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 12 - 18, 2016
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KIA: Big, bold and practical, the all-new Sorento has a lot going for it.
Kia Sorento Platinum is keeping up appearances
ALMOST a third of vehicles sold in Australia in 2015 were crossovers or SUVs and Kia is keen to get a big share of the action. As part of this plan the Korean company’s big all-new Sorento has gone ultra stylish, something that will do it no end of good in the rapidly changing sales market in Australia. All-new Kia Sorento is offered in Si, SLi and Platinum grades. Prices begin at a reasonable $40,990 for a petrol two-wheel-drive Si and run up to $55,990 if you chose a Platinum with the turbo-diesel and all-wheel-drive. Even the Sorento Si is well equipped, with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control,
By EWAN KENNEDY power windows and mirrors and wood-look interior trim. The SLi has 18-inch alloys, the wood-look is extended to the steering wheel and centre console and there are sporty looking alloy pedals. Topping off the range is the Sorento Platinum, with a huge sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, a heated steering wheel and a more powerful stereo. A feature we particularly liked in the Sorento Platinum is the choice of two-tone interior trim. It really makes a pleasant change from the endless all-black interiors in most current
cars and SUVs these days. There’s even better news on the two-tone look – it comes at no extra charge. Kia spoiled us by providing a Sorento Platinum with attractive light grey and off white trim for our week’s road test. Gone are the days when SUVs pretend to be tough, angular 4WDs, it’s well known that most owners are buying station wagons and like a bit of flair in their shapes (the wagon’s shape, not the owners … or is it both?). The third generation look-at-me style certainly drew more than its fair share of looks during our test period. Sorento’s front end is big and bold, the bonnet is high and the grille has the
familiar new-Kia design. Large cutouts for the foglights add to the effect and give it a bold wide look. The side profile also takes the big ‘n’ bold look with a deep window line that continues all the way to the rear. A current fad among stylists is a sharp kick up in the rear-side windows. Okay, it can look sleek, but often ruins the view for the children in the rearmost seats. Sorento is a seven-seater, indeed almost a people mover, so it’s important that the kids can see what’s happening out there. Sorento Si has an AM/FM audio system with six speakers. There’s MP3, Bluetooth streaming, USB and Aux. Continued page 2 n21d11337-V33/0716
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AVAILA1B5 LE
Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
(03) 5721 5677 ‘One Mile Motors has been serving the community for over 60 years’
10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060
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Feb 12 -18 | 2016
New Porsche 718 Boxster revealed By EWAN KENNEDY THE new generation Porsche Boxster has a different name, revised styling and an all-new generation of flat-four engines that produce more power and torque, yet use less fuel than the outgoing flat-six units. The mid-engine Porsche roadsters are now called 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S, being named in recognition of the Porsche 718 sportscars that won numerous races during the 1950s and ‘60s, among them the legendary Targa Florio and Le Mans 24-hour. The number 718 also ties in with the Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid supercar. All the major German marques are moving to turbocharged, smaller capacity, fourcylinder engines in the interests of efficiency. The 718 Boxster has a 2-0-litre four that develops 220 kW (300 horsepower); the 718 Boxster S takes its capacity to 2.5 litres and produces 257 kW (350 hp). The 2.5-litre unit has a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), similar to the engine we have admired in the Porsche 911 Turbo. Porsche’s 2.0-litre engine has maximum torque of 380 Nm (100 Nm over the outgoing naturally aspirated flat-six). Peak torque from the new engine is there all the way from 1950 to 4500 rpm. The 2.5-litre powerplant of the 718 Boxster S has 420 Nm (up 60 Nm) over a similar speed range - 1900 to 4500 revs. Both Porsche 718 models come with a sixspeed manual transmission as standard. The Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) is available as an option. Acceleration of the 718 Boxster models is even better than that of the outgoing sixes, not that they were exactly slow. The 718 Boxster with PDK transmission and, optional, Sport Chrono Package gets from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 secs (0.8 secs faster). The 718 Boxster S in the same configuration takes only 4.2 seconds (0.6 secs faster) to get to 100. Should you have time for a quick trip to the Northern Territory you may be able to reach 275 km/h in the 718 Boxster, the 718 Boxster S adds another 10 km/h.
PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER: It uses some new body parts and other revised ones to give it a dynamic look. Porsche assures us the shape of the new model has been ’completely revised’, but unless you see the two side by side (which we are yet to do) it looks very similar to the outgoing model. The only parts shared by this new generation with the superseded one are the luggage compartment lids (keep in mind that means the bonnet and bootlid), the windscreen and the convertible roof. Porsche has been in big strife with purists in the past by making what are considered radical changes to the styling, so this conservative approach makes a lot of sense. The front end of the 718 Boxster has bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. They use Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), which is standard on all Australian models. LED headlights with four-point daytime running lights are an option. Porsche stylists have retained the now traditional air inlets in the rearmost area. These are larger than before and the door panels have two fins to give a
dynamic side profile. New design 19-inch alloys are standard on the 718 Boxster S while 20-inch diameter wheels are available as an option. Inside, a newly designed dash that houses the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with a state-of-the-art touchscreen, satellite navigation is standard in both models. PCM includes mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces, navigation and voice control as standard, together with Sound Package Plus with 110 watts of audio power. The PCM can be extended with optional modules to let you adapt it to your specific requirements. For instance, the Connect Plus module is available as an extension of the navigation module and allows various iPhone functions and apps to be used in the PCM via the Apple Car Play. Porsche engineers have given Boxster 718 a completely retuned chassis and the electro-mechanical steering system is 10 per cent more direct. Porsche tells us this makes the 718 Boxster
“even more agile and easier to steer, both on race tracks and in everyday traffic”. We can’t wait to get ourselves into the driving seats when it reaches us downunder midway through this year. The optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) has a 10 mm lower ride height and, for the first time, PASM with a 20 mm lower ride height is available as an option for the 718 Boxster S. The optional Sport Chrono Package now comprises the Individual program in addition to the three settings Normal, Sport and Sport Plus. In 7i8s with the PDK transmission, a Sport Response Button has been added, this lets the driver configure the responsiveness of the engine and the PDK to be very direct. Porsche 718 Boxsters go on sale in Australia midway through 2016. Dealers are now taking orders and Porsche Cars Australia says, “deliveries to commence in mid 2016”. The new generation models continue to be bargains for their class, being priced from $113,100 and $143,400 respectively.
Kia Sorento Platinum keeping up appearances From page 1
Sportage SLi and the Platinum we tested used an Infinity Premium 10-speaker system with sub-woofer and external amplifier. The system is operated through Kia’s audio-video navigation (AVN) system using a 7.0-inch TFT LCD touchscreen. New Kia Sorento comes with a choice of petrol or diesel engines. The Sorento’s four-cylinder 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is a unit already familiar to us from other Kia models, but has had significant changes. In its latest iteration it produces 147 kW of power and a big 441 Nm of torque, the latter from 1750 rpm to 2750 revs. The 3.3-litre V6 petrol is an all-new design and puts out 199 kilowatts of power and 318 Nm of torque. The petrol powerplant is only offered in 2WD models. As befits its heavier duty use the diesel is used in Sorentos with allwheel-drive. All Sorento models have a sixspeed automatic as manuals are rapidly becoming a thing of the
past in Australia. Sorento has a five-star safety rating from Australasian NCAP. There are six airbags, including front-to-rear curtain coverage. All models have ABS with brake assist, ESC, VSM (vehicle stability management), a rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Platinum as tested added Lane Departure Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Blind-spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert to the driver safety aids. The front seats are large, comfortable and support well. The second row pews can slide back and forward to let you juggle space. In their rearmost position they provide a huge amount of legroom
for their occupants, meaning four large adults can travel in comfort if the back seats aren’t in use. The rearmost pair of seats and the centre seat in the second row are best left for children on anything other than short trips. The practical squared-off tail lets you carry a decent amount of luggage even when all seven seats are in use. With the seats down it’s positively cavernous. The centre-row seat has a 60 / 40 split, with a central panel that can fold down to become an armrest, or opened all the way to allow for through loading of long items. The body of the gen-three Kia Sorento has significantly increased rigidity over the previous model and also uses a lot of sound dampening materials. On the road we found the big Kia SUV to be smooth, quiet and comfortable. Perhaps not quite the standard of the best large sedans, but a lot closer than you might anticipate. Sorento’s suspension and steering have a lot of Australian input. This firms it up in road grip
without any great loss of comfort. It handled dirt sections with some big potholes without missing a beat. The Sorento can be set to Sport or Eco modes – as keen drivers we preferred the Sport setting. Handling is competent, though don’t expect it to compete with the big name German SUVs in this class. Sorento is a large vehicle tuned for family comfort ahead of sporting pretensions. The variable settings do make it better than average for the Asian class, but if you’re looking for driving excitement forget it. During our test period fuel consumption of the turbo-diesel was in the nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres range in around town driving, dropping to six to eight litres when on the open road or motorways. Pretty impressive figures for a large seven-seat people mover. Kia’s all-new Sorento offers a nice combination of style, carrying capacity and sophistication and is already making a name for itself on the new-car sales charts.
