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N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A
NOVEMBER 24 - 30
| 2017
> available online - www.nemedia.com.au
Mercedes Utes THE eagerly awaited, though somewhat surprising, Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute is getting closer to Australia by the day. With the announcement of pricing – from $45,450 for a manual cab-chassis, to $64,500 for a luxurious dual-cab – the working Benz will compete with the top end of utes from more traditional sources. Or to be more precise, the top end of traditional utes with a stack of extras - because you will have to pay about
By EWAN KENNEDY $5000 to $15,000 extra for the Merc comparing like for like. Why is Merc selling utes? Because all over the world, and very strongly in Australia, buyers are getting into these big machines, seeing them as a good cross between work and play. Will Aussies buy Mercedes X-Classes? Too right they will, the prestige that
DENI’ UTE MUSTER ANYONE? Threepointed star in a huge grille makes no doubt Australia’s newest ute is a Mercedes-Benz.
- yes utes
goes with that front end will have them ³ RFNLQJ WR WKH VKRZURRPV LI WKH\ KDYH the extra bucks to spare. It’s no secret that the X-Class is based on a Nissan Navara ute, but has a different body and revised underpinnings. Mercedes X-Class will be launched in April 2018, initially with thirteen models. They will be powered by a choice of two 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesels.
One a 220 d with 120 kW of power and 140 Nm of torque, the other 250 d with 140 / 450. Interestingly, a six-speed manual gearbox will be offered in all models as the importer feels it will appeal to traditional ute buyers. We anticipate the great majority will opt for the seven-speed automatic transmission, but who knows?
Continued page 2 n21d11337-v122/4517
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2
Nov. 24 - 30 | 2017
Holden Equinox
- 2018 pricing announced
„ COMPETITIVE: Strong styling seems assured of making Holden’s new Equinox a sales success. By EWAN KENNEDY HOLDEN has released pricing and further details of its new Equinox SUV, the model that’s replacing the ageing Holden Captiva in December. Equinox is an all-new vehicle developed E\ *0 &KHYUROHW ZLWK VLJQL²FDQW LQSXW from Australian GM-Holden engineers going back almost to the earliest stages of the design. This medium-large Holden will be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 127 kW and 275 Nm; or a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 188 kW and 353 Nm. These will be available at the launch of
the Equinox in December. The turbo-diesel won’t come till a date yet to be set in 2018, details will be provided later. In the normal silly fashion of all car makers the smaller of the two petrol engines gets the fewest number of gears, a six-speed auto or six-speed manual. Equinox diesel only has a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre Equinox has a nine-speed automatic transmission (pretty much as in the ZB Commodore). Don’t be put off by the small engine capacities. High-tech turbocharging and modern electronics mean they put out very LPSUHVVLYH SRZHU DQG WRUTXH ²JXUHV
These days it’s common to see midsize Audi, BMW and Mercedes powered by small four-cylinder turbo engines. Front and on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains will be offered on the Equinox. A few months back we had a series of drives at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground in southern Victoria. :H ZHUH LQ D FDSWXUHG WHVW ³HHW (CTF) Equinox. It has been built on the assembly line and was an almost 100 per FHQW DFFXUDWH GHSLFWLRQ RI WKH ²QLVKHG product The CTF Equinox had the nine-speed automatic transmission and we came away impressed by the short turbo lag, smoothness and the seemingly endless
array of gear ratios. Australian suspension and steering tuning has been extensive and on our short road test routes on sealed and dirt surfaces Equinox certainly felt just the way Aussies like it. Steering is electrically assisted and the Aussie-spec Equinox will have torque vectoring to further improve handling. Electric upper and lower grille shutters LPSURYH DHUR HI²FLHQF\ ZKLOH RSHQLQJ WR provide maximum cooling in the heat of the Aussie outback in summer. We have been invited to the Australian media launch for the new Equinox late in November and will report on it after a comprehensive drive program - hopefully both on and off-road driving.
