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

NOVEMBER 27 - DECEMBER 3, 2015

> available online - www.nemedia.com.au

SNAZZY: Designed by Opel and now in Australia, the VXR version of the Holden Insignia is a stunner.

Insignia VXR:

excellent opening shot from Holden HOLDEN Insignia VXR is designed and built by GM-Opel in Germany - but its engine is made in Holden’s Melbourne plant.

From Australia the engine is sent to Europe to be installed in many cars sold globally.

Though the Aussie engine is the big news, there’s plenty of Australian engineering input in many facets of the car which will play an important part of the future for GM-Holden.

Very much a sports sedan, Holden says Insignia VXR will compete directly with the likes of Subaru Liberty and Volkswagen Passat CC. But we wouldn’t be surprised if buyers on a relatively tight budget also

Holden Captiva SX

Series II Turbo Diesel AWD Wagon X Government Department, 91,000kms and brand new throughout. 2 litre Turbo Diesel Auto. 7 seater with Sunroof, Side Steps, Alloy Wheels etc. Spotless graphite Grey Metallic with cloth trim.

Outstanding value at (ZYT956)

$

22,990

By EWAN KENNEDY considered the Insignia when they can’t quite gather the money to justify an Audi, BMW or Merc of similar size.

Insignia still has basically the same body we tested on the Opel-badged imports that were sold in Australia for a short time a couple of years back.

However, it recently had a significant facelift and, in VXR format, it certainly has a bold and purposeful look that defies the fact the body has been around for almost six years.

The 20-inch wheels fill out the guards nicely and play their part in the bold overall look.

Ford Falcon

Commodore VY

XR6 Auto Sedan

S Pack Manual Sedan

Locally owned and in immaculate condition. Dual Fuel Economy. Finished in unmarked seduce metallic with matching interior. Absolutely outstanding example and priced to sell today!

(UXQ379)

DRIVEAWAY

$

Recaro sports seats provide good side support without being overly aggressive.

The cockpit is where the biggest changes have been introduced.

The instruments are now largely electronic, with two 8.0-inch screens.

One scene is used for most, of the major instruments, the other screen for satellite navigation and infotainment displays.

The biggest change here is that the Insignia VXR uses the latest generation of GM’s MyLink system.

Through Holden’s MyLink you can connect to Bluetooth and access apps keeping them tuned into music, news, other entertainment and satellite navigation.

Embedded apps include Pandora, Stitcher

13,990

DRIVEAWAY

Outstanding example of this hard to get series.

Unmarked Quicksilver with matching trim and features a 3.8 litre Ecotec V6 Motor, 5 speed Manual Transmission, full factory SPack etc. Very clean and tidy & in excellent mechanical condition.

Don’t miss this beauty!

(RTA231)

$

Falcon BA

XR6 Turbo Auto Sedan

Excellent example of this popular high performance vehicle. Lightinng Strike duco with matching Interior.

Stunning factory Turbo, 4 litre TBar Auto with full factory XR6 pack and all factory safety features for this model .

Top dollar value at only...

(TYE498) DRIVEAWAY DRIVEAWAY

7,990

$

62-66 PARFITT ROAD WANGARATTA *See instore for conditions. Pictures are for comparison only.

and TuneIn allowing owners to create their own personal stations, stream their favourite podcasts, radio shows and news, and listen to the world’s radio from wherever they are.

Bluetooth connectivity means the touchscreen can be used to wirelessly stream audio files for playback from a paired mobile phone.

There’s a big emphasis on active safety, that is avoiding a crash.

As well as excellent handling dynamics and brakes in the Holden Insignia VXR there are Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Alert, Lane Change Alert, Forward Collision Alert, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

9,990

www.ovensford.com.au

Continued page 3

Nissan Navara STX Dual Cab Tray

Turbo Diesel, 4x4, 6 speed Manual in excellent condition. Dropside steel tray, Bullbar, Cruise Control, Airconditioning, Tow pack, Alloy Wheels, Side Steps etc.

