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 22-28, 2016
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LOOKS GOOD: Big and bold at the front, the long awaited Mercedes GLC makes a real styling statement.
Mercedes-Benz GLC is good-looking and practical
MERCEDES-BENZ Australia has been waiting for the GLC for years. Previous models in this class, with a tag of GLK, weren’t fitted with steering wheel on our side so couldn’t be imported. Now the local importer finally has a competitor in one of the most fiercely fought of all market segments in Australia, that of upmarket midsize SUVs. In case you’re wondering, the new Mercedes model numbering system indicates the body type in the first two letters and the Class in the final letter. Thus ‘GL’ means it’s an SUV, and ‘C’ means its a C-Class, model. (To add to the confusion Mercedes is known to be
By EWAN KENNEDY developing a GLC coupe, with an entirely different rear end.) We have just had the pleasure of reviewing a brace of this new model. The $64,500 Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d diesel we tested for our first week had 19-inch wheels, keyless entry and start, powered front seats, power tailgate, and LED Intelligent lighting. After dropping it off we picked up a $67,900 turbo-petrol which was really loaded with standard gear: These vehicles have 20-inch wheels, a Keyless-Go package, leather upholstery, privacy glass and Driver Assistance
Package Plus, more about the latter in our Safety segment of this review. STYLING A big, bold front end with one of the largest ‘three-stars’ badges in the centre leaves absolutely no doubt what you’re driving. The rest of the body’s shape is tidy, but tends to focus on practically ahead of look-at-me features. INFOTAINMENT Our cars were fitted with the Mercedes Comand system including satellite navigation with voice input, or you can use the reasonably intuitive touchpad. The audio system is a 13-speaker Burmester with surround sound.
WLAN with internet access for connected devices. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The SUV versions of the Mercedes C-Class, the GLC range has three models, two powered by a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine, the third a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor. The 220d puts we drove out 125 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. The Benz GLC 250 2.0-litre petrol produces 155 kW, and 350 Nm of torque from just 1200 rpm. It accelerates the GLC from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
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Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
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Apr 22 - 28 | 2016
Sizzling Peugeot 308 GTi By EWAN KENNEDY PEUGEOT 308 GTi isn’t just a dress up kit added on the assembly line, its engineering was carried done by Peugeot Sport. That’s the division which builds Peugeots for ultra-tough competitions in events like the Dakar rally and the Pike’s Peak hillclimb. This hot French GTi is offered in two specifications: the Peugeot 308 GTi 250 has a recommended retail price of $44,990, the 308 GTi 270 is sold at $49,990. On-road costs have to be added. The 250 and 270 refer to the output of the engines in horsepower. For details an Australian terms see the Engine section of the review. Our test car was the GTi 250 and came without the added-cost extras that crop up in a lot of our test vehicles. The Peugeot is powered by a responsive turbo-petrol engine that drives through well-controlled front wheels, and chassis dynamics that sit with the best of them. STYLING The French designers have given the 308 GTi a shape that’s stylish, but certainly not overdone. The sports grille and revised side skirts look good. The rear features a gloss-black section incorporating twin exhaust pipes that are finished in chrome. There are ‘GTi’ badges on the front guards, rear hatch, door sills and steering wheel. Interior trim is in a combination of mock leather, and alcantara in dark grey with red stitching on the seats and door trim. The gear knob and steering wheel also get stitching highlights. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS Both models use the same 1.6-litre fourcylinder turbo-petrol engine, but in two different states of tune. The numbers 250 and 270 in the GTi’s title refer to the output of the engines in horsepower. Metric power is rated at 184 and 200 kW. Torque is more important than power in real life driving and is a strong feature of this powerplant; both versions of the
At a Glance NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL PEUGEOT DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
308 GTi 250 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door hatch: $44,990 (manual)
308 GTi 270 1.6-litre turbo-petrol five-door hatch: $49,990 (manual)
STYLISH: Understated looks of the all-new Peugeot 308 GTi mask its true performance. engine develop peak torque of 330 Nm from just 1900 rpm. In other words top torque is on hand virtually all the time. The 250 engine has a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.2 seconds, the 270 stops the timer at 6.0. Peugeot GTi only comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. The company refuses to either confirm or deny its engineers are working on an automatic transmission. We would like to speculate that a sports-tuned dual-clutch auto is on the way. Given the faster shifts offered by a dualclutch it’s likely the 270 would easily drop into the five-second bracket. Then again, the skill required to change gears for yourself is something we really do enjoy. Long live manual cars! The GTi 270 uses of a Torsen limitedslip differential and its Electronic Stability Program puts more emphasis on driver skill by cutting in later. The ESP system can be fully disconnected, though this is only recommended for track days. INFOTAINMENT Peugeot’s 9.7-inch touchscreen gets a “Redline” finish in a red and black theme. Satellite navigation is standard, there’s 6.9Gb Jukebox for music storage, AM/ FM radio and a CD player. Two USB ports