At a Glance NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL KIA DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
Si 2WD 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon: $40,990 (automatic)
SLi 2WD 3.3-litre petrol five-door wagon:
$45,990 (automatic)
Si 4WD 2.2-litre turbo-diesel fivedoor wagon:
$44,490 (automatic)
SLi 4WD 2.2-litre turbo-diesel fivedoor wagon:
$49,490 (automatic)
Platinum 4WD 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $55,990 (automatic)
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Feb 12 - 18 | 2016
New Holden Spark is high in technology
By EWAN KENNEDY
HOLDEN has provided advance information on its smallest model, the Spark, which will go on sale in Australia in April. There’s a big emphasis on hightech features as demanded by the younger generation buyers at which it’s aimed. Spark boasts completely redesigned styling with classleading technology and safety features to give drivers and their passengers peace of mind. We note that Holden has dropped the name ‘Barina Spark’, simply calling it ‘Spark’ this time around. Introducing the Spark, Holden chief, Mark Bernhard, said, “In 2015 we launched Astra, Cascada and Insignia, followed by the Commodore VFII. “In April this year we will shake up the micro-car segment with the launch of the all-new Holden Spark. “Spark takes the micro-car segment to a new level with technological sophistication. “Compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Spark offers connectivity and infotainment features previously
HOLDEN: New Spark has cheeky angles in a larger body. unavailable in this segment - these are technologies that the target customers of this car will love.” All-new Spark has a sleeker appearance as it’s lower than the five-year old model it’s about to replace. The tall bonnet features bold front grilles and the relatively thin pillars give it a modern look. We like the cheeky angles of the side profile. Spark has a slightly longer wheelbase than the outgoing
model to provide greater interior room, the old model was pretty impressive for its size in cabin volume and we look forward to testing the new one. Holden Spark is powered by a new-design 1.4-litre engine producing up to 73kW of power and 128 Nm of torque. Transmission to the front wheels will be manual or automatic but GM won’t confirm the number of ratios at this stage. Holden ride and handling
engineers had significant involvement in Spark’s suspension and ride and handling tuning, driving it both in South Korea, where it will be built, and carrying out extensive development on Australian roads in a wide variety of areas. Holden’s director of vehicle performance, Ian Butler, said, “Spark is a truly global car but our engineers have made sure it performs exceptionally in Australia’s varied road conditions.
“We have been working with GM Korea since the beginning of the program and were able to collaborate to ensure the car is agile and nimble in urban environments while remaining composed and comfortable on the open road. “Key to developing the drive characteristics, was a significant round of testing and development at our Lang Lang proving ground conducted by our engineers, in addition to giving target customers the chance to evaluate the car. “We’re confident the all-new Spark will set a new benchmark for the micro-car segment.” Safety was high on the agenda and the Spark has new, stiffer and stronger architecture. It has six airbags as standard. Active safety features including ESC, hill start assist, EBD, ABS, traction control and rear view camera in the topline LT model. Prices and exact specifications are yet to be announced, we will get these to you when we drive and evaluate the little Holden at its media launch. Spark will go on sale April 2016, but we have yet to be advised of the exact date.
