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
MAY 20 - 26, 2016
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RANGE ROVER EVOQUE: Styling makeover works well on the sleek model.
Range Rover Evoque upgrade
FOR the 2016 season the great looking Range Rover Evoque has received a revised body design that’s now offered in two frontal styles: an all-new ‘Ingenium’ turbo-diesel engine; and full-LED adaptive headlamps in some models. Probably most important to many buyers is the fitment of an updated infotainment system in a revised interior that shares many design cues with the much more expensive Range Rover Sport. When I first saw the concept that would later become the Range Rover Evoque at a Geneva Motor Show my comment to one of the chiefs of the company standing alongside me was, “Love the shape, but it won’t work as it’s obviously too cramped
By EWAN KENNEDY in the rear area.” Was I ever wrong. The apparently unworkable shape of the “Land Rover LRX” concept was translated into reality and it became the premium Range Rover Evoque. What looks like an unrealistically low roof is actually a clever optical illusion. Though the Evoque’s roof does slope sleekly down at the rear the angle is not as sharp as it seems. That’s because the rising belt line creates what looks to be the very low roof. However, see further notes in the Driving section of this review.
The revised tailgate has wider, slimmer high-level LED brake-lights integrated into the spoiler. The new infotainment system is accessed by way of an eight-inch touchscreen, driver’s information comes from a five-inch full colour screen situated on the central dashboard. Rear-seat entertainment system is an option, it uses a pair of eight-inch video screens and wireless digital headphones. The Evoque has a new EU6-compliant four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that has up to 132 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque. It features variable valve timing and low friction technologies.
Selective catalytic reduction and a new low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system significantly reduce NOx emissions. Mated with the nine-speed automatic transmission that always seems to be in the right gear this new engine works beautifully. In addition to the active and passive safety features found in almost all vehicles these days, Range Rover Evoque has driver Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Forward Alert and Intelligent Emergency Braking; Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection, to warn drivers of other road users.
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2
May 20 - 26 | 2016
Marvellous Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe
By EWAN KENNEDY
AUSTRALIANS are the biggest buyers of Mercedes-AMG cars on the planet when taken as a percentage of all Mercedes-Benz sales. Machines from the high-performance division sell to people who mean business and who want to get the best from their cars, and even more importantly, from themselves as drivers. The latest model in the range is the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe with a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine producing 375 kW of power and a prodigious 700 Nm of torque. That sort of grunt permits acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Which explains why Mercedes Australia chose to do the drive program for the C 63 coupe at Sydney Motorsport Park (nee Eastern Creek Raceway). There we got to drive the hot AMG coupes in controlled conditions. Even better was a ride in the passenger seat of the GT3 race car piloted by Dom Storey to bring our driving egos thudding back to earth… The AMG C 63 S has Ride-Control sports suspension, active dynamic engine mounts, electronic rear axle locking differential, high-performance composite brakes (an option fitted to one of the two cars we drove) and a performance exhaust system. For the times you’re not blasting around at a track day, the C 63 S has Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, digital TV, Air-Balance package and panoramic glass sliding sunroof as standard. The hot coupe has a wider track than the standard model, by 64 millimetres at the front and 66 at the rear. Larger wheel arches are filled by wider tyres (255 front, 285 millimetres rear), contributing to improved lateral acceleration, traction and agility. A major redesign of the front of the AMG sees a 60 mm longer aluminium bonnet with two power domes. The front section has large air inlets and
At a Glance Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local MercedesBenz dealer for driveaway prices.
