North East Motor Guide

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

APRIL 21 - 27

| 2017

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

NEW MAZDA2: It displays style and quality inside and out.

Updates for LIKE a featherweight fighter, the Mazda2 has just squared up to opponents in the light-car division with upgraded versions of its popular sub-compact passenger vehicle.

Available in four hatchback versions – Neo, Maxx, Genki and GT – and three sedans – Neo, Maxx and GT- the new Mazda2 follows on from the Mazda3 and 6 with G-Vectoring Control producing even safer handling.

In a first for the light-car segment, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert come to Mazda2, being fitted as standard on up-spec Genki and GT. This joins smart city brake - forward support across the range (the only volume seller to do this) and smart city brake

By DEREK OGDEN support – reverse, now standard from the Maxx up.

Updates to suspension and recalibration of electric power steering have bettered ride and handling, and wind noise has been reduced by an insulated windscreen.

Likewise engine noise and road noise are kept at bay by insulation and suspension damping.

Like its larger stablemates, the new Mazda2 gains an upgraded steering wheel, while each member of the new range is full of distinguishing features.

Neo and Maxx now include electric folding mirrors with integrated indicators,

Mazda 2

with Maxx also earning DAB+ radio (note that the CD player has been deleted across the range).

Genki gets automatic folding mirrors, LED foglamps, a colour active driving display, and blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert as standard.

GT rides on modern silver 16-inch alloy wheels as stylish as they come, with interior upgrades including white leather trim. Both are topped off with the latest shark fin antenna on hatch models.

Contemporary colours include a new Deep Crimson Mica, with debuts by Eternal Blue Mica, Meteor Grey Mica and Jet Black Mica all joining Soul Red Metallic, Dynamic Blue Mica, Snowflake White Pearl Mica and

Aluminium Metallic on the palette.

The new Mazda2 is powered by a 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, with an up-spec version for Maxx, Genki and GT with i-stop, mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

There has been no change to prices over the previous models, with the entry-level Neo manual hatch and sedan at $14,990 (auto $2000 extra) and the GT equivalents topping out the range at $21,680 and $23,680, respectively. All prices are driveaway.

The Mazda2 GT hatch we are currently testing has quality materials and very good fit and finish.

Continued page 2

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2

Apr 21 - 27 | 2017

Updates for Mazda 2

NEW SUBARU

From page 1

IMPREZA: It is targeting younger buyers.

Impreza hatch looks to impress the Millennials

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY SUBARU Impreza has been on sale in Australia for nearly a quarter of a century and has earned a well-deserved reputation for long life and reliability.

Brand loyalty has also been one of Subaru’s strengths but not one on which the company can rest on its laurels given that loyal buyers, inevitably, get older every year.

With this in mind the latest (fifth generation) Impreza, launched here at the end of 2016, breaks away from the wagon-like lines of previous hatchback models to a more eye-catching style no doubt to try and attract younger customers.

While it’s too early to measure the success of this move, overall combined sedan / hatchback sales have already reached nearly two-thirds of the 2016 total and we’d be surprised if hatch numbers aren’t dominating.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the looks of the sedan.

It’s conservative yet stylish without going over the top - which is exactly the way more mature owners like their Subarus.

The 2017 Impreza is the first model to be built on the all-new Subaru Global Platform, a modular platform that the company will use, with variations as necessary, in every new model it designs for at least the next decade.

While cost-saving is clearly an important factor in the use of the new platform it will, according to Subaru Australia, also offer new levels of crash protection, fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment.

As is the norm with updated models the Gen 5 Impreza is larger in all exterior dimensions with the exception of the height of the hatch which is marginally lower.

Extra length, wheelbase and width combine to provide extra rear seat space for four adults in relative comfort although it’s best suited for two adults and three children.

Boot capacity and accessibility has been improved with extra width both at the boot opening and between the wheel housings.

Four model variants are available each with the choice of sedan or hatch and all with the same engine and transmission.

At a Glance Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Subaru dealer for driveaway prices.

