North East Motor Guide

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

JULY 7 - 13

| 2017

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

NEED FOR SPEED: The Audi RS 3 LMS has a link with classic DTM cars.

Audi delivers race rush to drivers WHEN we attended the launch of the hot Audi RS 3 in Tasmania last week we were able to spend some time at the great Baskerville race circuit in Tasmania. To the extent that we felt it would be great to really get out and play with others in a full-on racing version of the RS3.

Audi has tempted us with something special - the trouble is our budget won’t stand it.

By DEREK OGDEN Here’s how you can do it, you don’t QHHG WR EH ² OWK\ ULFK EXW D KHDOWK\ bank balance would be handy‌ With the RS 3 LMS, Audi has driven out of the motorsport bargain basement and plonked a new car on circuits around the world, giving more customers a chance to go racing.

Following in the tracks of the

R8 LMS, the Audi RS 3 LMS was developed by Audi Sport customer racing for the relatively new TCR (Touring Car Racing) category.

As well as an international TCR series, with some of its races being held as part of Formula One World Championship supporting programs, more and more national racing series for TCR touring cars are being founded. Even major endurance

events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours are now including TCR classes.

The Audi RS 3 LMS accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in about 4.5 seconds and achieves a top speed of about 240 km/h. In TCR trim, the proven four-cylinder 2-litre TFSI engine delivers 243 kW of power delivered to the front wheels as stipulated by the regulations.

„ Continued page 2 j/21d11337-v104/25-17

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2

July 7 - 13 | 2017

Isuzu D-Max changes aplenty

By EWAN KENNEDY ISUZU Ute has made major changes to its lineup, with a new engine and new manual and automatic transmissions, as well as a facelift and interior enhancements.

Our road test this week is of the D-Max LS four-door crew-cab. We will shortly get into the station wagon version, the MU-X and report on that as well as it has received similar changes.

The facelift is extensive, a smart move given the increasing popularity of double-cab pickups in Australia. The grille is big and bold with its stacked units really emphasising its height.

The huge chromed ‘ISUZU’ badge in the centre leaves no doubt as to what you’re driving.

The bonnet is also new, which is unusual as the cost of the facelift can be kept down by sticking with the old unit.

It has a lower centre section and gives a sort-of sporty look. The head and foglights have also got a bold look. /(' GD\WLPH UXQQLQJ OLJKWV ZHUH ²WWHG to the LS model we tested. The EX and SX models have a new-look halogen headlamp assembly.

Isuzu tells us the D-Max has one of WKH ORZHVW FRHI²FLHQW RI GUDJ &G LQ LWV class, this is the result of changes to the URRI VKDSH DQG WKH &G LV IRXU SHU FHQW better than the previous model.

All Isuzu utes are now powered by a Euro5 emission-compliant 3.0-litre -- 7& +L 3RZHU WXUER GLHVHO HQJLQH Interestingly, this engine was developed exclusively for the Australian market after extensive research and testing into the demands of existing Isuzu owners.

It’s likely to also make its way into other Isuzus globally.

Maximum torque output has been increased to 430 Nm, up by 50 Nm. Maximum torque now runs from 1700 - 3500 rpm. This is 100 rpm lower and continues 700 rpm higher than in the previous engine. Major features of this engine are a variable-geometric turbocharger with intercooler, and ultra-high pressure common-rail fuelinjection.

The new Aisin AWR6B45 sixspeed automatic transmission has an adaptive learning function. This automatically adjusts the gear changes to suit individual driving styles and circumstances, improving driveability

„MORE THEN A WORKHORSE: A bold front end puts the uprated Isuzu D-Max very much into the sporty ute market.

DQG IXHO HI²FLHQF\ 7KLV DXWR KDV ,VX]X¬V ©6OLS &RQWURO 6\VWHP /RFN XS &OXWFKª D ORFN XS WRUTXH FRQYHUWHU LQ VHFRQG WR VL[WK gears when a certain speed is reached, ZKLFK LPSURYHV IXHO HI²FLHQF\ 7KH lock-up clutch will be released when the accelerator pedal is pressed forcefully.

A sequential shift mode allows the driver to select gears on demand should they feel the computer has made the wrong decisions.