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe: $65,900
Mercedes-Benz C 250 d Coupe: $74,900
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe: $83,400
Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe:
SLEEK, LOW, PURPOSEFUL: Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe is a serious machine. precisely designed aero flics. A splitter at the bottom of the front helps to reduce front-axle lift. The sound and fury from inside the coupe is magnificent when you really get stuck into it. The engine shrieks under full-throttle acceleration, pops and spits on ultra-fast downchange in the seven-speed dualclutch G-Tronic Plus gearbox, and burbles in a most satisfying way even when driving at low speeds. Composite brakes hauled off speed with ease and felt as though they would last forever. The standard brakes felt as though they were starting to go off after a few very hot laps. Mercedes asked us to back off earlier under those circumstances - take note if
you’re thinking of buying one for track days. On-road driving will never test the brakes to anything like the same extent. A race track really is the only place to properly appreciate any Mercedes-AMG model. Their acceleration, braking and cornering speeds, not to forget the superb sounds, are dulled in day-to-day driving. Track days let you enjoy the company of like-minded other enthusiasts, a huge bonus. On the subject of cornering speed, the C 63 S has so much grip that if you seriously misjudge a corner and the electronic driving aids can’t save the situation you’re going to be travelling extremely fast when you hit that big tree. To really get the best from an AMG, even
Range Rover Evoque upgrade From page 1
We found the front seats of the Evoque comfortable and reasonably spacious, particularly for a vehicle of this size. In four-door format there’s sufficient headroom for a six-footer in the back seats, though that’s probably about the limit - check for yourself if you’re likely to have tall travellers back there. Legroom in the rear is good if tall people in front are willing to give up a few centimetres of their legroom. The view to the side from the back seats suffers because of the aforementioned rising belt line and smaller children may struggle to see outside. Likewise, visibility to the rear is not good as the shallow back windscreen gives a letter-box effect. A reversing camera and parking sensors make life safer. On sealed surfaces the Range Rover Evoque handles almost as well as a hatchback. You wouldn’t describe it as sporty, but it comes close. In the original models we felt Evoque had more road noise on rough sealed surfaces than was acceptable, that’s now been toned down and the Evoque feels like the upmarket vehicle that it is on Aussie backroads. Boot space is good and we had no trouble fitting in a couple of large
$162,400
if you’ve no plans to go onto a track, we suggest taking part in a “Mercedes-Benz Driving Events” program. Click on experience.mercedes-benz.com. au for details. There are even courses for young drivers, including those still on P-plates. The all-new Mercedes-AMG C 63 S coupe is a superb sports machine that cries out to be taken advantage of. It looks stunning, sounds great and is a real driver’s car. Note that we tested the rest of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe range a week prior to the Sydney Motorsport Park day. Derek Ogden’s report from that media event, with his initial on-road driving impressions was published immediately afterwards.
At a Glance Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Range Rover dealer for driveaway prices.
Si4 SE 2.0-litre petrol AWD fivedoor wagon: $68,280 (automatic) Si4 HSE 2.0-litre petrol AWD fivedoor wagon: $77,370 (automatic) Si4 HSE Dynamic 2.0-litre petrol AWD five-door wagon: $81,410 (automatic)
eD4 Pure 2.2-litre turbo-diesel 2WD five-door wagon: $52,515
(manual)
CRUISING: The Range Rover Evoque has a strong reputation. suitcases without having to fold down the rear seatbacks. The design and quality of in-cabin materials has always been impressive and seems to have lifted further with this latest model. The all-new turbo-diesel engine has excellent performance without too much turbo lag. Once on song the torque just keeps on coming and the Evoque makes light work of hills, and spends a minimum amount of time on the wrong side of the road while overtaking. Range Rover’s new Ingenium powerplant is much quieter on the outside than in previous Evoque diesels we have tested.
Inside, particularly when cruising, it’s virtually indistinguishable from the petrol engine in the way sounds are suppressed. Fuel consumption around town was impressively low at seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres. It’s possible to get consumption under five litres per hundred on the highway if you pay attention to the way you drive. That’s amazing for a vehicle in this class. More than 400,000 Range Rover Evoques have been sold since its introduction in 2011 and many still regard it as the best of all the premium SUVs. This midlife upgrade adds distinctive new styling, an excellent new turbo-diesel engine and up to the minute technologies.
eD4 Td4 Pure 2.2-litre turbodiesel AWD five-door wagon: $56,050 (manual)
eD4 Td4 SE 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $63,120 (automatic)
eD4 Td4 SE 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $67,160 (automatic)
eD4 Td4 HSE 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $74,230 (automatic)
eD4 Td4 HSE Dynamic 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $77,765 (automatic) eD4 Td4 Autobiography 2.2-litre turbo-diesel AWD five-door wagon: $74,230 (automatic)
3
May 20 - 26 | 2016
Passengers are in the driver’s seat
OPINION: EWAN KENNEDY
LEXUS RX 350: The latest model is bigger and bolder than the previous generation.
