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
SEPTEMBER 16 - 22, 2016
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MAZDA BT-50: It is built to go anywhere... almost.
Mazda BT-50 offers something for everyone By DEREK OGDEN ROAD TEST
about the Mazda BT-50, it doesn’t float. With this in mind the maker’s Aussie hierarchy sensibly decided to forgo the media shakedown on impassably wet approach roads all round Birdsville. This sent yours truly rummaging through notes of an encounter earlier this year after a mid-life makeover of the popular ute to remember what it was like. It all came back to me as a thoroughly pleasant experience. With a list of variants as long as the Federal Senate poll paper, petrol and diesel powered, two or four-wheel drive,
the BT-50 comes in single cab, freestyle cab and dual cab format in three grades - XT, XTR and GT. Mazda BT-50 comes with the choice of two diesel engine engines including the MZ-CD 2.2-litre 4-cylinder motor and an MZ-CD 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit, both with either a six-speed manual or sixspeed automatic transmission. Prices start at $25,570, plus on road costs, for the 2.2-litre Single Cab/ Chassis XT 4x2 manual and round out to $53,790 for the 3.2-litre Dual Cab Utility GT 4X4. The test vehicle, the 3.2-litre Dual Cab Utility XTR 4X4 automatic, slots in at $51,700.
STYLING Mazda has come up with a less challenging shape for the revised BT-50. Key to this are a powerful front end that inherits elements of the Mazda family face and a rear that differentiates the BT-50 from other less adventurously shaped utes. The updated BT-50 rolls on newly designed wheels - XTR and GT on 17inch wheels with a two-tone gunmetal and machined alloy finish. XTR models have taken on polished tubular side steps, which unfortunately could fall foul of rocks or logs in the rough.
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A DAY at the races – Melbourne Cup, Magic Millions or Cox Plate – usually involves putting on appropriate clobber and catching a short ride, probably in a limo, to the track. That is unless it’s the Birdsville Races. The idea was to pick up Mazda BT-50 utilities at Leigh Creek and drive them up the Birdsville Track to the famous races recently. However, Mother Nature intervened by dumping an ocean of rain in the area, leaving the south-west Queensland town an island of disappointment to members of the media, me included, who were part of the plan. There’s certainly one thing to be said
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10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060
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Sep 16 - 22 | 2016
Holden’s biggest SUV gets upgrade By ALISTAIR KENNEDY HOLDEN has given its largest SUV an upgrade and changed its name from Colorado 7 to Trailblazer. We never quite understood Holden’s logic when it launched the big SUV in 2013 with the same name as its Colorado utility, albeit it with a ‘7’ on the end to indicate its seating capacity, especially when the Trailblazer name was being used in other markets, including the United States. Sales of the Colorado 7 have been poor and it sits in the bottom third of the Large SUV market segment, well behind the market leading Toyota pair, Prado and Kluger as well as its own, more established, Captiva stablemate. Holden will be hoping that the change of name and a greater emphasis on its luxury features will translate into an increase in sales. As with the outgoing Colorado 7, Trailblazer comes in two variants. The entry level LT is priced, as before, at $47,990 while the higher-spec LTZ is up by $1000 to $52,490. While the overall shape of Trailblazer is unchanged from the Colorado 7 the front has been updated with a new styling to the popular double-stacked grille as well as new headlights incorporating with daytime running lights. As before seven seats are standard and there’s an all-new dash and instrument cluster design together with a colour touchscreen (7-inch in the LT, 8-inch in the LTZ) housing the infotainment technology. The latter now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces as well the latest Holden MyLink system and can be operated either via the touchscreen or the Siri Eyes Free voice recognition system. There is no dedicated satellite navigation system but Trailblazer does provide the service through either Apple CarPlay of Android Auto. Getting started on cold winter mornings is made more pleasant for LTZ owners through remote vehicle start which enables
HOLDEN TRAILBLAZER: It is a versatile seven-seat SUV. the interior of car to be heated prior to entering. As expected in a vehicle of its size there’s plenty of interior space with the second row 60:40 three-seat bench and 50:50 separate seats in the third row, best suited for children. The backs of the third row fold flat to allow for extended load carrying space(from 205 to 554 litres), while the second row tumbles forward to further increase capacity to 1043 litres as well as providing easier passenger access to the third row. New Trailblazer gets a five-star ANCAP safety rating with standard features in both variants that include seven airbags; enhanced ABS brakes: electronic stability control; hill start assist; hill descent control; trailer sway control; rear parking sensors and reversing camera. For the extra $4500 the LTZ adds front park assist; forward collision alert; lane
