CIRCULATING IN WANGARATTA, BENALLA, MYRTLEFORD, BRIGHT, MT BEAUTY, BEECHWORTH, YACKANDANDAH, RUTHERGLEN, CHILTERN AND DISTRICTS
NORTH EAST
June 12, 2015
available online - wangarattachronicle.com.au
PRINTED FORTNIGHTLY — VOLUME 475
Subaru Forester Storypage3
MAZDA CX-3: There’s little doubt this all-new model will sell on style alone.
Mazda CX-3 is an instant winner T
he stylish new Mazda CX-3 takes an interestingly different tack in small SUV design. Whereas its many competitors have produced tall vehicles that cry out that they are SUVs, the Mazda is only a little higher than a typical small-medium hatchback. A crossover between a hatch and an SUV might be just what many buyers are asking for – indeed, Mazda CX-3 has been selling its wheels off since it was launched in March. Styling is obviously a major factor in the big sales numbers, but the interesting size could also be playing their part. The familiar Mazda model names of Neo and Maxx are used for the CX-3, but are joined by two new ones. The upper-middle CX-3 sTouring and topline Akari complete the range.
By EWAN KENNEDY Pricing is highly competitive, starting at just $19,990 (plus on-roads) for the 2WD petrol manual and going up to $37,690 for the topline Akari with AWD diesel with auto. We tested two autos, a 2WD Maxx petrol and an AWD Akari turbo-diesel. The CX-3 carries the latest iteration of the highly successful Mazda ‘Kodo’ design language, with the usual large vertical grille and long bonnet. The front guards sweep up and over the wheels almost to the end of the front doors, where the wave-like shape is then picked up by the guards of the rear wheels. There were admiring glances aplenty during the two weeks we spent driving around our home area of the Gold Coast.
People in these parts like a bit of style in their lives and anything out of the ordinary is greeted with interest. Even the more conservative Brisbane people seemed to like it as well. Inside there’s the latest Mazda instrument layout of a large central dial with rectangular pods on either side of it. It’s neat, compact and works well, but doesn’t have the sort of sporting twin-dial style of most in the segment. Information on the 7-inch centrally mounted display screen is accessed through a control knob handily placed on the centre console. Voice commands can be used to control audio functions, Bluetooth hands-free phone operation and reception of short text messages. There’s internet radio that can receive something like 100,000 broadcasters.
A head-up display, not on all models, shows vehicle speed and navigation directions. Mazda CX-3 offers the option of petrol or diesel power. The four-cylinder petrol has a capacity of 2.0 litres. The turbo-diesel is interesting in that it displaces just 1.5 litres and follows the latest European engineering trend of using small capacity, low friction engines aided by complex turbochargers for added power and torque. The power output of the petrol is 109 kW, the diesel puts out just 77 kW. But, it’s torque that talks and the diesel has an impressive 270 Nm between 1600 and 2500 revs.
Continued page 2
NORTH EAST
2
June 12, 2015
CLASSIFIEDS SOLD
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
Mazda CX-3 is an instant winner From page 1
HYUNDAI Getz 2006, 1.6lt auto, 5 door hatch, excellent one owner car, 136,000km. Current RWC. Alloy wheels, tint, prestige paint (UGB914) $6000 ono. Ph. 5725 1969 or 0456 999 369
2004 VY supercharged V6 Calais (TAO701) sedan, 210,000km, auto, 10 mths rego, excellent condition, runs great. $8500. Ph 0431 776 650.
MAZDA Bravo 2004 tray ute, dual fuel, RWC, long rego (SUF721), low km, towbar, good work ute. $5650. Ph 0428 222 565.
FORD Falcon Forte 1999 (PGT283). Green sedan, auto, towbar, alloy wheels, 6 months r e g o , 3 11 , 0 0 0 k m . $2000, ono. Ph 0498 029 446.
2011 Mazda 3 Hatchback, 46,000km, 6 speed manual, 6 stack CD, Bluetooth, a/c, March 2016 rego (XZX638), tinted windows, blue. $14,500. Ph Rod 0419 500 052.
2011 Holden Cruze CDX manual, grey (YJX240), 85,000 km, leather, heated, 12 months rego, alloy, cruise, regularly serviced. $10,000. Ph 0418 129 367.