capacity probably helps here. The ability to get out and around slower cars quickly and safely is always welcome. and Bluetooth connectivity complete the Pressing the Sport button on the centre package. console switches the instrument display Sound quality is good and we found from white to an angry red, it shows the radio picking up signals at greater additional information on the central distances than we often experience read-out (power, torque, boost, lateral and in other cars. However the latter isn’t longitudinal acceleration). exactly a scientific back-to-back test and Even better, using Sport mode enhances audio input is obviously influenced by the engine’s throaty growl. atmospheric conditions. A little more volume would be DRIVING appreciated, though. The front seats are a Peugeot Sport design Steering is fast, intuitive and predictable and support nicely, though not to the extent and the ability of this hot French machine of making ingress and egress a chore. to cling on in bends and change direction All seat adjustments are manual, quickly when asked to do really pleases something I’m happy with in a sports those who enjoy driving. model as cutting a few kilos by leaving On smooth roads the Peugeot can carry out electric motors is always nice. you long distances with ease thanks to the I enjoy the tiny low-set steering wheel well known ability of the French suspension that you look over the top of, but find folks to combine handling and comfort. Peugeot’s description of this as being a But road roar on coarse-chip surfaces is ‘head-up display’ a bit imaginative. probably too high if you just want a sporty A feature I love is that the speedo looking cruiser. We’re sure keen drivers will and tacho needles rotate in opposite put up with the noise for the added grip. directions. Some people find this irritating SUMMING UP - but they fail to see the challenge is to Serious drivers should try the Peugeot get the tips of the two needles as close to GTi 270 if they are considering track days. on another as possible. Having said that, Those simply looking for an excellent onwe never did achieve the ultimate needle road performer will probably be satisfied position of 250 km/h at 6500 rpm! with the 250 and save $5000 - why not Engine response is very good for a test drive both, before making you your high-performance turbo engine, the small mind though?
Mercedes-Benz GLC is good-looking and practical At a Glance
From page 1 There’s also a 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine with a sportier tune to give 150 kW and 500 Nm, we haven’t had a chance to test one of these for a week as yet. SAFETY The Driver Assistance Package Plus, has Distronic Plus cruise control with Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Brake and Pre-Safe Plus, Cross Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Nine airbags are fitted in case all the electronic crash avoidance systems still can’t handle the situation. DRIVING The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a genuine five-seater. There’s good space in the two front seats and the support provided is good without being overly aggressive. The rear seat has excellent legroom and can cope with three adults, though two plus a kid in the middle makes more sense for long distance trips. Boot space is excellent and the relatively squared off compartment is easy to load. The instrumentation is uncluttered and its information quickly and very readable. Steel springs and a variable damping system is standard, while the Merc GLC offers the option of a multi-chamber air suspension and electronically controlled,
NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MERCEDES-BENZ DEALER FOR DRIVE-AWAY PRICES.
GLC 250 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon: $67,900 (automatic)
GLC 220d 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $64,500 (automatic)
NICE TO DRIVE: The stylish Mercedes-Benz GLC. continuously adjustable damping. This Air Body Control suspension further improves driving stability. Mercedes GLC can also be equipped with the Off-Road Engineering package if you’re one of the few who actually intended to use an SUV in the conditions it’s designed for. Indeed it comes in at the bottom end of the 4WD, not merely SUV, field. The Off-Road Engineering package has five programs. ‘Slippery’ and four off-road programs for mild off-road terrain
such as gravel or sand tracks. ‘Incline’ aids climbing ability on steep ramps or long, slow uphill stretches. It even features a ‘Rocking Assist’ program in which the driving level is raised by 50 mm and the wheel-slip control thresholds are increased so as to enable the GLC do the best it can to work its way free if you really get into strife. Another off-road program, ‘Trailer’, is designed for towing off-road and facilitates moving off on wet grassland, or ice and snow. The package also includes a Gemtex
GLC 250d 2.2-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $69,900 (automatic) under-ride guard, which takes the stress out of heavy ground contact. There is Downhill Speed Regulation that maintains a pre-set speed on steep downhill runs. SUMMING UP A good looking vehicle that’s practical and carries the prestige of the MercedesBenz three-pointed star at the front. It’s hard to see the new GLC being anything other than a big success in the sales race.
