ON FRONT PAG E N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A , A L P S A N D H I G H CO U N T RY
MAY 6 - 12, 2016
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New buyers flock to
Subaru Outback
SUBARU OUTBACK: It combines the best of both SUV and family passenger car. WHEN it was launched two decades ago Subaru Outback was at the forefront of the steady rise in popularity of car based SUVs. For most of this boom period Outback has been a consistent but unspectacular sales performer which, despite Subaru’s clever mechanical engineering, was overlooked for taller, more stylish and cheaper competitors. All that changed with the arrival of the latest, fifth-generation, model in December 2014. Price cuts of between $2000 and $10,000 were the hook that got potential buyers into the Subaru showrooms where they were presented with a significantly
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY improved vehicle in terms of size, styling and interior quality. The impact was immediate and spectacular with sales increasing by more than 400 per cent over the previous (admittedly poor) year to just under 11,000 sales. The year was then capped off with the Outback 2.5i Premium taking out the Best AWD SUV under $50,000 category in the 2015 Australia’s Best Cars Awards; although it did so by tipping out its Forester stablemate. Despite some minor price increases a February 2016 upgrade has accelerated
sales even further with a number of new safety and convenience features including an upgraded version of the Subaru EyeSight system and a new Vision Assist feature in all but the entry-level model. Engine size identifies the five Outback variants: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.0D, 2.0D Premium and 3.6R. Outback comes with the choice of three horizontally-opposed engines – a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. Power and torque peaks are 129 kW and 235 Nm (2.5i); 191 kW and 350 Nm (3.6R); and 110 kW and 350 Nm (2.0D). Top torque comes in at 4000 rpm, 4400
rpm and 1800-2800 rpm respectively. All models come with continuously variable transmission with a seven-ratio manual override available via steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters. The 2.0D and 2.0D Premier diesel models get the option of six-speed manual. Although Outback doesn’t have the extra height of the typical SUV there’s plenty of headroom, even with a sunroof, and the interior is spacious and comfortable with room for five adults. Seats are large and supportive with eight-way front seat power adjustment in the Premium and 3.6R.
Continued page 2
Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
(03) 5721 5677 10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060
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May 6 - 12 | 2016
Audi’s all new A4 Avant
By EWAN KENNEDY
AUDI has added a station wagon (Avant in Audi terms) to its A4 range. It joins the sedan that was launched in Australia in February this year. The latest Avant is slightly larger than the model it supersedes, sits on a longer wheelbase and wider. Most of the extra size has gone into significantly increasing legroom in the rear, there’s also more elbowroom and headroom. Yet, clever engineering means the new model weighs 70 kg less than the old. Styling follows the latest Audi theme of sharp lines and interesting geometric angles and the Avant’s new rear has been neatly integrated into the front shape and profile. The Avant’s luggage area has a volume of 505 litres with the rear seat backs in place, and 1510 litres with the 40/20/40 split-fold backrests down. Note that they don’t fold flat. As is common in wagons these days the stylish slope of the tail robs it of some carrying ability as large boxy items won’t fit. For that sort of work you need one of the Audi ‘Q’ SUVs. However, the overall cargo volume in the A4 Avant is almost as large as that in the Q5. Two drivetrains are offered, both based around a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a seven-speed Audi S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission. A front-wheel-drive model develops 140 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque from 1450 to 4200 rpm. The Avant quattro puts out 185 kW and 370 Nm between 1600 and 4500. The 2WD model has a recommended list price of $63,900, the quattro $72,900. These are just $3000 over the cost of the equivalent sedans. On-road costs, both dealer and
At a Glance
NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL AUDI DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI 140kW petrol: $63,900 (automatic)
A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI quattro 185kW petrol: $72,900 (automatic) Option Packages
Technik Package: $2100 S Line Sport Package: $5000 (2.0
TFSI), $3200 (2.0 TFSI quattro)
Assistance Package: $1900
AUDI A4 AVANT: Clever styling angles make the latest wagon
particularly attractive to our eyes. government, have to be added. Audi’s MMI infotainment system is very advanced. It is controlled through an 8.3-inch screen and has a DVD player that can also operate through optional rear-seat tablets, 10Gb of music storage, live traffic reports, and has five included map updates. Crash testing by ANCAP has seen the new A4 Avant awarded a five-star safety rating. Unusually for a car launch a significant amount of our road testing was done after dark, in country areas behind the Gold Coast and in northern NSW. The idea was to let us test the new hightech headlight system. This darkens the lights only in the area where it would dazzle other drivers, either in front or ahead. The rest of the lights remain on high beam giving a much broader view. It worked exceptionally well in country areas, particularly in winding, hilly zones,