Outstanding performer & ready for work or play (UQZ299)

$

21,990

DRIVEAWAY

(03) 5721 4428 LMCT 7036 j/06d11125-v11/48-15

990 $ALE

TEST DRIVE TODAY

FORD FALCON XR6 SEDAN

SUBARU FORRESTOR S/W

MAZDA 3 SEDAN NEO SPORT

FORD FOCUS SEDAN LX

^ƚƌŝŬŝŶŐ ĐĂƌ

dƵƌďŽ ƉƌĞŵŝƵŵ

Low Kms

Low Kms

WAS $10,990

9,990

$

WBM 892

WAS $21,780

19,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

YDB 069

WAS $16,990

13,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

YUL 508

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $10,480

TZX 687

9,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

MAZDA 3 NEO SEDAN SPORT

NISSAN TIDA HATCH ST

FORD FALCON UTILITY

MAZDA 3 SEDAN MAXX SPORT

Super Low Kms Local Owner

Uni student car

Dedicated gas

Super economy

WAS $16,990

14,990

$

YRW 935

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $11,380

9,990

$

XRM 754

WGA 187

13,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $18,250

YAE 070

16,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

MAZDA 6 CLASSIC HATCH

MAZDA 3 SEDAN NEO

MAZDA 6 CLASSIC HATCH

PROTON JUMBUK GLI UTILITY

One owner

2lt economy

Luxury drive

WƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ŇŽĐŬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ďĂĐŬ

WAS $16,990

14,990

$

WGF 696

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $15,490

13,990

$

YFF 265

WAS $13,990

9,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

UGD 860

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $8,990

7,990

$

IDT 4EO

DRIVE AWAY

TOYOTA PRIUS

MAZDA 626 HATCH

HONDA ACCORD

SUBARU IMPREZA SEDAN

Go green

džĐĞƉƟŽŶĂůůLJ ůŽǁ ŬŵƐ

Honda quality

t ƐĂĨĞƚLJ ĂŶĚ ůĞĂƚŚĞƌ

WAS $10,990

9,990

$

WHE 806

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $10,990

8,990

$

PQW 316

WAS $15,990

11,990

$

DRIVE AWAY

WGF 221

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $12,990

9,990

$

MAZDA 6 LUXURY SPORT

NISSAN XTRAIL WAGON

MAZDA 3 HATCH MAXX SPORT

TOYOTA PRADO

Sporty drive

As traded

>ĂƚĞƐƚ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ

Duel fuel

WAS $8,500

6,990

$

SZY 491

IEX 2UJ

DRIVE AWAY

WAS $18,890

1,990

16,990

$

$

ZGC 774

DRIVE AWAY

XNA 211

DRIVE AWAY

UIY 853

25,950

$

DRIVE AWAY

(03) 5721 5677

ϭϬ dĞŵƉůĞƚŽŶ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕ tĂŶŐĂƌĂƩĂ

www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060

c21d11337-V22/4815

Paul DAVENPORT 0408 057 837 | DŝĐŚĂĞů HENDERSON 0418 512 531 Kylie STEVENSON 0428 215 677 | Noel GILBERT 0438 597 200

3

Nov 27 - Dec 3 | 2015

Mini adds new Clubman to its range

By ALISTAIR KENNEDY MINI has continued the progressive release of its thirdgeneration models with a new Clubman station wagon joining the previously launched three and five-door hatches.

Like the second-generation Countryman crossover SUV and the gen-three five-door hatch the new Clubman breaks with Mini tradition by adding conventional rear passenger doors for the first time.

Indeed Clubman goes one step further because, by retaining the previous side-hinged ‘barn doors’ at the rear of the car, it has become the first ever six-door Mini.

As is the norm with model upgrades the new Clubman is larger than its predecessor in all dimensions except height which remains unchanged at 1441 mm.

The most significant change is in its length, up by 292 mm to 4253 mm while it is now 117 mm wider (1800 mm) with the wheelbase extended by 123 mm.