JAYCO Freedom 17' Poptop caravan tandem, rollout awning, with near new annexe, island double bed, front kitchen, 3-way fridge, gas electric stove griller, microwave oven, rev air con, always garaged, excellent condition. $17,000. Ph 5722 2810.
2008 Ssangyong 2lt turbo diesel, 187,000km, reg till Feb 2016 (1AV5OZ), nudge bar, driving lights, tow pack, tonneau cover, runs well. $8000 ono. Ph 5725 1559.
2013 Hyundai i20. 9500km, manual. Tinted windows, bluetooth, C O N C E P T A s c o t 24 months old. Need caravan, 2005, 19’6”, larger car. (ZRH567). tandem, rollout awning Excellent buy. $10,000. FORD Falcon, 2004 with annexe, 12v battery Ph 0438 218 739. BA XR6 turbo, one p a c k , s o l a r p a n e l , FORD Futura 2003, owner, leather seats, shower, toilet combo, auto, 207,000 kms, great car, (SXU878). new TV and cover, (YNQ691), $3000. Ph $9500 neg. Ph 0417 large fridge, rev air/ 5762 5751. 226 935. con, hot water system gas, electric microwave, H O L D E N E p i c a , STACER 370 Proline, oven, gas stove and auto, sedan, 2007, very 15hp Jap Mercury, both griller, always garaged, good condition, 12 2008 model, gal trailer, excellent condition, months rego (USZ982), hummingbird finder, $35,000. Ph 0418 573 79,000km, $10,500. Ph paddles, flares, anchor, 570. 5721 6331. low floor, unpainted, good condition, $4500 neg. Ph 0438 298 234.
CLASSIFIEDS WORK - 5723 0101
The petrol has 192 Nm, impressive for a non-turbo engine of this size, even better the petrol reaches its best torque at a very usable 2800 rpm. Mazda Australia is offering both 2WD (front drive) and AWD CX-3s to Australia. This is increasingly unusual in this SUV class as many are now coming with drive only to two wheels. Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions are offered, but the manual only comes with the front-wheel-drive petrol-engine combination. The local importer feels that some owners will still want the added traction of all-wheel-drive for use in slippery conditions, such as in snowfields. Some may even tackle mild off-road areas such as forestry trails. But don’t get too ambitious, though… Australasian crash testing has yet to be carried out, but Mazda is confident its new CX-3 will receive the maximum rating of five stars. Mazda CX-3’s seats are well shaped and there’s a fair amount of space in the back seat for a vehicle in this class. However, children rather than adults will be the more comfortable in the rear. Keep in mind this is a smallish SUV and something has to be compromised in interior space. Luggage space is good for a
car of this size and the two-levelfloor option is clever. A simple design of head-up display is fitted on upmarket models and works reasonably well, but isn’t as good as the full-on HUD systems being used by others. Having said that, the Mazda readout doesn’t disappear as soon as you put on polarising sunglasses. A big plus from my point of view. Mazda CX-3 is particularly quiet and smooth on good road surfaces, especially on motorways. On typical Aussie backroads it still has a degree of comfort that’s not always the norm in this class. Handling is good with a reasonably neutral feel till you try to attack corners in a sporting manner, when safe understeer settles down the driver’s ambitions. The little Mazda’s slightly higher than average seating position makes for easier ingress and egress than a lowset hatchback, but getting in and out isn’t as simple as in competitors like Ford Kuga and Holden Trax. Similarly, while there’s a better view of the traffic ahead from the Mazda, you don’t get the same benefits as are offered by taller wagons. The CX-3’s petrol engine is responsive and is never intrusive. Its fuel consumption around town was in the eight to ten litres per hundred kilometres
AtaGlance FEATURES (STANDARD IN ALL MODELS) ABS BRAKES; CRUISE CONTROL; DUAL FRONT AIRBAGS; FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS; ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM; REAR PARKING SENSORS; USB / AUXILIARY AUDIO INPUT; STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED CONTROLS.
range during our test. On country roads and motorways getting it below seven litres was pretty easy with a bit of care in driving. During our initial drives at the media launch of the Mazda CX-3 out of Canberra we commented that the turbo-diesel was a little slow off the line. Our test car was noticeably better, perhaps because it had more miles under its wheels and was run in. The strong diesel torque and responsive automatic transmission made for easy hillclimbing and safe overtaking. Diesel fuel usage was about six to eight litres per hundred in suburban and city use, dropping to high fours to mid fives in the country. Mazda CX-3’s strong styling and good pricing have seen it jump to the front of the field in its class. We expect it to stay there or thereabouts for many years to come.
