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
DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2015
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LATEST LOOKS: Vitara taps in to the modern art of Suzuki automotive design.
Vitara on road to Swift action
THE ALL NEW
By DEREK OGDEN mounted paddle shifts. Both are powered by Suzuki’s M16 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine putting out 88 kW of power and 156 Nm of torque. The RT-S manual 2WD comes to market at $21,990, while the RT-X flagship, which adds a panoramic sunroof, suede/leather interior and Suzuki Allgrip 4WD system, among other upgrades, carries a $10,000 premium. At launch, drive-away pricing is being offered – $22,990 for the manual, with the auto available from just $24,990. The entry-level RT-S two-wheel drive manual was the test vehicle. Suzuki has taken a leaf out of the Mini
manual to offer a long shopping list of options, including contrasting roof colours, matching interior panels and unique wheels to attract the individualist car buyer. Besides the black roof with silver rails, the red test vehicle featured just enough garnish, including grey grille and bumper inserts front and back, plus similar shade wheels. Exterior accessories like black grilles and black alloy wheels, born out of Suzuki’s pre-launch ‘Design and Win a Vitara competition’, can add even more attitude. All models come standard with satellite navigation, reversing camera, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and more, while Vitara’s traditional
clam shell bonnet has been carried over, so everything’s not all shiny and new. Following on from exterior options, buyers can mix and match two-tone body colours with interchangeable accessory panels to create their own unique interior look. Instrument and controls are simplicity themselves, with speedo and tacho rings, and digital info centre, bringing up fuel status, range and more. The centre console is home to climate control air-conditioning controls, while directly above is an analogue clock – a nice, quality touch usually only found in luxury vehicles.
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Proud sponsors of
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SUZUKI still gets it. The company that turned the Swift, an inconsequential small hatchback, into a raging sales success, worn as a good taste badge of honour by males and females of all ages, may have done it again. Its popular sports utility vehicle, the Vitara, has been given a makeover that blends the best of its solid SUV looks with modern, edgy styling to produce a head-turning yet practical crossover. The fifth-generation Vitara comes in two-wheel and four-wheel drive in two specification levels – RT-S and RT-X – the former in five-speed manual or six-speed automatic format; the range topper RT-X only in six-speed auto with steering-wheel
Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
One Mile Motors has been serving the community for over 60 years
(03) 5721 5677 10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060
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Dec 11 - 17 | 2015
THIS WEEK’S
SPECIALS!
Ford Ranger
XLT 4x4 Dual Cab Utility Local owner, 5 cylinder, 3.2lt Turbo Diesel, 6 speed Auto. In Cool White duco with matching trim. ARB steel Bullbar, HD Towpack (3.5 tonne towing) Sports Bars, Alloy Wheels, Cruise, All safety features and in absolutely immaculate condition (YZD796) DRIVEAWAY
39,990
$
ON TREND: A huge grille dominates the front of the heavily revised Toyota Camry.
Toyota Camry
Ford Territory
SZ TS RWD S/Wagon Local owner, Turbo Diesel in outstanding condition. Unmarked Silhouette duco with matching Interior. 7 seater for total family comfort, 6 speed Auto. With Reverse Camera, Climate Control, Air. Etc. Great value at only… (YIV699)
$
27,990
DRIVEAWAY
goes trendy
By EWAN KENNEDY
Ford Falcon
XR6 Manual Turbo Sedan
Rare 5 speed Manual in Phantom Purple with matching trim. Genuine low kms and in excellent condition throughout. Faultless road performer and a delight to drive at only… (1GB7WK) DRIVEAWAY
$
SOLID PERFORMER: This Camry is still being made in Australia. Camry a more upmarket feel. Toyota Link is installed in Camry Atara SX. It provides Pandora music streaming, apps that can be used to find destinations, fuel and weather details and roadside assistance. It can use voice recognition and Toyota Link. Pandora is operated through the vehicle’s audio head unit via a touchscreen display; there’s Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity; AM/FM radio and a CD player. The 2.5-litre petrol engine is unchanged with 135 kW of power and 235 Nm of torque in the Atara SX. Transmission is by six-speed automatic through the front wheels. The upgraded Toyota Camry retains its five-star ANCAP safety rating with all models coming with seven airbags, reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, ABS brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution; and LED daytime running lights. We stepped out of the Atara SX feeling very impressed after our initial drives out of Melbourne in May this year. After a week of heavy-duty traffic driving, some lovely country running
and a quick trip over our secret test route behind the Gold Coast nothing has changed our opinions. It’s no sports machine, but the Atara SX is certainly the most enjoyable Camry we’ve ever driven. The suspension work was done in Australia, mainly by Aussie engineers, but there’s some input from Japanese engineers as well. A new design differential is installed in all Camry models, not just the Atara SX. The ride is firm without compromising comfort overmuch, steering feel is tighter than on the standard Camry models and provides good feedback. The SX gripped the road reassuringly through the many bends and dips along our drive routes. Control by way of throttle input is better than anticipated. Indeed it’s among the best we have ever felt from a front-drive family sedan from an Asian car maker. Toyota Camry Atara SX will appeal to the family car driver who is looking for more than simply transport and who wants a responsive car under their control. It’s an excellent example of Australian engineering which, combined with Californian styling, seems certain to sell in significant numbers.