Getting further from being ‘mini’ all the time…

Mini is still very much an iconic brand to the ageing baby boomer generation so the extra doors and increased interior space will no doubt attract many back to a vehicle that they had – literally in many cases – outgrown.

Once inside the car there’s no doubting that you’re in a Mini with its characteristic quirkiness – bold sweeping curves, large instruments, toggle switches and pulsating mood lighting.

Having said that, the instrument panel has kept pace with the latest in technology.

The characteristic large circular dial now houses a wide but narrow screen to display the various features including satellite navigation (standard on the S but optional on the base model).

CLUBMAN: The new model is more conventional in style but still unmistakably a Mini.

The start/stop is by a toggle switch on the lower part of the dashboard while the previous handbrake is replaced by a small electronic lever.

There’s also an optional headup display that projects onto a pop-up screen rather than the windscreen.

The extended wheelbase provides noticeably improved rear seat legroom with the flat roofline ensuring reasonable rear headroom despite the car’s height being unchanged.

Boot space has also been increased to a fairly decent 360 litres.

Expandable to 1250 litres with the 40:20:40 split rear seatbacks lowered.

With the centre split down there’s access for long, narrow items.

Beneath the boot floor there’s additional space to store out-ofsight objects.

Access through the barn doors is excellent and these can be opened automatically through

Insignia VXR:

either the key fob or the optional kick movement beneath the rear of the car (one kick opens one door, two kicks opens both).

There’s a large piece of rubber on the lock to avoid damage if the doors are not closed in the correct order.

Two engines are offered, both turbocharged petrol units.

The standard Cooper Clubman uses a 1.5-litre with three cylinders that generates 100 kW of power and 220 Nm (at 1250 rpm) of torque; the Cooper Clubman S with a 141 kW / 280 Nm (at 1250 rpm) four-cylinder with a capacity of 2.0 litres.

Fuel consumption from the Cooper is rated at 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres and 6.4 L/100 km from the Cooper S. A diesel engine is available in

excellent opening shot from Holden

From page 1

In Opel (and Vauxhall) speak the initials ‘VXR’ indicate this is the high-performance model in the range, in much the same way that HSV stands for ‘quick car’ in Australia.

The VXR is powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 producing 239 kW of power and a big 435 Nm of torque.

That sort of torque could overwhelm the front wheels of the VXR unless it was backed off at times.

So a sophisticated all-wheeldrive system has been developed.

Power runs through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Engine performance is excellent, with a minimum of turbo lag and heaps of grunt once the turbo is spooling at its best.

Sport mode adds a nice note to the intake and exhaust.

And also sharpens up the gearshifts beautifully.

Fuel consumption isn’t going

overseas markets but Mini has no immediate plans to add it to its Australian range.

Nor can we expect to see a John Cooper Works (JCW) version.

The Cooper has a six-speed automatic and the S an all-new Aisin eight-speed, the latter another first for Mini.

The eight-speed has paddle shifters, the six-speed doesn’t.

In a sign of the times manual transmission is available in all models but only on special order and at the same price as for the automatics.

Value has also been enhanced with the automatic models selling at the same prices as the outgoing manuals as well as a number of features moving from the options list to standard.

Safety equipment on all

Clubman models includes six airbags; ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution; Dynamic Stability And Traction Control; Forward Collision Warning; Electronic Differential Lock Control; reversing camera; Rear Park Distance Control; and Isofix child seat mountings on the two outboard rear seats.

The fuel saving stop/start feature is also standard.

We were able to drive both Clubman variants during the launch test drive that took us through the undulating and twisting roads of the Adelaide Hills.

In both formats there’s exhilarating performance with the sharp steering and willingness to grip hard around bends that keen drivers love.

The Cooper S has a feature called Mini Driving Modes which has three different settings operated by a rotary switch at the base of the gear selector lever.

MID mode is the default setting for routine driving; Sport mode offers a sportier set up with changes to the throttle, steering and suspension for livelier performance; while Green mode tones everything back to minimise fuel consumption.

Even with the firmer suspension on the Cooper S its ride remained comfortable enough for long trips.