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Apr 22 - 28 | 2016
Delving in to the latest self-driving cars EWAN KENNEDY OPINION
AUDI RS 7 SPORTBACK: It can be yours for a cool $258,000.
Audi Supercars command performance
By DEREK OGDEN
down four of the eight cylinders under partial load to save fuel. AUDI, the German automobile Performance is not left wanting in manufacturer with a huge amount of either vehicle. experience in long distance motor racing Acceleration has both reaching 100 – think Le Mans 24-hour – recently rolled km/h from rest in just 3.7 seconds (0.2 out several of its high performance cars sec quicker than the originals), with a at Phillip Island for us to enjoy. top speed of up to 305 km/h possible On the track were the Audi RS 6 Avant with the Dynamic Package Plus. and RS 7 Sportback models, both new to That’s V8 Supercar class. the Audi line-up Down Under. Power is put to ground via an eightIn the wings for a road loop were the speed tiptronic automatic and Audi’s Audi S8 plus and Audi SQ5 plus. quattro all-wheel drive system. First up was a chance to put the Avant Setting the pair apart from their run-ofand Sportback to some harsh treatment the-mill siblings extends to a titanium-look on a hosed down section of the track. finish, with accents on the single-frame With stability control systems disconnected grille, front spoiler and air intakes, mirror the cars were put through a slide. caps, window surrounds and rear diffuser. We were to attempt to get them New 21-inch wheels are in keeping with sideways and, followed by steering their matt titanium finish. correction and touch of the brakes, to Innovative Matrix LED headlights are have the quattro all-wheel drive put said to really light up the night without things to rights. blinding other road users. For a start, making a car with such We haven’t tested them at night as yet, a high standard of built-in safety go but will do so when we borrow a test car awry is not easy, neither is it something for a week. experienced drivers who pride This exacting standard of presentation themselves on keeping out of trouble are is continued inside the cabin with the called on to do every day. high-resolution Driver Information Needless to say, generally, everything System (DIS) between the speedometer went to plan with both cars handling the and tachometer readouts displaying situation with aplomb. clear map-based navigation in the An extended trackwork session brought driver’s natural field of vision. the best out of both vehicles. An overboost display is also present in The RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback are the DIS, and an Audi Drive Select button aimed at customers who are always looking is situated on the multi-function steering for an edge in high-performance machines. wheel, allowing the driver to dial up With V8 design convention thrown out different performance modes offered. of the window, the stonking 4.0-litre TFSI Cabin furnishings include Audi twin-turbo engine, stumping up 445 kW Exclusive combination of Alcantara and 700 Nm (750Nm on overboost), has and Valcona leather upholstery the exhaust and turbochargers sitting highlighted by Marcato blue honeycomb inside the ‘V’, and intakes plumbed to the stitching with a carbon fibre blue twill outside of the engine. inlay. Additional leather touches and The greater thermal efficiency of this contrasting stitching can further set layout aids better fuel efficiency and these models apart. lower emissions (Euro 6 compliant). In practical terms the RS 6 Avant and Also in play is the innovative cylinderRS 7 Sportback performance vehicles on-demand technology which shuts complement each other.
