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 29 - MAY 5, 2016
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ALL-NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE: It has a classic 1960s look that works brilliantly with the top down.
Mini’s first MINI has added to its lineup with the introduction of a third generation opentop car. This time around it is a pure convertible, not a cabriolet. That’s because the fixed rollover hoops have been replaced by a rollover protection system that automatically raises the bars when the car’s sensors detect rolling over is a possiblity. The gen-three open-top Mini is coming to Australia in Cooper and Cooper S variants, there is no lower cost Mini One. May we speculate a hot JCW version is in the design stages? To our eyes the new Mini’s styling works exceptionally well.
By EWAN KENNEDY The front follows the current design theme used by a lot of marques, however, there are clear throwbacks to the original 1959 classic. (Or is it just that the rest of the world’s car designers have caught up with the grille shape penned by Alex Issigonis almost 60 years ago?) At the rear the new convertible works brilliantly visually with the top down, and doesn’t look too bad with it up. As a hint to the driver on this subject the Mini’s ‘Always Open Timer’ monitors and records the time you have spent enjoying open top driving.
convertible
The roof can be fully lowered or raised in about 18 seconds at speeds up to 30 km/h using a switch inside the car. Or by a button on the remote control key fob, but only when the Mini’s stationary. As has become a tradition, the Mini Cooper S has a large air intake, a bonnet scoop and brake air ducts. Its central twin tailpipes are finished in chrome and are integrated into the diffuser. The S has LED headlights, daytime running lights and front foglights. Like the new generation Mini hatchbacks introduced in 2015, the convertible is significantly larger; being longer by 98 mm, wider (+44 mm), wheelbase (+28 mm), and
track (+42 mm front, +34 mm rear). The result is increased passenger space. The two rear passengers have 36 mm more kneeroom and there’s a big 112 mm increase in elbow room. Luggage capacity has been increased by 25 per cent, from 45 litres to 215 litres with the roof closed, 50/50 split fold rear seat backs increase versatility. Mini Cooper S convertible has bolstered sports front seats with cloth/leather upholstery, a three-spoke John Cooper Works multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles and contrast red stitching for the leather wrap, and Black Chequered trim highlights.
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Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200
(03) 5721 5677 10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060
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Apr 29 - May 5 | 2016
Audi S8.
Audi SQ5.
Power a big plus for new Audis
By DEREK OGDEN DURING a recent Audi RS highperformance automobile testing session at Phillip Island circuit Audi also wheeled out a pair of rip-roaring road-goers – the Audi S8 plus sports sedan and the SQ5 plus luxury sports utility vehicle – for the media to get their teeth into. Sharing the walloping 4.0-litre V8 of the track-tested tearaways, the S8 plus is the flagship of the Audi S range and with 445 kW and 700 Nm (750 Nm on overboost) is the most powerful (and fastest) S model in history. The considerable power is put to ground via an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi quattro all-wheel drive. The S8 plus also features the quattro sports differential on the rear axle as standard. The result is breath-taking acceleration for a large vehicle - just 3.8 seconds to 100 km/h from rest. Progressive Cylinder on Demand technology once again shuts down four of the eight cylinders under lower loads
to save fuel, delivering not unreasonable consumption of 10.2 litres per 100km. The S8 plus enjoys all the refinement and luxury of the S line sport with seats upholstered in Valcona leather highlighted by Arras red contrasting stitching, along with a unique carbon fibre red twill inlay. Meanwhile, active engine mounts and the Bose surround sound system’s complementary Active Noise Cancellation suppresses unwanted noise and vibration during cylinder shutdown to enhance the feeling of luxury inside the cabin. Most surprising about the Audi S8 plus on a drive loop on the mainland in the Gippsland countryside was how a car of this size and weight had the right to be taking tight corners at such speed and with such style. The standard S8 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic sells for $280,610, plus on-road costs, the new S8 plus 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic $330,500. The Audi SQ5 TDI plus is the latest member of the SQ5 TDI set with a more powerful version of the 3.0 TDI Biturbo V6 pumping out 250 kW and 700 Nm
Mini’s first
and, for the first time in a Q5, a quattro sport differential. Calling on Audi’s long Le Mans 24-Hour history of success with TDI diesels, the SQ5 TDI plus 3.0 TDI Biturbo V6 engine generates 250 kW from 4100 to 4300 rpm, but impressively kicks in with 700 Nm from just 1500 rpm. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h comes up in 5.1 seconds, while fuel consumption is down at 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres, putting the SQ5 TDI plus, like its SQ5 TDI sibling, under the Luxury Car Tax threshold of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres. As illustrated on the Gippsland run the SQ5 TDI plus benefits from the secure handling of Audi quattro all-wheel drive and quattro sport differential, with active torque vectoring, fitted for the first time to a Q5. It is available exclusively (and fitted as standard) to the SQ5 plus. The country-road crawl behind tractor or truck is a thing of the past, with the SQ5 TDI plus power enough to overtake on the slimmest of stretches. There’s no substitute for confidence behind the wheel.