The new Mini Cooper Clubman is more conventional than its predecessors – few will mourn the departure of the small rearmounted passenger door which was a talking point with the old Clubman and, because it opened onto the traffic side of the road, gave real meaning to its ‘suicide door’ nickname.

But it’s still distinctively Mini with all the character that the name evokes and at better value than ever before.

SMART: Holden hopes the new European made Insignia VXR finds plenty of fans in Australia. to be a strong feature of a big turbo-petrol engine that’s getting on in years, but 10 to 13 litres per hundred kilometres on interesting country roads and around town isn’t too bad.

Treated kindly on motorways and flat roads we got fuel use in the seven to eight litre range.

The GM FlexRide suspension can be set to day-to-day driving in Touring mode; Sport for when you want to get serious on the road but retain an element of electronic

backup; and VXR mode which is probably best left for track work because the car lets you make most of your own decisions.

FlexRide not only adjusts the damper settings, but also AWD control, steering, throttle and automatic transmission.

The results are most impressive.

So confident is Holden in the hot Insignia that it flew selected Australian journalists to the snowfields of southern New Zealand to drive on snow and

ice at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds – one of the world’s best.

The SHPG is used by many car makers, including the big name Europeans.

Snow and ice certainly didn’t faze the VXR, though you do need to treat the conditions with care as cornering limits are significantly lower and breaking distances frighteningly longer.

On normal roads back home on the Gold Coast we used the Touring and Sport modes and found the VXR had plenty of road grip.

There’s good feedback through the steering and throttle control is quite impressive for a car with all-wheel-drive.

Brembo brakes haul off speed very rapidly and certainly showed no signs of fade in the relatively hard road driving we tackled on our special test route.

May we suggest you try to tag onto a track day somewhere,

sometime to really push your sporty Insignia VXR to the limit?

Only there will you truly get to appreciate just how good it is.

It has a smoother ride than expected for a full-on sports sedan.

There was generally, minimal tyre noise, but tyre roar on coarse-chip surfaces reared its ugly head.

However, we have heard worse on other sporty European sedans.

Opel Insignia was launched in 2009, and took out the European Car of the Year award.

It has had several upgrades so is getting on in years.

There’s little doubt the VXR is the best of the Insignia range, so deserves the honour of being in the vanguard of that 24-vehicle onslaught as Holden moves away from building cars in Australia to being a full importer.

This German import certainly provides a lot of performance and style for a comparatively modest outlay.

25D10411/4815

Wangaratta Hyundai

43 Tone Road Wangaratta Ph (03) 5722 7222 LMCT 10666

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5

Nov 27 - Dec 3 | 2015

CLASSIFIEDS ROADSTAR Daintree semi off road 2008, 20'6" dual axle, 2 spare wheels, 2 gas bottles, 3x 90 litre water tanks, 2 deep cycle batteries, solar panel, queen bed, 170 litre fridge/freezer, r/c air con., TV/DVD/ RAD., separate shower, toilet, stove, oven, full cover, $43,000. Ph 0488 731 158.

2013 BMW GS800.

14,000kms, excellent condition. 12 mths rego, ABS, traction control, always garaged. $13,500. Ph 0429 140 557.

TOYOTA Hilux 2005, dual cab, white, petrol 2.7 WTI, manual, 11 months rego (TUZ620), RW C , t ow b a r, r e a r bumper, tonneau cover, excellent condition, 154,000km, $12,000.

Ph 0428 573 611.

2006 Toyota Corolla Ascent Hatch - Automatic.

1 Owner, full service history, travelled only 62,000kms. Very reliable, easy to drive and cheap to run. In good condition, has power steering, aircon, drivers airbag. (YNN603). $8490 Phone Matt 0428 789 944.

HONDA 1972 CB500/4 not original, customised in 1970s, was on full rego and regularly ridGHQ SDVW ÂżYH \HDUV 9LQ 1R &% 3K

SAVAGE Jabiru 3.4 metres, 15hp Evinrude, sounder, Minn Kota 28lb, Rego Oct/2016, $3600 ono. Ph 0447 088 254.