Mercedes Utes - yes utes „ From page 1 A high-torque V6 turbo-diesel engine (190 kW and 550 Nm) will be released later in the year. X-Class will come with 2WD (rear wheels) or Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and a diff lock. The 220d is offered with either powertrain, the 250 d is all-wheel drive only. With a ground clearance of 222 millimetres and good approach and departure angles, this is a serious offroader. Mercedes-Benz Australia tell us the X-Class will provide, “Driving enjoyment on a par with passenger cars: The wide track, long wheelbase and comfortable spring and damping tuning
typical of a Mercedes open up a new world of driving enjoyment and driving dynamics on the road – without resulting in compromises when off-road‌ using coil springs both front and rear.â€? The X-Class comes with a comprehensive array of safety equipment that it says is exceptional in this vehicle segment. This is a large vehicle: a length of 5340 millimetres, width of 1920 mm and a height of 1819 mm. The width between the wheel arches allows the stacking of an Australian size pallet. The X-Class will be able to tow up to 3.5 tonnes. Clearly aiming at the top end of the market Mercedes says, “it can pull a trailer containing three horses or an eight-metre yachtâ€?. So there.
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3
Nov. 24 - 30 | 2017
2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV
„ UP WITH THE BEST: Redhot and ready for action, the brilliant Alfa Romeo Giulia QV. By EWAN KENNEDY THIS redhot Italian machine is taking on high-performance models from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus and Mercedes at their own game. Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) sports sedan is the real deal. Rear-wheel drive, Ferrari-inspired 500 horsepower (375 kW) twinturbocharged engine that gets it to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. It reset the Nurburgring production sedan lap record at just 7 minutes and 32 seconds. After getting to the 100 km/h in the three-second bracket, it gets to a top speed on the far side of 300km/h. Keeping weight down is a major way to increase performance and the QV has hot-formed steel, aluminium and FDUERQ ²EUH FRPSRQHQWV WR NHHS LWV mass down to 1525 kg. Having reduced weight the next challenge is to spread it 50:50 front to rear, something else the designers have achieved. Quadrifoglio is Italian for four-leaf clover and has been the symbol for Alfa racing cars for almost 100 years. More recently, the tag has been given to its high-performance road cars. The Giulia Quadrifoglio body has serious sports items that include a large central grille and air intakes, cooling slots on the bonnet and serious side skirts. And possibly the most aggressive rear diffusers on the road today. It sits on 19inch forged alloy wheels. Thankfully our test QV was painted in a brilliant shade of red. Inside, black leather-wrapped surfaces with red stitching are used in the upper area with a deep red shade in the lower section.
$OXPLQLXP DQG FDUERQ ²EUH KLJKOLJKWV add to the appeal. Naturally there are traditional twin circular dials on the instrument panel, however they are too small for our liking. Easy enough to read, but not theatrical enough, we reckon. The bright red starter button on the steering wheel is a great touch. We just love the green four-leaf clover badge sitting between the V of the engine. The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 sits well EDFN XQGHU WKH FDUERQ ²EUH ERQQHW WKH peak 375 kW is reached at relatively low revs (low for an Italian machine) 6500 rpm. Redline doesn’t kick in till 7000. Torque is what really matters and the engine has an impressive 600 Nm all the way from 2500 - 5500 revs. Transmission is by a sports eight-speed torque convertor automatic to the rear wheels. Alfa’s DNA (Dynamic, Normal, Auto) driving modes are crowned by a Race mode - sold only in the QV. An 8.8-inch multimedia screen may sound large, but it’s way too skinny and the satellite navigation isn’t particularly easy to see because of that. Satellite navigation and climate controls operate through a centrally mounted rotary dial that’s simple to use with minimum inattention. A Harmon Kardon 14-speaker sound system sounds great and it’s almost worth parking the car in a scenic location during the early Sunday morning run on your favourite driving roads to fully appreciate it. It’s no surprise that the all-new Alfa 5RPHR *LXOLD KDV D ²YH VWDU (XUR1&$3 rating. Major passive safety features include forward collision warning with autonomous emergency brake and
