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
JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2016
> available online - www.nemedia.com.au
KIA OPTIMA GT: It combines premium quality with eye-catching looks.
Optima turbo is a game-changer for Kia By ALISTAIR KENNEDY more expensive cars from either Japan or Europe. STYLING New Optima is the first Kia to be developed under the full control of Peter Schreyer, president and chief design officer of Kia Motors. It features edge surfaces, sharp body lines and creases, and a more elongated sedan silhouette. The GT variant that we tested has a bold, purposeful, look with an aggressive front bumper design; black high gloss side sills; a rear air diffuser with integrated dual tailpipes and GT badging.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS The Optima range has been trimmed back to two variants: the $34,490 Si with the carryover 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated fourcylinder 138 kW, 241 Nm engine. The $43,990 GT is powered by a new allalloy 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor. Boasting 180 kW and 350 Nm, the latter features a twin-scroll turbocharger and dual continuously variable valve timing technology. Both engines drive the front wheels through Kia’s own design of six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Both also come with three drive modes: Normal, Sports and Eco. Kia Optima rolls on either 17-inch (Si) or
18-inch (GT) alloy wheels with Continental rubber on Si and performance-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 3 for the GT. Both carry a full-size spare. INTERIOR Optima is around the same size as the Toyota Camry that dominates sales in the medium family category in Australia, and is not that much smaller than the Commodore and Falcon. Interior space is well-managed with plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom both front and rear although the GT does come with a panoramic sunroof that steals some headroom, which could annoy taller occupants.
Continued page 2 n21d11337-V56/3016
WE recently reported on Kia’s success in the 2016 JD Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), the USA car industry’s benchmark for new-vehicle quality. The South Korean company was number one. While the result will have surprised many it is anything but a surprise to those of us that have been watching the steady rise of the giant Hyundai/Kia group. We’ve just spent a week in the latest version of the Kia Optima, released late last year, and quality is the word that immediately sprung to mind. This isn’t just a good Korean car, it’s one that stands comparison with many much
Brand New Mazda CX-9 Make it yours
Paul Davenport 0408 057 837 Michael Henderson 0418 512 531 Kylie Stevenson 0428 215 677 Noel Gilbert 0438 597 200 DĂƌŬ WƌĞŶƟĐĞ Ϭϰϯϳ Ϯϳϲ ϰϭϮ
Book a test drive today! NOW IN STOCK!
(03) 5721 5677 10 Templeton Street, Wangaratta www.onemilemotors.com.au LMCT1060
2
July 29 - Aug 4 | 2016
Hyundai upgrades its i30 SR By ALISTAIR KENNEDY HYUNDAI is enjoying a boom period in Australia. Midway through 2016 the Korean importer is sitting in third place in the total vehicle sales race, having overtaken Holden, with only Toyota and Mazda ahead of it. Equally impressive has been a dramatic increase in sales of Hyundai’s topselling i30 which has overtaken both Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 as Australia’s biggest selling motor vehicle. There’s little doubt that aggressive pricing ($19,990 driveaway) has been the main driver of the i30’s sales surge, but it has also established its credentials as a serious competitor for its two Japanese rivals. To attract sportier buyers Hyundai introduced its SR variants with the 2012 Veloster and added them to the i30 range the following year and continued with the 2015 Series II models. Best seen as a warm rather than a hot hatch i30 SR does look the part as well as providing decent performance from a larger, more powerful engine and firmer suspension. An upgraded version of i30 SR has just been released. Most of the changes are cosmetic including dark-grey twin-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels; extended bolsters for better lateral support; black and red leather seats with red stitching; black roof lining instead of the previous grey; cloth covered A-pillar trim; and paddleshifters for the automatic variants. Two models are offered, SR priced at $26,550 and higher-specced SR Premium at $31,250. These prices are around $650 up on the outgoing models. As before, automatic transmission adds $2300.
HYUNDAI: The SR is the semi-sporty variant in the i30 line-up. Power comes from a 2.0-litre directinjection engine – the standard i30s have either 1.8-litre petrol or 1.6-litre turbo-diesel. It produces 124 kW of power and an impressive 201 Nm of torque at 4700 rpm, although much of the torque is available at lower revs than you would expect from a non-turbo engine. Both manual and automatic transmissions are six-speed. As with all models in the i30 range SR meets five-star crash safety requirements, thanks to a combination
of seven airbags; ABS brakes with EBD and BAS; Vehicle Stability Management with ESC and TCS; rear view camera; and rear park assist. Extra equipment on the SR Premium includes a panoramic sunroof (optional in the SR); powered driver’s seat; electronic parking brake; auto-dimming rearview mirror; and HID Xenon headlights; We were able to test the cars over some excellent rural roads on the NSW Central Coast. Handling is safe and sure, remaining neutral and well beyond speeds likely to
be attempted by most drivers. There was a hint of understeer although it’s easy to correct, with the reassurance of a sophisticated traction control as a backup should you still get it wrong. Steering is nicely direct in the central position and has quick reaction, and excellent feedback to the driver’s hands. Suspension has been given the usual tweaks by Australian engineers that are a feature of Hyundai. It is noticeably firmer in the SR than the standard i30s without affecting comfort.
