North East Motor Guide

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N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A

JUNE 22 - 28 | 2018

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

YANK TANK: Big, bold, brash and very American, the RAM 1500 is re-manufactured in Australia.

RAM 500

is one tough pickup truck

By EWAN KENNEDY chassis, but with a sophisticated suspension system. The front independent suspension combines upper control arms and aluminium lower control arms. The rear has a multi-link, coil-spring setup.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on all Ram 1500 Truck models sold in Australia .

RAM 1500 is offered in two cab sizes, the Express with the Quad Cab, and the Laramie with the Crew Cab. Although the Quad is the smaller of the two it has impressive levels of shoulder and hip room. The Laramie has a full crew cab with 3.5 cubic metres of interior space with a rear seat legroom length of more than a metre, making it is as

spacious in the back as the front.

There are two tub sizes, with the largest almost two metres long and more than 1.2 metres wide between the wheel arches.

RamBoxes, two 240 litre lockers on either side of the tub, can be used as secure storage or as a pair of ice-filled cool boxes.

The RAM 1500 Express has a colourmatched grille, bumpers and interior trim, making it a sort of sporty model. It can be optioned with a Black Pack which turns everything to black.

RAM Laramie has a more traditional chrome grille as well as chromed highlights and is aimed at those looking for luxury. It has heated and cooled ventilated leather faced front seats, even a heated steering

wheel. Then there’s deep pile carpeting.

Unfortunately, illness prevented us from getting to the Australian launch of the RAM 1500, but we have our names down for test vehicles and will get back to you with road test reviews asap.

RAM TRUCK RAM Truck was launched as a standalone division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2009. The Ateco Group is the sole authorised importer and distributor of RAM trucks for Australia and New Zealand. The trucks are imported directly from the North American factory in left-hand drive and then remanufactured to right hand drive on a purpose-built production line in Melbourne.

Continued page 2 21D11337-v156/2518

THE RAM 1500 has arrived in Australia and is a large pickup, or ute if you prefer that term. Powered by a 5.7-litre Hemi V8 (291 kW, 390 horsepower, and 556 Nm at 3950 rpm) it’s aimed to replace the much loved V8 utes that once upon a time were sold by Ford and Holden.

Priced from $79,990, driveaway the RAM 1500 sits a fair way above the late lamented Aussie utes, but you do get a lot of automotive real estate for your money. At 5.8 metres long and a little over two metres wide, the RAM 1500 is significantly larger than other utes. There is significantly more space inside and outside and a much larger towing capacity, at 4.5 tonnes.

This is a proper truck, built on a separate

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2

June 22 - 28 | 2018

2018 BMW 630i M Sport Gran Turismo

THE most commonly-asked question of motoring journalists is, “What’s your favourite car?” Which leads to a dilemma.

Do you tell them the truth – and generally disappoint them – by saying that it varies according to the circumstances and location in which it’s to be driven.

Around the inner city it would be a small economical hybrid; on the motorway a comfortable cruiser; off-road, a rugged 4WD or ute.

Or to tell a little white lie and give them what you know they really want to hear – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche… etc.

So it’s with a measure of relief that I can now respond with a clear conscience, while dropping a few names along the way; that my favourite car is the BMW 630i M Sport Gran Turismo in which I chauffeured a very good friend who invited me as a guest when he was recently presented with an Order of Australia medal by the NSW Governor, David Hurley.

The big Beemer attracted plenty of admiring looks as we proceeded through Sydney as well as some positive comments from the various officials that ushered us along as we took pride of place in the Government House carpark with its views over the Bridge, Opera House and harbour.

But enough of my ego tripping, what is so special about the BMW 630i GT? While it’s based on the same platform as the 5 Series the Gran Turismo’s is much more stylish than the conservative 5, with a tapered roofline that justifies, at least in BMW’s eyes, for them to describe it as a four-door coupe. At 5091 mm it’s 87 mm longer and at 1539 mm is 20 mm lower.

While fuel consumption isn’t likely to be a significant factor for buyers of a car that starts at $123,500 there are environmental benefits of using the official number of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The BMW 630i GT is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that generates 190 kW, and 400 Nm from just 1550 rpm.