pedestrian recognition, integrated brake system and lane departure warning. Acceleration is brilliant. Dial up Dynamic mode and our red Alfa screaming off the line after only a few moments of turbo lag. Overtaking is ridiculously easy. The sound of the V6 is muted by the turbochargers, a common problem, but it does reach more exciting levels when accelerating hard in D and R modes. Handling is almost too good to explore on public roads. The hot Alfa simply holds on to levels that provide a huge amount of safety. Track days? Yep, that’s the way to go. Feel through the steering wheel really lets you know what is happening and correcting the Alfa’s direction through even the tiniest movements on the wheel is superb. Despite the excellent handling the QV’s suspension provides a surprisingly comfortable ride. Motorway driving is almost limo-like DQG EDFNURDG IHHO LV ²QH
Big bumps and dips on rough n’ ready Aussie backroads aren’t appreciated, though. The front seats are genuine sports units with high bolsters to secure you when the seriously high cornering forces are called up. Indeed, it might be an idea to sign up for track days to really get the best from this ultra-hot Alfa. Rear seats have enough legroom, but only just - compromise may be required between those in the front and rear. The hard surface of the rear of the VSRUWV VHDWV FDQ PDNH LW GLI²FXOW IRU WKH knees of the person sitting behind them. Boot space is okay, but the loading area is on the small side, keep in mind this is a family sedan and this comment does have to be made. A stunning Italian sporting machine has joined the ranks of hot European cars. “Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Verdeâ€? - very poetic, isn’t it? It certainly demands a spot on your short list.
„ STUNNING: The Alfa Romeo Giulia QV has joined the ranks of the hot European cars.
4
Nov. 24 - 30 | 2017
CLASSIFIEDS STORAGE
CARAVANS & CAMPERS
V I C T O R I A N CARAVAN STORAGE. Secure undercover storage for caravans, boats, cars and more. From $15.50. Oxley. P h 0 4 2 8 8 4 7 6 5 7 . GALAXYSOUTHERN www.victoriancaravan CROSS 2002 pop-top, storage.com.au single beds, 4 burner stove, intergrill oven, MARINE 9kg gas bottle, CD/MP3 player, r/c air condition, microwave, 3 way fridge, TV/DVD player, LED lighting, porta potti, roll out awning, full annexe with additional room and privacy screen, 3.6 ALUMINIUM FISHING BOAT, poles, ropes, pegs inc, 12 months reg, very fitted with 25hp low kms, immaculate Mercury Bigfoot motor 4 stroke, just condition, $19,500. Ph serviced, Brooker 0405 757 293. trailer with new tyres, Humming Bird sounder included. Phone Steve
$2450 ono Ph 0400 959 281 D E H AV I L L A N D To p p e r b o a t , 1 2 f t , alum, with Tohatsu 9.8 motor, done little work, with Noble tailer with rego, asking price $2200 negotiable. SWIFTCRAFT Flared bow 4m, 30hp Merc, done little work, travel cover, Bimini, Mardon trailer, lots more, asking $6200 negotiable. Ph 5752 1028.
MAJESTIC Knight pop top caravan, 2006, 16 x 7'6�, heavy duty chassis, 4WD wheels, TV with DVD player, solar panel with battery pack, smart charger, tare 1340kg, $19,000, Wangaratta. Ph 0427 213 310.
SOLD CARAVANS & CAMPERS
2013 Johnno's Camper Trailers Deluxe, $ 1 0 , 5 0 0 , e xc e lle nt condition, double bed, living area 2.2m x 2.7m, kitchen with 4 burner stove and grill, stainless steel sink, aluminum tool box, LED lighting inside tent and in kitchen area, 4 x 12v outlets, stainless steel fridge slide, 12 volt pump with electric spray tap and more. Contact Julian 0410 540 938.
