North East Motor Guide

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N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A

MAY 4 - 10 | 2018

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

JOYFUL: Now here’s a car with the Italian joy of life. The latest Abarth 595 Competizione is a stunner.

2018 ABARTH 595 Competizione

WHAT a hoot. I loved driving the Abarth 595 Competizione for the whole week I spent in it. Partly for its lively attitude to the road, but chiefly because of the attention and pleasure it gave to other road users, even to pedestrians would you believe.

I’ve had the pleasure of piloting Italian supercars - Ferraris, Maseratis and Lamborghinis (tough lives we motoring journos lead…). While these often get gazed at in envy and other drivers like to race them off the lights, sometimes these ultra expensive machines get me glared at, even to the extent of visual hatred on a couple of occasions.

But it seems everyone liked the Abarth

By EWAN KENNEDY 595 Competizione for its appearance and the raucous noise from the exhaust. They smiled, gave it a thumbs up and generally seemed to enjoy it adding life to endlessly boring grey cars on our roads these days.

STYLING Our road test car was in very Italian red, set off by 17-inch Corsa alloy wheels in black and yellow brake calipers. Then there’s the blacked out lower grille and rear diffuser, and standout black decals which include bold ‘Abarth’ lettering on the flanks.

Subtle? No way, this Abarth is (a) Italian and (b) a hot-hatch – so subtle was never

going to be on the stylists’ minds.

Abarth 595 is offered as a threedoor hatch and a cabriolet, the latter having a very large fabric sunroof, not a conventional soft top. The Competizione is only offered as a hatch. We have a much loved Fiat 500 by Gucci cabriolet in our family but somehow the hardtop suits the Competizione better.

DRIVETRAINS Abarth 595 Competizione is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 132 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. There’s also a lower cost model, the $26,990 Abarth 595 with 107 kW. Power is taken to the front wheels by way of a five-speed manual gearbox, six

would have been better, but the Fiat 500 on which the Abarth hotshot is based is getting on in years.

There’s also a robotised five-speed sortof automatic transmission - Yuk. INFOTAINMENT The complete Abarth 595 range received a major infotainment upgrade earlier in the year. Controlled through a Fiat Uconnect 5.0-inch colour touchscreen and integrated voice control, it provides satellite navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM/DAB radio and UConnect Live services.

The screen’s too small but easier to use than we expected.

Continued page 2 j/21d12837-v17/17-18

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LMCT1060

2

May 4 - 10 | 2018

No Stopping

By DEREK OGDEN DESPITE its longevity, there is something of an enigma about the Nissan 370Z: is it a comfy Coupe with two seats; or an out-and-out sports car with performance paramount to the detriment of all else? I suggest it’s the former.

Sophisticated is a way of putting it, something the car has exhibited since its inception almost a decade ago as the descendent, via the 350Z and others, of the legendary 240Z of the 1960s. And, for good or bad, not much has changed.

With almost 4200 sales in Australia since its 2009 debut, the MY18 model, which comes as a Coupe, accounting for 95 per cent of sales, or a Roadster with retractable soft top, has undergone a stylish rework that sets it apart from its predecessor.

Prices start at just $49,990, plus onroad costs, for the six-speed manual Coupe – the seven-speed auto chiming in at $52,490 – while the range-topping soft-top Roadster automatic can be had for $63,490. On test was the Coupe automatic at $52,490.

STYLING The 2018 still has the classic shape - low stance with long bonnet and raked rear roof - that has stood the ‘Z Cars’ in good stead over time.

Now it features smoked lights front and rear, plus a smoked finish on exterior door handles and new-look 19-inch alloy wheels. The test car was finished in the new, richer Cherry Red instead of the superseded Bordeaux.

INTERIOR Little has changed, so, sad to say, things are looking a bit dated. While there’s four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, including manual lumbar adjustment and four-way manual height adjustment, plus four-way power adjustable passenger’s seat, both with heating, storage is at a premium. Boot space likewise.

INFOTAINMENT The 370Z is fitted with a 7-inch colour touch screen with satellite navigation with

- there’s life in the old friend yet

3-D mapping, plus Bluetooth as standard equipment.