9,990
Ford Mondeo
Trend Auto Hatchback
Excellent example of this popular model. 74,000kms by 1 careful owner and features Turbo Diesel performance and economy. Spotless Silver metallic with contrasting Interior. Features Cruise, ABS Brakes, Alloy Wheels etc. (YUX794) DRIVEAWAY
17,990
$
Ford Territory Ghia AWD S/Wagon
Top of the range All wheel drive. 6 speed Automatic with Leather Interior, rear DVD’s, Dual Zone Climate Control, Air Cond. Alloy Wheels, Cruise Control etc. finished in Ego Metallic with Grey Leather Interior. Outstanding value at only… (1GB7WL) DRIVEAWAY
13,990
$
*See instore for conditions. Pictures are for comparison only.
62-66 PARFITT ROAD WANGARATTA LMCT 7036 k/06d11125-v12/5015
TOYOTA Camry has been unfairly put down by too many people when they comment on its conservative looks. Now the Japanese giant has given it a radical reworking in its shape. With most of the work being done in its Californian design centre, Calty, where I’m not sure they understand the concept of ‘conservative’. Camry, and its brother Aurion (which is a Camry with a V6 engine) are still being built in Altona, west of Melbourne, but only until 2017 when, sadly, local car manufacturing in Australia becomes nothing but history. Our test car for the past week was the semi-sporty variant, the Camry Atara SX. Interestingly, it’s designed and made purely for the Australian market. A smart move given the number of hot variants of Commodores and Falcons sold here, not to forget the big sales of ultra-sporty models from Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Keen on attracting younger buyers Toyota Australia has given Camry new body panels everywhere except the roof. “If the rest of the world is going to big radiator grilles,” says Toyota. “We will go for the biggest, boldest, baddest grille of them all.” The result is that there’s a lot more grille than metal and plastic at the front. Can’t say we particularly like it, but it may grow on us. In any case, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Camry Atara SX has 18-inch alloy wheels with low profile tyres and sports suspension. Though Toyota’s commitment to petrolelectric hybrid technology is used in all other versions of the Camry, the Atara SX doesn’t get it. Which seems odd given that hybrids provide extra urge off the line and are increasingly common in the top levels of motorsport these days. Changes to the trim and a new design of steering wheel are aimed at giving
(03) 5721 4428 www.ovensford.com.au
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Dec 11 - 17 | 2015
Vitara on road to From page 1
Swift action
The touch screen displays a quadrant of information including audio, sat nav, phone and Bluetooth connectivity. Simple screen switching and control of some of the four offerings is complemented by steering wheelmounted buttons. Screen clarity is excellent, with 3-D mapping and a wide-angle view from the reversing camera some of the best around. Audio sound quality is that of a more expensive vehicle too. The new Vitara is powered by the M16 1.6-litre petrol engine. Lower friction and weight savings in the engine and related components are designed to come up with fuel economy and generous power output (88 kW) and torque (165 Nm), both available when most needed – in this case 6000 and 4400 rpm, respectively. The five-speed manual transmission is fitted with a shift-lever counterweight to produce a smooth, positive action, making for pleasant driving, the six-speed automatic’s wide gear-ratio range allows precise control over gear ratios to help with response at low vehicle speeds. Standard fitment on every new Vitara is an electronic stability program, hill hold control and rear-view camera; seven airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags and drivers knee airbag. Suzuki’s impact absorbing body technology and pedestrian protection impact absorbing structures also add to Vitara’s safety credentials.
While performance far from matches European SUVs, handling of the two-wheel drive test car was easy going with little to take the driver by surprise, neither was it enough to stir his or her blood. Fuel consumption of the 1.6-litre powered manual vehicle was seven litres per 100 kilometres around town and four on the open road, against the maker’s claim of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. The new Vitara is left behind somewhat by its five-speed manual transmission. Many of today’s manuals are six speed to cash in on fuel economy and performance. The Vitara cries out for a sixth cog. For a stubby gearshift, the lever has a surprisingly long(ish) throw and requires the full attention of the driver between notches. On the other hand, optimum shifts are suggested on the system information screen directly behind the steering wheel. The car also suffers from Sunshine State Syndrome. With the windscreen at such a raked angle in bright sunlight, reflection on the instrument panel glass all but completely obscures the speedo and tacho dials. It may have been the fire-engine red paintwork with contrasting black roof and grey bits, but the test car turned quite a few heads, which is a good start for sales in such a congested market. It’s no hot hatch but a well-specced versatile vehicle with competitive pricing. The latest Vitara could well be the new Swift.
