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
JUNE 17 - 23, 2016
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MX-5 ROADSTER: The 2.0-litre model takes on 17-inch wheels with the addition of a more powerful engine.
More power adds finishing touches to fine MX-5 tradition
THE latest iteration of the Mazda MX-5 compact two-seater sportscar has won more than 65 major international awards, including the prestigious European Red Dot “Best of the Best” award, which recognises exceptionally ground-breaking design, the UK Car of the Year, and the 2015-2016 Japan Car of the Year. The fourth generation MX-5, coded ND, was first seen in Australia with a 1.5-litre engine hooked up to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Now a 2.0-litre version has been added. With either engine it comes in two variants – Roadster and Roadster GT, with the 2.0-litre version rolling on 17-inch alloy
By DEREK OGDEN wheels, as opposed to the 1.5’s 16-inch, and sporting daytime running lights. The new 2.0 was the subject of our latest test. The more things change, the more they stay the same, so the saying goes, and the MX-5, with its 27 years of winning ways, is no better example of this. While paying homage to the MX-5 roots - the British open-top sports car of the 1950s – the new MX-5 had to be true to the latest styling theme that has been so successful for current models in the Japanese brand. Designers were told to come up with
proportions that would, short of plastic surgery, make occupants stand out and look good, especially with the top open and windows down. The front and rear overhangs are some of the shortest on the market; the cabin was moved slightly to the rear to match the position of the occupants’ heads, and the hip point of the seats lowered in conjunction with the new design’s low centre of gravity. The new rear design, with its U-shaped rear combination lamp cluster and round tail lamps, hark back to previous generations of the MX-5. Apart from a few hi-tech touches, the layout is plain and simple and is aimed at
giving the driver real open-top sportscar pleasure. The steering wheel and three-meter cluster are on a single axis directly in front of the driver, while round air conditioning vents flank the meters, aimed at the driver. The meters, all trimmed with satin chrome rings, consist of a large analogue tachometer in the centre, a speedometer on the right and an information display on the left. The tacho and speedo feature vertical zero position needles; the water temperature gauge covers a higher temperature range to support spirited sports driving.
Continued page 2
! day! N O Y F TO SEE e to O E LS E driv A O B test E D DT ra O n fo O G ei m Co
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2
June 17 - 23 | 2016
Anger at 4WDs OPINION By EWAN KENNEDY TIME and again we motoring journalists are asked the question, “Why don’t they ban big 4WDs from the suburbs?” Usually followed by, “because 4WDs block the vision of other drivers and are hazardous to pedestrians.” I’ve also heard plenty of complaints about threatening behaviour by those behind the wheels of 4WDs and SUVs. And in more recent times by drivers of big 4WD dual-cab utes. Yet sales of 4WDs, which is the name usually only given to genuine off-road vehicles; and SUVs, the title used for most light duty off-roaders continue to rise at ever increasing rates. Let’s get some logic into the anti-4WD argument. To start with, it’s not the big 4WDs that are selling in increasing numbers, their sales are fairly steady and have been for a number of years. And in any case, many of the sales of the big ones are in the bush, where they are all but essential to people living there. Smaller SUVs and crossovers (which sort of look like SUVs but are really just taller station wagons) are also getting the sales charts excited. Large 4WDs that do sell in the city and suburbs are generally being used as people movers. Their owners appreciate the ability of the 4WDs to carry up to eight people. So are much appreciated by families with lots of children, or split-by-divorce families doing the weekend-kidswapping bit. Or simply by people whose children have plenty of friends and sport teammates. It can certainly be argued that those who want a people mover should buy one, not a large 4WD.