A trip computer keeps track of average speed, distance to empty, average and current fuel consumption and outside temperature, as well as offering a timer and trip meter.

Quality audio is courtesy of a Bose CD player with AM/FM radio, MP3/USB/ WMA capability, aux connection and eight speakers, including two subwoofers.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The 370Z engine is unchanged from the Nissan tried-and-tested 3.7-litre V6 that cranks out 245 kW of power at 7000 rpm and peak torque of 363 Nm at a high 5200 revs. The maker claims fuel consumption of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres for the auto vehicle.

SAFETY Nissan’s premium braking system includes anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

Vehicle dynamic control is also on hand, as are dual front, side and curtain airbags.

DRIVING Getting in and out of the car creates the inevitable two-door trauma – wide opening arc for extra large door, seats set low and sleek roofline ready to make contact with an unsuspecting head.

Once inside, the seats offer major adjustments to settle driver and passenger in relative comfort. Not so good for the driver is the limited view behind through the steeply sloping rear window and the mother of all blind spots. Make sure you’ve got your mirrors set correctly or the blind spot could cause a crash.

Moving off is best achieved with surefooted use of the accelerator. A sporty engine note improves with pedal pressure.

The seven-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently through the range, even when running hard using the steering wheel-mounted paddles in manual mode.

Rear-wheel drive adds to the traditional Z-car experience with the absence of excessive understeer while pushing through fast bends.

OLDIE BUT A GOODIE: Fresh face . . . but not much else new for the Nissan 370Z.

SUMMING UP. In many ways the Nissan 370Z is showing signs of ageing and the competition is far keener than when the vehicle debuted. No doubt fans will not be moved. This is offset by the very low price of the big Z.

2018 ABARTH 595 Competizione

From page 1

DRIVING Abarth 595 Competizione is aimed at the serious driver. It has 17-inch Corsa alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, Koni shock absorbers, four-piston front Brembo brakes and a dual-mode quad-tip ‘Record Monza’ exhaust.

Zero to 100 km/h is listed as 6.7 seconds, but the lively nature of this little hotshot makes if feel even quicker.

Throttle response from the turbo engine is pretty good, but could be sharper. Once it’s up to full boost the little car really comes alive.

Exhaust noises give the little Italian a fair bit of aural pleasure - though perhaps not to the standard of that provided by its Uncle Maserati. Have it in sport mode and keep the revs way up and it will even give you some lovely snap-crackle-and-pop.

The actions of the five-speed gearbox should be slicker - and did we say that a sixspeed would be nice? It would certainly be appreciated during motorway running.

Handling is excellent, with plenty of grip, the ability to change direction at a moment’s notice when required. There’s good response to the throttle and steering. Eventually it will understeer if you push too hard but that’s probably a sign of the humble beginnings of the 500 on which it is based.

SNAP-CRACKLE-AND-POP: Exhaust noises give the little Italian a fair bit of aural pleasure.

Ride comfort suffers quite a bit on roughish surfaces but isn’t too bad on normal roads. If you’re a serious driver you won’t mind this, but if you want the looks and a bit more comfort it’s probably best to go for the standard 595 not the Competizione.

Some don’t like the high driving position of the Abarth and Fiat 500 at first. As we’ve had 500s in the family for seven years now I’m thoroughly tuned into the feel. If you’re doing a pre-purchase test drive may

I suggest you spend plenty of time behind the wheel.

I still don’t like the lack of left-foot space.

SUMMING UP A good friend has been into warmed-up German cars for years; Passat R, Audi S6 and similar. But after a drive in the Abarth 595 Competizione he just loved it. “It’s not quite as quick as the Germans, but it has so much more life, a real Italian joy of life … maybe I should have a look at an Alfa next time around.”

At a Glance MODEL RANGE

Abarth 595 hatch: $26,990 Abarth 595 cabriolet: $29,990 Abarth 595 Competizione hatch: $31,990 NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL ABARTH DEALER FOR DRIVE-AWAY PRICES.