A new design six-speed manual uses close ratio gears and triple cone synchronisers. There’s a Gear-Shift Indicator on the instrument panel that displays the recommended gear SRVLWLRQ IRU RSWLPXP IXHO HI²FLHQF\ Australians like tree-stump-pulling grunt so a newly designed differential has also been introduced to handle the increase in engine torque.

Active safety is provided by ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce 'LVWULEXWLRQ (%' (OHFWURQLF 6WDELOLW\ &RQWURO (6& 7UDFWLRQ &RQWURO 6\VWHP 7&6 DQG %UDNH $VVLVW %$ DV ZHOO DV +LOO 6WDUW $VVLVW +$6 DQG +LOO 'HVFHQW &RQWURO +'&

Occupant protection is provided by six DLUEDJV GXDO IURQW VLGH DQG IXOO OHQJWK FXUWDLQ 'XDO SUH WHQVLRQHUV ZLWK ORDG

limiters are used on the front seatbelts.

There are height adjustable head UHVWUDLQWV IRU DOO RFFXSDQWV H[FOXGLQJ 6SDFH &DEV 7KHUH DUH ,VR)L[ FKLOG restraint points.

All LS variants of the D-Max now have a reversing camera. An optional accessory reversing camera can be VSHFL²HG IRU WKH ;6 DQG (; PRGHOV 7KH ' 0D[ KDV UHFHLYHG VLJQL²FDQW improvements to cabin comfort due to the addition of sound and vibration insulation that provides a more composed driving experience for all occupants.

The audio system has eight speakers: two roof mounted speakers, two front door mounted, two dash mounted tweeters and two rear door mounted speakers.

All LS spec variants of both the D-Max have triple USB ports, two in the front dash and one in the rear The 4x4 D-Max models have impressive level of ground clearance, a steel front skid plate, steel sump and transfer-case guards and the leading edge of the fuel tank.

Every Isuzu vehicle is backed by WKH ,VX]X 87( $XVWUDOLD 6HUYLFH 3OXV 3URJUDP ZKLFK LQFOXGHV D ²YH \HDU ZDUUDQW\ ²YH \HDU 5RDGVLGH $VVLVWDQFH

DQG ²YH \HDU NLORPHWUH warranty.

SPECIAL EDITION To celebrate 100 years of Isuzu automotive manufacturing, Isuzu UTE Australia has introduced a limited edition D-Max to its one-tonne ute lineup, the 2017 X-RUNNER. Based on the 17MY Isuzu D-MAX 4x4 it receives customised interior features such as a dark grey trim with piano black accents, sporty red steering wheel stitching and badge, and distinctive two-tone red and black seats. In addition the interior also scores auto climate control air-conditioning, Outside, the X-RUNNER has striking red Isuzu badging and a ‘100 years motif’. It has a gunmetal grey grille, alloys and side steps, and a black sports bar and under-rail tub liner.

3ULFHG DW GULYH DZD\ § RQO\ ; 5811(5V ZLOO EH DYDLODEOH § LQ either stunning pearlescent white or cosmic black metallic paint. ,VX]X 0RWRUV GDWHV EDFN WR DQG is now the world’s largest manufacturer of trucks and diesel engines. We have visited its Japanese truck factories and were most impressed with the attention to detail and quality.

There is a network of over 120 authorised Isuzu UTE dealers across every state and territory in Australia.

You wouldn’t use the term car-like to describe the latest Isuzu D-Max, but it’s surprisingly close considering it’s a workhorse from a company that’s famed for building tough trucks. Its ride is comfortable, exterior noises are well damped and the interior space is very JRRG LQ ERWK IURQW DQG UHDU VHDWV )LYH adults will be happy inside, two and a couple of kids will have stretch out space.

The new turbo-diesel is a real beauty. ,W ²UHV XS DOPRVW DV TXLFNO\ DV SHWURO engine, idles smoothly right from the beginning and isn’t overly noisy from the outside. Inside, the sound of the engine is almost like the rumble of an old-style diesel, only quieter - which is far from being a criticism, we really love it. +DQGOLQJ LV VDIH DQG VHFXUH EXW ZLWK no pretence of being sporty. It will look after you if you drive at stupid speeds into corners thanks to its electronic aids.

But it’s much better to drive the D-Max like the ute that it is.

Audi delivers race rush to drivers „ From page 1 In safety terms, Audi Sport customer racing is not making any compromises.