Many who do buy a 4WD have a dream of venturing off-road one day, but they seldom do. Perhaps these people should think again about their choice of vehicle next time around. But who are we to kill their dreams? Some of the bigger 4WDs are becoming quite sophisticated in their makeup, being almost car-like in the way they drive. However, their increased height means they are less safe, particularly when cornering or swerving, than cars. Driven correctly this isn’t usually a problem, but bad driving can cause serious injury or death. Why have 4WD in the first place if a vehicle isn’t going to be used on unsealed surfaces? Many vehicles that look like SUVs are also built in 2WD format. They are therefore lighter and create less pollution. Having said all that, there’s a responsibility on car makers to produce 4WD vehicleS that are as safe as possible and to reduce the amount of pollution created by them. This has happened in recent years, with many 4WDs and SUVs now selling primarily with turbo-diesel engines instead of thirsty petrol powerplants. Indeed, some of the mid-sized SUVs actually have lower consumption and emissions than medium cars. There’s also a responsibility on the owners to drive their SUVs and 4WDs in an appropriate manner, either on road or off. I have to admit that too many SUV drivers (often female, if I’m allowed to say that…) do get aggressive in traffic and tailgate others. Which achieves absolutely nothing towards getting themselves to their destinations faster. Back off girls and boys, please…
HANDY: Nissan’s giant Patrol is handy in the bush.
NEAT AND TIDY: Suzuki Vitara is neat and tidy in town.
More power to fine MX-5 tradition
From page 1
Of two interior leather options, black represents pure sportiness, while the Sport Tan presents a luxury character with good looks. Metallic finish is used on air conditioning control dials and steering wheel spokes to attract the eyes or express rigidity. New Mazda MX-5 connects with the latest technology via the Commander control on the centre console, or by using voice commands. Mazda’s MZD Connect provides handsfree phone and can be used for text messages. It can read aloud the latest tweets in the owner’s Twitter feed or the latest Facebook news feed, and allows ‘like’ Facebook entries or posting of audio messages using the Shout function. With standard six-speaker, or a ninespeaker Bose premium sound system, in addition to standard AM/FM radio, and in conjunction with smartphone apps, it also offers access to Aha by Harman, Stitcher and Pandora. The satellite navigation system, with smartphone connected, can also search for destinations and display the weather on route and live traffic. Initially landing Down Under with a 1.5-litre 96 kW four-cylinder engine, this latest model has picked up a 2.0-litre fourcylinder 16-valve DOHC motor putting out maximum power of 118 kW at 6000 rpm
At a Glance
MX-5 1.5 Roadster: NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MAZDA DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
$31,990 (manual), $33,990 (automatic)
MX-5 1.5 Roadster GT:
$37,990(manual), $39,990 (automatic)
MX-5 2.0 Roadster:
$34,490(manual), $36,490 (automatic)
MX-5 2.0 Roadster GT:
$39,550(manual), $41,550 (automatic) and maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4600 revs. Much more in tune with the Roadster ethos. Torque has been substantially increased at low to mid-range engine speeds when compared to the 2.0-litre engine from the previous model. The engine, according to the maker, also delivers fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. MX-5 has recently been given an ANCAP five-star safety rating. The use of high-strength steel and ultrahigh tensile steel around the centre of the cabin, along with high-strength aluminium in the front bumper beam reduce weight while achieving greater strength around the cabin area. Front and side airbags are standard across the MX-5 range, while active safety includes Dynamic stability control, Anti-lock Braking with Electronic Brake-force Distribution,
Emergency Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill Launch Assist. The MX-5 is by no means a perfect vehicle. With the fabric roof up it’s a matter of doubling up to get into the car; once in, there‘s no guarantee occupants can make themselves comfortable, so limited is the space. However, Mazda designers have done their utmost to mitigate occupant cramping. The steering wheel and its surrounds deserve a special mention. With a diameter of 366 mm, the steering wheel features a sharp, compact look, three slim spokes coated in satin chrome, and a grip covered in black leather with red stitching The grip and rim are designed to enable quick, precise steering wheel operation when negotiating winding roads by providing easy hand-over-hand action and a smooth form that lets the driver slide their hands along the wheel’s surface.The switches mounted inside the left and right spokes are recessed so as not to interfere
with steering operations Likewise the manual gearshift knob which features a bulb-type design fits in the hand well and provides a pleasingly light feeling to shift operation. Pedals can sometimes be a problem in smaller cars. Their position in the MX-5 has been improved, with the clutch pedal moved 15mm to the left and the distance between the brake and clutch pedals increased by 19mm. The accelerator pedal adopts a hinged organ style that moves along the natural path of the driver’s foot to provide finer control. Ride-wise, the car and some road surfaces do not get on so well with the stiff suspension bumping along and the tyres singing out loudly. Handling, on the other hand, is outstanding, as you would expect from a traditional lightweight sports car. The finely-tuned engine note makes up for the shortcomings with varying sounds across all engine speeds designed to match the style of driving. The fabric top is spring loaded, reducing the force required to raise the roof almost by half when compared to the previous model. As a result, the top is much easier to open or close in a few seconds. Despite a few niggles, Mazda once again has delivered on a compact open-top two-seater with a perky engine, rear-wheel drive, 50 / 50 front-rear weight distribution, grippy handling at an affordable price. If that’s your bag, what’s not to like.