3

May 4 - 10 | 2018

TOYOTA TUFF: There is no doubt the latest HiLux models mean serious business - on road or off.

Rugged New Toyota Hilux range

By EWAN KENNEDY IT seems that the only place you will find Toyota at the head of the pack is in the sales race in Australia. In any other way, such as styling and wild new ideas the big T holds back to see whether - or not - others succeed. Toyota then makes its move - or not - into a new area.

So when Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing chief, Sean Hanley, had a look at competitors’ roguish and rugged special editions he had a chat to the Australian team of stylist and engineers about coming up with tough, heavy-duty ideas.

The result is the Toyota HiLux Rugged X, Rogue and Rugged, all sold in double-cab ute bodies, all with 4WD. The three new hero models of Australia’s best-selling vehicle have been designed and developed in Australia with support from Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan and Toyota in Thailand.

Hanley says, “They have been designed to meet the demands of Australian customers and Australian conditions and build on the ‘Unbreakable’ reputation of HiLux. “Designed and developed over a three-year vehicle program, all the new components on these stunning HiLux models are fully integrated and engineered into the core vehicle and covered by the standard factory warranty.”

Hanley makes the point that the HiLux Rugged X, Rogue and Rugged are not special editions, they are permanent HiLux models.

To cover all bases they are built in several formats, everything from stylish to full-on tough.

TOYOTA HILUX RUGGED X The winch-compatible heavy-duty steel front bar has integrated bash plate.

There’s an LED lightbar as well as driving lights.

Protective and recovery features include a snorkel, side rock rails that are able to support a fully laden vehicle, front and rear recovery points and a new heavyduty steel rear bar and integrated tow bar.

REDESIGNED: The Rogue’s tub features a practical and stylish sports bar, and a bespoke hard tonneau cover.

The rear tub of the Rugged X has a new steel sports bar that can support a vertical load of 75kg and, with multiple tie down points, secure up to 200kg on the floor of the tub.

Inside, Rugged X has leather-accented seats, new design instrument cluster, metallic black ornamentation and black headlining complete the interior design theme.

TOYOTA HILUX ROGUE A redesigned front and rear that reflect Toyota’s global truck design similar to that of the larger-than-HiLux Toyota Tundra.

There has to be speculation that the Tundra may come Downunder one day.

The Rogue’s tub features a practical and stylish sports bar, and a bespoke hard tonneau cover.

Inside, Rogue has the same interior secures as the Rugged X, that is leatheraccented seats, new design instrument cluster, metallic black ornamentation and black headlining complete the interior design theme.

Based on the HiLux SR the Rugged is for those who want the extra functionality

and features of the Rugged X but with the protection offered by a traditional steel bullbar. Like the Rugged X, the Rugged also features a snorkel, redesigned grille, side rock rails, sports bar and heavy-duty steel rear bar together recovery points.

All three new HiLux models are powered by a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, driving through a part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with a full set of low-range ratios.

The engine generates maximum power of 130kW and 450Nm of torque with the six-speed automatic transmission or 420Nm when in front of a six-speed

manual gearbox.

As the new top-of-the-range HiLux fully equipped for off-road adventures straight out the showroom, the Rugged X is priced from $61,690 in manual guise and $63,690 as an automatic.

The style leading automatic-only HiLux Rogue is priced from $61,690.

Blending the best of off-road and on-road protective and functional features, the HiLux SR-based Rugged offers superb value and is priced from $54,990 as a manual with the six-speed automatic option adding $2000.

4

May 4 - 10 | 2018

Renault Koleos

At a Glance

upgrades

ALL Renault Koleos models are now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the R-Link 2 navigation system. This enables smartphone replication on the infotainment display.

Thankfully Renault Australia has also announced that the Koleos range now comes as standard with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) to look after the driver who is more interested in communication than paying attention to the road.

The automatic braking works in two phases. The first phase alerts the driver to an imminent collision risk and prompting them to slow

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down or avoid it. A visual warning is displayed on the instrument panel along with an audible warning within the vehicle. The Koleos increases the pressure in the brake circuit without slowing down the vehicle.