providing almost the feeling of having daylight in front of the Avant. In two hours of night driving, some of it in heavy rain, we felt significantly more relaxed than normal thanks to the excellent visibility. Just as importantly, no oncoming driver flashed their lights to indicate they thought we were on high beam. However, in the main street of Kyogle we were pulled over by the police and told we were driving high beam. After our explanation they were happy to let us continue without even a warning. We carried on, but went back to the old-fashioned way of manually dipping the lights to oncoming cars – which gave us less visibility than using the high-tech system. Our feeling is that these new generation Audi lights are whiter and brighter than conventional ones and may give the impression they are on high beam. We will carry out further testing when we borrow an A4 for a week in our home
territory and report back to you. General driving impressions are positive, with both engines seemingly having endless amounts of torque. Handling is neutral until the cars are pushed really hard, when the front-driver exhibits some safe understeer. The quattro with its added grip and lower profile tyres can produce the sort of driving that really demands a track rather than public roads to push it to the max. Smoothness and quietness are very good, all the more so when you consider the added difficulty of designing a station wagon body. These Audis make excellent long distance cruisers. The Avant is the second variant of the A4, two other models are coming later in the year; an A4 Allroad that’s aimed at those wanting to do mild off-road running will have increased ground clearance and body protection mouldings. Following that will be the first highperformance variant, the Audi S4. Expect an RS4 in the future, but the company isn’t giving details as yet.
New buyers flock to Subaru Outback
From page 1
There’s good visibility all round once you get used to the distraction of the large Subaru’s EyeSight box at the top of the windscreen. That’s not a criticism, it’s a potential lifesaver so needs to be there. Hopefully it will be compressed in size in future. Maximum cargo area volume ranges from 512 litres with the rear seatbacks in place to 1801 litres with them folded. Spare wheels are full-sized – 17-inch in the 2.0D, 18-inch in all other models. All models have an automatic boot release button on the key fob. Equipment levels are high with all Outback variants getting collision avoidance features such as Subaru’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system comprising ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist; Electronic Stability Control; Traction Control with Limited Slip device; and Active Torque Vectoring System. Halogen daytime running lights, Hill Hold, electronic parking brake and reversing camera are also standard across the range. New with the 2016 upgrade for the two Premium variants and the 3.6R are Vision Assist features including Blind Spot Monitoring; Lane Change Assist; High Beam Assist; auto-dimming rear view mirror; and our favourite, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which sounds an alert when another vehicle is approaching when reversing out of a parking space. If these avoidance measures fail to prevent
At a Glance
NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SUBARU DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
2.5i 2.5-litre petrol five-door wagon: $35,990 (CVT) 2.5i Premium 2.5-litre petrol five-door wagon: $41,990 (CVT) 2.0D 2.0-litre turbo-diesel fivedoor wagon: $36,490 (manual), $38,490 (CVT)
SUBARU OUTBACK: It has great handling on and off the main roads. a crash there are collision protection features including seven airbags; whiplash reduction seats; safety pedals; and Isofix child seat anchor points on the outer rear seats. Information display on the lower-spec 2.5i and 2.0D is through a 6.2-inch touchscreen with the Premium and 3.6R moving up to a 7-inch screen to incorporate the standard satellite navigation in those models. Bluetooth phone and audio is standard across the range as are voice command recognition, and Aux and USB sockets (one in the 2.5i and 2.0D, two in the others) in the front centre console. Premium and 3.6R models are Pandora compatible while the 3.6R gets an
enhanced 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. We were able to do back-to-back tests on the automatic Outback 2.5i ($35,990) and 3.6R ($48,490) models. There’s a real feeling of quality and luxury across the range in this fifth-gen model that has been absent in previous models. On the road Outback is noticeably more car-like than its SUV rivals. Steering is light and precise for urban driving while the suspension is firm enough for rough rural roads but without compromising cruising comfort. With its lower body corners can be approached with more confidence. We found performance from the four-
2.0D Premium 2.0-litre turbodiesel five-door wagon: $42,990 (manual), $44,990 (CVT)
3.6R 3.6-litre petrol five-door wagon: $48,490 (CVT) cylinder more than enough for our typical urban and motorway needs. The 3.6-litre six clearly offers more performance but we couldn’t justify the extra $12,500 and around 35 per cent extra fuel consumption. On our tests we averaged around 8.2 L/100 km in the 2.5i (listed at 7.3 L/100) and 10.6 in the 3.6R (9.9). While the majority of Outbacks spend most of their time in the harsh world of suburban shopping centres and family transport it also appeals to those who want the extra traction of all-wheel drive together with higher ground clearance.