3
June 17 - 23 | 2016
Sensational Audi R8 V10 Plus
By PETER ANDERSON
IN 2015 Audi’s first generation R8 supercar bowed out, to be replaced by the so-far V10-only second generation. The Australian range consists of two cars, the V10 Coupe and the V10 Plus, the former weighing in at $354,900, the latter $389,900. Visually, you can easily tell the two apart. From the front the Plus’ big grille is a glossy black. There’s a huge, DTM-inspired carbon fibre wing on the back, replacing the Coupe’s electric-lift wing that pops up at 120 km/h. The bigger differences are under the skin. Both run the same 5.2 litre V10 FSI paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Coupe has a stout 397 kW with the Plus adding 52 kW for a grand total of 449 kW. The Plus also has different gear ratios from gears three to seven, the first two shorter to increase punch, the top two longer to eke out an extra 10km/h top speed (330 km/h, if you’re game). The new car is shorter, wider and lighter. That last figure, 1454 kg, is partly down to the new Audi spaceframe, a mix of aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced polymer. The V10 Plus has stiffer springs and dampers and mighty set of carbon reinforced ceramic discs measuring 380 mm up front, gripped by six-pot calipers, the 356 mm rears by four-pot grabbers. These brakes replace the crinkle cut
AUDI R8: Unmistakable style of the latest supercar is neat and very German. steels of the Coupe, which are only marginally smaller. Both cars feature the same double wishbones front and rear, with the base model Coupe running magnetic ride control. Both also roll on a range of 19-inch alloys or optional (some no-cost) 20-inch alloys. The R8’s interior is cool, clear and calm. The dash appears to float in the air and gives the cabin an airier, roomier feel. There really is more room in the cockpit, too. The driving position is also just right, with everything in a straight line. The new Audi R8 goes without the older car’s manual option, with a set of paddles attached to the flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Isuzu F series
The coupe has two buttons on the wheel, one to start the engine, the other to choose between driving modes. Comfort keeps things quiet while Dynamic amps things up considerably, including opening up the exhaust to let out the V10’s glorious racket. Audi R8 Plus gains the Performance dial, three more modes over and above Dynamic – Snow, Wet and Dry. Last but not least is a separate control for the exhaust, letting you float along in Comfort mode while crackling and popping as you lift off for that red light up ahead. Our launch route took us through a terrific variety of rural roads in the NSW Snowy Mountains.