If, despite the first warning, the driver does not slow down phase two kicks in, the system applies the brakes automatically and the brake lights are switched on.

The driver can interrupt braking at any time by pressing the accelerator pedal or turning the steering wheel rapidly in an avoidance manoeuvre.

Renault has been a leader in safety for many decades and it’s good to see the tradition continue.

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MOTORCYCLES

YAMAHA 2008 FZ 1N One owner, (Reg HI 341), as new, only7000 klms. Akrapovic pipe.

Reg. Oct. 18. RWC. $8500 ono. Must sell.

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MOTOR VEHICLES

Koleos Zen petrol 4x4: $37,990

Koleos Intens petrol 4x4: $44,990

Koleos Intens diesel 4x4: $47,490

Koleos Initiale 4x4 petrol: $45,490

„ SMARTER: Renault Koleos looks after inattentive drivers.

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1998 MAZDA BONGO CAMPERVAN

RWC, (1HW6QA), diesel, 112,000km, air conditioning, auto, Waeco fridge, Fiamo wind out awning.

4 cylinder, diesel, tinted windows, pull down blinds, CD player, fire extinguisher, privacy curtains, turbo fan in roof, two berth, wardrobe, cupboards, drawers, sink, water tank for shower and sink, external drop down table, twin battery system.

2009 MercedesBenz C200, in as new condition, below 64,000km, no dents, few small scratches, very reliable, runs very well, (AHP781), $18,900. Ph 5721 4677.

2012 Nissan Dualis ST manual, 2.0L, white.

1 owner, immaculate inside and out, 117,000kms, Vic rego (ZEU303) until July 2018. RWC. $10,950 ono. Ph 0409 232 106.

$26,000 Ph 0447 358 178

1984 Mazda Camper T3500, (RBC725), reg until October 2018, 274,000km, many 18’ September 2007 extras, $14,000 ono. Ph Crusader XL, August 5744 2547.

2018 rego, very good condition, battery pack, front double bed, MOTOR VEHICLE ensuite, gas hot water, ACCESSORIES gas-electric stove/ griller, 3-way dometic D I R T B i k e Ty r e fridge, microwave oven, Special, Metzler MC5, wind up TV antenna, CD intermediate, pairs with stereo, 2 water tanks, tubes and bands, $200 new 12 pin plug – new pair. Road bikes, Pirelli, heavy duty wiring to Diablo, 180 or 190 rears, fridge, new front panels 120 fronts, $300 pair, and vent, completely ďŹ tting extra, Cyclecraft. resealed, $27,000. Ph 9 8 M a c k a y S t r e e t , 5722 2810.

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MAZDA CX-5 MAX 2013, 2WD, 2.0lt, 1 owner, alloy wheels, s i l v e r, e x c e l l e n t condition, 86,000km, reg (1AP6WD), $19,900. Ph 0418 597 246.

2009 Holden Cruze CDX, $8500 ono, excellent condition, new tyres, six months rego (XIY058), features include, heated leather seats. Ph 0408 314 721.

MOTOR VEHICLES

2006 VZ SS Thunder ute, 6.0 L98 engine, auto, 108,000km, leather interior, car is in excellent condition, registered until June (1JX6NY), $13,800 negotiable, RWC. Ph 0418 575 128.

2013 (MY14) Subaru Outback, diesel, 2.0D Premium, Burnished Bronze (Metallic), 142,250km, good condition, includes tow pack, roof racks, floor and boot mats, registration to Oct 2018 (ZTS380), $22,000. Ph 0498 399 642.

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2010 SR5 Toyota Hilux, excellent condition, 158,000km, rego till late June, auto, Vic reg (XQG138), $26,000. Ph 0437 244 014.

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MOBILE MECHANIC

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1998 Toyota Camry CS-X, (OVE926) 4 cyl, automatic sedan, power steering, windows, mirrors, air condition, cruise control, regularly serviced, vgc, 291,414km, reg June 2018, RWC, $1990 neg. Ph 0412 939 234.

NOTE: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Renault dealer for drive-away prices.

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