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May 6 - 12 | 2016
Boots and all By EWAN KENNEDY OPINION
LATEST TRENDS: Hyundai’s flagship SUV follows the latest trends in the premium market.
Highlander at home among lofty challengers
By DEREK OGDEN HYUNDAI’S large Santa Fe seven-seat sports utility vehicle has been given a makeover. All three variants - Active, Elite and Highlander – gain fresh looks inside and out, while the features list has been boosted. Technology upgrades include Siri EyesFree and Google Now voice activation across the board, while the top-of-therange Highlander gets new safety systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Elite and Highlander receive a premium Infinity 550-Watt Logic7 audio system, with six speakers, two tweeters, a centre speaker, sub-woofer and external amplifier. Needless to say, being a Hyundai, the Santa Fe Series II has been put through an extensive range-wide Australia-focused ride and handling regimen. On test I had a flagship Highlander, which comes to market for $55,990, plus on-road costs. In keeping with modern trends, the Santa Fe Series II takes its cue from the latest Tucson with the Hyundai family grille featuring a satin-chrome surround and inserts. New-design front and rear incorporate bumpers and silver-effect skid plate, the rear housing dual trapezoidal chromed exhaust tips. Headlamps and taillights have been redesigned, as have foglights and LED daytime running lights, the Highlander incorporating LEDs in the bulb turn signal and reverse lamp. Highlander gets new design 19-inch alloy wheels. Design and specification upgrades are aimed at giving a premium feel. Key changes include a new-look instrument cluster and new audio head units, while the Highlander features new trim of matte carbon effect.
At a Glance NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HYUNDAI DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
Santa Fe Series II Active 2.4 GDi petrol AWD: $38,490 (manual), $40,990 (automatic)
Santa Fe Series II Active 2.2 CRDi diesel AWD: $41,490 (manual), $43,990 (automatic)
Santa Fe Series II Elite 2.2 CRDi diesel AWD: $49,990 (automatic)
Santa Fe Series II Highlander CRDi diesel AWD: $55,990 (automatic) Occupants can enjoy three-step seat warmers at the front and warmers on outboard seats in the rear. Ventilated front seats are also fitted. A nice touch is the way the retractable cargo cover, with a two-position setting, can be stowed under the cargo bay floor next to the jack when not needed. The new touchscreen multimedia in Highlander utilises an 8.0-inch satellite navigation system and connects via USB, Aux, Digital iPod, and Bluetooth and integrates with Siri or Google Now via voice activation. The Voice button on the audio unit connects users to let them make calls, play music, compose text messages, access calendar information, add reminders and more. Also paired with the satellite-navigation system, the Infinity audio system uses Digital Signal Processing to provide
equalisation, spectral management, time alignment, and Logic7 surround sound processing to fit with the cabin acoustics. The updated common-rail direct injection 2.2 diesel engine now delivers 147 kW at 3800 rpm (up 2 kW) and 440 Nm at 17502750rpm (up 4 Nm), all contributing to performance and fuel efficiency. The engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox (Active only) or six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed by the maker at 6.3 litre per 100 kilometres with manual transmission and 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres with six-speed automatic. With Lane Departure Warning already on Highlander, there is a number of advanced safety systems taken up by the Series II model. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. In addition to the existing ‘Parallel Parking’ mode, the updated Smart Parking Assist System on Series II Highlander brings new Reverse Parking (90-degree) and Exit modes. As modern engines go, the Santa Fe Series II diesel is more noisy than most, with the old distinctive rattle intruding into the passenger cabin. Accelerator pedal response and pulling power, on the other hand, elicited no complaints. Neither did the ride and handling capabilities, the result of local development combining exhaustive on-road testing and advanced computer modelling. In fact, Hyundai’s Aussie engineers sorted 64 sets of springs and dampers for the Santa Fe Series II, finally settling on rear spring rates increased by four per cent, to help with load-carrying ability. While the diesel engine may appear a little rough around the edges through noise, the many upgrades to design, specification and price put the Santa Fe Series II Highlander in a position of strength among large SUVs.