The Audi Q7: a hot SUV
By PETER ANDERSON
AUDI’S new Q7 is something of a watershed moment in the SUV invasion – the second generation is not only better-looking, it’s smaller looking. Out has gone the big, bluff getout-of-my-way bling of the old car and in has come a chiselled, more restrained machine. It’s also a handy 325kg lighter. There hasn’t been any let-up on the technology front, though. A powerful diesel engine, seven seats and a festival of gadgets and safety gear means the Q7 is an option-picker’s delight. The Q7 range is a single car deal at the moment, the 3.0 TDI with eight-speed automatic starting at $103,900, around $12,000 more expensive than the car it replaces (although it’s probably not a direct replacement). This not-insignificant outlay buys you a ten speaker stereo with Bluetooth and proper USB, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, funky daytime running lights and LED interior lighting, DVD player, DAB+ radio, electric seats up front, sat-nav, bi-xenon adjustable headlights, auto wipers and headlights, partial leather seats, leather steering wheel, park assist and auto-parking, powered tailgate and power mirrors. Our car came with a long list of options – Audi Connect ($750), metallic paint ($2400), Assistance Package with active cruise and lane assist ($4075), four-zone climate control ($1950), Matrix LED headlights ($5500), interior lighting package ($1380), adaptive air suspension ($4950), aluminium interior trim with oak ($2170) and 3D Bose surround sound ($2775),
AUDI: New Q7 is humbler-looking but packed full of gear. bringing a total of $129,850. Terrifyingly, there’s plenty more options to be had, such as allwheel steering ($2775), S-Line ($7460-$10,085), panoramic sunroof ($4250), and incredible 23-speaker B&O system ($14,850) – you get the picture. You could easily drop $200,000 on this car. The new Q7 could easily be mistaken for an A6 Allroad, and more than once it was. The front treatment is quite similar but look closely and you’ll see that the Q7 is taller, longer and a bit, well, slabbier. As always, this Audi has very cool lighting to pick it out on the road, with the matrix LED headlights putting on quite a show. It rolls on big 19-inch wheels and they look just right in far less yawning wheel arches. The new Q7 is shorter than the
old car by about 30mm, 15mm narrower, has a slightly shorter wheel base and is 31mm lower. And yes, we think that’s all to make room for a bigger Q8. Having said that, it’s still very spacious inside, with a usable third row (featuring electric lift and stow, if you please) and an adjustable middle row to help get the balance right. The cockpit is by far the coolest on the planet, with Audi’s completely digital dashboard from the TT taking pride of place in front of the driver, although Q7 passengers get a more traditional central screen. The Q7 scored five ANCAP stars - it has six airbags, blind spot monitoring, active safety bonnet, around-vision cameras, forward collision warning and mitigation, stability and traction controls, lane departure warning, hill descent control, brake force
distribution and reverse crosstraffic warning. An up-spec MMI handles the way-finding and music duties in the Q7, with not only a rotary dial but the touchpad previously seen in the A8 limo. The retractable central screen is 8-inches, with excellent contrast and clear graphics. Our car’s 19-speaker Bose was predictably powerful and, of course, easy to use while the sat-nav was bristling with useful information and reacts to voice commands like, “I’m hungry,” by finding nearby places to eat, even asking what you feel like. Only the 3.0 TDI is available and that’s in “high power” form – which means a rough ten per cent increase on the older car, with power up by 20kW to 200kW and torque up 50Nm to 600Nm. Audi says you’ll see off 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds (presumably when
you’re not carrying heavy options like air suspension) and get 5.6L/100km, which is highly unlikely. The eight-speed ZF is along for the ride, as is stop-start and we saw 9.2L/100km in a good mix of city and freeway running. For such a big car, the Q7 is superb. With its drop in weight, extra grunt and the nip and tuck in all directions, this is a more friendly car to live with, feeling almost a size smaller. From behind the wheel you still get a good view out, with plenty of gadgets to help you stay in your lane and not drive into other people. The active cruise works in traffic, giving you near-autonomous driving, you just need to steer it. The steering itself is a little over-assisted but given the target market, nobody is going to mind not having a fistful of feel as you power along a mountain road. Not really that kind of car. The 3.0 TDI engine is more than up to the task, that massive 600Nm of torque coming in nice and strong low in the rev range, the 8-speed transmission shifting smoothly and quickly without getting lost in all those ratios. Critically for petrol fans, it doesn’t sound like a diesel. Actually it doesn’t sound like anything – it’s extremely quiet in the cabin, better to enjoy the space and comfort. The new Q7 is a huge leap forward from the old car, dropping size and weight without adverse impact on the seven occupants. There’s something for everyone in the Q7 – power, space, brilliant technology, all wrapped in a restrained, handsome package.