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ALL-NEW: Fiat 500X looks like a regular Fiat 500 at the front, but takes the SUV route in other areas.
Fiat expands range with 500X crossover
By EWAN KENNEDY FIAT has expanded its popular 500 range with the introduction of a crossover SUV called the 500X. The ‘X’ sort of stands for crossover and joins the 500L, a model not imported to Australia at this stage, in providing added interior space and the handiness of back doors. Incidentally, while the 500L may not come downunder you may have seen one on the TV news a few weeks back. Fiat 500L is the vehicle of choice of Pope Francis, so he took his on a trip to the USA. It looked positively tiny when surrounded by gigantic gas-guzzling American 4WDs manned by the protection services. But, back to the 500X. It’s significantly larger than the standard Fiat 500 but carries a family resemblance to its baby brother at the front, in various details around the body, and in the nifty interior. Like the 500, the 500X is offered in a big variety of colours and there’s a huge range of accessories to permit personalisation. Would you believe 12 body colours, 15 dress-up decals, nine choices of door mirror covers, five door-sill inserts, five alloy wheel designs, fabrics and leather can be part of the pack. And did we mention the key fob can be ordered in five different designs? Look out new Mini and Renault Captur, the Fiat 500X is out to challenge you in the customisation stakes. I love it – there are far too many cars in different shades of grey on our road these days. Olivier Francois, the global head of Fiat, paid Australia the honour of flying from Italy to talk us through the design and marketing of his all-new 500X. The marketing includes an overseas TV commercial
that may be rather risque for Australia. Suffice to say a viagratype pill manages to find its way into the fuel tank of a standard Fiat 500 and causes it to expand into the 500X. The Fiat 500X was designed in conjunction with the recently launched Jeep Renegade. Fiat controls Chrysler and Jeep these days after the American giant got into financial strife in early days of the GFC. There’s a nice combination of Italian style and American all-wheel-drive knowhow in this partnership. Not that the 500X is aimed at tackling the Rubicon Trail, but its clever AWD system gives it added traction on slippery wet roads, or in icy conditions in the Snowy Mountains or Tasmania. Should you not need AWD the 500X also comes with 2WD, through the front wheels, at a lower cost. Which brings us to the price – Fiat 500X is not cheap. With a range starting at $28,000 for the 500X Pop with two-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox and rising to $39,000 for the all-wheel-drive 500X Cross Plus with automatic transmission. As well as the Pop and Cross Plus, the 500X is sold as the Pop Star an rrp of $33,000 and the Lounge for $38,000. The 500X Pop can be specified with an automatic transmission for an added $2000. The auto is a six-speed dual-clutch unit, which is standard in the Pop Star (love that name.). The AWD models, the Lounge and Cross Plus, have a nine-speed automatic. On a positive note equipment levels are high. Even the entry level Pop has 16-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch TFT instrument display, cruise control, paddle shifts on the
automatic, Fiat’s Uconnect system with a 5.0-inch touchscreen, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity. Moving up to the Pop Star gets you 17-inch alloys, automatic headlights and wipers, three driving modes (Auto, Sport, and Traction plus), keyless entry and start and a reversing camera. The Uconnect system has a 6.5-inch touchscreen and GPS navigation. Fiat 500X Lounge also receives 18-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch colour TFT instrument cluster display, automatic-highbeam, a BeatsAudio Premium sound system with subwoofer and eight speakers, dual zone automatic air conditioning, interior ambient lighting and two-tone premium interior trim. Finally, the Cross Plus has a tougher looking front end design with steeper ramp angles, uses xenon projector headlights, roof racks, satin chrome exterior details and a different finish on the dashboard, Power is provided by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol in 500X all models. It comes in two states of tune, with 103 kW and 230 Nm in the front-drive models and 125 kW and 250 Nm in the all-wheel-drives. Safety levels are high and the 500X has more than 60 standard or available items that include a reversing camera, forward collision warning; LaneSense Warning; lane departure warning; blind-spot monitoring and rear cross path detection. The ESC system has integrated electronic roll mitigation. Seven air bags are installed in all models. We were only able to sample front-drive automatic Fiat 500Xs in a relatively brief drive program organised by Fiat as part of the Australian national media launch.
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Dec 11 - 17 | 2015
CLASSIFIEDS
SOLD
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper! MILLARD poptop caravan, old but good, sleeps 5 with annex, 12 months rego, $1500 ono. Ph 5722 7335.
