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N O R T H E AST V I C TO R I A
JULY 27 - AUGUST 2 | 2018
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AGGRESSIVE DESIGN: The Mazda3 maintains its position at the head of the Japanese company’s popularity parade.
Mazda’s
best of a good bunch By DEREK OGDEN headlamps, heated power mirrors, plus traffic sign recognition. It was the SP25 GT six-speed automatic, selling for $31,990 driveaway, that was on test. STYLING Coming to Australia at the beginning of 2014, the Mazda3 carries through the company’s Kodo – Soul of Motion design theme. The cabin is positioned toward the rear of the body, creating a sleek side view, rising toward the rear. A new deeper front grille adds a more aggressive design as do the shaping of the LED headlamps and foglights. The
Mazda symbol and number-plate holder are low on the front grille to give the sense of a lower centre of gravity according to Mazda. Large 18-inch wheels – the SP25 GT with unique design sig inside enhanced by flared fenders. Folding mirrors complete the highend character. INTERIOR Mazda’s Commander control features a layout focusing on the shift lever, while soft pads with double stitching are fixed to the sides of the console for added comfort. A colour Active Driving Display registers vehicle speed, information from the navigation system and other information on a clear head-up panel
directly in front of the driver. INFOTAINMENT A head-up style Mazda Human-Machine Interface, using a high-set full-colour screen, aims to help drivers maintain proper posture, concentrate on the road and drive more safely, even while handling larger amounts of information. However, drivers should still pay attention to the road and avoid dangerous distraction. Mazda’s MZD Connect, works in conjunction with a smartphone to provide an internet connection and communication functions. The system can read email and short messages aloud while the vehicle is in motion using text-to-voice technology.
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THE Mazda3 marches on as one of the most popular cars on the Australian market with upgrades to its lower end models for modest increases in price. A range of equipment has been added to Neo, Maxx and Touring grades across hatch and sedan variants. Buyers of the top-notch SP25 and SP25 GT are the big winners with driveaway matching the manufacturer’s figure before on-road costs. The Mazda3 SP25 continues to feature advanced keyless entry, dual-zone climatecontrol, electric parking brake, headlamps auto on / off and 18-inch alloy wheels, while the range-topping SP25 GT adds colour active driving display, LED daytime running lights, driver attention alert, adaptive LED
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2
July 27 - August 2 | 2018
Subaru Forester SUBARU is a quiet achiever in Australia, the Japanese company that has often been ahead of the pack in design. Its Forester is a classic example, decades before SUVs became king of the hill in sales in Australia, Subaru was selling all-wheel-drive station wagons. Forester was launched here in 1997 as a relatively mild looking station wagon but later morphed into a medium SUV in styling.
By EWAN KENNEDY In this used car review we pick up Forester from February 2008 with the introduction of the third generation. It’s a practical vehicle with ground clearance which is VXI² FLHQW WR OHW DGYHQWXURXV IDPLOLHV WDFNOH moderately serious conditions in the bush and on the beach. The next generation arrived in February 2013 and came with styling leaning even
„ 2008: Subaru Forester
„ 2011: Subaru Forester
„ 2016: Subaru Forester
„ From page 1
Mazda’s
It can read aloud the latest Twitter tweets and Facebook news feed entries, and also posts audio messages using the Shout function. A navigation system with data provided on SD media cards is available in conjunction with MZD Connect. Again, we warn you of the dangers of inattention. ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS Lower grades of the Mazda3 make use of the SkyActiv-G 2-litre four-cylinder engine, putting out a maximum of 114 kW and 200 Nm. The SP25 GT, our test car, takes advantage of the SkyActiv-G 2.5-litre motor producing 138 kW of power and 250 Nm of torque. The test vehicle powered through a six-speed automatic transmission. Four exhaust pipes running from the exhaust manifold first form pairs, then a single pipe allowing greater distance
2008 - 2017