delivers far-reaching transport solutions
By DEREK OGDEN RECENT research has shown that road haulage in Australia is predominantly the territory of Japanese medium-duty trucks, 95 per cent of which start and finish within the same state or territory. This puts Isuzu in the box seat to take advantage with its all-new F Series, rolled out for the media to sample in and around Brisbane. Has the Japanese-developed-and-built range got what it takes? With nine variants on show Isuzu appears to have ticked all the appropriate boxes and more by harnessing the advantages of low- displacement, high-output engine technology. Prime example is the new 4HK1 5.2-litre, four-cylinder, two-stage, turbocharged intercooled diesel engine available in two power ratings, considered the cleanest medium-duty Japanese diesel engine available in Australia. Opening the score is a 154 kW unit producing 726 Nm of torque, to be found on FRR and FRD 4x2 variants, and FSS 4x4 with gross vehicle masses spanning 10.7 to 11 tonnes. The peak performer puts out 177 kW and 765 Nm and is used on FRR at 11 tonnes GVM and FSR at 12 and 14 tonnes GVM. Mated with Isuzu’s new automated manual transmission with torque converter replicating take-off characteristics of a full automatic, the package is completed by either 4x2 or 4x4 operation. A two-stage turbocharger ensures even, unbroken power throughout the rev range, while some models include engine stop / start technology which decreases fuel consumption, trims emissions to Euro VI standard. The F Series also makes use of the Isuzu
Long, fast sweeping corners are easily dispatched in the V10 Plus and it’s a very convincing GT car. The only fault we could find on these roads was a propensity for a hefty, metallic clunk to issue from the front wheels when skipping through one of the many divots in the road. The carbon discs have excellent feel and don’t need a series of hard stops to get them working properly. They’re easy to modulate, too, with finely judged travel and assistance. There aren’t any turbos to rob the engine of revs or noise. The R8 turns out to be almost vice-free. Despite its all-wheel drive, you can still trim the line with a lift or push of the throttle depending on what you want. Most of the time it feels very rear-wheel drive, until of course you try and get all 449 kW to the road in a hurry. There were promises that the new quattro system kills understeer, but it is still there, particularly when you pin the throttle. It’s manageable and predictable and not of the sort that will see you unexpectedly kissing the Armco, more a bit of built-in safety to remind you what you’re up to. The steering is sharp and light – that second attribute will cause some drivers a little heartache but it also means that the vast majority of the time when the car is used as a tool rather than a weapon, it won’t tire you out. It’s bristling with technology that all just works letting you get on with the thing it’s built for – driving.
F SERIES: Isuzu F Series Comfort and convenience put the Isuzu F Series at the forefront of medium-duty trucks. 6HK1 DOC engine mated with Isuzu six-speed manual transmission or Allison LCT2500 sixspeed automatic. The 7.8-litre six-cylinder diesel motor pumps out 191 kW of power at 2400 rpm and 761 Nm of torque between 1450 and 2400 revs. Again with a Euro V equivalent emissions rating. A range of wheelbases and model variants, including day cab, crew cab, Tautliner, tilt tray, agitator, 6x2, medium and long wheelbase, all suited to urban or medium-range transport needs, are covered in the latest F Series. On launch drive, the six-cylinder powered vehicles provided a much quieter cabin environment enhanced by air suspension seating, while drivers enjoyed the advantage of extra-large wing mirrors specially developed by Isuzu in Australia. Standard sat nav across the range came to the aid of testers more than once when pace
notes came up wanting. Tradies were not left out of the picture, with Isuzu’s NLR 45-150 Servicepack on hand to show what can be done for those without a truck licence. Based on the Isuzu N Series, this is a bespoke travelling workshop with a fully powder-coated steel service body, seven lockable storage compartments with a total volume of 2.9 cubic metres, including a 2.08 m by 1.0 m central storage area with chequerplate floor and six tie-down points and 2.5 tonne rated towbar with integrated rear step. Each compartment has LED lighting and locking is integrated with the vehicle central locking system. The central storage incorporates a rear barn door, there are rear grab handles and non-slip steps and an Isuzu reversing camera. Power is provided by a 3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 110
kW of power at 2800 rpm and 375 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2800 revs. Emissions are equivalent to a Euro V rating. Standard is a five-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed Automated Manual Transmission with fully automatic and clutchless manual modes is an option. Front axles are rated for 2600 kg, the rear for 5000 kg, brakes are vacuum-assisted discs all round with ABS anti-skid capability, brake-force distribution and traction control. Electronic stability control and Hill Start Assist are standard, the latter except on AMT pack. Passenger vehicle niceties extend to the cabin, with contoured adjustable driver’s bucket seat and front passenger bench seat to take two. Storage space abounds and, with the AMT Pack, smokers can take advantage of a cigarette lighter and driver’s side ashtray. Also on the list is a two-speaker radio/CD/ DVD Digital Audio Visual Entertainment (DAVE) unit with 6.2-inch LCD touch screen. DAB+ digital radio and fully integrated Bluetooth with voice recognition. This is backed up by 4GB internal storage for music files. USB/SD card and Aux input connection and there’s a storage compartment that will also take a CB radio. As far as driving is concerned not only have commercial vehicles come a long way as far as comfort is concerned, ragged performance has been all-but ironed out, the Servicepack giving a smooth ride on varied road surfaces and, while nowhere near rubber shredding performer went on its way in an easy, even gentle, manner. Isuzu has been the top seller of trucks in Australia, its largest export market, for the past 27 years. The F Series is in a position to help the Japanese maker continue to carry off the title.