I’VE written on more than one occasion about the endless compromises that rule the lives of all involved in car design. These poor guys and gals are forever juggling cost, weight, safety, ease of repair, environmental considerations and many other factors. Not to mention that old ogre of time, of which there never seems to be enough. Another compromise that has been intriguing me lately is in an area some may consider mundane – sedan boots. Mundane, that is until you have to use one and discover that loading stuff is not as easy as it used to be. Modern design is seeing the back of the car being raised for improved aerodynamics. At the same time the rear window is being pushed ever further backwards, partly, again, to smooth out the airflow, but also because stylists dictate that this is the latest trend. And heaven help anyone who doesn’t follow the dictates of fashion. Taller rear ends make for deeper boots, which is good. But that short tail means the bootlid is getting smaller in each new generation, which is not so good. We are reaching the silly situation where boots have a larger volume than ever before, but the size of the largest box that can be inserted through the opening is becoming smaller. Try to load a moderate sized TV in a box as I did recently and you may find it’s just not on (or should that be not in). It’s even becoming difficult to get a couple of large suitcases in some of today’s boots. Same story, there’s plenty of room for them, but they won’t slot through the opening. Back in the olden days, upmarket car makers sometimes developed special luggage that fitted neatly into the available space. Is that an idea that’s due for a revival? Okay, hatchbacks are easier to load than sedans, but not everyone wants a hatch. Personal taste is part of this and there’s the fact that a hatch body isn’t as strong as that of a sedan. That’s because there’s no metal below the windscreen of a hatch as there is in a sedan. Our friends on the other side of the Pacific aren’t keen on hatchbacks. Not sure why, but the Americans much prefer four-door cars to fivedoor ones. Seems the Chinese have similar tastes, Peugeot has just sent us some photos of a 308 sedan that has been specifically developed for that market, and which will be unique to it. Anyhow, make sure you check the boot of a sedan you’re considering as part of your pre-purchase inspection.
We’ll make your car go faster Eight ads over Two weeks with photo only
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Over two weeks your advertisement will appear in two editions of the weekly Motor Guide and six editions of the Wangaratta Chronicle. Together these papers are read by over 80,000 people.
1999 Ford Falcon AU sedan, registered October 2016 (RLL 444), RWC, very good mechanical condition, $1900 neg. Ph 0409 183 713.
*Cond apply. Private advertisers only, min 20 words, extra words 50¢ each, impact heading $2 per word. No refunds given if item is sold before advert expires. 2 weeks = 6 Wangaratta Chronicle & 2 North East Motor Guide, covering all NE Victoria.
SOLD
2012 Holden Captiva S, 42,000km, manual, 5 months rego (ZBV855). $14,999. Ph 0411 567 482.
2001 Jayco Hawk, 25th Anniversary model, Queen size bed one end and double the other, table folds down for extra bed, 3-way fridge, 4 gas burner stove top with grill and oven underneath. Full annexe in excellent condition. Great family van. $12,800 negotiable. Ph 0411 250 510.
SOLD
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May 6 - 12 | 2016
5723 0101
2014 MAZDA CX5 Maxx Sport. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), t-bar, tint, HDLT & Bon Pro. mats, cruise, clim cont, A/C, roadwthy cert. Reg until 2/17 (YNE288). New car warranty until Feb 2018. Full serv hist, one owner, only 27,500kms. $28,500 ono. Genuine buyers only. Ph 0407 727 044.
FALCON FG XR6 2011. Maroon, 6spd sports auto, 17� alloys, bluetooth, ipod connect, traction & cruise & climate control. Full service history, very good condition inside & out. RWC. 139,915 km. (YKD622). $13,500. Ph 0413 999 701.
2005 Holden Commodore SS VY II ďŹ utility, 4spd auto, V8 5665cc, Impulse Blue, cold intake, extractors, immaculate ute, $11,500 ono, (TZF025). Ph 0437 NISSAN Navara D40 639 696. STX 550 hard lid, silver, HONDA CRF450R, good condition, comes 2007, good condition, with black or chrome $3000 ono. Ph 0427 sports bar, $700 ono. Ph 0412 247 690. 284 500.
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
SUBARU Outback, 2011, 4GEN 2.0L turbo diesel 5D wagon, manual 6spd AWD, pearl white, excellent condition, 118,909kms, tow pack, reg Feb 2017 (ZZC281). $18,200. View at carsales.com ad Id: SSE-AD-3928417. Ph 0419 014 262.
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2007 Toyota Hilux DC SR5, black mica, manual, turbo diesel, rego October 2016 (CHZBR), excellent condition, $25,000. Ph 5727 1288.
HOLDEN VZ Commodore 6 litre 6 speed gear box plus VE HSV gear shifter, gear knob and boot, $1000 ono. Ph 0412 247 690.
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