North East Motor Guide

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

FEBRUARY 10 - 16

| 2017

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

LAST CHANCE? Are these the last ever Australian-built Commodores, or will some final changes be made before the factory shuts down?

The last ever HOLDEN has announced some minor changes and upgrades to the Commodore on sale for the 2017 season.

Will these be the last ever Commodores?

Or will the company come up with some surprises as the October deadline for the factory gets closer? We suspect the latter, but like everyone else, we will have to wait and see.

In the meantime potential buyers are being encouraged by Holden to lodge

Holden Commodores?

By EWAN KENNEDY their interest asap at their favoured dealer.

Holden says high demands are expected.

Customers are encouraged to order any personally configured MY17 Commodores via their local Holden dealer before April 2017, with all vehicles ordered after that being subject to availability.

A head-up display and satellite navigation is available on SV6 models and above.

Styling changes include the addition of black grille, vents and wheels to selected models.

Intriguingly, Holden tells us that technology features in the 2017 Holden Commodore hint at what’s to come in the 2018 NG (Next Generation) Commodore.

Holden has introduced three new colours to the 2017 Commodore range, including Light My Fire (orange), Spitfire Green and Son of a Gun Grey, giving customers

looking for a collectable final model year vehicle another tough decision to make.

The Commodore range has been simplified, with manual transmission being offered only on V8 sports sedans and utes. Commodore SS-V models and Calais Sportwagon are no longer to be sold.

New 2017 Commodore is, of course, covered by the company’s Lifetime Capped Price Servicing program.

Continued page 2 c21d11337-v84/0517

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2

Feb 10 - 16 | 2017

The last ever

Holden Commodores?

From page 1

TRADITION CONTINUES: Sharp and edgy, the Renault Megane Sport GT is worthy of its hot-hatch underpinnings.

Renault hot hatch up to expectations

By DEREK OGDEN

DESPITE taking a road less well travelled lately by turning its hand to Captur and Koleos sports utility vehicles, plus a selection of light commercial vehicles, Renault has not deserted its traditional allegiance to hot hatches.

The French automobile manufacturer has stayed true to the Clio and Megane sporting heritage with the latest examples of both, the latter touching down in Australia late last year.

The fourth-generation Megane calls on the Common Module Family, Renault-Nissan Alliance’s modular architecture.

Thanks to CMF the new Megane shares some of the new technology of the larger and more luxurious of the company’s European models.

This includes four-wheel steering; 7.0-inch colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) instrument display, tablet format 8.7-inch screen with R-Link2 and MultiSense.

With four variants available in Australia, the range kicks off with Renault Megane 1.2 Life manual at $22,490, plus on-road costs, the Zen 1.2 leads the automatic versions at $27,490, followed by the GT-Line, $32,490 and 1.6 Sport GT, $38,490.

On test was the top-shelf variant.

The all-new Megane five-door hatch is a real looker, with a bolder, more chiselled exterior and 3-D Edge effect lighting at the front and rear.

Together with mood-changing ambient lighting in the cabin, it’s enough to leave even the star-studded light show at a Kylie concert in the shade.

Illuminated day and night, the front C-shaped lighting signature features LED 3D-effect light guides, while permanently-lit

rear LED lights form a unique horizontal 3D-effect signature featuring Edge Light technology.

The signature exterior lighting is carried over to the interior by Multi-Sense technology, which controls a range of five distinct lighting ambiences coupled to five different driving modes.

Attention has been paid to the interior finish, from quality softtouch materials to plush covering for the dash, upper door panels, door inserts and armrests, plus elegant chrome detailing and leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Sculpted seats provide comfort and support with dual-density foam.

The top stitching on the seats and door panels is visibly restrained.

The test vehicle was fitted with R-Link 2, with the Premium Pack 8.7-inch tablet-style touch screen with a ‘pinch and zoom’ screen for easy use, even with unsteady hands.

R-Link 2 offers an interface similar to that of a tablet or smartphone, with click-and-drag to move icons, page scrolling and two-finger zoom.

Easy customisation comes with three configurable ‘home’ pages with widgets (icons) and up to six different profiles that allow swift access to pre-selected driving settings and cabin ambience.

R-Link 2 includes voice recognition for telephone and radio.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine developed for the new Megane GT by Renault Sport is a second generation development of that installed in the Clio RS 200.

It delivers 151 kW at 6000rpm and 280 Nm of torque at 2400, it has a Euro 6 emission rating.

With six airbags as standard, the Renault Megane Sport GT features traction control, front

and rear parking sensors, blind spot warning, reversing camera.

Easy Park Assist caters for three different types of parking - parallel, perpendicular and angled.

