NORTHERN FARMING LIFESTYLES April 2017
RURAL WHEELS
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Life of the party by Andy Bryenton
The super-compact SUV is the latest metamorphosis of the breed — a combination of the supermini and the off-roader — which seems set to dominate the end of the market where hatchbacks once reigned supreme. Toyota may be a little late to the party, but their measured approach pays off with the arrival of the striking, urban-chic CH-R this autumn. Already making waves in Europe since its debut at the Geneva motor show, the CH-R seems, on paper, to have a hard road to dominance. Up against the incredibly popular Corolla in its size segment, this machine needed a clear point of difference to get hearts racing. Well, a single look at the bold, diamondinspired faceted cut of the CH-R’s exterior styling provides just that. This may not be a big, terrain-crushing 4x4 like the marque’s signature Land Cruiser, but it’s certainly no shrinking violet. The CH-R is really pitched against such small ‘crossovers’ as the Suzuki Ignis and the Mini Countryman — vehicles for whom style is part of their substance. The options list for Toyota’s new compact SUV includes customisable coloured panels, aggressive mag wheels and more, married up to head-turning design to make it a head turner. The interior is packed with smart gadgetry,
leather and clever storage spaces too. But of course the big question is whether this small sports utility has the true pedigree of other Toyotas such as the RAV4, which as you’ll recall, began its life as a small SUV in its own right. Perhaps they weren’t late to this party at all. The answer comes as another option, at least in Europe — the CH-R is indeed available with a frugal but peppy 1.2-litre turbocharged engine and fourwheel drive. A popular option, however, has to be the front wheel drive only hybrid drivetrain, which delivers 122 horsepower and big fuel savings. In British Pounds, both options cost the same. We’ve yet to see what happens here, as the petrol turbo debuts first. But you can bet that those who want the interior space and style of an SUV, without ever leaving the tarmac, will want
Breaking cover, the CH-R concept car differs only slightly from the production model, set to hit Kiwi shores this autumn
a look at that hybrid later on. A more visually appealing alternative to the ever-popular Prius? Or an eye-catching
alternative to other compact SUVs with legendary Toyota build quality? The CH-R asks ‘why not have it all’.
A SMALL SWITCH, MAKES A BIG
CHANGE The 2017 Pioneer 500 comes with an all-new transmission that lets you easily switch between manual or automatic mode. Now you have the best of both worlds! PIONEER 500
$17,387
NEW FEATURES
HEALTH AND SAFETY PLANS Cost effective systems and solutions that work for YOUR business SKILLS TRAINING / COMPETENCY CERTIFICATION For: LUV, quads, tractors, chainsaws, 4 wheel drive Structured to your individual needs GROWSAFE AND APPROVED HANDLER CERTIFICATES Introductory Growsafe and Growsafe Renewal workshops available in May at Whangarei, Dargaville, Kerikeri, Kaitaia. (subject to numbers)
Contact for further information and bookings: Ollie Bigelow Coordinator ollie@staffsafe.co.nz 027 501 0038
EXCLUDING GST
New 5 speed transmission (with electronic paddle shift) Dash mounted toggle switch to shift between Auto or Manual transmission mode Revised Gear Ratios for even smoother transmission shifting Dual Rate Coil Springs – for plush, progressive suspension performance Driver seatbelt interlock (speed limited until seatbelt engaged) New Driver and Passenger torso bars for enhanced occupant safety
Whangarei Planet Honda, 20 Port Road, Whangarei, Ph 09 438 9780 Dargaville Dargaville Honda, Jervois St SH14, Ph 09 439 1089 Warkworth Honda Warkworth, 10 Morrison Drive, Ph 09 425 9498
Check out the New range of Tortella mulchers at Power Farming Northalnd 1.35m to 1.60m Hammer Flail Mulchers. Ideal for the smaller Tractors.
www.powerfarming.co.nz
2.0m to 2.5m Heavy Duty Hammer Flail Mulchers from 70 to 210hp tractors,door opening,skids , 540 PTO.
POWERFARMING Northland one name covers it all
Power Farming Northland - 17 Rewarewa Road - Whangarei - 09 438 9163 > 104 Jervois Street - Dargaville - 0800 699 688 ED HARVEY 027 491 2262 > JONATHAN CASHMORE 021 228 3221 > BRENT HEASLIP 021 220 2501 > HAYDEN KRIVAN 021 186 2904