The extensive safety package includes DQ ),$ FRQIRUPLQJ VDIHW\ IXHO WDQN D UDFLQJ VDIHW\ FHOO WKH 36 VDIHW\ VHDW ),$ VDIHW\ QHWV RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH seat and a rescue hatch in the roof like the one used in the Audi R8 LMS. To keep costs low, driving aids are SURKLELWHG LQ WKH 7&5 FDWHJRU\ 7KDW LV why the Audi RS 3 LMS neither uses an anti-lock braking system nor traction control, or an active differential. :LWK PDVVLYHO\ ³DUHG IHQGHUV ORZ front splitter, large vent on the bonnet and top-mounted rear wing, the Audi RS 3 LMS has the look of a DTM race car of the early 2000s.

&RVW RI D FDU LV HXURV IRU WKH 7&5 YHUVLRQ ZLWK D VHTXHQWLDO VL[ VSHHG UDFLQJ WUDQVPLVVLRQ DQG HXURV for a club sport version. Value added tax has to be factored in.

Deliveries of RS 3 LMS cars to customers got under way in December DQG $XGL KDG GHOLYHUHG FDUV worldwide in time for the start of the PDMRU 7&5 UDFLQJ VHULHV WKLV \HDU In this part of the world, cars UDFH LQ WKH +RQJ .RQJ 7RXULQJ &DU &KDPSLRQVKLS 0DFDX 7RXULQJ &DU &KDPSLRQVKLS 7&5 $VLD VHULHV 7KDLODQG 6XSHU 6HULHV DQG 7&5 0LGGOH East series. &RXOG ZH VHH RQH LQ $XVWUDOLD" :KR knows, but it would be excellent if it does happen.

„HOT STUFF: Could Audi become a contender at Bathurst one day?

3

July 7 - 13 | 2017

Holden wagon carries off worthy tradition to the end

By DEREK OGDEN IT may be churlish to declare Holden celebrated the launch of its last locallymade Commodore but the MY17 upgrade of the VF Series II gives some indication of what lies ahead for the Australian automotive icon of almost 40 years.

Holden says its Model Year 16 VF &RPPRGRUH 6HULHV ,, LV WKH ²QDO PDMRU change to the Australian manufactured Commodore and a strong response to customer demand. Now comes an MY17 update which looks into the future at what the next generation will have to offer in 2018 and beyond.

Holden director – communications, Sean Poppitt, says the 2017 Commodore honours the attributes that have elevated it to be one of Australia’s most loved cars, while hinting at the exciting, technology focus the next generation will offer.

The test vehicle was the Sportwagon (Holden-speak for station wagon) version of the SV6, which comes to market at $42,490, plus on-road costs.

The SV6 Sportwagon lives up to its name with sporty styling, including: front and rear sports fascia, new front wind-tunnel tested fascia ducts and radiator grille design and side skirts.

LED daylight running lights have been added, the tail lamps have been reworked and the SV6 Sportwagon rolls on new-design 18-inch alloy wheels.

An electronic parking brake, situated on the centre console between clothcovered front sports seats, means there is more interior space and improved ergonomics. The park brake automatically releases if the vehicle is running, placed into gear and an attempt is made to drive away. It can decelerate the vehicle via the electronic stability control modulator when the button is engaged, provides excellent stability and can decelerate vehicle.

VF Commodore has speed-sensitive steering to enable low speed agility and high speed stability, while the on-centre steering ratio is increased for crisper steering response. It also contributes to improved fuel economy.

The Multi-Function Display, a 3.0inch LCD screen in the centre of the instrument cluster, brings up menus for vehicle and trip information as well as warnings and messages.

MyLink, Holden’s next generation infotainment system, allows drivers to integrate their compatible smartphone and stored media with their car, connecting via Bluetooth, auxiliary outlet or USB. An 8-inch colour touch screen allows the driver control over music, radio and telephone, and vehicle systems.

The driver can also call up stored songs from their phone or MP3 player and FM/AM radio stations via car radio.

When a mobile device is connected to MyLink, digital content from apps including Pandora Internet Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio can be streamed.

The SV6 Sportwagon is powered by the latest version of the 3.6-litre V6

„ THE FUTURE: The Holden VF Series II Sportwagon makes a solid VWDQG WR WKH ²QLVK engine producing maximum power of 210 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Holden says the use of lightweight components and other improvements adds up to better performance, HI²FLHQF\ DQG GXUDELOLW\ 7KH PDNHU SXWV the fuel consumption at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined city / country cycle.