2.0i 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $22,400 (CVT) 2.0i 2.0-litre five-door hatch: $22,600 (CVT) 2.0i-L 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $24,490 (CVT) 2.0i-L 2.0-litre five-door hatch: $24,690 (CVT) 2.0i-Premium 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $26,290 (CVT) 2.0i-Premium 2.0-litre five-door hatch: $26,490 (CVT) 2.0i-S 2.0-litre petrol four-door sedan: $28,990 (CVT) 2.0i-S 2.0-litre five-door hatch: $29,190 (CVT) Wheel size is 17-inch up to the 2.0i-Premium with the 2.0i-S riding on 18-inch, all are alloys.

All MY17 Impreza models come with all-wheel drive; seven airbags; ABS brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist; Vehicle Dynamics Control; reversing camera; and tyre pressure monitoring system.

The 2.0i-L and 2.0i-Premium also get Subaru’s impressive EyeSight Driver Assist system that uses stereo cameras to monitor what’s happening in front of the car.

The 2.0i-S adds Active Torque Vectoring; automatic headlights and windscreen wipers; steering responsive LED headlights; Blind Spot Monitoring; Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Standard across the range are sixspeaker audio, Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Impreza 2.0i-L adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with the 2.0i-Premium and 2.0i-S getting TomTom-based satellite navigation.

All models are powered by an upgraded version of Subaru’s 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated flat-four ‘boxer’ engine that produces 115 kW of power, and 196 Nm of torque at a relatively high 4000 rpm although there’s good pulling power from around 2000 revs.

All models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven pre-set ratios used through steering wheel paddles.

A six-speed manual is available in other markets but Subaru Australia has no plans to bring it here.

We were able to drive an Impreza sedan and hatch back-to-back with the striking red five-door grabbing the more admiring looks from our neighbourhood

assessors who eagerly look forward to seeing what we’re driving each week.

What they couldn’t see, and what was the most significant change, were the improvements brought on by the new platform.

The extra body rigidity certainly improved handling most noticeably in the 2.0i-S with its torque vectoring which electronically monitors the car’s body attitude in corners and changes engine and individual brake settings to further improve road holding.

The new platform also has extra sound deadening features throughout the car and made for comfortable cruising.

CVTs continue to evolve and there is virtually none of the high revving that was a feature of early models in the new Impreza but still with the engine at its optimum revolutions.

We averaged 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres in our test of the Impreza hatch, only 0.9 L/100 km over the factory test.

Subaru Impreza competes in the most competitive segment of the Australian car market and is showing some interesting initiatives to try to attract sales from the top sellers from Toyota, Mazda and Hyundai.

These include moving into a number of major shopping centres with what are called the ‘Pop Up’ stores.

These are an alternative to traditional dealerships where cars can be displayed and future test drives can be booked.

There is also the opportunity to test drive one of 101 Imprezas for an extended period in a partnership between Subaru and car rental company DriveMyCar. With its combination of styling enhancements and improved driving qualities the new model looks like drawing sales away from its rivals.

Minimalism is the catch-cry, with two-tone blackand-white seats replaced by solid white material extending as far as the seatback.

The seat centre section is given a new look with dot pattern material with a thin red line, flanked by fine rows of stitching running up the centre of the back, distinguishing the depth of the seat.

Black accents added to the shoulder sections unite the whole design.

Piano black and satin chrome highlights and door trim stitching add to the quality feel.

An upgraded steering wheel has been stolen from the prestige Mazda CX-9 SUV. Automatic folding mirrors on locking the car give an easy check as to whether the car is secured from the outside when walking away.

An active driving display directly in front of the driver has been improved to help them concentrate on driving the vehicle.

Now full colour, it is brighter and has more contrast, with warnings displayed in red and amber.

The main dial consists of a traditional analogue tachometer and digital speed read-out, both easy to read at a glance.

This is flanked by LCD displays, including in the test vehicle suggested gear-shift points to obtain optimum performance and economy from the 1.5-litre engine.

Info is also reflected as a head-up display that’s set to focus at 1.5 metres from the driver’s eyes.

Speed and speed limits, turn-by-turn sat nav directions and safety system information are displayed.

A full-colour 7.0-inch display screen is situated on the top of the central dashboard, once again at driver eye level, with data control from a wheel and switches on the centre console.