convertible looks good
From page 1
To compensate for the lack of a solid roof, the convertible has additional torsion struts under the front and rear, a stiffening plate beneath the engine and stiffening for the side sills. The latest generation three and fourcylinder TwinPower Turbo engines provide more power and torque than the units they supersede, and have reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. Mini Cooper is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower turbo-petrol engine, with up to 100 kW of power at 4400 rpm and a peak torque of 220 Nm (230 Nm on overboost) from just 1250 rpm. It has a 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds an impressive 2.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Mini Cooper S has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with maximum power of 141 kW from 5000 rpm to 6500 rpm and peak torque of 280 Nm between 1250 rpm and 4000 rpm. A juicy 300 Nm is available on overboost. The engine is mated to an updated sixspeed sports automatic with a Launch Control function which lets you cover the zero to 100 km/h dash in 7.1 seconds. The Mini Cooper S Convertible uses driver selectable modes to enhance the fun.
Adding to the exhilarating drive experience was the engine note produced by a sound actuator in the exhaust. A unique deep sonorous note with sporty overtone, it was previously not thought possible from a diesel. Standard equipment above and beyond the SQ5 TDI includes Special 20-inch alloy wheels sporting stand-out red brake calipers, unique tailpipe design and exterior high gloss black exterior package. An interior design package includes fine Nappa leather with diamond pattern, contrasting stitching in dark silver and leather instrument binnacle and carbon inlays, while state-of-the-art technology is led by adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go, and autonomous emergency braking. This unique taste of a luxury SUV can be enjoyed in the SQ5 TDI plus quattro tiptronic for an outlay of $108,900, plus on-roads, as opposed to the $92,600 of the SQ5 TDI quattro tiptronic. The entire Audi Q5 range comes standard with eight airbags and has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
TOP DOWN: The convertible Mini is cool to drive. Settings are Sport, Mid and Green and adjust throttle control, steering and transmission responses. Mini Dynamic Damper Control using automatically adjustable dampers is an option on both models. Mini Cooper Convertible is fitted with 16inch Loop Spoke alloy wheels and 195/55 tyres. The Cooper S gets17-inch Tentacle Spoke alloys with 205/45 tyres. Both convertible models have dual zone climate control, dynamic cruise control that includes braking function, remote central locking, keyless start/stop, automatic wipers and lights.
Providing full communication and entertainment options is the Mini Visual Boost multimedia system with a 6.5-inch display screen incorporating Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity. The Cooper S Convertible has the Mini Navigation System, which can be upgraded to Professional with a larger 8.8inch monitor, 20GB hard drive and voice control and a premium Harman/Kardon 12-speaker audio system. Safety systems including Dynamic Stability Control with Anti-Lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Electronic Differential Lock Control, Dry Braking function and
Fading Compensation assist. Like all Minis, the pretty new convertibles are available with a range of personalisation options. Call into your local dealer, or click onto the Mini website to view the staggering range of choices. As with the others in the range, the Mini convertible has had its prices reduced. In this instance it’s down by 11 per cent compared with the superseded Mini Cabrio models. Pressure of business meant we weren’t able to attend to the media launch of the new Mini convertibles, so can’t provide driving impressions. We will borrow one (or even two) and report on them asap. Mini convertible is priced at $37,900 for the Cooper and $45,400 for the Cooper S. As we’ve come to expect from vehicles in the BMW / Mini group there is a range of optional equipment packages and other stand-alone options. These include the Chili package for the Cooper ($4550); Multimedia Pro package ($4745 on Cooper, $3510 on Cooper S); Convenience package ($2340) and Control package ($3380 on Cooper, $1950 on S). Space precludes a full list of other options so contact your local BMW dealer for these, as well as driveaway prices.