The RS 6 Avant is more versatile, with an extra 30 litres of luggage space (RS 6: 565 litres and RS 7: 535 litres) due to the squarer load area, yet the distinctive silhouette and styling of the RS 7 Sportback will make it the preferred choice for the design driven. As expected, sitting at the summit of the Audi RS range, both models come with a high level of standard equipment, including adaptive air suspension; digital TV with DAB plus; quattro sports differential; RS sports exhaust; head-up display; Audi parking system plus with front, rear and 360 degree view; park assist; panoramic (RS 6 Avant) glass sunroof; RS leather covered multifunction flat-bottom three-spoke sport steering wheel; and electric tailgate with gesture control. If that is not discerning enough, a $4900 dynamic package adds dynamic steering, a higher top speed of 280 km/h matched with Dynamic Ride Control suspension system, replacing the air setup with a hydraulic, diagonal link between the front and rear dampers to ensure the car is perfectly poised during dynamic driving. A $25,840 Dynamic package plus adds all of the above with an even higher top speed of 305 km/h and the incredible stopping power of ceramic brakes. A Carbon styling package ($8500) gives the vehicle a distinctive exterior, with a number of appealing touches in a raw carbon fibre finish. The RS 6 Avant performance 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic sells for $245,400, the RS 7 Sportback performance 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic $258,000, plus on-road costs. Both models are on sale now. In all situations throughout the drive day, technology and engineering of aerospace calibre were responsible for the impeccable behaviour of all the Audis in such uncompromising conditions.
I’M amazed by the number of people who ask my opinion about self-driving cars. Even friends and neighbours who have little or no interest in cars or driving often bring up the subject of autonomous cars. With the question, “When are they coming?” being asked pretty early in the conversation. Self-driving cars seem to be the dream of those who regard cars purely as a way of getting from point A to point B. Not surprisingly, they are hated with a passion by keen drivers who love nothing more than getting the best from their beloved cars, preferably on a favourite stretch of winding road at a quiet time. Interestingly, two totally different groups are keenest on buying an autonomous car: The first doesn’t come as a surprise: tech-savvy youngsters who are approaching driving age and simply love having the latest and greatest in electronics around them. Some even say they would sacrifice some of their spending on other tech items just to get into a self-driving car. The second group may initially come as a surprise - baby boomers. That’s because they will one day lose their mobility when their licences are cancelled after they fail a driving test. As I’m only about 15 to 20 years away from this horrendous happening I’m keeping a close eye on what is going on in the self-driving world. Fully autonomous cars, those without a steering wheel and pedals, are still many years away. Experts predictions range widely, generally from about 10 years to 30 years. However, many people are surprised to learn that partially autonomous cars are already on our roads. I know, I’ve driven them. You may well have been in horrible traffic with me the other day when a car and a truck managed to come together and blocked most of the M1 motorway south of Brisbane during peak hours. Bet you didn’t know I was letting the BMW do most of the boring work. The big Bimmer was keeping pace with the car in front and sitting squarely within the lane lines. It wasn’t as scary as you might think, though I did keep my brake foot on standby and didn’t let my hands get too far from the steering wheel. A couple of years back I drove a Mercedes-Benz CL 500 from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast, and let it do the work for about 40 per cent of the trip. It used it intelligent cruise control to keep the correct distance from the car in front and steered itself within the white lines. It did give me a visual nudge every 10 to 20 seconds to tell me to keep my hands on the steering wheel. All I had to do was touch the wheel briefly to give the car the impression I was steering again and off we went for another driverless spell.
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Apr 22 - 28 | 2016
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Delving in to self-driving cars From page 3 After two hours I got a warning from the Merc that I might be suffering from fatigue and should perhaps stop for a while. It really is amazing the amount of help cars are providing us these days. Particularly in active safety, that is avoiding a crash. Car companies are very aware of the legal ramifications of this sort of driving. I’m sure many of you will have ticked the ‘Agree’ box on your car’s infotainment systems to say you will take responsibility for safety - yet had no intention of doing so. Thinking that it’s okay to
send and receive texts. Fully autonomous vehicles will need incredibly complex systems. Indeed, it has been said that your self-driving family car will have more sensors to keep track of what’s happening around it than a giant Airbus A380. Surprised? So was I, till it was explained that the Airbus is travelling in highly regulated routes, will never be closer than 1000 metres to another aircraft, is being watched over by two highly qualified pilots, monitored by radar controllers on the ground, all while it’s keeping an electronic eye on other aircraft in its vicinity. Still on aircraft
comparisons; did you realise that on the road you’re often travelling closer to other vehicles than the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic team pilots during their amazing shows? With due respect to your driving skills, may I suggest that the RAAF pilots have had far more training than you? Driverless vehicles are a very complex subject, one that I will cover from time to time, with emphasis on individual topics within it. Would love to hear your opinions as well. As usual you can reach me on ewan@marquenews. com.au.
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