Menu switching can also be done via voice control.

Mazda MZD Connect gives easy access to the internet and social networking services.

Internet radio Aha by Harman is included.

The high-spec engine in the GT comes with the Mazda i-stop engine start / stop system aimed at saving fuel.

If you don’t want to reduce emissions it can be turned off.

With 81 kW of peak power and 141 Nm of torque, the high-compression motor works best in the higher rev range, doing so accompanied by a brassy note.

In a solid workout over several days of city living the Mazda2 GT hatch six-speed manual averaged fuel consumption straddling nine litres per 100 kilometres, while when set free on the motorway, it recorded a best figure of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

Nimble steering makes the Mazda2 the ideal town car for zippy heavy traffic manoeuvres, while rear cross traffic alert warns audibly of vehicles behind when reversing out of parking spots.

Brakes are ventilated discs at front and drums the back with pedal feel tuned to the driver’s input for vehicle safety and stability.

A lightweight, rigid body structure ensures occupants protection in the event of an accident.

Cabin storage space in the hatchback boot is 250 litres, enough space for a large suitcase or average-size baby stroller.

The tailgate is light and easy to operate via a button on the inside lip.

Even the quality of sound heard when closing the Mazda2 rear doors has been addressed in the new model to make it more pleasing to the ears.

Premium quality is certainly Mazda’s aim.

At a Glance Mazda2 Neo hatch or sedan: $14,990 (manual), $16,990 (automatic)

Mazda2 Maxx hatch or sedan:

$17,690 (manual), $19,690 (automatic)

Mazda2 Genki hatch or sedan:

$20,690 (manual), $22,690 (automatic)

Mazda2 GT hatch or sedan:

$21,680 (manual), $23,680 (automatic)

3

Apr 21 - 27 | 2017

USED CAR CHECKOUT Toyota Prado 2003 - 2016

By EWAN KENNEDY TOYOTA imports a large number of 4WD, SUV and crossover vehicles to Australia and dominates our market here.

The Toyota Prado sits a couple of steps down in the range, beneath the tough LandCruiser 70 Series light truck and the rugged LandCruiser station wagon.

Beneath the Prado comes the Toyota Kluger, then the Toyota RAV4.

Do some initial research to see which model best suits your needs.

Though it has body-on-chassis construction the Prado is aimed chiefly at buyers who will do almost all their driving on-road, but who want to get semi-serious at times on weekends or perhaps even long holiday trips.

Parking a Prado can be a problem until you get used to its bulk.

Prado is an excellent compromise between a people mover and a 4WD and has proven popular in the 21 years it has been on sale here.

Australia’s first Prados were superseded in February 2003 by a virtually all-new model.

That Prado lasted till November 2009, when the fourth-generation was introduced.

In this feature we will concentrate on the 2003 models onwards as the others are getting on in years may have had some tough times.

Prior to the 2009 model Prado was sold only as a five-door station wagon, with either five or eight seats.

From 2009 Prado five-door was a seven-seater, no longer an eight-seater.

Engines are four-cylinder turbo-diesel and V6 petrol.

Though the diesel engine is more economical, many owners really like the smoothness and responsiveness of the big capacity V6s.

Transmission choices were five-speed manual and a four-speed electronic automatic in both petrol and diesel variants until September 2004, then five-speed automatics began to appear with the V6 petrol engines.

It was a couple of years before the fivespeed reached the diesel-automatic.

The manual went up to six speeds in 2004.

A major facelift and the introduction of a new-design turbo-diesel arrived in Australia in October 2015.

These are still relatively rare on the used-car scene so we won’t cover them in this feature.

Toyota is well represented just about everywhere in Australia that there’s civilisation – and in plenty of places civilisation may never reach.

Spares and repairs are usually readily available, though if you’re in the distant outback you may have to wait for unusual parts to be delivered.

There’s acres of underbonnet space so it’s quite easy to do a fair bit of your own servicing and some repairs on a Prado.

As always, don’t do anything that can affect safety.

Insurance is usually towards the lower end of the premium scale for this class.