A high-performance variant is also available. Powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol with a twin-scroll turbocharger the BMW 640i xDrive reaches 250 kW and 450 Nm. The xDrive indicates that it has all-wheel drive.

Fuel efficiency is helped by the car’s lightweight structure and enhanced aerodynamic features such as an adaptive grille which opens and closes depending upon differing cooling needs and air breathers behind the front wheels.

Both models have eight-speed sports automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles.

INTERIOR Our BMW 630i had a bright and pleasant interior courtesy of cream Dakota leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof.

When they weren’t exploring the various

By EWAN KENNEDY

features around them – or giving mock royal waves along the Government House driveway – our two rear seat occupants loved the space and comfort provided to them.

There’s a 610-litre boot, extendable with 40:20:40 rear seatbacks down. Automatic tailgate operation is always fun.

INFOTAINMENT Both variants use BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system displayed on a 10.25inch touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard which can also be controlled by either the traditional rotary dial mounted on the centre console or by voice control.

Directly in front of the driver is a 12.3-inch multi-function instrument display screen that can be customised to the driver’s preferences.

The sound system is a 16-speaker Harmon/Kardon unit, there are two USB sockets, extended Bluetooth functionality, DAB digital radio and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

SAFETY In addition to the standard range of safety equipment the 6 Series sedans have a package of advanced features called Driving Assistant Plus that include active cruise control; steering and lane control assist; lane keeping assist and departure warning; active side collision protection; front and rear cross-traffic warning; crossroads warning; evasion aid; and rear collision prevention.

Both variants also get enhanced M Sport brakes.

Also standard is Parking Assistant Plus which includes automated parking; front and rear park distance control; and front, rear and top view cameras.

There’s also a head-up display to reduce the amount of time the driver’s eyes are diverted from the road ahead.

DRIVING The BMW 630i is a natural grand tourer – our down and back cruise along the M1 between the Central Coast and Sydney was smooth and relaxed both for the car and its occupants. The interior is extremely quiet.

Although there’s good visibility to the front and sides the larger A-pillar can cause problems around town and likewise the sloping angle of the hatch also restricts rearward visibility.

Once back to driving solo we took off into our normal semi-rural route to try out the BMW Adaptive 2-axle air-suspension system. There are three modes the names of which effectively explain their purpose: EcoPro, Comfort and Sport. Switching to Sport mode allows the car to lower itself by 10 mm and raise the rear spoiler for improved grip and traction.

Alternatively, the height can be raised by up to 20 mm to provide extra ground

RAM 500

is one tough truck From page 1 RAM Trucks are produced with full volume import approval, meaning they are fully compliant with all Australian design rules.

They are sold and supported by an Australia and New Zealand-wide dealer network.

“Our aim has always been that, so far as the customer is concerned, buying and owning a RAM, be it the new 1500 or its heavy-duty brothers, the 2500 and 3500, should be absolutely no different from

buying any other mainstream vehicle,” says Alex Stewart, general manager of RAM Trucks Australia.

“This means everything from production line quality and consistency of product, to a national dealer network, a factory supported warranty, through to back up of full parts and accessory warehouses in Sydney and Auckland that can deliver parts to anywhere in the country within 24 hours.”

BIG BEEMER: BMW 630i GT looked right at home in the grounds of NSW Government House. clearance for low-speed driving on uneven roads.

The eight-speed gearbox is smooth and fast with shift paddles for DIY changing.

While it’s unlikely that many buyers will be throwing the big Beemer around corners it’s reassuring to know that because it sits relatively low it can be done safely.

At the end of our week with a blend of urban, highway and country driving fuel consumption averaged out at a very acceptable 8.1 L/100 km for such a large vehicle.

SUMMING UP It’s difficult to categorise the BMW 630i

Gran Turismo. It looks like a coupe, but with the convenience of four passenger doors, a load area that’s almost to the level of a wagon and with its air suspension raised to its highest level isn’t that far short of an SUV. With its high quality interior finish, comfortable seats, large windscreen and side windows and panoramic sunroof it’s a lovely vehicle to just sit in. Although its natural habitat is the German autobahn it cruises smoothly, almost silently and economically on our much slower motorways.

All in all a very impressive and versatile vehicle.