Keep your car in A1 condition with these local automotive experts!
WINDOW TINTING
AUTO ELECTRICAL
BLACK CAT TINTING
DAVID BATTIN AUTO ELECTRICAL
181 Tone Rd, Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5721 9922
50 Newman St, Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5721 7611
PANEL REPAIRS
RADIATORS
ACTION SMASH REPAIRS
WANGARATTA RADIATOR SERVICES
22 Newman St, Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5722 1520
135 Vincent Rd, Wangaratta Phone: (03) 5721 3486
On the Road
TRADES & SERVICES DIRECTORY PTY LTD
WANG’S ONLY 5 STAR CARWASH
REBUILT TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS
the best
185 Tone Road (Hume Hwy), Wangaratta
WANGARATTA
5722 2111
CARWASH
Licensed Roadworthy Inspection Centre PH: (03)
5721 5687
2 Newman St, Wangaratta A division of Exhaust & Offroad Services
n39D00136/0112
Temperature Controlled Baked Enamel Process
D/39d00022/14-10
Approved By all Insurance Companies 6SUD\ 3DLQWLQJ 4XDOLW\ :RUNPDQVKLS $// ,QVXUDQFH :RUN 0DMRU & 0LQRU 5HSDLUV
express CAR CLEAN
valet service
22 - 24 Handley Street, Wangaratta, Ph: 57221522 j/06d05870/31-11
N25d03590-v10/1614
HARRISON & SOLIMO PANELS
NORTH EAST
3
June 12, 2015
Forester diesel takes full control By DEREK OGDEN
AtaGlance
T
he Subaru Forester cocktail has been ‘shaken not stirred’ for 2015, just as James Bond would like it. It’s no secret that this compact sports utility vehicle had suffered at the hands of not having diesel power with an automatic transmission. Not only has that been rectified, but the gearbox is the latest Subaru Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) giving Forester quieter operation, better response and good fuel efficiency. To this add Subaru’s signature symmetrical all-wheel drive system, improved interior quality, new infotainment package, plus savings of up to eight per cent, or $3500, and the Forester, like 007, is kitted out to get the better of dastardly rivals. The mid-range Forester 2.0DL CVT automatic at $35,490, plus on-road costs, was the perfect example to try of the latest Subaru range. Designers have ignored the temptation to turn the Forester into a sleek coupe-style SUV softy. Instead it retains a forceful four-wheel drive wagon look. That’s not to say the MY15 Forester looks outdated. All the modern accoutrements are there: a bold front end with mesh radiator grille, halogen headlights with auto on / off, and front foglamps. A shallow curved roofline ensures plenty of headroom for occupants, while privacy glass adds to the premium ambience in the cabin. The 2.0D-L rolls on stylish 17inch alloys, and the whole thing is topped off by roof rails, rear spoiler and a shark fin antenna. Inside, there has been a
THE SUBARU FORESTER RANGE, WITH PRICES (EXCLUDING DEALER AND GOVERNMENT CHARGES) IS: FORESTER 2.0I-L: $29,990 (MANUAL) FORESTER 2.5I-L: $32,990 (AUTOMATIC) FORESTER 2.5I-S: $39,490 (AUTOMATIC) FORESTER 2.0D-L: $33,490 (MANUAL), $35,490 (AUTOMATIC) FORESTER 2.0D-S: $39,490 (MANUAL), $42,490 (AUTOMATIC) FORESTER 2.0XT: $40,990 (AUTOMATIC) FORESTER 2.0XT PREMIUM: $47,990 (AUTOMATIC)
FORESTER: Subaru’s designers have stuck with traditional wagon style for the latest model. lift in attention to detail, with particular reference to the most used components such as centre-panel and steering wheel controls, and air vents. Silver and contrasting piano black surrounds make for a premium, modern appearance, while the instrument panel combines upgraded audio display. The multifunction display incorporates both digital and analogue clock, while the fuel efficiency display is now designed to make occupants more aware of economical driving. Infotainment is boosted by more intuitive functions for media playback, including Pandora connectivity, and information access, with smartphone-style 7-inch touchscreen incorporating flick, pinch and double-tap functions. List selections can be made