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Feb 12 -18 | 2016
CLASSIFIEDS 1989 Subaru 4x4 Brumby ute, goes very well, very handy for loads to the tip or towing the tinny, 2011 Hyundai i30 SLX (ZNU729), $3500 ono. 5D hatch, 2ltr, auto, 23,800km, RWC, cruise, Ph 0428 500 109. Bluetooth, TBar, many extras, ideal economical first car, (YVJ821), $14,900. To avoid missing this one, call 0414 970 596. VE Commodore Omega Series 11 V6, 6 speed auto, rego till June 29, 2016, (YTZ971), excellent condition, 86,955km, serviced every 10,000km, service book and manual, $13,800. Ph 0400 321 567.
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. Reg. Sep. 2016 (WQO579) auto. RWC, full service history. 138,000km. New tyres, good condition. $6500, Ph (03) 5729 8414.
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WINDSOR Seaview, 2005, 18ft, new awning, full annexe, shade ZDOO ÀRRU DLUFRQ ZD\ IULGJH SRUWD SRWW\ LVODQG EHG PLFURZDYH JRRG FRQGLWLRQ 3K
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NISSAN Tiida Ti. 1 owner, elderly gentleman. 38,000km, auto, roadworthy, excel. cond. 12 mths reg (YDR 788). $11,000 ono. Ph 0400 169 321.
MITSUBISHI Lancer wagon, 2000 model, manual, full service history, roadworthy certificate, roof rack, towbar, 175,000km, March reg (QBX526), $3200. Ph 0434 286 182.
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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 accidents however some marks on duco. $16,000 reduced. Ph 0409 238 842.
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FORD Fairlane 1989 NA model, 168,000 genuine kilometres, 6 months rego (DUZ603), H.D. towbar, full service history, $3500. Ph (03) 5721 7808.
is, $800. Owner has no further use, 141,000km. Ph 0408 168 761.
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SLIDE on popup camper, suit tray ute 2400 x 1800. Too many extras to name, excellent condition, $13,000. Ph 0412 574 689.
MAZDA B2600, 4x4, 1996 model, dual fuel, A/C, P/S, tow bar, bull bar, steel tray, no RWC, (YKY436), $1600. Ph HOLDEN Commo- 0400 407 822 dore VT 2000 Series II, auto, in excellent con- R A N G E R O V E R dition, 190,000km, new 1984, dual fuel, 3.9L windscreen, as new motor, reg till March tyres, elderly owner, (XGY166), Sunraysia RWC, reg (BJM96W), wheels. Needs some $3150 ono. Ph (02) work, $1984 ono. Ph 6035 3853. 5726 5629.
2012 Holden Captiva S, 42,000km, manual, 11 months rego (ZBV855). $16,299. SUZUKI DR 200, 2010 H Y U N D A I Tu s o n Ph 0411 567 482. model, new chain and 2009, manual, wagon, (XOM293), excellent 2002 Holden Astra, sprockets. Bike is in condition, one owner, automatic, (SUV944), very good order and runs tinted windows, full R eg o u n t i l M a y 7 , very well, $1700 ono. Ph service history, 12 months 133,000km, no RWC, 0407 316 788. rego, $10,000 including $4000. Ph 0400 271 1985 Toyota twin cab RWC. Ph 0423 388 873. 434. utility, reg (OQE555), as
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SYM Firenze 250 scooter, 2006, 14,500km, top box, service history, great commuter, reg (FH423), $2000. Ph 0417 290 697.
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