more into the tough SUV shape. A mild facelift in February 2016 saw upgrades to the infotainment system as well as revised rear seats. The latter in answer to customer comments that older kids in the back seats needed better seat support. Good interior room is a real advantage of Forester’s squared-off styling. The front seats have plenty of legroom, width and headroom. The rear seat can take three people without too much of a hassle, though it’s better if they are children, rather than adults. There’s a good luggage area and in a very Japanese manner Subaru makes much of WKH IDFW WKDW IRXU JROI EDJV FDQ ² W EDFN there. Forester has numerous handy storage areas throughout the vehicle. Handling is pretty good for a vehicle in this class, but keep in mind the Forester is an SUV, not a sports sedan, so don’t hammer it too hard at bends. (But see our notes on the tS, our favourite model, later in this review.) Power for the standard Forester models FRPHV IURP D OLWUH ³ DW IRXU SHWURO engine in either naturally-aspirated or turbocharged variants. There’s a strong emphasis on torque as Subaru owners have always appreciated practical vehicles. There’s also a non-turbo 2.0-litre petrol engine sold only in the lower cost models, as well as a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Neither of these engines have proven particularly popular, but are worth a test drive to see what you think. An excellent enthusiasts’ vehicle is the Forester tS Special Edition introduced in 'HVSLWH WKH XVH RI D FKHTXHUHG ³ DJ on the tS badge, it’s aimed more at the grand touring (GT) market rather than track day use. Powered by a turbo-petrol 2.0-litre boxer with 177 kW, the forester tS features more dynamic suspension and bigger brakes. Though the engine is a close relation to the WRX unit it’s in a lower state of tune to make it easy to drive in day-to-day running. Forester sT is initially built on the standard assembly line, but is then transported to the STI (Subaru Technica International) highperformance division where a further 28 items are installed. Foresters with manual gearboxes sold in reasonable numbers, but CVT automatics are more likely to hold their value better in the long run. Servicing and spare parts are generally reasonably priced though we have heard a few complaints about high prices on some less common parts. Insurance premiums are generally moderate for the standard Foresters, but
check on prices on the high-performance models if you’re classed as a young or inexperienced driver as you may have to pay considerably more. Also ask about what excesses will be charged if you do make a claim. A good amateur mechanic should have no trouble doing most jobs. It’s always wise to have a workshop manual at your elbow before beginning work. Please leave the safety-related items to experts. WHAT TO LOOK FOR 2OGHU HQJLQHV RIWHQ KDYH WKDW W\SLFDO Âł DW four ‘dak-dak’ beat when they get a lot of kilometres on them. If it seems too bad the engine may be approaching overhaul time. 1HZHU RQHV DUH PRUH UH² QHG EXW LWÂŹV VWLOO wise to have them checked out. Be wary of a Forester GT or XT that has too much turbo whine or excessive turbo lag. On a turbocharged model, check the clutch isn’t slipping - this usually shows up on fast upchanges. Subaru makes the clutch D VDFUL² FLDO FRPSRQHQW VR WKDW LW IDLOV ² UVW to protect other transmission parts. Check underneath in case the Forester has been seriously used in off-road conditions. The front and rear bumper corners and WKHLU PRXQWLQJV DUH OLNHO\ WR EH WKH ² UVW areas to suffer. Scrutinise the door sills, the protection plates under mechanical components and the lower parts of the underbody for signs of damage. Look at the condition of the seats, carpets and boot in case the Forester has had lots of muddy or dusty off-road use. Lots of sand in the carpet may mean it’s spent time on the beach. If you suspect this, taste for salt in the areas under the car. Look over the complete body for signs of crash repairs. The easiest to spot are generally poorly matching paint colours and slight ripples in the panels. HOW MUCH? Expect to spend from $6000 to $10,000 for a 2008 Subaru Forester XS; $8000 to $12,000 for a 2009 X; $10,000 to $15,000 for 2008 XT Premium; $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2011 XT; $15,000 to $21,000 for a 2012 XT Premium; $16,000 to $22,000 for a 2013 2.0 XT; $18,000 to $24,000 for a 2014 2.5i-S; $21,000 to $29,000 for a 2015 2.0D-S; $28,000 to $38,000 for a 2016 2.0 XT Premium; and $31,000 to $41,000 for a 2017 2.0 XT Premium. CAR BUYING TIP Start your research on used cars at least a couple of weeks before you intend to buy to get a feel for the market, prices and which model is most likely to suit your needs.
best of a good bunch
for the exhaust gases from individual cylinders to travel before merging. This reduces exhaust resistance to enable efficient combustion. In addition, the loop design of the exhaust pipe saves space, allowing the large-capacity catalytic converter to be positioned near the engine, reducing vibration. SAFETY The Mazda3 has a wide range of Mazda’s advanced safety technologies, collectively known as i-Activsense. These include hill launch assist, smart brake support and city brake support, emergency brake signalling, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and driver attention alert. Rounding out the list are radar cruise control, forward obstruction warning and adaptive LED headlights.