using steering wheel switches, and there’s voice recognition. Absent on the Forester 2.0D-L CVT is factory fitted satellite navigation and Subaru’s innovative Eyesight driver assistance. Subaru tells us the latter is being adapted for the Forester as we speak. Improvements have been made to the Forester’s horizontally opposed turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel boosting power output to 108 kW at 3600 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2400 revs. It complies with strict Euro 6 exhaust emission standards, fuel efficiency is improved and vibration reduced. The high torque is taken care of with the Subaru Lineartronic CVT. The system switches between continuously variable
operation to step shifting. With the transmission in D mode, if the accelerator is depressed by more than 65 per cent, a seven-speed step shift activates. If the movement is less than 65 per cent, stepless CVT operates. Steering wheel-mounted paddles add a further dimension. A gimmick? Perhaps, but it will pacify drivers who don’t agree with the computer’s decisions on the correct gear ratio. Safety is five-star with dual front and side airbags, fulllength curtain airbags and knee protection for the driver. ABS anti-skid brakes are augmented by electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. Vehicle dynamic control includes traction control and
reversing camera keeps an eye on closely positioned obstacles. Unlike the Forester 2.5i-S, 2.0D-S and XT Premium, the 2.0D-L misses out on smart key access, being left with electric door unlocking from the fob and turnkey engine start and stop. Once on board, occupants can settle into any of the five seating positions without feeling shut in, such is the airy ambience. Particularly pleasing is the rear seat leg room, with knees given plenty of distance from front seats. Cargo space is a generous 422 litres with seat backs up. The 2.0-litre Boxer fourcylinder turbo-diesel engine, with 108 kW and 350 Nm on hand, is well suited to the CVT auto and had the Forester chuffing along merrily on the highway and coping with town
traffic’s little obstacles under varying loads. Fuel consumption worked out at 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres on a mix of town and country driving. Subaru puts the combined urban / highway figure at 6.3. Subaru Symmetrical AllWheel Drive added handling stability in even the sharpest of changes of direction, while the Forester’s suspension was particularly impressive, ironing out the bumps on stretches of flood damaged road that would have unsettled many other SUVs. I’m ambivalent when it comes to steering wheelmounted paddle shifts. They can add a higher level of enjoyment from manual gear changing in high performance vehicles but on a compact SUV? The Forester paddles are responsive to touch and move through the seven steps smoothly and silently. And there’s the problem: no power surge feedback. Subaru Forester has had a legion of fans for many years. Many have been waiting for a diesel automatic and their wishes have finally been met.
2014 Mazda 3 Run Out Sale! ONE MILE
MOTORS ABN 44 048 105 609 LMCT 1060
10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
8 Variations to choose from - Save Thousands!
(03) 5721 5677 www.onemilemotors.com.au n21d10832-v20/2415
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR AG SALE! HUGE PRICE GAS HONDA REDUCTION
Motorcycles & Power Equipment
across the Honda range in the end of year AG SALE
$1000, $750, $500 Honda cashbacks AG XR 150L NOW $2990 HONDA TRX 500 FPM 2 Only $9490
E/37D04871-v3/2415
$500 OFF the Honda CRF230F / CRF250L
The team at GAS Honda - Troy, Diane, Geoff & Ben
118 Greta Road, Wangaratta (03) 5721 7400
LMCT 8651
$100 VOUCHER
CAR SERVICE
*
* WHEN YOU BUY FOUR SELECTED GOODYEAR TYRES. Conditions Apply. Ends 11 July, 2015 We have a great range of 4x4 accessories, stocking top brand on and off road tyres including Goodyear and Dunlop. Ask in instore for more details! Expert Advice
69 Tone Road, Wangaratta
M: 0409 845 718
bluey@goodyearautocarewangaratta.com.au
F: 03 5721 5642
www.goodyearautocare.com.au
c31d23418/3814
T: 03 5721 4307
c31d23951/2415