicer configuration with the battery tucked around the back – they are otherwise very similar bikes.

Don’t be put off by the hydraulic rim brakes – they are well modulated and powerful – and brake pads are cheap to replace compared to disk pads.

Comfort features include a suspension seatpost and SR Suntour fork, and the seat too is just right.

Tyres are puncture-resistant Schwalbe Energizer Life. It comes with an Abus frame lock.

You can also buy an optional chain that slots into the frame lock for added security.

I’d also recommend a good set of pannier bags.

It has a Nexus 8-speed hub.

I did find that you needed to back off the power when shifting which took a bit of getting used to.

The benefit of a hub gear is less maintenance and the ability to shift gears when stopped, such as when you stop suddenly when the traffic light goes red.

All up this is a nicely put together ebike, looking very nice in red. RRP is $4499.

Who should buy the Gepita Reptila 1000?

You typically commute less than 15km each way You use it for going to meetings, running errands Occasionally you might want to do a bit of a tiki-tour including roads and light trails (rail trails, Hamilton-Ngaruwahia, Hawkes Bay)

Who isn’t this for?

Who have to negotiate very steep hills daily You think 32km/h is just tooo slooooow (are you sure? not many bikes are much faster and it makes less of a difference for most journeys than you may think) 400 Wh battery isn’t going to be enough (are you sure? it’ll go quite far at moderate speeds. I have done 60km in Hawkes Bay trails in 400Wh)

- By electricbazza

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Friday, November 9, 2018

7

E

ven at age 42, there’s no stopping Suzuki ace Daryl Hurley and the eve of Guy Fawkes night is probably an appropriate time for him to be setting off the fireworks again.

The multi-talented Kiwi retired from fulltime motocross racing several years ago, but now is back on top of the world after he took his Suzuki RM-Z450 to win the over-40 Pro class at the 2018 edition of the World Veterans’ Motocross Championships in the United States at the weekend.

Racing at the Glen Helen track at San Bernadino, in a blazingly-hot Southern California, the 42-year-old Suzuki bike shop dealer from Hawera finished runner-up and then first in his two races in this premier class, eclipsing British former Grand Prix racer Kurt Nicoll, who finished 3-2, and American Dirt Rider magazine test rider Kris Keefer (1-4).

Over a long and glittering career, Hurley has been a regular visitor to the top step of the podium.

Hurley won four New Zealand 125cc motocross titles (in 1999, 2001, 2002 and 2004) before moving on to win the New Zealand MX1 title in 2007, following by his winning the New Zealand MX2 crown in 2008.

He also won the New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix title at Woodville in 2005 and again in 2009.

Hurley won the opening round of the World Supercross Championships at a muddy Estadio Olimpico in Seville, Spain, in December 2003. He beat South African Grant Langston (who was later crowned 2007 AMA motocross champion) to the chequered flag at that event in Spain, as well as leading Americans Tyler Evans and Heath Voss.

The list continues and is seemingly endless for this Kiwi champion.

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WORDS AND PHOTO BY ANDY MCGECHAN

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