3

June 22 - 28 | 2018

NATURALLY ACCEPTABLE: Hyundai’s Ioniq range has the charge to become an electrical icon.

HYUNDAI IONIQ hybrid premium

By VANI NAIDOO HYUNDAI’S electrically influenced Ioniq range is just about ready to go on sale in Australia. There are a few of them getting around, loaned to lucky fleet users, as the Korean company get a feel for what its real debut may herald.

While colleagues have looked at performance, battery capacity and Hyundai’s really drive to stretch out, we were able to put this new looker to the family test.

STYLING With its sleek lines, well-appointed front end and hatchback rear the Ioniq Hybrid makes quite a pretty picture. You can save the planet and look good too. It matters not that the really worthy exterior elements are more about achieving a fuelsaving aerodynamic shape than wanting to run with the cool kids.

It is eye-catching, in a good way, and aside from the poor rear visibility, there is nothing to test the complaints department.

The interior is much more demure than I was expecting. Aside from the energy-use instrumentation that shares space with the speedometer and the Eco climate change option, there is little to separate the Ioniq, visually at least, from a petrol guzzler.

That could be a good thing, I suppose, but a little bit of flash design wouldn’t hurt either.

The materials themselves are recycled or sustainably sourced and look and feel, for the most part, of approving quality.

Lodgings are comfortable, both front and back, with seating comfortable without stretching to plush. The phone charging plate at the bottom of the centre stack is a useful touch although storage could be a tad better – a solitary front cup holder and shallow door pockets feels wanting. Even the environmentally-conscious have stuff.

The sloping roof which may hinder taller passengers has no problems accommodating the kids. Two is a better number than three though as the centre seat is a touch hard. There are two IsoFix points should you have littlies.

My girls loved the sunroof and the idea of travelling in a car powered in much the

same way as their battery-operated toys – it’s a stretch, but parents embellish the truth, okay? – but did bemoan the lack of a USB point in the back.

Surprisingly, the boot is practical, offering up 456-litres with the 60:40 rear seat in position. That will do you a fair grocery shop even with the school bags chucked in haphazardly and let’s not forget there is a full-sized spare in there too.

INFOTAINMENT An 8.0-inch split colour touchscreen is as adept as giving you the energy breakdown as it is in providing reliable directions.

Graphic quality is great, as is connectivity, with the up-to-date traffic information saving valuable gridlock time too.

The warnings of “children crossing ahead”, were alarming at first in the pitch dark but quickly became a slight annoyance, as did the over-sensitive lanekeeping assist.

There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you are unable to be parted from the comforts of your smartphone screen and a decent eight-speaker stereo to listen to those tunes.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS So the Ioniq Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine capable of 77kW of power and 147Nm of torque and a 32kW electric motor taking that output to 103kW and 265Nm. This is no speed demon of course but there is more than

enough to get you around the city and along the open road too.

Hyundai have opted for a six-speed dualclutch transmission rather than a CVT. It is an efficient performer, helped not even a smidgen by almost incongruous paddle shifters.

SAFETY The Ioniq Hybrid Premium doesn’t have an ANCAP safety rating yet but it certainly doesn’t miss a beat with seven airbags, front and rear-parking sensors and a much-needed rear view camera.

This variant also includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

DRIVING Hybrids or purely electric cars are always an interesting proposition. Giving the kids a final warning that they need to get in the car only for them to leave it until the engine is running before they blast out the door doesn’t work here, because there is deathly quiet when you turn the key. That silence can be quite eerie actually, even more so for the pedestrians that don’t hear you alongside.

By and large, however, the Ioniq Hybrid is a comfortable, easy drive with the car itself simple to get accustomed to and its little idiosyncrasies gentle enough to live with. Performance is a combination

of electric and petrol and you have little choice as to which medium will engage, the pressure of your foot on the accelerator the only indicator really of whether the Ioniq will answer with a growl.

You can’t select electricity-only mode, but one kicks in at really low speeds or when reversing or gently coasting along, it won’t stay that way unless you are super light on the throttle.

Energy from braking is stored to recharge the battery and it won’t be long before you become enthralled in the game of trying to fill as many bars on the battery indicator as possible.

Hyundai Ioniq feels settled thanks to its Australian suspension and steering tuning.