The Renault GT is a Megane for all seasons, with the choice of four driving settings - Sport, Neutral, Comfort and Perso (not a washing powder, it’s short for Personal…).

This range topper does offer up a few tasty treats from the Renault Sport race engineers.

Launch Control, for example, allows for harder acceleration from a standing start.

Multi-Change Down significantly speeds up downshifting more than one gear at a time.

Launch Control has the new Megane GT sprinting from zero to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and is simple to operate.

Mind you, 7.1 seconds is nothing special in the hot-hatch class these days.

With the driver’s left foot on the brake pedal, Launch Control is activated by simultaneously pulling and holding the two steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles.

A ‘Launch Control On’ message appears on the dashboard.

With the right foot flat to the floor on the accelerator pedal, the car pulls away as soon as the brake pedal is released.

With the system continually on guard against the possibility of mechanical damage, Launch Control has the ability to temporarily suspend activation at any time.

The fun doesn’t end there.

In manual mode the sevenspeed EDC transmission MultiChange Down enables the driver to downshift several gears in quick succession.

The new Megane GT also features 4Control four-wheel steering technology.

While not new - four-wheel steering was pioneered by Honda and Mazda at the end of the last century - this latest Renault innovation, once again from the Renault Sport stable, consists of a chassis providing steering of the rear wheels.

The result is a GT with dynamic and precise cornering.

At speeds up to 60 km/h (80 km/h in Sport mode) the rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels for greater manoeuvrability.

Above those speeds the wheels are steered in the same direction to enhance cornering grip and control.

Pushing the GT into quick corners holds few fears for the driver.

Control is instant and assured.

The test car came up with fuel consumption of 10-plus litres per 100 kilometres in the urban environment and 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Megane incorporates better insulation all round - from wind noise, particularly at speed, with thicker windows and exterior seals at the bottom of the doors.

An acoustic glass windscreen is standard across the range.

Also in the mix is added or extended foam and felt underneath the bonnet, around the opening panels and wheel arches, in the foot wells and in the pillars and behind the boot’s lateral trim.

A stiffer body structure ensures better insulation against vibrations at engine idle.

The new Megane enjoys an upmarket shift across the range, while those wanting something extra special from the French automobile manufacturer’s Formula One stable can cash in on authentic race technology.

2017 CHANGES MODEL

BY MODEL Calais Satellite Navigation Calais V New design 19-inch alloy wheel finish Electrochromatic mirror Jet black interior Calais lettering on rear doors New “V” sill plates SS-V Redline steering wheel with perforated leather Commodore SV6 Head-Up Display Satellite Navigation Black accent 18” alloy wheels Commodore SS Head-Up Display Satellite Navigation 19-inch alloy wheels SS-V Redline Black grille, fender vents, mirror scalps and DRL surrounds Black lip spoiler (Sedan only) New “V” sill plates Jade black applique on intrument panel/steering wheel Black sports bar (Ute only) Caprice V SS-V Redline steering wheel with perforated leather Exterior colour selection Heron White Phantom Black* Nitrate Silver* Red Hot Regal Peacock Green* Slipstream Blue* NEW Spitfire Green* NEW Light My Fire* NEW Son of a Gun Grey* * premium paint option $550 2017 HOLDEN COMMODORE RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICES: Evoke Sedan AT $35,490 Sportwagon AT $37,490 Ute AT $33,490 SV6 Sedan AT $40,490 Sportwagon AT $42,490 Ute AT $37,190 SS Sedan MT $47,490 Sedan AT $49,690 Sportwagon AT $51,690 Ute MT $43,990 Ute AT $46,190 SS-V Redline Sedan MT $54,990 Sedan AT $57,190 Sportwagon AT $59,190 Ute MT $52,490 Ute AT $54,690 Calais Sedan V6 AT $42,540 Calais V Sedan V6 AT $48,750 Sedan V8 AT $56,750 Sportwagon V6 AT $50,750 Sportwagon V8 AT $58,750 Caprice V LWB Sedan V8 AT $61,490

3

Feb 10 - 16 | 2017

Sharper ‘suit’ for popular Lexus sedan

By DEREK OGDEN

OF all the Lexus lines, the IS, with 40,000 delivered Down Under, is the model Australia has taken to its heart.

Across four generations the IS Line has been known for its trendsetting design and the latest lot to land is no exception.

The new models feature exterior and interior styling changes, as well as improvements to the display screen and audio system.

The range incorporates the full suite of Lexus Safety System+ technology.

The Lexus IS Line is available as the IS 200t with the recently launched 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the IS 350 using a 3.5-litre twin-cam V6 engine and as the 300h petrol-electric hybrid.

The Lexus IS 200t comes in three variants – Luxury, F Sports and Sports Luxury with a range of enhancement packs.