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Apr 29 - May 5 | 2016
Volkswagen Multivan a machine for the times
By DEREK OGDEN
WHEN it comes to automobiles the frustrated cerebral time traveller need go no farther than the VW Transporter. The T Series vans, like countless Dr Who, carry more than half a century of light commercial vehicle development. With worldwide sales of more than twelve million vehicles in that time, the latest range bears little resemblance to the original vans, which were not much better than a bulky metal box on wheels. Now, thanks to things like computerisation and a focus on occupational health and safety, the light commercial vehicle workplace is a far more welcoming and relaxed area. With the latest Transporters, there are still two basic categories – out-and-out commercial vehicles (van, crew-van, singlecab and dual-cab) and the passenger carriers (Multivan and Caravelle) designed for work and private use. Two wheelbases and three roof heights, the latter available in van and crew-van only, add to versatility and flexibility. The improvements extend to a new generation of turbo-diesel engines launched with the introduction of the latest T series. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also integrated an array of intelligent assistance systems in the new Transporter, plus new interior features, including the latest technology and infotainment systems. A host of optional packages can also add value, convenience, assistance and luxury. We spent a week testing a Multivan TDI340 Comfortline long-wheelbase with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, selling for $53,990, plus on-road costs. STYLING With three rows of seats, depending on trim level, there are two rotatable individual seats in the middle row of the VW Multivan. Anyone needing a large cargo space in the middle or back of the Multivan simply pushes the seats behind each other. Multi-Function Display (MFD Plus) unite
At a Glance
NOTE: THESE PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE GOVERNMENT OR DEALER DELIVERY CHARGES. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR DRIVEAWAY PRICES.
VW MULTIVAN: It is a smart looking people or gear mover. includes trip time, trip length, average and current speed, average and current fuel consumption, display until empty and ambient temperature, digital clock, vehicle status, audio, telephone and navigation (if fitted) menus. The test vehicle had the benefit of VW’s new design 2.0-litre TDI340 turbo-diesel engine (not a variant of the one in the emissions cheating scandal). It is mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, and puts out maximum power of 103 kW at 3500 rpm and maximum torque of 340 Nm between 1750 and 2500 rpm. To meet emissions standard a selective catalytic reduction converter is added to the exhaust system, electively converting nitrogen oxide gas into nitrogen and water, with no formation of any unwanted by-products. Injection of the AdBlue is done automatically. This isn’t unusual in commercial vehicles, but private users may have to become accustomed to it. The AdBlue tank is
refilled after around 7000 km by the customer or an authorised workshop, independently from the service intervals. Safety features include airbag for driver and front passenger, plus side/head airbags for driver and front passenger. A multi-collision brake system operates with Forward Collision Warning and ‘Front Assist’ with City Emergency Braking. That’s on top of an Electronic Stabilisation Program, ABS Anti-lock Braking System with Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Differential Lock and Hill-hold. Driver Alert is a fatigue detection system. Rear park distance control makes use of a reversing camera. Even with a load up at full engine capacity, the Multivan impressed with driving dynamics and stability. Excellent body rigidity and advanced engine technology brought extra advantages such as minimum noise, vibration and harshness to the table. Thanks to BlueMotion and engine stop / start technology, in a busy stretch over a
VW Multivan Comfortline TDI340 7 Spd DSG: $49,990 VW Multivan LWB Comfortline TDI340 7 Spd DSG: $53,990 VW Multivan Highline TDI450 7 Spd DSG: $76,490 VW Multivan Highline TDI450 7 Spd DSG. 4MOTION: $79,990 VW Multivan LWB Executive TDI450 7 Spd DSG: $80,490 VW Multivan Generation Six TDI450 7 Spd DSG: $74,990 range of driving conditions, ‘our’ Muiltivan clocked up fuel consumption of eight or so litres per 100 kilometres. The instrument panel is clear with easyto-read instruments. A long wheelbase anything can be a handful to park, something I found out to my cost with the LWB Multivan. In a nighttime bid to squeeze the van into a tight(ish) badly lit parking spot at a train station, I failed to swing wide enough to line up the rear quarter of the van and made contact with a parked vehicle. Apart from that the Multivan gave little cause for concern throughout my time behind the wheel. It wore the Comfortline tag . . . well, with comfort. Although of the same generation as Dr Who, the VW T6 Multivan is no Tardis. However, as commercial vehicles go, it is from a vastly different era to the original austere machines, providing a technologically advanced and comfortable workplace.