It is quick to adapt, easy to manoeuvre despite a light steering. While it may hint at a sluggish nature, it will not leave you in the lurch should a burst of speed be needed.

It will go willingly into quick corners without really relishing the experience, needs definite direction if you want it to stop quickly and can be a touch loud on some road surfaces.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 3.2L/100km and we stayed around 4.0L/100km during our week which is pretty amazing.

The Ioniq Hybrid lacks for nothing in the equipment stakes which is a boon for families with a features list that includes sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, auto headlights and wipers, and heated and cooled seats.

This hybrid is backed by a five-year unlimited kilometres warranty and will also likely be a part of the capped-price servicing program.

SUMMING UP Hyundai’s Ioniq Hybrid is sure to make waves. When the plug-in hybrid and pure electric models arrive, this mighty Ioniq triumvirate will give the Korean manufacturer yet another string in its bow. The Ioniq helps demystify electricpowered cars making them ordinary enough to be popular. It allows people to go about their day in a sensible, wellequipped, good-looking car while doing their bit for the planet. Who can argue with that?

4

June 22 - 28 | 2018

MINI

gets fashion and tech makeover

By EWAN KENNEDY

„ VARIETY: New colour choices and restyling of the Mini badges add to appeal.

that adapts to the road ahead.

We’ve yet to road test the revised Minis but will do so asap and check out the new lights.

Mini Connected uses the 4G network and includes 5HDO 7LPH 7UDI² F ,QIRUPDWLRQ Remote Services, Connected Services and TeleServices. $SSOH &DU3OD\ LV ² WWHG DV standard across the Mini ranges. Wireless phone charging is standard on Cooper S and JCW variants and the Cooper Convertible.

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P h 0 4 2 8 8 4 7 6 5 7 . AUDI A4 Avant wagon, www.victoriancaravan 2009, auto, 1.8lt turbo, storage.com.au leather seats, sunroof, new tyres, 174,000km CARAVANS & (engine 68,000km), CAMPERS RWC supplied, rego (XCD279), $9800 ono.

SLIDE on camper, excellent conditon, Ph 0447 942 980. $4500. Ph 0427 212 060.

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AUDI, 1.8ltr, 2004, current R.W., black, 160,000km, petrol, auto, (1MD9TL), $3200. Ph 0435 067 689.

HOLDEN Cruze SRI, 2013, 88,000km, immaculate, reg (1AG5HC), $11,000 ono. Ph 0427 205 026.

2015 Maxda CX-9, meteor grey, immaculate condition, lady owner, HOLDEN Astra Classic, low 38,000km, full 5 door hatchback, Mazda service history, 2005, September 18 (COOP.4), $36,500. Ph rego (1ND4WX), auto, 5721 5542.

2015 Jeep Cherokee aircon, power steering,

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SUZUKI Vitari, 95, 4x4 manual, 5 door wagon, many extras, always serviced, RWC, full rego (QFP601), $7500 ono.

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COMMODORE wagon, 2003, VY Executive Series 2, full known history, auto, power steering, air cond, tow bar, 298,800km, well serviced, reg to Dec 2018, (SLY518), log books, 2007 Jeep Wrangler $2500. Ph 5721 6231.

Unlimited Sports for sale, 6 speed 4x4 NISSAN Pulsar 1999, manual, $16,000 ono, 2 4 8 , 0 0 0 k m s , r eg o RWC, well maintained (QIF328), new tyres, vehicle, 4 door, 5 seats excellent condition, soft top, great vehicle, manual. Good learners (UTE947). Contact ďŹ rst car, $2800. Ph 0411 Andrew or Chantal 0428 635 818.

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MINI has updated its +DWFKEDFN WKUHH DQG ² YH door) and Convertible models.

They have received a facelift, a new touchscreen infotainment system and Mini Connected 4G. Very much a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pleasecustomise-meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; car, the Mini can be ordered in many new colour and trim options. Five exterior colour options have been added for both Hatch and Convertible: Solaris Orange, Emerald Grey, Starlight Blue, Melting Silver and Chili Red. Then you can choose from a range of contrasting colour roof, as well as striping options.

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An adaptive LED system is optionally available and uses a matrix high beam function

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