Mazda BT-50 offers
departure warning; side blind zone alert; rear cross traffic alert; and tyre pressure monitoring system. The only powertrain is a 2.8-litre fourcylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque figures are unchanged from the Colorado 7 at 147 kW at 3600 rpm and 500 Newton metres between 2000 and 2200 revs. There is no 2WD option. In line with the name change there’s an emphasis on increased ride comfort and ease of driving in Trailblazer. This makes sense given that the majority of 4WDs are actually only ever used as on-road station wagons. However, under the skin there is a lot of tough design from Japanese truck maker Isuzu, which also bodes well for those potential buyers looking for a serious off-road vehicle. Towing capacity is 3000 kg. Unfortunately we had to pull out of the
something for everyone
From page 1
INTERIOR Dual-zone climate control air conditioning keeps occupants comfy in outback heat, while quality floor covering, leatherwrapped multi-function steering wheel and gear shift knob add a touch of prestige normally only found in passenger cars. Noise, vibration and harshness have also been addressed to achieve the quiet and comfortable driving found in passenger cars. INFOTAINMENT Mazda BT-50 XTR and GT models have been given a new centre console layout which includes a 7.8 inch high definition screen and satellite navigation. HEMA maps are available as an option. An advanced audio system sports six speakers, while all models feature functions typically seen in passenger cars. For example, USB connectivity for portable audio players, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile telephones, and voice control. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The 3.2-litre diesel engine has an inline five-cylinder configuration with 20 valves, a turbocharger with an intercooler, and common-rail direct-injection technology. The engine is longitudinally positioned closer to the vehicle’s centre of gravity to minimise twisting effect. The six-speed automatic transmission of
MAZDA BT-50: It looks good and performs in all conditions. the test vehicle incorporated Sequential Shift Control, which offers Normal and Performance modes plus a Manual mode that allows sequential manual shifting. The Performance mode gives more responsive acceleration. In Manual mode, the driver can select gears as he or she pleases. An electronically controlled, shift-on-thefly transfer case enables the driver to shift between 2WD and 4WD at will via a switch on the centre console. Low-range gearing is available for extra torque or downhill braking. SAFETY A raft of safety technology includes ABS anti-skid braking, dynamic stability
media launch of the Trailblazer at the last minute so can’t provide drive impressions at this stage. We will get into one as soon as possible and provide our usual extended road test feedback. Fuel consumption is listed at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. We’ll publish our real life numbers following our standard week-long test. Importantly for Holden’s future after local production ends next year Trailblazer has significant Australian engineering and testing incorporated into many aspects. Much of this input also goes into other overseas models built by other GM brands such as Chevrolet and Vauxhall. This clearly shows that GM-Holden intends to continue indefinitely in automotive design, engineering and testing well into the future. New Holden Trailblazer will go on sale at Holden dealers from early October.
control, electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, brake over-ride, hill launch assist, hill descent control, traction control, roll stability control, load adaptive control, trailer sway control and emergency stop signal. The BT-50 has driver and passenger front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags, the last extending as far as the rear seat. DRIVING The five-cylinder in-line 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine is a no-nonsense unit. Expect to average fuel consumption of nine to eleven litres per 100 kilometres on the bitumen around the suburbs A torque curve with a peak plateau of 470 Nm from 1750 to 2500 rpm provides
smooth engine response during take-off and prevents uncomfortable downshifts on sharp acceleration, or when tackling inclines. A linear steering feel has been dialled in by engineers, with the rigid rack-and-pinion mechanism working more precisely, giving improved road feedback. The rear suspension includes a rigid axle with leaf springs offering superior steering and handling, plus excellent ride comfort. Comfort and convenience extend to the cabin surroundings, which in fit and fixtures match many passenger sedans running around these days. As a workhorse, the BT-50 is up there with best with a class-topping braked towing capacity of 3500kg, an unbraked capacity of 750kg and a tow ball download of 350kg. Reversing camera, standard on XTR and GT, and available as an option on all grades, is not much better, being projected on only a small section of the rear view mirror. Saving grace are sharp, bright coloured guidelines, which come to the rescue in reversing into tight spots. SUMMING UP With a long line-up of models, the BT-50 has something for everyone, and almost every set of conditions, and should continue to maintain its place in the upper echelons of Mazda’s product range.