Optima turbo is a game-changer for Kia From page 1
Kia Optima Si has cloth seats, GT gets black leather with contrast red stitching, which are heated and ventilated in the fronts. Red interior trim with dark grey stitching is also available in the GT. Boot capacity is 510 litres. The GT gets a ‘smart trunk’ system that automatically opens the boot when the key is held near to the rear of the car. A three-beep warning alerts the keyholder to the imminent boot opening and allows it to be aborted if necessary. SAFETY Both models get the usual safety equipment including front, side and curtain airbags, enhanced ABS brakes and stability / traction control. Also standard are front and rear parking sensors; reversing camera; lane departure warning; autonomous emergency braking; LED daytime running lights and front fog lights; dusk sensing automatic headlights; auto dimming rear mirror; static cornering lights; and IsoFix rear seat child restraint anchorage points. Optima GT adds blind-spot and-lane change assist; rear cross traffic alert; adaptive front lighting; as well as a smart key with push button start. New Optima has yet to undergo ANCAP testing but given that it has more safety equipment than its five-star rated predecessor that top score seems little
SAFE RIDE: Kia Optima coped well with potholes. more than a formality. INFOTAINMENT Equipment levels are high with colour LCD touchscreens (7.0-inch in the Si, 8.0inch in the GT); with satellite navigation; Bluetooth phone and audio; Auxiliary and USB inputs; and speed dependent volume control. GT also gets a higher grade 590 watt Harman/Kardon sound system. DRIVING Our test car was the turbocharged petrol engine Optima GT. Kia’s not the first company to stretch the truth a little with the GT (as in Grand Touring) label and won’t be the last. It’s not a long-distance luxury cruiser, nor is it especially sporty, but just about
everything else it does extremely well. The interior has that luxury feel and ambience that we expect from much more expensive cars. The seats are supportive and comfortable and the various displays and controls are all conveniently placed and intuitive. Bluetooth pairing took less than a minute. As with all Kia models new Optima’s suspension has been tuned to suit Australian conditions, and it shows. The ride is comfortable in normal conditions but also coped with a few unexpected potholes and ridges that we encountered over the semi-rural segment of our usual test route.
The new turbo-petrol engine, one that Optima shares with its Hyundai Sonata Premium sibling, brings a Euro feel to the car’s performance. It’s responsive, punchy and powerful especially in the mid-range gears. Gear changes from the six-speed auto are smooth and fast. About the only downside is fuel consumption which is officially tested at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / non-urban cycle. We averaged just under 10 L/100 km in our test. SUMMING UP The days of Korean cars selling primarily on price are now probably in the past. While they still provide good value the latest offerings combine quality with good looks and high levels of standard equipment. We recommend a test drive of the Kia Optima but make sure that you approach it with an open mind and without any badge preconceptions. If you prefer to trust the judgement of others then you’ll find that Optima GT won its category (Medium Cars Under $50,000) in the latest Australia’s Best Cars award as judged by Australian motoring clubs. Topping off the value package are Kia’s seven-year support packages: unlimited kilometre warranty; capped price servicing; and roadside assist.
3
July 29 - Aug 4 | 2016
CLASSIFIEDS
SOLD
Selling your car has never been easier or cheaper!
ICE PR UCED D RE
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. $12,200 negotiable. Wa n g a r a t t a . P h 0411 250 510.
ECONOMICAL & STYLISH. 2004 Peugeot 206 XR with 80,000km on the clock, 3 doors 5 seat Hatch, black exterior, blue interior, 5 speed manual, 2 x airbags. Full service history, comes with 12 months registration June 2017 (WMX305) and D 5RDGZRUWK\ &HUWLÂżcate. This has been our second car and is a brilliant little car, It will be a shame to see it go as it offers huge value due to its low kilometres and low price of $4999. Inspections welcome. Ph 0457 902 966.
2005 BA MKII Ford Falcon Ute, (UZY325), colour maroon, auto with Sports Shift, 163,000km, nudge bar, sports bar and tarp, excellent condition, $7500 ono, RWC. Ph 5727 6090.
FORD Focus Trend 2011, 21,500km, one older lady owner, immaculate condition, rego December 2016 (YTY155), RWC, $13,800 ono. Ph 0438 329 213, 0409 950 907.
COROLLA (choice of two). Only ONE IRU VDOH ,GHDO ÂżUVW FDU 1985, 200,000kms, (UJT764), $1500 or 1995, 245,000kms, (UKP874), $2500. Both in good or fair condition, mechanically sound, good tyres. Ph 0434 237 976.