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper! CARAVANS & CAMPERS
MOTORCYCLES
AVAN Tayla pop-top, ÂżUVW UHJ WDUH NJ HDV\ WR WRZ ZD\ IULGJH UHYHUVH F\FOH D F JDV KRW ZDWHU LQVLGH DQG RXW LVODQG GRXEOH EHG GRXEOH JOD]HG ZLQGRZV IXOO DQQH[H DQG DZQLQJ SRUWD ORR 79 DQG DQWHQQD RXWVLGH HQVXLWH ZLWK JDV KHDWHU DQG SXPS DQG YROW OLJKWV GHHS F\FOH EDWWHU\ SOXV PDQ\ PRUH H[WUDV ([FHOOHQW FRQGLWLRQ RQR 3K
1986 Holden Drover (Suzuki), 4x4, no rego, tent on wheels, MOTOR VEHICLES windscreen folds down, good body tyres and brakes, reliable but drops out of second gear, vin no. AS26AFW501012B, $1000 obo. Ph 0412 418 FORD Falcon Ute BA 223. MK2, 2004, manual, 133,500km, excellent condition, comes with RWC and reg, (1KU4HL), $14,000 neg. Phone or text 0439 172 947.
Phoneyouradvert 03 5723 0101
2008 Piaggio 400cc MP3 400 Scooter. A great commuter around town! This Piaggio MP3 400cc scooter is in excellent condition, safe, quick and comfortable! A smooth ride around town with more than enough power, and an extremely easy to handle and manoeuvre chassis, it can handle a passenger with ease, with a tall windscreen for your protection, recently serviced, 18,729 km, July rego and great fun. Rego (IV208), $5500. Ph 0417 290 697.
MOTOR VEHICLES
MITSUBISHI Lancer, 1998 model, 2 door coupe, 184,000km, 10 month reg, (PBF382), new tyres, good condition, runs well, no roadworthy, $2000 ono. TOYOTA Prado GX, Ph 0477 511 958. 2010, diesel, 170,000km, TOYOTA C r e s s i d a auto, bull bar, tow bar, ‘Grande’, 1991, small duel batteries, UHF, very injury to RHQP, rest in good service history, good order, reg. till April very little towing, NSW 2018, (PRR620), $1450. reg (DLL48A), $29,950. Ph 0427 742 588. Ph 0427 270 240.
MOTOR VEHICLES
DAEWOO Nubira, 2001, CDX, white, 88,000km, reg to March 2018 (QSZ583), service and history up to date, one owner, 5 speed manual, tyres good, excellent condition, $4000. Ph 5721 7728.
AU Ford Ute 2001, auto, being sold unregistered it is currently registered and RWC was done only 12 months ago, (QSH829), $2000 ono. Ph 0409 333 173.
2009 Hyundai Getz, one owner, full service history, reg (XFG131), RWC, great first car, TOYOTA Hilux 4x4 low km, only 70,000km, SR, 2013, 3.0L turbo $4500 ono. Phone Matt diesel, manual, extra 0437 522 794. cab, custom tray, reg (ZWD097) till 08/2018, 118,500km, a/c, t/bar, ARB b/bar, d/lights, UHF, RWC, $32,000. Ph 0407 500 264.
SUBARU Forester 2001, 5 speed manual, rego to March 2018 (WZS351), 311,000km, new tyres, great condition, very reliable, $3500 ono. Ph 0428 214 368.
2014 Ford Fiesta, one owner, auto, 40,280km, reg. Aug. 2018, (1CL7AX), RWC, full service history, excellent condition, $13,500 ono. Ph 0427 218 415.
MOTOR VEHICLES
2004 Ford Focus, 81,000km, 6 months rego (ZSU421), RWC, full service history, mechanically sound, vgc, auto $5900 ono. Please call Kerrie 0412 576 039.
MOTOR VEHICLES
Classifieds Work! Phone: 03 5723 0101
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