We don’t see any major differences in charges between the big insurers, but it’s still worthwhile trying to get a better price.

FORD’S EVEREST: It is a fine looking SUV that makes a good people mover.

Value-added Ford Everest now available

By EWAN KENNEDY

KEEN to cash in on the current craze for buying SUVs rather than cars Ford Australia has added extra models to its Everest Ambiente range, fitted extra equipment to other models and, in many cases, reduced prices.

Everest range now includes a new Ambiente two-wheel-drive (the rear wheels) with five-seats and a suggested list price of $47,990.

Adding a third row of seats only puts another $1000 to the price.

Ford Everest Ambiente models now have standard Sync3 including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

This is operated through an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen.

This display also shows the reversing camera and controls the dual-zone climate control.

Ambiente has an upgraded 10-speaker audio system.

All Everest Ambientes now come standard with running boards.

As there is no longer any pretence that people buy SUVs as off-road vehicles, the running boards, which reduce off-road capability, reflect Ford’s push towards fashion before function.

The Everest Ambiente comes standard as a five-seater with an optional seven-seat configuration.

There’s 1050 litres of cargo space behind the Ambiente’s second row 60:40 split-fold seat.

Second-row air conditioning and heater controls are installed on the rear of the centre console for second-row passengers.

When fitted with the optional third row seat, the Everest Ambiente also offers five child-seat anchor points, with two IsoFix anchor points in the second row.

The Everest Ambiente shares the Everest 4WD’s Australian-engineered chassis.

It benefits from the same 225 mm ground clearance.

At a Glance Ambiente 3.2L RWD 6-speed automatic five-seat $47,990 (new variant) 3.2L RWD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $48,990 (new variant) 3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic five-seat $52,990 (new variant) 3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $53,990 (previously $54,990) Trend 3.2L RWD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $53,990 (previously $55,990) 3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic seven- seat $58,990 (previously $60,990) Titanium 3.2L 4WD 6-speed automatic seven-seat $74,990 (previously $76,705) Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges.

Contact your local Ford dealer for driveaway prices.

It even has the same all-terrain tyres as Everest 4WD models.

This will be able to travel to off-road areas that may even trouble some so-called SUVs that are really only tall station wagons.

Ford Everest Ambiente RWD offers the same 3000kg braked towing capability as the Everest 4WD. Proving it’s tow-ready, Ambiente comes with Trailer Pre-wiring as standard, so is covered by Ford’s new car warranty.

Trailer Sway Control is also standard.

The 2017 Everest Trend comes standard with seven-seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and higher equipment levels than the Ambiente.

Satellite Navigation with Traffic Management Channel, previously an option, is now standard as part of the Trend’s Sync3 infotainment system.

Driver Assist Technology includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Forward Collision Alert (FCA) helps drivers who aren’t paying attention to prevent a crash, or reduce the severity in the event of a collision.

Everest Trend also features Lane Keeping System.

If the vehicle starts to drift from the centre, the system can help guide the vehicle back through gentle steering torque.

If further drifting is sensed, the system is designed to emit a warning vibration through the steering wheel to wake up

the inattentive driver.

The flagship Titanium has polished 20-inch alloy wheels and chromed door handles and side mirrors.

A 4WD and room for seven occupants it has electrically-folding third-row seating and a powered panoramic sunroof.

Everest Titanium features eight-way power front seats with leather accents complemented by leather trimmed steering wheel and gear lever to add to the premium feel.

Blind-Spot Information warns drivers of blind-spots created because they haven’t adjusted the door mirrors correctly.

Cross-Traffic Alert is a handy safety feature in tight parking areas.

A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System alerts the driver of a puncture.

The Everest Titanium is distinguishable by its HID headlights to give the driver better vision of the road and surroundings during the night, while LED daytime running lights make the Everest more visible.

Ford’s 2017 $450 million R&D investment in Australia includes the high-tech Asia Pacific Product Development Centre in Melbourne as part of a $50 million investment in R&D facilities through a new virtual reality engineering facility that speeds development, improves efficiency of next-gen vehicles for Australia as well as on global markets.

4

Apr 21 - 27 | 2017

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