TOYOTA Hilux, 2012, Extra Cab, 4x4 Turbo Diesel. Service history, Warn winch, suspension, long range fuel tank. Extras. Great condition. (ZJB127) RWC. 2004 Subaru Outback, 108,000 k’s. $34,000. 6 cylinder, automatic, excellent condition, Ph 0418 349 972. leather trim, 6 stacker C D p l a y e r, RW C , (WPR406), $7300 ono. classifieds@nemedia.com.au Ph 0427 579 810.
Emailyouradvert
VU Commodore Ute, S pack (UVB 799), moulded bull bar, builtin Travel Pilot GPS, automatic transmission, mag wheels, $5000. Ph 0417 951 131.
HOLDEN Caprice, 2006 model, 6.4ltr V8, 175,000kms, (UNA269), excellent condition, $18,000. Ph 5722 1105.
2011 Honda CBR 250, well looked after, serviced by Honda, (1E5RI), $3700. Ph 0432 628 450.
MITSUBISHI Lancer 2002 CE 1.8lt, 160,000km, white, 4 door, manual, CD player, alloy wheels, RWC, 9 months rego (SJC075), excellent condition, $3000 ono. Call Chris on 0422 569 417.
2003 Holden Calais VY V6 sedan, (YCG431), rego until November, as is, a bit of work to J AY C O We s t p o r t be done, got a new car, poptop 1998, ec, always $2000. Ph 0401 621 garaged, double island 002, 5721 7662. bed, aircon, TV, full annexe never used, new awning, tare 1114, Vehicle $17,500. Ph 0417 593 Advertisers 313.
Guidelines
HOLDEN Berlina 2005, (UPF325), always serviced, drives well, good condition, 338,000km, $4000. Ph 1999 Mitsubishi Magna 0428 572 571. Advance wagon, V6 2003 Toyota Hilux, dual auto, 3.5L, reg. Oct cab, diesel, 3ltr, 2WD, 31, 2016, (QXL920), dual fuel, stretched body, serviced regularly, low kms, (IBW5HW), mechanically sound, $7500. Ph 0439 766 drives very well, $2890 neg. Ph 5722 4710. 211.
Vendors of motor cars advertised for sale must include in their advertisement ‡ &DVK SULFH RI motor car ‡ ,I FDU LV UHJLVWHUHG UHJLVWUDWLRQ QXPEHU ‡ ,I XQUHJLVWHUHG WKH HQJLQH QXPEHU ‡ 'HDOHUV UHTXLUH /0&7
We’ll make your bike go faster
Eight ads over Two weeks with photo only
SUZUKI GSXF750 2004, S 11O ,00L0D k (HY571) un ms, Reg til Exc. cond. $ 22/12/15. 7000 ono. P h. Shane 0428 257 809.
29
$
*
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.
5723 0101 p/otherjobs/classiďŹ eds/houseadsnov2015/bike - 15cm x 2col (classy size)
t IPNF t PGmDF t TIPQ GSPOU t DBS
For all your tinting requirements...
Advertise Here!
SAVE ON YOUR ENERGY BILLS
BCT TINTING (A division of)
BJ&A AUTOGLASS
5723 0100
c37D05363/2216
*protection from sunfading *99.9% uv protection *glare reduction *privacy *safety/security *lifetime warranty *keep cooler - block up to 60% of solar energy P: (03) 57219 922 181 Tone Rd, Wangaratta
(Next to Harrison & Solimo)
HARRISON & SOLIMO PANELS PTY LTD
Approved By all Insurance Companies ‡ 6SUD\ 3DLQWLQJ ‡ 4XDOLW\ :RUNPDQVKLS ‡ $// ,QVXUDQFH :RUN ‡ 0DMRU 0LQRU 5HSDLUV
5721 3486
k/25d10661/2116
135 Vincent Road, Wangaratta
5722 2111
A/C Licence Number AU01845
185 Tone Road (Hume Hwy), Wangaratta
WANG’S ONLY 5 STAR CARWASH
PH: (03) 5722 1520 ACTION SMASH REPAIRS
‡ DOO IOHHW SULYDWH ZRUN ZHOFRPH ‡ GURS LQ IRU D )5(( TXRWH DQ\WLPH QR DSSRLQWPHQW UHTXLUHG
66 NEWMAN STREET, WANGARATTA VIC 3677 v/25d03590-v13/2316
V/25D10673-v2/2316
‡ SUHFLVLRQ SDQHO EHDWLQJ VSUD\ SDLQWLQJ ‡ DOO LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV SUHIHUUHG UHSDLUHU ‡ LQVXUDQFH FODLPV ORGJHPHQW DVVLVW
FORMERLY
the best
CARWASH
Licensed Roadworthy Inspection Centre PH: (03)
5721 5687
2 Newman St, Wangaratta A division of Exhaust & Offroad Services
v06d11889/2216
ACCIDENT REPAIR SPECIALIST
v/21d11987/2216
7ANGARATTA
REBUILT TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS
express CAR CLEAN
valet service
22 - 24 Handley Street, Wangaratta, Ph: 57221522 v/06d11887/23-16