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Sep 16 - 22 | 2016
CLASSIFIEDS 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander (UVP207), Sports auto, AWD, 6 airbags, Bluetooth, reversing sensors, towbar, 12 months rego, new windscreen and tyres, very good c o n d i t i o n , RW C , $10,500 neg. Ph 0427 593 373.
CAMPER Offroad AVan Cruiser, very good condition, Dec. reg, (S20-122), single beds with new innerspring mattresses, $14,000 ono. Ph 0447 006 810.
2002 Windsor Rapid poptop caravan, sleeps 6, excellent condition, comes with 12 months registration, light to tow, $17,500. Ph (03) 5725 1436 or 0419 273 635.
SOLD
SOLD
FORD Territory 2005 TX SY, (TSF096), 149,000km, 5 seat SUV, AWD, 2 airbags, 6sp sports auto, remote central locking, towbar, sidesteps, alloys, RWC, excellent condition inside and out, inspection welcome, $8950 ono. Ph 0418 579 667.
SUBARU Liberty GX wagon, 4WD manual, clean tidy wagon with 307,000km, RWC, new tyres, cruise control, electric windows and mirrors, runs well, $3000 ono, Myrtleford. Contact Len 0417 951 131.
TOYOTA Coffee van, (1FJ1WG), excellent condition, be your own boss, fully equipped for mobile service, $24,000 $19,990. Ph 0478 162 069.
ECONOMICAL AND STYLISH. 2004 Peugeot 206 XR, 80,000km, 3 doors, 5 seat Hatch, black exterior, blue interior, 5 speed manual, 2 x airbags. Full service history, will come with a 5RDGZRUWK\ &HUWLÂżFDWH Registered till June 2017 (WMX305). This has been our second car and is a brilliant little car, it will be a shame to see it go as it offers huge value due to its low kilometres and low price of $4750. Inspections welcome, Wangaratta. Ph 0490 049 564.
SOLD
CAPRICORN pop top caravan in excellent condition with full annexe and twin gas bottles, (B70947), priced to sell $7000 ono. Ph 5721 4740.
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
1998 Coromal 280 series, x2 double beds each end and fold down table for extra bed, new annexe, never used, rego till March 2017, $9300. Ph 0458 223 403.
2012 VE Commodore SS Ute, V8, auto, very economical, as new, only 42,000km. Hard lid, reversing sensors, towbar, 19� alloys, LED driving lights, 2 brand new tyres, colour coded PXG ÀDSV VDW QDY EOXHtooth, audio streaming, virtual CD changer, RWC, 12 months reg, ZEC-583. $30,490. Ph 0431 703 117.
1997 Mitsubishi Pajero van/wagon, 3.5lt manual, (WNU717), petrol/gas, T/B bar, electric brakes, VGC, 284,000km, $4750 neg. Ph/txt AH 0431 261 155. 2007 Ford Territory SY Ghia, 7 seats, 154,000km, full service records available, (WFG679), $11,500. Ph (03) 5725 1436 or 0419 273 635. VW Touareg 2009, 3ltr V6 turbo diesel, 6sp 2007 Majestic Knight auto, 175,000km, all 18ft poptop, island bed, leather, lady owner, aircon, TV, Winguard immaculate condition, antenna, full annexe, a l w a y s g a r a g e d , reg. March 2017. ( X C F 6 0 0 ) , RW C , Excellent condition, Wangaratta, $24,995. $22,000 or best offer. Ph 0447 193 465. Ph 0427 331 760.
SOLD
VANpoptop,fussyowner, immaculate condition, light to tow, hardly used, long reg, $7990 ono. Ph 0407 026 774, 5725 1904 (AH). 2012 Hyundai i20, (ZIV780), 57,000km, manual, new tyres, new battery, RWC, excellent condition, $9500. Ph 0488 136 415.
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