2012 Holden Captiva S, 42,000km, manual, 11 months rego (ZBV855). $16,999. Ph 0411 567 482.
NISSAN Dualis 2011, 6 spd man, pwr steer, cruise ctrl, 18 in alloys, 6 disc CD/ Bluetooth, leather seats /seat warmers, dual ctrl air con/heat, front wheel drive, auto rain censors, auto headlights & glass roof. Reg until July 2016 (1CN5VQ) Approx 76,000 kms. No previous road 2013 BMW GS800. accidents however some 14,000kms, excellent marks on duco. $17,000. condition. 12 mths Ph 0409 238 842 rego, ABS, traction control, always garaged. $13,500. Ph 0429 140 557.
VW Golf 2000, Unleaded. Manual, air con, 167,000kms, low NPV JUHDW ÂżUVW FDU 5HJ MERCEDES Benz Aug ‘16, (UEB097). 280E, 1979, 2.8L auto. ZLWK 5:& 3K Vic reg. (AVJ670). Paid 0419 222 332. to July 2016. Vic RWC. Owners handbook, C O R O M A L 4 7 5 full tool kit, four new p o p t o p , e x c e l l e n t Michelin tyres, new condition, 2250 wide, suspension. Same own- easy-tow, roll-up annexe, er last 20 years. Collec- 2SB, great kitchen, tors car. $4900. Phone $9990, Wangaratta. Ph Alan (03) 5755 2360. 0407 513 655.
KIA Grand Carnival Premium 2008, 78,600kms, excellent cond, front and side/ curtain airbags, leather seats, towbar, Electric sliding doors. Reg April 16. (WJU088) $17,500. Ph 0422 401 458.
2009 Holden Cruze CDX 1.8L, ice blue exterior, black leather interior, alloy wheels, 37,500km, one owner, $12,000 ono with RWC (XLB651). Ph 0438 216 343.
1992 Landcruiser wagon, registration number (1FL5UH), J AY C O P e n g u i n RWC, petrol/gas, $4000. Outback (offroad), Ph 5727 3536 or 0438 2012, mint condition, 570 347. reg (85075Z), too many extras to list, $22,000 neg. Ph 0429 419 392.
SOLD
POP top caravan in excellent condition with full annexe and twin gas bottles, (B70947), priced to sell $7000 ono. Ph 5721 4740.
2008 Hyundai Getz, three door, manual, ESP, ABS, four wheel discs, 112,000km, excellent condition, RWC, (WYW486), $5500. Ph 5727 0211.
2008 Suzuki DL650CC V-Strom, reg. August 2016 (GE398), ABS, only 14,300km, RWC, excellent condition, will not disappoint new buyer, at half the price, $7000. Ph 5727 3536, 0428 273 536.
2001 Toyota Hilux 4x2, vin no. JTFFM426X0098254, 2.7ltr, petrol/gas, $2000. Ph 5727 3536, 0438 570 347.
2001 Mitsubishi Magna Executive, vgc, V6 auto 3.5L, RWC, rego, (QHC537), $2500 ono. Ph 0402 913 836. 15HP Mariner. Electric start, long shaft, excellent condition, $550 ono. Ph 0427 215 790.
CLASSIFIEDS
WORK! 5723 0101
We’ll make your boat go faster
1997 Diesel Pajero GLS, good tyres, cruise, AC, UHF, slide out drawers in back, RWC, 3.7 metre Savage (ZKC630), $4500 ono. Snipe, casting deck, Ph 0438 319 740. storage compartments, 1986 Evernew 1900 8hp Suzuki, E.C. Boat Delux, 18 foot caravan and trailer fully refur- and two room annexe, bished, 12 months reg. four new tyres, rear $2450ono. Ph 0438 543 view camera, electric 923. brakes, all in excellent condition, nothing to spend, registered to October, $8000. Ph 0413 334 527.
2010 VE Commodore SV6 II, reg March 2016 (YWO398), 112,000km, service history, excellent condition, $15,490. Ph 5727 3536, 0428 273 536.
JAY C O D i s c o v e r y poptop, 1995, light towing, 17’ length, roll out awning on full annexe, 2 singles, full stove, tv, microwave and extras, ec, rego E68971, $14,000 ono, in Wangaratta for 2wks then at Lakes Entrance. Ph 0407 816 350.
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SAVAGESOLD pro sports Osprey 550, re g (H P 2003 model, 96 4) 90 M er cu ry hp , oil inject S al t Wat er, ed steel prop , stainless ,w screen an alk through d bo
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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. *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.
T OY O TA C o r o l l a Conquest, 1.8 motor, 5 speed manual, airc o n , p o w e r s t e e r, stereo, just serviced, 4 new tyres, drives good, mechanically sound, RW C , ( Q A G 7 1 5 ) , $2250. Ph 0418 579 368.
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