Lexus flagship SUV takes ‘line’ honours
ROAD TEST: By DEREK OGDEN
LEXUS cut its SUV teeth on the RX line with the RX 300, launched in Japan and the US in 1998, however, it wasn’t sold here. The second-generation luxury sport RX 330 V6 was released in Australia in 2003 with immediate success, becoming Australia’s most popular luxury SUV. The RX went on to be Lexus’ most successful model globally. Now the fourth generation introduces itself with the RX 200t at $73,000, plus on-road costs; the RX 350 Luxury comes in at $88,583 on road; the RX 350 F Sport at $101,000; the RX 350 Sports Luxury $107,200; while the range is topped off with the RX 450h F Sport hybrid at $100,000 and RX 450h Sports Luxury for $106,000. Several Enhancement Packs can be added to the lower-range models. The test vehicle was the RX Line flagship, the RX 350 Sports Luxury, priced at $107,200 on road. There is no mistaking a Lexus RX 350 from the front, with its even deeper-set radiator grille. New Lexus RX is 120 mm longer and 10 mm wider, but 20 mm lower than the previous generation vehicle. Sports Luxury models feature wheels with coloured inserts and sequential LED front and rear indicators. It goes without saying that the RX 350 Sports Luxury passenger cabin combines high levels of build quality with superior ergonomics, with Lexus’ concept of Human Machine Interface separating the control and display zones to offer the driver fewer distractions. The remote touch controller is close at hand on the centre console. The instrument panel takes on a wide, flowing structure to provide a sense of openness. The multimedia screen in the display zone is positioned to minimise driver inattention from the road ahead. Lexus prevailed on the piano making maestros of long-term partner Yamaha to produce a finish which involves combining a thin veneer of wood and aluminium and
then making precision laser cuts through the wood to expose the metal. The result is a striking line that draws on the sharp contrast between the rich qualities of the wood and the cool appearance of the metal. The new audio head units have full-screen TFT display of the menu and satellite navigation maps, with 12.3-inch display. There is voice recognition and Bluetooth connectivity, with an Aux mini jack and two USB ports inside the console box. Situated on the centre console, Lexus remote touch interface allows navigation control by both driver and front passenger. The Enter function can now be controlled by switches on both sides of the remotetouch unit, while Back function has been included in front of the remote touch. The Mark Levinson 15-speaker audio features Clari-Fi (compressed music restoration technology) to optimise frequency characteristics, dynamic range, low-tone tension and detail reproduction of compressed audio sources such as MP3. RX 350 features a new 3.5-litre twin-cam V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, with 14 kW more power and 14 Nm more torque than the superseded motor. Lexus RX 350 uses a bespoke all-wheel drive system designed to maximise traction, cornering stability and driver control while saving fuel. All RX Line models have a pre-load front differential for improved take-off performance and straight-line stability. The Lexus RX line has achieved a fivestar safety rating from independent vehicle safety advocate the Australasian New Car Assessment Program following extensive crash tests. ANCAP in particular praised the high level of standard safety features on RX, such as autonomous emergency braking, via the pre-collision safety system, and lane keeping assist. Active safety also includes automatic high beam, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera with guidelines, clearance and back sonar, and tyre-pressure monitor. Brakes are ABS anti-skid with electronic