Kia Picanto: capable and affordable
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
KIA has entered the Australian micro car market with a small five-door hatch called Picanto that combines cute looks, automatic transmission as standard, capable performance, and an appealing driveaway price of $14,990. Small city (aka micro) cars have historically been poor sellers in Australia with its sprawling suburbs and cheap fuel. However increasing environmental awareness has seen a surge in popularity of the segment which is populated by cars such as the market-leading Mitsubishi Mirage, Nissan Micra, Suzuki Celerio and Holden Spark. As with the other cars in the segment Kia’s primary target for Picanto will be late-teen / early 20s females, with a smattering of baby boomers taking up the slack. Those at the young end of the age scale typically have a three-point check list – cute styling, affordability and the latest in infotainment technology.
NEW KIA PICANTO: It is cute, capable and competitively priced. While Picanto ticks the first two boxes the model that has just arrived in Australia is nearly five years old and lags significantly behind its newer competitors in tech features.
Despite its age the styling of Picanto (love that name, it sounds like it should mean something in Italian … but doesn’t) is fresh and contemporary courtesy of a 2015 facelift.
Although it’s built in South Korea there is the European influence that is characteristic of all new Kia models penned by design chief Peter Schreyer. The bold frontal treatment of Picanto includes the Kia ‘Tiger’ nose design with a mesh infill to both the grille and large lower air intake. The sculpted side features a rising character line with the rear fringed by eye-catching ‘inverted comma’ taillights. There’s a reassuringly solid feel when you get into new Picanto and entry / exit is easier than would be imagined. The tall styling works particularly well and the boxy shape provides a surprising amount of interior space. The seats are firm but comfortable and there’s good headroom in all seats and reasonable rear seat legroom. There’s an attractive chrome trim finish on the bottom of the dashboard and lower part of the steering wheel. The major controls are large and wellplaced.
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Apr 29 - May 5 | 2016
SOLD
CLASSIFIEDS
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
Kia Picanto: From page 3
2008 Jayco Sterling Caravan, 21.5 ft long, full ensuite, washing machine, large domestic fridge/freezer, reverse cycle air conditioner, stove with 3 gas burners, electric hot plate and oven, new tyres and wheel bearings, electric brakes, full annexe plus shade cloth wall for awning, excellent condition, always garaged when not in use, $37,000. Ph 0409 210 546.
FALCON FG XR6 2011. Maroon, 6spd sports auto, 17” alloys, bluetooth, ipod connect, traction & cruise & climate control. Full service history, very good condition inside & out. RWC. 139,915 km. (YKD622). $13,500. Ph 0413 999 701. VX 2002 Holden s/ wagon, no rego, good condition, $2000, engine no. VA207077. Ph 5722 2049.
2007 Jayco Destiny Pop Top 17’6”, 18’ dual axle, roll out awning with full length side drop, end drop, gas and electric stovetop, 3 way fridge, microwave, air conditioner, hot water system, deep cycle 12V battery, external water points, large swivel table, level riders, rear view camera, TV, dual 9KG gas cylinders, $21,900 ono. Ph 0427 216 030.