DRIVING A head turner when it first came out, the latest Mazda3 has been so successful that it seems to be on every street corner. The SP25 GT takes pride of place in the lineup. Safety and even better handling are provided by Mazda’s G-Vectoring, which brings together G-forces when braking, turning and accelerating. For example, there’s less driver correction to steering due to optimum vertical loading of each tyre. All this goes on without the driver being aware, apart from the smoothness of the vehicle’s behaviour. Extra performance can be called up by going into Sport mode via a switch on the auto transmission shift gate. ‘Sport’ spices up the engine, shift timing and shift speed, boosting acceleration, even with light pedal pressure.
Re-positioned A-pillars and side mirrors, the latter now mounted on the doors, make for much improved visibility for the driver and front seat passengers. In fact, all occupants enjoy an expansive view. SUMMING UP The figures tell the tale, Mazda3, one of Australia’s most popular cars, pretty much sells itself. The SP25 GT, at $31,990 on road, for my money, is the pick of the bunch.
3
July 27 - August 2 | 2018
High-power diesel
for Range Rover Sport
By EWAN KENNEDY IF you’re going to sell a vehicle with Sport in its title then customers will demand plenty of performance. So the Australian importer of the Range Rover Sport has announced that it will stop importing the four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and replace it with a new design V6 3.0-litre twinturbo unit. At the same time the Rangie Sport also sees the introduction of Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function. This maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front and to follow it to a stop and pull away again, if stationary for less than three seconds. This system also helps keep the vehicle centred in its lane by applying moderate steering interventions with the driver’s hands on the wheel. Very handy in slow PRYLQJ WUDI² F EXW ZH VWLOO recommend you keep your eyes on the road at all times. Range Rover Sport is available to order now, priced at $96 728, and is due in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year. We will borrow a vehicle when the ² UVW VKLSPHQW UHDFKHV XV and get back to you with a full road test report.
„ PLENTY OF PERFORMANCE: More grunt is a focus on the upcoming Range Rover Sport twin-turbo V6 diesel.
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Ph 5723 HONDAXR250R 1983, recreational registration January 2019 (91601), good tyres, recently serviced, good condition, $1450 ono. Phone David 0490 148 808.
1984 Mazda Camper, T3500, (RBC725), reg until October 2018, 274,000km, many extras, with RW, $14,000 ono. Ph 5744 2542.
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2013 MY14 Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed for sale, 129,000km, diesel, auto, very good condition, full service history, $32,000, RWC, (1EE5TK). Ph 0447 723 694.
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J AY C O We s t p o r t caravan, 25 foot, two living zones, loads of storage, microwave, reverse cycle a/c, separate shower and toilet, awning, spotless condition, always shedded, $28,500. Ph 0416 444 551.
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2014 white Mazda 3, 6 speed manual, 51,000km, full service history, reliable car, registration till October (1DZ2PK), $14,900. Ph 0419 887 459.
2006 Subaru Outback, 5 speed manual, new tyres, 292,000km, RWC, roof racks, tow, 12 months reg, (UFR331) $4000. Ph 0407 313 622.
2010 Suzuki Swift GLX, 5 speed manual, green, 96,000km, rego to September 2018 (740RKZ), full service history, $7000. Ph 0427 000 833.
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2008 FG Ford ute, immaculate condition, dedicated gas, 139,100km, RWC, reg May 2019 (WXB475), $10,500. Phone Max VK, Calais or HDT 0419 547 308. Commodore parts, seats, wheels or full vehicles wanted. Phone Kevin 0412 247 690.
2009 Mazda 3 Maxx Hatchback, auto, 170,000km, just serviced, 4 new tyres, 12mth rego (WXF124), RWC, tinted windows, complete service history available, always serviced at local dealership, $7500 ono. Phone Grant 0434 558 637.
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V I C T O R I A N CARAVAN STORAGE. S e c u r e u n d e r c ove r storage for caravans, boats, cars and more. From $15.50. Oxley. Ph 0428 847 657. www.victoriancaravan storage.com.au
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