Prices open at $65,953, on the road, for the Luxury version and top out at $85,985 for the Sports Luxury, again on the road.

Lexus obviously wanted to draw special attention to the IS Line as it has the company’s signature spindle grille, arrowlook headlamps, broad taillights and sports-style exhaust.

Together with twin-spoke 17-inch wheels.

The F Sport takes on an even more aggressive character with expanded spindle grille and 18-inch wheels adding to LED daytime running lights and powerful LED headlamps, which not only light up quicker and shine brighter, but use less ‘juice’.

Needless to say, the all-round body shape is sleek and sporty, which not only looks the part, but with a low drag co-efficient of 0.28, efficiently cuts down wind noise and saves fuel.

The IS Line may be the entry level to the marque’s premium sedan range but the cabin is the standard high-end Lexus layout, with the range topping Sports Luxury model more so.

The boot is certainly cavernous – enough for the golf clubs, ladies and gents - but suffers slightly from a slim opening and high loading lip.

The rear seat backs fold flat(ish) to provide room for longer objects.

Virtual instruments of the multiinformation display can be reconfigured at the push of a button to display exactly the information the driver wants, from audio settings to engine data, while the Lexus Remote Touch controller (joystick) on the centre console looks after audio, climate control and satellite navigation.

Lexus has always made a song and dance about its Mark Levinson audio system found in its upscale vehicles, including the IS Sports Luxury.

The system calls on 15 speakers scattered around the cabin for optimum sound reproduction.

Bluetooth connectivity expands the possibilities of expanding a music library.

Euro 5 compliant, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine puts out 180 kW of power at 5800 rpm and 350 Nm of torque from 1650 to 4400 revs.

Matched to the Lexus eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission, it has official combined urban / highway cycle fuel economy of 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres,

At a Glance Lexus IS 200t Luxury: $65,953 on road

Lexus IS 200t Luxury + Enhancement Pack: $69,055 on road

Lexus IS 200t F Sport: $75,110 on road

Lexus IS 200t F Sport + Enhancement Pack: $79,230 on road

Lexus IS 200t Sports Luxury: $85,985 on road

TRENDSETTER: The Lexus IS 200t Sports Luxury has taken on the mantle of an ‘aggressive sports’ sedan. but see our results in the Driving section of this review.

A full suite of Lexus Safety System+ technology, designed to provide maximum driver control, especially in critical situations, is taken up for the first time on IS. The LSS+ is made up of a pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, lane departure warning+ with sway warning, and automatic high beam.

All models have 10 airbags, reversing sonar, and rear-view camera with guidelines.

The bonnet pops automatically to help cushion any impact between the vehicle and a pedestrian.

Seats are snug and supportive laterally, if a little tight fitting for the broader back.

The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable, so there’s hardly a posture that can’t be accommodated.

The stop / start engine system works with hardly a murmur, getting the car under way with ease.

No jitters here.

Not that the Lexus IS 200t shot out of the blocks, as it were, a claimed zero to 100 kilometre sprint timed at 7.0 seconds by the maker seemed a tad optimistic, even with turbo heavy breathing.

The test car fuel consumption reached a surprisingly high 14 litres per 100 kilometres in the suburbs but showed much more efficiency at 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run.

Lexus claims 7.5 overall.

The transmission offers D (automatic) or M mode, which has full torque-converter lock-up from second to eighth gears for ‘clutch-less’ manual shifting.

Down changes in M mode are made in just 0.2 of a second.

In addition, the IS 200t is linked to the Lexus Drive Mode Select with Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ functions, the last pair making for more agile handling through sharpened steering and suspension.

Ride and handling on test ran true to some serious engineering study.

Lexus went the full distance when developing the steering, with engineers

putting in fine-tuning at Germany’s famed Nurburgring and Japan’s Autopolis, Fuji Speedway, Sportsland SUGO and Soegaura Forest Raceway.

The result is better response to input and greater driver feedback.

Front-brake air ducts also came in for special attention to optimise brake cooling.

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) monitors and controls all four dampers at the same time to suit conditions and driving preferences.

It aids ride comfort when driving on rough roads by lowering the damping force, but can also deliver a sporting drive with greater response and handling stability with increased damping when Sport S+ mode is engaged.

AVS also interacts with vehicle management and pre-collision safety system to optimise damper rates and prepare the vehicle where danger lurks, adding a sense of confidence to the person behind the wheel.

SUMMING UP There is no denying the Lexus IS 200t Sports Luxury is different, the test vehicle polarising attitude to its looks.

Splitting roughly 50:50, few observers were left undecided; loving or hating.

On the other hand, the 200t performance was quite mundane.

4

Feb 10 - 16 | 2017

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