brake-force distribution, brake assist. There’s traction control, enhanced vehicle stability control and hill-start assist. Passive safety features include 10 airbags - dual-stage twin-chamber driver and front-passenger airbags, driver and frontpassenger knee airbags, and rear-seat side airbags. The body includes increased use of hightensile strength and hot-stamped steels, a new construction method for the door surrounds and a high-strength, lightweight aluminium rear-bumper reinforcement. Driving the RX 350 Sports Luxury is like talking in hushed tones. Quietly confident, it brought to mind ‘Whispering’ Ted Lowe, the breathy commentator on the popular BBC snooker show Pot Black. The eight-speed transmission can be used in D (automatic) or M mode, for a direct and sporty (fun) driving feel. The latter provides full torque-converter lock-up from third to eighth gears for ‘clutchless’ manual shifting when accelerating and lock-up from second to eighth when decelerating. Down changes are made with the transmission’s throttle blipping control matching engine speed to the gear. In addition, the RX 350 gearbox is linked to the Lexus Drive Mode Select function, with its Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport S and Sport S+ modes. The last two include newly adopted AIShift (Artificial Intelligence) Control, which uses information from a G-sensor on driving manner to provide the right gear ratio for performance driving, for example, to help set up for a corner and ensure optimum response on re-acceleration. In Normal mode the Sports Luxury test vehicle recorded fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway, but up to 16 litres per 100 kms in the city slog. Almost 30,000 RX units have been sold since it was introduced to Australia, putting it at the leading edge of Lexus’ sales here, accounting for between 30 and 40 per cent. With an all-round improvement in the Line, there’s no reason for owners not to be going back for more.
HAD a long bus ride the other day and took a look at some of the habits of drivers with whom we were sharing the road. Some of the things I saw were truly horrifying. In particular the people you have to call ‘passengers in the driver’s seat’. Drivers who had left in a bit of a rush, so had brought their meals along with them are a real worry. Watching one guy doing an accidental lane swerve while taking the wrapping off his hamburger had me in fear of taking part in a major bus crash. I shudder to think what would happen if one of these coffee mugs that many so-called drivers cart around on their laps was to get jolted by these snackers behind the wheel. A lady driver seemed to feel the need to catch up with her paperwork while rushing to the next appointment. Her diary was leaning on the steering wheel for consultation while her car was moving at about 80 km/h. Many seemed to be perpetually on their mobile phones, sometimes with it jammed between their ear and shoulder at a most cramped angle while they attempt to juggle the steering wheel, blinker lever and gearshift. Obviously relegating the vital business of driving to a position of minor importance. Then there was the idiot who was on the phone with a street directory on the steering wheel. Probably asking for directions and too stupid to pull off the road while doing so. I wonder if the person on the other end of the phone would be able to testify in the coroner’s court as to the final few moments of their colleague’s life as heard on the phone… These were the worst cases, others weren’t quite so bad, though they occurred in such large numbers to make me cringe. It intrigues me as to how many people like to drive and have a rest at the same time. An elbow on the door sill and one wrist draped over the steering wheel – in other words driving without either hand on the steering wheel – is common. An arm wrapped around the top of the front passenger seat and the body leaned towards the centre of the car is another popular one, being a particular favourite with the mobile sales reps. And some teenagers who think it’s cool to drive with the seat reclined so far they can barely reach the steering wheel are on a path to disaster. There’s only one way to drive a car. With two hands on the steering wheel, two eyes on the road and one hundred per cent of your concentration on the road all around you. Anything else is asking for trouble at best, and for destruction or death at worst. ewan@marquenews.com.au
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May 20 - 26 | 2016
CLASSIFIEDS 2012 Holden Captiva S, 42,000km, manual, 5 months rego (ZBV855). $14,999. Ph 0411 567 482.
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.
AUDI A6 2007, 3L turbo diesel, AWD, leather interior, sun roof, excellent condition, low kilometres, (1FC1DV), $20,000 ono. Ph 0435 920 428.