4
June 17 - 23 | 2016
CLASSIFIEDS 2001 Jayco Hawk, 25th Anniversary model, Queen size bed one end and double the other, table folds down for extra bed, 3-way fridge, 4 gas burner stove top with grill and oven underneath. Full annexe in excellent condition. Great family van. $12,800 negotiable. Wa n g a r a t t a . P h 0411 250 510.
VE Commodore Omega Series 11 V6, 6 speed auto, rego till December 29, 2016, (YTZ971), excellent condition, 94,000km, serviced every 10,000km, service book and manual, $12,500 ono. Ph 0400 321 567.
TOYOTA Hilux 2000 ute, 2.7 inj, petrol, manual 2 dr 2wd. Great condition, fglass canopy, 184,000km, rego to Nov (TWE238), $6850. Ph Kirk 0414 376 965.
HONDA VTR 250 2006 V-twin, registered, always serviced, V.G.C, Ventura, black windscreen, reliable, very economical, $3200 ono, (FC363). Ph 0424 580 025.
HOLDEN Commodore 2005 VZ station wagon. Holden By Design, auto, p/steer, cruise, CD, 192,000km. Good condition, reg til Aug 2016. (WOX874) $6000 ono. Ph 0411 250 510.
SOLD
2013 Subaru XV 2.0iL (up market model), in as new condition, 23,000km, always garaged, automatic, tinted windows, alloy wheels, towbar (used twice), reg (AAM959), $23,000. Ph 5721 4677. 2011 Nissan Navara, 152,000kms, new clutch, new injectors, heavy duty suspension, (ZZA122), $22,000 ono. Ph 0447 926 805.
SOLD
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FORD WT Fiesta LX hatch 2012, auto, excellent condition, reg. servicing, 45,000km with chip protector, colour Phantom Blue, (YZR003) registered until March 2017, ex. sound system, $11,900, one only lady driver. Ph 5727 0455 or 0400 058 908. ONSITE caravan and full size solid annexe at Porepunkah Bridge Caravan Park, includes toilet, room for 6, fridge, microwave, a/c, all cooking needs, glass sliding and security doors, was $10,500, now $8500. A home away from home. Ph 0409 140 836 for inspection.
Vehicle Advertisers Guidelines T O Y O TA C a m r y Altise 2009 auto, 122,000km, new tyres and windscreen, reversing camera, towbar, registered until November (YQT580), $9950, RWC. Ph 0427 522 089.
HOLDEN VZ Commodore 6 litre 6 speed gear box plus VE HSV gear shifter, gear knob and boot, $1000 ono. Ph 0412 247 690.
Vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement ‡ &DVK SULFH RI PRWRU FDU ‡ ,I FDU LV UHJLVWHUHG UHJLVWUDWLRQ QXPEHU ‡ ,I XQUHJLVWHUHG WKH HQJLQH QXPEHU ‡ 'HDOHUV UHTXLUH /0&7
Toyota 1984 H J 6 0 L a n d c r u i s e r, 480,000km, in really good condition, work done to the motor, (1EY1SM), $5000. Phone Tenny on 0400 232 760.
SOLD
2007 Toyota Hilux DC SR5 black mica, manual, turbo diesel, reg (CHZBRG) Oct 2016, excellent condition, $24,000. Ph (03) 5727 1288 or 0407 830 341.
2009 Jurgens 7x4 trailer with Oztrail 9 tent and annexe. Registered, good condition and new tyres, $3500. Phone Greg on 0427 221 850.
We’ll make your bike go faster Eight ads over Two weeks with photo only
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SIOLD SUZUK 2004, 11,0 GSXF750, 00 (HY571) un kms, Reg til 22/12/15 . Exc. cond. $ 70 Shane 0428 00 ono. Ph. 257 809.
*
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.
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