In addition to front driver and passenger and side curtain airbags, VF Commodore models boast larger volume seat-mounted airbags that increase side impact protection by extending the area of body coverage. There’s also a rear VHDW EHOW UHPLQGHU ZKLFK QRWL²HV WKH driver, via the multifunction display in the instrument cluster, whether the rear seat belts are fastened before moving off.

They also warn if the belt of an occupied seat is undone while on the move.

Active safety is in the hands of lane departure warning, blind spot alert, rear FURVV WUDI²F DOHUW UHYHUVLQJ FDPHUD audible front and rear park assist and HPHUJHQF\ EUDNH ³DVKLQJ OLJKWV WR ZDUQ road users behind.

Commodore wagons and I go back a long way; to the 1980s, in fact, when our family car was a VC station wagon. Most memorably it got us into the Carnarvon Gorge in central Queensland on a camping trip, and more importantly, RXW DJDLQ DV WKH ²UVW WZR ZKHHO GULYH vehicle to do so after torrential rain.

Since then, I have never lost faith in the model and having spent time with the latest, and sadly last, version have no reason to do so now. The SV6 Sportwagon is up there with the best of the bunch.

Smart Remote Start is an early introduction to the vehicle’s intelligence, operating through the key fob from as

far away as 100 metres. Not only does it start the vehicle, it also activates the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, the last set to operate at the ‘last known’ fan and temperature setting.

Can’t say we are keen on a car’s engine running with no one in the driver’s seat.

Engineers have delivered ride and handling, with 18-inch sports tyres, sport steering with increased vehicle feedback and steering response, for a rewarding sports driving experience.

The head-up display is clear and concise, enabling only a minor refocusing of the driver’s eyes from the road. The display features four driver-selected screens, which show information such as digital speedometer, tachometer, infotainment and turn by turn navigation. Satellite navigation, newly added to the SV6, is easily accessed via the 8-inch colour touch screen high on the centre stack.

For some time now, Commodore station wagons have had their liftback hinged in a roof recess, opening up a large loading area to access, in the case of the new Sportwagon, 895 litres of luggage space, increased to 2000 litres with the rear seat back folded.

Our test SV6 Sportwagon recorded 15 litres per 100 kilometres on the daily city commute and 7 litres per 100 on the open road. High numbers, but we DUH FRQ²GHQW WKH HQJLQHV LQ WKH 1* &RPPRGRUH ZLOO EH VLJQL²FDQWO\ EHWWHU The SV6 Sportwagon comes under Holden’s Lifetime Capped Price Servicing, Australia’s biggest such warranty, which includes every Holden built, dating back to 1948.

With a soft spot for station wagons over sports utility vehicles of the softroad variety I rate the Commodore SV6 Sportwagon as a worthy torch bearer for a sterling Holden tradition that has survived for almost 40 years.

4

July 7 - 13 | 2017

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VE black Commodore wagon, series 2 Omega 2012, excellent c o n d i t i o n , RW C , 163,000km, new tyres, mag wheels, auto, (1DC1PG), $14,000.

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2007 Holden Astra hatchback, manual, 170,000km, (XIC007) November 2017, good FRQGLWLRQ JUHDW ÂżUVW FDU $4800 with RWC. Ph 0412 517 287.

NISSAN Navara 2011, King Cab chassis, (YIG974), in good condition, reg. till July 2017, RWC available, steel tray, Ironman bull bar and winch, $15,900 ono. Ph 0478 225 081.

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X, (WHM455), 2.5, non turbo, auto, 225,000kms, lifted 1", rego March 2018, RWC, tinted windows, all terrain tyres, slotted brakes, front & rear 2002 Toyota Corolla LSD, bluetooth, 8" Conquest hatchback, subwoofer, Rockford silver, 160,000km, f o s g a t e s p e a k e r s , automatic, rego ‘til April electric windows, KYB 2018, (TVC671), 4 speed, shocks, snorkel and central locking, automatic many options much to windows, 5 door, 1-8L mention, $6200 ono. Ph engine, great condition, 0437 378 870. $5,500. Ph 0437 464 151.

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