SOLD

Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!

2008 Black Honda 750 Shadow motor bike, shaft driven, 1762 km, reg no. (1A628), new condition, $7500. Ph 0438 219 213.

2008 troopy in excellent condition. Bullbar, pack rack, towbar, lock diffs, wider wheels.

250,000km, plenty rego and tyres (IGE4CQ).

443,000. Phone 0416 278 488.

2010 Suzuki Swift. One owner, manual, low 36,300kms, AC, brand new Mastercraft tyres, RWC, registered ‘til Dec. 2016. (XYA685).

Safety pack includes DLUEDJV 3HUIHFW ÂżUVW car. $10,750. Ph 0409 945 375.

SUZUKI GSXF750, 2004, 11,000kms, Reg (HY571) until 22/12/15.

Exc. cond. $6500 ono. Ph. Shane 0428 257 809.

2001 Hyundai Accent GL auto, low kms, drives well, no reg, few marks, no use last 4 years, must sell. (QTJ 745), $1850. Ph. 0457 410 420.

2005 Holden Rodeo DX manual MY 05, Dual fuel, low kms, alloy drop side tray, under body tool box, 12 months reg, very tidy, RWC, 4 cyl, 2.4L motor, tow bar, aircon, power steering, (WAM 759), $6850. Ph. 0457 410 420

10’ aluminium dinghy with 8HP Mercury outboard motor and trailer $900. Ph (03) 5729 5543.

DOLPHIN 16' Catamaran, good condition, 2 pack paint, 2 sets sails, spare centre boards, trapeze, registered trailer. Fast boat ready to race or play. $1150. Ph 0429 139 474.

2012 Holden Captiva S, 42,000km, manual, 11 months rego (ZBV855). $16,999.

Ph 0411 567 482.

SAVAGE Osprey 550, Pro Sports 2003 PRGHO ÂżVKLQJ VNLLQJ 5HJ +3 KS 0HUFXU\ VDOW ZDWHU RLO LQMHFWHG VWDLQOHVV VWHHO SURS ZDON WKURXJK VFUHHQ UHPRYDEOH EDLW ERDUG OW XQGHUĂ€RRU IXHO WDQN 7UROO PRWRU EUDFNHW FDQRS\ ZLWK VLGH IURQW FOHDUV WUDYHO FRYHU PDULQH UDGLR UDGLR &' SOD\HU WZLQ EDWWHULHV DOO VDIHW\ JHDU GULYH RQ WDQGHP WUDLOHU UHJ 3 *UHDW DOO URXQG ERDW H[FHO FRQG RQR 3K

4.5 metre Savage, 50hp Yamaha oil inject, 8hp, Mariner front controls, PDULQH UDGLR ÂżVK ÂżQGer, safety gear, good condition. $7600. Ph 5722 2425.

1986 VL Holden Commodore, auto, aircond, rego due (CYP937), low kms, clean condition, 1 owner, $2000. Call Lyn 5721 6276.

SOLD

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SUZUKI GSXR 600 K7, full Akrapovic exhaust, Power Commander Vtune Module, very good condition, 31,000 km, RWC, unreg, engine no: N732164487, $8000 neg. Ph (03) 5727 3650 after 7pm.

3.7 metre Savage Snipe, casting deck, 2003 Holden wagon, storage compartments, silver, V6, alloy wheels, 8hp Suzuki, E.C. Boat low km, regular service, and trailer fully refurexcellent condition, bished, 12 months reg.

(UMN082), $5000. Ph $2600ono. Ph 0438 543 923.

0437 108 682.

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Over two weeks your advertisement will appear in two editions of the weekly Motor Guide and six editions of the Wangaratta Chronicle.

Together these papers are read by over 80,000 people. *Cond apply. Private advertisers only, min 20 words, extra words 50¢ each, impact heading $2 per word. No refunds given if item is sold before advert expires. 2 weeks = 6 Wangaratta Chronicle & 2 North East Motor Guide, covering all NE Victoria.

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