SUBARU Outback, 2011, 4GEN 2.0L turbo diesel 5D wagon, manual 6spd AWD, pearl white, excellent condition, 118,909kms, tow pack, reg Feb 2017 (ZZC281). $18,600. View at carsales.com ad Id: SSE-AD-3928417. Ph 0419 014 262.
2012 Holden Captiva S, 42,000km, manual, 5 months rego (ZBV855). $14,999. Ph 0411 567 482. 2014 MAZDA CX5 Maxx Sport. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Smart City Brake Support (SCBS), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), t-bar, tint, HDLT & Bon Pro. mats, cruise, clim cont, A/C, roadwthy cert. Reg until 2/17 (YNE288). New car warranty until Feb 2018. Full serv hist, one owner, only 27,500kms. $29,500 ono. Genuine buyers only. Ph 0407 727 044.
2005 Holden Commodore SS VY II fi utility, 4spd auto, V8 5665cc, Impluse Blue, cold intake, extractors, immaculate ute, $13,500, (TZF025). Ph 0437 639 696. HONDA CRF450R, 2007, good condition, $3000 ono. Ph 0427 284 500.
2001 Jayco Hawk, 25th Anniversary model, Queen size bed one end and double the other, table folds down for extra bed, 3-way fridge, 4 gas burner stove top with grill and oven underneath. Full annexe in excellent condition. Great family van. $12,800 negotiable. Ph 0411 250 510. 2002 Mitsubishi Magna Sedan, automatic, mag wheels, blue in colour, does need work done to get it roadworthy, approx $1000, once work is done it would make a great second car or first car for a ‘p’ plate driver, no rego or rwc provided, 230,000kms, old rego (SMG046), body work okay needs a good polish and a bit of tlc, $500. Ph 0409 841 954.
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The steering wheel is height adjustable and Kia does interior storage better than just about anyone else, with the USB and Aux socket recessed immediately above a phone-sized space and twin retractable drinkholder arms that fold back when not in use to provide a large open storage space in the centre console. Luggage capacity is 200 litres with all seats in place, increasing to 605 litres with the 60:40 rear seatbacks lowered. There is a space saver spare wheel below the boot floor. Infotainment features are limited to the Bluetooth phone and audio streaming with information displayed on a small red-on-black screen. Only one Picanto specification level is offered with a 1.2-litre petrol engine, four-speed automatic. With only 63 kilowatts of power and 120 Newton metres of torque (at 4000 rpm) from its 1248cc engine Picanto isn’t a ball of fire. Having said that, of its competitors, only Holden’s Spark has higher outputs. In addition the 3.6-metre
capable and affordable
long hatchback weighs in at just under 1000 kilograms so even with an old style four-speed auto it is livelier than expected, but an extra gear would be nice. Fuel consumption is listed at 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle. Picanto is a clear winner in an auto-vs-auto affordability comparison with a driveaway price that will remain until the new model arrives next year. It has Kia’s industryleading seven-year / unlimited kilometre warranty. Cost-savings have been made with the omission of features such as cruise control and reversing camera, neither of which we see as being critical in a car of this size. It does get rear parking sensors. The little Kia has achieved an ANCAP five-star safety rating. It has six airbags; ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist; stability and traction control; hill-start assist; daytime running lights; outer rear seat IsoFix anchorage points; and a high-mounted rear stop
light with emergency-stop signal. In line with what will be its typical urban habitat Kia launched Picanto to the media in the nation’s capital with a small dose of rural terrain to add some variety. Around town it’s sharp, nimble and easy to park with good driver visibility all round. Our only issue came when we left the city, no problems on the flat but the old fourspeed auto struggled to find the right cog on hilly terrain. Kia Australia is brimming with confidence at the moment on the back of three category wins in the 2015 ABC Best Cars awards and March year-to-date sales that are up by 21.6 per cent on the same period last year. That confidence has been extended to Picanto with predicted sales of 300 units a month. Clearly the value equation will have a major influence on Kia’s sales target and that, combined with the 5-star ANCAP rating and seven-year warranty makes for an inviting package to parents looking to purchase an attractive, safe and competent first car for their children.
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