FORD Maverick, 1989, dual fuel, 7 seat, ST auto 4x4 wagon, silver, cloth trim, excellent condition, A/C, bull bar, tow bar, fog lights, cruise control. Reg. to Feb 2017, (FUJ584), RWC. Fully maintained by A grade motor mechanic since new, $5500. Ph 0412 681 499.
SOLD
HOLDEN VZ Commodore 6 litre 6 speed gear box plus VE HSV gear shifter, gear knob and boot, $1000 ono. Ph 0412 247 690.
JAYCO Destiny Poptop 2007. 18ft, excellent condition, H/W system, rear camera, extendable double bed, dual axle & electric brakes, TV/ DVD, gas & electric cooktops plus griller, fridge, water tank, deep cycle battery, plus many more extras. Reg. J66058. $19,990. Ph 0427 216 030.
2001 Commodore u t e , a u t o , t o w b a r, October 2016 (ZII421), 257,218km, no RWC, mechanically sound, new tyres, regularly serviced, $3000. Ph HOLDEN Commo- 0407 462 505. dore Z Series, 2013, silver, (ZOW743), NISSAN Navara 2011, 92,883kms, $15,000 151,000km, (ZZA122), ono. Ph 0448 597 220 $22,000 ono. Ph 0447 or 0419 129 460. 926 805.
FORD Ranger PX 2012, 6 speed manual, 2.2 turbo diesel, bluetooth, cruise control, tool box, tow bar, 65,000km, rego till end October (ZGN066), $20,500. Ph 0437 107 652.
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.
FALCON FG XR6 2011. Maroon, 6spd sports auto, 17” alloys, bluetooth, ipod connect, traction & cruise & climate control. Full service history, very good condition inside & out. RWC. 139,915 km. (YKD622). $13,500. Ph 0413 999 701.
2005 Holden Crewman dual cab VZ/S ute, V6 auto, hard lid Torneau cover, RWC, 120,000km, (WBL452), $10,500 neg. Phone Tony 0428 617 958.
2008 Jayco Sterling Caravan, 21.5 ft long, full ensuite, washing machine, large domestic fridge/freezer, reverse cycle air conditioner, stove with 3 gas burners, electric hot plate and oven, new tyres and wheel bearings, electric brakes, full annexe plus shade cloth wall for awning, excellent condition, always garaged when not in use, $37,000. Ph 0427 830 055.
FORD Focus 2010 Zetec, one lady owner, 71,000km, black leather interior, 5 star rating, 5 speed manual, (XTI388), Ford service history, RWC, $12,000. Ph 0411 896 432.
2010 Ford Falcon G6 Limited Edition FG Auto, $10,500. The registration is paid for to April 2017. 17" alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, iPod connectivity, power steering, cruise control, Bluetooth enabled system, tow pack, climate control and full leather interior. Rego (CMX93E). Ph 0457 365 760.
SOLD
1982 Jayco Finch, very good original condition, $3800, Wangaratta. Ph 0447 789 473.
SOLD
NISSAN Navara D40 (STX 550) hard lid, silver, good condition, comes with black or chrome sports bar, $700 ono. Ph 0412 247 690.
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
2002 Jayco Penguin, rego (P52-637), very good condition throughout, full annex in excellent condition, Q U I N T R E X 3 8 5 $10,500. Ph 0407 930 Explorer Eclipse, 20hp four stroke Yamaha 636. electric start and tilt near new, motor still under warranty, on Galvanized trailer, all in excellent condition, (KT879), VE Commodore $7250. Ph 0428 222 565. Omega Series 11 V6, 6 speed auto, rego till TOYOTA Hilux December 29, 2016, Workmate utility pet(YTZ971), excellent rol, dual cab, 2wd, condition, 94,000km, 2010, automatic, white, s e r v i c e d e v e r y (XZQ683), 85,499kms, Why not charge your advertisement to Mastercard or Visa? 10,000km, service book $14,500 ono. Ph 0448 and manual, $13,200. 597 220 or 0419 129 Ph 0400 321 567. 460.
SOLD
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